Historic streetlights, road repairs, and brick pavers are coming to main streets in Union City, Guttenberg and Jersey City thanks to more than $1 million in state funding.
Assembly Speaker Albio Sires, Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny, Jr., and Assemblyman Brian Stack of the 33rd Legislative District – which encompasses Guttenberg, Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City, Weehawken and West New York – announced last Friday that that more than $1 million dollars in Transportation Enhancement Grants has been allocated for the projects.
“These investments will help generate construction jobs, promote neighborhood improvements, and help relieve localized traffic congestion,” said Sires, who is also the mayor of West New York.
Funded through the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, which was enacted in 1998, Transportation Enhancement Grants provide funding for non-traditional transportation projects. This can include landscaping and scenic beautification, streetscape improvements, and even repairs on historic landmarks such as train stations or transportation-related museums.
According to Joe Donnelly, Director of Communications for the Majority Office at the New Jersey General Assembly, “They’re going to add decorative street lighting, planters, brick pavers to really dress up the area.”
Union City has received $500,000 for the Central Avenue Streetscape-Gateway to Union City Project. This will encompass the entire scope of Central Avenue in Union City, and will include the replacement of existing concrete curbs with granite block curbs. A new landscaped island median will be constructed between 11th Street and Paterson Plank Road, with decorative lighting. There will be milling and resurfacing of the entire roadway utilizing other funding, and construction of new concrete and brick pavers on sidewalks under the grant.
“Central Avenue has been considered the gateway into Union City,” said Donnelly.
“The Central Avenue project will make our gateway are more pedestrian-friendly and make the city more attractive to potential residents and businesses,” said Assemblyman Stack, who is also mayor of Union City. “This is a shining example of government dollars being put to use for improving the quality of life for local residents.”
Union City would like to improve pedestrian safety at intersections, which will include destination and interpretive signage, in addition to upgrading traffic signals. The median island is meant to discourage pedestrian crossings, except at crosswalks. Other objectives include improving property values and vehicular safety, and encouraging business expansion within the area.
“This infusion of aid will improve the quality of life in these communities, while promoting sound transportation planning and management,” said Sen. Bernard F. Kenny, Jr. (D-Hoboken).
A gazebo for Guttenberg
Moving on to West New York’s next door neighbor, Guttenberg, who received $100,000 for streetscape improvements, that town is looking to revitalize JFK Boulevard East and the Veterans Memorial Scenic Outlook.
As it stands right now, Boulevard East in Guttenberg has a broken and deteriorated sidewalk, and has little to no landscaping. The existing curb from 70th to 71st streets is a combination of bluestone and concrete. The only decorative lighting that exists is privately owned and located in front of a high rise apartment building. Planters and tree wells are in need of replacement, and the World War II Veterans Memorial Statue needs a facelift and landscaping.
There is also no place for pedestrians to sit and enjoy the view of the New York City skyline.
According to Donnelly, one of the plans for this grant is to construct a gazebo at the Veterans Memorial Scenic Overlook.
“They plan to construct that next to the statute, possibly for this year,” said Donnelly.
The existing curb between 70th and 71st streets, which is in front of the memorial, will also be replaced with granite curb. Similar landscaping and scenic beautification improvements provided for Union City will also be done on Boulevard East, and a new bus shelter is set to be built.
Finally, Jersey City’s “The Junction” project, which is located at the intersection of Communipaw Avenue, Grand Street, and Summit Avenue, received $500,000 to finance the first phase of its construction.
“These Transportation Enhancement Grants further demonstrate Governor McGreevey’s commitment to improving our communities, while keeping the financial burden off of the local property taxpayer,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere.