Plan Overview
The City of Jersey City has implemented a Pedestrian Mall on Newark Avenue between Grove Street and Erie Street and is currently evaluating an extension along Newark Avenue between Barrow Street and Jersey Avenue. The ordinance and operating plan are available below, as well as other supporting information.
Pedestrian Mall Ordinance (Final adoption 7-15-15)
Pedestrian Mall Operating Plan (last updated 7-20-18)
Research and Findings
Expanded Pedestrian Mall Map
Original Pedestrian Mall Map
Proposed Permanent Improvements Renderings
Proposed Design (last presented 9-05-19)
Extension to Jersey Avenue
The City implemented a pilot extension of the Pedestrian Mall along Newark Avenue between Barrow Street and Jersey Avenue (and a portion of Bay Street at Newark Avenue) on May 21, 2018. This extension has a similar format and structure as the old section with a green painted street, tables and umbrellas, and planters to provide pedestrian safety. The extension is governed by the same rules and regulations as the original section (see above).
The City conducted a traffic study in April of 2018 to evaluate the impact on vehicle movements in the area. The study indicates that even during peak vehicle travel times this Pedestrian Mall extension will add less than one additional vehicle each minute on Jersey Avenue in both directions and on Erie Street heading northbound. View the traffic study here.
The new section has loading and unloading areas for commercial vehicles as well as local residents and patrons of businesses along Barrow Street and Erie Street, as well as the portion of Bay Street between Erie and Newark Ave. While 8 parking spaces were removed to implement the new Pedestrian Mall area, we will be making Barrow Street one-way heading north and adding 7 parking spaces on the West side of the street, to create a net loss of only 1 parking space.
The City has and is continuing to solicit feedback on this extension, including at several public meetings with residents and local businesses. If you have questions, concerns, or other feedback about the extension (positive or negative!), please contact the downtown Councilman James Solomon or the Business Administrator Brian Platt.
The City has set forth an ordinance to make this extension permanent. It will be introduced at the June 13th regular meeting of the Jersey City Municipal Council, with a second reading and public hearing on June 27. Click here for more information about council meetings.
Proposed Permanent Improvements
The City is seeking to construct permanent improvements to the entire Pedestrian Mall area which include stone pavers to replace the green street, larger planters, benches, pedestrian safety bollards, and other public space features. For more information about the proposed layout, view the "Expanded Pedestrian Mall Map" or the "Proposed Permanent Improvements Renderings" images above.
Prior Implementation Updates
Updates from the summer of 2015 can be found below.
Month of August/September:
- New more visually appealing entrance barriers installed
- Improved signage
- Additional tables and umbrellas added
Month of July:
- Decorative string lights hung across the street
- Creative Arts students with the Jersey City Summer Works painted murals on the planters
- Bollards installed at both ends of the Mall
- Parking meters and street signs removed
- New rules signs installed at both ends
- Ordinance is approved by the Jersey City Municipal Council
Month of June:
- Planters placed and filled with new plants
- Hanging planters installed on light posts
- Street painted green
- Bike racks installed at both ends of the Mall
- Tables with umbrellas placed temporarily throughout the Mall
- Loading zones painted inside and outside Mall
- Traffic lights synchronized
- Fire hydrants re-painted
- First reading of Ordinance (June 24)
- Planning Board Section 31 review (June 23)
Additional References
The following ordinances also pertain to activity in and around the Pedestrian Mall:
Sidewalk Cafes (Chapter 296 Article XII)
Noise (Chapter 222)
Entertainment Licenses (Chapter 157)