A revised second phase of Meridia Brownstones could come before the Redevelopment Agency as early as next month.

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During his report to the Redevelopment Agency at its March 29 meeting, Executive Director Robert Landolfi said a revised Phase 2 has been submitted for Meridia Brownstones. There are still “substantial issues to work out” before it’s ready for a presentation to the agency, he said, which could occur at the Redevelopment Agency’s next meeting, which is scheduled for April 19.

The Redevelopment Agency in December approved a fourth amendment to the redevelopment agreement for the Brownstones., allowing six designated affordable housing units to be built in the second phase of the project instead of the first phase.

The 487-unit apartment development is being built in phases along Elizabeth Avenue, between West Grand and West Scott avenues. Since Phase 1 opened, changes have been made to residential street parking in the neighborhood. The developer, Linden-based Capodagli Property Company, agreed to construct temporary parking on the Phase 1 site of the project and seek more parking as part of the second phase.

Capodagli also is pursing acquisitions around the former St. Mark’s property on Hamilton Street, which is acquired in February 2022. As he did at the December Redevelopment Agency meeting, Commissioner Tim Nash asked for an update on the St. Mark’s redevelopment area.

“They have an idea for what they want to do,” Landolfi told commissioners.” Capodagli owns several properties but still needs to acquire others and the original concept – presented in 2020 – may be different given that there is a flood plain, he said, adding that two owners have not been cooperative in terms of acquisition. “I would put that further down the line than the Brownstones.” One way or another, without giving a specific time frame, Landolfi said the Redevelopment Agency will see a proposal.

“That eyesore just has to go,” Nash said.

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