“Havana on the Hudson” and “Miracle Mile” are just two of the nicknames given to Bergenline Avenue. Today we will explore this iconic street together. Bergenline Avenue stretches through several towns. It runs through Union City, West New York, Guttenberg, and North Bergen. This avenue is a major commercial district in Hudson County New Jersey.
Originally Bergenline Avenue was a mere cowpath. It wasn’t considered a business center. An influential citizen named Henry Kohlmeier changed its destiny. He lived on Palisade Avenue and didn’t want streetcar noise near his house. Kohlmeier proposed laying the tracks on Bergenline Avenue instead. The motion was approved before anyone could object.
The street’s retail presence grew steadily. Bergenline Avenue became a major shopping destination. It became one of the leading shopping centers in Northern New Jersey. It also earned the title of the longest commercial avenue in the state.
By the early 20th century Bergenline Avenue was an Italian-American area. By 1981 it became predominantly Cuban. In the early 2000s it remained the heart of the Cuban-American community. Many other Hispanics also call it home. Among the community it gained the nickname La Avenida.
Bergenline Avenue is indeed the longest commercial avenue in New Jersey. It boasts over 300 retail stores and restaurants. Many Cuban entrepreneurs opened businesses here after immigrating to Union City and West New York. This led to its nickname Havana on the Hudson. The largest concentration of retail and chain stores runs from 32nd Street to 92nd Street. This stretch is known as the Miracle Mile.
Erick Morillo a famous DJ and music producer spent his early years here. He grew up in an apartment at 1406 Bergenline. A section of Bergenline between 14th and 15th Streets was renamed in his honor in 2012.
Bergenline Avenue is also a major transportation corridor. New Jersey Transit buses serve local points and Manhattan. Almost 300 buses travel along the west side of North Hudson Park each weekday. That’s an average of one bus every five minutes.
Local parades often take place on Bergenline Avenue. These include the Memorial Day Parade the Cuban Day Parade and the Dominican-American Parade.
The Bergenline Avenue station is an underground station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. It sits 160 feet below the Hudson Palisades. Elevators provide access from street level. The station features murals by Maria Mijares. They are titled Between Manhattan and Meadowlands.
North Bergen is currently working to redevelop three properties on Bergenline Avenue. These properties sit between 85th and 87th Streets. The redevelopment aims to revitalize this prime area.
Bergenline Avenue continues to evolve. It preserves its rich history and cultural significance. The avenue remains a vital part of the community’s identity. As we conclude our walk take a moment to appreciate the blend of commerce culture and history. Bergenline Avenue is more than just a street. It’s a testament to the dynamic spirit of North Hudson.