A developer has just proposed what would be one of the largest residential buildings ever constructed in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood.

The proposal calls for a new high-rise mixed-use building to be built at 28-50 McWhorter Street, 51-57 Union Street, and 108 Hamilton Street in the city’s East Ward. According to a legal notice from the City of Newark, should the 506,656.34 square foot tower be approved, it would be 12 stories tall, and include 384 residential units. A commercial or retail space is also planned for the ground floor.

The building is being proposed by applicant and property owner 28 McWhorter St., LLC, which is registered out of the same Roseland Borough address as J&L Parking Corporation.

Currently, high-rise multi-family dwellings are not a permitted use in this district. Therefore, the notice states that the developer is seeking a variety of variances, including for exceeding the permitted percentage of lot coverage, insufficient front yard setback, insufficient side yard setback and insufficient rear yard setback.

The 1.25 acre property has been immersed in controversy for the last several years. Currently, it is used as a private gated J&L parking lot, which according to Barry Carter, a columnist for The Star-Ledger, has angered residents who are part of the PLANewark group. Previously, there was a one-story building used for industrial purposes on the premises, which was demolished several years ago. According to Carter, back in 2006, a seven-story mixed-use development was planned by Jose Lopez, Jr. for the site, but “the poor economy at the time scuttled his plans.”

Should the new building be approved, its residents will live at one of the most convenient locations in the city, with Newark Penn Station, Downtown Newark, the Ferry Street business district, Riverfront Park, and the upcoming Mulberry Commons complex all within close walking distance.

The Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear the proposal during its meeting on Thursday, May 11th at 7:00pm within the City Hall Council Chambers on Broad Street.