Kicking off its second summer, JC Project EATS drew thousands to the front of City Hall recently, a day-long street fair celebrating the season with cool drinks and delicious food.
The two day event took place from July 18 to 19, and featured more 30 local vendors.
This year the event also featured Project Market Place, which was started in December 2013 as one of a series of events, including Project Earth, traditionally held in April.
The Jersey City Project is a series of curated outdoor markets and events staged in downtown Jersey City.
Regular features of these events include gourmet food vendors and food trucks, live entertainment, artisans from the handmade furniture and jewelry and clothing industries, and workshops.
Orchestrated by Mayor Steven Fulop, these events are designed to allow the public an opportunity to meet with local business and crafts people and purchase locally.
Some of the original organizers included Kristen Scalia, of Kanibal Home, and Elizabeth Cain, of Hound about Town, both long time residents with local businesses. Together they decided to start an outdoor market dedicated to promoting small businesses, local talent, and seasonal highlights, providing opportunities for people to connect within the community.
Cain also serves as the city’s director of Cultural Affairs, and these projects have become a significant part of the cultural affairs calendar.
“How many banks do we need in that area?” – Mayor Steven Fulop
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Last summer, the group hosted the event in front of City Hall. This proved so successful that they hosted it again this year, drawing large crowds from downtown and beyond.
Vendors varied on both days, but included food trucks and tents, as well as a bar provided by Hamilton Inn.
Fulop, who regularly attends these events, said these projects are designed to provide a venue for local businesses that might not otherwise be exposed to the public.
Keeping things local
Earlier this year, Fulop pushed through an ordinance that would further protect local mom and pop stores. The ordinance limits national retailers with 10 other properties within 300 miles to 30 percent of the ground-floor commercial space in downtown Jersey City. This does not apply to grocery stores.
Fulop said he was motivated by the moving of Hard Grove Café from the corner of Columbus Avenue and Grove Street, and the proposal to replace it with a bank.
“How many banks do we need in that area?” he said. “That is a key location that should not be occupied by a national chain.”
The same area around the PATH station plaza has a Dunkin Donuts, a GNC health store, a Duane Reid drug store, and a Starbucks coffee shop.
But critics claim the ordinance is misguided and that chain stores often create foot traffic that help generate business for smaller mom and pop stores.
But as evidenced by the turnout at the two day Project Eats festival, foot traffic can also be generated by a variety of good food and clever marketing.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.