I am not condoning careless behavior on the part of some bikers; but, the trouble is that many JC drivers are a threat to anyone riding a bike in the street. I ride in the street whenever possible, but there are many locations where drivers are flying through the streets oblivious to everything. I've been very close to being side-swiped or doored numerous times. Put parked SUVs and passing SUVs on both sides of narrow 2-way street, like Central Avenue, and cyclists have only a a sliver of space. The only positive thing about Central Ave. is traffic usually is slower so you don't have as many speeding cars. But, you do have a lot of people in parked cars who just swing open their doors without looking. If I get doored on Central, I have a good probabilty of being thrown in front of an oncoming car. Personally, I avoid Central Ave. if possible.

The facts are Jersey City motorists are not used to sharing the street with bikers and the City has been reluctant to assign space for bike lanes. The red light cameras at some locations are great to promote safer driving but they are only just a beginning. Every day, I see drivers doing stupid things that put both cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists at risk.

If the city wants to promote green alternatives and/or make biking safe so that bikers don't feel like their risking their lives by going into the streets, they need to develop real bike lanes.

I would just be cautious of Bergen Ave and eastward.
Check out spotcrime.com -- I'll let that do my talking.

Thanks for the feedback, Heights.
The couple of times I have been in the area, some blocks have a gritty feel. But, wasn't sure if there was a better side that I just was not seeing. Looked like there's an active Washington Park Association and community groups; but not sure if they feel like they are swimming against the tide in trying to make improvements.

Was told it gets better if you go West of the Kennedy Boulevard. But not sure how narrow the "better" area is??

Welcome all comments.

Curious how the area around the West end of Washington Park is (e.g., Central/Summit & North / Graham / Congress) ? Nice or gritty? Safe or not so safe at night? Any supermarkets nearby (other than Hoboken's Shoprite)? On the upswing or downswing? Would you recommend the area to someone you really, really like or tell them to buy elsewhere? All feedback is appreciated.

Yes, the 7.9% on top of the re-evaluation. I know they have said re-evaluations usually result in one-third higher, one-third lower, one-third the same. But, I've also heard that many owners have not let the inspectors in (surprise, surprise). From what I hear, if the inspectors don't get access, then they will assume higher values.
We've been looking for a house; but, I'm afraid I'll be walking into a property tax nightmare.
Not sure if there is any site out there that indicates which houses have actually been re-evaluated by inspection (and conversely, which ones will be "interpreted" by inspectors). -- I doubt there's anything out there, but it sure would help for those of us house-shopping.

Quote:

Yes! You'll hear the 10PM line from all kinds who are trying to justify being able to do whatever they want whenever they want. Here's a link to the Jersey City Municipal Code - see Chapter 222 http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=16093 . Restrictions are in place for both day and night. Hopefully, you won't run in jerks like those Brewster encountered.

When it occurs, call your Precinct's Dispatch number. Call multiple times if needed. You need to give them the exact address and where the partying is (e.g. backyard). Also, consider going to the Captain's meeting for your Precinct -- they are ususally monthly. Unfortunately, most people just tolerate this type of issue and the problem spreads. The longer you allow it to continue, the more comfortable they will be in making noise. Not sure if other neighbors will join you in reporting the issue to Police; but, the more that join in, the easier the fight.
If they are renters, consider writing to the landlord with specific dates and times and indicate they are preventing your from peaceful enjoyment of your property.
We have had a lot of similar issues and the above has helped quiet some of the trouble-makers. It's an ongoing problem.
What needs to happen is more strict rules and stronger enforcement regarding noise.... like NYC, where the police will confiscate their stereo. Maybe, something to bring up to Fulop.

Hey Captn John - which block do you live on? Any houses for sale? Sounds like you're the kind of neighbor we've been looking for. We went through similar struggles on our block but still have some strong partiers.
Peace!

Regarding the basement apartment - call the Mayor's Action Bureau and report it and ask for a reference number for follow-up. They did a similar deal in a house near me. Renting a basement that was illegal and had much non-permited work (stove, bathroom, etc..). People were definitely living in the basement and you could see them coming in at night and leaving in the morning. You can look up "dixon leasing" (aka US Masters Residential Fund) on Yelp -- feedback is not great.

Brewster - yes, there is a bathroom and stove. Thanks for the reply.

I'm really not interested in getting into a tete-a-tete with Brewster (and yes, I did check the tax rolls)

Anyway, as I mentioned in the initial post, it's a 2 family house (2 legal units, if you prefer more precision) -- originally the first floor as one apartment and the second floor as a second apartment. No permits were filed pertaining to finishing the basement (or any other work). My question was focused on whether permits, CoOs, etc.. should have been filed to allow a basement to be rented as a duplex with the first floor apartment. Does a basement rented together with the first floor apartment still count as one unit? I understand that more space does not necessarily mean more occupants (wouldn't we all like more space); but, in this particular case it does (there are about 7-8 adults and 3 children).

Many thanks to all for your feedback. Will look through some of the other threads and pass on the information. Was not able to make it to this evening's captain's meeting but will look to make the next one (Are they usually held on the 4thTuesday?).

To be more blunt, there were no permits. Also not sure how you are reading that the number of units is decreasing when in effect it would appear there are now 3 units in a 2 family house. The basement was not rented in the past and is now being rented as a additional unit together with the first floor apartment as a "duplex" . So, the landlord is increasing the occupany of the building (many more people living in the house) without paying any additional taxes, etc..

Does anyone know the legality of taking a basement apartment and renting it with a first floor apartment as a "duplex"? Is this legal? Are permits required? The house is listed as a 2 family house and the 2nd floor is rented separately. I believe the basement does qualify as a basement (vs. a cellar). Many thanks for any info.

Friends of mine are looking at the area around Lafayette Park (Pacific / Johnston). 2 young women who typically work til about 8PM. Any feedback on how safe this area is is appreciated. Any sense if it's on the up-swing? Thanks.

Curious to know which neighborhoods are nice and quiet vs. partying and loud. Cast your vote.

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When they had he meetings at PS 28 (together with Heights Hope meeting), there were usually at least 30 people. Captain Zacche and the Community Relations Team was great. Not sure about Capt. Martinez yet. Guess we'll see. If you go next month, I'll see you there.

Has the Captain's meeting been permanently moved? I know they are having the debates at the Heights Hope meeting (where the Captain's meeting was usually held) - so curious if they just moved it because of that, or some other reason??


The Captain's Meeting date and venue has been changed !It is now on the third Wednesday of the month at #7 school on Laidlaw and Summit at 7pm
http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/20 ... rict_captains_meetin.html
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Posted on: Today 7:45

see http://heightshope.webs.com/
March 21st 7PM at PS 28.
For those who live in the Heights, debate is being held at monthly meeting of Heights Hope Neighborhood Assn.

I've been in the Heights for 8 years (transplant from Manhattan). Live on the lower, Western end of the Heights (called Sparrow Hill) - couple of blocks from Sherman Place which I agree very nice (one of the nicest block in the Heights). I recommend this area. Jitneys and buses travel to/from Port Authority to Journal Sq. We're about 1 mile from Journal Sq PATH and can bike there. The area has a good family vibe -- but not nightlife if you're looking for that. I feel much, much safer here compared to a lot of other neighborhoods in JC. Central Ave is close -- Shop & Stop is a decent supermarket although they don't have a deli. You also have Pershing field (track; pool is under renovations; ice skating rink in winter). Ogden is also very nice -- but I'm not crazy about Palisades. I actually prefer west of Pershing field.
Captains meeting is on 3rd Thursday on the month at 7PM at public school 28. Some links: http://www.jcheights.com/community-block.shtml
http://heightshope.webs.com/
spotcrime. com

Best of luck.

Amendments pass to OK more artists and restaurants in JC Heights:
http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/ ... t-is-overlayed-in-ward-d/

Haven't heard anything about the McGinley Sq Redevelopment ever since St. Peter's pulled out of the deal. What do you think? Is it down for the count? Any sense if the area will ever improve ... or even get a decent supermarket?

Try these:
http://www.njjcpd.org/node/5
spotcrime.com

At spotcrime, you can sign up for emai alerts regarding crimes in a certain area. They certainly don't get everything, but, they're pretty good if you want to get an idea of a neighborhood.

As far as I know, the meeting should be on. You can give Vinne (number on site) a call. But, they usually have the meeting even though they don't post the event on the calendar. They typically take a break during the summer til September, so now is a great time to come. See you there if you can make it.

Although it is no where close to JC, I have to agree (if you are planning a hospitalization or can get in NY), go to New York Presbyterian. I was there many times with my elderly mother in the past and they have been great. Emergency room can be a long wait, but the care is excellent. I believe this is the ER that is covered by the Discovery Health & Fitness show "NY ER".

I've lived in the Heights, near the Western slope for 7 years. While the property values will take some time to return to what they were when I bought here, I have to say I do like the area. I also think the area has improved. Like anywhere, you need to stay aware, but I can come home fairly late and still feel fine walking in the neighborhood. My only real complaint is that you do have some neighbors that like to party and blast music. I've been looking at other neighborhoods (DTJC costs too much), just still like the feel of the Heights. Transportation is also great-- You can catch buses or jitneys right into the City and the walk to Journal Sq (from the lower end of the Heights) is not bad. Central Ave stores could improve and hopefully will.

Just want to let other Heights residents know there is a great Heights neighborhood association. Meetings are the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7PM in the Auditorium of PS #28 School .
http://heightshope.webs.com/

Thanks for the info - I had seen the spotcrime site which concerned me - as you said a lot of shootings, not sure if it was drugs/gangs.
Was also looking at Bentley between JFK and Bergen. Some beautiful, well-kept houses; but some seem to be abandoned or else really delapidated. Also, seems like a halfway house on Bentley.
Looks like there is an alley way in the middle of the block (between Harrison and Bentley) with driveways for the adjoining houses. Not sure if there is a lot of hanging out there as there is easy access from the street. If anyone knows if this area is a big hangout during the summer, it would be appreciated.
Anyway, thanks for the feedback -- welcome more. We live in an area with a lot of partying and music, and just want to have something that is more peaceful.
Many thanks !

Hi All,
Really confused by this area. There are some beautiful homes on Gifford, Harrison, and Bentley by Kennedy. But you go down to the corner at Bergen and the feel is totally different. Is this area safe? Are the property values going up or down? It's like two totally different towns side by side. Any info is appreciated. If anyone lives in this area, is it noisy (lot of music, partying)?
Thanks.

I don't see any police brutality on this video at all. All I see is a bunch of people getting into the faces of the police and the police acting with great restraint. The Youtube poster mentions police hitting bystanders with batons; but I don't see any of that. And if they did do that, then you better believe the guy taping it would have been on top of it. The guy was resisting arrest, the guy taping was being loud-mouth ass. Who wants to bet the alcohol and who knows what else was flowing freely at their party. And, I'm sure this group knew the 3 men who supposedly "assaulted" a woman at their party -- why else would they still be waiting around? As I see it, you got a bunch of drunk, loud-mouthed asses getting in the way of what was probably a legitimate arrest and who ended up escalating the situation.
Police brutaity -- bullsh_t. The cops did their best to keep the situation from getting worse, making their arrest and getting out of there as soon as possible. Kudos to them. Let the guy sleep it off in jail (too bad the jerk taping it wasn't with him).

Their properties are throughout Jersey City, and into Hudson County. For many of their properties, they are accepting Section 8; but for other locations (Downtown JC), their rents seem to be at least market value (if not high?) -- so don't count on any break.
This is a private (for-profit) corporation that will make money using Section 8 or charging high rent -- they are not going to buy a property if they don't expect a profit. We are not talking about your local neighbor whose living in one apartment and renting the other to make ends meet.
Again, concern is that you do not get the same level of neighborhood commitment from renters/corporations vs. private owners. Private owners care about who lives next door and/or who they rent to -- a corporation is just going to care if they make money.

Where is the other thread on this topic?