Hi summersm343, your posts about the Journal Squared development inspired me to register for these forums to comment. I am a fairly recent resident of Jersey City, within walking distance of Journal Square. I take the PATH trains daily form Journal Square to and from work. I haven't been living here a decade, but long enough that I consider myself a proud member of the community.
The other parts of Jersey City and the New York metro area have seen many formerly depressed neighborhoods be revitalized and strengthened, often times with new developments being the catalyst for change. Journal Square was once the center of activity in Jersey City but has seen significant decline over the years. It has significant potential to once again be great since its within 15 minutes of midtown or downtown Manhattan by train and it has good bones and character.
Revitalization of Journal Square has proven to be tricky while most other parts of Jersey City are booming. The economic recovery seems to have passed over Journal Square. There is a need for better supermarkets and the jobs that come with them. There is a need for better housing options, severing a variety of income levels. There is a need for an infusion of investment, both private and public. You mentioned the waterfront on one of your posts. Why should all new investments be limited to the waterfront? Journal Square deserves better than how it has been treated in the past.
Before learning of this development, I always fantasized that some developer would see the potential that this neighborhood has and just declare all out war against timid city officials and unvisionary politicos to put a high density tower of 60 storeys or so to kick start revitalization of the Square.
You cannot begin to imagine my surprise when I found out that not only was there already plans for a 60 storey tower but there will be three of them! An even bigger surprise wa that city staff and elected officials, especially Mayor Fulop and the majority of Jersey City council, have been strong supporters of this development towards the overall revitalization of Journal Square. They too understand the need and the only way to succeed was to go large. There are several other developments nearby waiting to break ground, probably looking towards the outcome of Journal Squared before they begin.
There is only one ward councilman that has been vocally against this development, which just so happens to be the one for my ward. I wrote a letter to his office expressing my displeasure with his stance, and I most certainly will not be voting for him in the next election.
Demolition is currently underway, and I'll be happy watching these towers rise and the positive impacts it will bring to the neighborhood. I'm tempted to start a blog to document the changes.
Lastly, I am just very thankful that Jersey City leaders do not think like you.
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Originally Posted by summersm343
Sooooooo residents of Jersey City are actually telling me that they think this development is appropriate for the area? I think it is EXTREMELY out of scale and out of touch with the neighborhood. It's just the developer shooting for an extreme return on investment. 70 stories?! Most of the buildings in this area are 2 or 3 floors. There are very few highrises let alone midrises in the area.
This development should be along the waterfront and on this site should be maybe a 300 or 400 foot tower. MUCH more appropriate for the area. This is just completely ridiculous looking
Good city planning is building to critical mass, than building up... not building a 70 story tower when the area is not built to critical mass... IMO I think this will saturate the market for a few years and Phase 2 and 3 will never get built.
This is just as farfetched as the Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn by Forest City Ratner.
If this development was on the waterfront I'd be all for it... but here?! Crazy I tell ya
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