Union Planning Board Approves Three-Apartment Conversion on Morris Avenue

UNION, NJ — The Township of Union Planning Board has unanimously approved a proposal to convert vacant office space into three residential apartments at a prominent corner property in the township’s downtown core.The application, presented by attorney John Sullivan on behalf of ADM Investment Corporation, involves a two-story building at 1999 Morris Ave. The property currently houses six fully occupied commercial units on the ground floor, including a Peruvian restaurant, hair and nail salons, and other businesses. The second floor, previously configured for commercial use, is entirely vacant.Under the proposed plan, the upper level will be redeveloped into three residential apartments while maintaining the existing commercial presence below. The proposal also includes adding a rooftop deck, upgrading the building’s facade and enclosing the refuse area. No additional site improvements are planned.Architect Manuel Pereiras described the site as “odd-shaped” but said the design works within the existing structure without expanding its footprint. He noted that the building complies with zoning height limits and will not intensify any preexisting nonconformities.“We’re not looking to change this building in any way — we’re working with what we have,” Pereiras said. “It needs a lot of tender, loving care. It’s in a prominent location in town, and this is an opportunity to make something beautiful and improve the neighborhood.”Plans call for demolishing the second-floor interior and constructing two three-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom unit, ranging from about 1,240 to 1,595 square feet. One unit will have private access to a rooftop terrace. A residential lobby and code-compliant entry modifications are also included, along with fire safety upgrades.The facade redesign will draw inspiration from a nearby residential development, giving the building a more modern appearance while blending with the surrounding area, Pereiras said. He added that the change in use is expected to reduce parking demand compared with the previous office configuration. Construction is projected to take nine to 10 months from permit approval.Sullivan told the board the proposal fits well within the neighborhood and aligns with permitted mixed-use development in the zone. No members of the public spoke on the application before the board voted to approve it.