Work on the Jersey City Pedestrian Plaza is officially complete. Last week, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop joined the Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID) and other city officials for a ribbon-cutting event marking the opening of the new Pedestrian Plaza.
“In 2015, we had the vision to maximize this space by creating a pedestrian-friendly plaza and establishing a sought-after shopping and dining destination and overall economic driver that has since exceeded our expectations,” said Fulop.
The Jersey City Pedestrian Plaza was first closed to vehicles in 2015 as a pilot program to limit traffic and create a pedestrian destination. The plaza was expanded to a second block in 2018. During the pandemic, the plaza was lengthened to Grove Street between Montgomery Street and Columbus Drive, as well as 1st Street and Newark Avenue. City officials started a $7M overhaul of the plaza in 2021.
Highlights of the new Jersey City Pedestrian Plaza
In addition to its new tile flooring, the redesigned Pedestrian Mall now includes:
- 24 new trees
- 20 planter boxes with shrubs and landscaping
- 14 large square planters with built-in seating under trees
- 30 recycling and garbage combination units
- 16 bike racks
- 40 Benches
The Pedestrian Plaza also has new lighting and a small stage for community events.
“Today marks the culmination of many years of hard work,” said Rachel Sieg, Executive Director of the HDSID. “The pedestrian mall has become a vital point in the area, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“I feel an immense sense of pride and accomplishment with the conclusion of this project, and I hope that visitors and residents of Jersey City will enjoy the Mall for many years to come,” said Sieg.
