Just FYI, they had a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday (1/15). Pictures are available at jcdowntown website (jcdowntown dot org)

I would highly recommend this company:

J.Canabe's Painting Co
178 Belgrove Dr
Kearny, NJ 07032
Lic: 13VH03640200
Phone 201-997-0722

Jimmy Paz is the owner. They recently did a high-quality paint job in our building. Very reasonable price and very committed to full customer satisfaction. I will certainly hire them again for any future paint job.

And while you are at it, also try to pick up the leaves in your sidewalks and by the curb... that's all going to be swept by the water to the storm drains...

The Brian Lehrer show at NPR just broadcasted a half hour segment about the upcoming storm:

Hurricane Sandy is threatening to hit the Northeast next week. Adam Sobel, professor of Climate and Atmospheric Science at Columbia University, explains what we can expect. Plus: Heidi Moore, now of The Guardian, on a $1B federal lawsuit against Bank of America for mortgage fraud; 30 Issues in 30 Days continues with a look at the history of the culture wars; Western law and indigenous culture; and the real story behind the Hollywood film ?Argo.?

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/2012/oct/26/

I guess it will be made available in a podcast (?).

I am looking for recommendations on an attorney/firm in Hudson County that specializes in Estate Planning for preparation of Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorneys, etc.

Any information in this regard will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

Our favorite beach is Island Beach State Park (exit 82 of GSP), certainly closer than Long Beach Island from jersey City. It is a 1.5 hour drive door to door from downtown JC to the beach parking lot with very little traffic. The island runs for about 8 miles, with two beaches staffed by lifeguards and with concession stands and showers. There are also several unguarded beach spots for those who seek more solitude, fishing, etc. The water is pretty clean, we have spotted several fish, brown manta rays, and even dolphins! here are also some ranger-led programs and hiking trails.

TIP: For dog owners, the second swimming area has a section at the end that allows dogs, and that's our favorite spot to hang out by, just to enjoy the company of the dogs even though we don't have one.

For more information on this State park visit their website:

http://www.islandbeachnj.org/

FYI, email sent by P. O. Dina Reilly from JCPD: From: east > Date: August 27, 2012 12:37:09 PM EDT > To: east > Subject: Recent Robberies > > Please be advised the Jersey City Police Department is currently investigating robberies that occurred over the weekend in the downtown area of the East District as well as a robbery in the South District. It is believed these robberies are related and suspects are being narrowed down. > > The South and East District Detectives and Commanders are working diligently to solve these crimes. > > Captain Connors has increased patrol, uniform and plain clothes, in the incident areas (in the East District). > > If anyone sees anyone/anything suspicious, please contact the police immediately ? non-emergency number, 201-547-5477, or emergency number, 911. > > We will continue to keep the community posted on updates. > > P.O. Dina Reilly > Jersey City Police Department > East District Community Relations Officer > 207 7th St. > 201-547-4370 > policeeast@njjcps. org >

Agree with the suggestion to check the receipt, or better yet, keep an eye on the casher register scren while they are scanning your items. And this goes for any supermarket you go to for shopping. I also advise you check the stickers on deli/fish items you order. I got incorrectly billed $80+ for 1 lb. of cod fish at the Shoprite in Bayonne... I didn't bother to check until I had already paid... so lesson learned!

On the other hand, love the fact that Key Food carries some varieties of organic fruits and vegetables. They also surprised me the other day selling zapote fruit (you can google it if you don't know what it is). It is really hard to find zapote in the local markets, so that was quite a treat! The upgraded deli area is a very nice improvement, offering Board's Head brand which is pretty decent. Got to say, what a nice change from the former C-Town!!

"Jersey City Sanitation" almost sounds like an oxymoron...

I've noticed numerous times the the recycling trash (paper) not being picked up at 5th Street. If the recycling trash is not overflowing from the trash bins the pick up guys won't bother picking them up... what a bunch of lazy dudes. I have to keep policing the trash pick ups and yell out the window to call their attention to pick up the trash...

And the pick up itself is like a carnival, the folks picking up those big cans seem to really enjoy making a big mess and leave garbage on the streets and sidewalks. What a totally careless service. It would be nice to capture some videos of these incidents by the JCIA and post them on the internet... how about portraying them in the Hall of Shame at Fox 5 News with Arnold Diaz?

I've noticed more dog poop than usual recently along Coles Street between 4th and 2nd Street. The dog owner is apparently "leaving it to the rain" to wash the mines off... and this is from a big dog! disgusting... Need the dog poop police!

Call the JC Parking Authoritiy, 201-653-6969 and report the issue with the abandoned car. They helped us tow a car that was blocking our garage entrance.

I also recommend Seabra Marisqueria on Madison, it's our favorite seafood place in the IronBound. Portions are large, we always end up sharing a main course after getting some appetizers. Family atmosphere, very reasonable prices, consistent quality food.

Trash is my number 1 complaint as a resident in Jersey City. It disgusts me to see so much trash on the streets and catch basins (at least in downtown area) all the time. There almost seems to be some kind of pride in littering the area, and unfortunately, the JCIA takes a 'reactive' approach at best. The city needs to conduct an aggressive campaign to educate the population on not littering. Fines would be awesome, but knowing the way this city operates I find it almost impossible to see enforcement in that regard (and they could actually make LOTS of money!). There should definitely be more trash cans on the streets. I've found myself picking up trash from the streets numerous times and walking several blocks before finding a single trash can to throw the garbage at.

I encourage you all to report trash to the JCIA through the "Official Jersey City" website:

http://mycusthelp.com/JERSEYCITYNJ/_c ... WMQFJFJGOVJJZRRWXILSNXVTA

I have personally reported trash in several locations to the city, attaching pictures to document the reports. The JCIA has actually followed up on these requests; they send an inspector to the reported area, and provide status on the work done or pending to be done. Depending on the location, the JCIA will either report the issue to the property owner to have them clean up the trash or JCIA will do the trash pick-up themselves on city or empty lots.

One submitted request that still pending response from the city is to install trash cans at the pedestrian entrance to the Liberty State Park in Jersey Avenue. I frequently find trash along the entrance and I end up myself picking it up in a large bag and dumping it at the trash can in front of the Jersey City Medical Center. It should not be my job but I just can't stand all the trash by the entrance to such a nice park! I urge you to submit similar request as well through the website mentioned above.

But wouldn't it be nice if the JCIA would be more proactive and actually send inspectors through the area to note all the many sites that require clean up without having the residents report the trash that must be picked up?

In the meantime, take some action and submit trash removal requests to the city. It is just easy to complain, be passive and just wait for someone else to take some action. Any small initiative will make a difference.

Went with my husband for dinner earlier this evening, taking advantage of the groupon offer. We really loved the food!! As an appetizer, we had the red lentil soup (very tasty) and for main courses we ordered the lamb chops and the Adana kebab (ground lamb seasoned with herbs and spices)... both dishes were excellent and the sizes were just right. For dessert we tried the baklava and the rice pudding, nice finish to a great meal! The restaurant was well attended during the evening, and we also enjoyed the company of a large group sitting in a long table (apparently all Turkish) who were feasting on the whole menu... they were getting one dish after another, and they brought their Ouzo to celebrate! We give two thumbs up to this restaurant and will certainly be back; we'll make sure to bring some friends so that we can order a variety of dishes and appetizers to share.

I've been taking my car to this place for oil change in the past two years:

Flash Lube
Tel: (201) 222-1022
1026 Summit Ave
Jersey City, NJ 07307

I am pretty satisfied with their service and there is hardly ever a waiting line whenever I go.

I recommend Danilo Baez for TV (and other electronics) repair:

Danilo Baez TV Repair Shop
272 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07302-2614
(201) 963-0778

His shop is located on Newark close to the intersection with Monmouth. Great guy and very reliable.

Easy Riders JC is advertising a "free view for free" for the event. Is this free view from inside the park? Does anyone know if people will be able to have access to LSP by bikes or foot this weekend? According to the map at the Red Bull Air Race website, the main roads to the park are marked as restricted for permit holders, guests, and media.

Just wondering... will appreciate any additional information in this regard.

If you don't mind driving a bit north to Palisades Park area, I highly recommend the King Sauna and Spa (a Korean Spa with saunas, whirlpools, massage areas. etc.). Feel free to check out their website for more details and pictures:

http://www.kingsaunanj.com/

My husband and I spent a day at this spa on Memorial Day weekend and really liked it. There is an admittance fee for the day which is fairly reasonable, you can use the sauna rooms (dry or steam) and whirlpools at your leisure all day long. They also offer massages and body scrubs for an additional fee and automatically include the tip. They also a Korean restaurant in the premises which serves good quality food.

They offer a discount coupon online for the admittance fee, just click the "e-coupon" link on the main web page.

We felt like we had traveled to Korea for a day, pretty interesting and welcoming place indeed!.

Thanks for the replies. I don't believe the increase in the condo Master policy insurance premium is related to the increase in the flood insurance premium. The flood insurance rate had not increased until this year, whereas the master insurance rate keeps increasing every year. I hope to get a hold of the manager of the qagency soon to get justification for the yearly increase in premium.

I will certainly start shopping around for other insurance companies that offer master insurance policies. Again, any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

This posting is directed to those of you who manage a condo association, particularly for small buildings (2-4 units) in downtown Jersey City.

I manage a condo association for a two-unit building located in the Italian Village (downtown JC). Building was built in 2002, so it s fairly young construction. Since we moved to our condo 4 years our master insurance premium (which we hold with a small agency in Bayonne) has been raised at an average of 5% every year. We have never filed a claim for the master policy. The renewal policy shows a slight increase in the "Limit of Insurance" amount every year. I called the insurance agency to get an explanation for the premium increases and also entertain alternatives on stopping or capping the premium increases; however, I have not been able to get a hold of the agency's manager yet. The assistant at the agency is rather 'uncooperative' and useless.

By the way, Flood Insurance for our condo association also went up this year by about 10%...

So I wanted to find out of other condo associations in the downtown area are experiencing the same rate increases, and in that case, the justification for those increases. If you also have any particular good recommendation on insurance agencies for condo associations please feel free to share. And the same goes for insurance agencies to "stay away" from.

Too bad New Jersey Manufactures does not offer insurance policies for condo associations...

Thanks in advance for any feedback in this regard.

A group of friends and myself went to the Embankment Restaurant last night after a failed attempt to have dinner at the new Hamilton Park Inn restaurant (simply too crowded). For a group of six adults and a baby, the Embankment turned out to be a better choice, with lots of room, softer music, and good service. The food was pretty good as well. We really enjoyed our dinner and the relaxed ambiance... Kind of surprised that for a Friday night it was not crowded at all.

I ordered the endives and Arugula salad as appetizer and it really hit the spot with the sliced pears, blue cheese and chopped walnuts... highly recommend. For main course I ordered the seared scallops with risotto, very tasty as well, perfect dish size. No room for dessert though, will save it for next time.

This was not our first time at the Embankment Restaurant and we'll certainly return for more dinner gatherings!

I also felt the overwhelming smell at my home on 5th Street (near Coles) early this morning, it woke me up... also wondering where it as coming from and hoping it was not some sort of bioterrorist attack

Here are few more pics from last night's beautiful clouds, taken from home (downtown JC), the show started at around 8 pm!

From Mammatus clouds in Jersey City - June 26, 2009

A closer shot:

From Mammatus clouds in Jersey City - June 26, 2009

And the final shot as the sun was really setting...

From Mammatus clouds in Jersey City - June 26, 2009

I also recommend Flash Lube in the Heights:

1026 Summit Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07307
Tel: 201-222-1022

Hi snorky,

Just curious, have you attended any of the Downtown JC Watch monthly meetings held at Grace Church in Erie Street? Actually, are you part of their mailing list? Check out their postings in JCList under "Downtown Jersey City Watch-Updates Thread". You can subscribe to the list by sending an e-mail to downtownjcwatch@gmail.com .

How about the community meetings (Harsimus Cove, Italian Village, Hamilton Park, etc), do you attend any of them on a regulr basis? If not, I strongly encourage you to do so, also great way to meet your neighbors.

Many of the issues you mention in your post are discussed at these meetings and yes, some of us do get involved and take some action. I do my little part to the community by reporting streetlights that are out to PSE&G, report trash issues to JCIA and even pick up trash from the streets (trash in JC is also a big issue for me!), participate in a block watch, keep my neighbors informed about upcoming community meetings and any other events or incidents. A litle bit done my many can go a long ways...

Captain McDonough from the East District also holds the monthly Captain's meeting at Middle School#4 on Bright Street, perfect venue to bring up issues to the police department's attention.

Have a good weekend and hope to see you in action...

As I mentioned in another thread, for any issues regarding trash pickup please send email to Oren Dabney (o.dabney@jciaonline.org) and Crystal Fonseca (his assistant, c.fonseca@jciaonline.org) at the JCIA, and also copy Steven Fulop, he also follows up on these requests. Remember to include pictures whenever possible. Thanks.

I stopped by at this bakery for the first time today in my way back home... super charming place and very very tempting, it is almost torturing! Everything looked delicious, fresh, high quality. I asked for the fruit tarts, they said they would be available in the mornings, so I plan to be there tomorrow bright and early and check out the selection.

I'll eat the goodies with the same love they have made them...

Did anyone pay the property taxes online recently? I tried selecting the "Pay my Bill Now" link (as indicated by jerseymom above) few times, but I always get the following error: Server Error in '/WebTaxInquiry' Application. The resource cannot be found. Looks like the link is disabled?

My husband and I plan to be there, should a fun and very educational tour. Thanks to Leon for guiding this tour today.

I personally report trash issues with pictures via e-mail (particularly when it comes to sloppy trash pickups) to the following JCIA representatives: Oren K. Dabney, Sr. CEO of JCIA e-mail: o.dabney@jciaonline.org Crystal Fonseca, Assistant e-mail: c.fonseca@jciaonline.org I also Cc Steven Fulop in my e-mails to the JCIA to keep him informed on trash issues reported to Mr. Dabney. I strongly encourage JC residents to also report any trash issues to the JCIA contacts listed above and send as much detailed information as possible, specially pictures. Remember, TAKE ACTION!