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Re: Historic district may come to Jersey City's West Side
#1
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


What is really sad is seeing historic building facades falling into disrepair and decay because the people who live in/ own them can not afford to maintain them, or because of their love of "freedom" don't care enough to do required maintenance.

Then there are the eyesore "renovations" that cover everything in plastic siding, or simply remove the historic detail because of the "freedom" to have the lowest maintenance costs while taking every dollar of the rent generated by the place, but doing no maintenance.

Then there are the opportunist "Freedom Investors" that tear down the original house and build an out of place pink monster that gobbles up all the potential green space around it to maximize the square footage that can be rented. leaving the area looking like a cement wasteland.

This kind of "Freedom" I can do without.

Posted on: 2015/9/9 20:59
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Re: The Beacon
#2
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


You are wrong. When the Beacon Complex (it's 8 buildings on 14 acres) started renovations into condos, it was at the height of the housing bubble and they were selling very strongly. It's only when the bubble burst that the developer tried an auction - and anything else he could think of (lofts was one).

He ultimately lost the ability to complete the project but BLT (from Connecticut) stepped in. They have completed 5 additional buildings (all rentals, including one that is "pet free"). plus a multi level parking garage, after the original builder had completed two buildings, the Rialto and the Capital.

All of BLT's buildings are rentals. The quality of the rental buildings is not as good as the first two, the Rialto and Capital, nor is the sound proofing. But they do look nice and have the usual granite and stainless appliances.

Now that most of the construction is done (BLT is finishing the last one now) it is a much quieter place.

I don't use the valet anymore. Too annoying waiting for your car and too expensive. I found a garage for rent 6 minutes walk away and $75 cheaper per month.

The empty lot next to the Mary Hauge is going to be developed. All of the parking lots around the County building are going to be developed, including a multi level parking garage to handle the county parking needs. There is going to be a day care and a charter school built.

The Montgomery Gardens site is going to consist of low rise mixed income housing and retail. Phase one of the Montgomery site was leveling 3 buildings and the rehab of the NE corner building as a senior housing building plus the addition of 1 and a half new streets thru the site. Phase two will include razing the last two buildings and putting the half street all the way thru the site. Metrovest has an option to build a grocery store there.

The College is going to develop some of their parking lots into buildings to house students. There is also the possibility of a theater and entertainment complex in the area that is being pushed by the school because, as was mentioned, there is not very much retail or entertainment in the area, yet.

In another 5 to 10 years you will not recognize the area around the Beacon.

The only amenities currently not available are the two hot tubs and the Sun Deck. However, there is an alternative to the Sun Deck. The Park that was built on top of the parking garage has grills, and the view is even better than that from the Sun Deck.

The renovation of the Art Deco elements in each of the buildings at the Beacon is really stunning. Lots of marble, granite, terrazzo floors, period lighting, rich colors and hand applied gold leaf. The freeze in the Billiard Room, depicting the history of medicine is priceless. The Art work behind the Lobby Desk in the Capital/Rialto entrance was $40,000 just by itself.

Posted on: 2015/9/9 20:41
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Re: The Beacon
#3
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


I have lived at the Beacon for 8 years. No issues. I've been asked for "spare change" 3 times in 8 years. I don't carry change. The area around the Beacon is safe enough for anyone with experience in living in a city.

By the way, no one at the Beacon walks to Grove Street. We have shuttle buses that leave every 15 min during rush "hour" and every 30 min. other times. It also goes to Exchange Place and on the weekends to the Mall.

Posted on: 2015/9/9 19:55
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Re: Upscale ‘Madox’ Leased Up in Jersey City
#4
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


I think it shows how hot the Jersey City rental market overall has become in the last two years. At the Beacon all of the remaining buildings are all being worked on at the same time. All of them will be rentals. When completed there will be something like 1600 or more units.

Posted on: 2013/9/5 20:08
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Re: The Beacon
#5
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


No, they are relatively high, not astronomoical. I have a one bedroom and I pay 562 per month for the common charges. If you use the amenities, like the bus to commute, the SPA, which has a class 5 rating (the highest rating), the indoor pool, hot tubs, library, billiards hall, poker room , study areas, roof deck grilling area, dog run, etc., then you will consider it worth it. If you don't, that's up to you.

Posted on: 2013/8/28 16:42
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Re: McGinley Square Revitalization - Will anything ever happen?
#6
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


As you know from my previous posts, I live at the Beacon. Here is the reality of values at the beacon: I could sell my place right now for 10% less than I paid for it. In the crazy real estate world we currently live in, that is good news because I bought at the height of the RE Bubble. This is also the first year since I bought my apartment that I could say that.

I have to agree with the poster who said that the Beacon Complex was designed against neighborhood revival. It's unfortunate, but given the pace of "revival" in Jersey City, and the additude of local businesses, it was a practical move.

We also have the problem that area stores don't carry the things that Beacon residents like to buy. We are in a 'Catch 22" situation. We will not patronize their stores until they improve them from dump to neighborhood asset, and they will not improve their stores until we shop in them.
er.


Posted on: 2013/8/2 18:27
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Re: The Beacon
#7
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


There is a grand staircase in the Paramount that has been used in videos but it does not look like the ship's grand staircase. As far as I know the grand staircase in the Titanic movie was a set built for the movie.

Posted on: 2013/5/31 20:39
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Re: The Beacon
#8
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Yes, guests can use the shuttle buses to come to the Beacon. They just have to tell the bus driver that they are a guest and the apt. number they will be visting.

Guests can also use the valet service, they have to if they want on-site parking at this time. I do not know what the guest policy will be when the parking garage is finished.

Guests that are short term guests, for just an hour, should consider parking on Montgomery to avoid the fee.

Posted on: 2013/5/28 20:44
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Re: Input About Living at the Beacon?
#9
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


I've lived at the Beacon for more than 5 years. It is very safe at the Beacon. We have high intensity lighting all around the grounds. We have fencing all around the grounds. We have cameras everywhere except the Spa and the residential hallways. There is a guard at the gate 24/7. We do not think about all this, we do not live as if we are under seige. It is very peaceful and quiet away from the construction going on to renovate more buildings and finish the garage.

I and others walk our dogs outside of the Beacon perimeter all the time and I haven't heard of any incidents. In 5 years I've seen 4 cars broken into on Montgomery but I think that number is so low because of the intense lighting.

There is and always has been valet parking. However, once the new parking garage is finished this Summer there will be a self park option.

The Spa and other amenities are first class. The Shuttle buses have just been replaced and are all new.

Montgomery Gardens is still there but some of the buildings have their first and second floor windows boarded up and a fence has been put in place to keep people out of those buildings. There are still plans to turn that space into mixed use but construction won't start until the project is viable.

There is going to be a new private school built
across Montgomery from the Beacon according to the development firm that is continuing to renovate the Beacon complex remaining buildings.

Posted on: 2013/5/21 18:50
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Re: McGinley Square Revitalization - Will anything ever happen?
#10
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Quote:

vindication15 wrote:
Quote:

SammyTheT wrote:
There's a couple of hundred million dollars of development going on at The Beacon right now - this is McGinley Square.


The Beacon? Really? One of the most failed projects in Jersey City history. A lot of people lost more than 70% of their value after purchasing....


The Beacon is not a failed project. There is a new development company in place that is finishing up the Orpheum building after very successfully finishing and renting out the Mercury. They are also finishing the Paramount building and expect to complete an 830 car parking structure by this Summer. There hasn't been this much activity at the Beacon site since 2008. I know, I live there.
While almost all property around the country have lost value since 2007-2008, and the Beacon is no different in that regard, I don't know anyone that lost 70% of their value. I know I lost a about 35 to 40% initially, but values have improved a bit in the last year.

Posted on: 2013/3/1 20:11
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Re: The Beacon
#11
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


I don't think anyone would seriously try walking to Liberty State Park from the Beacon unless they are in training, but if that is your thing, go for it.

Posted on: 2011/5/31 14:33
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Re: Property value trend at The Beacon
#12
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


I have lived at the Beacon since the beginning. There are some short sales, and just like everywhere else, it is playing havoc with valuations. But as any informed person knows, the valuation in a short sale is imaginary until the bank approves the sale, and they are only interested in avoiding a forclosure, not a good measure of actual value. I know that in the single home market that short sales are being advertised that are below what it would cost to build the house. Once the economy rebounds a bit I expect to see values stabilize, and then maybe increase at the level of inflation.
Except for recent sales and those that purchased during the auction, I would guess that most of the owners at the Beacon are likely under water on their mortgage to some extent. I know I am. On the other hand I did not buy on speculation, this is my sole property and I live here. I'm not expecting to move for at least another 6 or 7 years, so any loses are strictly on paper at this point.
I think if you got an honest answer from most condo owners in Jersey City, if not most of the country, you would hear a similar story, which is why I'd say that there is no story in this news, so let's just move on to the next issue. At least that's my opinion.

Posted on: 2011/5/26 16:58
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Re: Jersey City Police Officers Union Endorses Spectra Energy's Pipeline
#13
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Remember this next time one of Jersey City's finest says, We don't make the laws, we just enforce them. Not only do they weigh in and try to influence public policy issues like this, but they have a lot to say about pending legislation too.

Posted on: 2011/4/20 21:32
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Re: Dope!
#14
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Hopefully this is his first cannabis offense and he can get a CD. There is no reason why he should have to spend any jail time, where you and I will have to pay increased taxes for his room and care. You have to wonder how many real crimes were occurring in the city while these two spent time taking this mastermind in for processing. In many other states he either would have been ignored or he'd be paying a small fine. Here it's a pile of money, court time, possible attorney fees, and if its not his first offense, serious jail time. It's time to regulate and tax this like any other vice and at least make some attempt to keep it out of the hands of minors

Posted on: 2010/6/11 20:27
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Re: The Beacon
#15
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Zeina, you should take notes, it will help you to remember, that, or don't speak, if you don't remember because you are just spreading misinformation. Valet Parking at the Beacon is $150 per month. Beacon owners do not ay taxes, they pay Pilot (payment in lieu of taxes). That is for 30 years, so its not likely to go up, at least, not in the same way as taxes might. I don't know what was being referred to for $75 dollars, but it wasn't the maint. fee or taxes, maybe an estimate of your electric utility bill? Heating, cooling and water are included in your monthly maint. fee at the Beacon, electric is not.

Posted on: 2010/3/17 15:26
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Re: Lincoln Park: Saint Peter students attacked by 4 men in white T-shirts and black hoodies
#16
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Why is your first reaction to blame the victim? How about a few words for the thugs that attacked these people? Just because we live in a city doesn't require that we put up with or expect to be assaulted/robbed/etc. if we are out in a group at 11 p.m., which is not very late for college age kids. Crime happens in the burbs too, but it gets more of a response there because people there demand it of their elected officials and police. Apathy and a feeling of helplessness is part of the problem.

Posted on: 2009/9/11 13:43
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Re: The Beacon
#17
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


I moved from Secaucus to the Beacon two and a half years ago and my car insurance is unchanged. Maybe your friend should shop around for a better rate. One insurance companies rate does not prove anything.

Posted on: 2009/7/30 13:29
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Re: The Beacon
#18
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


With all due respect to the newbies posting here, the area around the Beacon is not comparable to Greenville and 10 blocks in any city can put you in an entirely different experiance. I agree location is very important, and having the Beacon 2 traffic lights from the entrance to the highway (route 78) is a big plus. Realistically anyone who bought real estate in 2006 is likely realizing they could get the same place much cheaper today, that would be true of the Beacon as well as most other properties, so it proves nothing about the long term valuation of the Beacon Complex. It also is important to understand that "The Beacon" is not a building, it is a complex of 10 buildings on 14 acres. It is really really big. Only two building are finished and occupiedm, with a third about 90% finished. The Beacon Complex will be finished about the time that the last tower at Montgomery Gardens comes down. At that point we'll all have a better idea what apartments there are worth, until then, its all speculation.

Posted on: 2009/7/28 14:09
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Re: The Beacon
#19
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Yes, Xerxes the Beacon Shuttle bus is bullet proof. It also has a flame thrower, rocket launchers, and can leave an oil slick behind it, although that is more from a lack of maintennance than a feature.

Posted on: 2009/7/22 19:12
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Re: More Gunplay: Suspected crooks open fire at JC cops -- July 21st
#20
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Oh yeah, Newark is doing so well, on Monday there were multiple shoot outs in Newark that resulted in 3 dead and seven wounded.

Posted on: 2009/7/21 14:49
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Re: The Beacon
#21
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


No, we have double pane windows that are pretty sound proof and Bergen is just far enough away that sound doesn't carry from there to us very well. I know you were not really asking an actual question, just trying to denigrate our area once again, but I choose not to acknowledge what you think is a clever remark.

Posted on: 2009/7/16 14:24
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Re: High-price Call Girl Ring Taken Down in the Heights
#22
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Yes Wibbit, alcohol is a drug and it can be abused. Just because your Big Daddy Government says its ok for you to have it doesn't change that. The misuse of alcohol has killed far more people than the misuse of cocaine but unfortunately alcohol abusers face far less prosecution than cocaine users. I'm not for misuse or abuse of any substance but I am for some common sense and balance in the failed stategies of the Drug War which our country insists on pursuing not only on its own territory but around the world.

Posted on: 2009/7/9 14:23
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Re: The Beacon
#23
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


No Xerxes, that\'s not the way it works. Areas get better because people (usually new to the area) put time and money into improving an area. The way they do that is by improving and replacing buildings with newer buildings and rehabbed properties. The Beacon is 14 acres and 10 buildings covering an entire large block. What many of you negative types don\'t grasp is the size of this rehab. New owners of older homes fix them up, maintain them better than the old owners, and get rid of the ridiculous aluminum siding covering Victorian wood work, replacing trim work and restoring it where it has been removed. New businesses come in to provide for the new comers. Unfortunately, if the population doesn\'t change, nothing else changes either. However, as they say, a rising sea raises all boats, so those of an area\'s former population who stay, also benefit from the improvements. Montgomery Gardens is coming down, but it won\'t be replaced by more \"projects\", what it will be replaced with is mixed income housing and new retail. Hope VI is a federal program designed to break up high concentrations of poverty and replace them with viable areas that have access to retail stores, transportation, and jobs and consist of people that have people that go to work every day as well as those who qualify for public assistance. Unlike you, we know that most poor people are law abiding citizens that just want to live their lives and be left alone. We live in an urban area, we are not stupid, but we also do not fear our neighbors.

Posted on: 2009/6/25 14:16
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Re: The Beacon
#24
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


There is another open house at the Beacon on Wednesday of this week expressly for the people who couldn't make it on the weekends. Go to TheBeaconJC.com for more information or call (212) 213-9770. Expect to pay a $20 auction fee.

Posted on: 2009/6/23 14:31
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Re: The Beacon
#25
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


No, PILOT fees are not taxes, they are Payments In Lieu Of Taxes. I'm not an accountant so I can't come up with an exact definition but they go to the City rather than the others that taxes go to, like schools and the county and they are based on a small percentage times your purchase price. I have my PILOT fees escrowed so I really don't know what they are, I'd have to look it up and I'm not home. I bought more than 2 years ago. But if you are really interested in Pilot fees and costs at the Beacon a quick visit to the Sales Office or BeaconJC.com to contact them would answer most all of your questions. I'm not a realtor either, I just live there. The amenities are a full gym, 2 hot tubs, an indoor pool, male and female steam rooms, pool room, poker room, library, dog run, indoor kids play room, theater. Deli on site. Hair & Nail Salon on site, "free" shuttle bus (covered by maint.) Water, heat and HVAC covered by maint fee (but NOT the electric fans that bring hot and cool air to your unit). Free buffet from time to time scheduled as part of Club Aqua events, like the Super Bowl Party. A private Club, open to residents and their guests will be opening this Fall as well as a school. Parking is extra, as is a storage locker.

Posted on: 2009/5/26 20:18
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Re: The Beacon
#26
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


"Not near any transportation"? Really? The highway on ramp is just at the bottom of the hill down Montgomery(about 3 blocks). Makes it easy to get out of town going East, West, North or South. The Beacon shuttle bus to downtown is every 15 min during rush hours and every 30 min before and after that (part of your maint fee). There are buses on Baldwin, and some residents walk to Journal Square every weekday, so that's not far either. We've been over the "people died there" BS a while back. I'll say it again for the slow and new, if you are living in a building built before the 1920's then people died where you live too, likely in your bedroom. People were also born at the hospital, and sick people got better. Plenty of good Karma there. The Beacon buildings, with the exception of the first floor are TOTAL gut jobs. Nothing left on the floors would be recognized by anyone who worked at the hospital, except for the 3 layer exterior. When Verizon did their commercial the condo association got a nice fee. Same with the music videos that were shot at the Beacon. it will hel keep maint. fees down. The Beacon is not freaky scary to anyone who has actually been there. It is a quality rehab and rebuild project, full of marble, granite, slate and hardwood. My one bedroom's maint fee is less than $700 per month which includes some utilities (not electricity) and the spa/gym and the bus, plus other amenities. We don't pay taxes, we have an abatement for the next 30 years, so we pay PILOT fees.

Posted on: 2009/5/26 14:34
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Re: Fatal shooting at Montgomery Gardens public housing complex.
#27
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


Whoever said the Irish in America were not persecuted and discriminated against needs to brush up on their history.

Posted on: 2008/4/1 17:03
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Re: Hamilton Park: Equinox style gym, noodle shop, bike store, bakery, ice cream parlor, pharmacy, b
#28
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


These shuttles really make living at places like this, Dixon Mills, The Beacon, CanCo, etc really work, but you can't expect them to pick up anybody who wants a ride. They are generally "free" to residents because the operating cost comes out of condo fees. The drivers therefore don't carry money, and we don't want them to take that risk, even if you were willing to pay. The size of the shuttles are also rated to the expected traffic they would carry from the development, so they don't have room for non-residents at the peak times you'd like to use the service, and we residents wouldn't want non-residents bumping residents from a seat. As much as it would be a good marketing tool and help our community relations, as a board member in one of these complexes I can tell you that it is not practical for us to offer that service to you.

Posted on: 2008/3/17 14:47
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Re: Questions For Current Beacon Residents
#29
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


The commute is quick & easy. The shuttle bus (there are two) leaves every 15 min between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Mid-day and other weekday/night times the town car is available (the shuttle & town car are "free"). I take the Path from Exchange Pace to WTC which is 4 min. then I take the "E" line to 53 & 7th, which takes about 30 min. then I walk 2 blocks. My total commute is about 50 to 55 min. which is comparable to my old commute. When I come home I go to Grove Stree because the shuttle only stops at Exchange place once every trip, but stops twice at Grove Street. I've only used the towncar once, but it was nice. The only problem I've heard is that once a person was kept waiting at Exchange Place because the car stopped at Grove Street first and was full, otherwise the car has been a hit from the first day it started operating. Haven't heard anything about the daycare facility, but I don't have any children (by choice) and I really haven't seen too many around. With new construction you can't be sure of any dates to completion to I can't give you dates for a daycare facility or retail. There is no retail on site. There is a services group, Services On A Grand Scale that provides dry cleaning, maids and other services, but they are not in their permanent space yet, so they are operating at a reduced level. I use a local dry cleaner that picks up and delivers and a few other people that moved in early, before Services On Demand was ready, also continue to use the drycleaners we started with. The basic amenities are part of your monthy maint., if you want extras like a massage or a personal trainer, that's available, but for an additional fee.

Posted on: 2007/12/4 20:27
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Re: Can anyone recommend a great home inspector?
#30
Not too shy to talk
Not too shy to talk


We used:

lmarquez@mrhomeinspector.net
201-888-5427cell
www.mrhomeinspector.net

Luciano was prompt to the inspection, uncovered things we were looking at but didn't see, and has been used by several friends with the same positive results. He also sent us our inspection report by e-mail in one day.

Posted on: 2007/9/7 20:45
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