Frequently Asked Questions

• What portion of JFK (Kennedy) Blvd. does this study include?

  This LCD study will focus on a 0.32 mile stretch in Jersey City beginning at Pavonia Avenue and ending at St. Paul’s Avenue. This area is very busy with pedestrians / bicyclists / transit users given its proximity to the Journal Square Transportation Center and PATH Plaza.

• What is a Local Concept Development (LCD) study?

  The LCD study is the first phase for federally funded transportation improvement projects. The LCD study phase includes data collection; coordination with local municipal officials, project stakeholders, and federal and state permitting agencies; public outreach; the development of a reasonable number of sensible and practical conceptual alternatives; and the recommendation of a Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA).

• Why is it necessary to conduct this study?

  This study is needed to address safety, operation, and maintenance concerns within the project limits. This project encompasses a portion of the NJTPA region’s highest ranked pedestrian corridor, meaning that this section is a high crash area for pedestrians / bicyclists. The project also includes two high-ranking pedestrian crash intersections – JFK (Kennedy) Blvd. at Newark Avenue (Ranked 11th) and at St. Paul’s Avenue (Ranked 27th). Corridors and intersections are ranked with 1 being the worst (i.e. high rank) location and a high number being a better location (i.e. low rank).

  Operational issues include poor signal coordination, improper yellow and all-red clearance intervals, insufficient pedestrian crossing times, and bus stop locations that may disrupt traffic flow. Maintenance issues include faded striping, uneven and poor pavement, undesirable cross slopes, poorly functioning drainage facilities, abandoned signal foundations, and missing or broken signs.

• How will the project benefit pedestrians and bicyclists?

  As part of the study, the Project Team is asking for input from the local officials and community stakeholders to understand what additional pedestrian and bicycle mobility and access is needed. When developing the Purpose and Need for improvements, all modes of transportation will be taken into consideration.

• Have the project's improvements been decided?

  The reason for this study is to identify the current transportation issues and needs along JFK (Kennedy) Blvd. between Pavonia Avenue and St. Paul’s Avenue. The project is currently in the LCD phase to identify the needs, develop alternatives and determine a Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) for improvements. Hudson County and cooperating agencies will continue to seek community input on the design and proposed transportation improvements during the LCD phase and future phases of the project.

• How much will it cost and who will pay for it?

  The cost of the LCD study is funded with Federal dollars. There is no estimated cost of the design and construction of the project since the Preliminary Preferred Alternative (PPA) has not been determined.

• How will the project affect the environment?

  Federally funded projects require environmental screening that follows the National Environmental Policy Act process (NEPA) to establish existing socioeconomic and environmental conditions and weigh the potential impacts that may be caused by the range of alternatives under consideration. Federal and state regulations require a careful assessment of potential environmental impacts and identification of mitigation or avoidance strategies that may be considered. Environmental resources include air, noise, hazardous or contaminated sites, parks, wetlands, water resources, ecological resources, threatened and endangered species, social and economic impacts and cultural resources such as historic structures and facilities.

• Why get involved?

  Your input is important to every phase of the study. The Project Team will collect information such as how the local community uses the roadway, any current traffic problems and how the public sees alternative solutions. Community outreach during the planning stages is a vital part of the LCD process and we encourage the community to follow, participate and help make sure every potential effective element has been considered and examined for its viability.

• Why attend the public meetings?

  Public meetings are a good way to make your voice heard. At public meetings, the Project Team will be present to answer your questions. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can stay up to date on project developments by visiting this website and reviewing the meeting minutes and PowerPoint presentation.

• What is the schedule for the JFK (Kennedy) Blvd. LCD study?
  • Local Officials Briefing: January 2020
  • Community Stakeholders Meeting: January 2020
  • Public Information Center: February 2020
  • Local Officials Briefing: August 2020
  • Community Stakeholders Meeting: September 2020
  • Public Information Center: September 2020
  • Local Officials Briefing: TBD
• How can I stay informed, ask questions, or offer suggestions?

  The Project Team is committed to keeping the public informed throughout the JFK (Kennedy) Blvd. LCD Study. Our aim is to keep you up to date on the project and respond to your questions and concerns. You can stay up to date on project developments by visiting this website and reviewing the meeting minutes and meeting presentations.

  We encourage community members to voice their concerns and contribute suggestions. For questions or comments, contact the Community Involvement Facilitator, Nicole Pace-Addeo, via email at npace@stokescg.com for more info.