The Jersey City Council discusses the future of the Franklin Street bike lane and the details of the city’s 2026 FIFA World Cup celebrations during yesterday’s caucus.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Infrastructure Department Senior Transportation Planner Lyndsey Scofield explained they are seeking council approval to ask the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for a six-month extension on awarding a contract to build the Franklin Street bike lane.
The measure was approved 8-1, with Councilman at-Large Rolando Lavarro voting no, in March, as HCV first reported.
“This is necessary because, based on the current timeline, we would need to be approving, having council approve the construction award at the next meeting,” she noted.
Scofield explained that since the one-way Franklin St. ordinance was passed by the council, they’ve been working with consultants on the plan.
“They are expected to give us the changes to the plan next week. It does take a little bit more time. We’re committed to getting this project advanced,” she added.
Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore asked if it would still be possible to complete the project this year, to which Scofield said it is possible, but not likely.
Councilman at-Large Michael Griffin asked for additional information about what the project entails.
Scofield said they would install new ramps for the handicapped and widening curb extensions first, followed by converting the road to a one-way thoroughfare..
“So, Franklin Ave. is currently 2-way?” Griffin asked.
“Correct,” Scofield replied.
Infrastructure Director Andy Kaplan said delays occurred since they are still working on a redesign for the street.
“Our goal is to at least get it started this year. It’s possible it may go through to the other side of winter,” he added.
“I know we’ve voted to approve the contractual agreement for the architectural plan … At one point, it was going to go from Central [Avenue] all the way down. But we have since compromised … How does that work?” Gilmore asked.
“They have put more effort into a robust design for the stretch that is between Palisade and Central Ave,” Scofield replied.
“The plans are complete?” Gilmore asked, to which Scofield said revisions are being compiled.
“In meeting with public safety, there had been concerns about response times. So, a couple of the changes are … making a fire access lane that will allow them to respond more quickly to the more challenging parts of Franklin Street,” she added.
Scofield also said they’re adding some curb extension to widen them on the north side of Franklin.
Kaplan noted the route was changed to eliminate parts west of Central Avenue.
“The project includes a small section on Central, then Franklin, and east of Central,” he added.
The Council later discussed the World Cup celebrations, which were announced citywide just before the caucus meeting started yesterday.
“This resolution is just going to ensure that the city is reimbursed for all the costs associated with putting together flag cities,” Mayor James Solomon’s Deputy Chief of Staff Kristal Mejia-Asqui explained to the governing body.
She said their current budget is approximately $117,000 for the Downtown Flag City party, which is highlighted by a performance by the Village People.
“How do we only get money back if flag cities gets a state grant? … Can we get at least some money even if they do not get the grant? They are earning profit through this,” expressed Councilwoman at-Large Mamta Singh.
“The grant is being administered by Choose New Jersey. This MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) would ensure we get reimbursed. The event is free, so we’re not generating any revenue,” Mejia-Asqui responded.
Ward E Councilperson Eleana Little noted that the dates of the local World Cup celebrations had been publicized before asking some follow-up questions.
“The first one is being covered by this grant … And the others, we have secured sponsorships to fully fund them? So all four of them will be no cost to the city?” she asked.
Mejia-Asqui said that was correct before Ward B Councilman asked why there is an RSVP system to secure tickets.
She replied that the event organizers are encouraging registrations to track attendees, with in the neighborhood of 12,000 people expected to attend.
“Is that per event?” Griffin asked.
“It’s for (the downtown party) flag city specifically,” Mejia-Asqui answered.
Mejia also noted ordinance 3.4 would potentially extend the hours of World Cup parties until midnight from June 11th to July 10th.
Singh asked how to decided on the hours of operation for each area, to which Mejia-Asqui said the Department of Cultural Affairs are planning out the events.
“This amount will just extend the hours an event can take place until midnight. They cannot go past midnight,” Mejia-Asqui added.
“Sarah, do we have to amend this ordinance?” Griffin questioned.
“Our city code is created by legislation. So, the only way to override legislation is with subsequent legislation,” Corporation Counsel Sarah Levine said.
Mejia noted the resolution waives the 20-day waiting period, so it go into effect immediately if approved.
City Clerk Sean Gallagher explained that could be part of the ordinance on second reading at their next council meeting in June.
The Jersey City Council will convene for a regular session on Wednesday at City Hall, 280 Grove St., at 6 p.m. and the public session will also stream live on Microsoft Teams.
The Village People? Can’t the city afford anyone from this century?