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Re: P O W E R H O U S E
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Home away from home
 
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This is, as both John and I mentioned in the article, a very positive development.
The things to watch from here. 1) The Port Authority needs to set a timetable for relocating the transformer yards. This has been an issue that has held up the project to date. 2) We want to make sure the Cordish Company partakes in this development transparently with input from the public. This is the type of development that can really change a city, and everyone should be involved to make sure its for the better. Joshua Parkhurst President Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Posted on: 2006/7/22 1:25
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Re: NWA Hypocrit
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Home away from home
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One can have a public road with pedestrian access only. And one can also make exceptions to that for limited access. As an example: 27th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue in Manhattan, which is pedestrian use only during most hours. But vehicular access is allowed for F.I.T. and the various tenants on the street to receive deliveries, etc. No one claims that F.I.T. and the landowners are "taking" the land.
Ultimately though, I thinkwe agree that the best thing is to simply convert the land into open space.
Posted on: 2006/7/11 14:33
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Re: NWA Hypocrit
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Home away from home
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It is quite a warped world when someone believes "I can't take my car there" translates to "I can't go there at all." That may fly in the suburbs, but not there.
I don't live in Paulus Hook. I live in Van Vorst Park. I don't have kids yet and in any event wouldn't send them to play on a strip of asphalt. There is no reason for Paulus Hook residents to pay for closing the street, since the public will still walk through there to enjoy the park and the memorial. The city did not "take" a public street for private use (taking refers to the opposite anyway, you and Sonia are butchering property law). Rather, it converted a vehicular access strip which would hinder enjoyment of the park and memorial to a pedestrian access strip which enhances it. At this point, the city should just eliminate the street entirely, create a nice streetscape, and turn it into an extension of the park. Obviously having open space benefits those who are closest to it, because they can enjoy it the most. But given that downtown Jersey City has some of the least amount of open space anywhere, to say that residents are a "special interest" for having a strip of asphalt cut off from vehicular access is laughable.
Posted on: 2006/7/11 14:02
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Re: NWA Hypocrit
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Home away from home
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Her point is not essentially correct but fundamentally incorrect. There is a world of difference between deciding that a street should or should not have vehicular access and turning a public street into private property.
The street is still a public street. I can walk there (and do), you can walk there, Sonia can walk there. Anyone can take the light rail which is just a couple of blocks away. Anyone can take their car and park on any other street in Paulus Hook. There were no "special interests" involved in this. There were residents of this city who realize that it would not be smart to have vehicular access to a cul de sac that abuts a memorial and a park.
Posted on: 2006/7/11 12:58
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Re: NWA Hypocrit
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Home away from home
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Wow, Sonia's still at it. Now she's playing pretend lawyer and telling forum members that closing off the street to car traffic constitutes a "private taking of public property."
Memo to Sonia. The property is public and remains so. I walked there the other day. No one arrested me or told me I couldn't go there. Plenty of other people enter the park or the memorial, and they are under no illusions that this park is private property. Of course, this misconception of Sonia's could have been easily cleared up if she just listened to the several people who pointed out her error. Instead she went on one of her campaigns of banning those that disagreed with her. Shame on her. I also note that NWA has injected itself into a matter in which the local neighborhood associations had diligently worked on in the past. This is an insult to the Historic Paulus Hook Neighborhood Association and their members. So much for NWA being a team player with the rest of the downtown neighborhood associations.
Posted on: 2006/7/11 2:57
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Re: Trump Plaza - Make that a Single
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You beat me to posting this Steve. Definitely noteworthy that JC gets played by the developers, AGAIN.
It wouldn't surprise me if the administration now tries to go back and rewrite the deal to make it even more favorable to Trump (well, not really Trump, it's not like he was building anything in the first place).
Posted on: 2006/7/10 15:48
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Re: NWA Hypocrit
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Home away from home
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The funny thing is that whenever a remotely controversial issue arises on the NWA forum, Sonia or one of her allies immediately quashes the discussion by saying that it is "outside the scope" of the NWA because it doesn't effect Newport.
Amazing that NWA feels that creating dangerous vehicular access to a cul de sac in Paulus Hook is a matter of public concern, but they claim that they cannot speak out regarding the PAD, which is closer to Newport and would provide significantly more amenties than the war memorial. I also really don't understand how Sonia can credibly say that her "constituents" are cut off from the park. They can easily take the light rail 4 stops to Essex Street and walk a couple of blocks to the memorial and the park. Apparently Sonia believes she is entitled to curbside service to a memorial which she never cared about until she saw it as a chance to attack Steve Fulop. Perhaps she thinks she should be chauffered there as well.
Posted on: 2006/7/10 13:48
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Re: Healy and emails
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Home away from home
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Quote:
Wow, how many times has the Mayor or one of his allies used that line? He used it to marginalize the Embankment Preservation Coalition ("I represent everyone, not just the EPC"), he used it to marginalize the Reservoir Alliance ("I represent everyone, not just the Alliance"), and recently Mariano Vega used it to marginalize an entire neighborhood when he was shilling for Lloyd Goldman's towers ("We have to represent everyone, not just the residents of PAD"). This is a common refrain in this city. Anyone involved in civic activity is smeared as a "special interest" and some utterly preposterous deal or policy is justified as being in "the interests of everyone, not just [insert neighborhood or civic watchdog group here]" It's a good way to justify ignoring any civic participation, save for a few handpicked people to create a Potemkin Village. By 2009, I'd like to see how many times the city has used this line to figure out how many people he has explicitly stated he does NOT represent.
Posted on: 2006/7/10 0:01
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Re: Three 40-plus story towers on 110 and 111 First Street sites.
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Home away from home
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PAD was not designed to be an exclusive artist colony. A certain amount of the units, in most cases I believe it was 10%, were required to be set aside as affordable housing for certified artists. Other units had to be initially marketed to artists, but could be sold at market rate and could be sold to anyone after the initial marketing period. There is plenty of profit to be made by developers under the guidelines, and in fact it is a huge improvement over the prior zoning, which limited most buildings in that district to industrial use.
In short, the PAD/Warehouse District took an area with no development and buildings that were limited to industrial use, and allowed developers to make a profit by converting them into residences. They just had to do so by following specified guidelines in their rehabilitation and setting aside a small portion of those buildings as affordable live work space. It wasn't enough for one developer, who thinks that he can build 60+ story skyscrapers as of right. But when Jersey City has a reputation for being cheap and not standing up to a fight, he can get away with it. At the Conservancy's Preservation Awards ceremony, one of our recipients, the legendary Reverend Robert Castle, told everyone in the room to thunderous applause that despite the reputation it sometimes gets, Jersey City was worth fighting for. It's a shame when representatives elected to serve the people don't believe that to be the case. Joshua Parkhurst President Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Posted on: 2006/6/30 20:27
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Re: Three 40-plus story towers on 110 and 111 First Street sites.
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Home away from home
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PAD was the result of over a decade of planning and consultation with the entire community.
PAD itself was never struck down. There are actually two districts which more or less overlap. There was the warehouse historic district, which granted historic protection to the buildings. Then there was PAD, which created the redevelopment plan. The warehouse historic district vote was found to be invalid because commissioner's terms had lapsed. Even then, Judge Gallipolli invited the city to basically go back and do it the right way. PAD was never found invalid. Instead of going back and fixing the procedural defect, as it was invited to, the city instead decided to capitulate to the demands of the developer. Indeed, he received MORE than he could have had he prevailed in the lawsuit. Prior to the redevelopment plan, 111 First Street was zoned as industrial use (110 was previously rezoned as part of the Hudson Exchange district, which would have allowed residential use). So even if he won, he could not have built a single residence on the 111 site. In this case, it is appropriate to blame both the developer and the city officials who let him, some would say encouraged him, to rewrite a plan which was the result of years of collaborative effort. One final note, not all city officials should be lumped in this. Councilmembers Fulop and Richardson were eloquent and passionate in their opposition to the proposed settlement. There were also several people in the government who were appalled that the administration and council were willing to roll over as they did. Unfortunately, in this administration, one can't be too vocal on such matters, at peril of one's job. So forgive me if I don't name names, but just thank the people who did not participate in this farce of a "settlement." Their integrity is appreciated. Joshua Parkhurst President Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Posted on: 2006/6/30 18:52
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Re: Three 40-plus story towers on 110 and 111 First Street sites.
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Home away from home
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Quote:
The warehouse was only dilapidated because of the owner's neglect. That's why he ran up $75 million in fines. Yet now, the same people entrust this developer to bring in a "world class architect." Quote:
The area was, in fact, being put on the map precisely BECAUSE of those initial artists that moved in and saw potential in the neighborhood. That led the city and community groups to create the warehouse historic district and PAD, which helped increase the area's value. Now that the area is doing well, New Gold Equities decides to sue the city into submission. As many people have pointed out, even if one disagrees with the idea of PAD or the historic district, the city - and in particular, Mayor Healy and Council President Vega - demonstrated that they are easily bought off even when it means backtracking on their previous commitments. Jersey City officials already have the reputation of being cheap to buy. This further cements that perception. It is a shameful day for the arts, a shameful day for historic preservation, and a shameful day for government with integrity in Jersey City. Joshua Parkhurst President Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Posted on: 2006/6/30 15:49
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Re: Censorship on Newport Waterfront Association Boards
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Home away from home
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The most hilarious quote of the day from Sonia.
"If you haven't realized it by now, I am probably one of the most independent thinkers in this town." This from the thread where she is attempting to justify her downplaying of a possible attempted rape in one of the Newport buildings.
Posted on: 2006/6/29 20:53
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Re: Censorship on Newport Waterfront Association Boards
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Home away from home
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The latest message from the Newport Waterfront Association.
"You have been banned for the following reason: None Date the ban will be lifted: Never" The funny thing is, I did not post a single message on the forum since my supposed "temporary" ban, so I really can't see what in the world I did that would merit further banning. What a pathetic woman. Joshua
Posted on: 2006/6/29 15:23
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Re: Censorship on Newport Waterfront Association Boards
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Home away from home
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I'm just waiting for them to blame Steve Fulop for the Mayor's incident in Bradley Beach.
Posted on: 2006/6/19 17:31
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Re: Redevelopment Pay-to-Play Ordinance
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Home away from home
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I've never done this before. But I'm going to post just to bump this thread. Folks, this is important. Real important.
Posted on: 2006/6/19 12:56
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More Censorship
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Home away from home
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When attempting to respond to another Maldonado falsehood, I got the following message:
"You have been banned for the following reason: None" Kind of sums up how Sonia treats that board.
Posted on: 2006/6/18 18:01
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Re: Redevelopment Pay-to-Play Ordinance
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Home away from home
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I believe, effective this year, there is a state-wide "pay to play" ordinance applying to contractors.
This is the next step. The council should definitely support this law. Joshua
Posted on: 2006/6/18 12:34
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Re: Joe Vas for Congress -- See for Yourself!!!
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Home away from home
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Anyone have more detailed results? How did the candidates do by ward? By election district?
Also, what were the out of county results?
Posted on: 2006/6/7 11:28
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Re: Join Team Vas
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Home away from home
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Line 2 is for the two year term (2007-2008)
Line 3 is to fill the current vacancy of Menendez. But this wont take place until November. So basically line 3 puts someone in the House for 2 months.
Posted on: 2006/6/6 14:57
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Re: Please stop the huge 9/11 memorial at LSP - it will ruin the park's views of the Manhattan skyli
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Quote:
Liberty State Park is a work in progress. Remember it was only opened 30 years ago. Considering that it was all abandoned and desolate waterfront, what has happened is tremendous. The entire interior has been off limits until now, and that will include trails and other passive recreational space. FOLSP is not the organization that raises money for such developments. It is a citizens advocacy group that provides direction. I think they've done a splendid job. To the extent the state has not committed sufficient resources, that cannot be blamed on FOLSP. Of course, since the JCLC just awarded them this year's Ted Conrad award, I obviously am partial in this regard. Joshua Parkhurst President Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Posted on: 2006/6/2 18:03
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Re: Join Team Vas
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Home away from home
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I think he's referring to Corzine before he went into politics.
I too, am curious as to whether Justiceiro thinks the former head of Goldman Sachs had "zero ability to think about economic theory."
Posted on: 2006/6/1 18:02
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Re: 2006 PRESERVATION AWARDS CEREMONY
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Home away from home
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You can purchase tickets in advance at...
Beechwood Cafe, 290 Grove Street Garden State News, 366 Central Avenue GO (Gourmet Organic), 611 Jersey Avenue They can also be purchased at the Loews the night of the event pending availability. Or contact your friendly JCLC board member (hi!). Also folks, we are looking for volunteers for the ceremony, which would get you in for FREE. E-mail me at jscparkhurst@hotmail.com for more info. Joshua Parkhurst President Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Posted on: 2006/5/23 1:23
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Re: Join Team Vas
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Quote:
Maybe if Joe Vas were running for President, but he's not. He's running for the Democratic nomination in a district which is about as slam dunk Democratic as you can get. There were some thoughts in the 80s that it could go Republican, but it never happened. That is, of course, one reason (if not the only reason) that Sires switched parties.
Posted on: 2006/5/22 14:20
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Re: Wireless Internet - Steven Fulop
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Home away from home
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Not much to add to this topic, except to say that I fully support the efforts. A fully wired city is a great amenity that adds to the quality of life and attracts new residents who are creative and entrepeneurial.
Posted on: 2006/5/22 14:13
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Re: Join Team Vas
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Quote:
In some cases, one of the offices held is a full time job. In several cities, the position of Mayor is full time. Sharpe James held a state Senate seat while serving as mayor of Newark (for some reason, he now says he opposes dual office holding and will not run for re-election as Mayor. Joe Doria currently is both Mayor of Bayonne and a state Senator. The system should change. But there are plenty of people gaming it without justification. Joshua
Posted on: 2006/4/27 23:46
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Re: School Board Election -- Anyone Got a Clue?
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Home away from home
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I voted at P.S. 9 (next to Ferris HS), around 7:00 pm. I was voter number 30.
As can be seen from the vote totals, a few well organized civic groups, working together, could swing an election. These votes will soon become more important. As we discussed last night at VVPA with Brian O'Reilly (business administrator for the city), the School Districts will eventually go back from state control to local control. The school board will then have actual authority, and not just an advisory role to Superintendent Epps. Under local control, the voters also vote to approve the school budget. That will (hopefully) increase voter turnout. Joshua
Posted on: 2006/4/19 13:20
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Re: Final Recomendations to the St. Francis Hospital Redevelopment Plan
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The Conservancy's position is that retail should be left off the park side. We did not object to commercial use on the other three sides. Personally, and I speak for myself only on this point, I do not think increasing commercial and retail off the park is the "intrusion" that Dan L. thinks it is.
The HPC compromised by limiting parkside retail to corner stores. We reiterate that we think the park should be residential on all four sides, although we do appreciate the HPC's recommendation as an improvement. Joshua Parkhurst President Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Posted on: 2006/3/28 16:49
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Re: JC Abbott School Program to Lose 6M from State - taxpayers to bear larger share.
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Home away from home
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The Abbott decision does not transfer money from town to town. Abbott funds come from the state and the various ways in which it raises revenue. To the extent that wealthier towns have wealthier residents that pay more in income tax, there is that subsidy. But no property taxes go to the state. And it can work the other way too, since more regressive taxes (such as sales taxes) play a role as well.
John Galt is referring to the Mount Laurel decision. Mount Laurel basicly said that it is not permissible for towns to exclude, via zoning, the development of affordable housing and that each town had to allow its "fair share" of affordable housing. After eight years of doing nothing, the Supreme Court ordered the lower court to establish actual targets for municipalities. To provide flexibility, the courts later allowed towns to refrain from allowing affordable housing to be built if they contributed to it elsewhere. Joshua
Posted on: 2006/3/27 15:48
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Re: JC Abbott School Program to Lose 6M from State - taxpayers to bear larger share.
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This is one way in which tax abatements hurt us.
Jersey City has been abusing the Abbott program for way too long. The NJ Supreme Court's decision held that funding schools based on property taxes alone was unconstitutional. This is because urban areas have significantly more expenses and a population that requires significantly more money to adequately educate, as well as commuter populations from out of town that require expenditures. As such, the court reasoned, it was unconstitutional to require urban districts to fund their schools through property taxes alone, because their expenses are higher and they have other spending necessities. The result is that the court said the state must chip in to directly fund the schools. How does this work with the tax abatement program? Tax abatements allow developers to pay a fixed amount, rather than the regular assessment. They actually pay MORE to the municipality than they would in municipal taxes, they get their break on the county taxes and school district taxes. So the city hands out these abatements like candy, because the actually receive MORE money into the municipal treasury. The funding gets transferred from the school district taxes. All fine and well, so long as the state was willing to pick up the tab. Well, Corzine has said he has had enough. The Supreme Court is willing to recognize that urban areas need to spend money on things other than school taxes. On the other hand, when you have a development boom, there is no reason to keep allowing large developers to avoid paying school taxes for the sake of a quick fix to the Treasury. With the increase in potential ratables, one could argue that Jersey City doesn't even deserve to be an Abbott district. I am not looking forward to seeing my taxes go up. Still, I have to say it serves the city right. The Abbott decision was a generous decision to municipalities, recognizing the realities of funding an urban education system. It is a shame that both this and prior administrations have taken advantage of it to avoid adequately funding the school system for the sake of plugging a budget gap. Joshua
Posted on: 2006/3/25 13:09
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Re: State and Federal Tax benefits for owning a Historic Property
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Home away from home
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Another update. After calling each of the legislators today, I received a prompt return call from Assemblyman Prieto's office (32nd District). His chief of staff informed me that after reviewing the bill, he will be adding his name today as a co-sponsor.
So make those calls. They can have an effect. Call Manzo's, Quigley's, and Prieto's offices to thank them. Call the other offices to encourage them to get on board. Joshua Parkhurst President Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Posted on: 2006/3/10 19:23
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