I called both numbers today because I woke up to the smell last night (Hamilton Park).

The upshot from my calls:

(1) They have only two JC "odor" complaints on record, which is not something they see as major and likely will not cause a robust response unless more complaints are received.

(2) Guidance was to call the first number when the odor is being perceived not after-the-fact. Their protocols call for a response to "live" complaints, not those submitted after the fact or published on social media/message boards.

(3) The DEP investigator I spoke with at the second number, who struck me as professional and engaged, and who tried his best to be helpful (at least in terms of explaining the protocols they typically operate under), is named Douglas Bannon.

(4) My complaint was being routed to a Hudson County agency for primary follow-up. Haven't heard anything from them.

My sense is that if this happens again and all those concerned call at the time the event is happening they will have to treat this as significant enough to merit a real response.

So if you care about this please report to the numbers below. This powerful chemical smell cannot bode well for health and safety of the neighborhood.

Quote:

If you avoid riding in the street because drivers are not welcoming you are failing to do your part to make this a more bike-friendly community. The more cyclists take to the the streets, the more acclimated drivers will become to their presence.

Let's remember that JC streets existed before cars; they were not built for cars to the exclusion of other users.

All road users should be able share this common resource. Just use common sense and have a generous spirit.

For those who lack confidence, get out to Liberty State Park r Lincoln Park and practice holding your line on the park roads there.

And for gods sake, do not bike salmon! You put yourself, pedestrians, fellow-cyclists, and drivers at risk.

: )

One can only hope this will be one of those combo jobbies:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ8ViYIeH04

First visit last night. Solo.

Mac Daddy Burger: Delicious blend. Perfectly cooked. Just the right size. Bun was just right. The bacon was tasty and crisp but not overdone. I don't think I'm a fan of the fried mac and cheese after having tried it, but there was nothing wrong with it. I'm sure some most folks will love it.

Disco fries: Fries were delicious and tasted like they were freshly cut. Cheese was mellow and not overpowering. Just the right amount of melty goodness. The "gravy" was a misfire. Not thickened adequately. It was more like an au jus. Think cheese fries swimming in a brown broth rather than slathered in velvety gravy. This is easy to correct if they choose to.

Service: Friendly and attentive (Jonathan was my server).

Beers: More than enough variety to suit my taste. I had a 21st Amt. Brew Free or Die. Stood up the burger and fries.

Ambiance: Nice enough decor but the music was a big fail. It was some god awful lame techno/pop for the 45 straight minutes I was there. Weird choice for what otherwise seems like a hip burger/beer joint. I wanted to bolt as soon as the food was done on a account of this. I will hit this place up regularly so long they play music that doesn't make me want to stab myself in ear.

Are there any areas around LSP that are restricted to paddlers? I am contemplating getting a SUP to use locally and would appreciate any input.

I was pleased to see a JCPD patrol car yield for pesestrians crossing at 8th St and West Hamilton last night at dusk. The officer driving patiently waited to make a righthand turn from 8th onto West Hamilton while two families crossed there, one followed by the other. That struck me as courteous and professional.

Not that i disbelieve the OP for a moment.

We should call out the good and the bad.

This thread is an effort to harness the spirited discussion of recent posts regarding enforcement of quality of life offenses (such as those related to dogs, bikes, parking, open containers). I think there is also something here for those who love the long-running "Whole Foods in JC"/what we really need/pace of gentrification discussions.

In the early 1980s, a criminologist named James Q. Wilson published on what has become known as the Broken Windows theory related to police enforcement and norm setting. As another poster suggested, Broken Windows is relevant and important to understand in the context of police enforcement of QoL violations.

Consistent and strict enforcement of QoL offenses, along with other initiatives that fall under the umbrella term "community policing," have been implemented by several cities over the past decades with considerable success, including NYC.

Since Fulop took over, these initiatives appear to be given a new priority in JC. Folks will have different views on this and the transition in enforcement practices will be grating, irritating, and angering to many. Others will welcome it, especially those who understand the theory and success stories underlying it.

JC deserves a forum to discuss this in a constructive and intelligent way. I am hoping folks can post here with that kind of discussion.

Please read up on the basics (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory)

And then post ideas, comments, and experiences that will meaningfully add to the discussion of this important civic issue.

I don't see anyone talking about violence. A reference was made to securing an off the leash dog until the owner (who by law should not have a dog off the leash) secures it him or herself.

If you don't like the idea of a stranger putting hands on your dog, obey the law. That's why it is there: to avoid unwanted physical contact between dogs and other people/dogs. This isn't rocket science.

You cannot flout the law and then expect people to behave in manner that accords with your own personal preferences. That doesn't mean somebody has license to harm an off the leash dog. It just means that if you don't restrain your dog in public you accept the risk that others will.

My sense is that nyrgravey9 speaks for the silent (or seldom heard for) majority of community members, including lots community-minded dog owners. Cajoling folks to behave better toward their neighbors is laudible, and respecting boundaries when using common areas is at the heart of being a solid citizen. Everyone on this board who agrees should post support for the OP (referendum-style). This will let the "entitled" minority understand that their actions are breeding serious ill-will and may embolden all other to confront this behavior when they see it (in a courteous way, of course). The idea that we should tolerate this because it has gone on for a long time or that there are other problems in community (which is obviously true) should be put to rest.

Quote:

Exactly.

"Being seen" by drivers is the first and most critical element to avoiding being struck while cycling. This is especially so as drivers become less attentive due to smartphone use while driving. While reflectors can help, they are vastly inferior to the small and inexpensive LED lights out there (like bringing a knife to a gun fight, as the saying goes). The lights I am talking about are eye-catching not just in the dark but also during transitions at dawn and dusk or on cloudy days. Check out this video, especially minute 1:24, which illustrates this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0acr9r ... ture=youtube_gdata_player

Detailed reviews and comparison of the lights here:
http://bicycles.blogoverflow.com/2012/03/tail-light-review/

Quote:

What a tragic loss for her family, friends, and the JC community. Natasha was a wonderfully kind and generous person.

One can only hope that her death might improve safety out on the streets for all. I completely agree that the driver culture in JC and related enforcement efforts need to improve. Driver distraction and impatience create unacceptable risks and avoidable tragedies.

Additionally, speaking as an avid cyclist, I think JCPD and the local cycling community must act to improve awareness of the dangers of salmoning (riding against traffic rather than with it). As others have observed, salmoning puts you and others at risk and is contrary to the law requiring cyclists to ride with the flow of traffic, not against it. If patrol officers would make it a practice to simply tweet their siren and give a quick word to salmoning cyclists to ride with traffic, the message would get out quick. Further, all community-minded cyclists bear a responsibility to educate others not to salmon, the dangers and illegaility of which may not be understood by all. When I come across another cyclist salmoning I make it a point to let them know they should be riding with traffic (and to stay off the sidewalks, which is also dangerous and against the law - adults only, of course).

Folks can also reduce their risks by having rear red LED light. IMO, any cyclist who lacks a rear LED light is courting disaster. There is no excuse not to have one and it may be the best money you ever spent. Grove Street Bicycles stocks them and you can get them online through stores like nashbar.com and performancebike.com. (Planet Bike's Superflash is hands down the best).

Lastly, any cyclist who is riding and looking at their smartphone should be smacked. I have seen my neighbors (people I really like) doing this and I'm floored at what a stupid behavior it is.

Everyone (drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians) needs to take responsibility for his or her safety and that of others around them. Make smart choices, follow the law, and reduce the risks wherever you can.

RIP Natasha. Stay safe, JC!

I have eaten in this restaurant about 10 times and had takeout a handful of times. The food has met or exceeded my expectations each and every time. The service has been consistently friendly and responsive to our needs. The food is far and away their strong suit. Service is next, and decor/ambiance are distant runners up. Not complaining one bit about those priorities.

I would urge more people to eat in to help them overcome the perception that this is a place to be avoided. It's a gem and we should support it.

Quote:

This.

Windows rule. NT had none.

These people in the posted image do this routinely. They think that because they do it relatively early they are exempt from the rules. They in essence are giving their neighbors -- dog-owners included -- a big, metaphoric middle-finger. They are a$$holes, just like countless others with their playground/basketball trash, strewn cigarette butts, and discarded chicken wings.

Keep the pics coming.

I have a view of the park from my home where I have lived for almost 10 years. It is my unscientific observation that off-the-leash dog running is clearly on the rise. This and the related behavior of walking dogs in the pet-free areas is supremely frustrating, especially for those who follow the rules but get no benefit for doing so. It is also unfortunate that those who prefer not to encounter dogs or their leavings in the restricted spaces feel intimidated by the response they get upon bringing this up to folks who exempt themselves from the rules.

Anyone wishing to attract greater official enforcement might might consider making a compilation of video documenting this behavior. Just look at the pressure that kind of video has put on the brass at Rutgers with regard to Coach Mike Rice's behavior. Set up an e-mail address, solicit video from concerned park users (I would contribute), post it up, and disseminate to those responsible for enforcement. (Bonus points for footage showing dog owners struggling haplessly to separate off-leash dogs from each other when the inevitable fight breaks out). By documenting and putting the officials on notice of the problem it might trigger their lawsuit- avoidance/mitigation/CYA instincts and cause some enforcement to take place.

Otherwise, it would seem that dog owners who abide by the rules (who I am sure are the overwhelming majority) could play an outsized role in educating other dog owners about the restrictions and showing respect for others who do not share their love of dogs (which, IMHO, are the best animals that exist). Given that so many bigger problems exist, informal community "enforcement" on this probably makes the most sense.

Had dinner there last night (and am eating leftovers now). Very nice addition to the neighborhood. I will be going back.

This place looks like it opened over the weekend. Can anyone share their first impressions?

I've been following this thread in the hopes of using the info to justify getting out there and paddling.

I know we're principally talking about kayaking but wanted to bring stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) into the mix.

Does anybody SUP around Liberty State Park? Or elsewhere in the area?

Apart from the gravel, debris, and overgrown foliage, is it nontheless easy to follow? Is there any signage up?

Has anybody ridden this? It sounds like a real asset for those looking to commute west by bike.

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

All idiosyncracies aside, any establishment whose employees will try to pull my ass from a burning vehicle is deserving of my business.

Having lived in the neighborhood for nearly 8 years, I can easily say that Delenio's has the friendliest and most accomodating people of any local restaurant/take out place IMO.

We order pizza for delivery every Friday and have done so for about a year. Never had a problem until last Friday when our pizza came exactly as the one delivered to one of the jclisters who posted above. Cheese had slid off the pizza and was hanging out in the corner of the box. This was the first time I ever had something like that happen with Delenio's and quickly attributed it to a fluke f' up on the part of the delivery guy. They are so consistently nice and reliable we didn't even bother to complain.

I also recommend their bolonese, chicken milanese, and vodka sauce. We also go there for a very casual dinner time to time (and bring a bottle of wine, of course).

Our town could use more establishments like Delenio's where the people go out of their way to treat customers with respect and show them they are valued (this is not intended as a slight to any other restaurants or businesses).

The Garden Preschool Cooperative has given my son a wonderful start. The teachers are tremendous. I did not feel as connected to this community before our family enrolled him there. The best part of the GPC experience for me has been serving periodically as the parent of the day. You get to spend the day in the school with your child, see how he interacts with others, and get to know the other kids and their families. My son is so proud when his mom or dad is there in the school helping out.

Anyone interested in learning more about this great preschool should really come out to the open house today and see for themselves. Children are welcomed to attend the open house if supervised by an adult. Parents of currently enrolled kids will be there to answer questions and provide tours.

+1 on the positive comments posted for Satis Bistro. We had a wonderful experience there on Saturday night. The food was great, everything came out at the right time, and the service was friendly and attentive.

Sounds like fun! What is a "bike rodeo"?

Quote:

39:4-32 Crossing roadway; signal. (Link)

39:4-32. On highways where traffic is controlled by a traffic control signal or by traffic or police officers:

a.Pedestrians shall not cross a roadway against the "stop" or red signal at a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, unless otherwise specifically directed to go by a traffic or police officer, or official traffic control device.

b.No driver of a vehicle shall fail to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian crossing a roadway at a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon, or within one lane of, the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning during the "go" or green signal. As used in this subsection, "half of the roadway" means all traffic lanes conveying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway.

c.A pedestrian crossing or starting across the intersection on a "go" or green signal, but who is still within the crosswalk when the signal changes, shall have the right of way until the pedestrian has reached the opposite curb or place of safety.

d.No pedestrian shall leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield or stop.

e.Whenever any vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

f.Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

g.Nothing contained herein shall relieve a driver from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway. Nothing herein shall relieve a pedestrian from using due care for his safety.

h.In the event of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian within a marked crosswalk, or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, there shall be a permissive inference that the driver did not exercise due care for the safety of the pedestrian.

amended 1951, c.23, s.22; 2009, c.319, s.1.

Wow! Nearly 60 posts on this topic and no link or paste of the actual law. Sorry to crash the party with facts -- If this information causes sudden dizziness, nausea, or bloating avert your eyes and seek medical assistance immediately. ; )

39:4-32 Crossing roadway; signal. (Link)

39:4-32. On highways where traffic is controlled by a traffic control signal or by traffic or police officers:

a.Pedestrians shall not cross a roadway against the "stop" or red signal at a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, unless otherwise specifically directed to go by a traffic or police officer, or official traffic control device.

b.No driver of a vehicle shall fail to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian crossing a roadway at a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon, or within one lane of, the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning during the "go" or green signal. As used in this subsection, "half of the roadway" means all traffic lanes conveying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway.

c.A pedestrian crossing or starting across the intersection on a "go" or green signal, but who is still within the crosswalk when the signal changes, shall have the right of way until the pedestrian has reached the opposite curb or place of safety.

d.No pedestrian shall leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield or stop.

e.Whenever any vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

f.Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

g.Nothing contained herein shall relieve a driver from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway. Nothing herein shall relieve a pedestrian from using due care for his safety.

h.In the event of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian within a marked crosswalk, or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, there shall be a permissive inference that the driver did not exercise due care for the safety of the pedestrian.

amended 1951, c.23, s.22; 2009, c.319, s.1.

Went for lunch there yesterday, which was my third visit. The Chicken Club Wrap I had for lunch was superb. I previously went for a mid-week dinner and a Friday night dinner. I left happy from all three visits.

One small detail I would have them change is for them to serve fresh brewed iced tea. They have a fountain soda set up that includes one of those soft-drink versions of iced tea. The food is too good to ruin with that stuff, IMHO. A nice glass of real iced tea would be be more on par with the high quality of the food/cooking.

I was there last night and ate dinner. I was pleasantly surprised. I appreciated that the staff was friendly and seemed not to be new to serving. They certainly didn't have that "this is my first week waiting tables" deer in the headlights look. The place had a good number of diners at tables and folks coming in to pick up orders. The atmosphere was nicer than I would have guessed it would be given how fast they seemed to turn the place from a repository for stoop sale crap to nice sit down restaurant. There were lots of nice details in the presentation of the plates that were nice to see too. Give 'em a try!