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Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Apparently, Janet Allen who served as a co director of the Brunswick St. Community Gardens, unbeknownst to any of the other members or other co-director, unilaterally advised the parks and recreation department of Jersey City to terminate this community group's lease. Members of the group first learned of this last week, when they were surprised to find a padlock on the gates of the garden. Janet refused to reply to any of their e-mails in the last several days to answer questions from the other members. Now that the lease has been terminated, the city has already started taking bids for new tenants and this process cannot be reversed.
In the last year Janet has had many confrontations with the other members of the group pertaining to the plans and design of the community gardens. Janet has vehemently opposed the group’s proposals to add a new sculpture from a local artist and vegetable gardens some of the other members wished to grow. Many of the other members expressed frustration with Janet's tyrannical and hostile e-mails regrading the manner some of the other members kept their garden plots and common areas. Some suspect Janet will attempt to take over the lease under the name of her defunct organization Friends of Hamilton Park, so she could have complete control of the gardens. Janet is notorious in the neighborhood for her failed attempts to fracture and polarize other community groups with the plan of taking control to accomomdate her particular interests. Nearly two years ago Janet was asked to resign from her post as an officer with the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association, because of her volatile outburts during board meetings. She then began her splinter group called the Friends of Hamilton Park. While she briefly collected a small membership and board for that organization, all of those people have disassociated themselves from Janet and the organization. She has recently slated her self to run for district 18 committee person as an independent candidate.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 7:51
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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If this is true, then she is a horse's ass and should be branded as one!
Where can I send this bottle of wine? ![Open in new window](javascript:CaricaFoto("http://eamills.com/blog/uploaded_images/Ass-758476.jpg");)
Posted on: 2007/5/13 9:31
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Now we know why she has become fast friends with Sonia Maldonado. Definitely birds of a feather.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 10:51
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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This is a real shame.
For a while I felt that while Janet was shrill at times, that she did try to contribute to the community through the garden plantings, farmer's markets, etc. Now she has simply become a vindictive and destructive force for the community. Because her own efforts were overwhelmingly rejected by the community, she now is taking actions to prevent anyone else from participating in civic life. Whether its trying to steal the name of a new neighborhood association, or providing false information to terminate a community garden group's lease, she has just become a hateful little person.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 11:14
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Newbie
 
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SamS -
You mentioned that the "city has already started taking bids for new tenants and this process cannot be reversed" I was under the impression that we may still have a chance of getting the garden back. Are you certain that there is no chance of reversing the process? Also does anyone know why Janet would do this? I am so upset...I had put a lot of work into my vegetable garden.  thanks
Posted on: 2007/5/13 11:35
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Legal Action against her and the City??? I would contribute $$ !!!
Posted on: 2007/5/13 11:56
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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I understand that various departments with in the city are being as cooperative and helpful as possible. But there is an administrative procedure that must be followed. The HPNA is preparing a letter of support of community garden group. We will certainly be willing to do anything else that we can.
Janet has demonstrated an inability to work with groups when they do not share her positions exactly. She refuses to compromise her position for the interest of the group at large. When the group disagrees with her, she works to destroy them or position them as underhanded organizations. Quote:
Posted on: 2007/5/13 12:10
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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At minimum we could file a Court Injunction to prevent the city from soliciting bids or opening the bids . The would give us time to sort things out. In addition, let’s not forget Steve Fulop. A few phone calls and e-mails would help our cause. Quote:
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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How in the hell does someone who appears to be affiliated with no community group (other then her multiple personalities within her head) weld so much influence in the community, especially through City Hall - is she sleeping with someone from City Hall?
Posted on: 2007/5/13 12:28
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Janet,
aka Minnie. We know you like to post on JCList. Why don't you explain why you did this to us.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 14:15
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Has she posted an explanation on the NWA board?
Robin.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 14:33
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Robin,
No she has not. There is someone defending Janet's actions that sounds suspiciously like Janet. Its time for her to explain her actions.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 14:45
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Would you actually believe any explanation or defense she offered?
Posted on: 2007/5/13 14:56
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Well I would at least like to hear the explanation from her.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 15:04
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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![Open in new window](javascript:CaricaFoto("http://www.geocities.com/jccommunitygarden/Plan2.jpg");)
Posted on: 2007/5/13 17:42
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Not too shy to talk
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I am surious. Was there a written lease? And if so, whose signatures on behalf of the garden group are on the lease. Who is the other "co - director"? Wouldn't that person have to "co-sign" the letter to the city advising that the group was breaking the lease?
Posted on: 2007/5/13 19:00
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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The lease had one signatory, Janet Allen, even though there were 3 co-directors as this was part of Janet's responsibility. Janet left a msg on Zack Feris's phone last weekend that she had unilaterally asked the park to end the lease. Needless to say they all were in shock.
Here is the link and contact info on the Brunswick Community Garden below. I spoke to Zach who confirms what Sam has posted above. I have sent an email to both Steven Fulop and Mariano Vega, President of the City Council and suggest everyone call and email their support of the Brunswick Community Garden. You may also contact Zach Feris below as well: name:Zach Feris, Co-Director phone: (508) 963-7753 e-mail: brunswickstreetgarden-owner@yahoogroups.com Mariano Vega, Jr. Council President (201) 547-5268 VegaM@jcnj.org (aide Gregory Malave (201) 547-5458) Steven Fulop Ward E Councilman (201) 547-5315 FulopS@jcnj.org (aide Tracy La'Bad (201) 547-5283 )
Posted on: 2007/5/13 19:45
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Sonia has posted a response to Robin's inquiry on the Newpsie board.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 22:38
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Quote:
Sonia has posted a response to Tern's inquiry on the Newpsie board.
Posted on: 2007/5/13 22:46
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Quote: Minnie, Quote: #2 Yesterday, 09:26 PM The fact of Janet Allen's cowardice at replying to Robin(tern)'s question belies that Sonia's response is entirely disingenuous. What Sonia doesn't disclose is that Janet Allen did not give the other co-director, Zack Feris, the opportunity to renew the lease on behalf of the Brunswick Community Garden and thus Janet would NOT have been "... subject her to possible liability..." as her name would not have been on said lease. She unilaterally called the Parks Division and told them not to renew. Thus Janet sabotaged the Brunswick Community Garden to what agenda and mean spiritedness on her part I would not speculate as to her reasons other than perhaps spite of a bitter and rejected so-called "community leader".
Posted on: 2007/5/14 0:44
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Quite a regular
 
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Quote:
#2 Yesterday, 09:26 PM If she was concerned about any possible liabilities, why didn't she just resign?
Posted on: 2007/5/14 1:06
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Because that would have implied rational thought and consideration for others. If Janet no longer wanted to be involved with the Brunswick Community Garden, she should have informed her co-directors and allowed someone to replace her. Instead, she sabotages the group. It's disgusting and vindictive. And someone should tell Sonia it's the "Brunswick Community Garden" not the "New Brunswick Community Garden." Of course, why would we expect Sonia to know anything about the neighborhoods of Jersey City?
Posted on: 2007/5/14 10:20
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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I think it just sounds as if she has some fairly serious issues. I think the proper response to this is that we hate her actions but love her and hope she gets the right kind of help. The main thing she has to understand is that no one really truly hates her or is trying to cause trouble for her, except to the extent that she's tried to cause trouble for others by allying with Sonia Maldonado and taking what appear to be various vindictive actions of her own. If we understood how upset she is and were talking to her, in private, in real life, we'd probably all be trying to reassure her and calm her down. If Sonia Maldonado feels attacked by this site: well, that's probably pretty accurate. If Janet Allen is lurking here, she's got to understand that the flaming here really has nothing to do with her, just with some minor actions she's taken recently, and that none of the sane, nice people here have anything against her. Her well being is more important than the well being of the community garden or whether a neighborhood meeting goes smoothly. To the extent that Allen feels seriously attacked by this site, that's because of stuff inside her, not because of this site. As for the garden: if it could be shown that Janet Allen was having problems when she sent the letter asking the city to drop the lease, is it possible that a lawyer could get her move to have the garden lease dropped annulled? If she couldn't legally consummate a marriage or change a will, why could she legally represent a gardening group in a matter of this kind? If Allen just unilaterally could cancel the lease, is it possible that there's some kind of serious flaw in city procedures governing that sort of thing?
Posted on: 2007/5/14 11:02
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Quite a regular
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She is out of control, and on a downward spiral. She is getting the same type of comments she left for others in the past, only she can't take what she dishes out. She made her bed, now let her sleep in it. Let her crash, she will come out of it more respectful and humbled by the experience. We will all benefit from that.
Posted on: 2007/5/14 11:38
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Quote:
JA's thing most resembles "borderline personality disorder" with "brittle defenses". It's generally not the sort of thing you can be declared incompetent for. There's a surprising number of successful people just like her, you just need to get to the point of power where no one EVER challenges you. But to get there you need to be able to maintain the facade of rationality with people outside your control sphere, which JA failed to do in the case of JC's public officials. Yes, I have a relative just like her. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bpd.cfm
Posted on: 2007/5/14 12:34
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I don’t know why this has not been posted.
After talking to Rodney Hadley, head of Parks and Forestry, to find out if there was a way to resolve this issue, I was told it had already been taken care of. He told me that the remaining members of the garden could take over the lease and continue their work. If this is not the case, please let me know. After all that Janet has done for the community, it’s a shame that she feels so alienated (though some of it is self inflicted) that she would resort to such an action without explanation
Posted on: 2007/5/14 13:49
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Quote:
When I spoke to Zach on Sunday he did not indicate that the lease issue "...had already been taken care of." I've left a msg both with Zack and Rodney Hadley to confirm to me that the lease will remain with the Brunswick Community Gardens. I was told by Al Lynch in Parks and Forestry that it was his understanding that Zach had filled out a new lease on this last Friday and that Parks and Forestry was rushing it through. Parkman, this may be where the confusion is: Zack says the status is unsure for the lease renewal and Hadley says it's "been taken care of". I hope to hear from both today, Monday, May 14th and will post accordingly.
Posted on: 2007/5/14 14:06
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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I just spoke to Zack Feris, co-coordinator of the Brunswick Community Gardens at 4:30, Mon, May 14th. There is still an ongoing communication and filing process between Parks and Forestry, the Real Estate Office and JC Housing & Economic Development that requires different persons to sign-off on the lease renewal and once that has been completed then the Parks and Forestry dept. will be able to convey the new lease to the Brunswick Community Gardens.
Zack is optimistic but as we all know we need to be vigilant until the padlock is removed and their members have access to the gardens.
Posted on: 2007/5/14 16:34
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Does anybody know how much it costs/costed to rent a space in the garden? Just curious.
Posted on: 2007/5/14 16:50
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Quote:
BrightMoment: Good work !!!!
Posted on: 2007/5/14 16:50
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Some GOOD news for a change and for that community group.
2 points to BM, Parky, Brunswick Garden people involved and anyone I missed. I can smell the carrots and tomatoes growing from here! This would be a good warning for other community groups or groups that are being established to keep Janet at arms length and be given NO authority.
Posted on: 2007/5/14 17:55
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Re: Janet Allen Terminated the Brunswick St. Community Garden Lease |
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Thank you to whoever posted about this recent change of events. I've tried to become a member of the garden for several months. I have to say that I was impressed with the recent clean-up at the garden and hoped that it would be possible to finally become a member after unexpectedly running into Janet one Saturday. Needless to say, this throws a wrench into my hopes. I am new to the back story regarding Janet's role in the garden. There are plenty of juicy details to exploit, but my main objective is to see this garden remain open and available to all those that seek it out. Off I go to write to Fulop, et. al.
Posted on: 2007/5/14 20:20
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This is like a Grimm's Fairy Tale - hungry peasants just wanting to grow their crops (okay, give me some poetic license), a wicked witch and, it seems, a happy ending.
Has anyone verified that it was the city that padlocked the gate? In a city where truck swallowing potholes stay unfilled for such a long time, it seems odd that the powers that be got to Brunswick St. so fast.
Posted on: 2007/5/15 9:35
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This Janet broad sounds like she'd make a good
mayor -- or at least City Council chairgirl. Sik her on those developers and see what damage she can do.
Posted on: 2007/5/15 11:28
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Dear Brunswick Street Gardeners, extended garden family, and friends:
Here's the long-awaited update! The lock hasn't officially been removed from the gate yet, but the struggle IS OVER! I spoke with Elizabeth Hurley in the Division of Park Maintenance today, and she informed me that she is having a copy of the newly-approved, fast-tracked application and lease for the Brunswick Community Garden hand carried over to the Real Estate office, which will be removing the lock from the gate! IT'S OVER! Despite what some rumours had contended, this situation for the community garden was deadly-serious. Truly, I would not be sharing this excellent news with you all, if it weren't for the overwhelming support that many (garden members, community neighborhood associations, parks groups, councilpersons, city employees, etc.) showed during this crisis. The fast-tracked application is due in large part, no doubt, to all of the calls and letter of support. Thank you ALL! Sincerely, Zach Feris Brunswick Street Community Garden
Posted on: 2007/5/15 18:19
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Zach, That's really wonderful news, well done!
Posted on: 2007/5/15 18:51
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Cool. The good guys won. Nice work everyone.
Posted on: 2007/5/15 19:44
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Zach
This is great news. Hopefully, you and the other gardners in the group can get your gardens back on track. Have a great year. Sam
Posted on: 2007/5/15 20:08
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Great news Zach!
 Kudos to you, your group and all those who helped! Quote:
Posted on: 2007/5/15 20:18
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Even more great news, Zach!
There was a setback delay at the end of last week that several persons from city council, Hudson County and others helped to straighten out. I received this notice tonight from Zack: Garden members, neighbors, friends and extended family: The lock is finally coming off! The Division of Real Estate confirmed today that they will be handing us a key to the lock on our garden's gate tomorrow morning! We owe an enormous debt of gratitude - to the kind folks of Jersey City, who used their influence and acted swiftly to help a neighbor in a time of need; to the elected officials working diligently to represent the people of this city; to the helpful employees of JC's Division of Park Maintenance, Division of Real Estate and Business Office; and lastly to the favorable weather - two weeks behind lock & key, and the garden looks greener than ever! This week, and during the coming weekend, the community gardeners on Brunswick Street will go back to the place we've all come to love. Many of us have been turning the soil in that once abandoned lot into something collaborative and beautiful for over 7 years now, through good times and bad. There's a history of personal and collective commitment...sacrifice... To those who have lent a helping hand during the last two weeks - you made the difference. Thank you! To the gardeners and volunteers - look for an email detailing dates/times to get your new keys during this week. Gotta get those tomatoes in the ground soon! We have a great season ahead of us! Very best wishes, Zach gardener & co-director
Posted on: 2007/5/22 0:37
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I have recently become aware of the above posting in regards to myself and the Brunswick Community Garden. I’m responding to those few folks that have asked me for an explanation… even though it is almost a year late.
After reading the charges, remarks and disappointments against me… some of it true and some of it untrue, I believe an explanation will help with understanding. Whether one believes my side of things is not my concern, but rather that a response from me (and not from the peanut gallery) is available. It is true that I was one of the leaseholders for this garden and was the person who handled the lease paperwork with the City for the last few years. It is true that I contacted the Division of Parks and Forestry before leaving town and asked them to cancel the lease, as I no longer wished to be held responsible for liability. I immediately contacted Zach Feris to alert him to my actions and informed him of what needed to be done in order to renew the lease naming other members, since two of the three signers were moving on. The lease is renewed each spring. There are several false accusations in the post by SamS. Such as, there were no arguments going on between myself and other Brunswick Community Garden members. Zach Feris could have clarified this if he wanted to, as well as the fact that it was the City that refused to allow the artist installation claiming it was too big. There are two local artists’ whose sculptures are on display in the garden and they do not overwhelm the garden, but add nicely to it. The installation proposal wasn’t approved, and again, even though I didn’t care for the proposal, it was the City’s final decision. And at no time was the City asked to refrain from renewing the lease. In fact, they were informed that somebody (most likely Zach) would be contacting them shortly about renewing it with new names. The lease had expired on two prior occasions before it was renewed and it was never a problem getting it renewed when this happened. I’m not sure why the City chose to entertain other tenants, but that is the City’s doing and not mine. I’d also like to point out that when community gardens were being planned for Hamilton Park that SamS and his HPNA group were dead against the gardens being created. SamS didn’t get involved in this matter because he cared about the Brunswick Garden members, but because he learned that I was running for District Committee Chairperson in Hamilton Park and he wanted to spoil my chances of getting elected. Just as I canceled the garden lease, I also canceled my running for this seat, and left town for several months. I’d like to thank those JC Listers that withheld commenting on this thread without having all the facts and for giving me the benefit of the doubt. The truth is, I left town last May because I was sick. Not sick as Brewster claims, but was actually much worse and was in the hospital during the time these posts were being submitted. Although I can forgive those people that fell for the post by SamS (hook, line and sinker), it does not relieve SamS for his rude attempt to junk my name or the goals of the Friends of Hamilton Park. The HPNA have been around for 20 plus years and have done little to improve the appearance of Hamilton Park. To my knowledge, they have never received a grant for this park. The Friends of Hamilton Park have only been around since spring of 2006 and have received 3 grants in total for the gardens and were preparing for a 4th when my illness occurred. It’s a shame that SamS felt it necessary to put his noise where it didn’t belong. But that is politics! In all seriousness, I am happy that the garden lease was able to be renewed and happy for the members that will continue to grow produce for another season. Happy gardening. PS -- I am not responding to the many comments about myself on GetNJ. If the person that is so obsessed with me would like something to keep them occupied.... they might want to consider rummaging through my garbage. I could care less!
Posted on: 2008/3/28 13:20
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This is the first time I am reading this thread. I wanted to briefly respond to the first post. It was stated by SamS, regarding the members of the Friends of Hamilton Park, "...all of those people have disassociated themselves from Janet and the organization". That is very untrue. I've been in the neighborhood for about 7 years. I had never heard of the HPNA until the Friends of Hamilton Park started doing work in the park. I joined the Friends of Hamilton Park and was so happy to join a group that was actually DOING something to improve our park. The only reason I stopped working with the group is because my child was born and I became consumed with that project. I never had a bad experience with Janet. As far as I know, there are other people in the group who could say the same thing. All I know is, in the several years I've lived here, there is only one group who has done anything to actually improve the park.
It has always disturbed me the way people personally bash others on this website. Very immature.
Posted on: 2008/3/30 15:51
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I wanted to add one more thing. SamS, I really think it would be a good idea to think about the way you are representing the HPNA. The way you speak about another person, a former member at that, true or not, comes across as very petty, unwelcoming and certainly immature and unprofessional. I know that the HPNA is not a "professional" organization. But it really makes me and other neighbors think twice about wanting to support a group that speaks about a former member in such an inappropriate way in a public forum. It really doesn't make the HPNA look good.
Posted on: 2008/3/30 15:59
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Home away from home
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Ask Janet why she assisted Sonia Maldonado in forming the "Newport Neighborhood Association," a dummy organization that was formed simply for the purpose of taking a name from an organization independent of the Newport Waterfront Association. Ask what charitable projects independent of NWA the "Newport Neighborhood Association" has worked on. Ask how many meetings have actually been held, and what business was conducted.
Posted on: 2008/3/30 16:26
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I'm not denying that anyone has had any problems with her. I'm not friends with her. With regard to Janet, I'm only speaking from my experience (and a few others). My problem is the way that another HUMAN BEING is being treated in public. It's really horrible. It's ugly. It's reminiscent of junior high. It makes me, and others, not want to join a group that is so comfortable speaking about another person in such a way. That's all.
Posted on: 2008/3/30 16:49
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Home away from home
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Warning. Level 4 sock puppet alert.
Posted on: 2008/3/30 17:56
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Home away from home
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I got to know Sonia last year and had plans for creating a new community garden in the Newport neighborhood. A garden where residents may get their hands dirty and be involved with the planning and planting. At that time I thought it best to work with the existing neighborhood group, however the NWA was not set up for gardening activities, thus the Newport Neighborhood Association was born.
Josh, your post smells of sarcasm. Whatever reason Sonia had for wanting to use the new group name is a question only she can answer. But I sense the relationship bothers you. From my experience in Hamilton Park, I cannot help but think that existing groups feel challenged when new groups come along. I understand there are two community groups in Newport, and there will soon be a third. Since that time, I have decided to form a new group whose gardening activities will extend to Newport because my purpose is somewhat different from both Newport Neighborhood groups and it will help to avoid confusion. One thing is for certain… that I wish to avoid the ongoing group bickering. Br6dR, I’m not sure what your post is suppose to mean, but I only post under the name of Minnie.
Posted on: 2008/3/30 22:07
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Brunswick St. Community Garden |
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We have an article on the Brunswick Community Garden in our new issue of Jersey City Uncovered.
www.jerseycityuncovered.com
Posted on: 2008/8/21 11:26
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Home away from home
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2005/7/14 14:51 From on van vorst park
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As usual, another beautifully written and presented issue, it’s a pleasure to view your work. -parkman
Posted on: 2008/8/21 12:22
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