Tag Archives: social class

Signs of Gentrification: House Numbers, Their Color and Design

The cultures of cities have changed with the arrival of more affluent residents. They bring their tastes and lifestyles adding to the diversity of cities. And, according to some online observers, their tastes can be seen even in the numbers on their homes, as well as their color and design. For example, the term “gentrificationContinue reading “Signs of Gentrification: House Numbers, Their Color and Design”

Living with Roommates: The New Affordable Housing?

Co-living, a housing arrangement in which strangers share an apartment, arrived in Jersey City last year. Common, a company that leases and manages shared living properties, said it was offering 80 co-living units in 20 apartments at The Agnes, a 233 unit luxury housing development by Route 440 on the city’s West Side. Each apartmentContinue reading “Living with Roommates: The New Affordable Housing?”

Corner Stores

My favorite corner store is on Duncan and Westside. They have everything in there, well almost everything. The other day, a friend needed a money order. She went into the corner store and came out with a money order, envelope and stamp. They don’t call it “Super Convenience” for nothing. Yes, you’ll pay more, butContinue reading “Corner Stores”

“Historic Downtown” & Jane Jacobs

Next to the high-rise apartment and office towers downtown by the waterfront is the historic section of the city that goes back to the Dutch settlers. It consists of several small neighborhoods of brownstones, row houses and small to mid-rise apartment buildings. Some are centered around parks and all have a good mix of stores,Continue reading ““Historic Downtown” & Jane Jacobs”

Journal Square: Pubs, Coffee Shops, Restaurants and Fast Food Outlets

As a commercial center, Journal Square has struggled for many years. While many businesses left, others remained through the hard times. Redevelopment is bringing new residents, businesses and economic vitality to the area. Some are franchises while others are small businesses. Some target the budget-minded while others focus on higher income consumers. The new andContinue reading “Journal Square: Pubs, Coffee Shops, Restaurants and Fast Food Outlets”

Loew’s Theater and Journal Square Lounge as Contested Urban Space

Sometimes the use and purpose of an urban space is debated among stakeholders with different interests. This was the case with the Loew’s theater which sat empty for years until a local community group, Friends of the Loew’s, formed to restore and manage the theater as a community arts and entertainment center. However, this viewContinue reading “Loew’s Theater and Journal Square Lounge as Contested Urban Space”

Journal Square: Fountain Area

The new high-rises at Journal Square (Journal Squared 1 & 2), overlook the area’s small public space used to drop off and pick up commuters or to sit and relax. It is also a space used for a farmer’s market and occasional demonstrations relating to various social issues. Urban spaces like this are what theContinue reading “Journal Square: Fountain Area”