HPHA Public Meeting

Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church

August 1, 2024

Meeting called to order at 7:35pm

Presentation of June Public Meeting Minutes

6/6/24 HPHA Public Meeting Minutes

One correction noted for the DOC section for 50 Hudson. Minutes approved by unanimous vote of membership present.

Battle of Paulus Hook Budget

Motion to untable Battle of Paulus Hook budget presented at the June public meeting approved. The $1000 will primarily be used to pay for the fifes and drum core.

The Battle of Paulus Hook event budget was approved by a membership of 6 yes votes and one abstention. 

Downtown Coalition of Neighborhood Associations

HPHA Co-Presidents Stephanie Daniels and Diane Kaese attended a meeting of the Downtown Coalition of Neighborhood Associations. The primary topic of conversation was the proposed construction of an oversized hotel building at 201 Newark Ave and neighborhood associations are coordinating a response to block the developer from being granted a variance without meeting with the community. In addition, there was discussion of the Exchange Place Alliance with Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association (see below).

Development Oversight

• Bell Fuse garage at Van Vorst and Sussex: The proposed design is out of character with the neighborhood. Diane met with the architect to present ideas on how to blend it in better.
• Warren and Sussex: The new construction on the NW corner is being raised to match the height of surrounding buildings.

Discussion of Exchange Place Alliance

• The Exchange Place Alliance is trying to move their boundaries to include all of Paulus Hook as well as parts of the Powerhouse District. HPHA’s concern is that they don’t seek input from the public when embarking on projects. Diane and Stephanie will meet with Councilmen James Solomon and Frank Gilmore to discuss. 
• We need to understand the scope of their plans and how it will benefit them. They are able to levy taxes on commercial buildings, but not on residents. 

Discussion of Public Safety 

An HPHA member brought forward concerns for public safety hazards for pedestrians and cyclists in the neighborhood. 

• Once concern was lack of pedestrian signals on Jersey St., just south of Grand (to cross from the hospital to the light rail station. It was recommended that he contact Councilmen Solomon and Gilmore as well as the Jersey City Director of Infrastructure, Barkha Patel. 
• The street lights on Sussex from Warren to Greene are obstructed by trees. This is a PSEG issue and they should move the lights below the canopy.
• The crosswalk at Montgomery and Washington is problematic for the seniors crossing slowly between 72 Montgomery and 100 Montgomery
• Board president volunteered to make these issues known to the appropriate city departments

Upcoming Events

• National Night Out: August 6, 6-9:30pm, Hamilton Park
• Battle of Paulus Hook: August 19, 6pm, Washington and Dudley 

Meeting adjourned at 8:35pm