Transit-Oriented Development in Jersey City

Last week Alec posted a vision for transit-oriented development that was met by the Streetsblog commenters with less than universal enthusiasm. While we are on the subject, I submit a vision being acted upon that I find close to ideal. Here we see Jersey City, specifically the two blocks of Newark Avenue between Erie Street and Christopher Columbus Drive. The large building under construction in the background sits atop the Grove Street PATH station, a spot of land that represented an excellent opportunity for high density growth because it was formerly a collection of parking lots with a half dozen low-rise buildings including what looks like it was an automobile service garage. 

New Jersey has come to understand the importance of transit-oriented development, and people are making it happen over there. Here, the new apartments blend in with and compliments the older fabric, which has been preserved. We have a neighborhood that has a mixture of uses that supports a streetscape with a diverse cast of characters and a never ending intricate sidewalk ballet. It is great to see this type of growth fueling the rebirth of New Jersey’s cities. If they have the same economic forces at work as we have in New York City, this will prove to be so popular that the challenge will be to ensure that people at all income levels can enjoy this rebuilt neighborhood.