Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon has come out against the proposed 30-year tax abatement that is a crucial part of the city’s new Centre Pompidou plan.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I want to make world-class arts and culture available to all in Jersey City as much as anyone who calls our city home. But we are in a budget crisis fueled exactly by the kinds of tax breaks to wealthy developers proposed to fund this museum. This is not a good deal for Jersey City residents,” Solomon began.
“When I first ran for City Council seven years ago, I promised not to support abatements for luxury projects. How can we justify this practice when our neighbors are saddled with higher costs of living and increased taxes? I’m proud that in those seven years, we haven’t funded a single market-rate project through abatements.”
On Friday, Mayor Steven Fulop penned an editorial for HCV explaining an alternative path to keep the Pompidou project alive after losing the support of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in June, claiming the project was “no longer viable.”
Fulop, also Democratic candidate for governor, noted that the council will vote on the first reading of an ordinance on Wednesday that proposed a 30-year tax abatement at 808 Pavonia Ave. for the KRE Group.
He argues that this would bolster the project by allowing union and local labor requirements for $50 million worth of construction, the city would receive a full payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) deal, a “full payment of tax equivalent to benefit the Jersey City Board of Education,” and nearly $2 million for the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Nevertheless, Solomon, who will be announcing a mayoral later this month, remains unconvinced.
“I’ve always advocated for city budgets that prioritize working families. Those families are crying out for property tax relief, youth services, affordable homes, better schools, and the effective delivery of core city services, which must be our government’s top priorities,” he continued.
“In this instance, the cost to taxpayers is more expensive than just this abatement – Jersey City will pay millions annually to subsidize the museum once built. My commitment to the working families of this city demands I vote against this real estate tax break.”
No one else on the city council and/or running for mayor has expressed an opinion on the new Pompidou proposal yet.
However, former Gov. Jim McGreevey was outspoken against the previous incarnation of the plan and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) said $24 million in state funding would be better spent on revitalizing city parks, the mayoral hopefuls said in July.
The 87-page ordinance before the council says the plan will include two phases.
The first is “providing for the implementation of a mixed used project with 595 market rate residential units, approximately 6,038 square feet of gallery and cafe space, approximately 237 parking spaces, amenities, and construction of public infrastructure improvements.”
The second phase calls for 594 market rate residential units, 128 parking spaces, amenities, infrastructure improvements, “and the construction of the Cultural Arts Space.”
Furthermore, this phase would include 85,000 gross square feet of indoor space (including 10,000 square feet of cellar space) and approximately 14,600 square feet of outdoor space for the development of a sculpture garden and deck.”
Additionally, Phase I is estimated to create 700 construction jobs and 25 permanent full-time jobs upon completion, while Phase II is estimated to create 790 construction jobs and 26 permanent full-time jobs upon completion.
The Jersey City Council will convene for their caucus meeting at City Hall, 280 Grove St., on Monday at 4 p.m. and the session will also stream live on Microsoft Teams.
This is a slap in the face to all Jersey City families.I want to know how many Jersey City residents will be working on the construction of the Pompidou. 0lease check all the new buildings and tell me if the workers are from Jersey City. Mayor Fullop you are not thinking about the needs if the residents. We Need affordable housing,better streets,parks for the children. Why do you insist on this museum? Who is going to benefit? Are the council people who went to France deciding? It’s a shame.