December Edition: Social Party 12/14, Fundraiser still live!
Hello neighbor,
We're near the end of the year so that means celebrations! Join us this Thursday 12/14 at 6:30pm for a fun social gathering. More information down below.
Take Action
Bus Rapid Transit Gaining Media Recognition - Sign our JFK Blvd Petition!
The New York Times published an article earlier this week highlighting the benefits of better bus infrastructure. Hudson County Complete Streets is campaigning for BRT on JFK Boulevard and we need your help by signing this petition or by contacting your County Commissioner.
#Fix139: Say NO to a dangerous highway that divides Journal Square and Heights
With the help of the RAISE and RCP federal grants, cities are pushing forward efforts to cap or remove highways that have long divided communities and created social and economic devastation for disadvantaged communities. These grants were designed to fix or eliminate facilities that hurt community connectivity and burden communities with noise and air pollution. Route 139U matches every eligibility criteria defined by the federal government.
The NJDOT and state elected officials must cease perpetuating these inequities and address the community’s need for safe, green, multi-modal roadway instead of a highway. Sign this petition to demand action now!
Comments for JFK Replacement Bridge over 139 due December 22
The NJDOT has opened public comments for the planned replacement of a JFK bridge over 139, and a 139 bridge over the abandoned railroad. Here are some suggested talking points to include in your comments.
- The 139 bridge is over the Bergen Arches ROW. There is an opportunity to preserve future access here and having some visual shielding of the traffic on the new bridge.
- Confirm the sidewalks are not being reduced in width as the presentation is not very clear.
- The project staging is going to have all of Eastbound Skyway traffic forced to exit at Tonnelle Circle, and then go through the circle to access 139. This may push more drivers to the turnpike, which will in turn push more traffic to downtown Jersey City. It's not clear from that point that drivers won't work their way through St. Paul's Ave and other local cut-throughs.
- Are there opportunities for bus stop and shelter and/or bike parking/shed locations here?
- Will there be lighting in this area, especially pedestrian level lighting on the sidewalk?
- It says one sidewalk will be maintained during construction at all times, and it should ensure sufficient width for bikes and pedestrians in both directions to share it.
- The crosswalk could use some RRFBs or other pedestrian treatment. Reducing the curb radii should also be considered.
- Consider center line delineators/curbing to prevent folks from driving around cars waiting to turn left to turn left quicker.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Social Thursday 12/14 6:30pm
Join us this Thursday evening for an informal gathering with safe streets advocates. Celebrate the small wins and let’s look forward to what changes we want to see in 2024!
Our online calendar is being updated frequently with community rides and other events. Make sure to bookmark the page!
Giving Tuesday and End of Year Fundraiser
We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to our end of year fundraiser. We have reached 80% of our goal since launching the fundraiser on November 10! Visit our page to read our annual appeal and make a donation.
And watch this one minute inspiring clip to support our mission.
Worth Reading / Worth Watching
- World Day of Remembrance is always a somber day. If you missed the event in Jersey City and want to listen to heartfelt speeches, watch the recording here.
- The first phase of the Greenway will begin in 2024 in the Kearny and Newark area. Watch the announcement from NJDEP.
Our Campaigns
- Sign, forward and share our active campaigns for #FixJFKBlvd, 14th St. Viaduct, Boulevard East, and the Turnpike Trap.
- Visit our advocacy groups and reach out to them. We are still looking for local leaders in West New York, Guttenberg, Harrison, and Kearny.
- Join our Slack Workspace or browse the get involved page to find other ways to help.
Around the Hudson
- Tell Your NJ State Senator to Pass Target Zero Legislation (S2885).
- Harrison launched "Harrison Streets for All" earlier this year. The presentations with all the data collected are now available on the website.
- The New Jersey State Plan is being updated. The plan contains a holistic framework on how land is used and to guide future development. Residents can now participate in a survey or make public comments online.
- The Greenway outreach is underway with construction starting in 2024! Make sure to stay up to date here.
- NJ TRANSIT is conducting their 2023 Customer Survey.
- Rutgers and NJ TRANSIT are collaborating on a study about how different groups experience NJ TRANSIT services. The online survey questionnaire can be found here.
- Tri-State Transportation Campaign are pushing for funding NJ TRANSIT. Sign the petition here.