Quote:

There seems to be a special meeting scheduled on Jan. 2nd, 2014 and no agenda is posted yet. It just states the agenda will be posted prior to meeting. Also, I don't believe there is agenda posted for 1/15/14 as of yet.

http://jerseycitynj.gov/agenda.aspx?id=1268

I remember sitting down at a local coffee shop with couple of moms from Ward E with then Councilman Fulop two years ago and listening to him talk about the changes he would like to see in the old administration. He spoke about how there was no transparency in local government: because it generates no broad news coverage unlike New York City, Healy administration was able to pass things in his agenda because either the public was unaware or there is no check and balances with the media lacking scrutiny. I agreed, believed and voted for him in every election he ran in Jersey City since I moved here with my family in '06.

EMS service is an healthcare service that is vital necessity that hopefully not too many of us will ever need to use but must be top notch when we need it. With zero press releases from the mayor?s office or public outreach, this important issue is being decided on either Jan. 2nd or Jan. 15th, 2014.

Myself along with a few fellow concerned residents have done what we can to reach out to the Mayor?s office with questions that went unanswered thus far. We also tried to reach out to all the Councilmen, Councilwomen and Council-At-Large and a few have kindly responded to our concerns. With the New Year fast approaching, I hope there are transparency and check and balances in tJCMC Vs. CarePoint/McCabe EMS contract.

We drafted a open letter to the Jersey City administration and sent it out today. We have concerns about the process undertaken by Jersey City (the ?City?) to change the City?s provider of Basic Life Support (?BLS?) Emergency Medical Services (?EMS?). We ask that you (i) provide greater transparency into the decision making process by answering the questions posed below and (ii) delay the council?s vote on the BLS contract until the public has been afforded time to understand the options the City faces.

Please read the letter in it's full content and urge the local council members to delay the vote until both the public and the council members are afforded time to option the city faces: http://civicparent.org/2013/12/26/an- ... support-bls-ems-contract/

We hope that the administration does not push the council members to rush to vote on Jan. 2nd at the council meeting and the agenda is addressed properly either on Jan. 15th, 2014 or later date.

?The point system the way the administration evaluated and presented to the council members was not counted as popular vote but electoral. Since Robert J. Kakoleski, Walter Kierce, and Peter Soriero all voted against and Stacey Flanagan, Bhavini Doshi voted for JCMC, it came down to 3 vs 2 for McCabe/ CarePoint vs. JCMC.

?First Responder Services: 10 points actually referred to ?Respondent should indicate its intent to provide First Responder Services or its consent to reimburse the City for provision of First Responder Service by Fire Department?.

So that $2.6 million agreement ?McCabe/ CarePoint has agreed to reimburse the JC annually for estimated city?s expenditures related to Jersey City Fire Department?s first responder service and Cost Proposal? is the only reason the vote ended up in favor of McCabe/ CarePoint over JCMC.

Here is the breakdown of how the Fulop Administration estimated the cost of that reimbursement:
Total Personal Costs: $1,980,134.75
Total Vehicle Costs: $536,000
Total Medical Supplies Costs: $147,111.16
-----------------------------------------------------
Total First Responder Costs: $2,663,245.91
*** All quoted from Jersey City Department of Administration Evaluation of Basic Life Support Ambulance Service Proposals

*** Thanks to JP Hurst on JCList, you can see the full documents here (page 453-493) :
http://jerseycitynj.gov/uploadedFiles ... solutions/resos121813.pdf

Since this contract is over Evaluation of BASIC LIFE SUPPORT, I am going to break it down as life support measure and talk about what this means:

Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) reported to total 98,134 EMS services to Jersey City residents in 2012:
?Total BLS responses: 50,192
?Total Priority One Response: 16,546
?Total Patient Transport: 31,396
*** JCMC only handles Emergency Cases. They do not offer patient transport. The Patient Transports reported above provide care to patients who require cardiac and medical monitoring transport.

The contract that is awarded to McCabe/ CarePoint only requires response time of eight (8) minutes or less to 90% of Priority One Calls.

When awarding this contract to McCabe/ CarePoint, Mayor Fulop went on a record on 12/13/13 to say following statement:
?We made the right choice for the taxpayers of Jersey City and equally important we made the right choice for anybody who needs transportation to the hospital,? said Mayor Fulop: ?This ensures Jersey City residents will receive the highest quality of emergency healthcare.? According to the City Hall press release, analysis showed that during November 2013 there were 69 emergency calls requiring ambulance service to which the Jersey City Medical Center was unable to respond within eight minutes. The release also claims that from Jan. 1, 2013 through Sept. 30th, 2013, Jersey City Medical Center was unable to respond at all to 121 calls for ambulance service. So lets dissect those numbers:
(http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_s ... e=top_story#ixzz2o5HgOKwd)


Here are facts to dispute mayor?s comments above:
*Total Priority One Response JCMC had in 2012: 16,546
? Monthly average of Total Priority One Response: 1,654
?10% allowance that allows JCMC EMS to show up over 8 minute response time in current McCabe/ CarePoint contract: 165 monthly average.

?Then JCMC's Nov. 2013 number of 69 Mayor Fulop is complaining about (assuming it was in regard to Priority One Calls) is significantly lower than 10% allowance he is giving to McCabe/ CarePoint with the current contract. That number even drops down significantly lower with JCMC if he was talking about total BLS response. Also, one has to consider Nov. is generally busy month with most number of traveling vehicles on the road making it likely to end up with higher automobile accidents resulting on more EMS getting 911 calls.

? That 121 calls that JCMC did not respond between Jan. 1st-Sept. 30th, 2013? That?s because JCFD first responders got there first. That number will significantly jump with McCabe/ CarePoint contract since we expect that very service reimbursement to go up to 2.6 million dollars.

Bottom line, the numbers to justify this contract with McCabe just isn?t there and number so don't lie. Please don't forget that us residents in Jersey City deserve to have the highest quality of EMS service, not just barely minimum required with McCabe/ CarePoint, as life saving measure and that is JCMC EMS.

The emphasis Mayor Fulop is stating for change for EMS service in JC in the press is the dollar amount of $2.6 million McCabe will be reimbursing to Jersey City for using JC's Fire department as first responders when McCabe's own response is slower. The bid was awarded to McCabe over that $2.6 estimated reimbursement. Looking through the 5 panel score criteria, First Responder Service / Reimbursement is where JCMC came short. But there is flaw with that estimated amount.

*** Quoted from Jersey City's own Fire Department?s website below:
'Fire companies respond from 17 fire stations located throughout the City. Last year, the Fire Department responded to over 18,000 fire alarms, emergencies, and requests for medical assistance. All members of the Jersey City Fire Department receive first responder training and all Fire Department vehicles are equipped with automatic defibrillators. '

JCMC EMS handles about 91,000 EMS services in Jersey City yearly. Our Great Fire Department of Jersey City responded to about 18,000 fire alarms, emergencies and medical assistance in total last year. McCabe currently only handles 10,000 emergency calls in Bayonne and is rushing to hire more EMS personnel and purchase ambulances. With the volume of 91,000 distress calls with less than half the JCMC EMS fleet. McCabe will rely upon JCFD to pick up the slack.

We are going from total is 39 state licensed ambulances and five non transport capable ALS vehicles, state licensed from current JCMC EMS to McCabe's 18 that it?s rushed to order that are only capable of serving us with ELS ambulances. (Difference between the two explained below)

JCFD would have to have to add a minimum 20+ ambulances on top of extra personnel to close that gap to match the fleet that we have in service with JCMC EMC. That estimated 2.6 million JC will be reimbursed through the contract for using JCFD first responders will no way be saving money to us residents.

Additionally, JCFD vehicles are not ALS but BLS; same as the fleet of McCabe ambulances. JCMC EMS has 5 ALS ambulances that are in themselves each mobile trauma center, an extension of the hospitals trauma center proven to save lives.

Please watch this video that breaks down the difference between ALS and BLS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn0PmGn8y-Y
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_life_support

This change might seem like it is a great deal for the city on the paper but in a long run, will cost city tax payers more money to implement all the necessary substitutions that might not even match JCMC EMS? current response time and service while us the residents are put at risk.

Since Mayor Fulop speaks language as a former banker with great importance on numbers, here the EMS and Ambulance Gap Analysis: http://civicparent.org/2013/12/18/ems-ambulance-gap-analysis/

Unfortunately, quality of the proven service, know how of the city streets, level of experience serving Jersey City for over a century do not equate to any dollar amount in Fulop's statement to Jersey Journal.

An open letter to all the Jersey City Council Members:

This is my last email plea to have you reconsider voting against changing Jersey City's EMS service over to McCabe/CarePoint come January 1st, 2014.

This is only 2 weeks away. With McCabe is posting job listings on its current Facebook page, it's clear they are not ready. You cannot find the workforce needed with proper background checks and references in such a short period of time.

JCMC is a state of the art hospital with the only trauma center in Jersey City that should be nurtured. Then why is McCabe paying Jersey City $2.6 million to get the contract?
This question dogged me for a while and then I realized this isn't just about getting the EMS contract for McCabe, but it's ultimate goal is to financially jeopardize and choke JCMC by losing the contract with the city of Jersey City and CarePoint having monopoly and having its hands in scooping hopefully bankrupt JCMC in future for dirt cheap and turning it into profit company from non-profit like it did with Bayonne Hospital and begins its predatory billing practice. Then all these hospitals in Hudson County: JCMC, Bayonne Hospital and Hoboken Hospital will have a monopoly and will be free to bill whatever they want.

Then all the sudden, that 2.6 Million McCabe paid to the city is such a bargain in comparison to what the residents will then pay in exchange.

I am a mom, a wife, and a resident of Jersey City that really loves our neighborhood. I never thought when picking the neighborhood to live in, I had to factor in whom my city has contracted for its EMS. Property tax is hard to swallow, but we do it because we love our house. Public education? Yes, it needs improvements and it is getting better and we have private schools that can substitute. But basic life and death situation and care over my health? I want EMS with experience, know how of our streets, well staffed, and with enough state of the art ambulances as well as hospital that is well rated and takes my insurance.

I don't want this to be about lobbyists, profit, blind ambition and greed.

Finally, I have attached the petition that started just yesterday to try to stop you from voting against JCMC EMS serving our city:http://www.change.org/petitions/mayor ... ersey-city-s-ems-provider You will see that in two days we have gotten 600+ signatures along with some comments from ??voters pleading you to reconsider. The final petition will be presented at the meeting tomorrow.

I am pleading to your independent conscious and creativity. JCMC is in your hands, I am sure if you had more time and sit down with them, you can come up with solution with JCMC that will be best for city of Jersey City. During this holiday season, your decision can impact so many EMS employees and their family at JCMC. We value our police officers, fireman and we should value our EMS at JCMC who have served us and saved many lives in Jersey City.

Sincerely,

Yoo Lee

Quote:

Agreed. But not everyone will be available nor is keen on public speaking. Please email below elected officials, and let them know where you stand and let's hold them accountable for voting against the public's interest.


Rolando R. Lavarro Jr., Council President 201-547-5268
Rlavarro@jcnj.org

Joyce Watterman, Councilwoman-At-Large 201-547-5134
JWatterman@jcnj.org

Daniel Rivera, Coucilman-At-Large 201-547-5319
DRivera@jcnj.org

Frank Gajewski, Councilman Ward A 201-547-5098
FGajewski@jcnj.org

Khemraj ?Chico? Ramchal, Councilman Ward B 201-547-5092
KRamchal@jcnj.org

Rich Boggiano, Councilman Ward C 201-547-5159
RBoggiano@jcnj.org

Michael Yun, Councilman Ward D 201-547-5485
MYun@jcnj.org

Candice Osborne, Councilwoman Ward E 201-547-5315
COsborne@jcnj.org

Diane Coleman, Councilwoman Ward F 201-547-5338
DColeman@jcnj.org

Pam Andes, Council Secretary 201-547-5053
PAndes@jcnj.org

Desire Marte, Council Clerk 201-547-5204
MarteD@jcnj.org

Jasmin Gonzalez, Council Clerk 201-547-5204
JGonzalez@jcnj.org

Quote:

Robert J. Kakoleski, Business Administrator
Stacey Flanagan, Director, Department of Health and Human Service
Walter Kierce, Director, Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Peter Soriero, Risk Manager
Bhavini Doshi, Confidential Aide

***In addition, there were 3 non-voting providing advisory assistance:
Jerome Cala, Assistance Director of Public Safety
Peter Folgado, Purchasing Agent
John Mercer, Assistant Business Administrator


*** It's important to note Flanagan and Dosi voted in favor of JCMC and rest three didn't.

Quote:

'CarePoint Health System/McCabe Ambulance will reimburse the city $2.6 million annually for the cost of using Jersey City firefighters as first responders for any calls to which they cannot respond in a timely manner.'

Quoting Fulop's own words on the interview he gave. I feel a lot safer having JCMC responding to our 911 call when medical attention is needed versus firefighters.

http://www.unioncityreporter.com/view ... nstance=home_Most_popular

Dear Councilman At Large Rivera,

Thank you very much for taking your time to write back to me and I am sorry about what happened to your father in law.

I along with many residents don't believe by changing over to McCabe/ Carepoint from JCMC EMS, you are improving our EMS service, but changing highly rated non-profit EMS service over to for profit EMS company that owns Bayonne hospital which turned non-profit hospital into for profit while making it one of the most expensive hospital in United States with service that doesn't match the cost.

It's a shame that your personal experience didn't match hundreds of outcries from us residents and many praises. I hope you see the bigger picture and vote in line with our voice. I don't believe privatizing EMS with subpar replacement from non-profit service with more experience will result in happy voters in any means.

Team Fulop must not have a singular voice, you have independent mind, conscious and intelligence. I hope you consider everything including not having personal punitive agenda because of what happened in your family for rest of us.

Best,

Yoo Lee



On Dec 16, 2013, at 11:03 PM, Daniel Rivera wrote:

Ms Lee,

I appreciate you writing and commend your advocacy towards the Medical Center ems program. The story of your neighbors child is heart warming and I'm glad she's in great health.

However in several years ago my wife and her sister called 911 because their Dad my father in law was complaining of chest pain, he passed away in 6 min 3 minutes after JCMC walked in.

Although honestly I do feel that the program is good there's always room for improvement. My wife can't express her feelings the way you do about your neighbors child but she's truly moved on.

In the past I've given credit and said lots of great things to Joe Scott their CEO and to the Director of the EMS because since they've been here things have changed but it doesn't deter from the way my wife feels. This is only one of some concerns I have however I cannot speak for the rest of my council colleagues.

I hope you can understand this very concern I've shared with you. There's more but this is the one I'll share, which i think it's pretty serious.

Thanks so much and warmest regards,


Daniel Rivera
Councilman At Large Jersey City NJ

And below is the sample letter for reference:


Dear Councilperson:

As your constituent and a resident of Jersey City, I urge you to vote NO and NOT accept the current resolution replacing Jersey City Medical Center?s Ambulance Service at the Wednesday, December 18 City Council meeting.

I want my voice to be heard. My life matters. I want Jersey City Medical Center to continue to provide ambulance service.

Sincerely,
Jersey City Resident

I received this email from JCMC. Let's please reach out to our Council official to let them know that we don't want this change! Please sign the petition as well. After this Wednesday, it will be too late if we cannot stop this!

Dear Jersey City Resident -

The City of Jersey City recently announced a resolution to change its ambulance service provider. This resolution is coming before the City Council for a vote this Wednesday, December 18, 2013. If this vote passes, Jersey City residents would no longer have Jersey City Medical Center?s award-winning ambulance service with one of the quickest response times in the United States.

You recently signed a petition to keep the ambulance service with Jersey City Medical Center and we thank you for doing this. We need your help one more time!

Here is how you can show your support:

Please email or call your City Councilperson TODAY. (Contact information below). We have attached a letter if you wish to use it. To email the attached letter, please open the attachment, type in the email address below and hit send.
Attend the City Council meeting Wednesday, December 18th at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 280 Grove Street.
If you would like to speak at the meeting on December 18th, contact the City Clerk at 201-547-5150 to register and reply to this email to let us know.


Rolando R. Lavarro Jr., Council President 201-547-5268
Rlavarro@jcnj.org

Joyce Watterman, Councilwoman-At-Large 201-547-5134
JWatterman@jcnj.org

Daniel Rivera, Coucilman-At-Large 201-547-5319
DRivera@jcnj.org

Frank Gajewski, Councilman Ward A 201-547-5098
FGajewski@jcnj.org

Khemraj ?Chico? Ramchal, Councilman Ward B 201-547-5092
KRamchal@jcnj.org

Rich Boggiano, Councilman Ward C 201-547-5159
RBoggiano@jcnj.org

Michael Yun, Councilman Ward D 201-547-5485
MYun@jcnj.org

Candice Osborne, Councilwoman Ward E 201-547-5315
COsborne@jcnj.org

Diane Coleman, Councilwoman Ward F 201-547-5338
DColeman@jcnj.org

Pam Andes, Council Secretary 201-547-5053
PAndes@jcnj.org

Desire Marte, Council Clerk 201-547-5204
MarteD@jcnj.org

Jasmin Gonzalez, Council Clerk 201-547-5204
JGonzalez@jcnj.org


As always, thank your for your continued support.

Warmest Regards,

Rob Luckritz
Director of EMS

Written by a fireman Ray on petition:

I am a firefighter and a paramedic. EMS in Jersey City are trailblazers. EMS should never be considered based on profit. You wouldn't change fire department or police departments, why change EMS providers with one of the longest standing performance records in the US?

In response to the petition on Change.org, Heather posted below comment. READ it Mayor Fulop. You are effecting the lives of JC residents and not for better with your decision if you were to change our JCMC EMS:

I am a Jersey City Medical Center EMT.

I grew up in the Jersey City heights and attended P.S 25 school. I ate at Vinnies after school, got vegetables for my parents at the Farmers market, and hung out with friends in ?Mosquito park?.

I took the yellow school bus to County Prep High School. I was captain of the cheerleading team, participated in the science league, and was in the dance program.

I volunteered countless times. I received multiple awards including The Mayor Cunningham award for a writing piece.

Ive shaken the hand of the mayors of Jersey City for years , as I was a cheerleader with the Jersey City Liberty All Stars .

Although I no longer reside in Jersey City , my family does.

I never grew up saying that I wanted to be an EMT, for me it was all about waking up each day to make a difference.

I started my EMS career as a volunteer with the Lyndhurst Police Emergency Squad and continue to serve as a Sergeant. I would be lying to sit here and tell you I couldn't get an ems job elsewhere. Ive gained years of experience, deans list student in college , and carry a great personality.

I have worked for other agencies/departments but the Jersey City Medical Center EMS is HOME. I wake up ready for each shift excited and nervous to know what the night will hold. I gained my experience here. I was trained and became knowledgeable because of the EMTs and Paramedics that have been serving Jersey City for years. I know what is expected of me and how to continue to be the best possible EMT because of the supervisors that gave me a chance.

I experienced life changing situations here;both good and bad. I unfortunetly learned what its like to call ?10-2? (something I wish no one has to experience). A situation for me that I reply day in and day out. But that day could have been a lot worse ,as I watched my partner get assaulted and become a victim myself. If it had not been for my EMS family, first on scene, things could have been a lot worse. Dealing with being out of work due to injuries was even more difficult. Management, supervisors, emts, paramedics called day in and day out to make sure that me and my partner received the care and treatment we needed.

So , although there are other jobs out there for me this is a total loss. A loss of a family. A loss of good people making a big difference. My family may, god forbid, need an ambulance. I trust and know that with a hundred and thirty years of experience that my family will receive the most timely and crucial pre hospital care possible.

We cant take a chance on Change, when it effects the residents of Jersey City and my family.

I am a Jersey City EMT and Proud

My family is going to attend our very first council meeting to address our concern. Thanks to Yvonne, I now know how much our resident's lives are worth. Mere $10,400 to the contribution before the election and $2.6 million to city to get the contract.

Please sign the petition below. I hope number in our voice matters.

http://www.change.org/petitions/mayor ... rsey-city-s-ems-provider#

I am commenting again on this subject so this topic stays up and us residents are aware what is at risk here.

Mayor Fulop, whom I voted for is dead wrong in this agenda and even bringing it up. He is short changing us residents, potentially putting our lives at risk and also disregarding the fact that the CarePoint/McCabe doesn't accept many of the major insurance which means us residents will be footing the bills.

His arrogance in spending time self promoting with all the honchos at DC while wasting our time trying to change something that is actually working in JC, a highly rated EMS service that has been serving residents for over century. Trying to reason hiring more fireman to service EMS short change is truly baffling. Do your job Major, find the budget for firman in JC, balance your book. Do not replace and downgrade our EMS by replacing JCMC EMS.

When a for profit health service which priority is to make money, offers to pay the city $2.6 million to replace an outstanding non-profit health service, all the red flags should go up. Major, you were a banker not too long ago, don't try to balance your book with just numbers and try to justify with some slap on reasons that so far have not made any sense. We residents are not just numbers, we are human beings. Remember we voted you in, and we can easily vote you out.

I hope everyone reaches out to his/ her council person and ask to vote no on this EMS change. I just emailed Candice this morning.

It's so arrogant to equate $2 million money (not saved but paid) to justify the change and putting us residents' lives at risk.

1) Current EMS is employing people in JC.
2) Current EMS takes major medical insurance.
3) Current EMS is proven and has been running the service for our area for over 100+ years.

4) Carepoint and McCabe: Unproven and out of network with most insurance which means us residents will be saddled with the hefty bills.
5) Carepoint and McCabe: Not based out of JC but Bayonne and is for profit company with no proven record that equates or comparable to our current EMS.

This is wrong agenda that shouldn't even been brought up.

Yvonne, thank you very much for posting the video, I watched in full. I am a resident of Hamilton Park but that doesn't mean I don't care about the Bright St. project, especially as a mom. It effects the neighborhood not just downtown, Poor planning of city must be pointed out and stopped if possible, we cannot be easy target for developer's greed nor city politician's inadequacy at best or personal interest at worst. The audacity to take away the space being used for the students to put forth such a grand development in a historic neighborhood and change its landscape and the safety of the residents, the students and teachers is just so disappointing to say the least. I really hope the current mayor's office can come up with a solution and get to work to solve the issue other than bandaid the issue or skirt it to past administration.

I have two dogs one of which is 16 years old and is deaf and almost blind. I also have a 2 1/2 year old toddler who loves walking my dogs with me. Thank you for alerting these traps, it can easily hurt my nearly blind senior dog and my daughter.

Three Little Birds is amazing, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Jenn and Monica are so caring, creative and amazing with the kids. My little girl thrived there and we couldn't have been happier. She couldn't wait to go to her classes and was so happy when I picked her up, and her language skilled really facilitated when she attended there with all the interactions she had had.

Depending on the date of the drop offs, your child will do music, movement and art classes. You will be amazed at amazing artwork your child will get to do there and bring home.

They have a waiting list, so I suggest you walk over there and talk to them or email them to make sure your child will be on the waiting list.

Quote:

Sorry, here is a correct link for the fundraiser: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fund ... sha-s-memorial-fund/68512

For anyone who ate at Kraverie, you probably ran into Natasha who was one of the owners there. She was one of the loveliest person if you ever met her, warm, such a gracious host. I went there a lot I admit, more to just talk to her and eating was something bonus.

When my friend lost his beloved dog a few month back, I had to drag him out of his house so he would eat. I remember Natasha listening to him talk about his loss while crying and sharing her story about loosing her beloved cat.

Please help her husband the littlest way possible by donating to her medical bill: http://www.youcaring....


JC lost a truly a great lady.

I just went there on Sunday for brunch and it was AMAZING! First, they were open early, 10AM; the atmosphere, quaint and charming; service staffs friendly and attentive AND the food was amazing! My husband was so happy to find authentic Mexican breakfast and the proportions were very generous. I had tacos and it was dreamy. The prices were very reasonable too. It might be pet peeve for some but they serve shoe string fries which was awesome for my toddler child. Try this place, you will not be disappointed!

Yes, the findings gave us much to be concerned about the quality of our water at home and bought the test kit for bacteria and lead in our water. Relieved to say it came back negative. It's easy enough to purchase the test kit via Amazon if you want some relief.

I am glad you posted this. I saw her last month with her 3 dogs as you described. I was with my daughter and was very concerned since I was wondering why a Pit will be off leash on Pet Free area without an owner. She was so far away I didn't realize the dog belonged to her. Only after her getting to the entrance to the park with her two dogs by the play ground, did she holler for her dog which was at the opposite end lawn entrance by the 8th St which is also leash pet free area.

I love my dogs and I think as a pet owner, you have responsibility to abide by law and some sounding rules. HP is a very crowded park frequented by many. There is Pet area as well as Pet Free areas. There is no excuse for her behavior and disregard for the law.

JCFree poped up out of nowhere only to smear Fulop and so far, all of his/her/team's 37 rantings are just that.

All I want from my major as a mother living in Jersey City is that the mayor not get caught urinating in public, drunk body-slam the table at an outing and oh yes, that his administration not be tainted with corruption with the FBI sting that sent his administrators to jail.

Steven Fulop has my vote.

Yes, you do need a permit but you can do it yourself instead of having the plumber do it if you have time and want to save some money. The permit office is by the Exchange place and you need two permits: one for plumbing and one for fire marshall for the gas water heater. We had to pay bit extra because our house was historic. I forgot exactly how much we paid but it was roughly 1/2 cost of what the plumber charged. It makes sense since their time is factored into the cost. Overall, it wasn't that painful to do but it was bit of hassle to arrange the inspectors to come to the house. Luckily for us, the inspector showed up first thing in the morning. Once they approve the heater, they put stickers stating that it passed the inspection.