The Development of Jersey City: An Interview with James H. Hughes, Ph. D, Dean of Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy

(Woods) Considering the history of Jersey City development, overall what are the major trends and or changes it has seen in recent years?

(Hughes) "Going back 100 years ago Jersey City was known for manufacturing, rail yards, and it's distribution centers."

"During the 50's and 60's they disappeared."

Jersey City has gone through a post economy in the past 25 years

- very high paying jobs
- there is more office space in Jersey City then there is in downtown Pittsburgh Penn.

{ Basic trend for J.C}
New office buildings
Will continue residential developments
The planning of residential developments will continue

Note: Jersey City has an overbuilt office market

(Woods) Historically why did New York City grow but Jersey City did not?

(Hughes) - It grew in different ways, it's an accident in history.
- The Dutch settled in Manhattan.
- During the earlier settlement, Manhattan was just easier to get to when traveling by water.

(Woods) Is the development in Jersey City speeding up? Do you think it's going too fast?

(Hughes) "Office development is slowing by itself, I don't think any of it's going too fast."

- new high rise
- new sites
- seeing in field development, vacant lots
- not only the waterfront

(Woods) Can Jersey City ever be the next New York? And why?

(Hughes) "Nothing can compare to New York."
- New York has so much wealth,
- Large office space

Jersey City is always going to dwarfed by New York City."

(Woods) What do you think attracts developers like Donald Trump to Jersey City?

(Hughes) "Housing prices have gotten so high in New York City."

The things that attract developers....

- Are the lower cost
- Jersey City has great views of Manhattan

"Jersey City has geography going for it."