Someone told me you can park on Manila on the left side of the street without a resident parking sticker. They also mentioned that there was a certain day that alternate side of the street parking rules apply.

Does anyone know what day they have alternate side? I am parked there today and just wondering if my car is safe.

Let me know

If you value preservation this event is for you. Yes, I'll be there at 6.

Amazing that Newark is thinking beyond the box. Michele worked in Jersey City's planning office for several years before Newark grabbed her. Sorry to lose her!

The system is being gamed. They are beefing up their pensions before they retire at 20yrs and start a second career.

If 5 firefighters are generating $30,000/month in overtime costs, there are clearly structural issues in the system.

It was not so much a threat as a fact. We have a 25% abatement for a couple more years. I did not know of this rule. I wasn't looking for much over 25% so it made sense to withdraw.

May 26, 2010
The City of Newark
For Immediate Release

CITY PLANNER MICHELE ALONSO RECEIVES 2010 NEW JERSEY HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDAT HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH CEREMONY IN STATE HOUSE

Newark, NJ ? May 26, 2010 ? Mayor Cory A. Booker and Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor announced today that City of Newark Principal Planner and Acting Historic Preservation Officer, Ms. Michele Alonso, received the 2010 New Jersey Historic Preservation Award at a State House ceremony yesterday in Trenton.

Ms. Alonso was honored for her work to preserve historic buildings in the City of Newark, engage and educate residents in the preservation process, and for bringing together students and teachers of the Graduate Historic Preservation Process at Cornell University with local developers to look at vacant private and city-owned historic property to prepare rehabilitation feasibility analyses.

?The City of Newark has a long and glorious architectural history and heritage, and our administration is blessed to have dedicated municipal employees like Michele Alonso, who are committed to preserving that history as a legacy and inspiration to present and future generations,? Mayor Booker said. ?All of Newark is proud of Ms. Alonso and her dedication to our beloved City.?

Ms. Alonso was the only individual who was singled out for the prestigious statewide award at yesterday?s ceremony. The awards were presented as part of the State of New Jersey?s observance of Historic Preservation Month. The other eight awards went to restoration projects, such as Thomas Edison?s Laboratory in West Orange. Also honored were the Trenton Masonic Lodge and a Camden bank, for merging green technologies in preservation of old buildings. ?Old is the New Green? is the theme of this year?s national celebration of Historic Preservation Month. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, historic preservation supports sustainability and is inherently green.

?Michele Alonso is dedicated to preserving Newark?s history as the City redevelops, and we are very proud that her hard work is being recognized. She deserves it,? said Deputy Mayor Pryor.

?I am very honored and humbled to receive this award when there are so many distinguished preservationists doing important work in the state. My degree is in City Planning, but I have integrated historic preservation into my practice throughout my career. I believe that Historic Preservation is important in not only preserving Newark?s rich architectural history for future generations, but that it is a vital tool in the revitalization of Newark. There are so many people to thank, including Mayor Booker, whose support has enabled the work that I do ? it is truly a team effort,? said Ms. Alonso.

?These Historic Preservation awards honor the best and brightest ? those sites that have come to embody New Jersey?s rich history and those people who are passionate about seeing our past preserved,? DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said. ?Among those honored are efforts that saved Thomas Edison?s laboratory complex in West Orange from deterioration, Ms. Alonso?s passion for preserving her City?s great buildings, and a simple barn in Readington that serves as a trailhead for lovers of the outdoors.?

The awards program increases public awareness of historic preservation, recognizes volunteer contributions to preserve historic resources, acknowledges projects of excellent quality, and recognizes the contributions by individuals, organizations, and agencies to preserve and advocate for historic preservation.

Michele Alonso has been a practicing professional planner for 14 years, with an emphasis on integrating historic preservation with urban redevelopment, mostly in Jersey City and Newark. She is also the Northeast Representative of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association, coordinating educational events and tours for planners.

Ms. Alonso is a licensed Professional Planner for the State of New Jersey and certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). She holds a Master?s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, and a Bachelor?s Degree in Sociology from Drew University.

Since the Booker Administration took office in July 2006, the Division of Planning and Community Development, which comes under the Department of Economic and Housing Development, has worked tirelessly to promote sound revitalization strategies and land use in the City, including update the City of Newark?s Master Plan, which had not been updated in more than 25 years. The new 106-page document, with 76 pages of additional illustrations and bibliography, took the division a year to research and complete. The recommendations are organized three major themes: Jobs for Residents, Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods, and Newark as a City of Choice. The report also emphasizes the need to create a new culture of planning with a commitment to government transparency and improving citizen interaction with municipal government.

The Division?s other efforts have ben to promote sustainable design in the City, starting with promoting alternatives to ?Box? two-to-three family development and propose changes to the municipal zoning ordinances ? doing so for the first time since 1956 ? that would support these alternatives. This program received the ?Outstanding Community Engagement or Education Award? for 2009 from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association. The Division has also revised the zoning ordinance and land-use policies, to reflect modern and environmentally-friendly planning practices, while ensuring that the City?s development also respects Newark?s architectural heritage and its residents? current needs, including a major revision to the City sign ordinance. The Division also won two NJ Future Awards in 2008 for the Living Downtown Redevelopment Plan, and the Broad Street Station Redevelopment Plan, two initiatives to create a vibrant ?24/7? downtown.

The award-winning ?Beyond the Box? initiative includes new regulations and two documents designed as easy-to-use, illustrative tools for interpreting and applying the new zoning code. One is a 40-page comprehensive booklet, entitled ?The Box and Beyond: Urban Design Issues for Infill Houses in Newark,? while the other is a four-page illustrated brochure entitled ?Newark?s New Zoning Standards for 1, 2-, and 3-Family Dwellings.? It uses a ?dos? and ?don?ts? format to quickly and clearly convey the new regulations and educate the public on the issues.

In addition the division has also revised zoning and construction ordinances and policies, to reflect modern technology and support environmentally-friendly practices, while ensuring that the City?s development also respects Newark?s architectural heritage and its residents? current needs. In addition, the Division has partnered with the Trust for Public Land to design and build Newark?s first riverfront park along the Passaic River. The division and TPL will work together to manage the project, which includes a broad public engagement process to inform residents about the design of the park.

A pedestrian streetscape on Newark Ave would be awesome, but when has Jersey City ever thought "outside the box" on anything?

Show up at a certain diner with a stuffed manila envelope, and maybe it'll get done.

Did anybody read the comments in the article about the promotions? Does anybody else find it difficult to believe that promotions will save taxpayer money in overtime?

They are promotions. That means some firemen are going up the ladder and getting more tax money.

Where is said savings?

Duh.

Good for the County Executive. At least someone is fighting for Jersey City issues.

Where oh where is Jersey City's infamous Tourism Official? The one that was giving Liberty State Park away to Formula 1 for a Car Racing Track?

Jersey City officials should be fighting to preserve this shuttle which gets residents and visitors into this tourism destination.

Focus on Jersey City issues and try to understand that you have no jurisdiction over State property.

Duh.

Shame on the mayor for not including Councilman Fulop in Hamilton Parks reopening ceremony. No class.

Ok...so they threatened you and you folded.
The towny threatened me with Plus 30% on 2 comps, I provided 6 comps (unfortunately) to say it was worth 25% less than I bought it for (now we are about 80% away in px). Yes I omited a few comps. He shut his mouth infront on the commisioner, as he realized it would sound rediculous if I am UP on my investment. The towny was actually bragging that he would get inside my house to see improvements, and raise my taxes even more. I asked the judge if I had to let him in my building and he said no. And I told the towny he would never get in without a court order.
REVERSE discrimination!!!!!!!!!!! The broken English chick infront of me got the break without seeing the commisioner.

I think Communipaw Avenue (even between The Junction and Pacific Avenue) might be a little better than Dr. King, Jr. around Virginia Avenue or Bergen Avenue around Ege/Kearney Avenues.

Doubtful. It's for residents.

Is it open to people from outside of Liberty Harbor for membership?

Quote:

Your right. Newark Ave has so much potential. The streetscape was a missed opportunity. They really should have tried to think outside the box. I would like to see it closed from Jersey Ave to Grove St. Another example would be Cape May, New Jersey. It would be perfect for shopping. Restaurants would also be able to pick up more outdoor dinning space. Add more trees to Newark Ave!!!

It actually makes perfect sense to turn Newark Ave into a restaurant row and shopping destination! It would be fantastic to shut Newark Ave down from at lease Jersey Ave to the Path. You have to have the foresight to realize that there are potentially thousands of new Downtown Jersey City residents moving into the area over the next 10 years. There will be multiple high rise condo and rental buildings developed with some reaching 60-80 stories.

The way Newport and the Exchange place area was built leaves little room for a walkable and sustainable shopping/restaurant district but the Newark Ave shopping district already exists and it would be pretty easy to get the 99 cent stores and meaningless bodegas out while we bring more practical and usable retail in! Call me crazy but I think we could model it after Boston's Newberry Street. It makes perfect sense!

Moxiebaby.

I can?t remember much but try these....

1- I think there is a private paid lot next to the Astor Bar & Grill at Montgomery and Orchard across from the big SPC lot. Hmmm I wonder if SPC rents spaces in that big lot to non stundents, something to look into.

2- There is a lot on the corner of Westside and Glenwood, I can?t recall if it belongs to SPC or if it is private, it has a sign on it.

3- Look in the classified section of the print JJ. Sometimes you will see ads for rentable spots or garages. If not then you can put one in.

4- Drive around the area there are a lot of big old houses with parking, maybe you will get lucky and see a for rent sign.

5- Do a Google map (satellite view) of Bergen Square Jersey City. Look for parking lots, and then investigate.

Good luck!

Quote:

i know of one that is close-ish, on sip between newkirk and bergen.

there's a bunch that i see around but i don't know if they are monthly or pay by the day places. one's an open lot on academy and van reypen and theres an open and underground lot on sip between garrison and romaine. you'd have to check those out for yourself tho.

because my spouse does not want to bike to central jersey every morning for work and would like a place to consistently park his car. Does anyone know of a parking garage?

Worst Places to Live In NJ. Ready: Camden, Central Ward Newark, Weequahic in Newark, E Port in Elizabeth, Trenton North, Paterson, East Orange, Irvington, anywhere near Communipaw in Jersey City, Passaic, Atlantic City (okay, so they have casinos and some clubs, but try living there), Fourth Street area of Lakewood, Plainfield & Perth Amboy.

Any arguments?

mission burrito is amazing. it is by far the best food in the heights.

Quote:

I have been tempted to try them many times. My first experience in there was 2 roaches one inside the display case and the other running across the counter as the worker looked on. I am not sure which skeeved me out more, the roach running freely or the worker unphased by it. But I keep hearing how good it is! Extra crunchy burrito Please, hold the antennae!

Judge postpones sentence of ex-Jersey City candidate charged in N.J. corruption sting
By Joe Ryan/The Star-Ledger
May 25, 2010, 7:06PM

JERSEY CITY ? A federal judge in Newark today indefinitely postponed the sentence of a former Jersey City council candidate who pleaded guilty to extortion charges similar to those recently dismissed against two others arrested in last year?s massive FBI sting.

U.S. District Judge Jose Linares issued an order suspending the June 7 date LaVern Webb-Washington, 61, was supposed to begin serving her one-year sentence. She pleaded guilty in March to extortion, saying she took $15,000 in illegal campaign contributions in exchange for promising to support a development project if she were elected.

Webb-Washington?s lawyer had asked Linares to put her sentence on hold after the judge dismissed extortion charges last week against former Jersey City mayoral candidate Louis Manzo and his brother, Ronald Manzo.

The judge ruled they cannot be charged under a federal extortion statute because they did not hold public office at the time of the alleged offense. Federal prosecutors have said they will appeal Linares? ruling, which may apply to several other defendants in the case.

All told, 46 people were charged in the sprawling money-laundering and bribery sting. Seventeen have pleaded guilty, and two were convicted by juries.

Jersey City gears up to host Red Bull championship airplane race's spectators at Liberty State Park
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
By MELISSA HAYES
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

NEW YORK - Wearing his red and white jumpsuit, Canadian pilot Pete McLeod stood in Times Square taking in the sights.

It was his first stop in New York City and he described the experience as "pretty amazing."

At 26, McLeod is the newest and youngest pilot flying in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, having joined the competition last year. He stopped in New York yesterday with four other pilots to officially kick off the race's first East Coast event.

The race, in which 15 pilots will attempt to fly through an obstacle course floating on water, will be held over the Hudson River June 19 and 20. The New York skyline will serve as a backdrop for the race, which is expected to bring 30,000 spectators to Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

"This is a long time coming," Race Director Jim DiMatteo said. "It has been almost three years that we have been working on this project."

Red Bull Air Race officials joined Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and New York City officials in celebrating the event and 100 years of air races in New York and the United States. The first East Coast air show was held at Belmont Park in October 1910.

"It's going to be a spectacular event, take place in a majestic venue with the greatest pilots on Earth doing things you can't believe," Healy said.

Members of the Friends of Liberty State Park viewed the course map, which was part of a standing display on the 100 years of air shows that Red Bull opened to the public yesterday.

Pilots are timed as they traverse the obstacles and the fastest racer wins. Points are accrued at each leg of the race. The next stop is June 5 and 6 in Ontario, Canada. Then the race comes to Jersey City before heading to Germany and Hungary in August and ending the season in Portugal in September.

Paul Bonhomme, of Great Britain, won the race last year and is the overall points leader so far this year. He said while the pilots get along, the Red Bull Air Race is "100 percent competition."

"When we're on the track, it's all out war," he said. "We're there to win."

The Jersey City course will be between the historic rail terminal and Ellis Island. Sam Pesin, president of Friends of Liberty State Park (FOLSP), said the event would help raise revenue for the park through ticket sales and would attract people to the park who don't normally visit.

Pesin added that the race will make a donation to the FOLSP for future park improvements and must return the park to the way it was after the event is over.

Pilot Kirby Chambliss' aerobatics airplane was displayed at Military Island in Time Square yesterday during the press kick-off. While Chambliss, of Arizona, doesn't race that plane, he will be flying it during a Memorial Day weekend show in Jones Beach.

Chambliss said he is looking forward to racing in Jersey City.

"It's always nice to race in your own country," he said.

Love this store! Just bought two wedding gifts. Some new things, some antiques. If you like cast iron, cookware -- new and vintage -- great selection.

Wait why are we closing a street? Because it has three or four restaurants on it?

County Executive letter: Don't abandon two bus routes, including Liberty State Park shuttle
By The Jersey Journal
May 26, 2010, 7:00AM

Route 305 is a shuttle serving Liberty State Park visitors from the Light Rail station just outside the park's confines. This bus service is the only mass transit option into the park. Hundreds of seniors and a large number of families rely on the 305 in order to visit the park on weekends. It is now slated to cease operation June 1.

Route 981 serves commuters, with stops at Port Liberte, the Daily News Plant, Sysco Foods, the Light Rail Station, the Jersey City Medical Center and Grove Street in Jersey City. This line would cease operation May 28.

Both routes are privately run services subsidized by New Jersey Transit. They are both "one-zone" routes and, according to NJT, do not meet a threshold of acceptable financial loss. Thus the decision to hastily eliminate them -- a decision that will have unfortunate consequences that we believe must be addressed.

After discussions about this matter with our freeholders and the Hudson County Transportation Management Association (TMA), we believe that Route 305 can be reduced to a weekend, summer-only service and still effectively carry out its mission to deliver seniors and families to points of destination within Liberty State Park. This compromise is supported by the Friends of Liberty State Park.

Such a change would replace the current, limited seasonal schedule stretched over 12 months. The switch to simply offering the 305 as a weekend-only summer service would greatly reduce the cost of the route to New Jersey Transit.

We estimate costs would fall $378,000 annually, down from the current $408,000, to about $30,000 annually. It might also be possible to use fewer vehicles, additionally reducing NJ Transit's costs.

Regarding Route 981, we simply seek more time, at least three months beyond the current shutdown date, to allow the Hudson TMA an opportunity to seek out a private carrier willing to take the route without the subsidy. At the very least, this will give riders who depend on the 981 more time to figure out how they will get to work each day.

We face difficult economic times and service cuts are unfortunately part of what is necessary to deal with them. However, New Jersey Transit's decision to shut down Routes 305 and 981 will hurt seniors, families and workers. We are asking to keep little more than 7 percent of the current funding of the 305 subsidy and a brief delay in the removal of the subsidy for the 981. NJ Transit needs to realize it is a mistake to throw out the proverbial "baby with the bathwater" in their rush to meet their new service reduction targets.

TOM DeGISE
HUDSON COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Councilman Fulop calls for restructuring after 5 firefighters promoted
By The Jersey Journal
May 26, 2010, 10:08AM

Ward E Councilman Steven Fulop, released a statement Monday saying the fire department should consider restructuring instead of promotions.

"The City Council cannot afford to fund this next slate of promotions," Fulop said.

Five Jersey City Fire Department captains became battalion chiefs on Tuesday. Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy said the promotions would reduce overtime costs.

"Jersey City Fire Department is the best in the country," Healy said during a ceremony in City Hall Monday.

"These promotions are necessary," Healy added. "All five of these men have demonstrated skill, knowledge, integrity, bravery and are well able to fill these positions which are much needed."

I had my tax appeal hearing yesterday. I actually withdrew the appeal because they said they would take away my abatement if I went through with it.

Anyway, it is interesting. The council seemed very fair and friendly. Even the Jersey City representatives seemed fair. A couple of people came in without comps and said "I would like my taxes reduced. They are too high." They barely spoke English. The Jersey City reps would offer 20% off or something. Then the council would interpret and say "Sir, they are offering to reduce your taxes." The resident would then say "ok" and sign a stip.