In an editorial, Jersey City resident Danielle Dadamo gives her take on why the Journal Square neighborhood deserves Courthouse Park now after a number of delays.
For years, Journal Square residents have heard the promises.
After decades of overdevelopment, rising towers, and lost trees, we were finally going to see some balance: Courthouse Park, the first significant green space for a part of Jersey City that has long been treated like a stepchild.
Yet despite years of community advocacy, millions in allocated funds, and broad public support, we’re still waiting — and certain people seem determined to keep us waiting.
Let’s cut through the noise. The latest round of finger-pointing suggests that sudden delays are being caused by complex negotiations, vague funding questions, and technical obstacles.
But the truth is far more self-serving and sadly familiar. What’s actually happening is that a small but vocal group—some members of the Hilltop Association—are actively working to derail or delay the park over a single issue: private parking.
Yes, parking. In public meetings, some of these private interests have repeated the word “parking” dozens of times—as many as 45 times in one meeting, by one account—while not a single representative from the city or county was even present.
They are demanding that the underground parking beneath the old courthouse be preserved exclusively for their own use, despite the fact that maintaining and upgrading that facility would be astronomically expensive, entirely outside the current budget, and contrary to the park’s entire purpose.
Let’s be absolutely clear: Jersey City is not just Hilltop. Courthouse Park is meant to serve the entire Journal Square community. This is not a private driveway.
This is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the state, and as the towers rise, we desperately need breathing room — not more personal parking privileges for a select few.
Meanwhile, while political leaders offer public assurances, real questions remain. Deputy County Commissioner Bill O’Dea — also a candidate for mayor — has called for an oversight committee composed of city, county, and community members to ensure that everyone stays accountable and that foot-dragging doesn’t become the default mode.
County Executive Craig Guy claims the county has met its obligations and that the city must now appropriate funds to move forward, while also acknowledging that the county has managed to secure an additional $2 million in state funding.
And while the county originally floated plans to temporarily relocate staff into 595 Newark Avenue — delaying demolition — to their credit, those plans have now been abandoned.
Yet the property still hasn’t been deeded over to the city, which remains a critical first step. Without clear title, no demolition, remediation, or construction can begin.
Every day of delay pushes Journal Square’s only shot at meaningful green space further into the future.
Let’s also put to rest the claim that this is an issue of funding shortfalls. In 2022, the city set aside nearly $15 million in bond proceeds specifically for this project.
Additional state money has been secured. And once demolition is complete, the city can pursue open space funding to help build the park itself. Money isn’t the problem. Political will is.
Even on the question of parking, creative and realistic solutions have been proposed.
O’Dea has suggested building a second parking deck at the sheriff’s facility on Cornelison Avenue, potentially incorporating affordable housing above it through state ASPIRE incentives.
Others have suggested shuttle services to nearby lots, allowing county workers access without sacrificing parkland. But sacrificing critical green space for private parking? Absolutely not.
For Journal Square residents like Kim Correro, who has lived five minutes from the PATH for 11 years, the story is painfully familiar: “It’s just one concrete building after another.”
For Micheline Grace Lewis, a 20-year resident, it’s been the same for her children: no green space, no real park, just years of waiting while every other part of the city gets its fair share of open space.
And for the thousands of families, seniors, workers, and children who call Journal Square home, this park is long overdue.
This isn’t complicated: deed the property, begin the environmental cleanup, and get shovels in the ground. The time for delay tactics and manufactured emergencies is over.
The people of Journal Square deserve Courthouse Park — not more studies, not more negotiations, not more parking debates — but actual green space.
The future of Journal Square can no longer be held hostage by a handful of individuals unwilling to compromise their personal convenience for the greater good.
It’s time. Let’s get this done.
Danielle Dadamo is a Jersey City public school teacher, lifelong resident, and active voice for smarter development, safer streets, and sustainable growth. She believes good policy starts with listening to the people who call Jersey City home.
Calm yourself Girlie
sell your BS lies in Morris County