Bergen Square in Jersey City, first established in 1660, has been revitalized into a modern park and plaza.
The $1.8 million project has transformed old parking lots into a lively public space with improved parking, safety features, and areas for community events.
- Bergen Square, set up in 1660, is the oldest European settlement still living today in New Jersey and the first urban square in the American colonies.
- The recent project turned parking lots into 5,400 square feet of space for people to walk and relax, improving the area for community use and safety.
- The new design includes safer streets, more parking spots, better bus stops, and native plants, honoring the area’s rich history and culture.
Big Changes in the Heart of Jersey City
Bergen Square, in the middle of Jersey City, is one of the oldest town squares in the country. It was started by Dutch settlers in 1660 in the village of Bergen.
Recently, the square got a big makeover, changing parking lots into a lively area for walking and relaxing that covers 5,400 square feet, creating new fun places to visit in New Jersey.
Mayor Steven Fulop, the City Council, local dignitaries, and community members celebrated the reopening of Bergen Square, which showcased its rich history and new amenities.
“Bergen Square was established in 1660 as the village of Bergen on land long-utilized by the Lenni Lenape Native American people,” the city says.
This renovation not only honors the past but also looks forward to creating a usable outdoor public space for everyone to enjoy.
Revamp Brings New Life to Bergen Square
The Department of Infrastructure led the update of Bergen Square, with help from residents and local groups. The project focused on keeping history alive while adding modern design. As a result, the area now features a pedestrian-friendly plaza, park space, and traffic safety upgrades.
“Our vision for Bergen Square is to build a usable outdoor public space in the heart of Journal Square for everyone to enjoy,” said Mayor Fulop.
The project makes walking safer by raising the intersection and also improves one of the busiest bus stops in the city.
It creates a safer drop-off area for Pre-K through 8th grade students attending Martin Luther King, Jr. School, P.S. #11.
Bergen Square Revitalized with Historic & Modern Upgrades
Dr. James Dievler, a member of the Bergen Square Committee and organizer of Bergen Square Day, discussed the area’s importance:
“Bergen Square is the first permanent European settlement in Jersey City and New Jersey. Since 1660 and before, it has been a site of community exchange and cross-cultural interaction.”
The new design includes several updates:
- 14 additional on-street parking spaces
- Improved traffic flow
- Public transit stops with bus shelters
- Native landscaping and green infrastructure
- Relocated school bus drop-off for P.S. 11 to Academy Street
- Removal of surface parking lots while creating more parking opportunities
- Historic signage
In 2018, Mayor Fulop formed the Bergen Square Committee to strengthen the area’s historical identity and activate it as a vibrant public space.
The Journal Square Special Improvement District will partner with the city to maintain the plaza amenities daily.
New Green Spaces Transform Bergen Square
A half mile from Bergen Square, plans are underway for a new 3-acre Courthouse Park, the first large park in Journal Square.
While there are no public parks within walking distance, a 30-foot-tall oak tree has been planted in Bergen Square to provide immediate shade and greenery.
Barkha Patel, Director of the Department of Infrastructure, said, “With the Bergen Square revitalization project, we are introducing outdoor recreational space to the rapidly growing Journal Square area.”
The new space celebrates Jersey City’s past, present, and future.
The $1.8 million project at Bergen Avenue and Academy Street turned two parking lots into a plaza with grass, trees, tables, and benches. The intersection has a school, grocery store, apartments, and shops, making it a daily part of people’s lives.
