A new ad from Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon’s mayoral campaign pledges to build affordable apartment units that have a monthly rent of less than $1,000.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This campaign has been talking about affordable housing since Day 1 and as Mayor we will ensure development that will work for Jersey City,” he began in a statement.
“That’s why I have a plan to build housing with rents less than $1,000 and why as mayor making Jersey City more affordable will be my top priority. This campaign has tons of momentum because we are the only ones who can delivery a truly affordable Jersey City.”
The new digital ad, titled “Model,” depicts Solomon in a Monopoly-board type of scenario where he is fighting against developers.
“The problem with all this development? Them! Developers, Wall Street and politicians getting rich while your rent and property taxes skyrocket. I’m James Solomon and I’ll make sure development works for all of us,” he says in the ad.
“It’s why I’ve put forward a plan to build more housing that’s actually affordable. With some rents at less than $1,000; fought the sale of Liberty State Park; and kept our public pools free. Because Jersey City can be a model of a city that works for us, not them.”
Over the weekend, the downtown councilman highlighted some of his priorities to make Jersey City more affordable if elected mayor.
He mentioned requiring all new large-scale developments to include 20 percent affordable units with rents under $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 a month, building workforce housing for frontline workers, and capping rent increases.
Solomon also said he would stabilize property taxes by rooting out waste and corruption in municipal government, creating 1,000 additional youth summer jobs, dramatically expanding after-school programs and offering, as well as establishing the city’s first free recreation center.
He is in a seven-person race to succeed Mayor Steven Fulop, who ran for governor instead of seeking a fourth term.
The non-partisan November 4th contest also features former Gov. Jim McGreevey, Council President Joyce Watterman, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), ex-Board of Education President Mussab Ali, Police Officer Christina Freeman, and Kalki Jayne-Rose.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.
