Another thing...I just bought extra tickets at the PA. There was NO sign there either. The ticket agent DID NOT mention it either.

I asked if I had to pay the extra money at the bus, they said that they didnt know!!!! Unbelievable!!

I just called and they said that the fare raise was posted by the dispatcher in Journal Square and port authority!! But no bus signs!!

Im so grateful that you put it out there that the fare is increasing!! Im so upset! I moving back in Jersey City and closer to the path. This is ridiculous! I cant afford $13 a day to commute to my job.

Something must be done!!

Im looking to get my recliner fluffed up and recovered to match my decor. Does anyone know where I can get this done for a reasonable price? Can you share with me some personal experiences? Please let me know. Thanks.

That sounds great. However, I think that something like that would be better donated as a freebie. any other ideas?

As most of you know, I am trying to help ex-convicts/felons in our community. Perhaps if we lend a helping hand to these people that need work, we can see less drug dealers on the corners and maybe even lessen robberies/muggings.

Does anyone know of companies that are willing to hire felons? Those that want to work and escape their drug dealing/thieving pasts?

I heard something about bonding somewhere. But Im not sure what that means.

Also does anyone know how I find out who are the assemblymen for Bayonne, UC, Weehawken, Guttenberg? I want to get a petition going on and help those in our community.

What Im trying to do is to stop this society from making/creating further drug dealers. We've become a zero tolerance place. If you mess up, get arrested and become a felon, then your chances of getting a job are between zil and nil. So Im tired of it. I know several ppl that have made mistakes in their youth and here it is years later they are still unemployed because of the felony on their jacket. So if you cant get a job, what is left? welfare? no. welfare doesnt help felons. Ok, so if no job will hire you and welfare will not take you...what does that leave you with? the only jobs that are available to felons are drugs, robbery, etc. More felonies!! So I think its time that they take that off the applications. Let these people have a second chance. Let them go out there and WORK for their money. Allow them to become productive and pay taxes. If we become so intolerant, then we have no one to blame but ourselves when we get robbed or we are annoyed by the dealers on the corners or the sick and suffering who are in need of their drugs and will hurt/kill someone in order to get them.

And for the record, I love a felon. I will support anyone that wants a second chance. AS long as they want to work and pay taxes and live a productive life, then Im all for it. Better to see them working, than to see them hustling.

And please, for those that have their noses high in the sky and look down upon those with a prison record, dont post anything ugly. You have your pet causes and I have mine. One person can make a difference if they want it bad enough. I want to see these people make something of themselves. REGARDLESS of their pasts. Alot of them want to become productive citizens and their past wont allow it.

So if anyone is willing to help me start a petition and show me how to take my next steps. I know what I want to accomplish, I just dont know how to make it happen. I need advice, not criticism or anyone dragging up my posts and placing them up on here. Im not here to offend, but to give others a second chance. I want to build a community not destroy one. So who is willing to lend a helping hand?? Anyone? Dont be shy. Stand up and let your voice be heard!!

Ok, point taken. I would like to start a paper petition. Now does anyone know how many signatures I would need? And exactly where do I begin my quest for change? I really know nothing about this process. However, I believe with all my heart in the cause that I am sticking up for. Can anyone help?

How do I start an online petition? I want to see some changes made in our community. (Hudson County in general)

Nope! Im aging gracefully. I look like in my early 20's and Im in my late 30's. :) I've ALWAYS felt the same way. I like peace and tranquility. I hate having to strain to hear a movie because the teenagers next to me wanted to talk about x-y-z. Or a lovers quarrel. Or the newest sneakers. Or how the movie sucked.

Im of the opinion that you carry yourself a certain way, no matter what your background or current circumstances at the time are. Respect and simple common sense have always been my credo! :)

Are you kidding me? Newport raised their prices again? Considering that you have to go there with a bullet proof vest, a gun, a dog to keep the hooligans away from you and your kids, I think the least they could do is keep the prices at a decent and stable way. I hate that movie theater. All those hood-rats, teenagers give me a headache!!

Im sorry but reading what the man wrote still was unclear to me. Thank YOU for breaking it down. Well at least we are getting something. lol

Bayonne shopping center on BLRA agenda tomorrow
Wednesday, December 12, 2007

The Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority will meet in special session tomorrow night to consider issuing up to $30 million in PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) revenue bonds to support the proposed Bayonne Crossing shopping center off Route 440.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers at City Hall, 630 Avenue C.

BLRA officials have said that the $30 million is earmarked for utility infrastructure and some remediation required to deal with contaminated soil at the project site on the east side of the state highway off East 22nd Street.

The commissioners will also be asked to authorize an amendment to the previously approved agreement with Cameron Bayonne that allows an industrial business in the project site to relocate to a BLRA-owned parcel in the old Standard Tank Redevelopment Area nearby.

RONALD LEIR

Thank you. I skimmed threw it and did NOT see any plans for a mall.

Not sure. How would I find out what their waterfront development is about?

I heard some rumblings about a new mall opening somewhere on Hook Road. It's suppose to have 2 anchor stores. Does anyone know if this is true???

Hello
My church had alot of leftover food from our annual Thanksgiving day dinner and the pastor wanted the food to go to the shelter. So in the car we go with tray upon tray of delicious food. We went down to the shelter and pulled in towards the back. they had the doors open and we popped in. The volunteers/workers who were there were so grateful for the donation. We even had a gallon of milk to give to them and they were so happy becasue just that very morning there was no milk for the coffee.

While in the kitchen I noticed that their fridge was empty!! These poor (literally) people had nothing to give out the next day. My heart just broke.

I was telling this story to my sister and she asked me if there werent government programs available to help the shelters. I answered that there probably were programs, but that the need is so great that sometimes even with grants/programs/donations people still go hungry.

So my purpose of this post was not to boast about what my church did, but to ask if you have leftover food from an office party/holiday party to please consider bringing it down to St. Lucy's shelter. Even a gallon of milk is appreciated.

That night on the way home I felt so blessed to have the things that I do have. Im not rich...way far from it. but im blessed to have a home, a putput of a car and a job.

im here to chime in...that happened to me once. I thought it was one great big happy family. Until they towed my car! You'd think they put up something that says hey we towed your car. but noooooo I came out of the mall with my brand new $30 haircut and found no car. Of course my first reaction is to panic and freak out. Then I realized what happened. They actually towed my car FIVE mins after running into the mall. Unfriginbelievable. I paid $125 to get it back and I have cursed them since. I still curse them and wish them the same fate that happened to me and see if they like it! Do unto others are you WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU!!

Is there a bus that services the 18th street mini-strip mall? Well I dont know if you'd call it a strip mall, but there's an A&P, Enterprise, Linen & Things, Pier 1, etc. I always want to go but I dont know if there's a bus that goes that far.

Last nite the bus driver told me that effective monday that 99s will begin to run on palisade avenue at certain times. but he didnt elaborate as to what the times were going to be.

Hey at least it's going to come back. Hopefully some of those trips will be late at night so that those that are coming home late or early (however you want to see it) wont be in as much danger.

As of yet, they still arent carrying any new schedules. Keep us posted if anyone finds out anything new.

Hi - We were looking into rentals in this facility. We have some questions. ok alot of questions. Let's get started...

a. it has a doorman. How is he? Is he helpful? pleasant? (the last bldg I was in the doormen were having flings with some of the tenants. a few of the women in the bldg would come downstairs drunk and half naked to hang out with the doormen. I dont want to live in a place like this!)

b. maintenance workers - how fast are they at responding? is their work reliable? or do we need to call them back time and time again for the same repairs?

c. bugs/rodents - are there roaches? rats? ants?

d. pets are all over the place. Are the walls thin enough for me to smell the next door neighbors pets?

ok I'd love to hear about your experiences with this bldg/doormen/maintenance workers.

Yest I got on the 545 bus from the Port Authority. It was "scheduled" to arrive at my bus stop about 640. It was 710 when it finally arrived. AND we went thru Palisade avenue. Am I missing something here? I thought they were going thru Central Avenue? The bus driver said that "at that time" they would go thru Palisade. Im confused. And very tired since my days begin at 5 AM and end at midnight. So I might be missing something. Please excuse this posters ignorance and lack of energy if someone has already answered my concerns.

I am all for it running on Palisade avenue, but is their a set schedule somewhere? When I went to the website it had the old prices and the old routes.

This morning I was waiting for the bus when this couple pulls up and hands me a petition with fax numbers and phone numbers for our Council, Mayor, County Executive and Assembly persons and Coach USA. I agreed to pass the information along because I honestly believe that Palisade avenue deserves to keep the 99S bus route....at least during night hours. Here it is word for word.

www.citizenspeak.org/node/1133

Mayor Healy - 201-547-5200
Bill Gaughan - Ward D - 201-547-5485
Steve Lipski - Ward C - 201-547-5159
Jim Rutherford - Coach USA - 908-354-3330
Vincent Prieto - Assembly - 201-770-1303
Nicholas Sacco - Senate - 201-295-0200

Faxes can be sent to the Councile members at 201-547-4678 and to Mayor Healy at 201-547-4288 or 201-547-5442. Letters can be mailed to the Mayor and Council at 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, Nj 07302

Write letters to the editor of the Jersey Journal and the Jersey City reporter.

Jersey Journal: Letters to the Editor, 30 Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ 07306 or email to jjletters@jjournal.com or call Journal On Line msg system at 201-217-2500

Jersey City Reporter - PO Box 3069, 1400 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Fax 201-798-0018 or email: editorial@hudsonreporter.com

Riverview Neighborhood Association
201-876-1980
riverviewneighborhood@comcast.net

Now just as an aside I believe that during rush hour periods and late nites they should run on palisade. During non peak hours, then you can run on Central Avenue. That way everyone gets a shot at bus service!

Ok - I had to write because this is a pet peeve of mine. Im so sick of the parking situation! I live in the Heights by Christ Hospital. And let me tell you that the PA must make their quota on my block!! There is no parking! I've had to "eat" a few of those damn tickets myself! The only time I basically move my car is on the weekends and EARLY. Im a prisoner basically because if I move during the week I will spend up to 1 hour looking for a space. Im sick of these HUGE old cars or vans always hogging up the space. Im tired of seeing people park so ackwardly that nobody can use the space in back or the front.

I literally have to make sure that if I go out during the week that I dont return till after 1130 or close to it because then I could park on the corners! And even then I worry about the cops giving out the tickets!

How do we get relief? Im seriously looking to move because I cant take it anymore. Im paying high car insurance because of the area and now Im paying parking tickets because I cant get a decent spot because of the area. sheesh!

I feel your pain and I do hope that someone soom comes up with a solution!!

A 755-foot residential tower called the "Metropolitan" is being proposed for land just south of the Newport Mall, at the site of where a Pep Boys Automotive store is currently located.

If it gets its city approvals, the structure at Sixth and Washington streets would be the second largest building in New Jersey. The largest building is already in Jersey City: the Goldman Sachs building at 30 Hudson St. stands at 791 feet.

Within a 10-block radius, there are several condo towers either under construction or that have been approved for construction, including: the 55-story Trump Plaza Jersey City on Washington Blvd. and Bay Street; the 33-story Athena on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Second Street; and the proposed San Remo I, San Remo, and Monaco condo towers located off Washington Boulevard behind the Doubletree Hotel.

The Metropolitan, when completed, will have 809 condominium units, 809 parking spaces on seven floors, and 12,445 square feet of retail space.

The tower is one of several that may be built in that 18-acre shopping area currently anchored by a Shop Rite supermarket and BJ's Wholesale Club. But those shopping stores will still remain.

The plans for the Metropolitan were presented to the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency at their August meeting, and will be presented to the Jersey City Planning Board on October 3.

Details behind the Metropolitan


G&S Investors, a real estate investment company based in Port Chester, N.Y., will build the Metropolitan. They have been the owners of the Metro Plaza shopping center since the early 1990s.

The designer of the project is the architectural firm Arquitectonica of Miami. They also designed the Ellipse, a 460-foot residential tower planned for construction in Jersey City's Newport residential area. They also designed the Westin Times Square hotel in New York City.

Tom Lehne, consultant for G&S Investors, said last week the Metropolitan is estimated to cost $180 to $200 million and construction would start next summer, pending all approvals from the city.

Lehne was the former head of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency in the early 1980s.

Lehne also dispelled rumors regarding the closing of the Shop Rite supermarket, BJ'S Wholesale Club, and Bed, Bath & Beyond stores.

"The other stores have very long-term leases and they are doing great business, especially the Shop Rite," said Lehne. "And it is the wish of [Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy] and the Redevelopment Agency, and I am sure the Planning Department, that the Shop Rite and its parking lot stays intact."

First phase of development at shopping center



Jersey City attorney Francis Schiller, representing the developers, said the Metropolitan project would be the first phase of a larger development project that would span over 20 years, with retail always having a presence in the plaza. Schiller said there will be a meeting with the city's Planning Department to create a master plan specifically for the plaza.

What prompted G&S Investors to look at a residential component? Lehne said the decision was based on them seeing the continuing development in Jersey City.

Schiller said there is no height restriction in the area, which is governed by the Hudson Exchange Redevelopment Plan. The height of this building, Schiller said, would provide "great view corridors" of the New York Skyline to the east and the Watchung Mountains to the west.

What's inside the Metropolitan?



Lehne said the developers are looking to provide a "first-class signature building."

Instead of housing only condos, Lehne said the developers may decide to provide a mix of condos and rentals. That will be predicated on a marketing study being done by the developers currently to learn how to attract new residents to the Metropolitan.

Lehne added that the developers will contribute their share of affordable housing as required by the city for the its Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Residential units will conceal the four stories of parking from public view.

The 12,445 square feet of retail space on the ground floor will be divided into three areas. Both Schiller and Lehne agreed that the retail will be "neighborhood friendly boutiques" or small-scale retail since there are already big-box stores.

Councilman likes project but not abatement



Lehne said the developers will seek a tax abatement for the project.

A tax abatement is an agreement to exempt a developer from paying regular fluctuating property taxes. Instead, the developer makes a separate revenue deal to pay money directly to the city over 20 or 30 years. The city gets all the money rather than having to share it with the county and schools.

In the last few years, the agreements have become controversial because some people believe developers don't need the extra incentive to build, and other residents may have to chip in a bigger share of taxes than they should have to.

"The city actually makes a lot of money; it's a revenue producer," argued Lehne. "This site is two, three acres, which will mean millions of dollars going to the city."

Also happy about the Metropolitan but opposed to an abatement being granted is Ward E City Councilman Steven Fulop, who represents most of Downtown Jersey City, including the project site.

"I think it will be a great project, but if they come to seek an abatement, I will vote against it," said Fulop. "I think they can build this project without incentives."

Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com

I have to say that the new medical center rocks.
my niece was born in christ hospital. long story short she was rushed to the neonatal dept. ICN. She was treated very well. We were treated well.

Last nite she was rushed again. They did their best. They gave her a private room. They are compassionate and wonderful.

Christ Hospital on the other hand sent her home and said to take her to the pediatrician. Had she done that my 15 day old niece would be dead now.

So I am here to add 3 cheers to JC Med Center ER & Hospital in general! hip hip hooray! hip hip hooray! hip hip hooray!