Wegman Parkway: Wegman Parkway

Wegman Parkway
Greenville

Wegman Parkway derives its name from Jersey City resident Dominicus Wegman and the efforts of the Wegman Place Improvement Association that lobbied the Jersey City Board of Commission to rename it Wegnam "Parkway" in 1915.

In 1914, the association went before the Commission seeking recognition for its work to make Wegman "Street" the "nicest street in the city" (Jersey Journal 17 July 1914). One of the widest streets in Greenville, Wegman Street's distinguishing feature was the placement of small islands in the center of the street. Decorated with flowers and plantings, they became the pride of the homeowners' association. The association, started by Isaac Klinghoffer, required Wegman Street property owners to maintain their lawns, hedges, and flower beds. It made it clear that if homeowners had neither the time nor the inclination to plant and clean their front and back yards, the association had a fund to attend to the responsibility.

Buoyed by this neighborhood development, the association, in 1915, sought a name change for the street maintenance that was befitting the neighborhood. At its April 8 meeting, the Jersey City Commission approved the request and received the endorsement of Parks Commissioner A. Harry Moore. He called Wegman Parkway "the most beautiful street in the city" (Jersey Journal 9 April 1915). At the time, Moore was successfully running for the first of his three terms as governor of New Jersey.

"For a Wegman 'Parkway.' " Jersey Journal 29 March 1915.
"Greenville to Have 'Nicest Street in City.' " Jersey Journal 17July 1914.
"It Is 'Wegman Parkway' Now." Jersey Journal 9 April 1915.