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Sustainable Jersey Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable Jersey Certification Report of Jersey City, a Sustainable Jersey silver certified applicant.

Jersey City was certified on December 18, 2017 with 375 points. Listed below is information regarding Jersey City’s Sustainable Jersey efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Jersey contact for Jersey City is:

Name:Amanda Diamond
Title/Position:Director, Division of Sustainability / Infrastructure
Address:13-15 Linden Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone:2015473035

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Jersey City was approved for in 2017 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • Animals in the Community

    Pledge Supporting NJ Wildlife Action Plan

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Wildlife Action Plan Introduction Because this is a task undertaken as a direct result of Jersey City's SJ Application, this resolution was included as an attachment to the Sustainable Jersey Distribution memorandum. The cover memo including the distribution list is attached. In addition, the distribution is always undertaken by the City Clerk after every council meeting. A copy of the City Clerk Certification is attached.

  • Community Partnership & Outreach

    Create Green Team

    10 Points
    Bronze Required Silver Required

    Program Summary: In September of 2014, the City Council passed ordinance 14.105, which identified the Jersey City Environmental Commission as the official Green Team of the city. An updated proclamation of support for the Green Team and intent to participate in Sustainable Jersey was issued by the Mayor on August 28, 2017. In October 2010, the City reorganized the Environmental Commission, and their first meeting was held on May 23, 2011. The Environmental Commission is served by nine members who are residents of the City appointed by the Mayor. A planner with the Jersey City Division of Planning serves as the Secretary of the Commission and as a liaison between the City and Commission. The Environmental Commission works on a number of environmental issues for the city and provides recommendations for actions, initiatives, and policies. The Commission meets monthly; all meetings are open to the public. The Commission recently created a working group specifically focused on Sustainable Jersey Certification and actions. This working group has met three times since May 2017. The two projects that the working group has focused on is doing a survey and analysis of the diversity of the City's Boards & Commissions and creating a green business certification program, both of which have been completed.

    Community Education & Outreach

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Community Education and Outreach Community education and outreach is an important component for the Year of Water. Various outreach techniques have been used to engage the public. On April 19th the City hosted a movie night and panel and discussion on the importance of installing green infrastructure. On June 8th, 2017, the City will host its first ever science fair for students grades 5-12 in City Hall. The purpose of the science fair is to encourage students to come up with innovative projects concerning any area of water management. The Office of Innovation will table at farmer markets throughout to summer to engage and educate the residents by providing education materials and resources. The City just launched a education water resource site: water.innovatejerseycity.org

  • Diversity & Equity

    Diversity on Boards & Commissions

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Jersey City Green Team conducted a survey in August 2017 of the diversity on the City's Boards and Commissions. This survey was sent out to the members of the following boards and commissions: Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Environmental Commission, Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and the Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners. Of the forty-one members of the boards and commissions active at the time of distribution, twenty-five completed the survey, or 61%. The Google Form that was sent out to these boards can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13GSrONR3QBakz2V6THSLAH3UabECPi0t66TPIgVGWps/edit?ts=5970f5d3 The results of the survey and the final recommendations are attached. The results and recommendations were distributed to the boards that answered the survey as well as the Mayor's Office and City Council. The Green Team presented the findings to the City Council at the Council Caucus Meeting on Monday, November 13, 2017. A recording of the Council Caucus meeting can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwufZ85mJ2w. The specific minutes/discussion can be found at 30:32 and 35:38.

    Lead Education & Outreach Programs

    10 Points

    Program Summary: • We are a designated Children’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP ). What this means is that we are funded to provide case management and environmental intervention services to children who have been identified as lead poisoned according to the guidelines of the program. • In 2008 an ordinance was created and signed by Jersey City to implement a system of notification to parents in daycare centers and schools, mainly first grade, to have their children tested for lead. (see attach). • As per state CLPPP request and additional funding, a memorandum of agreement was signed between Jersey City and Bayonne and Jersey City and Hoboken to provide case management services to children with elevated blood lead levels.

  • Emergency Management & Resiliency

    Climate Adaptation: Flooding Risk

    20 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The City has gone above and beyond the requirements for this task by creating a Resiliency Master Plan which will be adopted as an element of the Jersey City Master Plan this summer, along with an Adaptation Master Plan, and a Green Infrastructure Plan. Three other documents were also created as part of this project: a Capital Improvement Plan, proposed Zoning & Building Code Amendments, and a Design Standards. The Resiliency Master Plan addresses flooding risk, storm surge risk, vulnerable infrastructure, and vulnerable populations within the City. Based on the above vulnerabilities, the Resiliency Master Plan prioritizes area for infrastructure improvements that will protect the City during significant storm events. The Adaptation Master Plan identifies which infrastructure improvements should go where and also identifies other adaptive measures that can be implemented citywide to make Jersey City more resilient. The Green Infrastructure Plan identifies the types of green infrastructure improvements that should be implemented in different topographical areas of the City and looks at a few specific projects and how these would benefit the City. The Capital Improvement Plan prioritizes the infrastructure projects that were identified in the Adaptation Master Plan and creates a timetable for implementation. The proposed Zoning and Building Code Amendments document identifies areas of the City Code and the State building code that need to be updated in order to reflect the recommendations of the Adaptation Master Plan and includes draft versions of the recommended changes. Lastly, the Design Standards document is an approachable guide for residents, developers, and City staff that outlines different green infrastructure and resilient design elements that can be incorporated into new and existing buildings. This document includes many visuals so that the concepts are easy to understand. The City compiled a large group of internal and external stakeholders to craft these documents and had several meetings to discuss the findings of the project as well as the recommended adaptive measures that the City should take. Stakeholders included City staff, the Environmental Commission, the Jersey City Innovation Team, the MUA, Rutgers University, members of the public, and other organizations that are part of the Jersey City Green Infrastructure Municipal Action Team (GI MAT). The GI MAT meets regularly to address various environmental issues related to climate change and sea level rise. Communication between the various organizations about actions to remedy Jersey City’s deficiencies were exchanged and green infrastructure, policy, and outreach solutions were identified. The meeting minutes and sign-in sheets from several of the GI MAT meetings where this project was discussed are included in the supporting documentation. The City held an Open House on October 25, 2016, and a Public Meeting on March 23, 2017, to discuss this project with members of the public. Draft copies of the Resiliency Master Plan, Adaptation Master Plan, and Green Infrastructure Plan were available on the City website for members of the public and comments on the drafts were accepted for three weeks after the public meeting date. Changes were then made to the plans to reflect these comments. More detailed information about this project is available on the City website at http://www.jerseycitynj.gov/resiliency/. In order to meet the requirements of this Sustainable Jersey Action, the City has also utilized the NJ Flood Mapper Tool and the GTR Tool. The maps generated through the NJ Flood Mapper Tool were used to give our team a good visualization of the various scenarios of sea level rise. We noticed that Jersey City is extremely vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and steps need to be taken soon to address these problems. The GTR Tool was very helpful for addressing individual deficiencies of the municipal plans, policies, agencies, and for identifying resources that can be utilized to better tackle the issues of climate change. The required documentation for these tools has been provided.

  • Energy

    Purchase Alternative Fuel Vehicles

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Jersey City took an asset based inventory of its fleet for Sustainable Jersey purposes, with Vehicle Type, *Vehicle Identification Number, *Year, *Make, *Model, Date of last maintenance. The total fleet is 954 vehicles. The resources required to track all of the measures required by SJ for a fleet of this size would be considerable, as it would be to undertake the evaluation process as delineated by SJ, although we are continuing to explore how to achieve a comparable tracking system. Meanwhile, Jersey City implemented an alternate methodology wherein a baseline inventory was established, along with goals to purchase hybrids and reduce the total number of vehicles by 20%. Jersey City has been purchasing hybrid vehicles and increasing the fuel efficiency of its fleet. We hope we can gain credit and recognition for this priority item. In May of 2009 a resolution of the City Council was passed to purchase 5 hybrid vehicles for the Department of Public Works and the Automotive Division. It was recommended in the Action Report based on the fleet inventory that these Departments would most benefit from alternative fuel cars since they required multiple and daily car trips to perform their work duties. So far, (5) Hybrid Vehicles were purchased.

  • Food

    Community Gardens

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The City of Jersey City continues to support community gardening through the Adopt A Lot program and through partnerships with City schools. In the City of Jersey City there are several pre-K and elementary school classes using their school gardens as an outdoor classroom to stimulate the students’ connection to nature, explore the process of growing healthy vegetables and herbs and to teach the students about sustainability. The school administrators, teachers, PTA, and parent volunteers believe it is critical to start healthy eating and nutritional education early; before childhood obesity can take hold. Their focus to help the students and their families learn about the benefits of sound nutritional habits are necessary for optimal growth and development. The Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services assists these schools by providing them with a mini grant to purchase gardening supplies such as; individual planters, seedlings, herbs, soil, fertilizers, and pollinators. In addition, the funds are used for seed starting kits for use with interested families to strengthen the home-school connection. The Department of Health and Human Services also offers interested schools with a nutritional health coach to speak to the students about alternative healthy meals including an interactive activity. In addition, if the school does not have a master gardener, we provide them with one to teach the teachers, PTA, parent volunteers and the students how to maintain a garden and which vegetables are good to grow in different seasons. Although this particular service was not used in the 2016-2017 school year, it has already been requested for the 2017-2018 school year. The City also supports community gardening through the successful Adopt A Lot program (http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/AdoptALot/). Attached is a list of the Adopt A Lot Community Gardens active in 2017. Also included are proposals for the mini grants and photos of the school garden and the nutritional health coach demonstration at PS 5.

    Buy Fresh Buy Local Programs

    10 Points

    Program Summary: In 2017 the City of Jersey City published an ad in EdibleJersey advertising local foods at Jersey City Farmers' Markets. This ad uses the Buy Fresh Buy Local logo. The City's nine farmers markets all have fresh local produce and advertise their vendors via their own marketing materials.

    Farmers Markets

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Jersey City currently has nine active farmers' markets. Each market has its own season schedule and operating hours but generally all of the markets run from the late spring to late fall. WIC and FMNP vouchers are accepted by select vendors at each market. The City advertises all of the farmers' markets on its website and assists market managers in obtaining permits to have markets on City-owned parks and plazas. The costs of running each market vary depending on their size. Two popular and long-running farmers' markets in Jersey City are the Historic Downtown SID Farmers' Market by the Grove Street Path Station which is held every Monday and Thursday 11am-7pm May-December and the Riverview Park Farmers' Market in the Heights which is held every Sunday 10am-3pm May-November. Both of these markets also feature events like live music and yoga classes.

    Making Farmers Markets Accessible

    5 Points

    Program Summary: The City of Jersey City is well-serviced by public transit options and the City's nine farmers' markets are no exception. All of the City's markets are walkable and near transit options. The City's largest farmers' market is the Historic Downtown SID Farmers' Market in the Grove Street Plaza by the Grove Street PATH station. A map showing that the market is located directly above the PATH station is attached. Another popular farmers' market, the Riverview Farmers Market, takes place in Riverview-Fiske Park, a municipal park that is ADA accesible and has a bus stop, for at least 3 different NJ Transit buses, immediately outside of the park. Additionally, this bus stop is frequented by private company jitneys that provide service at least every 15-20 minutes. There is also a light rail station with an elevator that is only four blocks away. Every farmers' market in Jersey City has at least one vendor that accepts SNAP, WIC, FMNP, or EBT benefits. The City received a grant from Wholesome Wave to provide Double Bucks benefits to those using SNAP/EBT cards at three farmers' markets: Arlington Park, Lincoln Park, and Riverview.

  • Green Design

    Green Building Policy/Resolution

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Green Building Policy We have provided Certification from our City Clerk that all Ordinances and Resolutions are sent to department heads after every City Council meeting. We have also provided a link to the WEB page and a Screen shot. This ordinance is posted on the Cover Page of the City of Jersey City HOME page in the NEWS SECTION, in the paragraph entitled “ 365 Days of Green Initiatives All Across Jersey City”, along with other Sustainable Ordinances. A PDF of the web page containing it is attached. You can also access the site on the WEB at: http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/ Attached are our Green Buildings Policy Ordinances submitted as a pre-requisite to further Green Design Actions. At the present time, Jersey City has incentivized voluntary Green Initiatives and required Sustainable Green Building Standards for City owned buildings and municipal projects. A further expanded policy that is expressed in the Sustainable Land Use Pledge is also submitted for your consideration and review. That more recent action elevates these 2009 Resolution steps into more binding Zoning initiatives.

    Site Plan Green Design Standards

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Application&Checklists were provided. JC is attacking the challenge of implementing green building requirements on several fronts: 1) Through incremental changes in traditional Zoning Ordinance Requirements; 2) Through adoption of progressive redevelopment plans; 3) Through adoption of innovative zoning tools. 1) Zoning Ordinance amendment insuring agricultural uses, gardens, farmers-markets & greenhouses are permitted was adopted. A Zoning Ordinance Amendment requiring Green Roof Designs was adopted. 2) JC through the JerseyCity redevelopment Agency-JCRA issued an RDQ for the creation of a GreenGuide for JC Development and an expanded Green Resources WEB site. At the meeting of August 16, 2011, a contract was authorized with Clarke-Caton-Hinz, the Land-Use-Law-Center-for-Sustainable-Development, and Vertices-LLC. The contract is in the amount not to exceed $110,000.00 and will be funded through the Energy-Efficiency-Community-Block-Grant. A copy of the resolution and project scope is attached as an up-loaded document. 3) Sustainable New-Urbanist redevelopment plans have been adopted. The best most recent example is the Canal Crossing Redevelopment Plan Area. It is a 140 acre industrial area designed for transit oriented development with higher densities around the two light rail stations, required LEED Certified buildings, and pedestrian friendly streets. HUD and DOT awarded the JCRA $2.3 Million to implement a new sustainable community in JC. Studies have begun to design sustainable infrastructure. 4) JC was awarded a Smart Growth Grant and Agricultural Bank Grant totaling $130,000 to implement Transfer of Development Rights within the City. JC will be the first Urban area to implement this tool. Multiple Charrettes, city wide have taken place over the past year. The final ordinance is expected to be adopted in December 2011.

    New Construction

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Green Design Municipal Buildings The Mayor and Council of Jersey City have embraced these standards and held to them. There have been two new construction municipal buildings proposed, both meeting LEED requirements. One, referred to as the Jersey City Public Safety communications Center, (AKA the Bishop Street Facility), is completed and has been awarded LEED Silver. The certificate is attached. The second is a New Municipal Public Works Complex that will house the , Engineering & Traffic Divisions, Department of Public Works, municipal garage, and the City Police K-9 Unit. The application for receipt of certification is pending.

  • Health & Wellness

    Building Healthier Communities

    20 Points

    Program Summary: In September 2013, Mayor Steven Fulop declared Jersey City a new Let’s Move City and signed the Mayors Wellness Campaign pledge to help Jersey City residents lead healthier lives and to reduce illnesses associated with obesity. A press release regarding these announcements is attached below. In 2016, Jersey City was named a NJ Healthy Town by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute. The following video features the Mayor talking about the City's efforts in these initiatives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcIszsErWO8. A press release from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute is attached below. Jersey City's Recreation Department (http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/recreation/) offers a varied and comprehensive selection of programs for youth, adults, and seniors at the City's many facilities. The City's Recreation programs for 2017 are attached. One important community venue for programming is the Bethune Center. More information about the programs offered at the Bethune Center can be found on it's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BethuneCenter/.

    Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Public Places

    10 Points

    Program Summary: All of Jersey City's parks are smoke-free. The ban was enacted through ordinance 13.110, adopted by City Council on October 9, 2013. Signs have been placed throughout the City's parks. The signs used can be seen in the photos in the attached article.

  • Innovative Projects

    Innovative Community Project 1

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Jersey City's successful community gardening program, the Adopt A Lot program, was amended in 2015 and these revisions were codified in City Ordinance 15-088. As part of the revisions the program was placed under the administration of the Department of Health & Human Services. The City provides sheds, tools, and mulch to all Adopt A Lots. As of 2017 there are eight active Adopt A Lot gardens, one of which is on the front lawn of City Hall, and it is a partnership between the City, City Green, and the Jersey City Moms Association. It is a butterfly rain garden were the children are able to walk through and learn about the life cycle of butterflies - moreover, the garden is maintained by the Jersey City Moms group on a daily basis, and the City continues to provide water and mulch to the garden.

    Innovative Community Project 3

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The City Hall Demonstration Site allows the community to come and experience/learn about the various types of green infrastructure the City promotes during the Year of Water. The office of Innovation within Jersey City's Mayor's office is tasked with overseeing implementation and maintenance. The completed projects include a rain garden, bioswale tree pit, rain barrel, and porous pavement. Information on the porous pavement used can be found here: http://www.porouspaveinc.com/introducing/ There will be a tour of the City Hall Demonstration Site on September 9th, 2017. Those interested can sign up for the tour here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzb6c-BtMjtoQMr7VOfUn4vS-WSXGvmLhEXpch3Sqc1ds3Zw/viewform?platform=hootsuite

  • Land Use & Transportation

    Sustainable Land Use Pledge

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Sustainable Land Use Pledge Our Mayor and the Council, Chief of Staff, Green Committee, Planning and Zoning, and Environmental Commission members all worked together with the Division of City Planning to compile the sustainable practices of the City and craft a Sustainable Land Use Pledge. It incorporates all the SJ proclamation elements and specific initiatives unique to Jersey City. This extensive resolution was adopted by the City council on March 23, 2011. Discussion on the initiatives within the resolution and its goal to continue the implementation of Smart Growth Practices was discussed with City Council members and aired via the Local Cable Station for wider visibility. As per the requirements of SJ, this and other resolutions associated with Conservation and sustainable practices were originally distributed in April of 2011 to all Development Board members, Department and Division Directors and other key staff members for implementation. Many of these individuals were consulted on the drafting of the resolution, but were provided with a memorandum containing a collection of all the most recent resolutions and ordinances advancing the goals of sustainability and environmental balance. The Sustainable Land Use Pledge, along with a new resolution reaffirming the City's commitment to Environmental Sustainability and combatting climate change, was redistributed to the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Redevelopment Agency, and Environmental Commission on September 7, 2017. The memorandum accompanying this distribution and copies of the emails sent have been up-loaded for your reference.

    Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Plan

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Jersey City's Transportation Planner worked with collaborating agencies to adopt a Bicycle Plan in the Circulation Element of the City's Master Plan. This Circulation Element adopts as a City standard a street-regulating plan that regulates the form of all streets, bike lanes, where feasible, and sidewalks in accordance with the street typologies and illustrated hierarchy of streets in the City. What has been accomplished is a new policy that will be used to guide the design of all streets within the city to promote bicycle-friendly development.

    Transit-Oriented Development Supportive Zoning

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Most of the City is transit-oriented. Additionally, a number of the City's Redevelopment Plans have density and affordable housing requirements around transit hubs. The TOD element to the Morris canal plan has effectively turned the surrounding area into a Transit Oriented Development. The buildings that have been developed in this area permit fewer parking spaces (.9 per unit), require higher density, give affordable housing bonuses, allow for mixed uses, encourage bicycle usage, encourage walking, have park-and-ride facilities, and provide access to the Liberty HBLR Station.

  • Local Economies

    Green Business Recognition Program

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The City created a Green Business Certification Program in order to make the public aware of the efforts that local businesses are making to become more sustainable and to encourage businesses aware of the benefits of being green. Jersey City modeled its program after the successful Green Business Program created by the Town of Secaucus, NJ. The Jersey City program allows businesses to earn points for green practices like energy efficiency and composting. Businesses are able to earn Leaf Level certification with a minimum of 10 points. Additional certification levels will be introduced as the program matures. The Jersey City Green Business Certification Program did a "soft" launch in early September 2017 with the certification of three businesses: Lackawanna Coffee, Warehouse Cafe, and Smith & Chang General Goods. These three small local businesses practice actions such as composting customer food waste, purchasing products from local or regional suppliers, and using non-toxic approaches for pest prevention. The Jersey City Green Business Certification Program will officially launch in October 2017 with a press release, posting of application materials on the Jersey City Small Business Services website, and the issuance of window decals to Certified Green Businesses. In 2018, at least three of the monthly Business Development Workshops that Jersey City Small Business Services hosts will be devoted to green business development topics. There will a Green Fair in April that will highlight the businesses that have been certified through the program. Also, as part of the annual Jersey City Small Business Awards, special awards will be given out in 2018 to exemplary green businesses that have been recognized through the program. The City aims to register at least 25 businesses by the end of 2018. This program is intended to complement the efforts already being made by the City of Jersey City to support local businesses through the Jersey City Small Business Services Office. Application materials and a timeline of activities for 2017-2018 are attached. Also attached are the materials for the three businesses certified so far.

    Buy Local Campaign

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, an autonomous branch of the City, celebrates and bolsters local small businesses throughout Jersey City. Every year for the past three years they have hosted an event that focuses on a speciality that a group of local, small businesses specializes in. This year they celebrated local Jersey City bakers and confectionaries, and they were hosted in the City Hall Council Chambers. Lots of vendors and residents attended, and the Mayor gave out awards recognizing Jersey City's small businesses. **** As per comments - the website to the event is http://www.destinationjerseycity.com/events/1082/?ac=072503773802 **** The JCEDC has been working to promote and encourage growth in small businesses in Jersey City. The Small Business website: http://www.jcsmallbiz.com/ includes a business directory, listing of upcoming events and Business Development Classes. This is the one stop place for small businesses in Jersey City to get information related to open/sustaining a business in Jersey City

    Support Local Businesses

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Jersey City Economic Development Corporation was incorporated in 1980 as a private 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation with the support of the Jersey City Administration and Municipal Council. The JCEDC has been working to promote and encourage growth in small businesses in Jersey City. The Small Business website: http://www.jcsmallbiz.com/ includes a business directory, listing of upcoming events and Business Development Classes. This is the one stop place for small businesses in Jersey City to get information related to open/sustaining a business in Jersey City. The Office of Small Business will conduct a small business Award ceremony to recognize and thank businesses for their contribution their surrounding community. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion mission is to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse, high-performing workforce that draws from all segments of society, and values fairness, diversity and inclusion.

  • Natural Resources

    Natural Resource Inventory

    20 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: In 2015 the Jersey City Environmental Commission and the Jersey City Division of Planning began working with the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability (“CUES”) of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, to conduct an updated Environmental Resource Inventory for Jersey City. The inventory was completed in the spring of 2017 and was posted to the City's Data Portal. The document can be found here: http://data.jerseycitynj.gov/dataset/jersey-city-environmental-resource-inventory. In addition to a written document, this project also included a "data dictionary" that indicates the source of all of the data used so that both City officials and members of the public can easily access this data and use it in other projects. The Environmental Resource Inventory was adopted as part of the Jersey City Master Plan on June 13, 2017, by the Planning Board. The Environmental Commission will continue to have the responsibility of maintaining the Environmental Resource Inventory and insure that it is updated at least every 10 years. The Environmental Commission will partner with Rutgers and other universities to maintain the inventory.

    Environmental Commission

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Jersey City Environmental Commission was reorganized by ordinance in January 2011 after being dormant for five years. A whole new commission was appointed, and the focus of the Commission was restructured to have more of an advisory role to the Planning Board and City Council in regards to the City’s natural resources and open space. Additionally, the newly formed Commission also has a strong emphasis on environmental education and outreach to Jersey City residents. The first meeting of the newly-formed Environmental Commission was May 2011, and they meet on a monthly basis. All meetings are open to the public. The Environmental Commission has overseen the completion of a number of important projects, most notably the Shade Tree Inventory and the Environmental Resource Inventory. The Environmental Commission also serves as the official Green Team for Jersey City.

    Open Space Plans

    10 Points

    Program Summary: we are providing the exact text link to the document entitled: JC Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. The City WEB location is provided below: http://www.jerseycitynj.gov/uploadedFiles/City_Government/Department_of_Business_Administration/Jersey%20City%20Recreation%20Master%20Plan%20(Web)%20_4-2008%20REDUCED.pdf The accomplishment of Jersey City successfully completing and adopting the OpenSpace and Recreation Plan, dated April 2008 was no small task. The JC OSRP is a comprehensive document that guides municipal openspace protection and preservation and tracks and coordinates with county and regional openspace Plans. It is extensive and thorough and encompasses all of the SJ openspace segment requirements. It tells how and why open space will be protected, includes cost estimates and provides a framework for implementation. It also examines open space and recreation needs and other resources that are vital to a healthy community. It is for Jersey City an active tool that lays out a plan of action to protect and maintain these valuable places. Jersey City initiated the planning process in 2006. The process a program of public hearings to solicit the input. Over 70 existing or potential parks & natural openspaces were evaluated, photographed, and mapped to identify condition and needs. Recommendations were formulated for renovations and new facilities in the existing parks, with associated construction cost estimates for the needed improvements. Park improvements were prioritized by year, over a 10yr. period. Sources to help fund the construction of improvements and acquire open space in the City were identified. The need for public recreation and open space resource protection was analyzed, based on land area and population. Deficiencies in amount and type of recreational facilities were highlighted. Opportunities for acquisition of new open space by the City were compiled. Discussions were initiated with the County and State park systems for shares use and coordination of existing and new recreational facilities.

    Water Conservation Education Program

    10 Points

    Program Summary: 2017 is the Year of Water for Jersey City. During this year the City hopes to educate the public on ways to help decrease localized flooding, educate the public on water issues surrounding combine sewer overflow, conservation and more. For more information visit water.innovatejerseycity.org Dates: McNair High School May 7th, 2017 Ward C- June 23rd, 2017 Ward D- June 25th, 2017 Ward E- June 10th, 2017 Ward B- July 8th, 2017 Ward A/F- August 5th, 2017

  • Operations & Maintenance

    Adopt a Green Purchasing Policy by Ordinance *Retires 12/31/23*

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Green Purchasing Policy The best documentation is to show the action, which is what we have chosen to do. We are now applying for the Recycled Paper sub-action based upon information received from the Office o f the Business Administrator. As certified by our City Clerk, the Green Purchasing ordinance was distributed to all department heads. The certification letter of distribution is attached. Adopted ordinances are also posted on the City Clerk section of the WEB site, and in addition, this ordinance is posted on the Cover Page of the City of Jersey City HOME page in the NEWS SECTION, in the paragraph entitled “ 365 Days of Green Initiatives All Across Jersey City”, along with other Green Policy Ordinances. A PDF of the web page containing it is attached. You can also access the site on the WEB at: Green Purchasing Policy In your initial comments you questioned why we did not apply for sub-action credit if we had a Green Purchasing program. We got the message. The best documentation is to show the action, which is what we have chosen to do. We are now applying for the Recycled Paper sub-action based upon information received from the Office o f the Business Administrator. As certified by our City Clerk, the Green Purchasing ordinance was distributed to all department heads. The certification letter of distribution is attached. Adopted ordinances are also posted on the City Clerk section of the WEB site, and in addition, this ordinance is posted on the Cover Page of the City of Jersey City HOME page in the NEWS SECTION, in the paragraph entitled “ 365 Days of Green Initiatives All Across Jersey City”, along with other Green Policy Ordinances. A PDF of the web page containing it is attached. You can also access the site on the WEB at: http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/

  • Public Information & Engagement

    Municipal Communications Strategy

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The City of Jersey City's municipal communication strategy is handled by the Mayor's Press Secretary . The City has aimed to be more transparent in its' data and its' communication.

    Open Data Inventory & Management

    15 Points

    Program Summary: The City of Jersey City has prioritized transparency of data and has allowed public access via http://data.jerseycitynj.gov/. There is a currently an executive order in the works that will finalize the long term commitment of the City to open data. http://data.jerseycitynj.gov/about