METRO'S ROLE:
Metro finds that current development patterns, underutilized properties and marginal uses are inconsistent with Jersey City’s goals for the West Side and prepares a formal Area in Need of Redevelopment Investigation and Redevelopment Plan for the City.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The area contains a mix of older industrial properties, some commercial properties along West Side Avenue, University and educational uses, abandoned railroad rights-of-way and utilities, vacant land, vacant buildings and some residential uses near the north end of the study area along West Side Avenue.
The goals of the plan were:
- Redevelop the area in a manner consistent with Smart Growth principles and Transit Oriented Development (since the area is proximate to a light-rail station).
- Strengthen West Side Avenue as a mixed-use neighborhood commercial area.
- Improve the commercial environment along West Side Avenue through streetscape improvements and uniform urban design guidelines.
- Allow for mixed-use building of retail/commercial on the ground floor and residential above.
- Allow for the conversion of appropriate existing industrial buildings to primarily residential uses, including loft style live/work spaces.
- Create a new primarily residential community on the west side of West Side Avenue through new development and infill development.
RESULTS:
The resulting plan is guiding the redevelopment and transition of an older industrial area of Jersey City into a more vibrant, mixed-use and transit oriented neighborhood.