In a letter to the editor, Jersey City Ward D council candidate Jeff Justice Williams gives his opinion that electoral opponent Patrick Ambrossi’s affordable housing plan needs work.
Dear Editor,
As a resident of the Heights, I’ve seen far too many plans that sound promising but fail to deliver for our neighborhood.
Patrick Ambrossi’s proposal in your publication last week is a perfect example: it’s filled with good intentions, but when you look closer, it doesn’t address the real needs of the Heights community.
Ambrossi talks about amending the Affordable Housing Overlay and promises to allocate more trust fund dollars to Ward D. But let’s be honest-how many times have we heard these promises before?
The Heights always seems to be an afterthought, while downtown and the waterfront get the lion’s share of new investment and affordable units.
We need more than vague pledges; we need a clear, binding commitment that affordable housing will actually be built in the Heights, not just talked about.
His idea of “Pre-Approved Building Sets” is supposed to give the community a voice, but in reality, it just speeds up the process for developers.
The Heights deserves real, meaningful input-residents should have a decisive say in what gets built on our blocks, not just be invited to a meeting after the plans are already drawn up.
And while Ambrossi focuses on zoning and development, he barely mentions the everyday quality-of-life issues that matter most to us. The Heights needs better trash collection, reliable public transportation, and safer streets.
These aren’t just conveniences-they’re essential for keeping our neighborhood affordable and livable for everyone. If we don’t address these basics, new housing alone won’t solve our problems.
Most importantly, Ambrossi’s plan lacks real protections for longtime residents. Changing zoning laws without strong anti-displacement measures puts our homeowners and renters at risk.
We’ve all seen how unchecked development can drive up property taxes and rents, pushing out the families who have called the Heights home for generations.
Here’s what I’m proposing instead:
• A Heights-First Affordable Housing Guarantee: I will fight for a legally binding requirement that a fair share of all new affordable units are built right here in the Heights-not just citywide.
• Quality-of-Life Investments: I’ll prioritize funding for better sanitation, expanded service, and safer streets, making the Heights a better place to live for everyone, not just new arrivals.
• Anti-Displacement Protections: I’ll push for property tax relief for longtime homeowners and stronger rent stabilization measures, so families aren’t forced out by rising costs.
The Heights deserves more than empty promises. We need real solutions that put our community first, protect our neighbors, and make sure everyone can afford to stay and thrive here.
That’s the vision I’m bringing to this race, and that’s why I’m asking for your support.
Jeff Justice Williams
Candidate, Ward D Councilmember
