JERSEY CITY AND BEYOND – Arguing that if eminent domain can happen in one part of the city it can happen anywhere, a group of McGinley Square property owners planned today to launch a citywide campaign to pressure local officials to protect the rights of Jersey City property owners.
Specifically, the property owners want the City Council to beef up laws that currently allow the use of eminent domain for redevelopment.
Residential and commercial property owners first became concerned about the prospect of eminent domain two weeks ago after dozens of residents received letters from the Jersey City Department of Housing, Economic Development & Commerce’s Division.
The letters read in part: “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).”
The McGinley Square East Redevelopment Plan, which the city released publicly online last week, calls for new residential housing – both market rate and workforce housing – offices, new retail, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and theaters, in addition to museums and art galleries. The plan also includes new parking to accommodate the expected influx in population.
There are approximately 52 properties that are tentatively affected by the McGinley Square East Study Area plan.
In a meeting last week with residents, the developer, Gary Flocco, managing director of Corvus, emphasized that he will try to redevelop the area without using eminent domain.
Last night, however, Christina Walsh, director of activist and coalitions with the Institute for Justice – a national advocacy organization that helps property owners fight eminent domain – told residents, “Don’t be fooled by reassuring promises.”
Several McGinley Square residents who met with Walsh last night now plan to work with Castle to launch a citywide anti-eminent domain campaign in Jersey City. They argue this issue could get support from property owners throughout Jersey City since roughly half the city is affected by one redevelopment plan or another.
The City Council is currently scheduled to consider the McGinley Square East Redevelopment Plan next month.
Residents want their neighborhood declared an area in need of rehabilitation, rather than an area in need of redevelopment. The distinction between the two legally determines whether eminent domain can be used to take over property or not.
The Jersey City Division of city Planning will hold the third in a series of public meetings for McGinely Square residents tonight at City Hall at 6 p.m. City Hall is located at 280 Grove St. – E. Assata Wright