Dear Editor:
Every time I turn around there’s a new apartment building or office building being put up in Jersey City and, frankly, I’ve had enough! Has anyone at City Hall taken the quality of life in Jersey City into consideration? When was the last time Mayor Schundler, the city councilmen, or even the real estate developers tried parking a car in downtown Jersey City? When was the last time they tried to cram onto a packed PATH train during rush hour? When was the last time they had to wait in line at the supermarket 20 minutes to half an hour because there are so many new people in the area?
The rents in the downtown area have gone from reasonable to outrageous, and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain an apartment without having to go through a realtor. I have called Jersey City home for over 10 years. It was once a pleasant alternative to New York City and over-developed Hoboken. At what point will City Hall say “Enough!”? When neighborhood associations protest? No. When Hoboken threatens to sue Jersey City over the controversial 40 story towers planned for Jersey Avenue? No. It’s time for City Hall to look beyond the dollar sign and take a close look at who this development affects, namely, the residents of Jersey City.
Petrina Kulek