The Jersey City Council pulled three resolutions that would help fund a Barrow Street playground as part of the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza at last night’s meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano made a motion to withdraw the resolutions approving turf, playground equipment, and a fence for the projects – which he wanted to do during caucus – which was seconded by Council President Joyce Watterman.
“I think the street should opened,” Boggiano noted while voting yes.
“… Over a year ago I met with some members of the Administration and I made the point that, if we as a city do not solve the legitimate issues that businesses and residents on the pedestrian plaza see, there’s not going to be appetite for more investment, for more of these types of projects and to date we have not done that,” Ward E Councilman James Solomon, who represents the area, stated.
“I’m asking the Mayor and the administration to put together a real plan … for us to accomplish that goal. I would love to see a playground in that location … We haven’t done enough to maintain the original $7 million investment that was put in place.”
The Jersey City Council passed the motion to withdraw the resolutions unanimously (9-0).
The resolutions were hotly debated during Monday’s caucus, where several council members cast doubt on the project due to the state of the plaza and concerns over closing the street in the first place.
Mayor Steven Fulop wrote on X after the caucus meeting that while it was “unfortunate” the project did not appear to have the votes, he would leave it on the agenda.
“I think it is unfortunate but we will leave it on the council agenda so that it gets a vote as deserved and the public can see where people stand,” he said at the time.
“Some of the councilpeople have expressed concerns from businesses that want parking, concerns from the developer that doesn’t want it near his building, or fabricated concerns from the FD that have already been addressed.”
