Yeah, it's definitely City Convenience that shut down, which is too bad because now I have to go an extra block for my weekly supply of Horny Goat Weed and loose cigarettes.

Thanks for the info on Melvin! I always wondered about him. We just knew him as "spare some change", or SSC for short. Definitely a nice guy. I don't often see too many other panhandlers out there with him, but I agree that Paradise definitely doesn't seem to do anything to discourage it in front of their business.

I noticed City Convenience one block down is closed. Over the past few weeks his inventory was getting more and more sparse, so I kinda saw that one coming. Perhaps you're thinking of that place?

And about the panhandler, I think Spare Some Change guy is actually the friendliest panhandler I've ever encountered. He's anything but aggressive. He's polite, always says "have a good night" even if you don't give him anything and is just generally polite about it. I secretly think he's just an older guy with nothing to to do so he goes out and fills his time asking for change. He never looks unkempt or filthy. I'd take him any day over the crackheads in the shopping cart flinging around broken glass bottles that hang out in front of 24/7.....

Agreed. The Heights has some amazing architecture throughout. It can be hard to see some of it because it's so densely populated and built up and often can't see past the few blocks you're near, but there are some amazing house and buildings all over the place.

At least it doesn't look like this anymore. This was what is now Liberty State Park in 1974. JCLister MDM posted a link to a gallery that has a pretty amazing collection of old JC pics. Definitely worth looking at if you have a minute.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wavz13/s ... 79761251/with/4159627241/

Sorry, I still disagree. I think are still plenty of places to get that great view. I wish they hadn't left the outside as exposed cement, that looks ghetto, but I think the memorial is appropriate and relevant.

No, this guy completely understands all of that. But considering the title of this thread is "Please stop the huge 9/11 memorial at LSP - it will ruin the park's views of the Manhattan skyline!" I couldn't help but feel that the idea that it ruined anyone's view of the Manhattan skyline is a little overblown. I never said anything about the design or the process.

I was at LSP today and spent some time around the memorial. My initial impression is how ridiculous it was for everyone to be complaining that it would be ruining the views of downtown Manhattan. There are over 1200 acres in LSP, and these things take up 200 feet of the waterfront. It's very small relative to the amount of waterfront in the park. From the parking lot by the old train station and ferry stop, I barely noticed they were there.

That area seems like it has massive potential, being that close to the Tunnel for city commuters and the highway ramps for in-state commuters. I know the light rail also passes right by there so I wouldn't be surprised to see another stop added if there's enough development.

I have no answers, just more questions.....

How about on Jersey Ave between 17th and 18th, over by the Exxon, etc. Seems like it's going to be pretty big judging by the size of the crane they have on the lot.

Still on Sprint, still get great service and still pay a lot less than I would on any other carrier. If you're making the switch, you may want to hustle because word is they're going to cut the unlimited data plan, but may grandfather it for existing users.

Agreed that many of these benches seem unnecessary. What would really compel that many people to sit on a bench on the stretch of Newark between Palisades Ave and the Turnpike overpass?

Same experience here, great food and very friendly service. Sounds like they had a moron for a delivery driver, though.

My point about that was the bridge could serve the purpose of extending Jersey Ave but not making it an option for the morning commute. Losing track of what I'm debating. Should've laid off that last hit of acid..................

Quote:

Kinda like I just suggested?

You got me. We're the JC Traffic Apologists Sect.

Brewster, I think it'd be fair to argue that if commuters discovered this new shortcut was faster than going through BL to get into downtown, then yes, it very well could relieve congestion in that area. You're right that it wouldn't do anything to alleviate the traffic in downtown, but even based on your logic, it's still not impossible that it could help the flow in BL.

As far as your solution, I think it's only fair to keep in mind that nobody is doing anything wrong or illegal by cutting through downtown to get to the tunnel, and therefore shouldn't be punished for doing so. These are all public streets and we don't have any more right to say can and cannot drive on them based on our own personal desires. I think this is where I'm supposed to tell you to move to the suburbs, right?

Maybe something as simple as making the bridge a one-way away from downtown between 7-10am would solve this problem?

So what is the end game? A protest and strength in numbers is a great way to get attention, but what are they actually proposing to do to change the status quo? I haven't really seen any suggestions being made on that end.

I wonder if Taqueria is getting jealous of all this negative press that Ibby's is getting instead of them?

Personally I love Ibby's, I've never had a bad experience, and I'm always impressed with how quick they prepare my platters. But am inclined to try Gypsy Grill based on all the positive feedback here.

All this taco talk is making me super hungry. I don't care if they kick me in the nuts when I walk in, I'm getting myself some Taqueria tonight....

Some people put boots on their own cars for security. I see that happen pretty often.

I may have missed it in a previous thread/post, but is this related to ongoing construction on the Newark Bay bridge? Does anyone know the purpose of that construction?

I stopped in last night around 11:30pm. The selections were still fresh and well stocked. Nice guys, too. I really like them being 24 hours as well.

langdonalger - I work with videos professionally and have lots of software at my disposal. I you have the original file available to share, I'd be happy to take a crack at blowing up/enhancing the images.

Assuming you don't have a long history of driving violations, you should be able to work it out to no points and only a fine. In the long run, it's much better to pay a fine than it is to have points on your license because your insurance will likely get jacked up.

Having a lawyer always helps.

Hey Kevin, love the video so much! Can you private message me your email address?

Just my opinion, but I think Carmine's is the best slice of the bunch in the area (Frank's, 3 Boys, Delenio, Victoria's, Pino's).

Frank's is a pretty big slice, good bang for the buck and Delenio is also pretty good, though I prefer their other menu items to their pizza.

I guess it's appropriate that NJ would have the largest mall in America.

I noticed the eastbound lanes were milled, and should be paved soon. Great news! Did anyone else notice that it's actually a much nicer drive AFTER being milled?

You have no idea what kind of can of worms you just opened on yourself. God speed.