Kushner Approved To Build 299 Apartments On Lower Broadway In Long Branch

LONG BRANCH, NJ — On Wednesday night, the Long Branch City Council passed a resolution that allows Kushner Companies to develop several long-vacant properties on Lower Broadway.

The city approved Kushner to build mixed-use retail/residential there, said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. The city of Long Branch approved a much smaller project than what Kushner originally wanted.

"The redevelopment agreement provides for significantly less density than Kushner Companies' previous proposal for the site," said Pallone in a statement Thursday. "Only 299 residential units are allowed, making this project about half the size of the previous 599 units. Thirty of the units would have to be affordable housing. Kushner Companies are required to have a minimum of 22,000 square feet of retail, which they anticipate will include a food market and cafe."

Kushner was not given a tax abatement for this project.

“There are also strict deadlines Kushner Companies would have to meet, including an agreement to begin construction within six months of their approvals by the city," Mayor Pallone continued.

Kushner also agreed to pay a $100,000 redevelopers' fee to the city.

The Kushners are the developers of Pier Village in Long Branch. Kushner Cos. was started by Charles Kushner, the father of former President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Charles Kushner and his wife still live in Long Branch to this day, and they are also the owners of Monmouth Mall, a big chunk of which is about to be turned into apartment housing. J.C. Penney at the mall is closing in October at the latest, and will be torn down.

Last week, Sept. 7, Kushner Companies officially acquired the Lower Broadway property from Long Branch Partners, ending several years of litigation over the property sale and the termination of Long Branch Partners redevelopers' designation.

Long Branch City Council vice president Dr. Mary Jane Celli hailed this as a win for the Lower Broadway area.

"We are happy to be moving in the right direction in getting Lower Broadway developed," she said. "Our administration has been adamant about no tax abatement for this property. We are also pleased to be gaining another 30 affordable housing units in the city."

Related: First Look At Kushner's Plan For 1,000 Apts. At Monmouth Mall (Aug. 23)