Officials Call Proposed Apartments Near Historic Train Station “Too Tall”

A controversial redevelopment plan featuring apartment buildings up to six stories tall near a historic New Jersey train station has drawn criticism from local officials, who claim the structures would overwhelm the character of the surrounding area.

The proposal, which aims to transform the area around Red Bank’s 149-year-old train station, has sparked debate between developers seeking to create a transit-oriented community and preservationists concerned about maintaining the historic site’s integrity, according to Red Bank Green.

Scale of Project Raises Concerns

The ambitious plan by Denholtz Properties includes three apartment buildings containing up to 400 residential units, with the tallest structures reaching six stories. Local officials have expressed apprehension about the height, suggesting it would be incompatible with the historic character of the Red Bank train station, which was built in 1876 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

“While we support transit-oriented development, these buildings simply tower over everything else in the area,” said Red Bank Planning Board member Eleanor Stevens. “The scale is completely out of proportion with both the historic station and surrounding neighborhoods.”

Developer Touts Community Benefits

Despite criticism, developers defend the proposal as bringing significant benefits to Red Bank, including affordable housing, improved pedestrian access, and economic revitalization. Twenty percent of residential units would be designated as affordable housing, helping Red Bank meet state-mandated obligations, according to Two River Times.

“This is a transformative project that creates a true transit village while respecting the historic nature of the station,” said Steven Denholtz, CEO of Denholtz Properties. “The design incorporates substantial green space, including a new ‘Station Square’ that will highlight rather than overshadow the historic station building.”

Community Divided on Vision

At a recent public workshop, residents expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. Some welcomed the investment and potential for a more vibrant downtown, while others worried about increased traffic, parking challenges, and gentrification of traditionally working-class neighborhoods.

“There is a lot to absorb here,” said Oakland Street resident Mandy Hanigan, echoing the sentiment of many attendees trying to process the scope of changes proposed for their community. The plan would create two new streets, a pedestrian-only promenade, and transform parking lots into green spaces.

Next Steps in Approval Process

The project remains in the planning stages, with several regulatory hurdles to clear before any construction could begin. The Red Bank Planning Board has requested modifications to reduce building heights and ensure better integration with the historic station, which underwent a $2.5 million restoration in recent years.

NJ Transit, which owns the land and designated Denholtz as the official redeveloper, will need to approve any revisions to the plan. Additional public hearings are scheduled for later this month to gather more community input before officials make their final decision.