New board for formerly abandoned cemetery

Saturday, June 14, 2008
By PAUL KOEPP
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

It's the start of a new era at the Jersey City-Harsimus Cemetery.

The Newark Avenue graveyard, which had fallen into disrepair in recent months after its caretakers moved away, has a new board of trustees, a group of seven elected at a meeting Thursday.

About 35 plot owners met at the Hudson County Improvement Authority in Jersey City and picked Eileen Markenstein, of Union City, as president and treasurer, although she could not be at the meeting and was represented by her sister.

Several people at the meeting said Markenstein's financial experience working for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter would be an asset to the cemetery, which has more than $17,000 in trust and an undetermined amount in other accounts.

Two members of the state New Jersey Cemetery Board, which regulates non-religious cemeteries, presided over the meeting, along with Executive Director Dianne Tamaroglio and the state board's attorney, Ginger Provost.

Attorney Jorge Aviles, a former Journal Square councilman with an office at Five Corners, was elected vice president. He said he was eager to help because his son was buried in the cemetery in 1996, and he has lived nearby on Magnolia Avenue for 43 years.

"If somebody's going to sincerely take care of that place, nobody's in a better position to do that than me," Aviles said.

Also elected were secretary Jasmine Pinet, of Jersey City; Darlene Cimino, of Bayville; Michelle Egar, a member of the Jersey City Parks Coalition; Brian Lamb, of Jersey City; and Hector Sullivan, who has worked as a groundskeeper at the cemetery for the last four years.

The former board's last active member died in December. The cemetery's caretakers, Jorge and Flor Peralta, who lived in the house by its entrance, moved away this spring because there was no one left to pay them.

The NJCB and state Attorney General's office will help the new board determine the state of the cemetery's finances and find records that are believed to be locked in a safe in the house.

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That happened to me once... someone put a ticket on my legally parked car. But, the ticket was for public urination.

I couldn't figure out why someone would do that so your post clears it up.

hahaha... i'm going to have to remember that one.

Just mental pictures, I barely recognize Downtown JC. Everytime I pass by there I say "WTF?! where that come from? "

Is this supposed to be a deal!? you're throwing away $1387 a month on taxes and maintenance on a place you own? Crazy!

Doing something about the DEP taking on Reliable Recycling from polluting the air of our neighborhood? How many more years do we have to put up with this?

It appears you take great interest in your constituents in Jersey City, but have you not heard this pollution is making us sick?

Here are the facts:

Reliable Recycling is suffocating us on a daily basis for the last few years. There are numerous postings and hundreds of DEP official complaints about this company located at 1 Caven Point in Jersey City. Yet is continues and have yet to hear a single comment from you, one of our most outspoken representatives that's self-implied for the people.

What is your policy towards this?

Please call about odor complaint.
(877) 927-6337

It's happening now.

Reliable Paper Recycling
1 Caven Point Avenue
Jersey City, New Jersey 07305

The thing floating looked like a spider to me at first.
looks too small for my taste.
Crappy decor too.

Yes, this has happened to me as well. As for the original ticket, consider too that some smartass may have removed it for fun. One time i found a ticket placed on my car that was for a similar model car, but clearly the wrong color. Some idiot probably hoped I wouldn't notice it and would pay their fine for them. Nice try. lol I looked HARD at that ticket, cuz I KNEW my car was legally parked.

I forgot to add that what I found most disturbing is that if I did not follow up with this notice "(...) a warrant may be issued for your arrest".

So I was basically relying on USPS to avoid potential arrest for just a simple parking ticket.

Today I received a "failure to appear notice" for failing to appear in court after getting a "street cleaning" violation.
The thing is that I never got the original ticket, and that is why I did not pay the fine (and did not show up in court either).

I just paid the ticket plus penalty. It is not worth it complaining with the city government.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? To be issued a ticket/violation but not to get the ticket copy attached to your car?

Thanks for the replies so far...

I've been to the area a couple times at night (one insanely hot night). and there were people hanging on the streets but no one seemed to be purposefully intimidating.

Seemed like a working neighborhood...

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Lincoln High School makes its fair share of headlines for violence issues, though they usually involve students on students. And Monticello Ave stretches a ways away from Lincoln, it's really only closest to the southern end by Communipaw.

Best answer to give you is to spend time around the stretch your considering at different times of day and night, on both weekdays and weekends. After school time, late nights, etc. That way you can judge for yourself. There is definitely a fair amount of loitering in groups at all hours and between all ages. Some people would be instantly terrified, but given your history, you may be made of sterner stuff.

Yeah i suppose it would help...

I've been raised in Chicago living in east Williamsburg for the last thirteen years and thinking aboutpacking up and moving to monticello avenue to set up a studio with my wife that we would also live in. We've always lived on the outskirts of cities

So I guess I'm trying to find out if its more dangerous then normal? I know there's a pretty notorious high school around the corner but does that reflect the whole neighborhood?

Thanks

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That's what I thought, too. http://paulushook.net/besquare/

I think Steve is talking about the playground at the Essex Street Light Rail Station. Do they have the same name?

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Yup. Spend some time on Monticello after 10pm in the summer. It can be dicey, though not rising to the level of the worst stretches of MLK and Ocean.

While it has vastly improved over the years, Monticello still has work to do.

Of course, being more specific when asking questions might actually get you more helpful answers.

I don't feel safe there. I witnessed one act of violence from someone there and the next week I saw that same person there again. No one did anything. I avoid going there. It can be a nice place to go but at any moment it can change.

Appears safe... Any major underlying problems?

I believe Paulus Hook park is the one on the corner of Grand and Washington. There is an initiative under way to reclaim the part of the park that was taken for the trailers at the school on the corner.

Also unless this is a new screen name it probably isn't Althea (she has in the past posted under the name Althea).

In any case, all good news Steve and Althea, keep up the good work. I am also especially excited about the Newark Ave project.

Where is the Paulus Hook Park (Greene Street)? What is the cross street?

Set sail on high seas with 'Story'
Jersey City troupe testing the waters with original work
Friday, June 13, 2008
By JEFF THEODORE

JOURNAL ARTS EDITOR

W ith summer well on its way, it's a perfect time to embrace all things nautical.

For its first original piece of work, Art House Productions, a Jersey City performance company, is summoning water lovers to see "Sea Story," a play that runs through June 28.

The play, which has been in development for about a year, will have its audiences seated in a simulated ship on a journey to Crabcake Bay. There, Val, the main character, answers an ad promising adventure. Other elements of the play includes a secret society of women, a busted ham radio and mythological creatures that come to life.

Christine Goodman, founder and artistic director for Art House, says she imagined the show in her mind a year ago.

"This has been a beautiful labor of love," Goodman says. "I brought in people that Art House has worked with in previous productions, and then we started writing the script as a team. As it turns out, everybody in our development team had various relationships with the water, having lived around it or had experiences. We all had a personal investment and really connected to the theme."

The production will feature an actual ship, although not full-size, with a bow, canvas featuring aquatic scenes and a crow's nest. The audience will sit in an in-the-round setting as the actors perform.

It's the first time Art House has done in-the-round and also the first full-scale production in its new space at Hamilton Square.

"This is the first of hopefully a lot of projects we're excited about," Goodman says. "This has definitely been an ambitious undertaking but everybody has been game for it and put their all into it."

Goodman, who also has a role in the show, says it was intimidating to take on creating an original play. Generally, Art House has presented their version of plays and musicals already on the theater circuit.

"I didn't know if people would agree with my idea," Goodman says. "But as soon as we sat down and started writing it, the energy was remarkable. We have a tremendous cast and a visionary director."

Jack Halpin is the director, while the cast also includes The Jersey Journal's own intrepid reporter, Ronald Leir.

Goodman says the play came to fruition because she's always been an avid fan of water.

"I'm captivated by the mythology of the sea and the stories surrounding it," she says. "This play will be a great way to kick off the summer. I hope people will come and see what we've created. Great theater is happening on this side of the Hudson and Art House is proud to be part of the movement."



Sea Story is NOW PLAYING! I saw the play and it is really great!
http://arthouseproductions.org/calendar.html

Thanks Steve and GoldieLocks (is that Althea?) :)

Promising news here. The boot law NEEDS to be changed...it is outlandish.

Looking forward to the possibility of a revitalized Newark Ave in the future...

still bitter about the latin lounge post?

Sullyx, I guess you and I are scumbags b/c we hang out at Abbey's

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Its a little more than half a mile, based on Gmap Pedometer. By comparison, that's basically the same distance to McGinley Square.

Of course, the walk from CANCO is uphill. Both Ways. And its snowing.

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Absolutely right. It's not more than 8 blocks to JSQ.

300k for a 1BR is not too bad for Canco. Unfortunately, I don't think that price point exists anymore. That was probably an early discount or some of the lower floor units. Right now, 350k seems to be the starting point for 1BR there.

Councilman Steven Fulop - Jersey City Summer 2008 Update

As we enter the summer, I will take this opportunity to update you on the work and progress made by our Council Office in Ward E.

Issues include Booting, Education, Parks, BetterJC, Lead, and Improvement Projects

Car Booting
Our downtown council office has proposed a change to the booting ordinance, at the request of numerous constituents. The punishment of booting on the first offense is excessive to our current residents both new and old alike. As it stands now, the policy for booting is grossly unfair and unfriendly to a district looking to welcome business clients and newcomers to our area. Moreover, if you are mistakenly booted and a court dismisses the charges, you are still responsible for paying the administrative fee, for a boot that you should never have received.

The ordinance we proposed was tabled in Council . However, this issue is far from dead. Our office will be working on a sub committee to amend the ordinance again over the next two weeks and are willing to take the issue to court on the legalities of this backdoor tax on residents and the violation of due process


Education
I remain a steadfast advocate for a strong educational system, both in choice and quality. On that note, I am thrilled to report that a resolution I sponsored, stating the City Council supports the granting of a charter for The Ethical Community Charter School (www.teccs.org), has been passed. This school will serve the entire Jersey City community and is slated to open in September of 2009 should it receive its charter from the State. With the resolution passing 7-1 in the City Council, I consider this a huge win for the families of Jersey City .

Read more here: http://www.nj.com/jjournal/stories/in ... 21074665511430.xml&coll=3

P.S. 16: There was a closed meeting of the working committee of P.S. 16 on June 2, 2008. This meeting was to assess where the school is at, and how we can meet our goals, both for the wider community and the school. This is a complex issue, with all parties working hard for a solution. However, I wanted to assure you that there will be no disruption to any grades for the next school year.

Parks
The renovation plan for Hamilton Park is out to bid this month with the goal of construction being completed by early 2009. At the same time, we have been successful at working with private developers to begin planning for renovations on the First Street Park and the Paulus Hook Park (Greene Street) in the nearterm to accomodate more playground space.

Finally, I have included an article from the Jersey Journal with regards to the funding in place and the movement on Veteran?s Park, which is located next to the Goldman Sachs building. This is a longer term project, but a unique opportunity for the city. We have started a group to coordinate efforts with the state, city and community to move this forward

http://www.nj.com/jjournal/stories/in ... 11178364104510.xml&coll=3

BetterJC Referendum
Our November ballot initiatives for stopping pay-to-play and double dipping salaries are rapidly gaining momentum across the City. We have picked up many volunteers and have surpassed 2,000 signatures. We will start to meet the first Wed of every month If you are interested in being a part of this process in improving Jersey City please come to our next meeting, Wednesday July 2, 2008 @ LITM on Newark Avenue. The meeting starts at 7 pm.

www.betterjc.org

Grove Street PATH/Plaza
The east side staircase is presently closed and demolition started last week. The projected completion of this work is the end of June. We have been working with the Newark Ave Special Improvement District (SID) regarding maintenance of the plaza and cleanliness. We think we should see significant progress in the near term, as well as better gum cleanup, replacement of broken stones, and plaza furniture.

Newark Ave Streetscape
Finally, as of now, we have in place plans and funding for construction to begin on the improved Newark Ave streetscape (pictures at www.stevenfulop.com). This should coincide with the redevelopment plan for Newark Ave, and new entertainment ordinance that I have been working on with my colleagues in the Council. Our goal is that we want to insure we maximize the potential for Newark Ave by stimulating a pedestrian friendly restaurant row. The good news is that the funding is finally in place and we are moving Newark Avenue forward with construction starting in the next few months for an improved streetscape.

Lead Ordinance
Our office is extremely proud of this legislation which will require all daycare providers to receive signed notificatin of parents of the dangers of lead poisoning in young children and the risks currently that an industrial city like Jersey City can present. The ordinance took effect May 13, 2008. This will go a long way to helping decrease lead level rates among the city's children which is always a concern in a city like ours. Through pushing for early detection there is the best opportunity to counter lead poisoning. You can read more about this here:

http://hudsonreporter.com/site/index. ... =461&dept_id=523584&rfi=8

Please let me know if you have any questions
Sincerely,
Councilman Steven Fulop

I just want to beat everyone to the punch and say:

It's your fault for living near a bar! Next time, do your research.

(I don't actually think that, just trying to diffuse the issue before the people who actually think that come)

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Its possible, but the Barge Inn never seems to have more than 3 patrons at any given time.

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A guy named Eric and a girl named Mary decided to have it out drunk in the middle of 3rd St. Actually, Eric decided to have it out, screaming for a good 15 minutes, telling her to call her "goons" so he could fight them. Then he threw her phone against a car. Threatened to hit her. Cops came and they were quiet. Cops leave, they're out there screaming again. This time its along the lines of "You're gonna leave the man that loves you, Mary?" Cops drive by again and they're gone.

1) The problem of lowering the price is the developer will have a big riot on their hands from the people who already bought. Especially (from my understanding) all the units are still only in contract and not delivered yet. Unless the developer is willing to go back and pay the difference to the owners of for all those 50+ units already sold.

Lowering the price of a new construction is absolutely the last resort for the developers. If i were them i would just convert to rentals until the market picks up again in a few years.

2) Why is everyone saying the place is far from the PATH? I walked from st johns condo(saint pauls ave@jfk) to path every day when lived there, it's a short walk. And this is even closer, am i missing something?

3) Price is subjective, but based on current market in JC, 300k for a luxury 1br condo close to path is actually reasonable. Those condos by grove street is asking 400k+ for a smaller 1br with higher taxes. I personally would still not buy in this market yet though. I think we have at least another 6 months to go as the wallstreet layoffs are just hitting the RE now in the nyc/jc waterfront area.

4) Developer asking the city to change their already signed contract is a complete joke. The city council should not do it, no company in the world will. If the RE were booming now, will the developer agree to let the city change their contract to increase the tax? i dont think so.

All in all, i think canco is a good place if you plan to live there for 5-10 years and ride out the RE bust. Nice building, easy transportation, in an area with a lot of upside potential in the coming years.