Jersey City is taking a bold step toward cleaner air and healthier communities. Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the city’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have secured a $465,250 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to launch a three-year air quality monitoring initiative, targeting the Greenville and Bergen-Lafayette neighborhoods.
Prioritizing Environmental and Public Health
“We recognize the direct connection between climate and public health, and protecting our most vulnerable communities has always been a priority,” said Mayor Fulop. “This Air Monitoring Program is a critical step toward fostering environmental health awareness and creating lasting, positive change for our residents.”
The initiative will track air pollution levels at key monitoring sites across the city. Conducted in partnership with the Jersey City Housing Authority, Sustainable Jersey City, Greater Neighborhood Alliance, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), and Gensler, the program brings together a diverse coalition dedicated to improving public health.
Real-Time Air Quality Data for Public Access
Residents will have access to real-time air quality data 24/7 through The Daily Breather, an online dashboard developed by Temboo. Anyone can sign up to receive updates and stay informed about local air quality, which is increasingly impacted by climate change.
“This grant is a crucial step in improving environmental health in the Greenville and Lafayette neighborhoods,” said Debra Italiano, Founder of Sustainable Jersey City. “Providing real-time air quality data, combined with community training and a climate justice roadmap, will serve as a model for sustainable urban development in Jersey City.”
A Community-Centered Approach
Jersey City’s Health and Human Services Department recognizes climate as a key factor in public health policy. “This initiative represents the first step in a multi-faceted research and community engagement effort to educate residents on how heat and climate affect their daily health outcomes,” said HHS Director Stacey Flanagan.
A central component of the program is community empowerment. Local representatives will be trained to lead educational programs, equipping residents with the knowledge and tools to address air quality issues and improve their own health outcomes.
Building a Climate-Resilient Future
The initiative also includes developing a Climate Justice Resiliency Roadmap for the Jackson Hill Main Street Special Improvement District (JHMS SID). “Air quality monitoring, community education, and climate resiliency planning are critical to safeguarding public health and economic vitality along MLK Drive and Monticello Avenue,” said JHMS SID President Gaitree Simpson. “This project will provide residents and business owners with data-driven insights and sustainable solutions to climate change, helping us build a healthier, more resilient neighborhood.”
Collaboration with the design firm Gensler is another key aspect of the initiative’s success. Roger Smith, Director of Gensler’s Center for Research on Equity, emphasized the long-term impact: “By empowering residents to take charge of their health and environment, we can foster a more resilient, healthier community.”
A Lasting Impact on Environmental Health
Beyond monitoring air quality, the program aims to bridge environmental science with everyday life, creating long-term benefits for Jersey City residents. By delivering data-driven insights and sustainable climate solutions, this initiative is a game-changer for the health and prosperity of the Jackson Hill community and beyond.
