A stroller at a crosswalk shouldn’t feel like a dare. That simple truth sparks a deeper conversation with Ward E council candidate and lifelong educator Ryan Baylock about how to make downtown Jersey City work for families, shop owners, and commuters without the empty promises.
We dig into a tangible safety plan that swaps vague pledges for specifics: a dedicated traffic enforcement unit with motorcycle officers, concrete curb extensions to slow turns, raised crosswalks, and leading pedestrian intervals that make crossings humane on fast corridors like Christopher Columbus. Ryan outlines how to curb Holland Tunnel cut-throughs with peak-hour turn bans and license plate readers, and why consistency—clear rules enforced daily—beats sporadic blitzes every time.
Downtown’s Newark Avenue plaza becomes a test case for compassion and standards. Ryan pairs more supportive housing and mental health step-down units with coordinated outreach, while drawing firm lines on public drug use, drinking, and sleeping in business vestibules. For small businesses, he pushes faster, predictable permits and smart parking: low-cost first-hour meters that climb to force turnover, easy signage to long-term lots, and residents-first parking on neighborhood blocks.
On affordability and taxes, Ryan avoids fairy tales. He argues for zero-based budgeting, department-level transparency, and a dedicated grant writing team to pull in state and federal funds—so if taxes can’t go down, services go up. We also talk growth that gives back: inclusionary housing targets, green infrastructure, and real community benefits like parks and school capacity tied to new development.
If you care about safer streets, a functioning plaza, thriving local shops, and getting real value for the taxes you pay, this conversation offers a clear playbook grounded in data and daily follow-through. Like what you hear? Follow the show, share this episode with a neighbor, and leave a review with the one city fix you want to see next.

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