Why Can't New York City Be More Like Jersey City?

The things you see when you leave the New York City limits! This photo was taken on Grove Street in Jersey City last weekend en route to the PATH station after All Points West. Hung on a fence surrounding a vacant lot, the banner speaks volumes about the Garden State's famed anarcho-syndicalism, which has succeeding in directly carrying out the collective will through cutting-edge technology like text messaging. If only New York City developers would let Blackberry-toting urbanites decide their plans, maybe there'd be fewer "fabulous lofts" and more bars with Jalapeño poppers and backyard beer pong!... On second thought, let's go with the giant nail salon.

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By John Del Signore in News on August 13, 2008 3:02 PM

Comments [rss]

ianmac47

This is sort of old news, considering the banner went up in may ( http://www.newyorkssixth.com/2008/05/grove-street-development-needs-zoning.html )

The planned building needs a zoning change, but ultimately its a low rise residential building with ground floor retail that would fit in with the historic district. ( http://curbed.com/archives/2008/05/22/curbedwire_the_jersey_city_taco_bellcondo_conundrum.php )

The project replaces an old cinder block carpet store and an old, not-at-all historic church ( http://www.newyorkssixth.com/2006/12/majestic-ii.html ) Don't you religious types worry though, there are still three churches within 1,000 feet of the site.

nice job

There used to be a church on that lot. it was torn down last summer I believe. Exeter is building a condo on the spot relatively soon.

Also, there are no 99 cent stores or nail salons nearby. This is in the "nice" part of Jersey City.

ironybubble

Hell yeah, it would be great if this were a real way to aid in the process of zoning and property development.

babyhitler

taco bell? goddamn dumb poor people. It's chipotle you want.

NannyState

^Thank you. The lofts get built regardless of what credulous natives "text" in.

donovanrocks

Maybe "I" am not getting this...but I don't think Gothamist understands that sign. Clearly a "fabulous loft" is what is going up there (regardless of what anyone texts because those choices are a joke!). I don't mind that at all though really. It beats the ghetto Jersey City once was, and the trash dollar stores on Newark Ave. Although a 24 hour Taco Bell does sound great!!!

dogseat

I think this sign is something like a taunting joke.

There's an amazing, real taqueria a block from this sign.

There are nail salons and 99 cent stores nearby.

I think their gist is "What, you've got everything else you'd ever want, why not build some condos locals can't afford?"

drewo

#11 is on the mark. JC as next hipster central.

nonsmokinggun

Alex, you are exactly why we in Jersey City dreaded all of you coming over for APW. Now stay out.

foodofthefuture

i want a drive through nail salon with a 99 cent taco bell menu

Alex

APW was the first time I'd ever been in Jersey City, and let me tell you, it was fucking depressing. Jersey City is like the downtown area of every American city: extremely desolate and soul-less. It really made me appreciate NYC more.

kapusta

i'm voting for the nail salon

schizofriendly

Yuk it up all you want, Jersey City now has the gothic mystery and gin-u-wine krazies that made NYC famous for it's arts scene to begin with.