Russo Development Seeks Approval For 198-Apartment Complex In Summit
The project at 190 River Road would replace an office building with four stories of residences and includes new pedestrian safety measures for nearby schools.
By Matthew Collins ·
Russo Development and Onyx Equities are seeking final approval to convert a three-story office building at 190 River Road into a 198-unit apartment complex. The proposal replaces the current structure with four stories of residential space built above a two-level parking structure that will remain in place. The site is located on a 4.4-acre parcel near the John F. Kennedy Parkway and the Summit municipal golf course.
The development plan includes 168 market-rate apartments and 30 affordable units. This configuration satisfies a January 2026 settlement between the city of Summit and Russo Development regarding local affordable housing requirements. Under that agreement, Russo committed one million dollars to the city’s affordable housing trust fund and an additional 100,000 dollars for improvements at the nearby golf course. The developer also agreed to donate approximately 1.8 acres at 47 and 53 Shunpike Road for a separate housing project intended for veterans.
Design features for the new complex include rooftop courtyards, green roofs for rainwater management, and landscaped areas to screen the building from neighboring properties. Residents will have access to indoor amenities and a shuttle service that connects the development to downtown Summit and the train station. The existing parking structure will retain 25 spaces designated for city use.
The Summit Planning Board is currently evaluating several specific issues related to the project. Pedestrian safety is a primary concern for members, particularly regarding children crossing River Road to reach school. Developers have proposed new sidewalk connections and flashing pedestrian warning lights. The team has agreed to work with city engineers, police, and county officials to determine if further changes are necessary.
Traffic analysis conducted by the developer’s engineer in September found that vehicle counts were consistent with earlier studies. The analysis concluded that the project could be accommodated without major changes to traffic flow at the studied intersections. Other areas under review include drainage, emergency vehicle access, and the building’s visual impact on surrounding properties. The plans include a second access route to provide an alternative path for residents and emergency vehicles if flooding affects the main entrance.
Summit has already rezoned the property to allow residential development as part of the affordable housing settlement. The Planning Board held public testimony on Oct. 14 and is scheduled to reconsider the application on Nov. 9. Members could vote on the proposal at that meeting.
If approved, the project would add housing near Route 24 and provide outdoor amenities to the area. The developers are currently demolishing the existing office building while they pursue the necessary permits for the residential project.
Source: Jersey Digs
