The Jersey City Council will vote on the first reading of an ordinance to broaden the boundaries of the Exchange Place Alliance Special Improvement District (SID) at tomorrow night’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We are excited to extend our capital improvement program beyond Exchange Place into neighboring communities to create similar vibrancy and a sense of place,” EPA Executive Director Deidre Crockett said in a statement.
“We hope the council members share our vision for the area to benefit all Jersey City residents.”
The alliance’s new boundaries will include the area bordered on the west by Marin Boulevard, to the north by 2nd Street, to the east by Warren Street, and to the south by Christopher Columbus Drive.
The EPA focuses on cleaning, enhancing landscapes, removing snow, and conducting regular maintenance and repairs to ensure the district remains attractive and functional.
“I support this proactive decision by the Alliance to help support the businesses and residents in communities adjacent to Exchange Place,” added Council President Joyce Watterman, who sits on the EPA’s seven-member volunteer board of directors.
If approved, the EPA indicated that they will host community events, make streets cleaner, and commit to improvements for public safety.
Over the past three years, the alliance created an art walk along the Hudson River Walkway, planted more trees around Exchange Place, and hosted concerts and other arts events at no cost to the public.
According to the ordinance, the board of directors voted to petition the council to expand their boundaries at their August 28th, 2024 meeting and that the council found that “it is in the City’s best interests to expand the boundaries of the District to include these areas.”
The Jersey City Council will convene tomorrow at City Hall, 280 Grove St., at 6 p.m., which will also stream live on Microsoft Teams.
