Housing Authority of the City of Hoboken Redevelopment Plan
Project Name: Housing Authority of the City of Hoboken Redevelopment Plan
Mixed-use Redevelopment Plan to replace over 1,300 existing public housing units, establish new open space, and upgrade infrastructure to reduce flood hazard and increase accessibility while extending the street grid to better integrate Housing Authority properties into the City of Hoboken.
Primary Partner Team: Arup | City of Hoboken | Heyer, Gruel & Associates | Housing Authority of the City of Hoboken | WRT
Hoboken City has undergone a major transformation this century. With their newly adopted Housing Authority Redevelopment Plan, the city is addressing one of its most critical assets: affordable, public housing. Through this plan, the City has committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for its long-term residents in Housing Authority units to prevent displacement and better integrate their public housing stock into the existing street network.
The Redevelopment Plan focuses on the rehabilitation or full replacement of 1,354 existing public housing units, many of which have deteriorated over time, and permits additional new units that include market-rate with requirements for workforce and affordable housing set-asides. The plan is designed not just to maintain but to improve the city’s affordable housing stock, reaffirming Hoboken’s commitment to its diverse community. Community spaces are a significant focus of the redevelopment, with the retention and enhancement of Mama Johnson Field, a beloved community asset, playing a central role. The plan will contribute to Hoboken’s green circuit, creating new public and private gathering spaces that serve both Housing Authority residents and the broader community. The redevelopment plan also incorporates sustainability measures, including green infrastructure to mitigate flooding—a critical issue in Hoboken.
A key element of the plan is the integration of Housing Authority buildings into the broader urban fabric of the city. Hoboken has long been a leader in promoting street safety, earlier this year marking seven consecutive years without a street fatality. Hoboken’s compact nature offers a unique opportunity to enhance connectivity and reduce the sense of isolation often felt in public housing developments. By extending the street grid into areas where it is currently interrupted, the plan aims to break down physical and social barriers, ensuring that the Housing Authority buildings are seamlessly connected with the rest of the city. This integration makes it possible for residents to move through the city without crossing invisible boundaries that often define different neighborhoods.
New Jersey Future is proud to recognize the Housing Authority of the City Hoboken Redevelopment Plan as a recipient of a 2024 Smart Growth Award. This project exemplifies how a city can strategically leverage its assets to protect and enhance affordable housing, improve urban connectivity, and integrate sustainability measures. By breaking down barriers and connecting residents to the broader city network, Hoboken is setting a powerful example for urban areas aiming to balance growth with equity and resilience.
