Summary

Sitting on the west side of the Hudson River, Jersey City started off as an industrial port. It soon developed into a manufacturing town as factories were constructed and railroads were laid out. By the late 19th century, multiple passenger railroad terminals made the city a bridge to Western United States. For Ellis Island's immigrants particularly, it was a gateway to the new world. Eventually as the city improved, it veered away from simply being the “crossway.” Advancements such as the creation of a water disinfection system, as well as the tubes and tunnels connecting New York City, ultimately transformed Jersey City into a destination.

Its Newport district, which is situated across New York City's TriBeCa neighborhood, shares a similar history. Starting off as the Erie Railroad yards, improvements made by the LeFrak Organization substantially transformed its landscape. Over the course of 30 years, abandoned railroad tracks and deteriorating piers were replaced by high rise apartments, office buildings, hotels, and retail stores. Active ports metamorphosed into a bustling community. While there is a park in the northern part of the neighborhood and a scenic walkway that stretches on its waterfront, it could still benefit from some more public spaces, especially with its increasing population. This is where the pocket park comes into play.

The park will be situated on an abandoned port. Two unused juts of land are located north and south of it; a residential/retail building sits to its west; the Hudson River and Manhattan to its east.