The Greater Neighborhood Alliance of Jersey City (GNAJC) is building stronger communities – one block at a time. Founded in 2016, GNAJC is rooted in community engagement, promoting collaboration among neighbors, holding elected officials and agencies accountable, and promoting voices that haven’t been heard. In the state’s second-largest city, and one of the most racially diverse, quality-of-life issues – safety, housing, development, and education – are at the forefront of everything they do. With the success of their community gardens, tree-plantings and a rain garden, Jersey City invited the group to expand their work in green infrastructure with municipal support. Partnering with NJ Future on the Free Sewage Street & River Campaign, they are bringing awareness to the combined sewer system and stormwater flooding in Jersey City. As well, GNAJC is working with Sustainable JC on the tree canopy to learn about heat islands and air quality factors. When a community comes together, they can create a safe and vital neighborhood that works for everyone.
Greater Neighborhood Alliance of Jersey City 2023 HBCU tour.
Greater Neighborhood Alliance of Jersey City is one of the leading neighborhood alliance organizations in the state. African American and women-led, GNA hosts monthly community meetings and quarterly block association workshops to bring awareness, resources, information, and services to their under-represented neighbors. Their work includes neighborhood cleanups, college career days and college tours, bookbag and school supplies giveaways, Easter egg hunts, and networking and recreational events to bring communities together. Currently, GNA is working on flooding issues, particularly in the overburdened Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette neighborhoods. Surveying community members who experience flooding and sewage-backups in their homes and streets, GNA will use the resulting study of urban flooding in a combined sewer system municipality to raise awareness among local public officials and demand action from policy decision makers in Jersey City, and beyond.
Greater Neighborhood Alliance of Jersey City community gardening.