The problem is not just the tree pits.
The two USPS boxes further narrow the walkway.
They should be moved elsewhere on the block, NOT opposite tree pits or other obstructions like lamp posts and sign posts.

Thank you for posting this. This sidewalk area has been a hazard for years - the trees wells that you fall into, the stairs right from the sidewalk are easily tripped over and now the scaffolding! I’m surprised there aren’t injury lawyers lined up around the block!

This doesn't' surprise me, coming from CapitalOne, which doesn't care about its clients or community. The scaffolding, staircase into the 35 JSQ Building, trees, planters, and ppl hanging out there only serve to narrow the pavement.

All of these issues are legitimate and have been plaguing that stretch of Bergen Ave for years.
It’s bad enough the sidewalks are narrow, and the trees are lovely and much needed, but the placement of mailboxes on an already narrow stretch needs rethinking.
Also the tree pits not covered with grates add to the tripping hazards there.

I agree. Hopefully now someone in City Hall will take pity on us and fix the problem!

Maybe City Hall can encourage Capital One to think of safety first. They are a member of our community - it’s their responsibility to cooperate finding a effective solution instead of neglecting and endangering their clients and fellow citizens of Jersey City.

Code Compliance Housing unit Supervisor - Fausto assigned this issue to Code Compliance Inspector - Wayne R

Issue 10299996 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue.

Duplicating requests only creates more of a backlog

How about acting on this (not that CapitalOne cares, as I noted above)?

Thank you for reporting an issue to the City of Jersey City.

From Code Compliance: Thank you for reporting an issue to the City of Jersey City. An Inspector/Investigator from the Office of Code Compliance has investigated your complaint and found that Conditions exist and has issued a Notice of Violation.

Has the Inspector/Investigator notified the Post Office (in the next block on Bergen Ave.) that the two mailboxes must be relocated?

Very good - thank you. Now let’s see if the building owners do anything about it.

The USPS may be even slower to act than CapitalOne itself; does Jersey City even have a Postmaster?

The reinspection date is for 8/16/21.

Was the Post Office (in the next block on Bergen Ave.) notified that the two mailboxes must be relocated?

I don't even know why there are pillar boxes on this block given that the post office itself is on the next block; they should be distributed better.

Thank you for following up. I hope Capital One building owners follow up and install proper tree grates, move those mail boxes and trim that bottom step.

Part of the issue is that not everything is under the same jurisdiction; for ex., the city is likely responsible for the pavement and trees, the USPS for the pillar boxes, whoever owns the building for the staircase ... Of course, Capital ONe is doing some renovations to the back of their building.

Thank you for reporting an issue to the City of Jersey City. An Inspector/Investigator from the Office of Code Compliance has investigated your complaint and found that Conditions exist and has issued a Notice of Violation.

About time, too.

The sidewalk in front of this building is 9' wide. There are five 4' x 4' tree pits, leaving 5' maximum walking space. The sidewalk pavement slab spacing averages 40".

Even if the postal boxes are removed, there is not enough room to walk between the entrance steps and the tree pit. The distance from the corner of the tree pit to the corner of the steps is only 28".

Section II.A.1.b. of the Spacing Requirements in the 2018 Jersey City Forestry Standards (JCFS) states:
"The minimum width of sidewalks free of impediments is 5’. No tree pit will be placed that will impede upon the required 5’ passageway on sidewalks."

Clearly, this tree never should have been planted at that location.

Section Section II.A.1.f. of the JCFS also states:
"Minimum distance between trees (trunk to trunk) shall be 20 feet to 30 feet, depending upon the tree species and other local conditions."

This is the existing trunk to trunk spacing of the five trees in front of the building:
(North) Tree 1 < 31.5’ > Tree 2 < 30’ > Tree 3 < 41.5’ > Tree 4 < 36.5’ > Tree 5 (South)

This tree (#3) is about 30' from the next tree north (#2). If possible, Tree 3 should be moved 8' north, about 22' from Tree 2.

That would also place Tree 3 about 7' away from the siamese fire department connection that extends from the building.

There are other restrictions on tree spacing near water mains, streetlights, traffic signs and parking meters. For example, there may be a water main under the sidewalk near the siamese.

If the tree can’t be moved in accordance with the JCFS, it should be REMOVED.

CapitolOne is a tenant at 35 Journal Square. The owner is Salman Capital. They have an office on the 4th Floor. Telephone 201-680-7100. Trees on sidewalks are maintained by the Division of Parks and Forestry.

The northernmost tree (#1) is older and surrounded by a metal tree grate (see photo).

Section II.C.3. Tree Grates of the JCFS states:
“Sidewalk-level tree grates are not permitted. These restrict tree growth.”

The grates for the other four trees in front of the building were evidently removed when new trees were planted. The surrounding soil or mulch has been worn away so much that the exposed concrete edges around these tree pits are a serious tripping hazard.

II.A.2. Tree Pit Dimensions of the JCFS offers a solution:
“In areas with heavy foot traffic a surface treatment such as permeable pavement, porous pavement, or permeable pavers may be used on top of a portion of the exposed planting area of the tree pit...”

The Forester’s office told me that a porous rubberized pavement, similar to that found on playgrounds, is used in such high-traffic areas. This should be installed in the four hazardous tree pits to eliminate the tripping hazards and provide a wider walking area.

Jersey Flea, thorough info! But didn't code change to a minimum of three feet or is the five feet on commercial corridors?
Don't understand no tree grates because they're safer for pedestrians, as seen in the case of these dipping tree wells. There are tree grates installed in front of the Journal Squared buildings. Why can't the owners of this Cap One building install the same?

Exactly, Bergen Square Resident: I just noticed earlier today that one of the tree pits has a grate in it that makes it level with the pavement, but the others don't.

Code Compliance Commercial Unit Supervisor - David assigned this issue to Parks Maintenance - Alphonso Lynch

Parks & Forestry is limited in what they can do. The scaffolding is a construction code issue.

On 15 July, Code Compliance South/West Supervisor - Fausto wrote:
"The reinspection date is for 8/16/21."

Was the inspection done and what was the outcome?

To Bergen Square Resident:
According to the 2018 Jersey City Forestry Standards (JCFS), tree grates are not allowed and the minimum width is 5'. JCFS is readily available online.
There are some exceptions for older residential areas with narrow sidewalks, but that doesn't apply here.

JerseyFlea, thank you.

It's been two months since the original request for help was made and the problem not only still exists but the dips in the tree wells have gotten worse. The post boxes are still there. See pics below.

Additional pic taken 9/16.

Pic of third pit taken 9/16.

Parks & Forestry is looking into the best remedy to this situation, whether adding mulch or top soil would remedy the tripping hazard. We need to determine if adding either mulch or top soil would in fact be a solution, or would it be kicked out only causing further concerns.

Mr. Lynch, thank you. While Forestry is working out permanent solutions it's responsible for, can you level it with dirt?

JerseyFlea, this is 100% an older neighborhood, in fact, it's the oldest in NJ dating back to the 1600's. Exceptions should be made and tree grates installed.

TO: Parks & Forestry - Alphonso Lynch

I posted the following on 1 August. According to someone at the Forester's office, a porous rubberized pavement, similar to that found on playgrounds, is used in such high-traffic areas.

The northernmost tree (#1) is older and surrounded by a metal tree grate (see photo).

Section II.C.3. Tree Grates of the JCFS states:
“Sidewalk-level tree grates are not permitted. These restrict tree growth.”

The grates for the other four trees in front of the building were evidently removed when new trees were planted. The surrounding soil or mulch has been worn away so much that the exposed concrete edges around these tree pits are a serious tripping hazard.

II.A.2. Tree Pit Dimensions of the JCFS offers a solution:
“In areas with heavy foot traffic a surface treatment such as permeable pavement, porous pavement, or permeable pavers may be used on top of a portion of the exposed planting area of the tree pit...”

The Forester’s office told me that a porous rubberized pavement, similar to that found on playgrounds, is used in such high-traffic areas. This should be installed in the four hazardous tree pits to eliminate the tripping hazards and provide a wider walking area.

1 of 2 pics taken 9/27. It's getting worse. The tree well grates are seamless and are nice looking. I hope those go in under the exception to the rule provision for established neighborhoods.

Pic 2 of 2 taken 9/27. Jersey Flea is right about this tree by the steps and mailboxes needing to be moved. Even with a grate, there isn't enough room.

It's been five months since the initial complaint. The scaffolding has been removed but the tree wells are still untouched and remain a tripping hazard. The tree located closest to the side entrance to the building(on the opposite side of the sidewalk from the mailboxes) remains even tho its presence narrows the sidewalk to about 18". When will this tree be moved? When will the tree pits be refilled?

It's now over a year since the initial complaint and others have posted additional complaints. Emails were written to the JSQ SID and the management company. The management company did not respond. They're going to get someone hurt but it's completely preventable and they know about the problem yet do nothing to prevent injury; this is a massive lawsuit easily won by anyone who gets hurt.

This case is a duplicate.

Angelina,
Closing this issue is the WRONG MOVE!
Are you seeking to wipe out a year's worth of discussion and research?
Forestry still hasn't done anything to fix the problem.
It's very clear what has to be done:

1 Move the tree opposite the two mailboxes to the north, remove the tree pit and restore the concrete sidewalk.

2 Install a porous rubberized pavement in the 4 tree pits, level with the sidewalk.

A new issue was opened today, evidently based on a phone call to RRC:

https://seeclickfix.com/issues/13484599?poi_token=eb47b3e59961b6f6fc25576bbe26f29b9fcc4792&utm_campaign=poi-notice-email&utm_content=issue-card-header&utm_medium=email&utm_source=poi-email&utm_term=issue-image

That's the duplicate issue, not this one.

KEEP THIS ISSUE OPEN!

AGREED with Bergen Square Resident & Jersey Flea !!!!
This may be private property but the building owner needs to correct the problem and shame on the city for not
addressing the issue.
Closing the complaint solves nothing. Out of town property owners are plaguing this city with their inability to maintain their properties correctly, all the while making big money here.

I find it hard to believe that a building code officer hasn't been assigned to address this. A tape measure will show this tree well never should have been cut. It's really a dangerous situation.

Why is the City so afraid of Capital One or whoever owns the building? Pedestrians are in danger of getting really hurt - every day - for years. That trumps any private property issues.

My comment about the Capital One building problem just got “moderated”. (In other words, erased.) Why?

Email Councilman Richard Boggiano of Ward C. Also include a copy of this link so he can see for himself how the city has been dragging their feet with this issue. And it's been an issue for much longer than a year!!

RBoggiano@jcnj.org

(201) 547-5159
(201) 547-5172

280 Grove Street
Room 202
Jersey City, NJ 07302

I forwarded this complaint to the councilman’s office and copied the Aides.

Good morning all,

Just to give you some clarity, the Forestry Division has gone through many changes since this request was initially put in. Yes it's taken a very long time, I agree with all. The owners of the Capital One Building are responsible for the planning and placement of these trees. Being that it hasn't been done, I was able to speak to the Forestry Division and the Buildings and Streets Department. Their plans are to remove the trees and pave the sidewalk for better accessibility. Due to their backlogs, they will both do their best to complete this request within the next 90 days.

REMOVE THE TREES??? That's not the solution and it's not allowed according to the City's tree ordinance.
One tree needs to be moved(the one in the photos). Not removed but moved.
The rest can stay and should stay with proper leveling off of the dirt in their tree pits.
We're all asking that the sidewalk be opened up by the bank's entrance and the tree wells to be made safe. We're not asking for the only trees on the block to be slaughtered.

New plan of action, we will reach out to the United Postal Service, we will ask them to remove the mail boxes, for better accessibility.

Good luck !

Forestry, that's an excellent start. Can you tell us if the tree closest to them will be moved instead of cut down?

Angelina,
Please scroll up and look at previous posts about the mailboxes.

On 7 July 2021 I asked:
Has the [Code Compliance] Inspector/Investigator notified the Post Office (in the next block on Bergen Ave.) that the two mailboxes must be relocated?

And again on 15 July 2021:
Was the Post Office (in the next block on Bergen Ave.) notified that the two mailboxes must be relocated?

On 28 July 2021 I posted a photo and commented:
Even if the postal boxes are removed, there is not enough room to walk between the entrance steps and the tree pit. The distance from the corner of the tree pit to the corner of the steps is only 28".

I wish you success getting the mailboxes relocated. But even if they are moved from this location, it does nothing to widen the accessible walkway.

Is the next step (so to speak), to have the building owners cut out some of the steps?

If Forestry moves the tree, removes the tree pit and restores the sidewalk, the accessibility problem at that location is solved.

Then the last task is to install a porous rubberized pavement in the 4 tree pits, level with the sidewalk.

Thank you, jerseyflea.

Ditto. Thank you Jersey Flea. Too bad it took 14 months to act on a very solid idea.

Apropos of lawsuits, Bergen Square Resident (et al.): we all know how hard suits of this nature are to file, let alone win or collect on; even if any of the parties responsible is/are sued, they'll spend years bickering re: whose responsibility what is, and anyone affected will be long dead and/ or out of the area.
I know that some local officials, like the RRC folks, generally care, but, sadly, it's not enough.

Bergen Square, McGinley Square & Journal Square are filled with tripping hazards and inaccessibility. This is a major ADA compliance issue and literally blockades our most vulnerable pedestrians from safe passage. 15 months to address is unacceptable. Where is the concern for safety of residents?

Latest photo taken today. That's my phone case in the pit which looks to be between 4-1/2-5" deep now. NYC was just sued by the federal government for failing to keep sidewalks ADA compliant. Jersey City is hopefully next.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/21/magazine/americans-with-disabilities-act.html

The hole continues to get deeper. Can Jersey City officials do something about this?

Please !!!

It’s really a disgrace that it’s taking over 6 months and 67 comments to resolve this issue.
I would bet this wouldn’t be the case if it was downtown JC.

Right you are, RTC; it wouldn't happen most of nyc, either. Sadly, our area used to be quite neglected because it's less affluent than others, but the gentrification isn't helping, either, because developers aren't paying taxes and otherwise being held accountable. As usual, the buck is being passed in every sense of the word.

Forestry assigned this issue to Forestry - Tom

Dirt was finally added to each tree well. Next is move the tree near the mailboxes away from the mailboxes and add tree grates to four trees in order to level the pits with the sidewalk.

And if possible relocate the mailboxes to a location with a wider sidewalk.
ADA should be all over this mess.

And many others: uneven, overly narrow pavement; uneven asphalting on roads, causing a tripping hazard; inadequate signage; closed off ramp at jsq; the list goes on.

The tree pit has reverted back to being a tripping hazard. The tree needs to be moved because the sidewalk is not wide enough(pedestrians are forced into the tree pit to get passed the mailboxes). Please move the tree.

City hall is “handling it”. This is a disgrace. It’s almost 2 years since it was reported.

What’s it going to take?

They'll just keep making excuses and ignoring the problem, and, if and when someone gets hurt, squabble over who is responsible until the victim dies.
How about collecting taxes from all these developers so that there will be enough revenue to address issues like this? Assigning issues and issuing citations isn't enough.

TC
It’s clearly an ADA issue

I agree and I agree.

Mailboxes were moved. Yes!!!

Thank you for your patience and for reporting this concern. If you have any future concerns please call the Resident Response Center at 201-547-4900.