JERSEY CITY AND BEYOND – Is Jersey City gearing up to use eminent domain laws to redevelop the McGinley Square area? Home owners in the area known as McGinley Square East fear that is the case after receiving letters from the Jersey City Department of Housing, Economic Development & Commerce’s Division of City Planning earlier this week. The area is home to St. Peter’s College.
In the letters, city Planning Director Bob Cotter wrote: The Jersey City Division of City Planning has completed a study of the McGinley Square East Study Area, which includes property you own.This study has determined that the entire study area, including your property, meets the criteria as an ‘area in need of redevelopment.’ This will designate your property as subject to taking by eminent domain (condemnation) for redevelopment purposes and will authorize the City of Jersey City and/or the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency to acquire ownership by purchase of the property referenced above by condemnation (against the owner’s will).”
On Thursday, July 14, the city held a meeting for residents who received copies of this letter.
According to one city official, there are approximately 52 properties that are tentatively affected by the McGinley Square East Study Area plan.
Plans for the area include a development project that, if approved, would be a joint project between a private developer and St. Peter’s College. – E. Assata Wright