JERSEY CITY—The City Council reviewed a resolution on March 24 that would let the city take control of Heights University Hospital through eminent domain, one week after the emergency room closed and left the neighborhood without nearby care.

The resolution authorizes the Planning Board to investigate whether the 150-year-old property qualifies as an "area in need of redevelopment," a legal designation that could open the door to condemnation. Council members emphasized that no seizure decision has been made.

"This is the beginning of a process, not the end, but it's an important beginning," Mayor James Solomon said when the resolution was announced on March 21.

Eminent Domain under Discussion 

Planning Director Tanya Marione explained the process at the March 24 caucus meeting: the board will conduct a study, hold a public hearing, and recommend whether the council should designate the site for redevelopment.

"This gives us the power to study it with the power of eminent domain," Marione said.

Ward D Councilman Jake Ephros, who represents the Heights neighborhood, said the resolution ensures "our community has a seat at the table as we figure out what comes next for that site." Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa added that the city is "serious about fighting for healthcare access in this neighborhood, and we're using every tool the law gives us to do it."

HRH Financial Woes, Three-Way Dispute

The move comes after Hudson Regional Health shut down the emergency room on March 14, despite receiving more than $12 million in state aid since 2024. The New Jersey Department of Health has fined the company more than $128,000 for closing without the required 90-day notice.

Hudson Regional Health has lost $104 million since acquiring the facility from CarePoint Health's bankruptcy in April 2025, according to company statements. Spokesman Vijay Chaudhuri has proposed demolishing the building for a redevelopment that would include housing to finance a new healthcare facility, and suggested a public-private partnership with the city as an alternative. Chaudhuri has said the company prefers a negotiated deal over losing the site through eminent domain. 

The land itself is owned by Avery Eisenreich of Alaris Health, not by Hudson Regional Health, creating a three-way dispute among the city, the operator, and the landowner over the Palisades Avenue property.

Jersey City Residents Respond

Olivia Alicea, a Jersey City resident who used the hospital, said the closure has already affected neighbors. "People in this area are going to have to go farther, wait longer, and that can really impact how quickly they get help," she said. "It feels like something important to the community is being taken away."

The council's action follows a judge's rejection on March 14 of Jersey City's emergency injunction to block the closure. That date also saw the arrests of two protesters at a "die-in" demonstration organized by the North New Jersey Democratic Socialists of America.

The council is scheduled to convene for its regular meeting March 25, where the resolution could advance.

Sources

• Hudson County View, "Jersey City Council reviews potential eminent domain of Heights hospital land" (March 24, 2026)

• Hudson County View, "Jersey City to consider utilizing eminent domain of Heights University Hospital land" (March 21, 2026)

• New Jersey Monitor, "Hudson Regional Health responds to Jersey City eminent domain threat" (March 16, 2026)

• CBS New York, "Jersey City fails to block hospital closure" (March 14, 2026)

• Olivia Alicea, statement provided to NJBallot.com (March 25, 2026)