In a letter to the editor, Jersey City Ward D council candidate Patrick Ambrossi details how the Heights “will not fall behind” if his pedestrian safety plan is implemented.
Dear Editor,
The calls for safe streets have come a long way from when I was growing up in Jersey City in the early 2000’s. There were no such things as bike lanes, curb bump-outs, or road diets. In fact, as a city we had to fight to keep sidewalks on JFK -imagine that!
The truth is that the tests have been done, the studies are in: our streets are safer now because of the advocates that have fought for these types of improvements. However, there is still work to be done.
The calls for safe streets continue to be stifled by inaction and the inability of our elected representatives to push meaningful legislation.
Ward D, for example, continues to fall behind on needed improvements that are being seen throughout Jersey City.
Over the last decade we have seen our youth impacted by our lack of action – youth like Jermaine Woodward, Jerry Grant, Eli Bender, and so many more. Enough is enough. Ward D will not fall behind. Below is my pedestrian safety plan:
Reorganize the Division of Parking Enforcement under the Department of Infrastructure and increase staffing – This will allow for an alignment on priorities of enforcement and safe street projects.
Through ordinance, dedicate funds from enforcement violations to safe street projects so that we have dedicated funds to quickly move from concept to the implementation phases.
Increase Fees on Enforcement & Traffic Violations – This will discourage parking on corners, parking on bike lanes, and other unsafe practices that affect drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike.
Establish a division of Traffic Enforcement with the JCPD – Our police force needs to be able to target our moving violations/ traffic issues from both cars and E-bikes. We need to target speeders, stop sign skippers, and other aggressive driving /E-Bike behaviors.
Re-analyze our current Ward D Street Grid – We can work on creating safer streets by creating one-ways, implementing speed bumps and loading zones, and putting up stop signs. The days of pilot programs will be over – we need permanent “day lighting” infrastructure on our commercial/ traffic corridors.
Establish two North to South Protected Bike Lanes – We need to connect our bike infrastructure to downtown Jersey City and Journal Square. By establishing a protected bike lane on Palisade Ave and Summit Ave we will accomplish just that.
Draft an Ordinance Creating an “All Red Clearance Interval” Street Light System – This system will create a moment where all traffic from an intersection is stopped to allow for pedestrians to cross safely. The days of cars rushing to turn will be no more in Ward D and throughout Jersey City!
A Safer JFK Blvd. – I will work with Hudson County, community organizations, and advocates to implement our vision zero plan and create a Bus Only Lane to improve our public transportation.
Support the creation of a pedestrian plaza within the new Holland Garden Project – this project borders the new Ward D community that consists of the Cast Iron Loft, 100 House, etc.
This project will increase local business, pedestrian nightlife, etc. As Councilman, I will support it regardless of the Ward E Council Representative.
Establishing our first “Heights Pedestrian Plaza” – For years, we have fought about what to do with the redevelopment zone of the Burger King lot. As Ward D City Councilperson, we will work to establish a pedestrian plaza.
The redevelopment zone will focus on building housing (market rate and affordable units), commercial spaces will focus on entertainment (restaurants, bars, outdoor dining, etc.).
This will increase funding to the SID, bring new and exciting establishments to the community, and increase safety and outdoor space for all. I will also commit to ensuring it is sustainable by working with our Div. of sustainability.
This project is one that I believe will change the course of Central for the better and will have a positive impact far into the future.
I want to make this clear, as your next Ward D Council representative, I will work with any administration to ensure our streets are safer than they are today. However, I will not go back to how the streets were when I was younger.
We must continue to move forward, to improve, to make our community safer. I look forward to working with our community/ advocacy groups, and administration to turn my and other safe street proposals into a reality.
Those who would like to have a conversation regarding my plan can reach me at: patrickambrossi@gmail.com.
Patrick Ambrossi
Jersey City Ward D Council Candidate
