Planning board says former Saint Vincent school parcel meets criteria for area‑in‑need study

The Bayonne Planning Board accepted a consultant’s finding that the former Saint Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic elementary school and a defined portion of the neighboring church parking lot meet statutory criteria for designation as a non‑condemnation area in need of redevelopment.

Consultant Ron Reinertsen summarized site visits and photographs he said documented dilapidation and other conditions meeting criteria A (general substandard buildings) and D (conditions detrimental to community welfare). Reinertsen emphasized the recommendation applies to the portion of the church parcel shown in the study’s concept plan; he said the church building itself — identified in testimony as a national historic landmark — would not be removed and that designation of the parking lot area was intended only to facilitate effective redevelopment of the school parcel.

Neighbors expressed concern about the geographic scope of the designation and the potential for later plan language to affect the wider church parcel. Reinertsen and board counsel clarified that the study’s graphic and conclusions identify only the portion recommended for designation, and that any redevelopment plan adopted later by Council would specify the exact land area subject to redevelopment tools.

The board voted to approve the study and forward it to City Council for action. The vote carries the board’s finding that the parcels meet the statutory standards for an area in need of redevelopment; the council will consider the designation and any subsequent redevelopment plan.