Plans to redevelop a property in Newark’s Lower Broadway neighborhood could potentially be approved this week.

The Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment is expected to hear an application for a new mixed-use development at 41-43 Bloomfield Avenue during its meeting on Thursday, December 12, according to a legal notice. The proposed project would consist of a studio apartment and one retail space on the ground floor along with 24 residential units on the upper floors.

The agenda for Thursday’s meeting lists that the development would be seven stories tall if approved and ultimately constructed. Parking would not be included on the premises.

This application differs from what are otherwise similar development proposals in that the plans were not submitted to the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment by a limited liability company. Instead, the proposal was filed by an applicant named Rafael Blanco.

The property was listed for sale for $1.55 million earlier this year. Property records list the owner of the tract as Lorenzo Blanco of Hillside.

The site, which is situated a distance away from where other developments of this size have been proposed in Newark in recent years, contains a one-story commercial building that has been occupied in recent years by establishments such as Fit Revolution, The Family Beauty Salon and Barber Shop, and the Cryout Cave. The existing structure would be demolished to make way for the seven-story development, according to the notice.

Rafael Blanco is seeking Preliminary and Final Site Plan approval with variances including density and height. The ZBA’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Note to readers: The dates that applications are scheduled to be heard by the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment and other commissions are subject to change.

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