I'd recommend starting with the Uber/ Zipcar scenario first. If you find that you need a car more often than that, look into buying a car.

I say this because I used to live in the Heights relying 100% on public transportation and the occasional rental, and I did okay. Then, we bought a car. I love it but there are definite trade-offs, especially if you don't have a parking spot. These alone were problems that we've experienced during the past 3 years living in the Heights with a car.

1. Alternate side parking (Snow is your only reprieve.)
2. Getting towed (my neighbor was having construction done and the company did a POOR job of proper signage)
3. If you need a permit for your zone, you may still be ticketed and have to take a day off from work to fight it. (This happened to us TWICE! It's ridiculous that the police station can't handle this.)
4. Hit-and-run. Our car was parked right by our apartment and was hit on the driver's side some time during the evening. They hit the side of the car, but we didn't realize that they had loosened our front light. The next day we made an appointment to get an estimate on repairs, but got stopped by North Bergen police because our front light was out. We explained what had happened but they still gave us a ticket.
5. If you're a night owl, parking can get tough at night depending on where you live in the Heights. We're just off of Central Ave. and it can be a pain.

I just took the survey, and I commend you for doing this. During Sandy, it seemed like Jersey City police and FEMA were stretched thin. I'm sorry, but I think you're a fool if you rely 100% solely on the city and state once an emergency happens. They can only do so much, especially when there are people doing foolish things during those emergencies.

And to say that "everyone knows you need dried / canned food, water, candles, batteries, and for the real preppers lots of bullets." is pretty foolish too. Think of how many people during Sandy who had warning to stock up but still ran out of food, water, candles and batteries after 3 days. Then, they had to run out to Stop & Shop and Shoprite only to find that they hadn't restocked. If you were smart, you had cash on hand so you can buy stuff from the bodegas and neighbors (maybe). People around here were given ample warning, yet they weren't ready for Sandy whatsoever.

At least if this study works out for you kuyacarlo, you might have solid proof that JC isn't emergency-prepared despite recent emergencies like Sandy and 911. Good luck with your survey! I'll pass it on to my neighbor.

I heard from a friend that the new Jollibee will be opening on West Side Ave. near the Rite Aid there. No idea when this is supposed to happen though.

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I've only been to their cafe once but it was really impressive. It's a fairly large space with high ceilings and modern, white furniture. It could probably seat 15-20 people. It looked like served typical cafe fair - coffee, tea and pastries.

The other part of the building holds classes - painting, drawing, acting, dance, etc. I just found their website and they appear to be religiously affiliated.

http://www.cityhopecenter.org/