Creative Placemaking on Central Avenue
Spring 2018
CASID has commissioned new artwork by Jersey City artist Eddy Rentas Jr. called "Cardinal" at the intersection of Central/ Paterson Street. It is a work in progress and we are very excited about this addition to our outdoor art gallery. This is creative placemaking at its best and we thank our partners on this project including the City of Jersey City, Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs, Salerno Salumeria (453 Central) and Plumbers Plumbing Supplies (457 Central).
Creative placemaking has become important to the experience and benefits of shopping local. Public art, in its many forms, can rejuvenate a neighborhood when done correctly. It brings new energy and vibrancy to neighborhoods. It also can make Central Avenue a fun place to visit. CASID’s art initiatives have grown out of the belief that creative placemaking contributes to the economic and cultural vitality of neighborhoods. [Read More]
Recent Events in the District:
- Heights Halloween Window Painting Contest - October 2017
- New Public Artwork by Ed "T.DEE" Morris - "Mother's Eternal Light"
- New Public Artwork by Sam Pullin - "Earth Person 2"
- Central Avenue Auto & Music Show - May 2017
Stay Connected:
Spring Cleaning on Central Avenue
May, 14, 2018
Your SID at Work (Spring Cleaning edition). CASID is coordinating Jersey City's DPW and Commercial District Services LLC (CDS) to get Central Avenue's streetscape back into shape this spring. DPW's limited staff is always busy managing the 43 litter baskets in the district and struggle to address the other maintenance needs in the district on a regular basis. As such, CASID has hired CDS to help out for a couple of days this spring. CDS will be cleaning our 133 light poles, remove weeds/ light landscaping, painting our curbs, painting our bus stops, and give our main thoroughfare some much needed TLC. CDS's efforts are greatly appreciated in The Heights. [See Photos]
Happy Small Business Week (4/29 - 5/5)
April 30, 2018
In honor of Small Business Week, the City of Jersey City kicked off the week by honoring 18 small businesses at this year's Small Business Service Awards. Congratulations to all of the winners at this year's Small Business Service Awards especially Central Ave's own Salerno Salumeria (453A Central) for receiving an Anchor Award and Dulce De Leche Bakery (376 Central) for receiving a Pioneer Award. The Jersey City Small Business Service Awards honored 9 long-standing small businesses and 9 new small businesses citywide. Businesses were nominated by their respective Ward City Council member or the Council-At-Large members. Special thanks to Suraj from the Sneaker Room for moderating the discussion. For the full story, check out the news coverage in The Hudson Reporter. [See Event Photos].
New on Central Avenue, Jersey City
May 2018
Firehouse Blazing Pizza is now open at 488 Central Avenue!
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More New Businesses on the Avenue>
Jersey City Revaluation and Real Estate
April 9, 2018
Jersey City's real estate growth is undeniable as it was recently named the top sizzling hot real estate market in New Jersey by NJ Advance Media. A lot has changed since it last preformed a property revaluation in 1988 so, in the interest of tax fairness, a new revaluation is necessary and underway. An update from City Hall has revealed that most neighborhoods in the Heights' section of Jersey City will benefit from property tax relief with a reduction anywhere in between 16% to 25%. The area identified as Washington Village (Ogden Avenue) will likely see an increase of 7%. Based on the data that the City has already provided, Jersey City may have one of the lowest property tax rates in the State (about $1.621) after completing the revaluation. This translates to $16,200 in property taxes for every $1 Million in accessed value of your property. For more information on the Jersey City reval, please follow these links to useful resources:
- New assessments for commercial properties (incl. Central)
- Appraisal Systems (vendor doing the Jersey City revaluation)
- Tax Reval Result on Google Map
- City of Jersey City Revaluation Info | Update
- Assessed Values Comparison
- Jersey City Proposed Neighborhood Map
- 1-4 Family Neighborhood Analysis
- Overview of Jersey City Reval by CivicParent.org | Follow on FB
Seven New Trees Planted This Spring
April 2018
The CASID and Jersey City Department of Public Works have partnered again to replace dead trees along the Central Avenue shopping district. Seven (7) new male Ginkgo trees have been planted this spring to restock empty tree beds (locations: 232, 300, 380, 401, 410, 464, and 482 Central). Out of the 10 commercial corridors in Jersey City, Central Avenue has the most trees. In total, the Heights main thoroughfare has 113 tree beds. Since 2016, CASID and the City of Jersey City have planted 23 new trees in the district.
State DOT Approves $2.4 Million to Repave Central Avenue & Washington St.
February 27, 2018
Governor Murphy recently announced $161 Million in Municipal Aid Grants in Fiscal Year 2018 to 505 New Jersey communities including Jersey City. The City's award of $2,370,990 aims to repave both Washington Street and Central Avenue. Central Avenue will be paved from State High Way 139 to Paterson Plank Road (see City Res. 17-833 for details). The City has not yet announced a time line as to when the work will commence but it is anticipated to be complete by the fall of 2019.
New Development Proposed for C-Town Location at 506 Central Avenue
February 25, 2018
The property owners at 506 Central have announced their intention to invest a large amount of money into our main street community. With an aging building stock that is nearly 130 years old, Central Avenue desperately needs all the upgrades and investment it can receive. The currently building is home to C-Town Supermarket and does not have residential units. The owner has hired Lee Levine Architects to design and present a five story building that includes 20 new residential units, 10 parking spaces, a green roof, and newly redesigned storefront with bi-fold doors to attract a new commercial tenant. This project has gathered input and support from various community groups in recent weeks, including the CASID, and the final design will soon be presented to the City's Zoning Board for approval. The CASID thanks the property owner and LLA for considering our feedback on this project as the CASID proudly endorse this major investment in our shopping district.
Mayor Fulop Reaffirms Commitment to Heights Parking Deck and New Police Station in Annual Address
February 22, 2018
On February 22, Mayor Steven Fulop gave his annual State of the City Address. Among other citywide improvements, he noted that the City is finalizing plans to build a parking deck and police station in the Heights. [Read More]
The City Council approved a resolution (17-913) last November that would initiate a redevelopment study on the site of the proposed parking deck on Central Avenue. The Division of Planning is expected to present the study to the City Council soon for approval moving the project into the next phase.
JC Walks Pedestrian Enhancement Plan
September 8, 2017
Thank you to all who took the time to participate at the one day "Parklet" demonstration near Dulce De Leche Bakery/ Gino's Pizzeria & Restaurant on 9/8. In short, the demonstration centered on a new study for a Jersey City Pedestrian Enhancement Plan (campaign known as JC Walks). Jersey City has launched this study to understand how to make streets better for walking. Enhancing the pedestrian environment will make it more attractive and safer for residents and visitors to walk around the city. The short survey conducted at the demonstration was available online.
Photos from JCWalks Central Avenue workshop.
New Heights 24 Hour Bus Service (Mon-Sat)
GREAT NEWS for the Jersey City Heights: New Jersey Transit Bus No. 119 will run 24 hour service (Mon - Sat) starting on 6/25. Thanks to Senator Brian Stack, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji; Mayor Steven Fulop; Councilman Michael Yun; Councilman Rolando Lavarro, and RNA/ WPA for their tireless efforts to improve mass transit and access to NYC jobs. [Learn More about Central Ave Bus Service]
Central Ave Discussion on Redev. Plan
November 10, 2015
Dear Members of the Jersey City Heights Community:
There is a buzz in the neighborhood about a Redevelopment Plan for Central Avenue. The Central Avenue Special Improvement District Management Corporation, an organization of business and commercial property owners within the shopping district, would like to set the record straight and address the circulating rumors. [Read More]
