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kitten

Re: NJ school nixes Halloween celebrations, cites diversity

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I remember celebrating holidays in school when I was little and I thought those were the best days. The school day is long and can be tedious. I do think festivities help break up the monotony and can teach kids how to share and how to come together and make memories.

Personally, I am a nervous wreck every Halloween because my kid is deathly allergic to nuts. And even though everyone in his school is aware and people are told not to bring nuts they still do. So, my son knows not to eat anything until he gets home and we have checked it. This is how I deal with it. I'm not about to call off the festivities for all of the kids because of the issues we have. I just remind him the morning of to not eat anything and make sure he has his epi-pen.

But that's me. I don't expect the world to revolve around me and my child.

Posted on: 2015/10/20 19:16

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kitten

Re: Safe to live in the Heights (Concord & St. Paul's)?

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We've lived in the heights for over 7 years now and do not feel unsafe. I walk to the gym alone at about 5:45 am 3 times a week and my biggest issue is the skunks that come out... they are not afraid of people!

I actually was just remarking to my husband the other day how I haven't heard of any crime happening in a long time. Even the graffiti situation has seem to have gotten under control, although that does get worse in the winter.

When we first moved in there would be a random shooting or stabbing at the park, or a random mugging or break-in (very sporadically, like once or twice a year) but honestly in the last year I haven't heard about anything.

Posted on: 2015/9/25 19:34

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kitten

Re: Summit Avenue Business JC Heights (Crowdsourcing)

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I still think the Heights is lacking a good sit down restaurant. One with a cozy atmosphere, consistently delicious food, and great service.

If you could replicate The Hamilton Inn but in the Heights, my family and I would be there every Friday!

I know a liquor license is expensive so you could also follow the Madame Claude model and have people BYOB.

Best of luck to you whatever you decide. It's exciting times in the Heights.

Posted on: 2014/11/29 13:08

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kitten

Re: 95 percent of the people in Jersey City are good and five percent are bad...

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I think labeling 5% of the population as "bad" is not right. There are bad people and people who make bad decisions. I think committing crime, especially non-violent crime, does not make you a bad person necessarily. That seems like a very sloppy and juvenile way to think and give direction.

Posted on: 2014/6/12 15:51

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kitten

Re: Palisade Avenue - going downhill?

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Yes. Ever since they put those red signs on the buildings it's been a green light for graffiti "artists" or taggers or whatever it is. It looks horrible. I agree. And I hate being down on the Heights as I love this neighborhood but something has to be done about this main thoroughfare. It looks like garbage.

Posted on: 2014/1/17 19:21

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kitten

Re: Decent Gym In The Heights?

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Depending where in the Heights you live, you could consider joining the Sky Club which is right down the 100 steps on 2nd street in Hoboken. They have a full gym, classes, nice pool and playroom for babies and kids. It's semi-fancy but when I went there I found the price reasonable. That was about 6 years ago, so not sure how it is now.

http://www.skyclubfitness.com/Sky_Clu ... ness_and_Spa/Welcome.html

Posted on: 2013/12/30 18:21

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kitten

Re: What does the future hold for The Heights?

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Quote:

CapnJon wrote:
Gino's Grandma pie is the best!

Posted on: 2013/12/18 15:20

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kitten

Re: What does the future hold for The Heights?

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Quote:

tommyc_37 wrote:
I think it's awesome that people have settled into the Heights because it fits their lifestyle perfectly. CapnJon it looks like we are in agreement - my advice to people considering the Heights is buy in the Heights if you love the way the Heights is right now. Not as an investment. All real estate should go up in the long term, but the Heights should not be looked at as a hyper-growth neighborhood.

I think a lot of people are misled about that. Realtors tell potential buyers that the Heights is "up and coming". It's BS. I would say the Heights is slow and steady. It is NOT going to be a super lucrative long term investment (ie, you're not going to buy a house today for $400k and sell it for $1M in 10 years).

JSQ is a hyper-growth area, and an excellent investment. I do think that parts of the Heights that are very close to JSQ will rise in value fairly quickly over the next 10-15 years, but that is a tiny portion of the Heights.

Not so sure about that. As an investment I think we will get a better ROI on our 2-family house in 10 years, compared to the condo we almost bought at Dixon Mills.

2br condo for $425k at Dixon Mills will most likely not be worth $850k in 10 years.

Our 2 family house that we bought for 300k, might be worth close to 600k in 10 years. (fingers crossed)

Posted on: 2013/12/17 21:39

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kitten

Re: What does the future hold for The Heights?

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Quote:

user1111 wrote:
Quote:

kitten wrote:
Quote:

user1111 wrote:
Question for folks who live in The Heights do you make multiple trips back in forth into NYC using public transportation? I sometimes make three trips in one day...

Yes. I've done it several times.

One day, I forgot my work laptop at home. Came all the way in, turned around, got it, came back. My co-workers couldn't believe how fast.

Just recently I came to work, left at lunchtime, went to my son's school in JC for a performance, then came back to work. All by Public transportation.

no big deal.

Cool, I just looked up on Google maps from The Heights to my work which I spend a lot of my time, I don't have a 9-5 job and my job consist of hosting lots of events on the L.E.S and then I come back and forth to JC to change and walk the dogs.

I don't think I would have the calmness of taking 2 buses, and two subway trains to get to my destination. I guess if you work in midtown, and don't keep late nights and use NYC as much as I the Heights would work. I think it works for most who live up there. Enjoy!

If I worked on the LES I would probably path from Hoboken to 9th street and switch to west 4th subway one block away and take f train. To get to Hoboken path i would either walk (via 100 steps.. !) or 87 bus. My my guestimate, it would take about 40-50 minutes. The Hoboken Path train is really fast.

Posted on: 2013/12/17 20:28

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kitten

Re: What does the future hold for The Heights?

#10

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Quote:

user1111 wrote:
Question for folks who live in The Heights do you make multiple trips back in forth into NYC using public transportation? I sometimes make three trips in one day...

Yes. I've done it several times.

One day, I forgot my work laptop at home. Came all the way in, turned around, got it, came back. My co-workers couldn't believe how fast.

Just recently I came to work, left at lunchtime, went to my son's school in JC for a performance, then came back to work. All by Public transportation.

no big deal.

Posted on: 2013/12/17 18:42

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kitten

Re: What does the future hold for The Heights?

#11

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Quote:

hero69 wrote:
I hear that you get a lot more for ur money and quicker commute than living in far parts of brooklyn and queens...and the outer parts of bronx and stanten island - no way, jose!

Yes. It's true.

And, there are people who live in Northern Hoboken who rely on the bus into the city or bus to PATH. So, in the Heights we use bus to the PATH too. It's no big deal.

Posted on: 2013/12/17 17:10

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kitten

Re: What does the future hold for The Heights?

#12

Home away from home

Quote:

tommyc_37 wrote:
Without a doubt you get so much more for your money in the Heights than downtown.

My only question is, if somebody is priced out of DTJC, why wouldn't they move to a place in the outer boroughs that is cheaper than DTJC but has subway access? Or even JSQ?

I think that the type of people who are true "gentrifiers" and who bring about signs of "gentrification" such as cafes, high quality restaurants, etc (people who are under 40, earn a pretty good living in a white collar profession) are likely to look for things in a neighborhood that the Heights doesn't really have. Specifically, easy 24/7 access to the region's core, aka Manhattan.

Just my 2 cents. I like the Heights, and I think Central Ave is great. For years on this message board I've said that the Hoboken Path line should terminate in the Heights.

Weehawken, Union City, Edgewater, Guttenberg, Fort Lee are all places near Manhattan that do not rely on subways or Path trains and are doing really well economically. The Heights is along the same line (literally, the Palisades cliff)

Posted on: 2013/12/17 17:03

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kitten

Re: 30-Year-Old HC Man Killed in Short Hills Mall Car Jacking

#13

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Quote:

JCMan8 wrote:
Quote:

Monroe wrote:
I guess the news that the thugs were shadowing other cars at the mall, and that the victim had opened the door for his wife, then was jumped when he tried to enter his car, can shut up the trolls who feel it was a set up. The husband obviously wasn't going to let the thug drive off with his wife in the car and tried to defend her.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/natio ... jacking-article-1.1549107

There are certain people who refuse to face the truth no matter how it's laid in front of them.

Point to the crime statistics, that's just "institutional racism" at work. What about the knockout game? Haha no such thing, that's just the media trying to scare you. So in this case, it must have been a targeted hit. It simply can't be that we have a huge problem with black culture and violence in this country, not at all.

And then meanwhile, we problems like this in our white culture

http://www.salon.com/2013/12/07/polic ... s_killed_man_for_thrills/

Posted on: 2013/12/17 13:20

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kitten

Re: Jitney Route Map?

#14

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Quote:

ashap15 wrote:
Anyone know where I can find a map of these routes? I know they run on JFK from Journal Square to Port Authority but was wondering about getting to other areas. Mainly from the Heights down to Grove area. Thanks.

You just flag them down and ask. There are definitely no maps.

Posted on: 2013/12/16 17:46

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kitten

Re: What does the future hold for The Heights?

#15

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I commute from the Heights every day to midtown Manhattan and I think of it as a piece of cake. I take the New York jitney in the morning ($3) which is usually a 25 minute ride. I get a seat EVERY single day. When I take the jsq PATH I can't believe how much it stresses me out.

Coming home, I either take the jitney again (usually a longer ride but for only $2.50) or I take the Hoboken Path to the 87 bus. I pretty much always get a seat on both. The Hoboken Path is so fast. It's like 10 minutes or something from 33rd. The 87 bus has been much more reliable and is fairly quick - 10 to 15 minutes.

I think my neighborhood is the most under rated place on the planet. But I kind of like it that way. The people that do get it are usually pretty cool and interesting. There is such a great sense of community in our neighborhood.

Will it change? I'm not sure. But I'm not sure I really want it to. We have a car so going out is easy. Cabs from downtown and Hoboken are cheap. Life in the Heights is great for my family and I.

Posted on: 2013/12/13 21:40

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kitten

Re: What are the red signs on abandoned buildings in JC Heights?

#16

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Quote:

pacoYtaco wrote:
The one on Palisade and Hutton is condemned and structurally unsafe.

I thought too it had something to do with being condemned but then I saw one on the building on the corner of Ferry and Webster which looks like a newly (newer) renovated place with people living there. So maybe it is about the taxes. I was wondering the same thing. Glad someone asked.

Posted on: 2013/8/5 15:27

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kitten

Re: JC Heights - Safety?

#17

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I live a few blocks from there and do my morning jog up Webster. Early in the morning I never have a problem. The only thing that makes me nervous, is that there is this young woman who has a pitbull mix dog that she walks every morning early, like 6:30 and it appears that she as little control over him. He is practically pulling her down the street and looks right at the people passing as if he wants to run over to them. It makes me VERY scared that some day she might lose her grip.

Other than that, it's just city life as usual. If it's late in any part of JC you have to watch your back when you are walking because the streets get pretty quiet. For this reason, I take cabs late night or walk with someone.

I've lived in this area for over 6 years and my biggest issues are dog poo, litter, and people driving like a-holes.

One thing that did happen that was scary was the day after hurricane Sandy some geniuses decided to blow up the atm outside the bodega on Webster and Franklin using fireworks. But, that's about as bad as it got.

In my honest opinion, it's safe.

Posted on: 2013/8/4 1:51

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kitten

Re: Why I Like Councilwoman Nidia Lopez

#18

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Quote:

JTC2253B wrote:
I can't say that I've had much of a positive experience with Ms. Lopez. My neighbors and I have reached out to her REPEATEDLY to try to get a speed bump placed on our street. We have a lot of children that play outside in our neighborhood and for whatever reason our street has become a speedway for drivers. This is a specific safety concern and yet we have been ignored for more than a year.

Speed bumps are not allowed in all of Jersey City. The rationale is that it impedes emergency service vehicles. They will however install those rumble strips that don't do a thing but make noise.

I don't know why there are speed bumps in Union City though, yet JC won't have them.

Posted on: 2013/5/31 15:40

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kitten

Re: Liberty run a hoax!!

#19

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If you want to sign up for a legitimate 5k in Liberty State Park, The Ethical Community Charter School is having one on June 15th for $20! Proceeds benefit the school. I did it last year. Great group of people.

http://readwriterun5k.com/Read_Write_%26_Run_5K.html

Posted on: 2013/5/25 19:08

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kitten

Re: Flood Zone Real Estate

#20

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Quote:

pavement123 wrote:
Would anyone buy a basement/1st floor brownstone in a flood zone if it was $150k under market value?? The property had 6 feet of water during sandy but has been 100% gutted and redone

No way. A lot of the basement apartments downtown that flood not only get water, but sewage. And, the chances are very high that it is going to flood again.

Posted on: 2013/5/21 12:06

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kitten

Re: Extreme Right Winger On Healy Ticket

#21

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Quote:

Fletch4JC wrote:
Dear Kitten...

I made sure to say ELECTED.

Jersey City has NEVER ELECTED an openly gay person to anything.

Ray Valaquez was APPOINTED.

And I have acknowledged elsewhere that there was another gay councilman... but just not ELECTED.

Let's ELECT someone this time. Just wanted to clarify that. There is a difference. Appointment is one thing. When the PEOPLE SPEAK is another.

Fletch

No kidding. Re-read my post. I acknowledged that.

Still don't think it should be the reason people should vote for you or not vote for you. It's a mistake to suggest it. IMHO

Posted on: 2013/3/14 2:37

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kitten

Re: NYTimes article "Moving deeper into Brooklyn for lower home prices" -- getting lots of JC comments

#22

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Quote:

user1111 wrote:
I love Jersey City!

If I had time, I would love to create the antithesis to this video...

Is it... Detroit?

Is it... Karachi?

Is it... Tijuana?

Could also work.

But honestly, this exact thread with a different title pops up at least once a month. yawn.

Posted on: 2013/3/13 17:20

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kitten

Re: Extreme Right Winger On Healy Ticket

#23

Home away from home

Quote:

Fletch4JC wrote:
What better way to send a message to counter this, than by ELECTING and openly Gay person to City Council.

My name is Fletcher Gensamer and I am also running for Ward E. If elected, I would be the first openly ELECTED LGBT individual to Jersey City government.

I've been out of the closet since 1992, and first moved here to Jersey City back in 1993.

g

Actually Ray Velazquez is the first openly gay council person. This was something Healy was all bragging about.

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/20 ... y_to_swear_in_former.html

Okay, actually I'm seeing you say "elected"

Honestly, I don't think it should matter either way. Your sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity should not be a reason people vote for you or not.

Posted on: 2013/3/13 15:05

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kitten

Re: PATH Train Incident

#24

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Quote:

jimmythesaint1 wrote:
Quote:

Kelcey wrote:
I'm a woman, and from the limited information in the article, I agree that it sounds ridiculous that this person was arrested. BTW, there is absolutely nothing in Bill's post that could in any way be interpreted as sexist.

I wonder if the "victim" is new to an urban environment and hadn't ridden a crowded train before? Yeah, you are going to come into contact with people. Welcome to city life. And there's a good chance that they will be a different age, gender, and/or race/ethnicity than you. If that makes you uncomfortable, then don't live in one of the most diverse places on the planet.

She acknowledges that it was crowded. So she was surrounded by people who could have helped her as she was supposedly attacked. And she didn't seek any help? I'm calling bullsh!t on this.

many of you should be ashamed of your comments here. KELCEY especially. a woman knows the difference between inadvertant contact on a train and when a man is "grinding" her or touching her inappropriately.

Exactly. It's infuriating. Also, the "now I have to be careful riding a crowded train" comments. No, you don't. If you don't act like a giant pervert women aren't going to falsely accuse you of something.

Please tell me why the hell this woman would waste her own time falsely accusing someone she doesn't even know? A strange man's erect penis rubbing on you is an unmistakable feeling. Not just normal commuting closeness. And it does happen.

CHRIST.

Posted on: 2013/3/8 19:29

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kitten

Re: PATH Train Incident

#25

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Quote:

geniusofthecrowd wrote:
She very well might think she was assaulted/groped, I don't think people are saying she is lying. But the reality is as we all know, if you are by the door on a crowded train and it's still taking on passengers you will be pretty intimate with the person next to you.

As a dude, it would kinda suck to be arrested and have sexual charges against me for getting on a crowded train. Safer to wait for the next uncrowded train, but with how the way the PATH is now, could be awhile.

Some men get erections and then grind them into the backs of women on crowded trains. It happened to me when I was younger. I didn't say anything. I commend this woman for speaking up.

Posted on: 2013/3/8 18:21

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kitten

Re: Property values in the Heights (post Sandy)

#26

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Oh, and if you want you can go to this. I'll probably walk there.

THE DISTILLERY GALLERY & ARTSPACE Presents:
"I See You"
Curated by Gabriel Pacheco
Opening Reception, Friday March 1st, 2013 at 6:30 PM
Exhibit March 1st to March 31st, 2013

Featured artists include Laura Bochet, Sophia Dawson; Michelle Doll; Saheve Greef; Lehna Huie and Voodoo Fe' Mathelier

7 Hutton Street
Jersey City, New Jersey
Website: www.distillery.org
Email: Gabriel Pacheco at grp156@gmail.com
Follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DistilleryJC
Like on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DistilleryGalleryandArtspace

Posted on: 2013/2/19 21:40

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kitten

Re: Property values in the Heights (post Sandy)

#27

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Quote:

VA2015 wrote:
Quote:

kitten wrote:

Central Ave liquors - great selection. big. no bullet proof glass

And there are many more great places all on Central AVe. We shop REGULARLY at all of these places. I don't need an overpriced cupcake shop or boutique with a small selection of expensive clothes to make me feel like my neighborhood represents me.

The example above made me giggle - if "lack of bulletproof glass" is the best selling point I have to wonder what your point of reference is.

I am also not a fan of trendy, twee businesses but I will tell you what I would like that isn't on your list: a coffee shop (or three) that hosts art, music and community events. A variety of bars, from good dives to martini type places. A similar range of restaurants including a few special occasion type places. An art gallery or five. In a truly ideal world, several small to medium size live music venues.

Right now downtown has most of the things on that list. I like being able to walk to all of it. I am really hopeful that the new arts zoning ordinance will promote growth in these areas in the heights because as much as I love culture, I sure would also love to eventually buy property with a yard and parking spot.

The bulletproof glass reference was a joke. About 15 years ago, the liquor store on Avenue C and 3rd that I would go to had bulletproof glass.

Central Ave liquors is nice.

And sure, some of those things on your list would be great. MY list was more in response to the "it's nothing but 99 cents stores" attitude.

Trolley Car bar on Palisade is a start. As well as there is a good bar on Stanford (I believe) that my husband refers to as "his favorite"

Posted on: 2013/2/19 21:07

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kitten

Re: Property values in the Heights (post Sandy)

#28

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Quote:

justcolorado wrote:

The other problem, is the lack of interesting retail businesses. There is nothing but 99 cent stores, We Buy Gold, and "Pollo a la Brasa" in the Heights. You can't have a cool neighborhood without some cool cafes and nice restaurants, but you can't open one of those businesses without having the clientele who will be willing to go there. Seems like a what came first the chicken or the egg problem.
.

I think there are some really great businesses already in the Heights and I would like to list some of them here. Not all of Central is 99cents:

Rizzo Bakery ? one of the best plain slices in all of JC. This weekend Mama Rizzo included a free cookie for my son when my husband when to pick up our pizza. that? is priceless

Central Ave liquors - great selection. big. no bullet proof glass

Stop n shop - not great, a little dingy, but definitely useful.

Adrea Salumeria - amazing fresh mozz and other italian food. AH-mazing. And friendly.

Kennedy Dept store - Good selection of housewares at super cheap prices. No, it's not crate and barrel but for basics it works.

Chase bank - it's my bank, so that's great

Grille 247 - I hear the burger is excellent

Sweet Pineapple - nice produce

Cafe Rhumba - super cheap and tasty cuban food. A nice place to dine in. Friendly staff.

Gino's - really great Italian Food and pizza.

Novick Hardware

Hauptman carpet (GREAT installation, professional, quality products)

And there are many more great places all on Central AVe. We shop REGULARLY at all of these places. I don't need an overpriced cupcake shop or boutique with a small selection of expensive clothes to make me feel like my neighborhood represents me.

Posted on: 2013/2/19 19:54

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kitten

Re: Property values in the Heights (post Sandy)

#29

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I don't want to live in the next Hoboken or downtown Jersey City. I like the Heights... a lot. I have a GREAT block with GREAT neighbors and lots of space. I do wish people would stop littering and pick up their dog poo. I do wish we didn't have so many cable wires hanging everywhere. Other than that, I drive all over this city and Hudson County for the stuff I want to buy. No offense but the restaurants in Hoboken and DTJC (with exception of a few) aren't that great... not compared to NYC, which is where I go if I want an excellent night out. Everything else, including an excellent cappuccino can be had at Rizzo's bakery.

Oh and let me add I'd rather swallow glass than live in Williamsburg. Would I like my property value to rise? Of course (according to many of my friends here, theirs already have risen this past year), but in terms of the type of community I want to live in, one that is diverse and interesting, where people try to come together to create change (ie, Farms in the Heights, RNA, Yoga in the Heights, PFGF) I'm pretty happy here.

To each his/her own.

Posted on: 2013/2/18 22:23

Edited by kitten on 2013/2/18 22:40:18

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kitten

Re: Must eat places in the heights?

#30

Home away from home

Quote:

r_pinkowitz wrote:
Kitten, bring the boys to: Los Tres Chilitos
456 Central Ave. I really like the food and she cooks with fresh ingredients.

We haven't been yet, Pink! Thanks for the recommendation.

Posted on: 2013/1/26 14:31

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