Meeting Community’s Needs with Enhanced Safety, Connectivity, and Outdoor Public Space
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins City Council members and the Department of Infrastructure to break ground on the community-driven Coles Street and 12th Street Streetscape project, creating a safer, more usable public space with a range of enhancements designed to meet the diverse needs of residents and visitors alike.
“We made this improvement project a priority to help safely connect neighborhoods near Holland Gardens, the Embankment House, and the other side of 12th Street near the Holland Tunnel entrance with a new raised bikeway, reconstructed sidewalks and crosswalks, utility upgrades, and various safety improvements,” said Mayor Fulop.
The Coles and 12th Street project underscores Jersey City's commitment to sustainable urban development and inclusive growth, incorporating the city’s broader goals with Vision Zero elements, resiliency and sustainability goals, pedestrian safety, and expanding outdoor public space.
The upgrades aim to fix the poorly lit area and fragmented sidewalk and create a canvas for more programmed public space—all within a single streetscape initiative.
Key features of the project include:
- Permanent skate park
- Sidewalk reconstruction for improved safety
- Tree plantings and landscaping for beautification
- A bikeway for improved pedestrian connectivity
- Street replacement
- Utility upgrades
- Stormwater drainage and flood mitigation
- Significant lighting improvements
“My office has been working with Mayor Fulop, Councilman Saleh, community members, Jersey City’s Department of Infrastructure, and key stakeholders for years to make Jersey City and Ward E’s streets safer,” said Ward E Councilman James Solomon. “The redevelopment of the Coles Street underpass is a critical step in building a more resilient, more open, and more pedestrian-friendly Jersey City."
“We envision the Coles Street streetscape as more than just concrete and sidewalk; it’s a space that will be transformed for neighborhood residents to utilize, fostering community and furthering our shared commitment to a better, more connected Jersey City. A thousand thank yous to Mayor Fulop, Councilman Solomon, Director Patel, and her team for bringing this important project to fruition,” added Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh.
The Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority has completed the critical infrastructure and utility work as part of the initial phase.
“This project is all about safely connecting neighborhoods for biking and walking, which is what we are working to accomplish citywide,” said Barkha Patel, Director of the Department of Infrastructure. “We will also formalize the skatepark that currently exists and is widely used by the community in a way that maintains the DIY character of the space while improving safety and visibility for all users.”
The planned improvements will establish a consecutive sidewalk throughout the entire length of Coles Street from 10th Street to 14th Street, and along 12th Street from Monmouth Street to Coles Street.
In line with Jersey City's commitment to sustainability, the planned enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure will further improve connectivity between neighborhoods, encouraging active transportation and reducing reliance on cars.