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SamS

Re: Father of boy who accused Michael Jackson of molestation found dead in Jersey City home

#31

Home away from home

Wow, that is so like an opera.

Posted on: 2009/11/18 0:44

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#32

Home away from home

This issue regarding the gardens around the gazebo will be raised with the city.

A response and suggested recovery will be shared with all.

Posted on: 2009/11/17 21:10

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#33

Home away from home

When asked about the size of the fountain the city advised the fountain in VVP was the metric used, and spending more on a bigger fountain wasn't going to happen since the NJDEP required the city to install the retention basins Aaaaand there was added expense associated with dealing with the capping process.

That's the answer we got.

However, looking at that post card picture you have to bear in mind that that's an up close shot. So the size may be similar to what we have. Also the gazebo in the park at the time was much smaller than the we have now. So the proportions may be distorted.

The park renovation is nearly complete, we should be happy.

Interestingly, when we started this process four years ago I cautioned that everyone should be sensitive to the fact that all of our interests in this process are going to be brushed up against and none of us will get the park we exactly want. But most people will get some of what they want.

The key here is the HPNA got community input. We didn't haphazardly go into the park and do what only a few people wanted to do, nor did we unilaterally decide what the plan for the park renovation should look like and then represent to the city that was the plan the community wanted. By building consensus the city was more motivated to respond and actually get the renovation moving. While not everyone likes everything about the park, it's an improvement at many levels.

Quote:

PBW wrote:
Quote:

Iwitness wrote:

On a completely different (but ironic) topic, isn't the fountain everybody here is whining about supposed to be an approximation of some historic fountain that Minnie found a picture of, and insisted on being incorporated into the project?

Here's a postcard I found of HP. Fountain seems like it's twice as big as they new one. I only saw the new one from a distance and may be wrong.

http://picasaweb.google.com/BrendanWe ... andom#5405174247917214626

Posted on: 2009/11/17 21:04

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#34

Home away from home

Funny you should point that spelling error out. This morning that spelling error actually dawned on me while I was walking my dog. I find my spelling mistakes sort of funny, modestly embarrassing and yet intriguing. Of course I know how to spell vile, but what causes one to make such a mistake like that, is what intrigues me.

I genuinely regret you're not happy with the results of the park. There were a lot of people excited about the spoke design and the new look of the pathways.

However, it does strike a nerve with me when neighbors ridicule, overly criticize one another and unduly cast blame.

It was not my doing that the gardens around the gazebo were taken down and I didn't even notice they were gone until it was posted here. I would have preferred they stayed in tact. So I'm not happy they're gone and I didn't win anything. The HPNA did just last week dash off a host of concerns to the city regarding different components of the park renovation. We're not perfect and for whatever reason things slip buy. Bear in mind, this has been a long painful process, in total about 4 years of work.

I'm not going to address each of your numbered points because I'm too lazy. But when introducing a guest to any meeting I think it's appropriate to be gracious. Of course I have to admit I don't dislike developers, in fact I actually like developers. They build and produce something in exchange for consideration. Of course I'm aware that developers try to push the envelope with their projects, and some are more egregious than others in the process. Still some like the Silvermans seem to me to have made more of a commitment to the community and it warrants paying them more compliments. For example their involvement with Padua House.

But let's not forget, the Silvermans have no involvement in the park renovation at all. Naturally, I would think they would want the park to be as nice as possible.

Of course if you want to hear me speak effusively about a developer you should hear me go on about George Vallone. I've repeatedly said I think he's the exemplar and sets the standard for what all developers should aspire to be.

PS. I'm always charmed by a woman who calls me Sammy. ;)

Posted on: 2009/11/17 19:53

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#35

Home away from home

Hence the term "haters". Some people are just haters and they hate on everything. My guess is because they hate themselves and their lives. They amble through life with low self esteem and bitterness for what ever reason. Typically, they have very low emotional intelligence (EQ) and are often passed up for promotions at work despite the fact they may have the competence to perform at a higher level. But their miserable personalities keep them back because they are unable to motive people to act since they're such miserable haters. We could have the best park in the world, designed by a world's leading architect and some of these people would still be hating on it.

Quote:

clancey wrote:
I've never heard such a bunch of miserable cranks in all my life. If you weren't sitting around all day complaining and kvetching you'd actually have to go out and get a life. For starters no one stops to consider the alternative of this park renovation...they didn't have to do it! We could have been stuck with that eyesore of a park for the next 25 years. It had awful lighting, black asphalt pathways, overgrown trees and shrubbery, busted up sidewalks, NO dog runs (unless you count the tennis courts), tacky gardens and ugly overgrown fire bushes. Instead we are getting so far, because IT'S NOT FINISHED, tastefully done stamped pathways, better space layout, 2 dog runs, upgraded drainage of rain water so we don't have mud fields, great new benches that are not broken down wood, new garbage cans, new tennis court fencing, and a really nice (didn't say great) kids playground, new lighting and security cameras. Do you really think kids care when they are playing if it's metal (which sounds dangerous) or plastic? Doubt it. People are complaining about plants that were removed but have no idea what plants and flowers are going to be put in their place. If anything were really worth saving, and would actually help trim their budget, I believe they would have left it alone. Let's save the judgements for after the park is completed. Check the design plans, and if they have done an egregious deviation from those plans, then call the city. Otherwise use your energy to be more productive, don't spend your time hating, learn a trade!

Posted on: 2009/11/17 2:13

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SamS

Re: Wave of gentrification that leapfrogged the Hudson has reached new heights - Jersey City Heights

#36

Home away from home

Additionally, as a downtown resident of JC, I'm thrilled that another neighborhood is growing in success and is generally on the rise. It adds to the value of the rest of the City. I'm glad to see more people buying homes in any area of JC, particularly homes they could afford and I share in their pride. There was certainly a time when folks were criticized for buying homes and moving into downtown JC. Now we have an influx of yuppies who think they discovered the New Jerusalem which needs to be modified and augmented to tailor each of their new and whimsical "needs" only to compete for attention with the new too cool for school, pseudo artists hanging in restaurants complaining about yuppies.

I've been taking the PATH into New York City for work and pleasure since 1982. My ideal mode of transportation would be a chauffered limo. But the fact that I have to walk a mile to squeeze onto the PATH with annoying co commuters who refuse to remove their back pack doesn't devalue my life in JC. Similarly, the fact that some new homeowners in the heights have to take the light-rail to the PATH to JC is just as irrelevant. Quote:

jennymayla wrote:
why is the success of one area so threatening to the other area? doesn't it do the whole city good to have thriving neighborhoods on opposite sides of town?

it just seems so silly to keep bashing one to somehow elevate the other.

live where you live and like what you like. what's the problem with that?

Posted on: 2009/11/17 0:34

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#37

Home away from home

I'm not at all surprised by 2DogDoll's refusal to answer that question directly. She's probably a little embarrassed for giving in to her irrational knee jerk urge to make such a vial comment,yet refuses to apologize. While I do only suspect I know who she is, I'm still disappointed she lacked the dignity to speak to individuals about these concerns when she's them in the park. It is abundantly clear her ego is wounded since the lame ass gardens in those hideous bunkers were torn down at the request of the vast majority of the Jersey City residents who participated in the balloting process.

It's people like 2DogDoll who take no active role in community initiatives, yet aggressively attack others who only to take away their spirit. A real class act. Quote:

Iwitness wrote:
Quote:

SamS wrote:
May I ask which politicians were being sucked up to and which developers were being ass kissed and by which HPNA members or board members?

I, for one, am still waiting for 2DogDoll's answer to this question. She threw out the accusation, and then even curiouser, follows it up not with a straight answer, but by saying that political "connections" are essential in getting things accomplished.

*facepalm*

How's Minnie doing, by the way?

Posted on: 2009/11/16 22:27

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#38

Home away from home

When you called them ass kissers and suck ups.

Quote:

2DogDoll wrote:
Exactly where did I trash my neighbors?

I simply questioned the role and function of the HPNA.

Posted on: 2009/11/16 20:56

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#39

Home away from home

But other than griping on this board and criticizing your neighbors who volunteered their free time, you made no follow up inquiries nor alerted anyone on what seemed to be deviations from the published plan, to people who may have recognized as being active in the process including your local government leaders????

You may not be on the board, but you are ostensibly a genuinely concerned citizen, a taxpayer and a neighbor. There are more productive ways of using your keyboard than trashing your neighbors.

Quote:

2DogDoll wrote:
Right outside my door.

I am not on the Board but I did participate in the process. I paid my dues, answered the surveys and actively encouraged everyone who would listen to do the same, gave out some flyers, and attended all major park renovation meetings. Maybe that is why I feel so angry and betrayed.

What did you do?

Posted on: 2009/11/16 20:25

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#40

Home away from home

Good point DC. Quote:

DCofJC wrote:
Quote:
but where was the HPNA? After all those surveys and meetings where is the community organization oversight? Why aren?t they protecting the interests of the community and the integrity of the park. Let?s see: maybe if the HPNA wasn?t so busy sucking up to the politicians and a$$-kissing developers, they cwuld have done the right thing by this old park. End of Rant.

the better question....where were you?

Posted on: 2009/11/16 19:27

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#41

Home away from home

May I ask which politicians were being sucked up to and which developers were being ass kissed and by which HPNA members or board members? Quote:

2DogDoll wrote:

I tried to stay positive but now I get so angry at the mess made of this park renovation that I just want to scream and I am definitely looking for someone to blame. Not that it will do any good, but where was the HPNA? After all those surveys and meetings where is the community organization oversight? Why aren?t they protecting the interests of the community and the integrity of the park. Let?s see: maybe if the HPNA wasn?t so busy sucking up to the politicians and a$$-kissing developers, they cwuld have done the right thing by this old park. End of Rant.

It is just SO heartbreaking to watch on a daily basis.

Posted on: 2009/11/16 19:26

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SamS

Re: Tenant background/cedit check agency recommendation

#42

Home away from home

You file eviction proceedings, make sure they are served properly, get a judgment and make sure they are served with the judgment and that the judgment is entered on the record.

I would love it if some landlord started a website on crappy tenants. Failure to pay rent is not the only issue one could have with tenants. There are other issues like violating pet rules, failure to keep the place clean, etc. etc.

Posted on: 2009/11/7 13:05

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SamS

Re: Tenant background/cedit check agency recommendation

#43

Home away from home

I use Accurate Credit.

Also, be mindful to check references, particularly past landlords.

Posted on: 2009/11/6 12:45

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#44

Home away from home

The NJDEP required the City install those water retention basins. An integral component of the new park plan was improved sewage to prevent the water pooling you mention. Apparently, the retention basins ensure the streets surrounding the park don't get flooded as the park now has improved sewage. The City architect didn't think it was necessary, but the state required it.

Quote:

2DogDoll wrote:

I was therefore surprised at the huge 8 foot trenches and 4 foot diameter pipes that were laid into the ground. I never saw this work on any of the plans presented to the public. I also never saw the inclusion of at least one pumping station in any of the publicly presented plans or learned the real reason for these pipes. Too late now.

Anything is nicer than macadam. I simply mentioned the potential hazard. Water pools on the glazed concrete long after the water has evaporated everywhere else. The same will be true of ice patches.

Posted on: 2009/10/18 14:14

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SamS

HPNA - Career/Job Networking Night Volunteers

#45

Home away from home

CAREER-JOB NETWORKING NIGHT
On Wednesday, November 4th at our next monthly meetingin an effort to leverage the talent that exists amongst our neighbors, the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association is hosting a Career-Job Networking night.
We plan on having several panelists representing various industries and professions who will each make a 5 minute presentation about what they do, how they migrated to their chosen career and share their insights on growing opportunities and trends they have observed either from the work they do or the other professionals that service them.
After the panelists make their presentations we will have a break a networking break out where our neighbors can exchange contact information and share ideas and leads.
If you are willing to volunteer as one our panelists please contact Sam Stoia at sjsesq@comcast.net. We encourage your participation and suggestions to make this a valuable event

Posted on: 2009/10/12 18:29

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SamS

Re: Read Any Great Books Lately?

#46

Home away from home

Edmund White's latest book, City Boy got a good review in the New York Times last Sunday. I read several of his other books including The Farewell Symphony, My Lives, The Married Man and Hotel Deville - all very good.

I typically tend to throw or give away my books soon after reading them to prevent clutter build up.

In the latest pile of to be thrown away is The Sixteen Pleasures, but Robert Hellenga which I read while on vacation in Italy about 3 years ago.

I'll probably be dropping this off with the rest of the pile off at Grace Van Vorst tomorrow or next week. There's a bunch I have sitting under my stairs for disposal.

Posted on: 2009/10/11 3:19

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SamS

Re: Chris Daggett Independent for Governor Meet & Greet

#47

Home away from home

In the instance to which you refer, I'm criticizing the candidate not my neighbor for supporting the candidate.

I haven't in this thread criticized any one else for supporting Daggett. I only explained why I don't support him, while inviting particulars on issues that you and a few others seem to be closer to than am I.

Your previous post was definitely critical of me personally, sarcastic and caustic. As this thread has now devolved I won't be contributing to it. I don't want to disrupt existing good neighborly relations.

Quote:

MND wrote:
Finally, when answering harder questions I thought he came across like a used car salesman. Talking really fast and simply not saying anything. He's not the independent many hope he is.

HMMMM......
Is this a civil tone????

Posted on: 2009/10/8 15:50

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SamS

Re: Chris Daggett Independent for Governor Meet & Greet

#48

Home away from home

John,

Daggett is in support of raising taxes in this state. He said so openly.

Also I think his plan to impose sales taxes will arrest any potential economic stimulus. Additionally, his model for how much new revenue that plan will generate is fundamentally flawed. He is totally guessing at the basis of the source of revenue. Finally, when answering harder questions I thought he came across like a used car salesman. Talking really fast and simply not saying anything. He's not the independent many hope he is.

Posted on: 2009/10/8 14:34

Topic | Forum

SamS

Re: Chris Daggett Independent for Governor Meet & Greet

#49

Home away from home

MND,

It makes sense for someone to openly support a candidate if they aren't supporting the others.

Until your last post the conversation was remaining civil. Let's keep it that way.

Candidly, I find and as has been further supported and illuminated by DanL, that Corzine's accomplishments, especially in this economic climate to out weigh his failures or short comings.

While I think it's great you and some others support an apparently independent candidate I only encourage to evaluate closely your decision making process while you scrutinize facts, motives and expectations.

Also, I invite you to support the claim that Corzine has not at all supported charter schools. As I have already established I am continuously open to any and edification on this matter.

Posted on: 2009/10/8 14:21

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SamS

Re: Chris Daggett Independent for Governor Meet & Greet

#50

Home away from home

Dan are you Daggett's public relations manager? I ask that question sincerely.

Quote:

DanL wrote:

feel free to contact me directly,

[quote]

Posted on: 2009/10/8 12:07

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SamS

Re: Chris Daggett Independent for Governor Meet & Greet

#51

Home away from home

Hey if 65 people attended last evening, that's great. I didn't have the benefit of the attendance list to count from. I was only guessing. My point was it was well attended. But it's good to see people interested in the election and come out to hear what the candidates are talking about.

Daggett made a comment about keeping NJ's college students in NJ for school. I don't understand why that's a priority. Many parents encourage their children to go out of state for school for the experience of being away and on their own. I wasn't aware that there was great vacancy problem in the local colleges. It was my understanding that Rutgers has very competitive admission standards.

I personally think the issue is to encourage people to come home after college to live and possibly work.

Posted on: 2009/10/7 14:28

Topic | Forum

SamS

Re: Chris Daggett Independent for Governor Meet & Greet

#52

Home away from home

The event was well attended by approximately 30 people.

Daggett gave the same speech he gave during his debate. He's not raising taxes, but he is going to be raising taxes. He called it a rebalancing, which is politico speak for "nut and shell game". When asked how his plan to impose sales taxes on small service businesses which would include landscapers, house painters, small architect firms, small accounting firms, solo practitioner lawyers, etc would effect our local economy he didn't have an answer so he just spoke real fast and said absolutely nothing. It was very insulting. So it seems those who are seeking something different are getting a real politician.

I found him to be rather uninspiring. Should the economy take another downturn, which many economists suggest it very may well, he's not going to be able to deal with it.

Incidentally, it's important to note that he lead an effort to turn half of Liberty State Park into a golf course.

Posted on: 2009/10/7 13:10

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SamS

Re: Chris Daggett Independent for Governor Meet & Greet

#53

Home away from home

Indomitus, I certainly can't nor won't criticize your sentiments on that.

I'm going to stick with Corzine because I am not as disgusted with him as some of the other folks on here are. Also I genuinely believe he's the guy we need during these unusually tough economic times. He has the tenacity to deal with tough issues and take the heat for them. I think he gets into the details of matters and has some foresight. Of course I don't mean to suggest I think he's perfect; but in comparison to both Daggett and Christie he secures my confidence more.

Posted on: 2009/10/2 23:18

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SamS

Re: Chris Daggett Independent for Governor Meet & Greet

#54

Home away from home

What do you find intriguing about Daggett?

I haven't found enough about him to have any opinion at all.

At this point I'm sticking with my party line and voting for Corzine.

I certainly won't vote for Christie because I find his positions overly conservative and don't think he has the skill sets for the job.

While I am not willing to deify Corzine the state of the economy has been rather unusual and severe. With that in mind I can't be so harsh on him in terms of the state budget or the pension.

In terms of Daggett, I just can't vote for someone simply because he's different. Additionally, he's surfaced pretty late in the game and probably too late to make a real impression on enough voters to actually win. Supporting an independent at this juncture, IMHO would only serve to serve the election up to the republicans.

Posted on: 2009/9/29 0:38

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#55

Home away from home

Different perspectives are always welcome. Which is exactly why the process to renovate the park was open to all people in JC to express their opinions. In terms of the extreme pruning, some of it was actually quite necessary. A few neighbors who are land scape architects have advised that many of the trees are silver maples and have not been properly maintained and consequently pose a danger in the park. Of course this was confirmed by the city architect. Also, the new design eliminates a ring of black concrete in favor of more green. Additionally, the composition of the new pathways leading to the gazebo are much more attractive than the old crumbly black tarmac that was there before.

Posted on: 2009/9/29 0:05

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#56

Home away from home

Passing the park today I was impressed by two things in particular.

The first, how much better the park looks without those stupid bunkers that existed. There is now a clean open look to the park, adding to the serenity of the park

The second, how nicely the work has progressed and at such a good pace, especially considering how much rain we had this year in conjunction with the discovery of the lead etc.

Posted on: 2009/9/28 19:58

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SamS

Re: Does Anybody In Downtown JC Have a Beer Keg Tap I Can Rent

#57

Home away from home

Marco Pepe serves Chimay on tap, perhaps if you call over there they could offer a suggestion.

Posted on: 2009/9/26 23:09

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#58

Home away from home

I should add, the noise coming from the park is not the only late night disturbance in our lovely gentrified neighborhood. Late night garbage pick up, loud people walking past my home and barking dogs being waked past midnight have all woken me up.

It's the mix of life when living in an increasing dense and attractive neighborhood. When it becomes totally unbearable people will start to move away. There's a tolerance courtesy balance associated with living around here. Our homes are pressed up against each others, parking is becoming more difficult, more trucks come through our historic neighborhood. Throughout all of this perspective must be maintained. The more people that move in, the more thoughtful we must all be.

Posted on: 2009/9/16 10:22

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#59

Home away from home

Over the years there have been more than a few mornings when I have had to leave my home around 6 am for work. While passing Hamilton Park I observed dog owners running their dogs off leash in Hamilton Park and yelling to them for their return. I remember thinking, how it must suck living on the park having to hear these people wake you up so early. My friends and neighbors who live on the park confirmed such frustration.

Of course I also sympathize with the people who live near the basketball courts who have to deal with the noise from the people playing loudly in courts past 10 pm and in violation of park hours and rules.

In both instances the police should be called and the violators penalized. Difficult to manage is prevention of both violations. Maybe if enough people are penalized that may control both problems. Though I somehow doubt it.

Interestingly when I was house shopping I originally fell in love with the prospect of living on the park. But very glad I was dissuaded from that idea.

Posted on: 2009/9/16 0:28

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SamS

Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Update

#60

Home away from home

That's a bad guess actually. It was also thought some of the contamination came from the light posts, but bear in mind much of JC is on fill. Often in the spring I find a bunch of crazy stuff in my back yard that resurfaces, such has marbles, glass etc.

Quote:

FGJCNJ1970 wrote:

Also, as the area is by the basketball courts, I am guessing that the contaminants are from somebody having a BBQ event while playing B-Ball and then just dumping out their ashes on the ground when they left.

FG

Posted on: 2009/9/12 17:57

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