Consider this: Droyers Point in Jersey City wasn’t always the residential haven it is today. It has a vibrant, multifaceted history. This point of land jutting into Newark Bay has seen quite a transformation over the years.
Droyers Point now stands as a testament to urban renewal. It is a blend of residential and commercial spaces. But before the townhouses and amenities, this area had very different identities. Let’s dive into the story of Droyers Point.
Originally, Droyers Point was a tidal marsh. The Hackensack and Raritan tribes knew this area as Minkakwa. Minkakwa meant “a place of good crossing.” This was because it offered the most convenient passage between the two bays on either side of the Bergen Neck peninsula.
In the 1830s the Morris Canal took advantage of the local geology. It cut across Pamrapo just inland from Droyers Point. The canal ran parallel to the bay. Then, it connected to the river further north.
Fast forward to the 1920s. The city decided to develop the land, which it owned. This included land reclamation and constructing bulkheads. The goal was to expand port facilities south of the CRRNJ Newark and New York Branch. But these distribution facilities never materialized. Instead, the Jersey City Airport opened in 1927.
For a short time, Eddie August Schneider operated the Jersey City Airport. He was a local celebrity and a youthful aviation pioneer. Later, after World War Two, Jersey Skyports was founded by three former Naval aviators. Nearby, Harry Frank owned the Jersey City Seaplane Base.
The Great Depression hit. Mayor Frank Hague saw an opportunity. He replaced the airport with Roosevelt Stadium. The stadium was named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt had created agencies like the WPA to provide jobs. Federal money could not be used to buy land, and the airport was the largest city-owned property.
Roosevelt Stadium became a landmark. The stadium was built in Art Deco style. Jackie Robinson made his professional debut there on April 18, 1946. He played for the Montreal Royals against the Jersey City Giants. The stadium also hosted boxing matches. Sugar Ray Robinson defended his welterweight title there. Jersey Joe Walcott beat heavyweight champion Ezzard Charles there, too.
During the 1970s Roosevelt Stadium became a major concert venue. Big names like the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers Band and the Beach Boys played there. Eric Clapton, Tony Bennett and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young also performed.
But in 1982, the Jersey City Council voted to demolish the stadium. It was torn down in 1985. Today, the Society Hill at Droyers Point housing development stands where Roosevelt Stadium once stood.
Since the 1990s, Droyers Point has transformed into a residential and recreation area. The Athletic Complex of New Jersey City University is at its southern end. Hovnanian Enterprises built residential communities to the north. Remediation of chromium at the site caused delays. The complex includes condos, rental townhomes and apartments. Pools, tennis courts, clubhouses and a marina are among the amenities.
The Hackensack RiverWalk runs along the shoreline. This public waterfront promenade is accessible through entrances outside the development.
Droyers Point offers a gated community with 24-hour security. Residents enjoy amenities like an inground pool, fitness center and a clubhouse. They can stroll along Jersey City’s most beautiful promenade.
So, as you explore Droyers Point, remember its rich history. From tidal marsh to airport, to stadium, to residential community. This little corner of Jersey City has constantly reinvented itself.