As 2016 will prove to be a pivotal year for the Manhattan skyline, a neighbor across the Hudson River is also seeing amazing growth. Just last month, ground was broken for the LeFrak Organization’s 444-foot-tall, 43-story, 376-unit tower in the Newport section of Jersey City. Now, we have word of an important step in the process constructing a much taller tower to the south near Exchange Place.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given clearance to 99 Hudson Street, according to a document found by YIMBY. The FAA has determined that “the structure would have no substantial adverse effect on the safe and efficient utilization of the navigable airspace by aircraft or on the operation of air navigation facilities.”

That means it “would not be a hazard to air navigation.” According to the document, the determination was required because the building will exceed 899 feet in height above ground level.

It was on January 20, 2015 that Mayor Steven Fulop proudly announced plans for a 950-foot-tall, 95-story building at the site, which would have made it the tallest building in New Jersey. The announced project, developed by China Overseas America, Inc., had 760 condominium units. A Jersey City Planning Board document from June, however, indicates that the project has been reduced to 76 stories and 743 units.

It also had about 18,000 square feet of commercial and retail space and other public spaces and plazas, including 7,365 square feet of passive park space. That same Planning Board document indicates 19,591 square feet of ground floor retail space.

YIMBY has reached out to the city of Jersey City for clarification, but has not yet heard back.

Reebok founder Paul Fireman has also proposed a skyscraping casino project south of there. Dubbed Liberty Rising, it has been reported to be 90 and 95 stories. That means it could overtake a full-height 99 Hudson Street, depending on floor heights. Of course, it also depends on the New Jersey legislature voting to legalize casino gambling outside of Atlantic City. There are dueling bills in the Assembly and Senate, according to the Star-Ledger.

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