It is my privilege to both invite residents and publicize a meeting that we will be having on March 22nd at 7PM in the Hamilton Square Building (old nursing school, 1 McWilliams Place) regarding the Hamilton Park renovation. We have steadily been moving this project forward for several months based on community input, and on March 22nd will be the final opportunity to review the plan and suggest any last minute changes.

The Hamilton Park process has been a great example of community involvement as we have had a tremendous turnout at the previous meetings and I sincerely hope it continues through this final stage. I am confident that the plans now take into consideration all the community input provided from the previous meetings, but it still is always best if you can find time to join us on March 22nd.

Sincerely,
Steven Fulop

Just an FYI.

The next PUBLIC MEETING for the Jersey City Regional Waterfront Access and Downtown Circulation Study will be on Thursday, MARCH 1 at 6 PM. The public meeting will be held at City Hall, 280 Grove Street, in the Council Chambers on the second floor.

Hope this is helpful
Steve

Althea-
The block grants have nothing to do with the contributions that they mentioned or the municipal government budget. The city's role is only to distribute the funding

Steve

Most importantly, I want to thank everyone who came out yesterday to the council meeting. I think the attendance spoke volumes about this issue and the need for transparency. I?m committed to this issue and I will work with ?Civic JC? going forward to explore the next step

A couple of points though. To the cynics, it is a fair perspective as after all, this is politics. Those who live downtown can attest that over the past 18 months I have attended almost every monthly community meeting in the ward, each one almost every single month (there are 14 per month not including council and caucus). Much of what I have done over the past 18 months has been driven off the community?s feedback, so I think that the residual of actually working for the constituents translates into a positive sentiment. I can say for fact, that over the past 18 months I have put more legislation forward on every front, than any of my colleagues (more than double). I think the combination of trying my best to be proactive to move government forward and reactive to needs via attending meetings translates into positive sentiment that you see here.

With that said there are structural changes that sometimes are more difficult as they are met with opposition. In that case, there are political realities of being in the minority. To this, my perspective is just that sunlight is the best cleanser. Whether it was the policing situation with Chief Troy and the need for improvement, or dual jobs at the council, or a hiring freeze when taxes are rising, or pay-to-play, these touch a nerve with the political establishment and I don?t regret bringing any to the forefront despite people may perceive it as self intentioned. In the end, I still believe they are worthwhile issues. The focus of attention on the issue, ultimately, changes the dialog that is initially resisted.

My point is as follows, yes, sure, this is politics, and there always is a political aspect at play, but I work at this job hard and I think the reason the people who live in Ward E may post favorably is because they recognize this as more often than not, it is a thankless job but I put everything I got into it. Now, I could be wrong of course but I would like to think it is as simple as that.

Steven Fulop

Dan thanks for posting.

Just as a point, both arguments are very weak and both were addressed yesterday. I will certainly go over them again tomorrow for those of you who can attend the council meeting

This ordinance will be heard between 6 and 6:30.

GrovePath.
This the article that is referenced from Thursday and directly linked to the article you posted. The issue is not really clear if you just post one of the articles.

------------------------------------------


Hudson legislators block tax reform
Emphasizing need for local control, nine Democrats insist governor going too far too fast

Thursday, January 18, 2007
BY DEBORAH HOWLETT
Star-Ledger Staff

They don't want the state telling towns how much they can raise taxes. They don't want a state comptroller or county school superintendent second-guessing local officials. And they see nothing wrong with holding more than one taxpayer-funded job.

The greatest impediment to many of the property tax reform ideas backed by Gov. Jon Corzine may well be the nine Democratic legislators from Hudson County.

They were in the bull's eye Cor zine targeted in his State of the State address when he called on lawmakers to set aside parochialism and personal interest in favor of the "common good."

But the Hudson nine -- four of whom are also mayors and seven of whom hold tax-paid jobs in addi tion to elected office -- insist the Democratic governor has asked for way too much, way too fast.

Limiting the growth of property tax levies; consolidating local governments; refiguring state aid for public schools; ending dual office- holding -- all of that, they argue, means the demise of local control.

Others have been critical of Cor zine on those points, too: the League of Municipalities, the School Boards Association, teacher and state worker unions, some legislators in both parties.

None, however, has been as openly disdainful.

Assemblyman Louis Manzo called the governor "clueless" about local politics in Hudson County -- never mind that Corzine lives in Hoboken.

"He doesn't understand urban New Jersey," Manzo said. "His policies are out of touch. He knows more about Darfur, or wherever he goes, than he does about kids on New Jersey streets."

Corzine dismissed the comment: "I don't want to get into hyperactive language. We'll let the public decide on that."

But, he said, "We're not trying to say the governor is the genius of all times. We're trying to bring together smart people to try to accomplish the principle of breaking this rising cost of property tax."

Hudson Democrats frequently feud among themselves, but when they unite as a bloc, they have considerable influence on state politics. Their 48-square-mile county is the most densely populated in the state, with 610,000 residents. The population includes large numbers of immigrants and unfailingly votes Democratic. Municipal politics dominate, as they have going back to Jersey City Mayor Frank "I Am the Law" Hague.

Emboldened by a split between Corzine and legislative leaders over pension and benefits reform last month, the Hudson alliance intensified efforts to stymie much of the rest of the tax reform package.

"The train is rolling through the Statehouse, right from the governor's office to the Assembly floor," Manzo said. "If somebody doesn't slow down the train, we're going to continue to hit local government."

Not all the Hudson lawmakers are as adamant as Manzo, who has taken the point in the insurgency. But they don't disagree with his logic.

"All of these issues are foremost in the minds of Hudson legislators," said Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr. "We have a very astute delegation. We always have. ... You have ground-breaking legislation on several fronts that changes the status quo and there's genuine concern that comes from that."

The Hudson nine support the plan for tax credits to homeowners -- but then, it's hard to find a legislator who would say a tax cut in an election year is a bad idea.

The hard part -- what Corzine called the "tough sledding" in his State of the State address -- is how to pay the $2 billion cost of the tax relief plan. Corzine has ruled out increasing other taxes and suggested "monetizing" state assets, like toll roads or the lottery, by turning them over to private operators.

But Manzo said cashing in on assets is short-sighted. Raising the income tax is a better idea, he said, because a penny increase on each $1 or $2 earned, depending on in come, would generate at least $2.7 billion a year.

"The governor needs to be penny-wise," Manzo said.

Assemblyman Brian Stack, who is also mayor of Union City, said the governor's insistence on cap ping property tax levies is an exer cise in public relations that will produce little new savings.

"He is well-intentioned ... but he's misinformed," Stack said.

The influence of the Hudson Democrats was clear during last week's roller-coaster ride over a bill to establish a state comptroller as a watchdog over public spending.

As Assembly Democrats met before Monday's voting session, the six from Hudson stood up to op pose the comptroller bill (A2), ar guing fervently even when it was clear that their colleagues were ready to move it to the Senate.

The six, and their three Senate counterparts, were then sum moned to the governor's office. "We had a good talk," Manzo said. "He listened, but we got nowhere."

The Hudson six were the only Democrats to vote "no" as the bill sailed through 59-18. But in the following days, Kenny and Sen. Joe Doria, who is also mayor of Bayonne, said they negotiated "revisions" with the governor's office.

On Thursday, a new bill was introduced. "We think we have a bill that will engender broad support among Democrats," said Kenny, its sponsor.

The changes didn't sit well with all Democrats. Sen. Barbara Buono from Middlesex County said the bill had been gutted and removed herself as Kenny's co-sponsor.

Hudson lawmakers also have led the fight against other pieces of the package, what Manzo referred to as "bells and whistles" that produce little cost savings.

Sen. Nicholas Sacco and Assemblyman Charles Epps oppose a bill to give county superintendents authority to veto school budgets, and another to move school budget elections to November, when more people are likely to vote.

Sacco is assistant superintendent of North Bergen schools (as well as the mayor). Epps is the state-paid superintendent of Jersey City schools. Neither returned phone calls seeking comments about the legislation.

Stack has worked against a bill to ban dual office-holding. It was written to allow current dual office- holders to keep both posts, but not if they sought election to another office.

Stack is expected to announce this week that he will run for Ken ny's Senate seat, according to three prominent Democrats, while Kenny is expected to retire. Under the bill, Stack would have to surrender his mayoral seat to serve in the Senate. Last week the bill was shelved until after the November legislative elections.

Manzo acknowledged that the Hudson delegation pushed for changes in many of the bills, and wasn't about to apologize. Without the revisions, he said, local government would have suffered.

"None of this would have been seen by regular legislators," Manzo said. "It just points out why it's so important to have a mayor's voice in the Statehouse."



Deborah Howlett may be reached at dhowlett@starledger.com or (609) 989-0273.




? 2007 The Star Ledger
? 2007 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.

Article from today. This is important so I am bumping back up.

MONEY FAUCET OFF?
Fulop: Add 'pay-to-play' limits for city developers
Thursday, January 04, 2007
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

A Jersey City councilman has proposed extending "pay-to-play" prohibitions to a group widely regarded as a treasure trove for politicians - developers.

According to an ordinance proposed by Downtown Councilman Steve Fulop, developers would be barred from entering into a redeveloper's agreement with the city for one year after making a contribution to a city politician.

The biggest projects in the city - for example, the two-tower development planned for Journal Square and the rehabilitation of the old Jersey City Medical Center - all involve developers who have been "designated" as developers by the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency.

The goal of the ordinance, Fulop said, is to eliminate the perception that the road to "designation" is paved by campaign contributions.

"It takes the highest ethical road possible," Fulop said about his ordinance. "Hudson County has been plagued by a negative stigma. So we're going to correct the perception."

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy wasn't available yesterday to comment.

The Fulop ordinance is likely to receive its first hearing before the council on Jan. 24. City Council President Mariano Vega said last night he's asked the city's corporation counsel to make sure it doesn't violate the state's pay-to-play statute, which took effect a year ago.

The state's ordinance focuses on vendors who are seeking contracts for goods and services.

Heather Taylor, spokeswoman for the government watchdog group Common Cause, said 14 municipalities have adopted pay-to-play ordinances for developers. An ordinance similar to Fulop's has been signed by Newark Mayor Cory Booker and awaits City Council approval there, she said.

Eric Silverman, a designated developer for several projects in the city, acknowledged making campaign contributions to every elected member of city government. Asked if he'd maintain the same level of giving if Fulop's ordinance is adopted, Silverman replied, "That's a hard one to answer. It would probably not (diminish)."

Lowell Harwood, managing partner of Harwood Properties - the designated developer for the Journal Square project - said the Fulop ordinance would hinder his ability to support the candidate of his choice.

"They are taking away my right to elect the person I want to elect," Harwood said. "If I see good government, that's who I'm going to support."

Grovepath-
Thanks for posting these articles. I will reach out to the Jersey Journal as this particular sidebar article is not close to accurate

Thanks again
Steve

I am posting this press release on its own separate thread, as this is an important step forward for Jersey City.

This is a change that is in the best interest of everyone in Jersey City and as such I think it is very difficult to argue against. I am hopeful that it is something you will support to start 2007.

------------------------------------------------------
Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop

For immediate release

January 03, 2007
Contact: Steve Fulop (732) 895-7379

COUNCILMAN FULOP PROPOSES DEVELOPER PAY-TO-PLAY REFORM INITIATIVE FOR JERSEY CITY Ordinance would expand pay-to-play ban to include developers who have engaged in the ?designated developer? redevelopment process

(JERSEY CITY) - Jersey City Councilman Fulop will present an ordinance at the January 10th meeting of the municipal council that would ban political contributions from developers who wish to do redevelopment within Jersey City from one year prior to the negotiations through the completion of the redevelopment agreement.

This model law was written by a team of top legal experts, and is advanced by the Citizens? Campaign. The City of Asbury Park was the first municipality to adopt this ordinance with similar ordinances being passed in Woodbridge, Edison, Belmar, Hightstown, Hamilton, West Windsor, the County of Mercer and currently under consideration in Newark. Upon approval, Jersey City would be the first in Hudson County to adopt such an ordinance and the largest city in the state.

"This ordinance should go a long way towards demonstrating to the public that political contributions and responsible government are happening in Jersey City independent of one another. Jersey City will be the largest city in the state adopting such substantial reform?
Councilman Fulop said.

Dan Levin, President of Civic JC a Non-Partisan community based initiative focused on positive policy initiatives supports this ordinance saying ?Upon adoption of this important ordinance, Jersey City municipal government will remove even the appearance of conflicting interests, re-affirming that the ballot box is the only proper instrument for influencing government.?

# # # # #

Councilman Fulop is the Ward "E" Councilman of the City of Jersey City

Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a ?World Class City?. Through the www.CivicJC.org informational portal, Civic JC provides information and policy initiatives designed to make Jersey City a world class place to live, work and visit. Civic JC expects to concentrate on efforts that will improve the transparency of decision making of Jersey City municipal government.

Thanks for the feedback

1) We havent focused on the traffic pattern, but we wil take the feedback of course. We really want to see some of the info from the downtown traffic study that is currently being done

2) Funding will a mix between public, private, grants, and we setting up that way

3) As you can see from the drawings the goal is to explore streetscape options for the entire area and to look at the one story buildings that are in need of repair. It is important that you feel comfortable that we are not looking to just create high rises on this stretch but rather to be thoughtful on how we can push the area in the right direction. That is why I outlined where we are and how we are going to continue to move this forward

Steve

To help with some of the questions regarding Newark Avenue hopefully this post lends some clarity.

In the link attached are the concept drawings (CC drawings to be posted soon) as an iinitial step of what we can do when the city uses its resources for positive change. I have detailed below where we are since the term started and where we hope to move with this going forward

Where we are today:
1) Change in Restaurant Row ordinance (completed)
2) Grove Street Path Plaza Construction (currently underway)
3) Initiation of blight study for redevelopment plan (completed)
4) Streetscape conceptual drawings (completed)
5) Entertainment Ordinance (currently in legal and in process of being revised)

Next Steps:
1) Feedback from Planning Dept
2) Community feedback
3) Feedback from Planning with community response
3) Adoption of Redevelopment Plan
4) Grants/Fundraising for Streetscape improvement
5) Traffic patterns discussion to coincide with Downtown traffic plan

the link is at www.stevenfulop.com and click on Newark Avenue button on the bottom

I hope this is helpful
Steven Fulop

Lets be fair before we start jumping to conclusions on this and assuming things that are not based in fact.

Yes, I am certainly very involved in this process and yes I do communicate with the stake holders to the best of my ability although I am certainly not perfect at this. Generally speaking, if you have a question about Ward E issues ask me as it is generally easier for me to know what interest specific people have and respond

In the past year between Van Vorst Dog Run moving forward, Hamilton, Park renovation moving fast, Colgate Park renovation, Owen Grundy Pier renovation, the fourth corner of Paulus Hook (moving slowly), Street Paving more than anywhere else, day to day constituent maintenance, signage, development issues, and the most proactive legislation of any ward... I think we are doing quite well. I do need a little trust though because it is physically impossible for me to communicate every detail about everything to everyyone as it is just Tracy and I. I do go too most community meetings every single month and I try to streamline information that is most relevant but as many of you know we have a ton of ?balls in the air? and I try to be results oriented. I do make mistakes but I don't hide anything - so just ask.

Tonight, when I get the chance I will post on my website rendering of the streetscape plan and the tentative goal with the redevelopment plan so you all can see the thought process. I fully expect push back from some as I am learning this is the nature of some who have an axe to grind more with me than the process - no matter what I do (see Sonia or DanL if you would like info on how to join this team).

Newark Avenue - Just think, last year with restaurant row the fight and energy that we went through to change a silly ordinance and today the only result is positive - Maggie is opening a second restaurant (albeit slowly), a Thai restaurant is renovating, LITM has a full menu, and 1st/Grove will see another restaurant shortly. I expect this overall structural plan to set positive momentum as well

For the plans discussed on this thread - I will post pictures and renderings this evening on my website but they are tentative and conceptual. It is an important step but certainly it is not finalized. I think Alan Sommerman did a good job of guessing where we are going with this overall. Once again, one favor, lets not assume different aspects of the redevelopment process as it is way to early for that.

Three final points you will see from the drawings ? we are focused on the blighted one story buildings on the southside of the street, we are focused on a seperate streetscape for Christopher Columbus where the mural is, and for the final streetscape plan everything in the plan is LEED certified to insure environmental awareness and to help us with pursuit of grants.

The SID and I are trying to be as careful and thoughtful with this as possible but the end goal is simply progress and making a better Jersey City

Steven M Fulop
Councilman WARD "E"

Just want to say thanks for the well wishes it truly served as motivation and a team effort. On another note, for those of you who contemplate running it next year, I can't express in words how painful that run is but I assure you I will be there to WATCH.

Most importantly for the HCCAPC, we ended up raising slightly more than $16k with the overwhelming majority of the donations in the $26 - $100 range from residents.

I need some Tylenol...
Thanks again
Steve

These votes did pass unanimously.

While I have certainly been the most selective when voting for these tax abatements BY FAR, this situation was different. As a point, these tax abatements come before the council often and the overwhelming majority of the time I do vote "no". In this case, there were several reasons that I thought this makes sense, all of which I cited which I commented before I voted.

I will be the first to say that the duration of these abatements is an issue that I am not happy about, but the structure of the abatements is set in a tax abatement committee to which I (or most of the council) is not part of. In reality that committee could and should have more non governmental input as a balance (which I have brought up) but it is something structured by the mayor's office

Also, I do post the council agendas on my web site before every meeting so that people can see clearly and have access to what we are voting for. You can always do a quick scan and see if there is anything that you feel particularly passionate about and either shoot me an e-mail to which I will certainly respond or you can speak at the meeting. (I don?t post all the resolutions as sometimes there are many but the ordinances are always there)


Steve

Just an update on this as we have been working with the SID and planning on this Newark avenue business since elected.

We have three new restaurants for the Newark Avenue SID in the very near term two of which will have liquor licenses.

1) The Thai restaurant mentioned in this thread which I can confirm is putting substantial $$ into the space

2) Maggie's restaurant (two doors down from LITM), to which you can see the construction work that is being done inside

3) A restaurant/lounge located near First and Grove, (owner from across the river) - more details down the road.

------------------------------------------------------------

Other things of note:

- Also, I have asked the planning department to begin a redevelopment plan for most of the south side of Newark Avenue in order to create more of a retail friendly streetscape feel on both Christopher Columbus and Newark Avenue.

- We just ordered quite a few new garbage receptacles for Newark Ave to which you will see shortly.

Finally, If you want to get involved you can attend the SID meetings or e-mail me and we will do our best to keep you in the loop

Best regards
Steve

Thanks for attending yesterday and the positive feedback overall was a nice change. As a note, we will still be having a second meeting on Tuesday the 5th at the same location to get any addiitonal comments from those that could not attend.

Subsequently, T&M will provide a newer drawing after that meeting based on the feedback that we will use as a base design moving into the next stages of the project.

Thanks again and I can't express how happy I was that it went over relatively well. Just to let you all know, there are quite a few people in both the HPNA and Friends of Hamilton Park whom have put a tremendous amount of work into helping guide the design and moving Hamilton Park forward up to this point including Jen Greely, Paul Grier, Sam Stoia, and Janet Allen to name a few.

Steven Fulop

JMags-

The PJP next vote will be in October so there is plenty of time. I think that most people would say this is an issue even on a broader scale but you never know and I guess we will just see.

The ethics board which was just appointed is supposed to be an independent board of politics so I guess we will see on that front as well.

Steve

I am posting this press release that was sent to the papers today. Importantly, I am not charging an ethics violation here but I think this is a real issue for the city and I am merely pushing forward what most people already realize as a problem. In order to continue progress in this city we are at a place this stuff needs to fundamentally change and this PJP issue highlights it.

-----------------------------------

Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop

For immediate release

August 24, 2006

COUNCILMAN FULOP TO ASK ETHICS BOARD FOR OFFICIAL OPINION
Dual positions could pose conflict of interest on PJP Landfill site ordinance

(JERSEY CITY) ? Councilman Steve Fulop has announced that next week he will file a formal request seeking an official opinion of the Jersey City Board of Ethics as to whether certain members of the Jersey City Municipal Council should be permitted to vote on the zoning ordinance or redevelopment plan for the PJP Landfill site and Trophy Trucking.

Fulop will ask for an opinion on two members of the council, Council President Mariano Vega who supports open space and Councilwoman Mary Spinello who has been an advocate for the redevelopment plan including the warehouse as those who should be given an opinion as to whether they should abstain due to their possible conflicts of interest and personal involvement with the site.

Councilman Vega, as part of his job with the County of Hudson, is directly in charge of handling grants for open space preservation and Hudson County parks. The county Freeholder board has already earmarked $4 million dollars of which the county is prepared to use for acquisition of the PJP Landfill site and which will directly effect the councilman?s responsibility in the county.

Councilwoman Spinello, in her official duties with the Jersey City Incinerator Authority has been very involved with Incinerator Authority?s citation of the Trophy Trucking site and has personally both been to the site and issued several violations in the recent past in her role within the Jersey City Incinerator Authority. This is the same property that Councilwoman Spinello has proposed to acquire through the use of eminent domain as part of the redevelopment plan including the PJP landfill. This potentially raises the question to the perception of independent government and the commingling of city responsibilities which is prohibited.

"I am not filing a complaint but merely asking for a written and formal opinion of the ethics board as to whether these members of the council should be voting on this particular ordinance since they have direct involvement with the site" said Fulop, ?This has been on my mind for quite some time and this PJP issue has only further strengthened my concerns regarding independent government for the residents.?

# # # # #

Brewster,

I will do my best to get some info before the meeting but I don't want to promise that I will post the drawing. I am not sure best course of action, as you can see even on this thread that this is deemed " a battle for Hamilton Park". I am trying not to inflame a contentious neighborhood situation far before the meeting.


The initial drawings are based on the community survey including, type of lighting, gazebo, dogrun, improved childrens' area, gardens... Importantly though, as Mcwilliams pointed out, nothing it set in stone and the purpose of the meetings are for the community to guide the process and changes that they think are important

Steven Fulop

Hopefully you all have been doing well and enjoying the summer.

I have been working with T&M and other city officials to push forward with the Hamilton Park renovation project, and as a result have scheduled three meetings for public feedback on the drawings.

As a side note, the initial drawing will of course be based on the community surveys that were completed earlier as well as initial input/ideas from the different community groups based in Hamilton Park

Best Regards and looking forward to moving this forward with your help.

Steven Fulop


Dates
8/30 - Initial drawings
9/5 - Initial drawings
9/21 - Revised drawings

Location and Time ?
St. Francis at 7PM

Webmaster Edit: Subject Line

I do want to clarify my point on this as I believe this is an important decision. Truth be told, this issue really bothers me more than this article let on. In the end though it will be the mayor?s decision and all of us will have no choice, but my hope is that conveying a different perspective will have an impact.

Firstly, let me write that there is no question that Jersey City should be getting state funding for being an economic engine to the entire state. That is the exact reason that you elect your state assemblymen and state Senators to convey this message. That is there job and you have 9 of them. Receiving money via a state distressed city program which lumps us together with Camden, Patterson etc? is not the correct way to get funding. It sends a message on many different levels internal to Jersey City, but also far beyond.

You may not think of it whenever you see it, but every single time that you see an article in the NYT, USA Today, NY Post etc.. which reflects poorly on our elected individuals, crime issues, or city as a whole, it hurts your pocket directly. It effects other people?s willingness to live and invest in the community because they feel skittish about the direction that the city is headed. This type of decision to enter a distressed city program is a direct reflection on that. Just ask Trump if he wants to build in Camden (it is right next Philadelphia)? Or ask financial institutions who finance these large condo projects how they feel about investment in distressed cities? I can go on all day but my point is that this affects marketability, it effects perception throughout the state, it effects potential homeowners who look at us versus our neighboring municipalities... it is just not worth $8mm

Mayor Cunningham and I shared a friendship for sure so sometimes I will admit I am biased, but we also shared the aspect of the Marine Corps which drills into your head the importance of pride in everything one undertakes because more often than not perception becomes reality. Believing that we are capable of truly being the greatest city is the first step to achieving that. Joining this program doesn?t send that message at all, it actually sends the opposite message. I truthfully believe that the sky is the limit as far as the future of Jersey City, if only sometimes we could get out of our own way. For a measly $8MM when you think of the grand picture of how big our budget is, it just isn?t worth it to me.

Kermit,

That polling station has been moved to inside McNair Academic at 7th/Coles. The reason is that the board of elections needed a place that is handicap accessible.

I will call the board of Elections to ask for signs to indicate the change as we were under the impression that they were going to send you notification of the switch....

Thanks for pointing it out
Steven Fulop

I Appreciate the feedback. A couple of points related to your posts. Apologies on the length


1) I will bring up the website at today?s caucus and that it?s in dire need of being overhauled. I will let you know where this goes


2) It was also pointed out that I get out-voted often on some important issues whether it is a hiring freeze, removing Chief Troy or abatements? This is a fact, but it doesn?t mean that what I am saying is not the truth. The reality is that sometimes the actual vote result is not the most important aspect but turning the spotlight on something that is very wrong often has the same effect. We won the seat despite the political organization and that affords some freedom as to what I can do. The police Chief issue had some serious impact for him to reform, or the detective promotions that were on deck will likely not happen?.


3) With regards to prioritizing issues in the city, some of you have mentioned that you would prefer that I focus on other items that are more pressing. I recognize this point may seem valid, but I plead that you recognize that I put my time to working on several initiatives at the same time including entertainment ordinances, ethics policy, dog run, abatement overhaul, Newark Avenue/Christopher Columbus?. Of which many of you have been very involved. In the past year, you may not realize but we got much accomplished, even with issues like street paving that was cited here, relative to the rest of the city we managed in Ward E to get the most streets paved versus any other ward. Things are far from perfect and I will be the first to say, but I am happy with many aspects of the last year


4) On the wireless internet, maybe it is just I feel with a little work it is doable. This past week I finished my Marine Corps commitment, and the dual Master Programs at both Columbia and NYU so I will be the first to say that I have added capacity and will do much of the lifting on this as long as volunteers are with me. There are many different models on how municipal wireless can work from revenue generating, to low cost to the private entity, to free fro advertising. The reality is that this is a new space and there is uncertainty on both the public/private side which poses an opportunity if we are smart about it.


I think it is important that we are on the earlier side with this project and I am sure that if some of you are willing to help out we can put together something that we can all be proud of. Once again, as always I appreciate the feedback and as I say at the community meetings, I am always thankful for the opportunity to represent you on the council


Sincerely
Steven Fulop

I don't always post on Jclist the agenda items I push on the council as to not inundate you, but I thought this one is of particular interest.

For me, this will be a project, I am going to get very involved with over the next several months and as this process starts at the next council agenda we can always use volunteers/help. If you have interest please e-mail me at fulops@jcnj.org

Thanks
Steve

Press Release below

Councilman Fulop Proposes a wireless telecommunications task force to make wireless internet available throughout Jersey City ? Goal of Report in 120 Days for RFP distribution

(JERSEY CITY) ? On next week's agenda, Ward E Councilman Steven Fulop will propose a resolution to the Jersey City Municipal Council that would establish a Task Force on Telecommunications Innovation that would be charged with exploring getting inexpensive wireless internet. As demonstrated in other cities throughout the country this is the first step in getting wireless internet access to all Jersey City residents.

The 8 member task force shall be composed of Jersey City's Director of Information and Technology Services (or his designee), persons with expertise in technology and telecommunications law and regulations, citizens with interest in telecommunications, two members of the Municipal Council and one representative from the office of the mayor.

"This task force is the first step in an attempt to get equal access for all Jersey City residents to media, the internet and other digital technologies. Jersey City is behind the curve with regards to other cities providing wireless internet access and this will help us close that gap? said Councilman Fulop.

"Other cities across the country are well on their way to providing inexpensive or free wireless internet for its residents. Jersey City has become the major economic and financial engine for the state of New Jersey and it only makes sense for city government to explore all is options with regard to new wireless technology," added Fulop.

The task force will report back in 120 days to put together a recommendation for a RFP process to formally provide internet service to the city

I am bumping this thread to the top as it is valid discussion and especially in light of the smear campaign that has started (Bright posted on the other thread and Mouse mentioned)

The smear campaign is Hudson County at its best. The reason, you are seeing this now is that 5 months ago everyone said Joe Vas didn?t have any chance in this election and as of last week?s polling he is up. It is close but he is up. So they panic and do this.


To keep you all in the loop and as a follow up to Mouse and Bright's post, Joe Vas did a press conference directly in front of Albio?s office today at 11AM on the smear campaign. I have attached the press statement below. Enjoy as I think it is well said.
___________________________________

Press Statement From Joe Vas

It is no coincidence that just as public opinion polls show my campaign surging into the lead, Albio Sires had begun a false and misleading negative smear campaign. The charge that I aided a drug dealer is an outright lie and has been proven one. I?ve even publicly taken a lie detector to assure my constituents, which is more than Albio Sires has ever done.

This unprincipled sleaze attack is the classic reaction of a panicked political boss. Albio Sires has spent his whole campaign hiding from me, from the press and from the voters, whose vote he cynically takes for granted. Can any voter remember a single time they?ve seen Albio Sires speak, whether on TV or in person?

Albio, it?s time to stop hiding. If you believe what you are saying, then say it to my face. Meet me for two publicly televised debates in the last two weeks of the campaign ?and then say to me what you are having your sleaze machine say on radio and in the mail.

Voters know that I have spent this campaign talking about issues and what I want to do as their representative in Washington. But I?m no wide-eyed innocent when it comes to politics - and Albio?s campaign. This is what boss run machines do, they hide and then they throw mud. Albio?s attacks will not go unanswered. In return I will utilize the strongest attack there is,. I will quote Albio Sires own record - a record of political opportunism, backroom deals and shifting political positions.

To paraphrase Harry Truman, I won?t give him hell, I?ll just quote his record and he?ll think it?s hell!

Now, so that people can better understand Mr. Sires? inability to tell the truth, we?ve complied just a few of the many lies that Albio and his campaign have uttered.

Just one perspective on this thread... to me, the issue with the American Can application is not the project itself. I agree with you that its a project that warrants a tax abatement. The problem is that they have applied for 30 years ? 10 years more than the norm. This sets a bad precedence. In the Medical Center/Beacon, there were significant give backs to the city such as affordable housing, policing needs for a motorcycle unit, etc?. all in exchange for the extra ten years and modifying the structure of the abatement. I voted in favor for that one

In this project there isn?t any of that. The basic argument is that they need the extra 10 years to make the financing work based on the cost and location of the project. Truthfully, while I am sympathetic to the economic difficulties that the developers find themselves in, I feel the cost that the developer paid for the project is not a reason to vote for 10 extra years. I feel its not my problem ? I need a better reason to put an additional ten years on the abatement other than it helps the economics..

In my view, there is plenty that can be done for that area as give back that would work. Affordable housing is one aspect, open space is another, or ideally, the building is located in an area of the city that the PATH actually comes above ground. We eventually will need a PATH station there to further jump start that side of the city and the cost is relatively cheap because it is an above ground platform. As I said at the caucus if we get some of the developers in that area to start moving in that direction with dollars, I believe it will be easier for the city to work with the Port Authority because it isn?t really at an additional cost to the PA. ? and in reality it would only benefit the real estate projects in that area over the long term.

In the end, the issue to me is not the project itself but it is the abatement application of 30 years. Right now, the city is in a good position at the negotiation table and I just view it as bad city business to give someone a pass with ten extra years for nothing.

Hope that clarifies my perspective
Steven Fulop

Of course, I always find myself responding to DanL.

Voting in this election is essential, and there are issues that affect every person, whether they have children in the school system or not.

- We can improve our after school programs significantly, which will have an impact on some of the crime activity cited on this site.

- We could use an open dialog as it relates to the 4 corner park in Paulus Hook which tax payers own but the school board has put trailers on. We just need to start the dialog, not rush anything, but be fair to all sides.

- We need to get past the rubber stamp mentality in Jersey City

- The current board pushed back on televising the meetings., Why not? What is there to hide? The City Council televises the council caucus.

When you look at what we have got so far, it is the same union endorsed candidates that are agreed upon by/with the Healy administration with little opposition. That is not right.

I picked three candidates that are sympathetic to the issues mentioned above and that will keep the board on its toes moving forward.

Finally, I pointed out in my e-mail that people should read in the Hudson Reporter about the candidates I chose in my e-mail. The reporter clearly states that Mahdi Hemmingway volunteers in my office - and i am proud of this. I am thankful that I have good people working with me, and this only lends itself to the fact that I am 100% confident in Mahdi's ability. He is young, motivated, capable, cares about the city, and can relate to the kids in many of our schools. I wouldn't vouch for him if i didn't believe in him.

I hope that is helpful and most importantly please make time on Tuesday to vote

Steve

Annod-

Thanks for the article and I think we would all agree that the city has been behind the curve with regards to cameras, in any capacity. In downtown up to this point we haven't had any.

As you can see from some of the previous posts some people are skeptical from the "big brother is always watching" standpoint and I would suspect that even with those people there is more trust for the police to have access to cameras, than any/all neighbors. The JC CCTV program has not been set up in a way for the public to view it.

Personally, I think more cameras in downtown is a good thing. They clearly will not solve all the problems we are having but they will act as a deterrent and is unfortunately a reflection of the environment today. The goal is certainly not to use them to give traffic tickets or fines but rather to help with real crime. Most large cities have put in place a substantial camera program and we are playing catch up - this is a way to start moving forward without taxpayers paying.

Steve

I mentioned this at several community meetings over the past two months, as we are all working towards a safer Jersey City.

The ordinance will be on the next council agenda and I am posting the press release just to keep you all in the loop.

Best Regards,
Steven Fulop

------Press Release-----

COUNCILMAN FULOP PROPOSES SECURITY CAMERA ORDINANCE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Developers, not taxpayers to pay for added security

(JERSEY CITY) ? Councilman Steve Fulop plans to introduce a municipal ordinance that would require developers of commercial and residential units to abide by new, stricter security measures that would require the implementation of security cameras consistent with the Jersey City Police Department CCTV camera system.

The ordinance requires that all newly constructed residential dwellings, including large condominium complexes and industrial structures of more than 25 units shall provide for the installation and maintenance of security cameras in accordance with a plan approved by the Construction Code Official and the Chief of Police. The cameras will be installed as to maintain continuous surveillance of the public streets adjacent to the units and shall conform to standards adopted by the city for CCTV cameras.

The ordinance goes on to detail the penalties for units that are not in compliance.

"This ordinance will go a long way in making our city safer while expanding the CCTV program, at no cost to taxpayers. This is a way that developers can continue to help the community by making our streets safer and working with our police with the tools they need to prevent crime," said Councilman Fulop.

"The cameras will be at no cost to taxpayers, making both the streets and the development projects safer. I think this is a real win-win situation for Jersey City," added Fulop.

# # # # #

PRESS RELEASE FROM DOT


NJDOT Holland Tunnel Approaches rehabilitation advances
$225 million project progresses six months ahead of schedule

(TRENTON)- Acting Commissioner Kris Kolluri today announced that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) on March 13 will start the second phase of the Route 139 Approaches to the Holland Tunnel Project. The project is currently six months ahead of schedule.

?The initiation of phase two of the Route 139 rehabilitation project six months early reflects NJDOT?s commitment to swift and efficient progress with minimal impact to motorists,? said Acting Commissioner Kolluri. ?NJDOT will diligently implement strategies to mitigate traffic and communicate with motorists as we continue to rebuild the approaches to the Holland Tunnel.?

The 12th Street Viaduct is an elevated eastbound roadway; the 14th Street Viaduct is an elevated westbound roadway. The upcoming construction stage will entail the repair of the lower roadway area where the 12th and 14th Street viaducts merge. Crews will replace and waterproof the concrete deck and bridge walls, repair structural steel, and install steel beams under the viaducts to ensure their structural integrity. In addition, NJDOT will improve motorist safety by securing the viaducts? foundations.

In order to expedite work on critical aspects of the project and minimize delays for motorists, NJDOT is utilizing an aggressive contractor incentive/disincentive program. Under the program, the contractor is subject to penalties of $20,000 per day for work not finished according to the contract. Conversely, the contractor can earn incentive payments of $20,000 per day by completing the project ahead of schedule. The start of phase two six months ahead of schedule reflects the success of the incentive/disincentive program.

Phase Two of construction will require the following changes to traffic patterns:
? From 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., two lanes of the eastbound 12th Street Viaduct will remain open.
? From 11 a.m. to 5 a.m., one lane of the eastbound 12th Street Viaduct will remain open.
? From 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., one lane of the westbound 14th Street Viaduct will remain open.
? From 11 a.m. to 5 a.m., two lanes of the westbound 14th Street Viaduct will remain open.

NJDOT has taken a variety of steps to manage traffic and mitigate the impact of traffic delays during the second stage of the Route 139 project. NJDOT is building a shoulder structure on the 14th Street Viaduct that will provide an additional travel lane for motorists during construction. In addition, variable messaging signs alert motorists of changes in traffic patterns and offer alternate route information. NJDOT by summer 2006 will pave several Jersey City roadways and adjust traffic signals to provide alternate routes and enhance the flow of local traffic in the vicinity of the project.

NJDOT is working closely with NJ TRANSIT to mitigate traffic impacts by encouraging motorists to take advantage of park-and-ride options. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system provides frequent service from three major park-and-ride facilities-Liberty State Park (1,248 spaces), West Side Avenue (804 spaces) and Tonnelle Avenue (740 spaces)-with convenient connections with trans-Hudson ferry services and PATH trains to Downtown and Midtown Manhattan. To accommodate increased demand, NJ TRANSIT recently doubled seating capacity on most peak-period trips by
using two-car trains. In addition, light rail service frequency has been increased to five-minute intervals at Liberty State Park and Tonnelle Avenue stations and to ten-minute intervals at West Side Avenue.

NJDOT provides travel resources such as emergency roadway information, weekly construction schedule updates and real time traffic cameras at www.njcommuter.com. Commuter information is available at www.trips123.com as well as on radio traffic reports. NJDOT? bilingual Community Liaison is onsite to answer concerns and provide information to community groups or individuals upon request. Interested parties should call 1.877.NJROADS.

The Route 139 Approach to the Holland Tunnel Project is a federally-funded, $225 million project that will rehabilitate and reconstruct the existing, structurally deficient 12th and 14th Street Viaducts. This project has been made possible through extensive coordination efforts with the City of Jersey City, New York City, Hudson County, New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. NJDOT will continue to work closely with its local and regional partners to ensure that the project continues to progress rapidly and efficiently