?The Donald? strikes again in Jersey City
Council considers naming street for Trump

Nov 16
by Ricardo Kaulessar
Reporter Staff Writer

TRUMP PLAZA ON THE INSIDE ? This is the interior in the 55-story tower of two-tower Trump Plaza: Jersey City on Washington Boulevard.

In case you thought Donald Trump?s name wasn?t on enough things in this world, here comes another branding of the self-promoting developer?s moniker.

The City Council at its Wednesday meeting introduced an ordinance to rename a section of Morgan Street ? between Washington Boulevard and Greene Street in downtown Jersey City ? Trump Plaza.

Trump Plaza ? the road ? is not to be confused with Trump Plaza: Jersey City, the $415 million two-tower, 862-unit project under construction on Washington Boulevard.

The existence of Trump Plaza: Jersey City is actually cited in the ordinance as the reason for renaming Morgan Street, saying, ?it is both fitting and appropriate to commemorate the importance of these projects.?

Not every council member agreed on Wednesday. Council President Mariano Vega asked Business Administrator Brian O?Reilly if the ordinance could be ?held? for introduction at a future meeting so more information could be gathered about the reason for the renaming.

O?Reilly said there was no hold on the ordinance, and that the Mayor?s Office requested that the ordinance be introduced.

City Councilwoman Viola Richardson abstained from the vote.
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?What is Trump doing for the city of Jersey City?? ? Della Womack
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When the public was allowed to speak, local resident Della Womack questioned the purpose of the ordinance, eliciting laughter and applause.

?What is Trump doing for the city of Jersey City to be able to have a street named after him?? Womack said. ?I would recommend that the council vote no on that going forward.?

The ordinance will be subject to public comment and a final vote at the next council meeting on Nov. 25 at the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 280 Grove St.

What is Trump Plaza?

Trump Plaza: Jersey City consists of a 55-story tower with 444 luxury condo units and 9,000 square feet of retail space, as well as a 50-story tower with 417 condo units and 6,700 square feet of retail space.

The 55-story tower is near completion, according to Trump Plaza spokesperson George Cahn, with 375 of 444 units sold, and 200 homes occupied as of last week.

Cahn said there is no timetable for construction to start on the second tower, citing today?s economic conditions.

Both towers are being built by Vector Renewal Associates, a partnership between Trump and Hoboken developer Dean Geibel.

Cahn also said he was unaware that the City Council was considering an ordinance to put the Trump name on a Jersey City street.