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Re: Support Redevelopment Pay to Play Reform
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Quite a regular
 
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It is not too late!
You can call on the day of the city council meeting, Wednesday, to sign up to speak. City Clerk - (201) 547-5150.
Posted on: 2007/1/24 3:53
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Re: Developer Pay-to-Play Press Release- Steven Fulop
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Quite a regular
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Call the City Clerk's office at (201) 547-5150 TODAY -- Tuesday 1.23.07, to make a comment during the open comment portion of the council meeting.
Let the city council know why you took time out of your day to attend the meeting.
Posted on: 2007/1/23 14:58
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Re: Wireless Internet - Steven Fulop
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Quite a regular
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In JC? I don't know of municipal free hotspots. the Jersey City Public Libraries do offer free internet access.
In Philly users are charged based on need, so it can cost from $9.99 a month - digital inclusive rate for low income people - to the market rate of $21/month. I doubt that we can count on corporations or advertising to pay for free wi-fi. Google offers free wireless in a few test markets, but I don't think that is going anywhere. Free municipal wi-fi hotspots in select areas -- as opposed to blanketing the entire city, is more realistic for the short term. See: http://www.wirelessphiladelphia.org/index.cfm Quote:
Posted on: 2007/1/21 17:14
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Re: Wireless Internet - Steven Fulop
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Quite a regular
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Like it or not free wi-fi is going forward in NJ. There will be Fios, cable, dsl, and much slower wi-fi for minimal or no cost.
Posted on: 2007/1/21 16:01
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Re: Wireless Internet - Steven Fulop
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Quite a regular
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From the Sunday StarLedger
Allowing countiesto provide Wi-Fi A bill to authorize counties to operate publicly accessible wireless Internet networks was approved 5-1 yesterday by the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. Sponsored by Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), the bill would authorize counties to construct, own and operate the broadband telecommunications infrastructure necessary for providing free or reduced-rate pub lic access to wireless Internet net works. It would allow the networks to be financed through the issuance of local bonds to be repaid through revenues derived from providing Wi-Fi service. "There is no reason wireless networks should only be limited to certain homes and businesses," Roberts said. "If individual communities and counties wish to extend such access to their residents, they should have all means possible to do so." Last month, Camden and Gloucester counties began exploring the possibility of establishing a Wi-Fi network that could make every home, business and public space in both counties Internet accessible. The city of Elizabeth has partnered with Kean University, Union County and two private providers to initiate a pilot program to provide free Wi-Fi service at certain high-traffic "access points" in the city. On page 29 of the 1.21.07 Sunday Star-Ledger is the article: ELIZABETH ENTERS THE WI_FI WORLD. It is not available on-line, but here is an excerpt "..tomorrow , [Elizabeth] will launch the state's first municipal wireless network, a free service offering anyone between Trinitas Hospital and the Broad Street station high-speed Internet access at the click of a button."
Posted on: 2007/1/21 15:38
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Re: Developer Pay-to-Play Press Release- Steven Fulop
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Quite a regular
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Saturday January 6, 2007
Letter to the Editor - MAYOR JERRAMIAH HEALY Fulop?s plan wrong for city I am opposed to the ordinance submitted to the Jersey City Council by Councilman Fulop that would bar campaign contributions from persons or companies that have been designated developers by the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA) because such persons should not be prevented from fully participating in the democratic process simply because they have agreed to invest in our city. The JCRA and private developers have historically partnered together to engage in development that is the envy of the entire state and for Councilman Fulop to insinuate that the JCRA or the developers that it has designated have acted improperly does a great disservice to this city. Councilman Fulop?s proposal is particularly mystifying since a review of his ELEC reports demonstrates that he has relied heavily upon donations from developers, as well as their consultants and lawyers. As Bill Dressell, the president of the League of Municipalities, recently wrote in New Jersey Lawyer Magazine, December 2006: ?At the local level, contributions are scarce, but the costs of getting out just one or two mailings is intimidating for candidates who do not have the personal resources to fund their own campaigns. The issues are complex, but if they are not addressed fairly, the league believes the result will be that only those with personal financial resources will be able to run for elective office.? Councilman Fulop?s ordinance would give a disproportionate advantage to the wealthy that have the means to finance their own campaigns. I do support transparency in government and we have been following recently adopted state legislation when awarding contracts for professional services by requiring providers of such services to disclose their campaign contributions. I have asked the Law Department to prepare an ordinance that would require all designated developers or those seeking to be designated to declare their political contributions as well. However, developers play an important role in this city and they should not be completely kept out of the political process. This administration and this City Council have only one criterion for the designation of developers or the awarding of professional service contracts: Who will provide the best services to the City of Jersey City. Contributions to this mayor?s campaign or the City Council members campaigns has never been a criterion for the designation of developers or for the awarding of any professional service contracts. As I have said publicly, the basic credo of the administration is simple and was borrowed from the honor code of the U.S. Military Academies and is worth repeating here: ?Don?t Lie, Don?t Cheat, and Don?t Steal.? MAYOR JERRAMIAH HEALY JERSEY CITY Quote:
Posted on: 2007/1/9 2:18
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Re: Developer Pay-to-Play Press Release- Steven Fulop
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Quite a regular
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25mc applauds any proposal that seeks to remove any ethical "gray areas" to development in Jersey City.
The Fulop "pay to play" proposal seeks to ban political contributions by developers one year before and one year after the proposed development. This would serve to protect politicians from allegations of favoritism to developers. It would also serve to level the playing field by providing protection for smaller developers and non-profits who cannot give hefty donations to politicians. Cynics will say that this will only drive "contributions" under the table. We prefer to be optimists and hope that this proposal will usher in a more ethical era of development in Jersey City and will preserve the integrity of our political representatives. We join Civic JC in urging our members to contact all the Council members and the Mayor in requesting the passage of this proposal. Their passage of this proposal will serve to uphold the covenant we made with them when we elected them to manage our city with ethics and integrity for the betterment of the citizenry.
Posted on: 2007/1/8 22:44
Edited by 25mcwilliams on 2007/1/8 23:06:03
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Re: From the JJ: Powerhouse vote target of an ethics complaint
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Note that the name of the organization was mangled in the article -- JC Civics should be CivicJC. See civicjc.org.
Michael Ryan, owner of P.J. Ryan's - a favorite nightspot for local politicians - voted in .. Only in JC!
Posted on: 2006/12/7 16:19
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From the JJ: Powerhouse vote target of an ethics complaint
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Quite a regular
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Powerhouse vote target of an ethics complaint
Saturday, December 02, 2006 By JARRETT RENSHAW JOURNAL STAFF WRITER A local government watchdog group has lodged an ethics complaint against the chairman of the Jersey City Planning Board, arguing that he should not have voted on changes to the Powerhouse Arts District redevelopment plan because he owns a bar within its boundaries. Michael Ryan, owner of P.J. Ryan's - a favorite nightspot for local politicians - voted in August to drastically alter the plan after the area's historic designation was stripped by a judge. The changes came following a lawsuit filed against the city challenging the historic status of the district by Lloyd Goldman, owner of 111 First St., a former warehouse that had long been home to artists' studios. The planning board vote was unanimous. The group that filed the complaint last week, JC Civics, wants the city's Ethical Standards Board to rule on whether Ryan violated state ethics rules and, if so, whether the entire vote should be thrown out. The group cites a state statute that says government officers or employees should not act in a matter affecting their business interests. In addition, JC Civics is asking the ethics board to rule on whether Ryan should recuse himself from future votes regarding the Powerhouse district. Ryan said in an interview two weeks ago - before the complaint was filed - that he was aware of some displeasure concerning the vote and that he planned to recuse himself from future votes. However, he did not return phone calls seeking comment this week. "We really are not just trying to go after Mike, we really see this as a bigger problem that needs to be addressed," said Daniel Levin, the president of JC Civics. ? 2006 The Jersey Journal ? 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
Posted on: 2006/12/7 16:08
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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The Parks Master Plan, including Hamilton Park has been posted to the JC web site. Note the price tag that T&M calculated:
http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/arch/MasterPlan.pdf
Posted on: 2006/11/22 17:01
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Re: Councilman Steve Fulop runs 26m race for nonprofit: the Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Cen
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Bar Majestic 11/9/2006. Steven Fulop presents the check to the Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Center.
Posted on: 2006/11/10 4:19
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Re: Councilman Steve Fulop runs 26m race for nonprofit: the Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Center
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Quite a regular
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25mc congratulates Steve Fulop on completing the NYC marathon with a very decent time!
Steve raised money for a very worthy cause and reminded his constituents of the importance of physical fitness. He managed to put in 1000+ hours of training while working at a fulltime job and fulfilling his responsibilities as ward E Councilman. It proves that everyone can set aside at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week to work out.
Posted on: 2006/11/6 16:27
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Re: Councilman Steve Fulop runs 26m race for nonprofit: the Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Cen
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Quite a regular
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I made my personal donation last night. It is a VERY worthy cause. You have to give him credit. For each mile of the marathon he had to endure hundreds of hours of grueling training.
Quote:
Posted on: 2006/11/3 16:13
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Re: Councilman Steve Fulop runs 26m race for nonprofit: the Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Center
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Quite a regular
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The 2006 NYC marathon is fast approaching -- this Sunday. If you have considered making a donation, get it out of the way now.
The direct link for donations is: https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=12017 Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Center New York City Marathon
Posted on: 2006/11/3 15:10
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Re: Zoning Board to Consider Building Housing on the Embankment
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Quite a regular
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Quote:
The Decision for both lots: Zoning Official Affirmed Appeal Denied Photo from zoning board meeting
Posted on: 2006/9/22 19:56
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Re: Jersey City Skateparks
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Quite a regular
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Hamilton park will get renovated next year, and the pyrimid will be gone. Skateboarding will likely be very limited in the park, so to compensate for this some of us are pushing for a skatepark in Enos Jones park - the park near White Star with the basketball courts, ball field and hockey skate rink.
Do you think people would USE a skate park in Enos Jones (map), similar to the one in Hoboken? DO most people prefer "found" skate areas in the city instead of something institutionalized like a skate park? We are not trying to limit skating ONLY to the skatepark - not possible, but want to offer a safe alternative. Please share your thoughts or send and e-mail to: 25mcwilliams at gmail.com This was mentioned a few weeks ago at our blog.
Posted on: 2006/9/8 16:45
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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In the planned VVP dog run the interior trees are surrounded by circular benches, so that shouldn't be a problem in Hamilton Park if the run is moved to where the de facto run is now.
Quote:
Posted on: 2006/9/5 21:18
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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I was concerned that T&M did not have anyone taking notes at the meeting. I assume at the public meeting at city hall on 9/21 there will be minutes taken(stenographer?), and hopefully more structure such as a sign in to speak so nobody gets left out. The summary of the meeting - not minutes and far from complete, as appears on the 25mc site was e-mailed to Jeff of T &M.
Quote:
Posted on: 2006/9/5 15:40
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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The second Park Renovation meeting is tonight 9/5/2006 at 7PM St. Francis. Concerns expressed in the public comment section include:
*Some attendees asked that the open areas remain active recreation space, while others desired that the grassy areas remain passive. *There were differing views on the optimal size of the gardens. Some mentioned they were too large and others stated that they were too small. Mr. Botger stated that his personal opinion was the gardens were informal and unkempt. *There was concern about the noise in the area of the basketball courts. Mr. Botger stated that this was an enforcement issue. Attendees disagreed. Other measures should be used to improve quality of life for nearby residents. Other concerns: * Drainage should be improved. Flooding in the park caused by heavy rains is a problem. * Low shrubs are desirable for the safety of children. * A pet free area was not designated in the drawings, which is a feature strongly backed by the majority of residents. * Signage was not included as of yet. * Free wireless internet available in the park. * Remove the tall bushes and junipers from around the gazebo for safety and aesthetic reasons. * The children?s garden was not included. * Locate the children's fountain to the west side of the gazebo. A recessed fountain should be used, similar to the fountain in Pier A, Hoboken. When the water is turned off the space can be used. * The square shape of the dog run does not use the space efficiently. * The picnic and chess tables are areas where alcohol is misused. Move the tables to within the children's play area fencing, or take other action to discourage illicit activity. * One of the tennis courts should be eliminated. * Several bulletin boards located at other locations - not West Hamilton. * Sports and foot traffic damage the grass. Close off sections of the grassy areas to let grass regrow. Alternate access to these open areas. * Temporary of permanent art installation. * Six foot wide jogging path around the inner perimeter of the park. A summary of the 8/30 meeting is available at the 25mc Blog. Quote:
Posted on: 2006/9/5 14:30
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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I agree. The Pier A type of fountain is a good idea. I think it is called a recessed outdoor fountain. Allowing dual use of the space is desirable.
The children's garden was not included in the drawings and was mentioned by an attendee. It is covered at 25mc.com Blog. Quote:
Posted on: 2006/8/31 18:21
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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The Jersey Journal
Hamilton Park plans will be displayed tonight Wednesday, August 30, 2006 Residents will get a preview tonight of plans for the renovation of Jersey City's historic Hamilton Park and will be invited to provide input on what it will look like in the future. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the former St. Francis Hospital, located directly on the park between Eighth and Ninth streets. The initial drawing by Middletown-based T&M Associates - which is doing a master parks plan for the entire city - is based on community surveys that were conceived by the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association. The plans include cutting down some trees in the park, as well as moving around some structures. Downtown Councilman Steve Fulop, who helped organize the meeting, says it's intended to get initial feedback on the drawings. The feedback will then be considered for future revisions. "Hamilton should be a showcase park for the entire city to use, and it hasn't had any sort of renovation for quite some time," said Fulop. "What's great about this is that it's being driven by the community, the stakeholders." JARRETT RENSHAW ? 2006 The Jersey Journal ? 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
Posted on: 2006/8/30 13:30
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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The address is 1 McWilliams Place (map).
Quote:
Posted on: 2006/8/28 0:15
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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There is not a cabal that want to cut down the trees in Hamilton Park, eliminate gardens and turn the park into a giant sports recreation facility. Why not see the plans BEFORE making assumptions?
Quote:
Posted on: 2006/8/27 15:27
Edited by 25mcwilliams on 2006/8/27 15:49:30
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Re: Press Release - Steven Fulop
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Quite a regular
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2 too close to PJP to vote, Fulop says
Friday, August 25, 2006 By JARRETT RENSHAW JOURNAL STAFF WRITER Downtown Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop believes his council colleagues Mariano Vega Jr. and Mary Spinello should sit out further votes on the controversial warehouse proposed for the old PJP landfill in Jersey City. Fulop said yesterday he plans to ask the Jersey City Ethics Commission to render an opinion on the subject since both Vega and Spinello have full-time government jobs connected with the site. Vega - an opponent of the warehouse and proponent of open space at the site - serves as the Hudson County director of Parks, Engineering and Planning. Spinello serves as the deputy director of administration for the Jersey City Incinerator Authority and has played a role in levying fines for illegal dumping against a company that occupies part of the 87-acre site, Fulop said. Spinello, who supports the warehouse proposal, is also behind an "area in need of redevelopment" plan that would give the city the right to seize the property of the company she's cited for illegal dumping, Fulop said. "There are laws in place in more than half of the other states that prohibit this type of conflict of interest. Two hundred fifty thousand people in this city would probably agree with me that one job conflicts with the other," Fulop said. Both Vega and Spinello responded that they vote their conscience, and their full-time jobs provide them with insight on the topic. "I don't see it as a conflict. I probably have better knowledge of these issues than the other council people because of my job," Spinello said. "I would wish Mr. Fulop would have the decency to have these conversations with me and not the newspaper." Vega, a longtime advocate for parks, questioned Fulop's motivations. "I am not sure what (Fulop) hopes to get out of it, perhaps he is paranoid about conspiracy theories," Vega said. Since March, the City Council has kept tabled a vote on zoning changes that would allow California-based AMB to build the proposed 883,000-square-foot warehouse. The Ethics Commission meets Sept. 21. Noticeably absent from Fulop's criticism were Council members Bill Gaughan, Peter Brennan and Viola Richardson, all of whom have salaried positions with the county. "Firstly, they are not having direct oversight of the site," said Fulop. "If I pick off everyone with a conflict of interest on City Council, we may not have a council." ? 2006 The Jersey Journal ? 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
Posted on: 2006/8/25 13:30
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Re: Press Release - Steven Fulop
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I believe Mayor Healy.
Quote:
Posted on: 2006/8/25 13:28
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Re: 9.3 million just allocated for Hudson County Parks.
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Quite a regular
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Jersey City won't be touching the money since it is for county parks, some located in Jersey City. The money will not go toward HP or VVP.
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Posted on: 2006/8/22 14:57
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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Many consider the dog run to be open space. It is not a covered structure. The old low concrete walls near the tables, the concrete pyramid and other remnants from the 70?s renovation should be gone, so that will open things up.
T&M has expertise in designing parks. Let's give them a chance. http://www.tandmassociates.com/ParksandRec.html Quote:
Posted on: 2006/8/22 14:42
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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I posted a link to the ballot results - only 5 pages, not the unabridged report presented to the city. The public sentiment expressed in ballots is what we expect will guide T&M in the drawings available on 8/30, so attendees should take 10 minutes to become familiar with the results.
Most people - the vast majority - trust the validity of the balloting. Here they are again: http://www.25mc.org/dox/HP_Ballot.pdf Quote:
Posted on: 2006/8/22 4:17
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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The five ballot results, combined into one document (five pages) is available at:
http://www.25mc.org/dox/HP_Ballot.pdf
Posted on: 2006/8/22 3:10
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Re: Hamilton Park Renovation - Meeting Dates
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Quite a regular
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The park renovation ballots are fairly comprehensive, but do not cover every aspect of the renovation of Hamilton Park. On the basketball court question - the courts staying or going - the results are unambiguous:
Q.6. Would you like to keep the basketball court in Hamilton Park? A. Yes, I want the basketball court. (202 Votes) B. No, I do not want the basketball court. (55 Votes) 202 to 55 in favor of BB Courts in the park. There will be basketball courts in Hamilton Park. T&M will propose the location of the courts, which is not addressed in the survey. I urge everyone interested in the renovation to become familiar with the survey results prior to the public meetings. The ballots/results are located at: http://www.parkrenovation.com Individual comments which are part of the report presented to the city are not yet available online. Quote:
Posted on: 2006/8/20 6:39
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