Central Avenue Streetscape

French & Parrello Associates (FPA) spearheaded an ambitious streetscape improvement project, located within the Central Avenue Special Improvement District of The Heights neighborhood of the City of Jersey City. This multifaceted endeavor encompassed design, construction administration, and inspection services, resulting in a remarkable transformation of the urban landscape.

Initially started in 2020, the project spanned 2 years; during which we were met with a global pandemic, supply shortages, and unexpected construction challenges. The nearly $4 million project was funded through both the City’s Capital Budget and the NJDOT Municipal Aid Program. FPA assisted the City in organizing and managing the administrative requirements of the NJDOT Office of Local Aid. The design and construction process required coordination with key stakeholders, including the City and the Central Avenue Special Improvement District Management Corporate (CASID).

The project, however, was not without its challenges; COVID-related supply chain constraints and overall design complexity being two of the biggest. Balancing the City’s vision while adhering to strict design standards for spacing trees, poles, and utilities demanded innovative solutions by FPA’s team.

The scope of work for this project included milling and resurfacing the existing roadway, which had exceeded its useful service life and was showing signs of wear and tear. Additional features included:

• • New traffic signage and striping, including the installation of newly delineated parking lanes and bus stops, as well as the installation of Endurablend “green-backed super sharrows” within travel lanes to improve the roadway’s bicycle compatibility.
  • An ADA-compliant continuous accessible route throughout the project limits, including compliant curb ramps.
  • New tree pits and street trees, benches, lighting, trash cans, and bike hitches.
  • Designing new sidewalks that featured a “sparkle finish”, which was achieved by embedding silicon carbide beads into the concrete surface to bring out a unique shimmer to the landscape.
  • Installing “cross street banner poles” that hang over the roadway to provide a canvas for promoting local events and organizations, as well as allowing for electrified holiday decorations during appropriate seasons.

This project was the recipient of a 2024 ACECNJ Grand Honor Award.