This year, your vote on statewide public question #3 will decide the future of New Jersey's preservation efforts. Vote yes on #3 to preserve New Jersey's parks, natural areas, clean water, wildlife habitat, farmland and historic treasures and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

On November 6th, New Jersey voters will be asked to approve the Green Acres, Farmland, Blue Acres and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2007. By authorizing the state to issue $200 million in bonds, the Act would provide much-needed funds to keep the state's open space, farmland and historic preservation programs afloat for one more year and to support the Blue Acres program to purchase flood prone properties from willing sellers.

The Garden State Preservation Trust has funded New Jersey's preservation programs since 1998 when voters approved a ballot question by a 2 to 1 margin dedicating nearly 10 years of funds for the Trust. However, the Trust is now running out of money and passage of this question is necessary to keep the state's preservation and park improvement efforts going until a long-term funding source is secured.

Even with current preservation efforts, New Jersey loses more than 40 acres of open space to development everyday. At this rate, our state is projected reach full build out within 30 years. Your yes vote on #3 is needed to ensure that New Jersey can continue to preserve open space, farmland and historic treasures across the state before it is too late.

This November 6th, invest in the future of New Jersey by voting yes on this ballot question and encouraging friends and family to do the same. To find your polling place, visit https://voter.njsvrs.com/PublicAccess/ ... Place/PollPlaceSearch.jsp.

For more information, please visit www.NJKeepItGreen.org or read the frequently asked questions and answers below.

Thank you! Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Joanna Wolaver, New Jersey Audubon Society

609-392-1181

Learn More about Question #3 Below

How will New Jersey residents benefit from the passage of the bond act?

Protecting our state's natural areas, farmlands, parks, and historic sites enhances the beauty and quality of life for all New Jersey residents. Even with current preservation efforts, New Jersey loses more than 40 acres of open space to development everyday. At this rate, our state is projected to reach full development within 30 years. We must preserve these lands before it is too late in order to protect our clean drinking water supplies, provide parks for our children, reduce the impact of floods and storms, and keep our communities attractive and safe. Parks and natural areas provide places for hiking, jogging and other physical activity, which increases fitness and reduces obesity. These areas also reduce air and water pollution impacts on public health and associated costs for health care and drinking water treatment. Finally, urban parks have been linked to community revitalization through job creation and neighborhood crime reduction.

How will the money from the bond act be used?

Passage of public question #3 will provide funds to continue the existing Green Acres, Farmland Preservation and New Jersey Historic Trust programs. These valuable state programs preserve open space, working farms and historic sites in communities across the state, protect our drinking water and provide parks and recreational opportunities for New Jersey residents. The bond act will also provide funds for the Blue Acres program to purchase flood-prone lands from willing sellers for open space preservation purposes. Eligible lands are either prone to or have already incurred flood or storm damage and are located in the Delaware, Passaic and Raritan river basin floodways.

Will the passage of public question #3 increase my taxes?

Passage of question #3 will not impose any new taxes, and the funds made available can be paid for with existing revenue. The act allows the State Treasurer to issue bonds, which must be paid back within the next 30 years. Bonding, a common method for funding land acquisition and capital improvements, is the most logical and successful way to fund preservation because it takes advantage of current market values by purchasing land now instead of waiting until it is too expensive or already lost to development. New Jersey voters have approved 11 bond measures since 1961 dedicating funds for preservation efforts.

A yes vote will also help stabilize property taxes. The loss of open space and farmland to development results in increased property taxes as municipalities fund new schools, roads and public infrastructure to support this development. According to a recent report by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, studies show that for every $1.00 collected in taxes, residential development costs between $1.04 and $1.67 in services. These costs are ongoing and generally increase over time. The acquisition of open space, on the other hand, requires fewer services and costs taxpayers far less over the long term. These areas quickly pay for themselves, providing ongoing savings and substantial environmental and economic benefits to the community, such drinking water protection, public recreation opportunities, critical wildlife habitat and job creation through ecotourism.

How will passage of question #3 support my town's local preservation efforts?

Passing the act will significantly strengthen local and regional preservation efforts by providing matching funds for the local dollars collected by over 225 municipalities and all 21 counties for open space and farmland preservation projects. The funds will also be used for statewide preservation efforts that do not involve local money.

Where can I get more information and how can I help spread the word?

Visit the Keep It Green Campaign website at www.NJKeepItGreen.org for more information. You can help by voting yes on question #3 and by spreading the word about the ballot question. Please distribute a copy of the vote yes flier available in English and Spanish on the resources page of the website or contact Volunteer Coordinator Liz Silvernail at 215-630-2832 for other opportunities.

The New Jersey - Keep it Green Campaign focuses on ensuring voter approval of this bond act in November as well as securing a long-term funding source for the Garden State Preservation Trust in the future. Members include over 90 statewide, local and regional organizations ranging from sportsmen's groups and environmental organizations to affordable housing and urban park advocates working together to secure a long-term stable source of funding for the acquisition, capital improvement, operation, maintenance, and stewardship of state and local natural areas, parks and historic sites in New Jersey.

The batle to save St. John's Episcopal Church is featured in today's (Monday, November 5, 2007) edition of The Jersey Journal: Copyright 2007 The Jersey Journal

Please help us save 148-150 Palisade Avenue, a circa-1873 mansion atop the Palisades cliffs, by making a few simple phone calls. Help send a clear, strong message to Christ Hospital, the site's insensitive owner, and elected officials who have taken a back seat this summer while the teardown trend in Jersey City continues. Thank you! -John Gomez

Please call:

1) Barbara Davey, Christ Hospital VP of Public Relations. 201-795-8200. Ask for her directly or leave a message.

2) Councilman Steve Lipski, who represents the southern portion of Palisade Avenue where the mansion, neglected by the hospital and left abandoned for several years, stands. 201-547-5159.

3) And of course Mayor Jerremiah T. Healy. If anyone can put pressure on Christ Hospital to pull the demo permit and sit down with concerned citizens and preservationists, it's the Mayor. If you can only make one call, this is it. 201-547-5200.

Again, thank you for your time and concern! -JG

You can also download the s.a.v.e. newsletter (PDF) at this link:

http://www.jerseycityhistory.net/savenewsletter-7_11_07.pdf

-historyrules

Check out this youth-oriented preservation group in Jersey City. This is their first newsletter, below. (Give it a few seconds to load!) If you'd like to get on their email list, send a quick request to youngpreservationists@gmail.com. - historyrules










Learn more about s.a.v.e. at:

www.savearchitecture.org

Here's the new electronic newsletter from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy regarding the proposed amendments to the R-1 Zoning Districts. If you'd like to get on their list, send an email to jclandmarks@gmail.com. - historyrules

A QUICK NOTE TO OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS:

This has to be the most reprehensible idea ever.

Treeless streets?

Concrete up and down every corridor?

Can we uglyfy Jersey City any further?

Can we strip a city of its charm and character and essence even more?

I don't think so.

Come on, elected officials--don't do this to future generations.

Don't do this to US.

A mistake unlike any Jersey City has ever seen--that's what this is.

It's unacceptable and downright distressing that this is even on the table.

Take it off and do Jersey City right--no, do it proud.

Give us some greenery--no, don't GIVE us, just let us KEEP what's in place already.

We'd like to continue stepping outside our own front doors to confront shade and beauty.

Thank you for coming to your senses, and we expect you to fully demonstrate that on August 16 at the City Council meeting you so strategically scheduled for 10AM.

As you know, we have a parking problem in Jersey City: the demand far exceeds the available space. Unfortunately, our City Council is now considering the merits of an ill-conceived approach to address this issue ? the R1 Zoning Amendments.

The proposed amendments would change the area?s largest zoning category, the R1 zone (areas with predominantly 1- and 2-family homes). If the amendments are approved, many residential areas will be profoundly altered. Our neighborhood will become a sea of concrete, with cars as the dominant visual element in our front yards.

Rather than solve the parking problem, the zoning changes will:

? Decrease onstreet parking by allowing any home with 15 Ft in front of it to create front yard parking.

? Trade onstreet parking that any resident can use for private parking that only an individual homeowner can use.

? Blight the streetscape by encouraging homeowners to cut down trees and pave over front yards to make way for parked cars.

? Create a safety hazard for pedestrians using the sidewalk and drivers who must back out into oncoming traffic.

The changes will also eliminate green space, 10 feet at a time, by reducing the rear yard setback to 20 feet from 30 feet. This means less privacy for you and your family.

By working together, we can tell the Mayor and City Council that this is not what we want for Jersey City. Will you join us?

To email or fax the Mayor and Council go to:

http://actionstudio.org/?go=2373&i=KjsmUjddXDMiUywlWlMgICAK

Please urge them to vote NO on the R1 Zoning Amendments. (You can also cut and paste the address into your browser)

Two upcoming meetings will decide the future appearance and function of our neighborhoods. Please attend the City Council meeting on Wednesday, August 16th at 10AM at the Mary McCloud Bethune Life Center, 140 Martin Luther King Drive where the vote will be held and/or the Planning Board hearing on August 8th at 5:30PM at City Hall, 280 Grove Street.

The summer is a difficult time to take action ? and the city is counting on that. Please click on the link above to email or fax the Mayor and Council to urge them to vote NO on the R1 Zoning Amendments and urge your friends and neighbors to do the same by forwarding this message to them.

Thank you for your support in saving our neighborhoods!

Sincerely,

Becky Hoffman
Riverview Neighborhood Association

PS: Flyers and other information about the proposed zoning changes can be viewed and downloaded at:

www.savethepalisades.org/pages/zoning.html

Help get the word out.

Here's the recent public announcement/artist's rendition for the Powerhouse, as published in The Jersey Journal:



"Fresh Start: Powerhouse Project Gets Developer"

Friday, July 21, 2006

By Jarrett Renshaw for The Jersey Journal

The outlook for the long-dormant Powerhouse in Downtown Jersey City got a little brighter this week after the city Redevelopment Authority designated a developer with a lengthy track record for successfully transforming industrial-age buildings into modern entertainment complexes.

City officials say the designation of Baltimore-based Cordish Companies - a key player in the turnaround of Baltimore's Inner Harbor - represents a fresh start for the long-troubled Powerhouse project, which is widely considered the cornerstone of the Powerhouse Arts District.

"This is a turning point for the Powerhouse Arts District and all of Jersey City," Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy said in a written statement. "Their work at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore is world class and we expect nothing less in Jersey City."

News of the designation was greeted warmly by members of the community who have long fought to see the site both preserved and used.

"It's excellent," said John Gomez, founder and former president of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy. "We actually visited with Cordish back in 2000, hoping they would come aboard."

The current president of the Conservancy, Joshua Parkhurst, agreed.

"I am glad to see the process is moving along and I hope that the builders will come to the community groups and include them," he said.

Officially known as the Hudson and Manhattan Powerhouse, the one-acre building on Washington Boulevard stands 140 feet tall. Built in 1906 to provide power to the Hudson Tubes - the predecessor to the PATH - the building is structurally sound, though a leaky roof has caused extensive corrosion.

The details of the redevelopment project are still being negotiated, but informal plans call for a multi-level mix of entertainment and retail. Its listing on the National Register of Historical Places also means it will restored under U.S. Department of Interior guidelines.

The project has long been hampered by the fact that the city's partner, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, houses its transformers for the PATH system at the site.

The Port Authority is spending $400,000 for a consultant to conduct a review of the site, which will look at alternative places for the transformers and the agency's projected power needs in the future, said Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority.

"From our discussions with the Port Authority, we are optimistic that the issue would be resolved," said city Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis.

It's too early to put forth a timeline, but if and when the transformer issue gets resolved the project will begin to catch momentum, said JCRA Executive Director Bob Antonicello.

How the transformer issue is resolved, along with a host of other considerations, will help determine how the project gets funded. City officials said they expect to lease the space to Cordish, but they would not speculate on other funding formulas.

The JCRA had previously designated a Pennsylvania-based developer at the site, but Antonicello said the project was too large and the city had to find them in default of the agreement.

? 2006 The Jersey Journal. All Rights Reserved.

From A Warehouse To A Skyscraper

Jersey City ready to sign a deal with developer for First Street project, to dismay of some

Sunday, June 25, 2006

BY STEVE CHAMBERS

Star-Ledger Staff

After a fierce struggle with a billionaire developer, a colony of artists was forced to move last year from a historic warehouse they turned into a warren of studios near the waterfront in booming Jersey City.

Now, following a year of tense negotiation and legal wrangling, the city is poised to sign an agreement with developer Lloyd Goldman that will allow him to build at least one and possibly two high-rise residential towers through the middle of 111 First St. One of the towers could be 40 stories high.

The agreement -- which will be considered this week by the city council -- also will allow the developer to build another high-rise next door, on the site of another warehouse he tore down.

Supporters of the agreement say it has provisions that will preserve the historic nature of the district while resolving costly and risky litigation, but opposition is already bubbling among the ranks of historic preservationists, artists and new district residents.

DEFENDING THE PLAN

Council President Mariano Vega defended the settlement as the best deal for the city, something that will end expensive litigation and pave the way for a special piece of architecture on the site.
"We have worked feverishly to protect the city's interests and accomplish the values we set out for the district, while not giving away the store," he said. "We have a reasonable settlement."

Community activists are livid, however, that Goldman will win and, in their mind, the Powerhouse Arts District will be corrupted.

"It's a drag to see that someone with so much money and power can basically impose himself on an entire city," said Jeff Baker, a former resident of 111 First St. who restores and builds historic doors. "Jersey City is such a great city, but it's growing so fast that I see a great void in arts and entertainment."

Joshua Parkhurst, president of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, was similarly appalled.

"I think the city has to show it is serious about defending its ordinances," he said. "I'm not opposed to compromise, but on these terms it's more like capitulation."

Vega said the city forced concessions from Goldman that will protect the district and be good for the city. He said the developer will donate $1 million to the arts, set aside 117 of perhaps 1,000 residential units for lower-income residents and preserve a facade that will maintain the hip streetscape the city was attempting to create. He said a major gallery and performance space will be included in the project.

Discussion with neutral engineering consultants hired by the city supported Goldman's contention that the building was unsafe, Vega said. He said it's likely the building will be torn down and the facade re-created with the original bricks.

Goldman argued it could cost tens of millions of dollars to renovate the building, and district restrictions meant the project would be a money loser. He threatened to mothball the building and wait out the administration.

Instead, Vega said, Goldman has agreed to hire a world-class architect who will work to make the skyscraper project something special.

"The mayor wanted a world class architect, and that means much more money has to be spent by the developer," Vega said. "We want something that will help define the zone and certainly allows it to be distinguished from any other high rise."

But at a community meeting Thursday night, about 50 residents of the district blasted the proposal.

Robert and Carrie Chu, who in November moved into 140 Bay St., the first converted warehouse in the district, said new residents were sold on the notion they were moving into a special district with height restrictions on buildings.

"These high rises will cut us off from the view and the connection with the powerhouse," a vacant historic building at the edge of the district, she said. "This could cause a domino effect with all the plans being overturned."

AGGRESSIVE AT FIRST

The city initially took an aggressive stance with Goldman, but things did not go well.

The city charged the developer allowed 111 First St. to deteriorate and threatened to fine him $75 million for fire-code violations. But Goldman sued the city for $100 million, saying it was denying his rights to develop his property.

Judge Maurice Gallipoli ordered the parties into mediation, weakening the city's position by throwing out its historic ordinance protecting the warehouse properties.

The neighborhood is on the edge of booming residential construction, most notably two towers soaring 50 stories and higher that are being built beside the powerhouse by Donald Trump and Hoboken-developer Dean Geibel.

The arts district was designed to fill the void described by Baker, an area where artists could live and work, display their creations and create some of the night life and cultural buzz lacking in the booming city.

But Vega said it would be unrealistic to think 111 First St. could ever be re-created once the artists had moved on.

"There was a magic chemistry in that building, but Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall," he said. "You couldn't put it back together again."

Steve Chambers covers land-use issues. He may be reached at schambers@starledger.com or (973) 392-1674.

? 2006 The Star Ledger

? 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.

The JERSEY CITY LANDMARKS CONSERVANCY is proud to announce the winners of the

2006 PRESERVATION AWARDS

for our upcoming:



After nearly six months of deliberating over board-nominated candidates, conducting historical research and interviews and making multiple site visits, we have selected the following outstanding examples of bricks-and-mortar restoration, preservation promotion, scholarship, grass roots advocacy and lifetime achievement:

EXCELLENCE IN PRESERVATION AWARD

This award, given to three separate property owners, recognizes the recent restoration, rehabilitation or adaptive reuse of a building, structure or object that exemplifies a high regard for the resource's historical and architectural integrity.

Charlie Hewitt and Tom Watts
for The Bath House, 1903
5-11 Coles Street
The Italian Village
Jersey City, New Jersey
Inglese Architecture and Engineering
(Architect of Record)
Donahoe Brothers, Inc.
(General Contractor)



Dennis Doran
Private 19thh Century Victorian Residence
55 Summit Avenue
Bergen Hill
Jersey City, New Jersey



Giuseppe LoPiccolo
Creative R & D, LLC
Private 19th Century Italianate Clapboard Row House
336 8th Street
Hamilton Park Historic District
Jersey City, New Jersey




2006 PRESERVATION INITIATIVE AWARD

This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts by an individual or organization in promoting the preservation and/or protection of a historic resource.

Grace Lutheran Church
982 Summit Avenue
Jersey City Heights
Jersey City, New Jersey




2006 J. OWEN GRUNDY HISTORY AWARD

Named after the city's late historian, the J. Owen Grundy History Award recognizes work that chronicles, through a written or visual medium, Jersey City history.

Thomas Fleming, Author
"Mysteries of My Father: An Irish-American Memoir"




2006 THEODORE CONRAD PRESERVATIONIST AWARD

Named after Jersey City's late influential preservationist, the Theodore Conrad Preservationist Award recognizes local grassroots historic preservation efforts.

Sam Pesin and The Friends of Liberty State Park




2006 LIVING LEGEND AWARD

The Living Legend Award is given to someone, who through his or her experience, embodies the history of Jersey City.

The Reverend Robert Castle




THE 6TH ANNUAL PRESERVATION AWARDS CEREMONY

The 2006 Awardees will be celebrated at our 6th Annual Preservation Awards Ceremony, a special public event on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre in Journal Square from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Presented by the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy at the conclusion of National Historic Preservation Month. Sponsored by Metrovest, Lord Abbett, PSE&G, Lindemon Winckelmann Deupree Martin and Associates, Van Vorst Park Association, Goldman Sachs, Liberty Realty and the historic Temple Beth-El.

We are thrilled to be able to recognize and bestow honors upon these heroes of the preservation community, and we hope you are able to attend the ceremony to meet them and sing their praises!

The event will include live lobby music, buffet, wine, slide show, exhibit, presentation of awards and a private tour of the theatre. In 2005 we drew a crowd of over 250, but we hope to top that number this year, demonstrating the public's growing passion for--and commitment to--historic preservation in Jersey City.

CEREMONY TICKETS:

You may purchase your ticket for $25 at the local businesses listed below or at the Loew's box office on the night of the event.

Beechwood Cafe, 290 Grove Street
Garden State News, 366 Central Avenue
GO (Gourmet Organic), 611 Jersey Avenue

For more information about tickets and the ceremony, please call Joshua Parkhurst at (201) 332-4704 or e-mail: jscparkhurst@hotmail.com

The 2006 Awards Ceremony is also made possible by the generous contributions of Friends of the Loew's, FastFrame Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and Bar Majestic. Special thanks goes out to Lycel Villanueva, Leon Yost, Christine Bee, Laura Fraschilla, Pat Guida, Cynthia Harris, The New Jersey Room, and all of our dedicated 2006 Preservation Awards Ceremony volunteers!



SPECIAL ADDED EVENT:

As a special precursor to the May 31 Awards Ceremony, the Conservancy, in collaboration with the Jersey City Museum, will be holding a one-time public screening of the 1991 film "Cousin Bobby" at the Jersey City Museum, 350 Montgomery Street, on Tuesday, May 30, from 6: 00 to 8:00 p.m.

The 70-minute film focuses on the embattled life and times of the Rev. Robert Castle, a 1960s-era Episcopal priest in the heart of Jersey City's then-blighted Bergen Hill neighborhood and, later, after a self-imposed exile, Harlem. In the eyes of the Jersey City politicians and police, Castle was a constant thorn, a reckless civil rights advocate who knew no rest; to the African-American and Latino communities, he was a selfless civic leader, a savior for the silenced and oft-persecuted minority.

Demme, the director of such acclaimed films as "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Philadelphia," made "Cousin Bobby" as a tribute to his older cousin Castle. Critics praised the film's honesty and gripping portrait of one of the most controversial yet important religious figures to emerge out of the Civil Rights Movement.

A brief Q&A will follow the screening. Mr. Demme will not be able to attend the museum event, but he is scheduled to attend the Preservation Awards Ceremony to watch his cousin receive long-overdue recognition.

Tickets are $10 at the museum reception desk, or you may reserve your seat inside the museum's Caroline L. Guarini Theater with a credit card by calling the museum at 201-413-0303 x 141.

I hope to see everyone at both the Awards Ceremony and the "Cousin Bobby" screening!

John Gomez
Founder and Past President
Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy

More info at www. jclandmarks.org

Wireless access should be as free and as accessible as public libraries. I support Councilman Fulop's initiative wholeheartedly.

However, the City Council tends to shoot down anything he puts on the table (after all, Fulop is not part of the Democratic Machine), so he'll need strong support from people like us who are fed up with paying outrageous fees and being held hostage by the utilities.

If Fulop can't get a city-wide wireless program out of his colleagues on the Council, they should agree, at the very least, to provide free wireless access in public places like libraries, municipal buildings, parks, plazas, waterfront walkways, college campuses, malls, etc.

I can imagine, though, Verizon and other communications companies lobbying the hell out of the Council and maybe even making a few political contributions (if they don't already) to keep FREE service out of Jersey City.

Support the Councilman's proposal; write to the Council and Mayor; push local neighborhood associations to lobby as hard as the utilities.

Just think: you'll be able to access JCLIST for free. :)

For those who might have missed last week's news story about the Reservoir Alliance's successful efforts to shut down the City's draining activities at the Reservoir, here's the article:

This story ran in the Monday edition of The Jersey Journal (pasted below), but an updated story is scheduled to be published later this week regarding the Reservoir Alliance's successful attempt to shut down the draining this weekend.

- historyrules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Draining of Jersey City Reservoir Halted

Eleven days after it began, the controversial draining of Jersey City's historic Reservoir No. 3 was halted on Sunday morning, January 28, 2006. The Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance, made up of local community and statewide environmental organizations, had feared that the draining would do irreparable harm to the Reservoir and the wildlife that thrives there.

The Reservoir, not used as an active part of Jersey City's water system since 1990, has become a unique oasis of wild flowers, trees, birds and various species of fish in the heart of the intensely urban corner of the State. Despite the fact that it is protected under New Jersey's open waters, wetlands and historic preservation regulations, there has been much local speculation that the Reservoir might be destroyed for development in the current real estate boom.

Jersey City lowered the water level to facilitate removal of 3,000 square feet of fill that it had improperly dumped in the Reservoir some years ago. But the Reservoir Alliance became very concerned when Jersey City Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis had suggested that more than 85 percent of the water in the Reservoir might be drained away - far in excess of what seemed necessary to remove the relatively small amount of debris. The damage to wildlife from such a massive draining raised fears that the City's actions might cause even greater harm. Concerns were raised still further when Matsikoudis speculated about building condos in the Reservoir.

Fortunately, on Sunday morning, with only about 30 percent of the water drained off, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection instructed Jersey City to immediately halt the pump at the Reservoir now that the water level is low enough for the removal of the inappropriate fill.

The Reservoir Alliance believes that the DEP acted promptly and prudently in ensuring that only the minimum amount of water was removed, thereby preventing harm to the Reservoir's ecosystem, wildlife and abundant fish population. The episode shows the importance of the State's environmental oversight as well as the need for vigilance and
activism on the part of concerned local citizens groups.

Steve Latham, President of the Reservoir Alliance, said that "plans for the Reservoir must take into account that the site is protected by state and federal environmental laws." Latham continues, "The draining of the Reservoir was started without any communication to the Reservoir Alliance or to the public at large and with no awareness on the part of many Jersey City officials. The Reservoir is a protected historical and ecological resource for our city and state, something we hold in trust for ourselves and future generations."

The Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance, and other local residents, have been working for several years to protect this unique site. Spring and summer, the Reservoir Alliance sponsored tours, plantings, clean-ups, school projects, kayaking and other activities that allowed the public to enjoy the Reservoir as an environmental resource for the first time. The Alliance is looking forward to the continued cooperation from Jersey City in hosting a second season of such activities this year.

MORE INFORMATION AT:

http://www.jcreservoir.org/

Yes, the Van Winkle Avenue row of sugared brick townhouses is among the worst I've seen in Jersey City.

Construction crews hammered away with giant drills at a volcanic rock formation famous for its odd placement in the middle of Journal Square.

The formation was millions of years old. And in 2004/2005 it was chiseled, crushed and pulverized on site to make way for the new urban blight.

-historyrules

DanL, are you saying we are better off relying on zoning laws and, even more shocking, zoning officials enforcing those laws? You cannot be serious when you say zoning "can address...lot coverage, density, height, curb cuts, percentage of glass, masonry, metal..."? Does this include fenestration materials, railing, cornices, painting, doors, additions--the elements that matter the most, that keep the historic fabric intact, preserved, resplendant, that the Historic Commission enforces?

Imagine if, in some nightmarish situation, that the Downtown historic districts were instead watched over by zoning officials; that no Historic Preservation Commission existed. What would we see?

Well, take a look at the Heights, Journal Square, Greenville--you get the idea. Cookie cutters, horrible addtions to houses, eyesore sidings, concrete covered car ports.

I also quote: "...note that there are beautiful brownstone blocks that have survived and been restored both in Jersey City and Hoboken that are not located in historic districts."

Have you been to the Bergen Hill area lately? One of Jersey City's finest collection of non-districted brownstones, kept intact ironically over the decades by persistant inner-city recessions, depressions, whatever one may call it...and now during the building boom we see the ugly cookie cutters going up around them. Now how is zoning protecting Bergen Hill? Are the non-districted areas in Hoboken so invulnerable, so protected by zoning law?

This thread has not "veered away from the initial questions" because the initial questions--cookie cutter infill and the loss of historic fabric as a result--relates to all of this, and more.

Historic District Dissenters:

Let me share something:

None of you were here in the 1970s when Downtown was literally burning (like Hoboken, like the South Bronx). Elected officials did nothing--and maybe, to some degree, they were helpless since Nixon nixed urban revitalization--while entire rows of brownstones were shelled out by flames.

It sounds apocalyptic, but it is true: Owners could barely give their properties away (properties now worth a million +). So they collected big insurance bucks after torching buildings right near those who still believed, who still wanted to stay in Jersey City.

Inner-city advocates like Morris Pesin, Audrey Zapp, Ted Conrad, Thomas Stanton, Allan Bardack, J. Owen Grundy and
a few others gathered and came up with one last resort to keep the browstones standing:

National Register Historic Districts.

They saw it doing wonders for similarly stricken 19th century neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, the Village, the Upper East Side, SOHO, etc.

And that's the story: districting saved Downtown JC, revitalized it, pulled it out of its own embers, preserved irreplaceable fabric for a few more centuries.

And now we have people saying that the districts need to go (because they are butting heads with Wrieden)? That no more should be created?

While flames are far from a threat to potential historic districts in this day and age, other equally devastating elements have arrived in the form of the bullyish, monsoon-like building boom: cranes are in full swing, ripping down Victorian mansions one by one in largely overlooked neighborhoods. (Alas, every neighborhood outside of Downtown has been largely overlooked, for many years, though now that not a single empty lot exists anymore developers are aiming greedy eyes elsewhere.)

Historic-districting an amazing (and fragile) area like Sherman Place in the JC Heights will save it from losing what makes it so spectacularly special: wrap-around porch Victorian ladies with carriage houses the size of small tenements. And that's not even mentioning the Colonials, the Federals, the Queen Annes, the Greek Revivals, the Mansard roofs.

I don't mean to sound like a romantic preservationist, a "purist" as posters have called us--but if you were around in the 1970s and witnessed the turn-around that districting brought Downtown...well, I doubt we'd hear so much whining about Wrieden and cat calls for district reversals.

Keep this in mind; let it sit there for a while:

Historic Districts in the Downtown area made it what it is today: valuable, sought-after, desirable, valuable. The pots of gold we are all sitting on did not magically appear: they were handed to us decades ago because a group of wise people could look into the future and see prosperous districts of preserved, greatly-appreciated homes.

When you complain about expensive windows, doors, railings--when you complain about the Historic Preservation Officer and the Commission he oversees--you hammer away at our distinct, intact and precious quality of life, our livelihoods, our history.

When you say that historic districts are bad because they demand strict compliance, you announce, innocently or not, that Downtown was better off when fires regularly roared in the morning hours, wiping away once-in-a-lifetime-architecture.

When you say that the Heights and other sections should not be landmarked according to time-tested standards set forth by the Secretary of the Interior, the State Historic Preservation Office and the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission, you wave in the wrecking balls with smiling faces.

Know what the struggle was before you hurl lopsided suggestions ("Conservation" districts? Are you kidding?). Walk through the Downtown historic districts and take a good look at what we came close to losing forever before you criticize. Talk to your real estate agent about the ballooning value of your historic property before you beg to differ.

-historyrules

To get Sherman Place and the surrounding Victorian area designated as an official historic district, the following has to occur:

1. HOMEOWNER SUPPORT. There has to be a significant amount of support from this vital base. Significant in the sense that virtually all want it, need it, demand it, rally for it. Without homeowner support Councilman Bill Gaughan, who needs to be in favor, will balk and axe it in one mighty swoop.

2. EDUCATION. Read up on the financial and cultural benefits of becoming a historic district. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Trenton specializes in this. Contact Bob Craig. Invite him and other SHPO officials for a tour of the area. If they are not excited (like Gaughan must be) then the process, if it begins, hits a serious snag. Check out the New Jersey Historic Trust website for detailed info on matching restoration grants--invite them also. Reach out to the Downtown historic districts--all have active neighborhood associations.

3. ORGANIZE. Get people in the area mobilized; hook up with local neighborhood groups like Sherman Place Block Association, etc. Form a "Victorian Heights" preservation group. Invite Gaughan and Mayor Healy to a meeting. Start talking it up, creating a campaign. Website anyone?

4. MEDIA ATTENTION. Tired of the cookie cutter syndrome ravaging the Heights? Upset with the erasure of historic homes? Think about the Victorian lady on Sherman Place, about to be leveled. Think about the early 19th century farmhouse on Oakland Avenue, taken down this summer for a cookie cutter. Think about the equally aged house on Sherman Avenue, with demolition tape winding around its facade. Think about these and talk to the press. The Jersey Journal. The JC Reporter. The NY Times. News 12 NJ.

5. NETWORK. Reach out to Preservation New Jersey; ask them for assistance across the board; it's their specialty. Befriend Dan Wrieden and members of the Historic Preservation Commission--you will need their backing as well.

6. PERSERVERANCE. Go the distance. Acquire landmark status at all costs. Protect other old homes from outside developers who could care less about the quality of life and the historic fabric of your neighborhood.

It is the truth:

Landmark it or they will come.

-historyrules

Allow me to add:

If the Sherman Place residential area had been designated an official historic district (like Downtown Jersey City's now 5 historic districts) the Victorian lady about to be leveled would, more than likely, have a fighting chance. The Jersey City Historic District Commission would never have allowed it to be taken down for no good reason other than to build structures that detract from the area's 19th century architectural fabric.

Not to sound alarmist or even negative, but this should be a wake up call to the homeowners of Sherman Place (though in truth other undistricted neighborhoods in Jersey City have sounded the "save our history" sirens before, only to see them grow silent again).

My advice in any case:

Landmark it or they will come.

Many historic homes in Jersey City and other parts of Hudson County are being leveled for those architectural eyesores--and elected officials, planners and local architects are not blinking a single eye.

Witness this 19th century Victorian mansion on Sherman Place in the Jersey City Heights: it is about to be demolished to make way for the classic cookie cutter infill. I believe two are set to go up in place of this magnificent, irreplaceable structure.

And two old-growth Sycamores at the front edge of the vast property will be cut down to make way for car port right-of-ways.

This, ladies and gentleman, is but one egregious effect of the current real estate boom.

Every lot--empty or occupied--is lucrative. Everyone, now, is a developer, a builder, a landlord without a conscience.

Look, again, at what we are sacrificing in the name of progress and prosperity.

-historyrules

Here's the story in today's Jersey Journal:

"111 First Owner Is A Step Closer To Demolition; Historic Status KO'd"

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

By BONNIE FRIEDMAN for THE JERSEY JOURNAL

A New York City developer who has been fighting for more than a year to demolish a former industrial building in Downtown Jersey City won a major victory last week when Superior Court Judge Maurice Gallipoli vacated a city ordinance granting historic status to 16 buildings in the Warehouse District.

Gallipoli's ruling leaves in doubt the fate of 111 First St. - a onetime artist enclave that had served as the centerpiece of the Powerhouse Arts District - unless the city files an appeal.

The historic preservation ordinance, adopted by the City Council last year, stated buildings in the district would be protected "from demolition or alteration without review by the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission and the city's historic preservation specialist."

In July, five commissioners rejected an application from building owner Lloyd Goldman of New Gold Equities to demolish 111 First St. The commission didn't agree with Goldman's claim that the 130-year-old brick building is in imminent danger of collapse and would be too costly to repair.

Gallipoli vacated the city ordinance, saying several of the commissioners were serving expired terms and thus were not legal members of the board, said Victor Herlinsky, an attorney for the city.

However, according to city records, the nine members and two alternates on the historic preservation commission are all within their current terms.

Mayor Jerramiah Healy said through his spokeswoman that he is consulting with the legal department before deciding whether to appeal Gallipoli's ruling.

But many of the building's former tenants - who have continued to stay involved with the building since moving out in March - think it's the beginning of the end for the former P. Lorillard Tobacco Co. warehouse.

"It's such a shame to see it go," said Paul Sullivan, a sculptor and former tenant. "But it's more of a loss for the city. The artists will figure out other places to work."

Several other lawsuits have yet to be heard by the courts. The parties will meet in federal court Monday to hear Goldman's claim that the city is in violation of his constitutional rights.

? 2005 The Jersey Journal

To be precise, it's the WAREHOUSE HISTORIC DISTRICT status that is now threatened, not the arts district designation.

No matter what happens to 111, the area will include artists, as other residential projects along Bay, Provost and First streets are proving.

The two titles for the area have been tossed around over the last year, causing confusion. History is what's been at stake all along. We have to remember that, even at this stage.

This turns historic preservation laws--(laws fought so hard for over the decades, with many a landmark sacrificed to get where we are)--over on their heads.

Gallipoli's ruling will reverberate across the country. What the City does over the next few months will determine the outcome. Mayor Healy is not much of an advocate for Jersey City history-- but let's see what actions, if any, he takes.