I recently got a press release from a  communications director, inviting me to a Groundbreaking of Phase I of a project which will ultimately bring two-residential towers and 900 luxury rental residences to the Liberty Harbor North neighborhood. I don’t really consider myself a “news person”  but the fact that I was invited to this piqued my interest. I also love going to things where there is free coffee!!

The subject of change and gentrification is a touchy one…. I am going on my 7th year of living in Jersey City and I have my reservations at the idea of thousands of people moving in. It means waiting longer for a table at brunch!

All jokes aside, every person I interview on this blog that’s been a long time JC resident, I always ask them this question “How do you feel about the way Jersey City is changing? most people respond by saying that there are the positives, like being able to hang out and have a good time here without going into Manhattan; good food, drinks, things to do for the kids, shopping, culture and also feeling safe….and the negatives; higher rents, people getting pushed out because they can’t afford it anymore… and a longer wait for a table at Marco & Pepes.

All that being said, change is happening.

I decided to go to this thing, again for the free coffee and to show my support to our Mayor, soon to be stylish peep Steve Fulop at this “groundbreaking” event. What I loved most was what the Mayor said, that a development like this creates jobs. He said “you hear that noise? that’s the noise of people working”. He’s so cool!! I also love what he is doing about limiting chain stores! Keeping it local, which I am all about.

I sincerely enjoyed being there as part of the “press” team. When someone asked me who I work for I said, “ChicpeaJC, a fun blog about Jersey City!”