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Re: Jersey City mural program bringing urban areas 'back to life'
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Home away from home
 
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I love these! I wished the artist would also offer workshops for middle-aged, creatively deprived individuals like myself to participate!
Posted on: 2016/9/7 18:29
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Re: Drop By Barcade to Support the Embankment Preservation Coalition
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Home away from home
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The Highline Park in NYC is one of the true jewels of urban public parks in the country, if not the world. It's an amazing synthesis of history, modern design, thoughtful, ecologically sensitive landscaping - IMO it's genius how it allows you to be enveloped by nature, yet experience the city fabric.
While, as a Heights resident who relies on mass transit, I agree the city's infrastructure needs are important, recent history has shown us development is not going to provide the tools to solve that problem. We shouldn't waste the opportunity to make something of the Embankment waiting for the city's basic needs - which have been poorly met seemingly forever - to be addressed. I think Jersey City desperately needs outdoor space that rises above the usual park, and achieves a certain level of aesthetics, if its going go move past being a "gritty" backwater to reaching it's full potential as a modern small city. Historic preservation certainly plays a big role in that. I'll be glad to be there and show my support.
Posted on: 2016/9/7 18:26
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Re: Jersey City Master Plan Kickoff Survey
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Home away from home
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Cool! I took the survey, and am looking forward to seeing the results.
Posted on: 2016/9/7 18:11
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Re: Rental Prices out of control - DTJC
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Home away from home
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Quote:
http://ny.curbed.com/2016/7/5/1209874 ... e-midtown-east-comparison What amazes me is that people continue to treat Jersey City as something separate and apart from NYC, as opposed to a neighborhood that's part of the NYC metro area. This link - what $2,000 gets you in NYC - goes back to July, but illustrates my point - $2,000 in NYC will get you, for the most part, an apartment that's much further out and less convenient to prime Manhattan (work, culture, shopping, nightlife) and a lot less amenities than DTJC. Of course housing prices are going to rival, if not surpass at some point, prices in prime NYC neighborhoods! Location, market forces, etc., work here just as they do in every other highly desirable urban area.
Posted on: 2016/8/30 15:07
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Package thief caught on camera - Heights
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Our building (P.S. 8 vicinity) experienced a number of packages being stolen last fall/winter, after which we had a security camera system put in place. One of our newer residents reported having a package stolen a few weeks ago, and this morning someone admitted letting someone (carrying a bike) in with him, and feeling concerned made note of the time. The guy is caught on camera (no clear face shot though), and the incident has been reported to the JCPD.
If this is an issue for anyone else from the P.S. 8 vicinity in the Heights, would it be appropriate for me to post the photos of the guy? While our managing agent doesn't seem to think JCPD will do anything about this, I wouldn't want to compromise a potential investigation. Still, I would feel better giving folks in the Heights a heads-up this individual is out there, and/or an opportunity to make their own report to the JCPD. Thoughts or suggestions?
Posted on: 2016/8/23 14:35
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Re: Yvonne Outdoes Herself - Transgender Bathroom Editorial
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Home away from home
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Quote:
Right?! No matter how this plays out, using a public restroom will continue to be an unpleasant experience. If the person in front of you retains their male "equipment", they will doubtless miss the bowl, leaving you with an unpleasant surprise, regardless of how they identify. If they retain their female plumbing, they will take too long https://www.quora.com/Why-are-bathroom ... s-longer-at-public-events 
Posted on: 2016/8/18 17:55
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Re: 35-year tax break proposed for three-tower Journal Square project
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Home away from home
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The architect for the project, Morris Adjmi, is a fixture in NYC and at the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, reliably bringing in thoughtful, well designed buildings that use modern design and materials to reflect their surroundings and relate to the historic character of the streetscape. This is his first high-rise project that I'm aware of, and I hope the developers give him the budget and creative freedom to make sure the project turns out better than the typical JC development http://www.ma.com/projects/
Posted on: 2016/8/18 17:15
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Re: He lost on red light cameras, now Whizzy wants to nail you for drinking coffee in your car
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Home away from home
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Quote:
Today on my short stroll to Patsey's for lunch and the library I saw two cars sail right through stop signs - one on Central Avenue and Zabriske Street - practically spitting distance from the Police Station - the other by P.S. 8. If there was a snowball's chance New Jersey drivers could be trusted to obey traffic laws, than I would agree with you that it's over-reach, nanny-state mentality, at best unnecessary. But from what I see, any constraint that can be placed on drivers in this state is absolutely necessary.
Posted on: 2016/8/13 20:06
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Re: New Jersey and New York at war over replacing Port Authority Bus Terminal
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There are actually a lot of interesting ideas out there for extending the 7 train to NJ. My concern is the most talked about plan would have it go to Secaucus Transfer, bypassing the JC/Hoboken area.
I found this blog, which has, IMO, a brilliant suggestion for a 7 route through Hoboken and Jersey City. As someone who takes a bus into NYC on a regular basis, I would be completely on board with being able to walk or bike somewhere to get on the subway: http://www.vanshnookenraggen.com/_ind ... secaucus/#imageclose-1525
Posted on: 2016/8/13 19:43
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Re: WAZE App showed me the rest of JC
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What's wrong with living in a bubble? I moved from Washington Heights in Manhattan, to Morningside Heights (also in Manhattan) to Jersey City Heights. I would love to be able to afford to live in bubble for a change of pace!!
I would recommend the OP to take it slowly - take a deep breath, and do a trip to the Heights, outside the bubble, but quiet and folks are generally affable and approachable.
Posted on: 2016/8/13 19:29
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Re: PATH (pathetic attempt at transporting humans)
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Quote:
I guess we should look on the bright side - if this latest play pen for Manhattan's 1%'ers is a success, maybe the Calatrava money pit won't be as big a fiasco, and further drag down PATH with it!
Posted on: 2016/8/11 12:54
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Re: PATH (pathetic attempt at transporting humans)
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Quote:
Right!? I walk through the Oculus every day to and from work, and have started to pay attention to the stores that are getting ready to open. I had hoped it would be something along the lines of Grand Central - higher end, yes, but accessible - O & Co., Papyrus. I'm really surprised to see the stores in the Oculus - Kate Spade, Gucci, Longines, etc. I agree - PA (or is it Westfield's decision) seems to have paid zero attention to the demographics of the PATH riders. I'm curious what other people think - is this supposed to become a destination for the surrounding Wall Street crowd?
Posted on: 2016/8/10 18:10
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Re: Jersey City plumbing inspection?
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Thanks, all! I went back to my contractor sounding knowledgeable - finally speaking to someone who told me the JC inspector was scheduled to come in the afternoon, but instead came in the morning but indeed came back the day of the work (I must have been in the other room) but acknowledged the permit was still open. It's a little up in the air what has to happen next - contractor complained how hard it is to get an inspection in JC, but feels when they do they'll only have to take off the finish caps and not open up the whole wall.
Posted on: 2016/7/29 17:22
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Re: Jersey City plumbing inspection?
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The contractor was, I believe, responsible for the permit. They arranged for the inspection, not me. BTW I came home to a red 'Not Approved ' sticker from the JC Office of the Construction Official on my door.
I 'll ask again anyone with experience dealing with contractors and the city - what do I do next?
Posted on: 2016/7/26 13:00
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Re: Historic Preservation Overreach?
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Quote:
How do you ensure there is no impact on the exterior? Inspect, or require a permit for interior alterations.
Posted on: 2016/7/25 23:53
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Re: Historic Preservation Overreach?
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Quote:
I've worked in historic preservation for many years, and this is a very common misunderstanding. With regard to work that can be approved, JC's historic preservation guidelines state "The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, or site and its environment shall not be destroyed." The enabling legislation, or the individual designation reports, generally identify specific architectural and site features, characteristics, etc., that are considered "significant protected features." Characteristics of the building that you can see from the street - materials, details, scale, etc., are usually significant protected features, and the local landmarks law protects them. But (almost always exterior) features you don't see from the street - original siding, special windows, metal oriels - as well as defining characteristics, such as it's overall scale, and what % of the site it occupies, the presence of historic outbuildings, are also considered character defining features and the local landmarks law may protect those as well. Is your lawyer friend from NYC, and is she or he experienced in land-use law? I'm afraid you got some very unhelpful feedback. While I work in NYC, the process is very similar from municipality to municipality, since they generally have the same criteria for determining "no effect" and "appropriateness, whether derived from the Secretary of the Interior Standards (JC) or local law(NYC), you can feel free to PM me any specific questions.
Posted on: 2016/7/25 18:40
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Jersey City plumbing inspection?
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Last week, I had a contractor take out the tub in my condo and put in a stall shower. On the day the work was to begin, the plumbing inspector arrived 15 minutes before the contractor, and left again before I could find the contractor's business card.
The work is done, the plumbing inspector left a message today that he was going to try to get in - of course I'm an hour away at work. Any advice/suggestions about what I can do about this situation? How can someone inspect plumbing work that's been completed and is concealed? Thanks!
Posted on: 2016/7/25 18:05
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Re: Police chase caught on camera in little India
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I must watch too many movies, it didn't look particularly wild to me.
Posted on: 2016/7/15 15:59
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Folding chair rental?
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Home away from home
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We are thinking of having our upcoming condo association meeting in our 'multi-purpose' room, and will need to rent folding chairs for the occasion. We have 54 units but in the past have been lucky to have 5 shareholders show up, so we are looking for 10 to 20. Any leads would be appreciated!
Posted on: 2016/7/15 13:49
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Re: Jitney Bus
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$1.50 seems to be for anywhere within Jersey City. They generally stop at bus stops, but don't always follow the same route (if there is traffic, for instance) so it is best to ask.
Are they safe? Yes, they are fine - I've been taking them on-and-of for 8 years without a problem. The jitneys are noisy, rattle, uncomfortable seats, and the AC is unreliable, but on the main routes they come pretty regularly, which is their main advantage over NJ transit buses.
Posted on: 2016/7/15 13:44
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Re: Jersey City Muslims Unite Against Trump
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Quote:
Of course, people were confident Brexit would never happen, and it did - driven by the anxieties that many of Trump's supporters purport to share. So yes, a lot can happen between now and November - I only hope it's not just left to chance by those whose opinions you and I respect, but that the right things happen because people in a position to make a difference articulate a real clear vision for our country's future.
Posted on: 2016/7/13 18:08
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Re: 3 armed robberies in Jersey City early this morning; one near PATH
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Quote:
True. But JC's "renaissance", like that of NYC, is tied in many people's minds with crime continually going down (a corollary to real estate values always going up?). So while statistically it may not be problem, it impacts negatively on people's expectations of the city, especially newcomers.
Posted on: 2016/7/13 18:04
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Re: Boomtown: The Rise of Jersey City
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I don't understand the appeal of "gritty". Mind you, I grew up in a small, working class, rural New England town, neighbors were farmers or sold cord-wood, my dad drove trucks and worked in a warehouse. But while we prided ourselves on our "grit", no-one would have approved of the general lack of cleanliness, lack of pride in the appearance of your property, the lack of courtesy in public and behind the wheel you see all too often in Jersey City. Despite growing up in Franklin County, I always was a city boy at heart, and came to NY/JC for the reasons these places are on the rise. While it's great to meet old-timers who remind me of my mom and dad (and in the Heights, I do all the time) too much of the time "gritty" seems to be an excuse for dirty and nasty.
Posted on: 2016/7/13 17:57
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Re: The best things to do in Jersey City, NJ
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Quote:
It is a boring and disappointingly unrepresentative list. I think the problem is TONY is geared to it's NYC audience, and the author selected venues near the PATH (with the exception of LSP, although I suppose you can take the ferry there from Manhattan). Remember, many NY'ers don't have cars (none of my friends do), so even getting to DTJC is a two-fare trip. People ask me about getting to JC for something I'm going to and invite them to come along, and as soon as I mention the light rail (now we are talking 3 fares), buses (3 fares, plus PABT is too ghetto), and jitneys (are they safe?) I've lost them. Which is a shame, because kayaking in the Reservoir is great; strolling through Bayside Cemetery is awesome; BBQ at Legal Beans on Newark Avenue can't be beat. Would that our elected officials and professional planners listen (doubtful, I've been writing to them on this topic for 8 years) but if we want folks from outside of JC to come and enjoy more of what the city has to offer (OK, not everyone on this board will, but I bet the business will be appreciated) JC's mass transit has to be better integrated into the regional network.
Posted on: 2016/7/13 17:45
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Re: PATH-Weary Jersey City Wants to Build a Pedestrian Bridge to Manhattan
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Of course it's not a real proposal! Even the designer admits that. It's all about getting people to imagine outside of the box, the first step to embracing big ideas. We may not see this in our lifetimes, but future technology and a more communal society and government may allow something similar. I'm glad the guy came up with the idea, took the time to illustrate it, I find it inspiring, especially someplace like New Jersey, where so much of the public dialog is dispirited, and about taxes, traffic, etc.
Posted on: 2016/6/30 21:27
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Re: Underground Passageway linking PATH to Fulton Center Opens Today (May 26, 2016)
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Quote:
The trip from JC is pleasant enough, the whale carcass bright and well lit - like being in a cartoon version of Jonah and the Whale. Going home is creepier, when you go down the stairs from the whale carcass to the giant rib cage pressing down on the PATH platforms - I am so reminded of the giant, malevolent skeletons from "Pitch Black"!
Posted on: 2016/6/30 21:08
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Re: Underground Passageway linking PATH to Fulton Center Opens Today (May 26, 2016)
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Quote:
You can, actually - I do it all the time. Walk through the atrium, take the steps at the east end up, go through the glass doors to connecting passage with the odd pod-shaped retail kiosks through what looks like another exit. Stay to the right, there is an escalator that takes you up into the Corbin Building; take a right onto John Street, or a left into the Fulton Street hub and you'll end up on Broadway and John. It's a pleasant walk - I especially appreciate bypassing the traffic Armageddon that is Broadway and Park Place/Centre Street in the morning. It is atrociously laid out though - you go through several zones which look like the end, there is very little directional signage. The return trip you have to do entirely on instinct - there is NO signage for the WTC transportation center or the PATH until you are actually in the atrium, and you need to walk through the Fulton Street transit center back to John Street to take the escalator down, otherwise you can only get to the subway platforms, not the connecting platform.
Posted on: 2016/6/30 21:06
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Re: Fulop: Violent crime in Jersey City is not random
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I read this research report - http://petermoskos.com/files/BW/Braga ... isorder_reduces_crime.pdf - on broken windows policing (the theory behind stop and frisk). It generally concludes "Aggressive order maintenance strategies that target individual disorderly behaviors do not generate significant crime reductions", which would seem to contradict JCMan8's suggestion for more stop & frisk.
Having said that, they also conclude cities adopt a ??community coproduction model?? I'm not even sure what that means; however for the people lamenting the loss of innocent lives in Greenville, it seems to me it can't be one sided - it cannot only be a police issue, people in the community need to step up and cooperate with the JCPD.
Posted on: 2016/6/26 15:01
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Re: Fulop: Violent crime in Jersey City is not random
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Personally, I don't think there is enough information to dismiss the mayor's comment. Unless you are investigating the case, you are not going to know whether the victim had a record, perhaps had a past/longstanding issue with the assailant, or just associated with the wrong crowd and thus ran the risk of someone having it in for him/her.
Of course, there are no guarantees, and terrible things happen, but I can accept what the mayor says. I feel terrible about the people who are shot, and lives that are lost. But all of us have to look at the people around us, and decide if they complement our lives and goals in a good way or not. What I take away from the mayors comments is that for those who either managed to avoid living in, or got themselves out of an environment where violence, crime, and hopelessness are rampant are very fortunate in that we can worry less about violent crime.
Posted on: 2016/6/23 17:14
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Re: Jersey Journal Poll: Would Jersey City Councilman Michael Yun make a good mayor?
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I live in his district, but have no impression of him - anytime he gets in the press, it's usually about budget issues. What is his vision for Jersey City? Has he spoken on regional transportation issues, modernizing the outdated zoning in the Heights, improving our parks?
Posted on: 2016/6/23 16:50
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