A ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday marked the opening of Garden Street Mews — Hoboken’s first pedestrian street, and only the second of its kind in New Jersey, according to the city.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer was joined by president of Bijou Properties Larry Bijou, architect Dean Marcheto, Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano, and City Council members Beth Mason, Ravi Bhalla, and Jen Giattino to celebrate the occasion.

“Our streets are by far the largest public space we have,” said Mayor Zimmer, “and the Garden Street Mews is a reminder that we need to think of them as true shared space that improves the lives of all our residents.”  The mayor credited “progressive initiatives like this pedestrian mall” for Hoboken’s recent recognition as a Walk-Friendly Community.

The street bed at Garden Street Mews has been remade with cobblestones and street trees. Other plans for Garden Street Mews include community events like art shows and farmer’s markets.

“Open space is important for everyone, particularly in urban environments,” said Larry Bijou. “We are looking forward to the Garden Street Mews growing into a place where people can meet, interact and enjoy the outdoors.”

Hoboken was recently named by Forbes as America’s Top Transportation City and in 2010, Hoboken received honorable mention as a bike friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists; an honor received by only one other city in NJ.  In August, Hoboken passed an ordinance whereby 80% of the streets will be bike friendly.

Garden Street Mews is located on Garden Street between 14th and 15th Streets.

Photo: City of Hoboken.