When city officials target an area for what they call “improvements” and “revitalization” to create a “vibrant public space” – and start focusing on its “historic identity” – it raises some questions: Why are they doing this? Why now? Why has the history, look and feel of this place suddenly become so important? It seems reasonable to ask these questions about the makeover now underway on Bergen Avenue at a place the city has branded “Bergen Square.
In September the city broke gound on its plan to make improvements to Bergen Square, a four block area centered around Begen Avenue and Academy Street. It includes a pedestrian walkway, some park space, new trees, as well as shelters and seating for bus stops. There will also be a new protected cycle track. PS11’s school bus pick-up and drop-off area will be relocated for more safety. The redesign of this area will also highlight some of its history. There will be a traditional Lenni Lenape banding design bordering the Square as well as a design reminiscent of a well used to provide water for Dutch settlers and livestock in the mid 1660″s.
Why was this section of Bergen Avenue singled out for a makeover? According to the mayor it’s because it’s so close to Journal Square where so much new development is taking place and he wants make sure it continues down Bergen Avenue:
“The Journal Square area is an important part of Jersey City’s history and is undergoing an unprecedented renaissance to become one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, and visit in the region … This new Bergen Square revitalization project will be a key part of that progress and will help to ensure that Jersey City remains a thriving and vibrant community for years to come.”
The groundwork for Bergen Square began in 2018 when Jersey City, announced its intention to develop a plan to “strengthen the historic identity of Bergen Square and activate it as a vibrant public space.” It created the Bergen Square Committee to reach out to the community for its input on a plan to redesign the area and make it more attractive and user-friendly. Before this, it would be safe to say that most residents never heard of Bergen Square or did not know its location. .
In 2019, an annual Bergen Square Day was established to “celebrate the rich history and cultural diversity of Bergen Square.” It was hosted by the Journal Square Community Association, the Museum of Jersey City History, the Journal Square Special Improvement District and Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs. There have been annual Bergen Square Days held since 2019. They have been sponsored by and received financial support, not only from community organization and residents, but also from major real estate and law firms involved in the redevelopment of Journal Square and other parts of the city. In 2023, contributions from these businesses ranged from $500 to $2,000.
In 2021, “Welcome to Bergen Square” signs appeared. And, in 2022, the City co-hosted a meeting with the Journal Square Community Association to present some planned changes for Bergen Square and to get community feedback. Participants were asked for their views on redesigning Bergen Square with regard to signage, transportation, pedestrian enhancements as well as incorporating the history of the area. This community feedback was included in the final plan that began to be implemented in September.
The changes planned for Bergen Square will make it a safer, more desirable place for school children, shoppers, commuters and visitors. Small changes, like seating and shelter at bus stops, will make life easier for bus riders. For decades they’ve stood exposed to the elements at one of the busiest bus stops in the city. In addition, improving the safety of children being dropped off and picked up at school is important. The question is why such improvements are only now being made.
The upgrades to Bergen Square will also increase property values attracting developers. Branding the area, “Bergen Square” -celebrating its history and improving its appearance – coincided with the acceleration of development in Journal Square in 2018. That year, the second tower of Journal Squared – part of a trio of luxury high-rises by the city’s main transportation hub – was under construction. And, around these towers, many other luxury housing projects were underway or in the planning stages. As the mayor said, he wanted this new growth to continue along Bergen Avenue and in the surrounding neighborhoods.
New growth along Bergen Avenue and the streets around it has been stimulated by the rezoning of the area for much taller buildings allowing developers to create more housing units greatly increasing the return on their investment. However, in creating so much added value for developers the city requires nothing in return – especially in the form of affordable housing for the city’s workers and families. And, unlike the improvement plan for Bergen Square, there was no similar effort by the city to involve residents and small business owners in its rezoning plan.
As property values increase and taxes and rents rise, will those who live and own businesses in the area be able to stay? Will their history and vibrancy disappear as they are priced out of the area? Will they suffer the same fate as the Lenni Lenape Native Americans who were displaced to serve the needs of other investors long ago?
Follow This Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
- Gentrification Math & the False Promise of Affordable Housing
- Why is the City Selling Public Property to Luxury Housing Developers?
- Why So Much Luxury Housing in a City Where Most Can’t Afford It?
- Why Do So Many New Apartment Houses Look Alike?
- Signs of Gentrification: House Numbers, Their Color and Design
Jersey City Today 