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Council approves measure to explore options for Heights hospital; supporters urge community needs assessment
Summary
The council approved a resolution to investigate options for restoring hospital services in the Heights, including eminent domain as one possible path; speakers and several councilmembers pushed for a community health needs assessment and for public or nonprofit ownership options.
The Jersey City Municipal Council voted March 25 to approve a resolution (item 10.9) directing the city to investigate options for restoring hospital services in the Heights following the closure of Christ Hospital. The measure passed 8–0 with Councilperson Brooks recused.
Speakers and councilmembers stressed urgency and a range of options. Councilperson Ephros characterized the vote as an early, nonbinding step to preserve options, including eminent domain, and said the council may ultimately pursue a publicly owned or nonprofit hospital. “This is our first step in figuring out whatever we can do next,” Ephros said, adding that condemnation or other tools might be needed in the future.
Multiple members of the public—including health workers and residents who live near the Heights—described strain at nearby hospitals and longer ED wait times after Christ Hospital’s closure. Nurse Gabe, who lives across from the former Christ Hospital site, said post‑closure demand has increased pressure on Jersey City Medical Center, with reports of multi‑hour waits and patients being treated in hallway spaces.
Speakers and councilmembers called for a community health needs assessment to guide choices about facility type and services. Liam Paiva Costa, co‑chair of a health‑justice working group, urged a community needs survey and warned that transferring the site to another for‑profit operator would not necessarily restore access for low‑income patients.
The resolution approved by the council does not itself authorize eminent domain or commit the city to any single path; several councilmembers emphasized the action merely preserves options and begins a process of study and community consultation. Councilmembers also asked for community engagement and for the administration to develop a plan aligned with the council’s priorities.
What’s next: The resolution directs city staff to explore options and develop next steps, including community needs assessment work and potential partnerships; councilmembers said they will monitor progress and seek robust public involvement.
