Here is the link to the article with photos:
http://www.amny.com/news/local/

the article was to originally to cover the arts district (PAD)- then the writer discovered it is no more.....and that our schools are problematic......

so instead of an article highlighting a unique quality, one of our rightfully so identified problems is projected.

does anyone involved in promoting the city care? not likely,

amny.com/news/local/am-cityliving0206,0,6981322.story

amNY.com

City Living: Jersey City

By Stephen J. Bronner

Special to amNewYork

February 7, 2008

One of the best views of Manhattan can be found across the Hudson River, in what many consider to be the sixth borough, Jersey City. In fact, those who earn their wage in Manhattan would find Jersey City's less-expensive housing and proximity to NYC a very appealing alternative to the other boroughs.

Jersey City stands just at the other end of the Holland Tunnel, or a 22-minute ride from midtown on the PATH train. Although many people travel through the area to reach other locations in the Garden State, Jersey City is not just a transportation hub. From its historical brownstones to the Newport Centre Mall and the downtown district, it's easy to see why locals call it home.

"It's like a small town within a large city," said Jennifer Greely, president of the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association. Hamilton Park lies in the heart of Jersey City's northwest portion(uh, how about "northeast portion"? ), where most of the houses are brownstones. There, residents walk their dogs and hold stoop sales.

Outside of Hamilton Park, and its surrounding neighborhoods, large buildings loom over wide streets. Many developers, including Donald Trump, have started projects in the southern part of the city and along the Hudson River. New buildings have sprung up within the past few years and replaced the old factories and warehouses that used to dominate the area.

Find it: Jersey City is bounded by the Hudson River on the east, the Hackensack River to the south, Hoboken to the west and 14th Street to the north. (HAHAHAHA! )

5 Facts about Jersey City

Jersey City was the last "station" on the Underground Railroad route through New Jersey.
A mile-long pier on landfill that connected Black Tom Island with the Jersey City waterfront exploded in 1916. The explosion was believed to be a product of
German espionage. The estimated number of fatalities differs but hundreds were injured.
The North River Steamboat left Paulus Hook Ferry [now Jersey City] in 1807.
Frank Hague, a mayor of Jersey City who was said to rule with an iron fist, served from 1917 to 1947, when he retired.
Ellis Island is inside Jersey City's borders, and is managed jointly by the states of New Jersey and New York. . To Eat

Located near a PATH train station, Newark Avenue and Grove Street are the core of Jersey City's nightlife. There are many restaurants and combination bar/restaurants that line these downtown streets.

Skinner's Loft

This relatively new establishment has both an old-school pub and a loft that serves American Bistro. The loft area's d?cor is made of salvaged things, but adds up to an upscale and casual environment. 146 Newark Ave., 201-915-0600

Sawadee

This Thai restaurant has a soothing atmosphere, assisted by a large Buddhism-influenced fountain along with other pieces of art. 137 Newark Ave., 201-433-0888

Ox

Probably the only restaurant in Jersey City to serve ox tail, this restaurant offers new American cuisine with a seasonal menu in an intimate environment. 176 Newark Ave., 201-860-4000

Marco & Pepe

Serving a combination of Spanish, Portuguese, Mediterranean and American food, this corner restaurant is a nice, quiet spot to sample a unique blend of cuisines. 289 Grove St., 201-860-9688

To Play

Bar Majestic

Located in what was once the lobby of the Majestic Theatre, this bar has kept some of the old d?cor and added some modern furnishings for a unique look. Bar Majestic serves cocktails, martinis, beer and wine along with a small food menu. 275 Grove St., (201) 451-4400

LITM

This hip bar is a Saturday night hot spot, with an ample wine collection and more than 60 varieties of beer. They also have a full Italian menu. 140 Newark Ave., 201 536-5557

The Merchant

This loft bar has a wood aesthetic, along with daily specials and a good assortment of food. 279 Grove St., 201-200-0202

To See

Once you take in the great view of Manhattan, Jersey City has a few museums and parks to check out.

LITM

The top floor of this bar/restaurant regularly hosts art exhibits. The gallery showcases fairly unknown artists, mainly Jersey City residents, every month. 140 Newark Ave., 201-536-5557

Jersey City Museum This museum focuses on the work of contemporary artists. Thematic exhibits feature paintings, statues and photos. Admission is $4. 350 Montgomery St., (201) 413-0303

Liberty Science Center

This museum approaches teaching science in entertaining and unique ways. This is a great place to take the kids for fun and education. 222 Jersey City Boulevard, 201-200-1000

Liberty State Park

A 1,212-acre park set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline; with hiking and biking trails, a picnic area and areas for fishing and crabbing. Audrey Zapp Drive

Hamilton Square Park(! Looks like Eric Silverman is being successful in getting some to refer to "Hamilton Park" as part of his new development!)

This historic park is the center of the Hamilton Park neighborhood. It's a great spot for dog walkers and those just out for a stroll. Jersey Avenue and Ninth Street

To Shop

The Newport Centre mall would satisfy most shopping needs, but for a more quiet experience, downtown Jersey City's small shops are worth checking out.

Newport Centre Mall

The mall features most of the stores you'd expect to find in a Simon Mall, like Macy's and JCPenney, along with a food court and a movie theater. 30 Mall Dr., 201-626-2025

Imagine Atrium

If you've been searching for odd gifts, games or the latest bestseller or independent novel, this store might have it in stock, or if not, could order it for you. 528 Jersey Ave., 201-451-4848

Another Man's Treasure For all vintage clothing and collectibles, this store will satisfy those needs. They boast the addition of 100 new hand-picked items every week. 1O9 Brunswick St., 201-610-0211

Aspasia's Boutique This small downtown boutique sells clothes and accessories for women and children from both national and local designers. 302 Grove St., 201-432-7600

Life JC

This designer clothing store boasts brands such as Dents, Hugo Boss, Modern Amusement and Velvet, with clothes for both men and women. 112 Morris St., 201-332-1444

Real Estate

Real estate in Jersey City is diverse. From brownstones, to apartments and waterfront condos, there would be plenty of choices for anyone considering a move into the area. "You're going to be able to find something in any price range," said Stephen Gucciardo, a real estate agent for the Armagno Agency. To buy:

One and two bedroom waterfront condos between $500,000 ? 700,000

12-foot-wide, two-family brownstone, Hamilton Park: $689,000

18-foot-wide, one-family brownstone, Hamilton Park: $1.3 million

One-family home, Van Vorst Park: $840,000

Recently sold:
One-bedroom condo, Van Vorst Park: $400,000
One-family house, Hamilton Park: $650,000
Three-family house, Paulus Hook (downtown): $1.2 million

For Rent:
One bedroom apartments, downtown: $1,300 ? 2,100
Two-bedroom apartments, Hamilton Park: $1,850 ? 2,800
Three-bedroom house, $3,500

Contact: Stephen Gucciardo at the Armagno Agency, (201) 659-7101

The Buzz

Jersey City's schools have been under state control for 20 years, "and I don't know how successful that was," said Shelley Skinner, founder and organizer of Jersey City Families for Better Schools. Now, the schools are being handed over to local control. Parents like Skinner and Jennifer Greely have been concerned with the district's ability to address its 20-year-old problems.

"The high level of violence and safety issues hasn't been dealt with," Greely said. She added that test levels have been below expectations. Greely is working with Skinner with Jersey City Families for Better Schools to improve school conditions before their young children enter the system.

Q&A with William Kelly

William Kelly has been a lifetime resident of Jersey City. Four months ago, he opened the well-received bar/restaurant Skinner's Loft with family members.

Q: Describe the people who live in Jersey City.

A: Very diverse. You get a little bit of everything: working class, middle class, people from all over the world.

Q: What's it like to live here?

A: It has a community and neighborhood feel. You see the same people and you get to know them.

Q: What attracts people to the area?

A: Great proximity to New York, but at the same time it's provincial, and property values are more affordable.

Q: What deters people from moving to Jersey City?

A: Some people have a Jersey phobia, but more realistically, the city is in the wild stage of development. You don't have upscale bookstores or a nice movie theater, and the public schools could be better.

Q: Where are the best places to shop?

A: There are a few boutique shops, but your best shot is the mall.

Q: What would you tell someone to do if they had a few hours to visit Jersey City?

A: Probably just take a walk around. They'd see different things and see the small businesses.

Q: Where is the neighborhood going?

A: It seems like it's attempting to go more commercial, more middle class. It's trying to improve itself.

Q: What would you change if you could?

A: Aside from big things, like improving the schools and medical care, I'd put garbage cans on every street corner. It's not as clean as it should be.

The Basics

Transportation: PATH Train - Grove Street Station and Exchange Place Station. NJ Transit bus: 1, 22, 43, 64, 67, 68, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 125, 126, 138, 319, Newark Ave. Newark Light Rail: Newark Penn Station stop. Library: Main Library, 472 Jersey Ave., 201-547-4500

Crime stats: Jersey City reported a 14 percent decrease in violent crime and an 11 percent drop in non-violent crime from 2006 to 2007. There were 21 homicides, 1,251 robberies, 3,612 counts of assault, 50 rapes and 1,507 cases of burglary reported in 2007. The only crime to increase since 2004 has been arson, with 100 counts this past year.

Police Precinct: 8 Erie St., 201-547-5300

Fire Department: 465 Marin Boulevard, 201-547-4239

Schools

Public: Elementary to Middle: Number 1 Elementary School, 128 Duncan Avenue; Frank R. Conwell No. 3 Elementary School, 111 Bright Street; Number 5 Elementary School, 182 Merseles St;

High Schools: Henry Snyder High School, 239 Bergen Ave; James J. Ferris High School
35 Colgate St; Lincoln High School, 60 Crescent Ave.

Private: St. Paul Elementary School, 193 Old Bergen Road; Visitation School, 3044 Kennedy Boulevard; St. Mary High School, 209 3rd St; St. Aedan School, 41
Tuers Ave.; Hudson Catholic Regional High School, 790 Bergen Ave.

Copyright ? 2008, AM New York

Most of these kinds of articles are written by people who don't live here, and they don't bother checking the facts.

The article says that :
Jersey City is bounded by the Hudson River on the east, the Hackensack River to the south, Hoboken to the west and 14th Street to the north.

Only the Hudson River is correct.

Also, it says that Ox is probably the only restaurant in Jersey City to serve ox tail.

I have never been to Ox, but I have seen oxtail served in latino and filipino restaurants.

Link

http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-cityliving0206,0,6981322.story