Journal Square Jersey City 07306 » vision

New Plan: The Journal Square 2060 Redevelopment Plan

Del — Tue, 11 May 2010 01:21:45 +0000

The Journal Square Redevelopment Plan has been revised last Friday. From the sources that I’ve read, (NJ.com, JC Independent, and JC City Planning Division), there will be some changes in the plan which include: zonings (nine zones in the JSQ including the Beacon area), and more open spaces (city will build decks over the open PATH tracks).

The 2060 plan will still focus on Zone 1 – the empty lot by the PATH station, the previous location of the demolished hotels – bounded by Sip Avenue, JFK boulevard, Pavonia Avenue, and Summit Avenue.

The zones are mapped below:

Click to view larger size

The Pedestrian Plaza
The planned open space for pedestrians is bounded by Garrison Avenue on the west, and Baldwin Avenue on the east, as shown in the maps below:

The color green highlights the Pedestrian Plaza

Open PATH Rails - JFK Boulevard and Pavonia. Loews in the background.

Baldwin Avenue overlooking PATH Transportation Building

Follow the link to download and read the Journal Square 2060 Redevelopment Plan. If you think 37 pages is a long read, just click on the links above(nj.com and JCI) for a summarized read.

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JSQ Redevelopment Scaled Down; Planning Board Will Meet with Residents

Del — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:26:10 +0000

Originally, the Journal Square Redevelopment Plan — dubbed as the “Vision” — covered a wider territory of our district. It was scaled down, though, after hearing what the residents have to say.

The new plan features the development of the two tall towers (City Center) and only includes the square itself — bordered by the following streets: John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Bergen Avenue, Sip Avenue, Summit Avenue.

(Note: Although the demolition of dilapidated hotel was celebrated during the Renaissance Ceremony last April, nothing seems to be going on in the area even though it was said that the development will start later that year.)

According to Jersey Journal, Jersey City planning officials will hold a meeting with residents and community groups before moving ahead with a Journal Square redevelopment plan. So Expect more changes and revisions to the plan before any move is done.

News and Info Sources:

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From JJ Editorial: “Journal Square needs more than it gets”

Del — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:44:45 +0000

The Jersey Journal (JJ) asks today why the redevelopment of Journal Square is taking so long. The editorial points the finger to the Special Improvement District (SID) – the agency responsible for the beautification of our district, including the promotion of local businesses.

Snippet of the editorial:

… It is time to re-evaluate this agency, which is funded by imposing special tax assessments on commercial property owners to produce what initial taxes failed to provide — clean streets, security and successful promotion of Journal Square.

There is little evidence that the SID does much to help shop owners or attract a bounty of new retail stores that are a step up from fast-food eateries. It is time to go beyond providing new facades for old stores…

JJ then proceeds to compare JSQ SID to other SID’s of New Jersey, including our neighbor Mcginley Square. “…The McGinley Square SID seems more successful. It at least provides a newsletter and holds events — and volunteers run the agency’s show. It is time for some accountability in Journal Square.”

Read the rest HERE.

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Last Known Activity at the Future site of the Tower

Del — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:51:19 +0000

Photo credit: JCConstruction.blogspot.com; click to visit the original post.

About a month ago, this was the last know activity on the square, as captured by Brooklynfoo of Jersey City Construction blog. A truck appears to be sucking up mud, “though I dont really know what was going on, I can only assume this is some form of preliminary work towards construction which was set to begin by the end of this year….” Brooklynfoo writes.

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Jersey City Real Estate: Journal Square Attracts Brooklynites

Del — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:20:27 +0000

An article from NY Daily News says that Brooklynites have been flocking to Journal Square area of Jersey City because of the following reasons:

building design
low-cost of living
proximity to Manhattan

Several Brooklyn residents gave Jersey City encouraging testimonials. Interior designer Ford Lininger (now lives in McGinley Square area of JC) thinks that it is “really charming here, with a lot of potential“. He mentioned in his email to me that he contributes his services to the “Renaissance of Journal Square”

Snippet of the article:

“There’s a huge exodus from Brooklyn,” says John Fio Rito, principal with Point Capital. He tapped into that demand with two large prewar buildings, where one-bedrooms go for $170,000 and three-bedrooms for $295,000. Of 29 units sold so far between the two buildings, about half have gone to young professionals from Brooklyn, he says. Source: NY Daily News.

I guess more people will come once the Greater Journal Square Redevelopment Plan (aka “The Vision” thanks to Mayor Healy) is completed.

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Nice Open View From PATH Station

Del — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:13:57 +0000

Site of the Twin Tower

Now that the dilapidated structures are finally gone, the square looks brighter than ever. The site is clearly flat, but still fenced off. The view from PATH station stairs is good. However, the construction and renovation for the Greater Journal Square Redevelopment, which Mayor Healy calls “The Vision” will start later this year, according to news.

On this site will rise the Twin Tower that will flagship the renaissance of Journal Square, Jersey City.

* This entry is a retroactive post.

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Jersey City Demolition: Journal Square – Completed

Del — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:02:22 +0000

JSQ Demolition has been completed. Photo from JCConstruction Blog

The weather was gorgeous yesterday, so I suppose everyone was out enjoying the sun. I suppose you have noticed that the square is more brighter than ever. Well, the dilapidated buildings there had been completely leveled down. Just in time for the Launching of the Renaissance of Journal Square.

Brooklynfoo of Jersey City Construction Blog tells us what he thinks about the future site of the twin towers.

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Jersey City Journal Square Demolition Turns Into a Show

Del — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:05:35 +0000

This afternoon, at least four (4) active bulldozers flattened the structure where McDonald’s and Hallmark Cards used to occupy (Sip Avenue). The dilapidated building on the other side where you can find the old site of 3 Guys from Italy (next to PATH Station stairs), was also smashed and torn down.

The weather was okay and people were on the square watching the demolition like it was a tourist attraction. Well, it’s hard not to notice it especially if you’re just walking.

Father and Son moment

So far, the only structures left are the two buildings in the middle. Can’t wait to see them gone.

Below is a FOR LEASE sign which has been hanging on the building for at least a year now.

It also says NO DEMOLITION HERE. Sign = FAIL

Checkout the slideshow for more pictures of the Journal Square dilapidated hotel demolition.

If you have other photos, feel free to send them to me.

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Jersey City’s Journal Square Demolition

Del — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:47:38 +0000

JSQ Demolition. Photo by JC Construction Blog

Yesterday, Brooklynfoo of JCConstruction Blog was at the site of the dilapidated hotel on the square and captured the demolition that was going on. This is in preparation for the event on April to celebrate to completion of the demolition and the “beginning of Renaissance”.

More photos on this JCConstruction blogpost.

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The Greater Journal Square Redevelopment Plan: Put On Hold

Del — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:00:03 +0000

View of the New JSQ looking South. (Inset: Richard Boggiano president of the Hilltop Neighborhood Association - Copyright Amy Clark of The Jersey Journal)

Residents raised concerns last night during the public hearing on the Greater Journal Square Redevelopment Plan, which Mayor Healy tagged as “The Vision”

If “The Vision” pushes through, it would flagship the two high-story towers that could potentially attract thousands of new residents. Therefore, Journal Square residents questioned if the city can provide additional services, such as more schools and community centers.

However, the main concern raised last night is: will the plan force relocation of JSQ residents? “I’ve never seen anything like this ever going up without it gobbling up the surrounding area and everyone being displaced,” said Paul DiBranco, who lives two blocks from Journal Square. “I agree with everyone that Journal Square needs some improvement, but … I think we need some guarantees that we’re not going to get tossed out.” – Hudson News

According to the Plan, this redevelopment will “transform Journal Square from an automobile oriented street to a pedestrian priority street with an emphasis on providing transit connections. Journal Square will once again serve as the primary location for local bus stops and be one of the major stopping points for a new streetcar line. Journal Square will serve as the beginning of a pedestrian priority street that connects Journal Square Plaza and City Center Park and extends along John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Tonnelle Avenue. The Loews Theater and Jersey Journal Building remain, providing a historic framework for new development.”

I think the Plan looks very promising. But realizing this “Vision” will take at least a decade to complete. Do you think you’re still here in JSQ for the next 10-15 years to see the finished product?

Check out the entire Greater JSQ Redevelopment Plan (PDF Format – 32mb, 260 pages)

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