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Riverview Neighborhood Association President Becky Hoffman, right, seen here during a neighborhood cleanup last March, tonight hailed the City Council's approval of changes that will permit artists to live and work in studios in The Heights.

(Photo by The Jersey Journal)

A plan that would allow Jersey City artists to live and work in studios in The Heights was adopted by the City Council tonight.

The plan, which supporters said will distinguish the neighborhood as a “creative Mecca,” was approved unanimously to cheers from the dozens of artists and Heights residents in attendance.

“The passage of this amendment will help the artists who are well established in The Heights, as well as attract additional artists to our area,” said Becky Hoffman, president of the Riverview Neighborhood Association. “This will provide an economic boost to our area.”

The measure formally establishes the boundaries of the Riverview Arts District to include a large swath of the eastern portion of The Heights. The boundaries will stretch from the Union City border down to New York Avenue, and run west almost as far as Central Avenue.

It also adds work/live artist studios and artist studio workspaces as permitted uses in the district.

The changes were previously approved by the Planning Board.

A parade of artists and residents of The Heights joined Hoffman tonight in urging the council to approve the plan. May Young, a seven-year resident of The Heights, said the move could help Jersey City compete with artists enclaves across the Hudson River.

“Why should Williamsburg and Dumbo have all the fun?” Young said.

The council also unanimously approved a measure that will allow ground-floor restaurants along a portion of Palisade Avenue in The Heights.