Register now !    Login  
Main Menu
Who's Online
117 user(s) are online (101 user(s) are browsing Message Forum)

Members: 0
Guests: 117

more...


Forum Index


Board index » All Posts (jcdowntowner)




Re: Purchasing in downtown J.C.
#1
Newbie
Newbie


I recently bought in Paulus Hook (66 Morris) and am loving the neighborhood. If you are priced out of 77 Hudson and are willing to do a walk-up, you could try to find a re-sale at the Sun Blossom Condos on Washington Street. There is also a cool taller condo building at 105 Greene Street in a very transit-friendly location, but with prices that will probably be more doable than 77 Hudson.

Beyond Paulus Hook I am a big fan of Hamilton Park. +1 for the Hamilton Square development and its construction quality. It's not super-close to transit but the building seems very nice.

Posted on: 2012/8/13 20:17
 Top 


Re: should Jersey City create and implement on-street bicycle lanes?
#2
Newbie
Newbie


Yvonne - You make many valid points and I agree with you on so many of them. We definitely need to encourage responsible bicycle riding. If your main frustration/fear is auto insurance rates, I don't know how we would go about making them better for Jersey City. Since bicycles don't have motors and they so rarely kill or injure, it doesn't seem practical to require insurance. As far as bicyclists being privileged, please consider that Jersey City motorists have been very privileged for over 100 years. Maybe this one small step, in the form of a bicycle lane, is simply a chance for other forms of transportation to get some respect.

Before you start writing letters, please consider sitting down for a chat with one of our community leaders on these issues, such as Levin or Fulop. I suspect they have a vision for a refreshing "complete streets" model in Jersey City, which will be far safer for seniors, children, the disabled in our community. Please consider the children who play on the sidewalks and the seniors who are trying to cross the street safely before you attack the bicycle lane. There is an impressive body of well-respected research on the power of bicycle lanes to slow down drivers and save the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.

Posted on: 2012/6/16 17:13
 Top 


Re: should Jersey City create and implement on-street bicycle lanes?
#3
Newbie
Newbie


Yvonne - I agree that bicyclists can be reckless and we should encourage safe and respectful riding. But as I see it, motorists have the biggest "princess mentality". In the early 20th century, when people began to buy cars in larger numbers, they started leaving them next to the curb, "parking" them on land they did not own. Free curbside parking is something that so many people take for granted, and also something that we as as a dense, growing city can no longer afford to simply give away. As a cyclist and pedestrian, I find it bizarre that thousands of people leave their giant multi-ton hunks of steel on most Jersey City streets at little or no cost but will howl and protest if they are asked to pay more for this privilege. Imagine how humane, pleasant, and good for business it would be if we removed curbside parking from Grove Street. Or, more practically, placed the bike lane between the sidewalk and the parked cars. Even when we do ask people to pay for parking through meters or permits, the amounts they pay are a pittance compared to the true cost of this valuable city-owned land. I would also reiterate the comments of previous posters about the relative dangers of bicycles vs. cars. NY Post hyberpole notwithstanding, the documented number of pedestrians killed or seriously maimed by cyclists in the entire history of the bicycle is probably lower than the number killed or seriously maimed by motorists in Hudson County this year. Or maybe even this month. Bicyclists may frighten us pedestrians on occasion, and we need to promote respectful riding, but it is the motorists who are killing us.

Posted on: 2012/6/16 16:31
 Top 


Re: Asprey House
#4
Newbie
Newbie


Sammy - Thanks for the updates on 50 Hudson- it sounds like it will impact views, but thankfully not to the south. That's where all the good 66 Morris sun comes from.

bugelrex - I don't mind sharing that we got them down about 3% below asking, not opting for any of the credits. But this was way back in January, when a group of us became the first reserved buyers. Now that they have 50% and the bldg. has some momentum they may not be negotiating as much. I really don't know.

In terms of REVAL anxiety, I'd say that's going to be an issue for all properties except of course the long term abated ones. I've gone to the public meetings on this and I've been able to stave off my own panic by reminding myself that in 2012 or 2013, everything at 66 Morris will be assessed very close to its market value. At current market values, I think 1000 sq. foot condos in the 500K range have been coming in at roughly 10K in taxes, not 15K. From what I understand, post-reval taxes are supposed to go up only for people living in a properties bought long ago, which have appreciated greatly but have not been assessed at their new values. Reval spokespeople have also said that new properties assessed at the peak of the market (aka 25 Hudson) might even have their taxes reduced.

We'll have to see how it plays out!

Posted on: 2011/7/8 13:38
 Top 


Re: Asprey House
#5
Newbie
Newbie


I am the one who was getting serious about 66 Morris, and yes I did pull the trigger. We're closing next week. I'll look forward to seeing neighbors at Satis, PH Brick Oven, and How Sweet It Is...but when are we going to get the infinity bridge connecting peninsula park to the little park with the giant clock in it? =)

From my research the tax estimates seem to be on target. In similar low-rise buildings, few seem to be paying any more than about 10K for 1000 sq. feet, except at maybe 25 Hudson. You can check out what past owners have paid in the neighborhood by just plugging in the address here: www.hudsoncountytax.com

I love the finishes at 66 Morris - they were certainly not available in any rental I ever had! It's all granite and Kohler and Marvin windows and jacuzzi tubs and central air in my unit. Can't wait. Great floors too. The refrigerators and light fixtures in a couple of the units are disappointing but that's just part of the deal with the building. You buy as is at the discounted price and then fix it up to your liking.

I agree that the long and skinny floorplan is a bit narrow, but the juliet balcony in the master BR more than makes up for it in my book. Last I checked there were 8/12 regular apts. sold, and there's also those two tricked out roof-palaces, but I have no idea what they're worth or when they'll sell.

I'm fine with the boiler and washer-dryer locations. In my unit they are in the guest bedroom closet, which is fine.

In terms of rental competition, I plan to stay a long while and actually live there, so no worries!

Good luck with your housing search. - jcdowntowner

Posted on: 2011/7/6 21:07
 Top 


Re: Van Vorst v. Hamilton Park?
#6
Newbie
Newbie


I have some insight regarding the "horseshoe" nickname. According to historian Thomas Fleming, the name originated from the shape of Hague's district after an aggressive gerrymander. Apparently politicians redrew the boundaries of Hudson County to assure a solid voting black, and in the process they gave it the vague look of a horseshoe...

Posted on: 2011/6/2 14:29
 Top 


Re: advice on commute to Manhattan
#7
Newbie
Newbie


+1 for a NY Waterway shuttle to 39th Street, transferring to the free bus up to 57th Street. This could mean Port Imperial, Hoboken, Paulus Hook, etc.

I am moving from the Grove Street area to Paulus Hook in a couple of months and I plan to use the ferry as often as I can. I already ride it about twice a week for various meetings and such in Manhattan. It costs more but in terms of reliability and the experience of your ride, it's hard to beat. The only thing to be prepared for is the occasional traffic jam between the ferry terminal and Columbus Circle. Some days you might sit in traffic for a few minutes longer than expected. But other than that I would highly recommend this option.

As a close second, I'd recommend the PATH to 33rd, transferring to B/D.

Good luck!

Posted on: 2011/5/12 20:57
 Top 


Re: HUGE GAS PIPELINE COMING - through Jersey City
#8
Newbie
Newbie


This just in from Greenwich Village - presumably from a small pipe. By comparison, the threat of explosion from a massive gas pipe is too scary to even comprehend:

http://www.dnainfo.com/20110128/green ... by-gas-leak#ixzz1CLMbmVGa

Posted on: 2011/1/28 16:30
 Top 


Re: Asprey House
#9
Newbie
Newbie


Thanks jhl and T-Bird for the commuting help. It's nice to know there are so many options, although it sounds like I'll have to be strategic at rush hour.

I think this is going to happen. I never thought we could afford a 2 BR in Paulus Hook, so getting in at less than 500K would be a major coup. I do like the long and narrow floor plan with the south-facing windows at the front, especially because of those cool double-doors/juliet balcony in back, in the master suite. That floorplan is neck and neck with the 401/301/201 line, with all those amazing south-facing windows. The other floorplan (north side of the building) is a close third, with my main attraction being the pretty serious water views. But with those units the kitchen was kind of off on its own. Decisions, decisions.... wouldn't that just take the cake if we wait around to decide and then the floor plan we want is gone. Now THAT would suck. But in my experience, even a 14-unit building at these aggressive prices is going to take some time to sell.

As mentioned before, all 500K-range buyers should spare themselves the torture of walking into 501 to see the skylight, because it will taunt you with its expensive awesomeness...

Posted on: 2011/1/14 22:28
 Top 


Re: Asprey House
#10
Newbie
Newbie


Thanks mdips! The Newport transfer idea is perfect. I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't think of it myself, but hey - I will be a Paulus Hook newbie. I've noticed people hopping on and off of various trains at Newport and now I know why. The ferry to 39th can be an occasional indulgence.

I agree with some of your points about 66 Morris. The lack of parking is an issue for some but thankfully I have no car so no worries there. The details about the guy overspending and the place becoming bank owned all check out based on my research, but the one major difference I\'ve found is that the current pricing is way lower that it had been at Asprey. As La Coppia on trulia I am seeing some serious 1000+ sq. foot 2 BR action at 480K, 485K and 506K, and I'm pretty sure that in the old Asprey version they were asking about 600K for those same units. There are also penthouse-roof-deck (991K) and outdoor-space units (663K and 678K) - I have no idea if they are a good deal in the "high-end" market, but I do know that the skylight in unit 501 just kills me. Like an insane with envy kind of skylight. I've tried to avoid going back to that unit during open houses for the same reason I never want to see the views from the high-floor units in 77 Hudson. Ever. It's just too cruel to subject yourself to something that is so out of reach...

Good news in terms of maintenance. It's estimated to be 300-something per month. Not too shabby. And for units sold, as of this week the realty team says they have 4/15 reserved. Also not too shabby. So if they keep selling at this pace I won't be stuck with the all that maintenance - that is definitely something to watch out for so thanks for the heads up.

I am getting very serious about 66 Morris and may be your neighbor soon. And the good news is that I won't make the parking crunch on Morris any worse! =)

Now I'll just have to figure out whether John's or Paulus Hook Brick Oven has better pizza, but that's for another thread...

Posted on: 2011/1/14 18:19
 Top 


Re: Asprey House
#11
Newbie
Newbie


More questions about 66 Morris (a.k.a. Asprey House, now La Coppia): I want to get some advice about commuting to Midtown from Paulus Hook. If I buy one of these condos, and from what I can gather they are moving reasonably well, I would no longer be in Harsimus, super-close to the Grove PATH. I have been loving my single-train, transfer-free commute to 33rd and I'm hesitant to give it up. But then again...Paulus Hook is great and I freaking love 66 Morris. Can anyone in PH give me some honest feedback about the midtown commute?

As I see it, there are three leading options:

1) Exchange PATH to WTC, walk up to street level for A/C/E
Pros: overall pretty fast. Cons: there's something about having to go above ground that's annoying. (Yes I know the Fulton Street Transit center will be done...eventually...)

2) Ferry to West 39th, shuttle buses to work.
Pros: From Paulus to 39th is super fast, with a great view
Cons: Pricey at maybe $6.50/6.75 per ride. The monthly passes are also not super cheap. Tough ride in bad weather? Fear: those shuttle buses will get snarled in Manhattan traffic on the way to and from the ferry terminal.

3) Just walk back up to Grove.
Pros: Same quick commute as from Harsimus Cove
Cons: A longer walk to and from the PATH (I know everyone's definition of longer walk is different! I just like that hop-the-train feeling I get from living near Grove in Harsimus)
Plus in bad weather will I want to walk up to Grove if Exchange Place and the ferries are right there?

If any Paulus Hook commuters who are next to 66 Morris could share their experiences I would be much obliged! =)

Posted on: 2011/1/14 16:16
 Top 


Re: Asprey House
#12
Newbie
Newbie


Interesting news - the old Asprey project is back in business. I walk past the building all the time, and they just put the condos back on the market last week, but now they're calling it "La Coppia". The pictures are just from the model unit. I wish they'd make floorplans available. You can actually get them from the old Asprey website in this thread but that's a lot of digging for people who want to do research on these condos. Maybe the prices are so competitive that they don't need floor plans?

http://www.trulia.com/property/303909 ... -403-Jersey-City-NJ-07302

As long as the 77 Hudson grocery store doesn't go out of business anytime soon, this seems like a pretty top-notch location... thoughts?

Posted on: 2011/1/12 15:15
 Top 


Re: Tickets for parking within 25 feet of a crosswalk
#13
Newbie
Newbie


I think this type of safety improvement would be great for saving lives throughout downtown Jersey City...

http://www.streetfilms.org/daylightin ... osswalks-safer/#more-1256

Posted on: 2010/10/15 14:26
 Top 


Re: Downtown Jersey City major streets very unsafe and bad access for pedestrians
#14
Newbie
Newbie


I agree with everyone's posts - there are simply too many intersections in downtown JC that are unsafe for pedestrians. There must be traffic calming measures we can use on a case-by-case basis at different intersections. For anyone interested in some of the creative ideas being used for pedestrian safety in NYC and other cities, check out:

www.streetsblog.org and www.streetfilms.org

This film below is particularly interesting, because it deals with a systematic change that could possibly make an entire neighborhood safer:

http://www.streetfilms.org/no-need-fo ... plenty-for-us/#more-48003

Posted on: 2010/9/3 1:19
 Top 


Development at Grove and York?
#15
Newbie
Newbie


I saw a JC Downtown Development Map today, dated 10/7/2009, and noticed an approved development on the east side of Grove, between York and Montgomery, that I had not seen before. Does anyone know much about this, such as how tall it could possibly be and what it might become? I am very curious to know - thanks!

Posted on: 2010/8/27 3:47
 Top 



TopTop






Login
Username:

Password:

Remember me



Lost Password?

Register now!



LicenseInformation | AboutUs | PrivacyPolicy | Faq | Contact


JERSEY CITY LIST - News & Reviews - Jersey City, NJ - Copyright 2004 - 2017