(June 2000)

United Diversified, LLC, has succeeded in gaining approvals for his $150 million, 43-story Millennium Towers project in Jersey City. The many controversities surrounding the project did not deter the City of Jersey City from providing an extraordinary economic windfall for United Diversified through amendments to the Jersey Avenue Redevelopment Plan and plans for a light rail stop.

The community opposition to this 551 unit extravaganza has been intense. Concerns about protecting the views to and from the Palisades, and speculation regarding traffic gridlock failed to dissuade Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler and the City Council from putting Millennium Towers on a fast track. On Tuesday, June 20, the Jersey City Planning Board approved the preliminary site plan for this project, before the amendments to the Jersey Avenue Redevelopment Area that increased height limits from 110 to 440 feet had even gone into effect.

The development track record of United Diversified is quite limited. They have completed one 5-unit building and are finishing two others, also comprised of five units each, in Hoboken. These projects are located at 107, 208 and 210 Jackson Street, down the street from a large public housing complex. They have also just begun another small residential project of about 11 units in Bayonne under the corporate name of Waterfront Homes, LLC. In a prospectus submitted to the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCRA), United Diversified claims that they have been involved in various other developments including industrial complexes, mausoleums, hospitals, educational facilities and residential projects, but no locations or dates are given for these projects.

Mayor Bret Schundler and City Council President Thomas DeGise have been strong advocates for the Millennium Towers project. First Beauty, Inc., owned by Michael Galella, contributed $1000 to City Council President Thomas DeGise, at his March 27 fundraiser at Puccini’s Restaurant. DeGise is starting a campaign for Mayor of Jersey City. The election will be held next spring. Schundler has his sights on the New Jersey governor’s race which will begin next year.

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