JERSEY CITY PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC NOTICE
REGULAR MEETING
Please be advised the following items will be heard at a Regular Meeting of the Jersey City Planning
Board, scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 280
Grove Street, Second Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey.
1. Call to Order
2. Sunshine Announcement
3. Roll Call
4. Correspondence
5. Old Business:

6. Review and Discussion of the proposed St. Francis Hospital Adaptive Re-Use Redevelopment
Plan. Formal action may be taken.
Continuation of the hearing from March 14, 2006.

7. Section 31 Review. Municipal Parking Lot, Marin & Montgomery Streets.
Carried from March 14, 2006 meeting.
8. Cases: P05-139 Administrative Amendment
Applicant: 19 Prescott LLC
Attorney: William R. Lindsley
Address: 19-25 Prescott St.
Block: 1925 Lot: 10, 11, 12
Zone: R-1,One and Two Family Housing
Description: two new two-family homes and one new one-family home
Variances: Change internal stairwells from spiral stairs to traditional stairs in two-family
homes only. Application was previously approved on January 10, 2006.
9. New Business
10. Review and discussion of the proposed Forrest & Bergen Study Area. Formal action may be
taken.
11. Amendment to Green Villa Redevelopment Plan Area as per Forrest Bergen Study Area.
12. Case: P05-132 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan with ?c? variances
Applicant: John Crowley
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 165-169 Academy Street
Block: 1884 Lot: P, Q, Q.1
Zone: O/R - Office Residential
Description: New 9-story building with 33 residential units and 34 garage parking spaces
Variances: Lot area, lot width, rear yard, side yard, lot coverage, building coverage, parking
aisle width
Carried from March 14, 2006
13. Cases: P05-167 Minor Subdivision with ?c? variances
Applicant: Luis Garcia
Attorney: Pro Se
Address: 57-59 Wallis Ave.
Block: 1616 Lot: 24, 25
Zone: R-1 One and two family housing
Description: Subdivision of existing lot into two undersized lots of 2,000 sf for the construction
of two new two family homes
Variances: lot area (both lots), lot width (both lots)
Carried from March 14, 2006
14. Case: P05-150 Minor Subdivision
Applicant: Summit Avenue Homes, LLC
Attorney: Eugene Squeo
Address: 195-197 Van Horne St.
Block: 2041 Lot: X & Y
Zone: Morris Canal
Description: Re-subdivision of two lots to create two new conforming lots of 2,500 sf and 2,800
sf.
Carried from March 14, 2006
15. Case: P06-014 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan
Applicant: Newport Associates Development Company
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: Marin Boulevard & 18th Street
Block: 20 Lot: 4.01 Block: 19 Lot: A.12
Zone: Newport
Description: Addition of 42 parking spaces
Carried from March 14, 2006
Planning Board Meeting
March 28, 2006
Page 2
16. Case: P05-026 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan
Applicant: New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC
Attorney: Judith Babinski
Address: 101 Linden Avenue
Block: 1507 Lot: 20&21
Zone: Greenville Industrial Redevelopment Plan
Description: New cellular phone monopole.
Carried from March 14, 2006
17. Case: P05-162 Minor Site Plan with ?c? variance
Applicant: New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC
Attorney: Judith Babinski
Address: 487 Bramhall Avenue
Block: 1963 Lot: 15, 16, 17.T
Zone: R-1, One and two family housing
Description: New cellular phone antennas.
Variances: Telecommunication equipment on a roof less than 60 feet in height.
Carried from March 14, 2006
18. Case: P05-130 Minor Site Plan with ?c? variance
Applicant: Omnipoint Communications, INC
Attorney: Dean Stamos
Address: 1584 JFK Boulevard
Block: 1376 Lot: 88.A
Zone: NC, Neighborhood Commercial
Description: New cellular phone antennas.
Variances: Telecommunication equipment on a roof less than 60 feet in height.
Carried from March 14, 2006
19. Case: P05-089 Preliminary and Final Major Subdivision / Variances/ Deviations
Applicant: Dinh and Phu Nguyen
Attorney: Jon Campbell
Address: 113-119 Harrison Ave./632-634 Communipaw Ave.
Block: 1931 Lot: 7, 8, 9, H2
Zone: R-1, Residential and Monticello Avenue Redevelopment Area
Description: Subdivision of four lots into five new lots for a commercial lot and two new 2-
family residential buildings. Split zone project with frontage on two streets.
Variances & Deviations: Lot area (4 lots), lot depth (5 lots)
20. Case: P05-072 Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan / Variances/ Deviations
Applicant: Dinh and Phu Nguyen
Attorney: Jon Campbell
Address: 113-119 Harrison Ave./632-634 Communipaw Ave.
Block: 1931 Lot: 7, 8, 9, H2
Zone: R-1, Residential and Monticello Avenue Redevelopment Area
Description: New 2,073sf commercial space with parking along Communipaw Avenue and two
new 2-family homes fronting on Harrison Avenue.
Variances & Deviations: side yard (one lot), rear yard (5 lots), building coverage (2 lots),
lot coverage (one lot)
21. Case: P06-011 Preliminary and Final Site Plan with Deviation
Applicant: Heidi Curko and John Colangelo
Attorney: Jon Campbell
Address: 59 ? Lafayette St.
Block: 2051 Lot: P
Zone: Morris Canal Redevelopment Plan
Description: 2-story addition to the rear of an existing house
Deviations: Rear yard
22. Certification of Artists as recommended by the Jersey City Artist Certification Board
23. Memorialization of Resolutions
24. Executive Session, as needed, to discuss litigation, personnel or other matters
25. Adjournment
JOHN CARDWELL, CHAIRMAN, PLANNING BOARD

There is no free lunch, but.... it is impossible to convince the council and administration of this. Every effort has met with incoherent rhetoric . Have you ever heard Councilman Lipski try to explain the benefits of tax abatements.....

Our school taxes have not increased in 10 years due to state aid. Now, only the non-abated properties will bear the increases. Now, we will start to see what a good deal these tax abatement agreements really are.

Keep in mind that abated properties have and may continue to receive extensions and transfers.

Maybe the answer is not to argue with our municipal officials to change, but pull the rug out from under them and stopping / reducing abatements through referendum.

In the event that a representative from Jersey City?s Planning Department attends this meeting, there are some questions to ask-

First, however, forget about the ugly hospital buildings for a moment and keep in mind that a Redevelopment Plan can do many things and much more. The St. Francis Area Redevelopment Plan could require that all existing non-conforming structures be demolished and not re-used. The plan could require that only 4 story townhouses compatible with the surrounding area be constructed. The redevelopment plan is not required to give the right to the same square footage as the hospital complex currently has.

Ask City Planning what is the current density permitted in the Hamilton Park Historic District and what is the density proposed in the redevelopment plan for the hospital site.

Ask City Planning what retail can currently be built under existing zoning law and what is the maximum retail permitted in the proposed redevelopment plan.

If you feel that this project could not and should not be as big as proposed in the St. Francis Area Redevelopment Plan with a large retail component, act now.

This is not about the potential developer, Silvermans/Exeter Property, who recently purchased the St. Francis Hospital site and have a very good reputation as quality developers as many have described and will do again at the next Planning Board meeting. This is about dropping a mixed use high rise development into the heart of a residential neighborhood and historic district on Hamilton Park. Regardless of the outcome, even if the hospital site was reduced to a reasonable 150 units (from the proposed 225 units), the Silvermans/Exeter Property will still be getting approvals for a much larger project than any other developer could likely achieve on this site.

Here is how to speak up before the next Planning Board Meeting on March 28th :

Robert Cotter, Director, Division of City Planning
30 Montgomery St.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 547-5010

Mayor Jerramiah Healy
City Hall
280 Grove St.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 547-5200
MayorHealy@jcnj.org

Send Letters to-

Letters to the Editor
Jersey Journal
30 Journal Square
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Fax ? (201) 653-1414
jjletters@jjournal.com

Include your telephone number for verification

There is no point to this meeting unless the Division of City Planning participates.

JERSEY CITY PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC NOTICE
REGULAR MEETING
Please take notice the Planning Board took the following action at the Regular Meeting of March 14,
2006:
1. Call to Order
2. Sunshine Announcement
3. Roll Call
4. Correspondence
5. Old Business:
Case: P05-005 Administrative Amendment
Applicant: PREIT Services, LLC
Attorney: John C. Phillips
Address: 701 Rt. 440
Block: 1751 Lot: 2, 4
Zone: WPD - Waterfront Planned Development
Description: Minor extension to sidewalk along Applebee?s
restaurant. Originally approved April 5, 2005.
6. New Business:
7. Section 31 Review. Municipal Parking Lot, Marin & Montgomery Streets.
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.
8. Section 31 Review. Replace pedestrian bridges in Lincoln Park, submitted by the County of
Hudson. For recommendation.
Recommended.
9. Review and discussion of proposed amendments to the Land Development Ordinance. Formal
action may be taken for recommendation to Council.
Recommended with changes to City Council for Adoption.
10. Review and discussion of proposed amendments to the Land Development Ordinance on referral
from Council. Formal action may be taken.
Recommended with conditions to City Council for Adoption.
11. Review and discussion of proposed amendments to the Republic Container Redevelopment Plan.
Formal action may be taken.
Approved and recommended to City Council for adoption.
12. Review and discussion of the Report Concerning the Determination of the Proposed Bates Street
Study Area as ?An Area in Need of Redevelopment.? Formal action may be taken.
Approved with conditions and recommended to City Council for adoption.
13. Review and discussion of the proposed Bates Street Redevelopment Plan. Formal action may be
taken.
Approved with additional language and recommended to City Council for adoption.
14. Review and discussion of the Report Concerning the Determination of the Proposed Merseles
Street Study Area as ?An Area in Need of Redevelopment.? Formal action may be taken.
Approved and recommended to City Council for adoption.
15. Review and discussion of the proposed Merseles Street Redevelopment Plan. Formal action may
be taken.
Approved with additional language and recommended to City council for adoption.
16. Review and discussion of the Report concerning the determination of the proposed Majestic
Theater II Study Area as ?An area in need of redevelopment.? Formal action may be taken.
Approved and recommended to City Council for adoption.
17. Review and discussion of the proposed Majestic Theater II Redevelopment Plan. Formal action
may be taken.
Approved and recommended to City Council for adoption.
18. Review and discussion of the proposed amendments to the Martin Luther King Redevelopment
Plan. Formal action may be taken.
Tabled.

19. Review and discussion of the proposed St. Francis Hospital Adaptive Re-Use Redevelopment
Plan. Formal Action may be taken.
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.

20.. Case: P05-132 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan with ?c? variances
Applicant: John Crowley
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 165-169 Academy Street
Block: 1884 Lot: P, Q, Q.1
Zone: O/R - Office Residential
Description: New 9-story building with 33 residential units and 34 garage parking spaces
Variances: Lot area, lot width, rear yd, side yd, lot cov., bld. coverage, parking aisle width
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.
Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2006
Page 2
21. Case: P05-150 Minor Subdivision
Applicant: Summit Avenue Homes, LLC
Attorney: Eugene Squeo
Address: 195-197 Van Horne St.
Block: 2041 Lot: X & Y
Zone: Morris Canal
Description: Re-subdivision of two lots to create two new conforming lots of 2,500 sf and
2,800 sf.
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.
22. Cases: P06-014 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan
Applicant: Newport Associates Development Company
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: Marin Boulevard & 18 Street th
Block: 20 Lot: 4.01 Block: 19 Lot: A.12
Zone: Newport
Description: Addition of 42 parking spaces
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.
23. Cases: P05-026 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan
Applicant: New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC
Attorney: Judith Babinski
Address: 101 Linden Avenue
Block: 1507 Lot: 20&21
Zone: Greenville Industrial Redevelopment Plan Area
Description: New cellular phone monopole.
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.
24 Cases: P05-162 Minor Site Plan with ?c? variance
Applicant: New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC
Attorney: Judith Babinski
Address: 487 Bramhall Avenue
Block: 1963 Lot: 15, 16, 17.T
Zone: R-1 One and two family housing
Description: New cellular phone antennas.
Variances: Telecommunication equipment on a roof less than 60 feet in height.
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.
25. Cases: P05-130 Minor Site Plan with ?c? variance
Applicant: Omnipoint Communications, INC
Attorney: Dean Stamos
Address: 1584 JFK Boulevard
Block: 1376 Lot: 88.A
Zone: NC Neighborhood Commercial
Description: New cellular phone antennas.
Variances: Telecommunication equipment on a roof less than 60 feet in height.
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.
26. Cases: P05-167 Minor Subdivision with ?c? variances
Applicant: Luis Garcia
Attorney: Pro Se
Address: 57-59 Wallis Ave.
Block: 1616 Lot: 24, 25
Zone: R-1 One and two family housing
Description: Subdivision of existing lot into two undersized lots of 2,000 sf for the
construction of two new two family homes
Variances: lot area (both lots), lot width (both lots)
Carried to March 28, 2006 regular meeting.
27. Certified thirteen(13) Artists as recommended by the Jersey City Artist Certification Board
meeting of March 14, 2006.
28. Memorialized the following resolutions, available for review at the Office of City Planning, 30
Montgomery Street, 14 flr., Suite # 1400, Jersey City, NJ: th
(1) Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey City Approving the Master Plan Reexamination
Report.
(2) Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey City Approving Preliminary Site Plan with
Deviations # P05-108 submitted by Mushroom Development, LLC (321-323 First Street)
(3) Resolution of the Planning board of the City of Jersey City Approving Preliminary Site Plan with
Deviations # P06-010 submitted by Capital Development Realty, LLC (385-387 Communipaw
Avenue).
(4)Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey City Approving Preliminary Site Plan with
Deviations # P06-009 submitted by 302 Communipaw Ave., LLC (302-306 Communipaw Avenue).
(5) Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey City Approving Minor Subdivision
with Deviations # P05-173 submitted by Mushroom Dev., LLC (321-323 First Street).
(6) Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey City Approving Preliminary & Final
Site Plan with ?c? Variances # P04-106 submitted by Lori Raymond ( 829 Bergen Avenue).
(7) Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey Cty Approving Major Site Plan with
Deviations # P05-140 submitted by Importer Services Corp. (152 & 156 Pine Street).
29. Executive Session, as needed, to discuss litigation, personnel or other matters
30. Adjournment
JOHN CARDWELL, CHAIRMAN, PLANNING BOARD

No question, this the redevelopment plan proposed for St. Francis Hosptial will completelly change the character and use of the area and park while not providing any rational why.

The plan proposes to fill in the set backs for the exsiting non-conforming hospital buildings with high rise buildings. Both filling in the set backs and high rises make no sense at all and will negtively impact the park and surrounding area. All new construction should limited to 4 story residential as the rest of the area is zoned.

Any new retail, which is currently not permitted in the historic district will create parking, congestion, trash and noise issues, while some may be warranted, it should not be permited on the park side of the project. Only building entrances and townhouses should be permitted on the parkside.

Hopefully, City Planning will finally provide some rationale for this massive upzoning of a historic residential district.

Maybe even explain why they are proposing high-rise buildings 50% taller than the tallest building being built in the brand new Liberty Harbor North neighborhood off Grand St.

JERSEY CITY PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC NOTICE
REGULAR MEETING
Please be advised the following items will be heard at a Regular Meeting of the Jersey City
Planning Board, scheduled for Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers,
City Hall, 280 Grove Street, Second Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey.
1. Call to Order
2. Sunshine Announcement
3. Roll Call
4. Correspondence
5. Old Business:
Case: P05-005 Administrative Amendment
Applicant: PREIT Services, LLC
Attorney: John C. Phillips
Address: 701 Rt. 440
Block: 1751 Lot: 2, 4
Zone: WPD - Waterfront Planned Development
Description: Minor extension to sidewalk along Applebee?s restaurant. Originally approved
April 5, 2005.
New Business
6. Section 31 Review. Municipal Parking Lot, Marin & Montgomery Streets
7. Section 31 Review. Replace pedestrian bridges in Lincoln Park, submitted by the County of
Hudson. For recommendation.
8. Review and discussion of proposed amendments to the Land Development Ordinance. Formal
action may be taken for recommendation to Council.
9. Review and discussion of proposed amendments to the Land Development Ordinance on referral
from Council. Formal action may be taken.
10. Review and discussion of proposed amendments to the Republic Container Redevelopment Plan.
Formal action may be taken.
11. Review and discussion of the Report Concerning the Determination of the Proposed Bates Street
Study Area as ?An Area in Need of Redevelopment.? Formal action may be taken.
12. Review and discussion of the proposed Bates Street Redevelopment Plan. Formal action may be
taken.
13. Review and discussion of the Report Concerning the Determination of the Proposed Merseles
Street Study Area as ?An Area in Need of Redevelopment.? Formal action may be taken.
14. Review and discussion of the proposed Merseles Street Redevelopment Plan. Formal action may
be taken.
15. Review and discussion of the Report concerning the determination of the proposed Majestic
Theater II Study Area as ?An area in need of redevelopment.? Formal action may be taken.
16. Review and discussion of the proposed Majestic Theater II Redevelopment Plan. Formal action
may be taken.
17. Review and discussion of the proposed amendments to the Martin Luther King Redevelopment
Plan. Formal action may be taken.

18. Review and discussion of the proposed St. Francis Hospital Adaptive Re-Use Redevelopment Plan.
Formal Action may be taken.

19. Case: P05-132 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan with ?c? variances
Applicant: John Crowley
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 165-169 Academy Street
Block: 1884 Lot: P, Q, Q.1
Zone: O/R - Office Residential
Description: New 9-story building with 33 residential units and 34 garage parking spaces
Variances: Lot area, lot width, rear yd, side yd, lot cov., bld. coverage, parking aisle width
Carry to March 28, 2006
Planning Board Meeting
March 14, 2006
Page 2
20. Case: P05-150 Minor Subdivision
Applicant: Summit Avenue Homes, LLC
Attorney: Eugene Squeo
Address: 195-197 Van Horne St.
Block: 2041 Lot: X & Y
Zone: Morris Canal
Description: Re-subdivision of two lots to create two new conforming lots of 2,500 sf and
2,800 sf.
Carry to March 28, 2006
21. Cases: P06-014 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan
Applicant: Newport Associates Development Company
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: Marin Boulevard & 18 Street th
Block: 20 Lot: 4.01 Block: 19 Lot: A.12
Zone: Newport
Description: Addition of 42 parking spaces
Carry to March 28, 2006
22. Cases: P05-026 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan
Applicant: New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC
Attorney: Judith Babinski
Address: 101 Linden Avenue
Block: 1507 Lot: 20&21
Zone: Greenville Industrial Redevelopment Plan Area
Description: New cellular phone monopole.
Carry to March 28, 2006
23 Cases: P05-162 Minor Site Plan with ?c? variance
Applicant: New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC
Attorney: Judith Babinski
Address: 487 Bramhall Avenue
Block: 1963 Lot: 15, 16, 17.T
Zone: R-1 One and two family housing
Description: New cellular phone antennas.
Variances: Telecommunication equipment on a roof less than 60 feet in height.
Carry to March 28, 2006
24. Cases: P05-130 Minor Site Plan with ?c? variance
Applicant: Omnipoint Communications, INC
Attorney: Dean Stamos
Address: 1584 JFK Boulevard
Block: 1376 Lot: 88.A
Zone: NC Neighborhood Commercial
Description: New cellular phone antennas.
Variances: Telecommunication equipment on a roof less than 60 feet in height.
Carry to March 28, 2006
25. Cases: P05-167 Minor Subdivision with ?c? variances
Applicant: Luis Garcia
Attorney: Pro Se
Address: 57-59 Wallis Ave.
Block: 1616 Lot: 24, 25
Zone: R-1 One and two family housing
Description: Subdivision of existing lot into two undersized lots of 2,000 sf for the construction
of two new two family homes
Variances: lot area (both lots), lot width (both lots)
Carry to March 28, 2006
26. Certification of Artists as recommended by the Jersey City Artist Certification Board
27. Memorialization of Resolutions
28. Executive Session, as needed, to discuss litigation, personnel or other matters
29. Adjournment
JOHN CARDWELL, CHAIRMAN, PLANNING BOARD

I noticed this advertisement in the JC Reporter and also received via email.

This building was approved and received zoning variances to go residential before the creation and approval of the Powerhouse Arts District.

The City was to purchase six units with HUD monies to then rent to qualified artists.

Now it appears that these units are up for sale, albiet at lower than market selling price.

Does anyone know why these units are not being offered as rentals and what happend to the money the city was to purchase these units with?



140 Bay Street ? Work/Live Artist Units
Powerhouse Arts District
Fact Sheet

AVAILABILITY OF PRE-APPLICATIONS

The City of Jersey City, Department of Housing, Economic Development & Commerce, is offering Pre-Applications for the 140 Bay Street ? Work/Live Artist Units. There are six units available to qualified artist for the non-negotiable price of $200,000. This program will provide increased opportunities for affordable homeownership in the Powerhouse Arts District for Jersey City Certified Artists.

Pre-Application Forms will be available beginning on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the following location:

CITY OF JERSEY CITY
HOUSING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COMMERCE
30 MONTGOMERY STREET, DIRECTOR?S OFFICE ? SUITE 1400
JERSEY CITY, NJ 07302

201-547-4282? For Additional Information

Pre-Application Forms must be returned to the Department of Housing, Economic Development & Commerce at the above address. Forms should be hand delivered to Housing, Economic Development & Commerce no later than Monday, March 20, 2006 at 4:00 P.M. If mailed, forms must be post marked by Monday, March 20, 2006

In order to qualify for the 140 Bay Street ? Work/Live Units, the family income must be within the following range for the respective family size:

Family Size: One-Two Persons
Not to Exceed: $62,240.00


Preference will be given to certified artists who live in Jersey City. In order to be considered for a 140 Bay Street ? Work/Live Artist Unit, applicants must meet the following criteria:

* Have not owned a home in the last three (3) years
* Meet the income criteria based on family size as listed above
* Certified as Artist by the Jersey City Planning Board seven (7) days prior to lottery
* Must Qualify for a Mortgage in the Amount of $200,000*
* Mortgage Restrictions on Future Sales will Apply

All qualified artists will be place in a lottery to determine the equitable distribution of the six available units

*Less any down payment. Pre-Qualification and Good Faith Estimate from an Accredited Financial Institution will be required prior to lottery.

JERRAMIAH T. HEALY
MAYOR

Barbara Netchert
Acting Director, HEDC

Here is another good letter about JC fiscal problems-


Vega Avoids Taking Blame


IN YOUR OPINION
Monday, March 06, 2006

Vega avoids taking blame

This letter is in response to Mariano Vega's letter. Mr. Vega responded to comments made by the Jimmy King's Civic Association.

Councilman Vega's letter tries to justify the tax increase as though city government has no control over certain costs. For instance, he lists $13 million increase in debt service and $6 million increase in the cost of pensions. Why didn't Mr. Vega include the cost of the police promotions? That is a budget line item that the city could control. I believe those promotions were made so retiring officers could enjoy higher pensions. Let's not forget Mayor Healy said 190 officers are retiring this year.

The pensions cost is not a surprise. All municipal and county governments expected that increase. It was a budget gimmick by former Gov. Whitman. Prudent governments put money aside for the expected increase.

Then Councilman Vega states that the City Council is able to find a way to restructure the city's debt service. Again, this is not a new item. How many times has Mr. Vega voted to refinance the city's debt? The debt has been refinanced so many times that it has lost its tax-exempt status.

Vega states Jersey City will receive additional revenue through prepayments of taxes from Gold Coast developers. That is a fancy way of saying the city will allow developers to prepay their tax abatement bill this year; however, that means next year the city will not receive any revenue! Our city has been practicing this gimmick for years - a reason for unstable taxes every year.

Next, the councilman comments on the water bill. He states he is not happy with the increases, but users must keep up with rising cost. He failed to say that we, not United Water, have bonded tens of millions to improve the water system. The bonds are paid for by taxpayers, not United Water. If the public is paying for the improvements as higher taxes in the form of bond indebtedness, then why are we paying higher water bills?

Many Hudson municipalities are plagued with high taxes. They must pay three budgets: county, municipal and board of education. Ironically, Jersey City should be one of the lowest tax municipalities because it only pays 13 percent of the school board cost which has been fixed for 17 years. Neighboring Hoboken and Bayonne pay 63 and 54 percent, respectively, of their schools' cost.

So why are taxes higher? Because our city government has continued to give tax abatements. Abatements are not ratables, they are contracts. Only ratables can stabilize the tax rate.

YVONNE BALCER

This post is very well pointed and I believe accurately puts the "slipping back" at the feet of the Cunningham Administration.

I took away from the article and some of the posts, that while crime generally is the same as 5/10 years ago, most expect it to improve as revialization continues and real estate prices have sky rocketed, but it has not.

Mayor Healy ran on the platform of reducing crime. Given that, he via his appointments should articulate a comprehensive plan to address public safety. Chief Troy referred to a plan in the article and asked for time to see the results. First step is to share the plan with the public.

Over the weekend, a credible person mentioned to me that the Fire Department had just hired 30 new recruits inorder to get down the hiring list to the Mayor's son. This is a fundemental obstacle and needs to be put out into the open.

Regarding those who would like to hear antecdotal comments on whether JC is a safe place to live, can peruse previous discussions, there are plenty.

So Jerry Healy is our David Dinkins.... can we skip over having our Rudy Guiliani to having our own Michael Bloomberg? or even better, Ken Livingstone of London?

Quote:

Yes, I believe that this article resulted from the local press coverage of Fulop's call for the chief's resignation. I do not think that the deli robbery and the mugging of Council President Vega's wife would have resonated so loudly and crime in general have gotten so much media coverage without it.

I also share the perception with some others that crime is not significantly worse than 10 years ago, but that the changing demographics have carried with it changing expectations.

What can a councilman do? Be an advocate for change, for maximizing public safety resources, for embracing new techologies and methods, for bringing in outside experience to our police department....





Quote:

Well, I will give Councilman Fulop credit for making noise and creating publicity (negative) on this issue. Also, shrewdly targeting Chief Troy and not Director Jefferson.

Sometimes, the only way to get something done in JC is to create escalating publicity. Results start to occur when the issue gains regional publicity and becomes embarrasing (also shedding unwanted attention).

Councilman Fulop or whomever advised him on this, hit a home run.

JERSEY CITY PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC NOTICE
REGULAR MEETING
Please take notice the Planning Board took the following action at the Regular Meeting of February 28,
2006:
1. Call to Order
2. Sunshine Announcement
3. Roll Call
4. Correspondence
5. Old Business:
Case: P05-099 Administrative Amendment
Applicant: Sip Development Associates, LLC
Attorney: Ira M. Starr
Address: 382-394 Sip Ave. & 133-137 Logan Ave.
Block: 1328 Lot: 80B, 84B, B6,
Zone: Sip Avenue Redevelopment Plan
Description: Six new three-family homes and six new two-family homes.
Facade changes to previous approval (granted 9/27/05).
Decision: Approved.
6. New business
7. Review and discussion of proposed amendments to the Turnkey Redevelopment Plan. Formal
action may be taken.
Approved and recommended to City Council for Adoption.
8. Review and discussion of proposed amendments to the Liberty Harbor North Redevelopment
Plan. Formal action may be taken..
Approved and recommended to City Council for Adoption.
9 Case: P00-116.1 Preliminary Site Plan Amendment
Applicant: Vector Urban Renewal Associates LP, I and Vector Urban Renewal Associates LP, II
Attorney: James Burke
Address: 328-342 Washington Street
Block: 75 Lot: PL 1, 152, 153
Zone: Exchange Place North Redevelopment Plan
Description: Facade up-grade, Phasing changes to the Trump Jersey City building
Decision: Approved with conditions.
10. Case: P05-173 Minor Subdivision
Applicant: Mushroom Development LLC
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 321-323 First St.
Block: 348 Lot: 7 & 8
Zone: Village Redevelopment Plan
Description: Subdivision of two lots into three new lots
Deviations: lot area (all 3 lots, ranging from 1,211 to 1,489 sf)
Decision: Approved.
11. Case: P05-108 Preliminary Major Site Plan
Applicant: Mushroom Development LLC
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 321-323 First St.
Block: 348 Lot: 7 & 8
Zone: Village Redevelopment Plan
Description: Three new single-family homes
Deviations: building coverage (all three lots)
Decision: Approved with conditions.
12. Case: P05-140 Preliminary Major Site Plan with deviations
Applicant: Importers Service Corp.
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 152-156 Pine St.
Block: 2046 Lot: 8 & 10
Zone: Morris Canal Redevelopment
Description: Two new two-family homes on conforming lots.
Deviations: parking not below grade
Decision: Approved with conditions.
13. Case: P05-146 Major Subdivision with deviations
Applicant: Nashed Construction
Attorney: Hugh A. McGuire III
Address: 389-391 Sip Ave., 1-5 Field Ave., 344-352 Freeman Ave.
Block: 1637 Lot: entire block
Zone: Sip Avenue Gateway Redevelopment Plan - Residential
Description: Subdivision of an entire irregularly shaped block of eleven lots into twelve new lots
Deviations: lot width, lot area
Decision: Approved.
Planning Board Meeting
February 28, 2006
Page 2
14. Case: P05-147 Preliminary Major Site Plan with deviations & waivers
Applicant: Nashed Construction
Attorney: Hugh A. McGuire III
Address: 389-391 Sip Ave., 1-5 Field Ave., 344-352 Freeman Ave.
Block: 1637 Lot: entire block
Zone: Sip Avenue Gateway Redevelopment Plan - Residential
Description: Twelve new two-family homes with parking in the rear
Deviations: front yard setback, lot coverage, landscaping, parking stall dimensions (waiver), aisle
dimensions (waiver), window sill height (waiver)
Decision: Approved with conditions.
15. Cases: P04-106 Preliminary/Final Major Site Plan with ?c? variances
Applicant: Lori Raymond
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 829 Bergen Ave.
Block: 1836.5 Lot: 37
Zone: CBD, Central Business District
Description: New 9-story residential building with 30 units and 23 internal parking spaces.
Existing undersized lot.
Variances: lot area, lot width, front yard, driveway width, parking stall size, parking aisle width
Decision: Approved with conditions.
16. Cases: P06-009 Preliminary Site Plan with Deviations
Applicant: 302 Communipaw Avenue, LLC
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 302-306 Communipaw
Block: 2050 Lot: 26.A, 25, P
Zone: Morris Canal Redevelopment Plan, Mixed-Use A
Description: New mixed-use building on 7,800sf lot, with two commercial spaces and 15
residential units. 16 on-site parking spaces provided.
Deviations: height, parking lot landscaping
Decision: Approved with conditions.
17. Cases: P06-010 Preliminary Site Plan with Deviations
Applicant: Capital Development Realty, LLC
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 385-387 Communipaw Ave.
Block: 2042 Lot: 1 & 2
Zone: Morris Canal Redevelopment Plan, Mixed-Use A
Description: New mixed-use building on 5,000 sf lot, with two commercial spaces and 12
residential units. 10 on-site parking spaces provided.
Deviations: height, parking lot landscaping
Decision: Approved with conditions.
18. Certified seven(7) Artists as recommended by the Jersey City Artist Certification Board meeting of
February 7, 2006.
19. Memorialized the following resolutions, available for review at the Office of City Planning, 30
Montgomery Street, 14 flr., Suite # 1400, Jersey City, NJ: th
(1) Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey City Approving Preliminary Major Site Plan
# P05-152 submitted by K. Hovnanian at 77 Hudson Street Urban Renewal Co.,LLC, (77 Hudson Street).
(2) Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey City Approving Preliminary & Final Major Site
Plan with ?c? variances # P05-169 submitted by 61-63 Newkirk Street, LLC (61-63 Newkirk Street).
(3) Resolution of the Planning Board of the City of Jersey City Approving Amended Preliminary and
Final Site Plan (Phase III) # P02-059.3 submitted by 95 Van Dam Urban Renewal, LLC (300
Communipaw Avenue)
20. Executive Session, as needed, to discuss litigation, personnel or other matters
21. Adjournment
JOHN CARDWELL, CHAIRMAN, PLANNING BOARD

Yep,

The Light Rail could have / should have run down the middle of Washington St. and connect directly with the PATH. Instead the Light Rail has direct access to the mall. Similiar problem in Hoboken with the Light Rail a decent distance from the PATH at the most opposite ends of Hoboken Terminal. Lots of compromises made when the alignment was determined.

The opportunity for a direct connection has been lost. Yes, thank you for the blessed developers and the well thought out redevelopment plans proposed and adopted by the city.

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Back to the semi, kind of free market.....

Problem, residents of buildings that offer parking for a fee choose to park on the street. Why. Certainly, it is generally more trouble, less safe and time consuming.

The cost differential between garage and on street parking is too great. Close the gap and create more centralized municipal garages for residents, business and visiters.

As long as overnight or full day street parking is near free, parking will be and become more and more dificult.

Increase on street parking permit fees to $25 monthly. As a previous poster mentioned, on street parking is NOT an inalienable right. Dedicate by statue, a majority of these funds to go to creating new parking and enforcement.

Of course it goes without saying that we need an efficient and true to its mission Parking Authority.

Please take notice that the Board of Adjustment took the following actions at the February 16, 2006
regular meeting:
1. Call to Order
2. Sunshine Announcement
3. Roll Call
4. Correspondence
5. OLD BUSINESS:

Case: Z02-043
Applicant: 100 Paterson Plank Road, LLC
Attorney: George Garcia
Address: 100 Paterson Plank Road
Block: 751 Lot: G
Zone: R-3 Multi-Family Mid-Rise/Palisade Protection Overlay District
For: Administrative amendment to Final Site Plan with variances originally
approved 2/20/03 (memorialized 3/20/03); 1 year extension of approvals
granted 1/20/05
Decision: Approved.

6. Requests for Adjournment

7. Memorialized the following resolutions available for review at the Office of City Planning, 30
Montgomery Street, 14th flr., Suite # 1400, Jersey City, NJ.
(1) Resolution of the Jersey City Zoning Board of Adjustment Approving Preliminary & Final
site Plan with ?c? & ?d? Variances # Z05-052 submitted by 154-158 Steuben Street Holdings,
LLc. (154-158 Steuben Street).
(2) Resolution of the Jersey City Zoning Board of Adjustment Approving ?c? Variance # P05-
046 submitted by Andres Arce ((101-103 Griffith Street).

8. Case: Z05-053
Applicant: John Besante
Attorney: Pro se
Address: 112 Brunswick Street
Block: 384 Lot : U
Zone: R-1 One and Two Family Housing
For: Rehabilitation and partial reconstruction of a 3-story structure containing a
nonconforming ground floor commercial unit and two 1-BR dwelling units on
above floors in order to expand the structure to allow two 2-BR dwelling units.
?c? Variances: Expansion of a non-conforming structure, minimum rear yard, minimum lot
area/depth, max. building coverage, max. lot coverage
Decision: Approved with conditions.

9. Case: Z05-031
Applicant: New Jersey City Affordable Housing, LLC
Attorney: Eugene P. O?Connell
Address: 376-382 Bergen Avenue
Block: 1977 Lot: A.3
Zone: R-3 Multi-Family Mid-Rise
For: Preliminary/Final Site Plan with ?c? & ?d? Variances to construct a five-story
apartment building with 43 senior housing units and 16 on-site parking spaces
?c? Variances: Front/side/rear yards, min. building coverage, min. lot coverage
?d? Variance: Density
Decision: Approved with conditions.
Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting
February 16, 2006
Page 2

10. Case: Z05-048
Applicant: 374-376 Seventh St, LLC
Attorney: Eugene Paolino
Address: 374-376 Seventh Street
Block: 417 Lots : 13, 14
Zone: R-1 One and Two Family Housing
For: Preliminary/Final Site Plan with ?c? & ?d? Variances to construct a 3-story
vertical addition with 9 residential units above an existing nonconforming 1-
story warehouse/garage that will contain 9 parking spaces.
?c? Variances: Parking aisle width
?d? Variance: Use; Height
Decision: Approved with conditions.

11. Case: Z05-044
Applicant: Brunswick 9 Associates, LLC
Attorney: George Garcia
Address: 364 9 Street & 269 Brunswick Street th
Block: 420 Lots: A, B, C, D, G.1, H.2, J.1, S.1
Zone: R-2 Multi-Family Attached Housing (4 Stories or Less)
For: Preliminary & Final Site Plan with ?c? and ?d? variances to construct a sixstory
multi-family mid-rise apartment building with 143 dwelling units and
147 ground floor parking spaces
?c? Variances: Parking space dimensions, parking aisle width
?d? Variance: Use; Density; Height
Decision: Approved with conditions.

12. Case: Z05-051
Applicant: Pamrapo Savings Bank
Attorney: James McCann
Address: 213 Washington Street
Block: 99 Lot: H
Zone: Paulus Hook Historic District
For: Minor Site Plan with ?d? variance to allow a financial institution (bank) to
locate in the ground floor storefront at the subject premises
?d? Variance: Use
Decision: Approved with conditions.
13. Executive Session, as needed, to discuss litigation, personnel, or other matters.
LONNIE SOBEL, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CHAIRMAN

Yes, get the window bars, but do it right via Historic Commission. Also, get a home security system complete with motion and glass break detectors. This could be done quickly.

Fortunately, being winter, you can keep your street level windows closed and locked.

It was real enough for a good amount of public money spent on planning studies.

The issue surrounding opening up the footbridge to vehicular traffic is not to deal with existing traffic but the new traffic it would create.

Ask the city to enforce the developer agreements to rehabilitate, fence and light the bridge and adjacent walkways as should have been done more than 5 years ago. This is a good illustration why these developer deals do not work and are not sound tax policy.

Thank you to the activists who have made Jersey City a tolerable place to live. Anything and everything positive to happen in recent times is due to public initiatives, community groups and these "activists".

Thank them for Liberty State Park, the Loew's Theatre, Brennen Courthouse, the trees along Kennedy Blvd., the Literacy Program at the Library, numerous social programs and the list can go on......

Mia's work in this area was the foundation for much of the prevention of the proposed Bergen Arches highway and its preservation, initiatives linking it to the East Coast Greenway and bringing the East Coast Greenway through the Arches, on top of the Embankment to the waterfront.

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JERSEY CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE/LEGAL AD
Please be advised the following items will be heard at the next Regular Meeting of the Jersey City Board of
Adjustment, scheduled for Thursday, February 16 2006, 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 2nd floor,
City Hall, 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, New Jersey.
1. Call to Order
2. Sunshine Announcement
3. Roll Call
4. Correspondence
5. OLD BUSINESS:
Case: Z02-043
Applicant: 100 Paterson Plank Road, LLC
Attorney: George Garcia
Address: 100 Paterson Plank Road
Block: 751 Lot: G
Zone: R-3 Multi-Family Mid-Rise/Palisade Protection Overlay District
For: Administrative amendment to Final Site Plan with variances originally
approved 2/20/03 (memorialized 3/20/03); 1 year extension of approvals
granted 1/20/05
6. Requests for Adjournment
7. MEMORIALIZATION OF RESOLUTIONS
8. Case: Z05-053
Applicant: John Besante
Attorney: Pro se
Address: 112 Brunswick Street
Block: 384 Lot : U
Zone: R-1 One and Two Family Housing
For: Rehabilitation and partial reconstruction of a 3-story structure containing a
nonconforming ground floor commercial unit and two 1-BR dwelling units on
above floors in order to expand the structure to allow two 2-BR dwelling units.
?c? Variances: Expansion of a non-conforming structure, minimum rear yard, minimum lot
area/depth, max. building coverage, max. lot coverage
9. Case: Z05-031
Applicant: New Jersey City Affordable Housing, LLC
Attorney: Eugene P. O?Connell
Address: 376-382 Bergen Avenue
Block: 1977 Lot: A.3
Zone: R-3 Multi-Family Mid-Rise
For: Preliminary/Final Site Plan with ?c? & ?d? Variances to construct a five-story
apartment building with 43 senior housing units and 16 on-site parking spaces
?c? Variances: Front/side/rear yards, min. building coverage, min. lot coverage
?d? Variance: Density
10. Case: Z05-048
Applicant: 374-376 Seventh St, LLC
Attorney: Eugene Paolino
Address: 374-376 Seventh Street
Block: 417 Lots : 13, 14
Zone: R-1 One and Two Family Housing
For: Preliminary/Final Site Plan with ?c? & ?d? Variances to construct a 3-story
vertical addition with 9 residential units above an existing nonconforming 1-
story warehouse/garage that will contain 9 parking spaces.
?c? Variances: Parking aisle width
?d? Variance: Use; Height
11. Case: Z05-044
Applicant: Brunswick 9 Associates, LLC
Attorney: George Garcia
Address: 364 9 Street & 269 Brunswick Street th
Block: 420 Lots: A, B, C, D, G.1, H.2, J.1, S.1
Zone: R-2 Multi-Family Attached Housing (4 Stories or Less)
For: Preliminary & Final Site Plan with ?c? and ?d? variances to construct a sixstory
multi-family mid-rise apartment building with 143 dwelling units and
147 ground floor parking spaces
?c? Variances: Parking space dimensions, parking aisle width
?d? Variance: Use; Density; Height
12. Case: Z05-051
Applicant: Pamrapo Savings Bank
Attorney: James McCann
Address: 213 Washington Street
Block: 99 Lot: H
Zone: Paulus Hook Historic District
For: Minor Site Plan with ?d? variance to allow a financial institution (bank) to
locate in the ground floor storefront at the subject premises
?d? Variance: Use
13. Executive Session, as needed, to discuss litigation, personnel, or other matters.
DIANE STRASZ, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT CHAIRPERSON (ACTING)

The issue has to be a little bit larger than Chief Troy...

I posted this on the other Troy thread, regardless..

This discussion highlights the fact that Police Chief Troy had not planned on serving the duration of Healy's administration instead retiring after a year and a half or so.

Under the shortened Cunningham administration, there were two police chiefs and another under Acting Mayor Smith's, so we are looking forward to #5 in a little more than 5 years.

Not too much stability for the Police Department with "musical Police Chiefs".

Why? Besides politics, do these short term appointments help inflate the retirement pensions, for those just shy of retirement?

I would like to see the next Police Chief commit to serving until the end of the administration.



Quote:

This discussion highlights the fact that Police Chief Troy had not planned on serving the duration of Healy's administration instead retiring after a year and a half or so.

Under the shortened Cunningham administration, there were two police chiefs and another under Acting Mayor Smith's, so we are looking forward to #5 in a little more than 5 years.

Not too much stability for the Police Department with "musical Police Chiefs".

Why? Besides politics, do these short term appointments help inflate the retirement pensions, for those just shy of retirement?

I would like to see the next Police Chief commit to serving until the end of the administration.

Lastly, throughout all of this "discussion", there has been no mention of the Police Director, currently Sam Jefferson, somehow he has avoided Councilman Fulop and this boards wrath.

What did Councilman Fulop say when the ordinance was introduced at the first reading?

Fulop made no reference to this issue in his call for Troy's resignation. Maybe he was too busy grandstanding to pay attention to ordinances coming before him to vote on.

Councilman Fulop could also make a public call for the Ethics Board to be constituted.

I received a copy of the letter from the City Clerk earlier this week. Since it is hard copy, I have scanned it, but images cannot be uploaded to jclist. If anyone has webspace that they could post it to and link to, I could email it.

The letter only contains marginally more content then the press release.

The city consensus is that Councilman Fulop was looking to take credit for forcing Police Chief Troy out when he is due to retire during departmental buyouts since the chief has 25 years on the force. I now wonder if Fulop picked a fight with the wrong guy and Troy stay will longer.

Bottom line - no copy of the letter addressed to Mayor Healy outlining Fulop's call for the resignation of Police Chief Troy. He got his publicity, now time to move on.

"In the private sector, where I come from, mediocre performance is met with a change of management, it's as simple as that," Fulop said in the press release.

No, this is not the way it is done in the private sector either. In the private sector you are accountable and must back up your claims. Where is his back up?

Is Fulop advocating on behalf of his constituents or is he grandstanding at our expense.

He needs to start doing his job. We will see where this all goes.....




Quote:

I hope not........

Quote:

What this means is that the full complex will never be built along with the public space atrium (a la Winter Garden). Our luck, we finally gets some good architecture and it does not get finished, sounds like JC.

Reminder - February 1st, 6 to 8pm at City Hall.

This is a very important study. Public participation is critical.

Check out the website- www.downtownjcras.com.

Go!

Back to the subject at hand.

Our Councilman called for the resignation of the Police Chief in a letter to Mayor Healy, that the councilman announced in a press release.

He agreed to post the letter here.

We are waiting to see the letter which will either illustrate a bonafide case to get rid of our current Police Chief who has served a year or it will not.

If you care.

Yes, if Councilman Fulop's letter to Mayor Healy, which we are waiting for him to post as agreed here, makes a constructive case for replacing Chief Troy and improving public safety. I will support it and generate letters of support to Mayor Healy et al. and of course also post it here on jclist. My skepticism is based on the lack of constructive content in his press release.

There are many issues where I am in full agreement with Councilman Fulop's position such as the Embankment and the need for a full time city council. However, I also have concerns that his political ambitions and related grandstanding can also jeopordize accomplishing these and other goals. It is very important to be selective when picking ones battles.


Quote:

Back to the subject of this thread-

I called it a "crime problem", because it is a loose statement and is not crime always a problem?

Quote:

Yes, we need a public safety initiative and plan to make Jersey City a measurably safer place to live, work and visit; enforcing criminal ordinances and reducing criminal incidents.

We need NYC Comstat type measurement tools for not only accountability but also accurate assesment of what is actually occuring.

Most people believe strongly in community policing and want Jersey City to return to it.

I am not an expert, though I believe our Councilman should be optaining expert advice on this issue.


****************

An aside -

There is a seperate thread discussing "Steve Fulop's First X Days" where his accomplishments were discussed. Though, it would be better if it was not filled with "I like Steve Fulop" or "Steve Fulop is doing a great job", but with material deeds and actions related to being councilman. Someone else can revive the thread and I would be glad to post that he has moved the dog run / pet free areas initiative forward (if he had not, no one else would have), he correctly assessed and explained the 40% proposed municipal tax when others on jclist.com believed it smaller, he has opposed most tax abatements (but clearly there are policies that need to be examined) and helped with the railroad abandonments ordinance. Others can add more.

There is a seperate thread discussing a call for Mayor Healy to resign. This would be a good place to discuss his deeds and actions not only as Mayor but Councilman, since the thread on the municipal tax increase was not titled well. His "flipski" abatement policy, his efforts (or lack of) to reign in and establish accountability (and profitability) in the Parking Authority and Muncipal Utilities Authority (water). His being lukewarm on preservation and open space issues. What the Mayors public safety plan is if there is one.

Lastly, I cannot see how attacking me, personally will help dealing with the public issues and problems facing Jersey City today. But if it does help, please feel free to continue.