Christ Hospital, Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ
Mayor James Solomon, Councilmember Jake Ephros, and Councilmember Tom Zuppa today announced that the Jersey City Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the Planning Board to investigate whether the former Christ Hospital site in the Jersey City Heights could be designated as an area in need of redevelopment with the power of condemnation — a necessary first step that would give the city new tools, potentially including eminent domain, to ensure medical services return to the neighborhood.
The resolution, which will be considered at the March 25 Municipal Council meeting, does not make any final determination about the site's future. It initiates a formal investigation and public hearing process through the Planning Board, which will assess whether the properties meet the legal criteria under New Jersey's Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1) for redevelopment designation.
"The Heights community deserves access to quality healthcare, and it's our responsibility to explore every legal tool available to make that happen," said Mayor James Solomon. "This is the beginning of a process, not the end, but it's an important beginning."
"When Christ Hospital closed, it left a real void for families in the Heights who depended on it," said Councilmember Jake Ephros. "This resolution is about making sure our community has a seat at the table as we figure out what comes next for that site."
"Our residents have been through enough," said Councilmember Tom Zuppa. "Taking this step means we're serious about fighting for healthcare access in this neighborhood, and we're using every tool the law gives us to do it."
If the Planning Board determines the site meets the legal criteria, it will make a recommendation to the City Council, which would then decide whether to formally designate the area for redevelopment. A public hearing will be held as part of the Planning Board's investigation, giving residents the opportunity to weigh in.