In 2018, The City of Jersey City along with the Bergen Square Committee launched an effort to strengthen the historic identity of Bergen Square and activate it as a vibrant public space. The effort also identifies improvements to the streetscape to advance safety for all users (pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers). This has been an interdisciplinary project with City staff from Planning, Preservation, and Engineering working together.
May 19th - Bergen Square Redesign Info Session
The City co-hosted a meeting with the Journal Square Community Association at Old Bergen Church on May 19, 2022 . The format of the meeting was a high level overview presentation with Q+A followed by more targeted discussions at boards that addressed the topics of Signage + History, Transportation + Pedestrian Enhancements, and Placemaking + Design. City staff from City Planning, Preservation, and Engineering spoke with those interested in learning more and sharing their feedback. Participants were also asked to participate in some visual preference surveys which will help guide design decisions.
If you were not able to make it or if you'd like to review the materials again, please follow the links below. The slide show gives for information on previous engagement and the Bergen Square Committee.
Slide Show from May 19th Info Session
Bergen Square Boards
History Board
Upcoming improvements to Bergen Square include:
- Raised intersection at Bergen and Academy
- Direction change of Academy Street (2-way to 1-way) from Van Reipen to Tuers
- On-street parking added on both sides of Academy Street
- Removal of surface lots on the west side of Bergen Avenue
- 14 net new on-street parking spaces
- Improved bus stops with bus shelters
- Green infrastructure
- Protected cycle track
- Relocation of PS 11's school bus drop-off to Academy Street
.png "outdoor engagement")
A (very) Brief History of Bergen Square
Bergen Square was established in 1660 as the village of Bergen on land long-utilized by Lenni Lenape Native American people. It was the first urban square established in the colonies and is the oldest continuously-inhabited European settlement in New Jersey. See below for some historic images of Bergen Square. For more information of the history of Bergen Square, check out the History Board.
The Apple Tree House
The Apple Tree House is located at 298 Academy Street, in Bergen Square. To learn more about the historic Apple Tree House visit this site: Apple Tree House – Jersey City Cultural Affairs (jerseycityculture.org).
In the fall of 2022, The Museum of the Jersey City will open their doors at the Apple Tree House.
Click here to learn more.