Paterson residents push back on YWCA redevelopment plan
The property on Carroll Street has been underutilized for about a decade.
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A proposal to redevelop a former YWCA site in Paterson is sparking pushback from residents who say they want the vacant property to become a recreational and educational space instead.
The property on Carroll Street has sat underutilized for about a decade. The current developer is proposing multiple apartment buildings with 124 new units.
Residents say they are concerned about overdevelopment, limited parking, traffic and the city’s aging infrastructure.
“We don’t need another 125 units on this particular corner,” said resident David Gilmore.
Another resident said the proposed development would take away a place that holds childhood memories for many in the community.
Residents have suggested using the site for programs that could teach skills such as sewing, braiding and basic home repairs.
Mayor Andre Sayegh said the community has a right to be heard, but urged residents to hear from the developer before making a decision.
“What I’m asking for is the residents to potentially meet with the developer to see what the developer has to say,” Sayegh said.
Sayegh said he has also asked the developer to scale down the project and believes a compromise could be possible.
He also said Paterson has reduced its number of vacant and abandoned properties by 92% since 2018, from more than 2,000 to fewer than 200.
He said the city is also moving forward with two new recreation centers, without the cost of acquiring additional land.
A Planning Board meeting scheduled for last week was canceled after more than 100 residents attended. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26.
