There are adult add/adhd centers at both NYU and Columbia Presbyterian. They might be able to give you an idea of what's close by or they might run one themselves.

I call this the Ghost Bus because although I see there are signs for it along my route, I have never seen this bus. I think it would be a great alternative for those of us who live uptown, especially for the times when the PATH is on the fritz and we need to get to NJ Penn easily.

Chester, sounds like it was a great time. I'd be down for that here, especially if we could have that lineup! I love Neil Halstead, and I think the White Rabbits are fun. I'm thinking it would probably be a more mellow crowd too.

JC2010, I would describe his manner as "matter of fact" rather than rude, but I like my people on the crusty side, so its up to you. In person, I found him to be appropriate, but not over-indulgent about my first-time buyer neurosis. He provided an objective and accurate point of view about my condo and the common spaces, and gave me the report the next morning, so that the few minor but necessary fixes he recommended could be addressed right away. The fee was cheaper 2 years ago for a 1200 sq ft apt, so if the price isn't right for you, maybe you'll find someone just as good for less elsewhere.

I went in '08, couldn't make it last year. I think in both years, there weren't adequate ads or press about it in the city. I didn't see it on any of the usual NYC event feeds and the only place I saw ads or billboards was on the PATH or NJ transit buses. You're not really going to attract crowds from New York for the event if you don't let anyone know about it.

I love Design Sponge--the site is a goldmine! So glad they featured JC. Thanks for posting the link to this guide.

JCFoodCoop, would you please post the meeting schedule here as well, for the Facebook leery?

Thanks

I've actually been thinking seriously about one for some months now, as I think a retail co-op would be good for the city, and for my neighborhood especially. I have recently joined the E.4th Street Food Co-op to get some practical experience in working a retail co-op. I think Purple Dragon is a great idea but appeals to the usual demographic--those who are already minded to actively seek such a place. A retail presence, I think, will have broader appeal. Also, I may be mistaken in how Purple Dragon works, but I think you have limited control over what you receive and when. A retail outlet is, of course, more convenient. I'm sure other shares/coops have great offerings, but a retail co-op can provide more than fresh produce/groceries. It can also be a source for nutritional supplements and information, organic health and beauty aids, education, community events, etc.

The Farmers markets are great and should be supported, but they are not available every day or throughout the year (again, convenience), and only offer discounts to those who are on assistance. A coop can work year round with a greater variety of local farmers.

I'd be interested in joining a local meetup to discuss startup plans. The Food Co-op 500 site is also a great resource for planning a retail co-op and can help with seed money, etc. if we have practical plans in place.

http://www.foodcoop500.coop/

YAY!!!!!

You might also try Moloney's at Five Corners close to the JSQ Path if you'd like to support a local place. I don't eat meat, but I got a lovely roast for guests there quite lately, and they're very nice folks. They also have fresh pasta and Italian bakery items, and someone there might be able to give you a few pointers for your sauce-making.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/moloneys-meat-market-jersey-city

Peeked in here today. Seems they are setting up a Citibank ATM, which should be good news for their customers as there isn't a branch near JSQ. I know that when I banked there, lack of presence in JSQ was an additional source of annoyance, not to mention fees.

I've had the chocolate covered strawberries from Lee Sims in the summer and they were yummy. I find it hard to walk by this place, as I do daily. They have a chocolate covered marshmallow sort of thing that I can't resist.

Webmaster, since you're on top of things as usual, this may actually belong in a bakery thread.

Last I checked Hard Grove sells it by the slice, and you may get them to sell a whole one to you if they make it in house, or tell you where to buy it. Many latin restaurants sell Tres Leches.

Another idea, which may impress Mommy more, is making it yourself. It's ridiculously easy to make and usually turns out perfectly, especially if you let it sit in the fridge a day or two. Here's a recipe to get you started, though I usually skip making any sort of topping, it's up to you.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/al ... he-cake-recipe/index.html

Hi Moxie,

I live a block away from the building you're looking at, and I find on this board that plenty of people who don't live here, or even nearby, have an awful lot to say.

I've been here for two years and I can't say the area has changed in terms of services, but the composition of the neighborhood had definitely gotten a bit more diverse, with a lot of young professionals seeming to like the place. It is a very convenient area for many things--lots of stores and transportation around. There are not a lot of places to hang out nearby, but I suspect that will change in the future, and it's a quick bus ride downtown if you really want Starbucks instead of Dunkin Donuts coffee.

I am a single woman, and while I don't go strolling around at late hours in the neighborhood, I don't feel anxious coming in late. There are cabs that run from JSQ, local buses and there is a bus that runs from Port Authority that stops on my corner, a block away from you.

I think Fairmount is a nice block with the exception of that building close to the corner where everyone seems to hang out on the steps. I have seen the building you refer to, and it seems like a well tended spot.

If you are shaky about Fairmount, I live on Duncan, which is a very nice relatively quiet block and there are a couple of condos available in my building, including a very pretty, large two bedroom for $219,000. PM me if you are interested.

Does he really own the oldest building in JC? I thought that was the Van Vorst house in the Heights.

I was thinking about going there with friends around the holidays, since it seemed to have a different sort of vibe. Not so sure now.

I used John Moss from Inspex for my Condo inspection when I was buying. He was extremely thorough and accurate about the condition of the home as well as common areas. I received a detailed color report in pdf by email the next morning. He charged $150 at the time, which was about 2 years ago.

I think you always need an inspection, and you'd be well advised to do so, even if you didn't. You never know, especially with new construction, whether there may be something structurally wrong, even if it looks beautiful.

http://www.inspex1.com/

You can get stuff like online at Quartermaster.

www.qmuniforms.com

I'm told you can't really guarantee the reliability of the stuff you may buy in local stores. This is a law enforcement supply store. It's under Equipment/Personal Protection. I am saving up for the nifty pink Taser.

I agree with Jaded that the AirTrain/PATH is pretty painless. I've done it several times and have taken relatives to and from the airport by the same route. Weekdays ARE easier than weekends, but at least the NJ transit usually runs on schedule, so it removes some uncertainty about when you're going to get there. I hate the uncertainty of dealing with airport traffic. Maybe not a big deal when you're coming home, but going there, it kills me. If you coordinate the train schedules properly, especially in the A.M., the whole trip will probably take you less than 40 minutes.

Usually when going to the airport, I take a cab from my house to Journal square, so with the $5 cab figured in, it's less than $15.00 one way.

via NY Mag:

http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2009/0 ... k-hits-the-streets-o.html

Krave is getting some play. Checked out their menu on Tumblr.

Was there supposed to be a point? How about some happy local interest story? I think it's hilarious the way some people on this board are hostile as a reflex to the most innocent items. Congratulations to the happy couple!!

I've had ants since the spring began, as I did last year. I think they are attracted by a nearby Japanese maple. Last week, we rubbed down the windowsills and floors where we saw them with undiluted Peppermint oil, and I haven't seen them since. Apparently, they can't stand the smell, and it's better than having nasty chemicals around. They find their way into your house by following the trail that previous ants left. I think the peppermint short circuits that scent. Can't hurt to give it a try, and it leaves the house smelling great.

That place has the best, yummiest stuff!! Their hot chocolate helped me make it through the winter .

I've stopped by before on Thursday and the place was PACKED!! The music was great though, so i was sorry i got something to go. Maybe i'll try to hit it earlier next week.

I'm a single female and have lived on Duncan just off Bergen for over a year, and haven't had any encounters that i consider out of the ordinary for city life. Yes there are occasionally people on the street, it's not any different from the East Village, where I've lived before. There is plenty of transportation if you are coming home late at night from JSQ--most of the time, I just take a cab after 10 p.m. I walk to the PATH train to work most days, but the buses run pretty frequently in the morning.

The Duncan Projects are nowhere near here--they're about a 20 minute walk, and there are projects in every urban neighborhood, including the "gentrified" areas of Fort Greene, the East Village, Williamsburg, etc. Some of the scariest projects I've ever seen are the ones on Hoyt in the middle of tony Boerum Hill with million $$ brownstones. Again, urban living folks.

I find the area to be very (unexpectedly!) convenient. The supermarkets seem to be getting a hint and improving, and there is easy access to everything you would enjoy downtown or in the city. I find it hard to believe that the naysayers on the board actually live here. I'm glad I didn't know about this board until after I moved or else I would have been completely frightened away. There seems to be a lot of distortion and overreaction from uninformed or potentially biased parties, though i can't tell what their interest in this is .

Thanks, Urban, for the post, and everyone else for the additional info. I saw a playback of one of the past events (Debi Smith with Red Molly) on a public access channel, but didn't know what the venue was. It was very frustrating, as Red Molly was excellent, and I could barely make out the name of the group from the video, much less where they were playing. Now I can buy their CD.

It's great to know about this now. I'll be sure to attend one of the upcoming gigs.

I agree with you, Vice, about the service going down Bergen. Even if the drivers see you, they won't stop. I have run for the bus and had the driver shut the door in my face. And when you get on, their attitude is horrible. I have only met with a couple who were friendly and helpful, otherwise, they are roundly hostile, or at best unresponsive. I never thought I would miss NYC transit so much. I thank the bus drivers when I'm taking transit in the City because I miss them and their service.

As for the scheduling, its obvious something has to be done. I live within a 10 minute walk of JSQ, so I can do it if the bus just won't show up, and mostly I make it to JSQ without a bus passing by. If it's late (or after 9) I always take a cab. I can't imagine what it's like for people who live further than I do, it must get very expensive.

OK. I saw a notice about the meeting from WBLPNC/Charlene posted in my building, so I guess Charlene will be in attendance, in case, as I said, JClady wants to connect with her and find out what is going on in the neighborhood.

FYI

Charlene will be at a WBLPNC meeting on Thursday 6/26 at St. Peter's College in the Degnan Conference Room at 7:30 along with representatives from the Franklin Development Group to discuss a proposed condo development on Duncan Avenue. If you have time, you can stop by to meet her and find out about other coalition activities.

Thank you all for your responses.

For information's sake, Salmonella, I am not white myself and I don't live in a white neighborhood, and indeed live "across town", which I think was part of the point of the story. I think the cops would not have been so interested in a white woman driving in a nice car if she hadn't been in a black neighborhood, letting a black man out of her car.

I agree there may be more to this story than I witnessed in the 45 minutes from the time they pulled her over in front of my window, until they left, but there also seemed to be an obvious subtext which was demonstrated by the police officer's final comments. And the officers standing around while these young women and their belongings were searched seemed more amused than intent or concerned about possible danger.

And yes, there's always more going on than there appears to be, and people are always guiltier than they seem to be...until it happens to you.

As far as the ticketing goes, I heard the police officer say one was for double parking. When he informed the young woman about one of the others she exclaimed "But I made a legal turn". I didn't catch what the third one was for, but she said to someone on the phone that they were suspending her license. Whether that happened there or at some other date in the future is unclear to me--the point seemed the same.

I, for one, am not into cop bashing. I grew up and lived until recently in New York, and current events notwithstanding, have never had any negative incidents with police officers or witnessed anything negative personally involving any. This is notable to me, as I saw police officers every day in my neighborhoods, wherever I lived, whether on foot or in patrol cars, and for the last 7 years lived two blocks away from a police precinct. I have to say that in general, given the scope of the work they have to do, and the diversity of the neighborhoods they police, I have a high level of respect for the NYPD.

Here's the thing--in the few months I've lived in JC, I have never seen any police on the street just having a look around the neighborhood, or driving by just to check things out, but the 2 or 3 times I have seen the police, there has been something negative, such as this incident, involved. I won't even mention the other incidents here. To my mind, this speaks to something beyond a lack of resources or need for sensitivity training, etc., but of a general attitude that will allow for a continued adversarial relationship with police officers, especially in troubled areas, and crimes continuing to be committed in areas where police don't appear to care about treating the residents respectfully.

I just wrote all of this to get some of your thoughts, which I have done, and I thank you for.

So... not too far from my front window this evening, I witnessed an example of Jersey City policing. As a new resident, I was quite curious. There were 5 officers, one of them was female. They had apparently pulled over a car full of young women in their 20s, 2 White and 1 Black, and were searching the women one by one, and searching the car. One of the young white women's "crime" (it was her car, a very nice new Mercedes), was in briefly double parking to let a young black man out of her car before proceeding on her way. During the exchange between her and the cops, the young woman told them that the young man was her boyfriend, and she didn't know why they were assuming that just because she let a black man out of her car, that she was engaging in a drug deal. She said she was in college and had a good job, and didn't do drugs. She was very upset and was crying.

After a thorough search of her car (which was packed with music cds, but no drugs), all the women (including invasive frisking--even if it was done by a woman), and all their belongings, including their wallets and cell phones, they wrote the young woman three tickets and suspended her license. One of the tickets was for "double parking" meaning when she stopped briefly to let her boyfriend out, but didn't leave her car. As the cops were leaving, the young woman mentioned something to the officer who wrote the tickets about her parents. He turned as he was getting into the car and asked her if her parents knew she was "banging a black guy". She got very upset walked over to his car, yelled at him and called him racist, and he threatened to lock her up. Finally they all drove away.

I found all of this very distressing, as the police were obviously not interested in doing anything except harassing these young women, and finally devising some justification for pulling them over. They weren't drinking or driving recklessly, and nothing untoward was found in the vehicle. When one of them was finally allowed to answer her cell phone, and it was more than clear they had done nothing illegal, the cop walked over to her and asked her who she was talking to, as though it were his business. I wonder if anyone else has ever witnessed anything like this here, or if this is representative of anyone else's experience.

Thanks

I own a condo a block away, between bergen and JFK. I don't feel particularly threatened coming home in the evening, as Bergen is usually busy, and there are at least a couple of buses that will drop you a few steps from your door, but if I am coming home quite late, I always take a cab from Journal Square. Be sensible, as you would anywhere else. Other than that, I think you'll find the area very convenient. Everything is kind of block by block around here, and I looked at Fairmount before buying here, I just happened to like my apartment better. The crime map referenced previously is useful, but not terribly descriptive, as noted.