Dear Jersey City Council and City Planning,

It is critical that we save Heights University Hospital, previously known as Christ Hospital, from being taken apart and replaced with luxury housing. Hudson Regional Health (HRH), the new owner of HUH, is already laying off staff and reducing services to our community. Though they claimed to have financial stability and resources to create a thriving hospital, they are already planning a conversion of the existing facilities into luxury apartments.

Despite the overtures of constructing a new hospital alongside residential development, it’s clear that HRH’s real plan has always been to replace healthcare in our community with housing that our community cannot afford.

The land under the hospital must be rezoned to prevent HRH from eliminating hospital services from our neighborhood. At the November 12th City Council meeting, our city council members must vote to refer a rezoning resolution to City Planning that would restrict relevant parcels under HUH to be used only for acute care facilities. Following this, City Planning must approve the rezoning as soon as possible to nip this redevelopment plan in the bud.

As our city makes these moves, community members and healthcare workers will continue to hold HRH accountable for the promises they made during bankruptcy.

It’s time to stand with nurses and healthcare service staff, and to stand up for healthcare access in our community. It’s time to save our hospital!

Will you commit to the rezoning needed to stop this land grab?