The race for Ward C’s City Council seat is heating up in Jersey City. The recent debate hosted by the Journal Square Community Association made the differences among the challengers clear.
Incumbent Rich Boggiano skipped the event. That left three contenders—Tom Zuppa, Dawn Giambalvo, and Shahab Khan—to spar over issues that hit home for residents, like housing affordability, development, public safety, green space, and transparency.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
Things got passionate, sometimes even a bit personal. Honestly, you could feel the tension about where one of Jersey City’s most dynamic city districts is headed.
A Focus on Affordability and Housing Policy
Housing affordability keeps coming up as a top concern for Ward C. Each candidate brought something different to the table for how they’d tackle it.
Zuppa, who’s worked as an assistant prosecutor and led the Journal Square Community Association, pushed for mandatory affordable housing in all new developments. He wants to balance growth with responsible planning—no easy feat, really.
Different Visions for Development
Giambalvo, once the city’s innovation director and now with Parks and Recreation, dismissed the idea that developers should shape policy. She promised to crack down on illegal rent hikes and put tenants first.
Khan, who works in IT and has support from former Board of Education President Mussab Ali, argued for denser housing. He thinks more options can bring down costs. Zuppa, on the other hand, wants to protect one- and two-family homes and keep neighborhood character intact.
Green Space: Shared Goals, Different Approaches
All three candidates support finishing Courthouse Park, but their reasons differ. Giambalvo’s got a long history fighting for green spaces.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Zuppa criticized expensive alternatives like the Pompidou project, saying community parks give people more real benefits. Khan brought up his own family, saying parks mean a lot to folks like them.
They all said they’d support more tree coverage and want developers to pitch in for green space projects. That’s something everyone could probably get behind.
Linking Environment to Development
The green space talk tied right into bigger development issues. Candidates pointed out that more trees don’t just look nice—they boost property values and help the environment.
By making developers contribute to environmental improvements, they argued, Jersey City can grow without losing what makes it livable.
Public Safety and Transparency
When the debate shifted to crime and safety, everyone agreed on one thing: crime data should be out in the open. Giambalvo said public stats could help build trust with law enforcement.
Zuppa wants a real culture shift in how public safety is handled. Khan agreed on the need for openness, saying informed residents can actually help prevent crime.
A Heated Exchange
Things got heated when Zuppa accused Giambalvo of campaigning while on worker’s compensation. She shot back, denying it completely.
It was a reminder that local politics can get personal fast, and that policy and personality are always tangled up together.
Ward C covers parts of Journal Square, a neighborhood changing fast. Voters have a real choice this election—who’ll guide growth in a way that actually reflects what the community wants?
Housing affordability, green space, crime prevention, and how dense to build—these aren’t just abstract issues. They shape daily life and the future vibe of the whole area.
Connecting the Debate to Broader City Life
Anyone visiting or moving here will find these debates matter. They can really influence decisions about where to stay in Jersey City and how neighborhoods shift over time.
Local policy doesn’t just affect future developments near Jersey City hotels. It also shapes the whole range of things to do in Jersey City.
Understanding how the city works isn’t just for longtime residents. Investors, developers, and curious visitors eyeing getting to Jersey City should pay attention too.
The Ward C race is heating up, and honestly, the direction of Jersey City feels uncertain. People are talking about keeping the character of old neighborhoods, pushing for development that fits what locals want, or maybe just making room for more green space.
It’s not just about picking a council member. This election feels like it could define what comes next for Jersey City—its growth, its quirks, and its whole vibe.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
Here is the source article for this story: JSQCA Ward C council debate has 3 candidates discuss open space, development, & more
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
