Dear Editor:
Do we want Jersey City to be a collection of segregated communities? Do we want each Ward to have a certain salary range? Do we want each neighborhood to be of one race, one nation of origin, and one religion? Segregation creates fear and suspicion. Segregation encourages crime. People seen only at a distance become the enemy. But we are not enemies. People are always just people. At times we are generous, other times selfish, sometimes caring, sometimes angry. I want to see and talk with people from every culture our nation has to offer, every single day, and consider them neighbors and friends. And I want that for our children, too. Segregation destroys our sense of community. Developers tell us that by building with only market rate units, the total selling price will be higher, and this money can be used to build even more affordable housing elsewhere. By this they mean anywhere except Ward E. It is long past time for our Policies to reflect our Principles. Build more affordable housing throughout Ward E, and don’t put it all in one neighborhood. Begin with 110 First Street and don’t stop until the only thing that is uniform about Jersey City is its diversity.
Andy Velwest