Have you heard? Jersey City’s construction boom is old news. The city’s path has been chosen, its fate set. Commentators across the state who are looking for a storyline of redemption – a tale of a midsize city struggling to rebound from hard times – have already shifted their attention to Newark. Jersey City, it’s been decided, is a success story. Towers are climbing, wealth is rolling in – what more is there to write about?
But most of us in Jersey City know that the construction boom is just the beginning of the story, not the end of it. For every old problem the boom helps solve, a new one will present itself. We may fill vacant buildings, but how will all those people move around the city? Property values may skyrocket, but where will the less-prosperous live? Young families may be moving in, but will they send their kids to public school here?
It’s time to start a conversation about what all this development will mean for the city. In this edition of JCMag, we take a broad look at some of the issues the city will likely face over the next 20 years. In future editions, we’ll go in-depth to see if anyone is thinking about those issues – and whether the people in charge are listening.
This issue also marks the debut of two new regular departments: Hidden JC and People Power. In the first, we’ll uncover forgotten pieces of Jersey City’s past. In the second, we’ll meet some people who hope to shape the city’s future.
Elsewhere in this issue, sportswriter Jim Hague profiles some of the city’s most promising young athletes, reporter Christina Hinke travels the city’s open-mic circuit, and Liberty Science Center prepares to reopen its doors following a major renovation.
FEATURES
Beyond the Boom
By 2030, more than 300,000 people may live in Jersey City. Are we prepared for the changes that the construction boom will bring? Part One of an ongoing series.
A New Liberty Science Center
Before it reopens this summer, we look at the progress LSC has made over the past two years.
JC Rocks the Mic
Travel the city’s open-mic circuit and discover original underground poetry and music.
DEPARTMENTS
News to Use
Everything you need to know to keep up with the city’s lightning-quick pace.
At Home
Take a peek inside the high-end residences of Port Liberté.
Then & Now
How our city once was, and what it’s become.
Small-Biz Spotlight
Take a puff of a hand-rolled cigar at Rodriguez Puro Cigars.
Sports Corner
Sportswriter Jim Hague profiles some of the city’s most promising young athletes.
Hidden JC
Was Liberty State Park once the home of a miniature civilization?
People Power
Civic JC gives the powers that be a piece of their mind.
Education Report
Awards, programs, standouts and more from the city’s students and educators.
RESOURCE GUIDES