Rundown of My Interview With Tenafly Council Candidate Jennifer Jackson

Jennifer Jackson, a local entrepreneur and community organizer, is running for a seat on the Tenafly City Council. A resident of Tenafly for four years, Jackson has already left a mark on the town’s business and social spheres through her work with the Tenafly Downtown Committee and the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce. Her campaign, centered on community building, sustainable growth, and business support, aims to enhance Tenafly’s appeal as both a family-friendly and business-forward town.

After an interview with her on her decision to run for Tenafly councilwoman, what she aims to achieve if elected, and the work she's done for Tenafly outside of her current campaign, I've put together some information to help you make an educated vote this election. Enjoy!

Background and Path to Public Service

Jackson moved to Tenafly with her husband and two young children after a career in New York’s fashion industry. Driven by a desire to make positive, sustainable change through business, she launched her own fashion boutique, Ave Lumi, which makes use of community-centered events. Ave Lumi, rooted in bringing together diverse community groups, became a springboard for Jackson’s involvement with Tenafly’s downtown committee. This role introduced her to town officials and residents alike, inspiring her to take a larger role in fostering economic and cultural cohesion within the town.

Her motivation for running, she says, stems from the challenges and opportunities she sees for local businesses in Tenafly. Despite support from dedicated volunteers, Jackson notes the lack of formal systems in place to help new businesses succeed. Her efforts to re-energize the Tenafly Chamber of Commerce are just the beginning of her vision to transform the town’s business ecosystem. Now, as a candidate for the city council, Jackson hopes to amplify these efforts to support and attract businesses in Tenafly.

Vision and Key Issues

Strengthening Tenafly’s Business Community

Jackson is committed to creating a more favorable environment for businesses by meeting the needs of residents and enhancing downtown infrastructure. “We have great schools and safe neighborhoods, but we need to better serve our residents in a holistic way—beyond their homes and schools,” she notes. She envisions an enriched downtown that attracts both new businesses and families, citing the need for facilities like well-maintained parks, public bathrooms, and a reliable pedestrian infrastructure.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure

Pedestrian safety and bike-friendly infrastructure are central to Jackson’s vision for Tenafly. While the town has sidewalks along Tenafly Road, Jackson notes that they are sporadic elsewhere, with limited crosswalks and bike lanes. “We need to make biking in Tenafly safer, especially for kids,” she says, pointing out that bike lanes and clearly marked paths would benefit both residents and frequent cyclists who visit the town. Enhanced infrastructure would improve accessibility, making Tenafly a more family-friendly community and improving connectedness between neighborhoods.

Expanding Recreational Amenities

Jackson believes that revitalizing facilities like the Tenakill Swim Club, which closed over the summer, could serve as a valuable resource for the community. “It’s a beautiful property that doesn’t have to go away forever,” she says, envisioning a more inclusive and affordable membership model to allow a wider range of residents to enjoy the club. She is also committed to expanding recreational spaces, including parks and playgrounds, to make them more functional and inviting. Public seating, well-maintained bathrooms, and even Wi-Fi are all part of Jackson’s plan to make Tenafly’s parks an integral part of daily community life.

Low-Impact, High-Value Community Projects

A major aspect of Jackson’s platform is her emphasis on "low-impact, high-value" projects—initiatives that benefit the community without overburdening taxpayers. She sees the proposed Northern Valley Greenway as an ideal example of this vision. This greenway would create a walking and biking trail linking Tenafly to Rockland County, New York, offering residents a safe, scenic route to nearby attractions like Closter Plaza. “It’s similar to the trails beside railroads in New York,” Jackson explains, adding that this long-unused green space along Tenafly’s line could become a valuable asset to our town’s outdoor and recreational offerings.

Building a Community of Engagement and Connection

Jackson’s commitment to fostering community cohesion goes beyond infrastructure. In October of 2023, she organized a community event under extraordinary circumstances, transforming it from an Oktoberfest celebration to a show of solidarity for the Israeli and Jewish communities in response to the recent events of October 7th in Israel. Jackson was recognized for her leadership in bringing hundreds of residents together, even in challenging weather, to raise support for those affected by the conflict. The event underscored her dedication to fostering a compassionate, close-knit Tenafly, and her performance won her the Hometown Heroes award, given by governor Phil Murphy.

Youth Engagement and Accessible Communication

For Jackson, resident engagement begins with open communication, particularly with young people. She envisions more opportunities for high school students to engage in local governance, noting that “students are stakeholders too.” Jackson sees social media as a valuable tool to connect with Tenafly residents, using it to share updates on town projects and events. Additionally, she advocates for a more user-friendly municipal website, where residents can easily find information and engage with the borough government.

Preserving Tenafly’s Green and Historic Spaces

Jackson is a proponent of balancing development with preservation. An advocate for both green spaces and Tenafly’s historical buildings, she believes that parks and historical sites are essential to the town’s identity and should not be sacrificed for new developments. She would also like to see more public awareness of the town’s heritage, potentially through events and educational programs centered around these historical landmarks.

A Legacy of Connection and Community

Ultimately, Jackson envisions a future where Tenafly is recognized not only for its schools and proximity to New York City but as a thriving, inclusive community that residents of all ages can take pride in. Her goal is to make Tenafly a town that draws in newcomers not only for its amenities but for its sense of community.

With her blend of experience as a business owner, event organizer, and advocate for sustainable growth, Jackson presents a compelling vision for Tenafly’s future. Her campaign emphasizes the need for thoughtful development, strong community engagement, and sustainable growth—all with a focus on making Tenafly a town that is both livable and lovable for generations to come.