The Jersey City Municipal Council voted unanimously to move forward with a new mixed-use development project with the inclusion of a 30-year tax abatement and secured contracts for union labor workers.

The property is located at the heart of Journal Square, at 693-701 Newark Avenue, under 701 Newark Avenue LLC, the property owner overseeing the development of the project.

“The passage of the PILOT for 701 Newark Avenue is a win for everyone,” said Patrick Kelleher, president of the Hudson County Buildings Trades and Council. “This project will be  built with union labor and maintained with 100% union labor which will create apprenticeships in the building trades for JC minority and women residents as part of the HCBT IMPACT program.”

Established in 1903, the council supports 15 affiliated building trades unions by improving job site safety, training workers, organizing labor, backing pro-worker legislation, and negotiating better wages and conditions through collective bargaining and project labor agreements.

“A construction project like 701 Newark Avenue provides the 25 percent affordable component that this city has needed now more than ever, Saymon Santiago, a union worker at Local Union 253 Carpenters, an organization representing over 3,000 members. “It provides opportunities for union construction trades who represent something more than just a construction job.”

Ward C council candidate and community activist Tom Zuppa spoke in support, criticizing the 30-year tax break awarded to the KRE Group for the Centre Pompidou project, noting it came without commitments to affordable housing or union labor.

“It’s a neighborhood where residents are getting pushed out. They’re not enjoying the renaissance because they can’t afford it … If we’re serious about not pushing residents out, vote for this abatement,” he declared.

Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh chimed in on the decision, which he originally opposed, but now supports it after learning that the affordable housing units include one-bedroom apartments renting for just $1,022 a month.

“Constituents have always asked me to do my homework on these issues,” said Saleh.“There is low income affordable house and UNION LABOR from beginning to end, and in perpetuity for the maintenance of the building with the incredible members of 32BJ SEIU.”