In a passionate editorial, Ward C council candidate Dawn Giambalvo shares her vision for a future that’s more equitable, sustainable, and respectful of the community’s heritage. She calls Ward C the “Heart of Jersey City” and looks back on her 15 years as a resident, her experience raising a family here, and her commitment to preserving and improving local neighborhoods.
Giambalvo pushes for more green space and advocates for fairer treatment of residents over developers. She wants Ward C to get the attention and investment it deserves.
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The Roots of Giambalvo’s Campaign
Ward C stands out as one of Jersey City’s most historic and diverse city districts, covering Bergen Square, Journal Square, and Hilltop. Giambalvo has deep roots here—she raised her daughter in the neighborhood, built a family business, and fought to protect public spaces like Canco Park.
Her grassroots activism shapes her campaign, showing she understands the community’s strengths and struggles firsthand. She believes Ward C often gets overlooked compared to other parts of the city, even though it has so much cultural and economic potential.
Rising rents and property taxes are driving away long-time residents. Giambalvo finds this both frustrating and unnecessary.
Fighting for Green Space
Expanding green spaces is one of Giambalvo’s top priorities. She supports projects like:
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- Essex-Hudson Greenway – This regional project aims to create a continuous park and bike path.
- Bergen Arches – She wants to turn this historic rail cut into a public trail.
- Skyway Park – Restoring land here could bring recreation and environmental benefits.
- Courthouse Park – Adding much-needed open space in a civic area.
Her fight to save Canco Park from development shows what determined community action can do.
Safety, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life
Giambalvo also wants to improve safety and infrastructure. She draws on her time as Jersey City’s former Director of Innovation in the Infrastructure Department and pushes for safer streets, better sidewalks, and more pedestrian-friendly designs.
These upgrades, she says, go beyond just appearances—they shape how people experience their neighborhoods and affect public health.
Addressing Development and Fairness
Giambalvo criticizes tax breaks for developers. She believes these incentives rarely help current residents and often lead to gentrification and displacement.
She wants a new approach to development, one that puts existing communities first and makes sure investments actually improve life for people who already live in Ward C.
Tying It Back to the Wider Jersey City Community
This conversation about Ward C isn’t just local politics—it’s really about how Jersey City as a whole might grow, and hopefully, do it responsibly. If you’re planning a visit and browsing Jersey City hotels, or just wondering where to stay in Jersey City, the health, safety, and inclusivity of neighborhoods like Ward C shape the city’s vibe and reputation.
Exploring things to do in Jersey City? Well, the neighborhoods matter. What happens in Ward C doesn’t just stay there—it can change the experience for everyone, residents and visitors alike.
For newcomers, getting to Jersey City is honestly easier than ever, thanks to the expanded transport options and being so close to Manhattan. But you won’t find the heart of the city in its shiny transit hubs—it’s tucked away in the resilient neighborhoods and among the people who work hard to protect them.
Ward C’s story reminds us that every district plays a role in shaping the city’s identity, economy, and future. Isn’t it wild how much a single neighborhood can matter?
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Here is the source article for this story: Op-Ed: ‘Together, we can build a Ward C that works for everyone’ in Jersey City
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