Quote:

True on the whole. Same for parks. Same for openspace.

Unfortunatley the city has no clue as to making the Loews
a true success and that is inviting LEGIT promoters in to book some real big names in Music.

Just think for a moment,We could have a "Beacon" theather
on this side of the Hudson and look at how it would boost the local JSQ economy.

Theres too much politics involved and therefore unfortunatley the writting is on the wall, eventually some big time developer is going to get their hands on this property and probably turn it into condos....

CK

"The city has backed off somewhat since this first came up:"

I read the article referenced and it seems to me that the officials are
setting up the typical ?Blame Game? and bureaucratic rhetoric in an attempt
to prepare us for when the unpopular decision is ultimately made in favor of
their pocket books. Those who argue simply the ordered format of the
letters that comprise the words of the law will always miss the intent. It
seems apparent to me that there was clearly an intent to lease the theater
to the Friends of the Loews for fifteen years.

Thanks for posting this Mark.

I believe that Jersey City needs an Arts venue such as the theater.
Although I am not a resident of the city, I am of the county. In the
interest of fair play I have a personal interest in promoting the arts.
That said I believe that a community devoid of the arts is sterile and
non-compassionate. When the merits of any venture are solely judged by
?economics? we loose the connection we have to one another as a community.
I know I will bring this to the attention of as many people I can and
encourage them to communicate with their city government representatives and
express their opinion. Hopefully at some point elected officials will
represent the wishes and interests of their constituents again.

Peace,
Ed

Quote:

Heh.. we got a form letter signed by his secretary when we voiced our opinion about the embankment.

Mark.

Uhh..has anyone ever gotten a response to any email or letter sent to the mayor?

What does the Armory have to do with this? It just got a multi-million dollar upgrade making it a high-quality sports facility again. Where there ever any plans to make it an arts facility?

I've love to see a BAM-type facility in JC, but speaking as a devil's advocate, can the population support it? I think it's a disadvantage to be so close to NYC. Mid-sized theatres like the Community Theatre in Morristown and the Count Basie in Red Bank work because touring acts can stop there between NYC and Philly, and people who live near those towns will stay local instead of dealing with NYC. But if an act is playing in NYC one night then JC the next, will anyone come to the Loew's in numbers that make it economically feasible? At a place like Maxwell's in Hoboken, it doesn't matter, since the room only holds 150 or so. But the Loew's has over 2000 seats now, and will be more when the balcony is reopened.

Quote:

The city has backed off somewhat since this first came up:

http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/jerse ... 39047922224880.xml&coll=3

That said, I'm not sure we can trust the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency to be the steward of this project.

I am still troubled by their going after the Golden Cicada tavern on Grand for St. Peters to gain land.

However maybe the city or the Jersey City Redevelopment Agenc could help the Friends of Lowes restructure and gain real sponsorship and management.
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Just keep in mind the info below:
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Jersey City Redevelopment Agency v. Cheng Tan, et al.

...The ACLU-NJ is representing tavern owner Cheng "Terry" Tan who is fighting the Jersey City redevelopment Agency's attempt to take his restaurant through eminent domain. Jersey City wants to take Mr. Tan's land to give it to a parochial school, St. Peter's Prep, for its football field...

Again, as I have said before, the Loews and the old Armory should seek support from corporations like Goldman Saks, PNC Bank, the Hyatt etc -- we need to create something like BAM in Brooklyn or turn it over to someone with grant writting skills and connections to do it.

The Friends of Loews saved the place now let's see it fly! They should grow, expand and bring in lots of new blood.

http://www.bam.org/

Firstly, I am in no way associated with the Friends of the Loews or the movie theater. I've just been living here for a few years and like movies.

As well, I know I myself have been kinda' hard on these people sometimes because they don't respond to emails or telephone messages, and their choice of films does kind of leave one wanting...BUT I was tooling around the web today and found this new post on their web site:

"Recently, the City has taken the position that the lease which was executed between it and Friends of the Loew?s on October 15, 2004, is not valid, that the ordinance which approved the lease should be rescinded, and that the property should be conveyed to the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.

It is our position that the lease was approved by the City Council, signed by the proper City officials, and is valid and binding on the parties. We have retained counsel to try to resolve the matter with the City, on a consensual basis if possible, or by litigation, if necessary. We will keep you informed on this site as the case develops."

Mayor Healey, do you really think that this is a wise move? Come on, think about your position. You were voted in by the people, and not rich developers who DO NOT live in Jersey City. These people, the Friends of the Loews, were handed a lease. If you recall (and I BET YOU DO NOT) that one of the platforms that you ran on and which led to MY VOTING FOR YOU included your strong statements to KEEP the Jersey City Loews and to help and assist FRIENDS OF THE LOEWS in this process.

Yeah, I can't wait until we vote your ass out. By the time you are finished with Jersey City it will be a developers paradise and a nightmare for everyone else, infested with high crime and anyone who gave a damn will have moved away.

If you value your constituents, and those who voted for you, do something about this, now.