Hudson County and Jersey City Announce Partnership to Create the First Park in Journal Square

JERSEY CITY – Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop today announced a partnership to create a new approximately 3-acre public park in Journal Square as part of the construction of the Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex. The new complex will replace the antiquated Hudson County Administration Building located at 595 Newark Avenue, while the historic William J. Brennan Courthouse will remain and be partially renovated.

“Our partnership will create a beautiful new public park for residents to enjoy as the new courthouse complex serves as a catalyst for the revitalization of Journal Square,” said County Executive DeGise. “This long-overdue project will not only serve as an anchor for the neighborhood, but will also deliver much-needed traffic and circulation improvements.”

After the Hudson County Administration Building offices have been relocated to the new facility, Jersey City will pay for the demolition and removal of the vacated structure. Hudson County will turn over the land on which the building sits to Jersey City for use as open space.

“This agreement will bring the first park to the Journal Square area, where many kids and adults alike who live or work in the area will now have an open public space to enjoy,” said Mayor Fulop.  “This is the latest example not only of our continued efforts to transform areas in need of improvement for the betterment of our residents, but it also highlights the importance of partnerships between city and county government.  I also want to thank our local neighborhood organizations for working with us to find a plan that best meets the community’s needs.”

“Thank you to the county for working with us to create some much needed green space in Ward C,” said Councilman Richard Boggiano. With development happening everywhere in my ward, I’m really excited to have something like this for the thousands of people and families who live near Journal Square.”

“The Courthouse Park Advocacy Group is thrilled to see our dream of a new public park being created in the heart of Ward C become a reality,” said Laura Moss, Founder of the Courthouse Park Advocacy Group. “We wish to thank the City and the County for listening to the needs of our community and working together with us on this very important issue. This is a once in a generation opportunity and we look forward to continuing our support of this venture to create a world class green space for all residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex Overview

Since the 1980s, numerous studies have determined that the Hudson County Administration Building is inadequate and overburdened, all concluding that the building should be replaced. The new Honorable Frank J Guarini Justice Complex will house 24 Courtrooms, Hearing and Mediation Rooms, Grand Jury, and Jury Assembly spaces, Courts Administration, the Hudson County Prosecutor, the Surrogate, and the Sheriff’s Department.

The complex will be bounded by Newark Ave, Oakland Ave, Rt 139, and a new 2-way Central Avenue extension that will be constructed between Hoboken Ave and Newark Ave. Cook Street will be removed, and Oakland Avenue, currently a one-way street, will be widened to accommodate two-way traffic. The reconfigured street network will improve traffic flow through the neighborhood and facilitate access to the Journal Square Transportation Center.