NLNA president Matt Ruben lauded the proposed development in an email, saying it would provide a new entry point into the former Piazza at Schmidts complex, "which is sorely needed in order to bolster and improve the commercial environment there." The development of about 500 rental units, which was acquired in 2013 by Kushner Cos. and Oaktree Capital Management LP, has at times had vacancies in its 120,000 square feet of retail space.