The City of Jersey City has scored a $1.6 million federal grant for the Bayfront project, which has 35 percent of their over 8,000 units earmarked for affordable housing.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Thanks to our federal partners for recognizing the importance of the Bayfront Redevelopment project and the tremendous promise this revitalization holds for Jersey City, bringing new economic opportunities, creating jobs, and providing much-needed affordable housing options for residents,” said Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
Local officials have said that transformation of the vacant 100-acre site will provide the most affordable housing of any private mixed-use, mixed-income community of its size in the country, as well as catalyze redevelopment along the Hackensack River waterfront.
“I am proud to have worked closely with the JCRA and Mayor Fulop’s Administration to secure this federal funding, which will create pathways for families to access affordable housing in an inclusive community,” added U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).
“Investments like this are critical to keeping Jersey City and our high-cost urban areas affordable for everyone. This project will provide affordable housing within a mixed-income development at a scale that could be a model for cities across the nation.”
At the site, construction on initial infrastructure is underway, such as building roadways and installing underground piping.
The premier residential and retail waterfront area is designed to best serve Jersey City residents by prioritizing affordability, jobs for residents, quality public spaces, and attracting interest and investment to the south and west areas of Jersey City.
“I am proud to secure this $1.6 million in federal funding for the Bayfront Redevelopment because I know this project is important to Jersey City’s future,” noted U.S. Rep. Donald M. Payne (D-10).
“I am a strong supporter of affordable housing bills and projects in Congress, especially in urban areas. The Bayfront Redevelopment will create good-paying union jobs and help public schools with a portion of the tax revenue generated from the project. It is going to benefit the area significantly, and I look forward to working with Mayor Fulop to secure more funding for future projects in Jersey City.”
The first phase of construction at Bayfront also includes various community-driven amenities, including green infrastructure, flood mitigation, vehicle and bike parking, a public walkway along the Hackensack River Waterfront, and over 11,000 square feet of multifunctional retail space for use by residents and the broader public.
“Once the bill is signed into law, we will work with our federal partners to dedicate the Bayfront funding as we move forward with construction,” explained JCRA Executive Director Diana Jeffrey.
“The Bayfront Promenade is the first building and consists of 210 residential units, of which 74 units are affordable housing.”
Yeah, feds. Thanks for the crumbs. This is a decades long multi-billion dollar project with the potential to return even more billions during and after construction. Not to mention 35% affordable housing. $1.6M is a drop in the bucket. At least Big Bobby could have thrown in some gold bars.
I wonder if all the best affordable housing units have been already reserved for politicos, their families and donors?
How can we be placed on list for the Bayfront Prominade affordable housing?