Demo Might Begin on Square Towers

The JC Construction blog points out that a new chain link fence has gone up around the site of the future Hardwood Towers in Journal Square, indicating that demolition may soon begin. Or it could just be a new fence.

Sewers to be Improved

Nearly $48 million will be spent to improve Jersey City's sewers and reduce reliance on pumping into the Hackensack river after finding 13% of sewers are in danger of imminent collapse, reports the Journal. Downtown residents accustomed to heavy rains flooding basements may find some relief with an increase in rainwater pumped to the Passaic Valley Sewage Authority for processing, rather than allowing the water to inundate the aging system.

Times Compares Paulus Hook to Battery Park

The New York Times deigned cross the Hudson to compare 77 Hudson Street to new towers in Battery Park City. Heated pools and barbecue pits make Jersey City a winner.

City May Sue to Save Hospital

Greenville Hospital may not be closing just yet if the city has its way, notes the Hudson Reporter. The hospital recently received state approval to close, and despite several other hospitals in close proximity, the city doesn't wish to see the 100 bed facility close.

Clean Up the PAD

Today is spring cleaning in the Powerhouse Districit, notes NEW blog.

Deputy Fire Chief to Become Chief

Jersey City's fire chief is retiring and will be replaced by deputy chief Michael O’Reilly, reports JC Register.

Yellow Cabs Gouge Jersey City Residents

New York's yellow cabs don't hesitate to supercharge their fares, notes New York's Sixth. With fares from Manhattan averaging $50, a Hoboken councilman wants the NYC Taxi Cab and Limousine Commission to address fares to Hudson County. Don't hold your breath.

Heights Bus Service Returns

Jersey City Heights residents will soon have bus service from Palisade Avenue to New York thanks to NJ Transit, reports the Journal. Service was previously provided to Palisade Avenue by Red & Tan, which suspended service last year. NJ Transit's service will run less frequently though, with express buses bypassing stops on Palisades.

Matzo Shortage After Factory Closure

Manischewitz closed down its Jersey City factory last year, not only paving the way for the Toll Brothers to build high rise towers, but also leading a to a matzo shortage this year. The NY Times notes that TamTam crackers, the bite sized matzo are in short supply this year because of engineering delays at the Manischewitz factory in Newark. The ONLY Manischewitz factory, anywhere.

Construction Worker Dies

A construction worker on downtown high rise tower 77 Hudson Street fell to his death yesterday, reports Hudson Now.

School Budget Bumps Taxes

As Jersey City's schools are about to return to local control, a new school budget will raise taxes $38 on $100,000, but will continue to receive $477 million in state aid, reports the Journal.

Housing Plan Approved

The Toll Brothers controversial plan to erect high rise residential towers in the Powerhouse District was approved, reports the Journal. The plan calls for three towers of 40, 35, and 30 feet in height, a 550 seat theater and a public square. Local residents have criticized the plan from deviating from the original re-zoning of the neighborhood when the city first decided to convert the former warehouse district to an artists' enclave. The sole holdout was downtown Councilman Steven Fulop.

Erie Street Could Get Stop Signs

Erie Street in the downtown has long been used a quick route to the Holland tunnel by speeding motorists. That could change, notes New York's Sixth, under an old ordinance that has recently resurfaced on the council agenda. The proposal would put stop signs at each intersection on Erie Street to slow down traffic in the hopes of reducing accidents. Previously, the council tabled the ordinance after police objected saying stop signs were not needed.

Kids Protect River Water

"Dump No Waste, Drains to Waterway" warns a number of new stencils painted next to catch basins throughout the city. Large amounts of contamination in urban estuaries comes directly from street collection systems that empty into rivers without processing. Recently, sixth grade students at a Jersey City middle school participated in the Clean Cities Make Clean Oceans project, painting the stencils on sidewalks next to catch basins.

Clean Ocean Action From JC Register

Park Pier Reconstruction

Owen Grundy Pier has been under construction for quite a while after parts of the pier began sinking into the Hudson River. JC Construction has some photo updates with the pier receiving odd canopies and umbrella-like structures.

Pothole Snares Traffic

A major pothole has disabled several vehicles on the Pulaski Skyway, westbound. The right lane is closed causing traffic backups to the covered roadway.

Toll Towers Face Vote

The Toll Brothers controversial residential plan for the Powerhouse District is to be voted on tonight by the city council reports the Journal. Toll is seeking to build three towers, 40, 35 and 30 stories in height; under the original Powerhouse plan, buildings were to be limited to 100 feet, or about 10 stories.

Jersey City DMV Reducing Services

JC Register notes that the Motor Vehicle Commission is reducing the provided services at its Jersey City facility, shifting written tests to the Bayonne location.

Greenville Hospital to Close

The Star Ledger reports Greenville Hospital, an extension of LibertyHealth Systems will close next month.

Jaywalkers to Fund City Hall

Beginning today, Jersey City police will step up efforts to ticket jaywalkers around the city, notes Hudson Now. In addition, police will be targeting vehicles that fail to yield to pedestrians.

Ochard Street Fire Dominates News

A fire raged Saturday at an Orchard Street home. Firefighters saved the life of a 2 year old boy. The JC Register has a map, while the Jersey Journal has several articles mentioning a 'Bona fide rescue', neighbors rushing to help, and a terrified hero. All in all, it was a slow news day.

Union Leaders Traded Peace for Cash

Downtown construction projects paid off union leaders in order to avoid strife, reports the Star Ledger. In one instance, the bribes allowed construction to continue using fewer crane operators than union rules allow, a particularly disturbing allegation in light of last week's crane accident.

City Has 75 Neighborhood Groups

The Jersey City Reporter notes Jersey City has more than 75 neighborhood groups representing residents from across the city. The article focuses on the Van Vorst Park Neighborhood Association.

J.C. Beats Out L.I.C. for 'Bucks

Jersey City residents have all the luck. Racked mentions that Long Island City's Starbucks have been canceled, but Jersey City's just opened (Newark Avenue at Columbus). What Racked didn't mention is there are still rumors of yet another Starbucks outpost finding a home somewhere near Exchange Place.

Hospital Lays Off 65

Costar Group notes that Christ Hospital on Palisade Avenue in Jersey City will be laying off 65 employees as of April 29.

Museum Launching Program "Why Paint Now"

Art Daily notes the Jersey City Museum is launching a new program "Why Paint Now?" focusing on painting in the new century with painter Pia Dehne.

Debunking Whole Foods Rumors

Once again rumors of Whole Foods' arrival in Jersey City have surfaced. New York's Sixth debunks some of the myths and summarizes past rumors.

Cold War Over Embankment

Another battle over the fate of the Sixth Street embankment was won by developer Steve Hyman, reports the Journal. The developer will be allowed to pursue demolishing permits, though the city could deny those permits. Ultimately it seems both sides are willing to continue the fight.

Current Reviews Embankment

The Embankment restaurant, which opened last week near Hamilton Park, is reviewed in the Hudson Current. The New American style bistro is by the same family that owns The Merchant on Grove Street.

Good Friday Get Down

Introversions, an art installation by Gordan Fraser, is coming to an end. But on Friday, March 21, at 8pm, there will be a proper send off with bands Tremble in the Heat and The Poconos playing a few sets.

"Introversions"
143 Columbus Drive
Floor 3

Manzo Makes Headlines Slamming Abatements

Yesterday during an Assembly Budget Committee hearing, former Assemblyman Manzo criticized tax abatements granted by the state's cities to encourage development. He contends that the abatements deprive schools of revenue which is then subsidized by the state. Manzo received local headlines in the Jersey Journal and attention elsewhere in Courier Post.

Fading Ads

Frank Jump photographs fading advertisements-- those antique advertisements painted on the sides of buildings-- around the metropolitan region, and then posts the pictures on his blog. He has captured many such fading ads across Jersey City in a strangely beautiful collection of photographs.

Integrated Transit Map From Google, NJ Transit

Last week, NJ Transit announced a new trip planning service using Google maps. Google Transit is still in beta, which becomes obvious when it suggests walking from New York to catch a light rail line in Jersey City. Another limitation is the service seems to be completely ignorant to the PATH, routing any trip between Jersey City and Newark through Hoboken for service on NJ Transit. But otherwise the the software provides estimates on travel times and connections.

Manzo Rips Abatements

Hudson Now reports that former Assemblyman Lou Manzo questioned the city's dolling out of tax abatements in recent years at an Assembly Budget Committee hearing.

Starbucks to Open Thursday

Blogger Grove Street JC notes the increasing amount of foot traffic in and around Grove Street, thanks to all the new construction. More importantly, the blog notes that Starbucks is tentatively set to open Thursday according to a manager.

Newport 10K Set for May 10

The annual Newport 10K Run has been scheduled for Saturday, May 10th. The race will begin at 8:30. The event, sponsored by law firm Riker Danzig, will feature more than $18,000 in price money. The route begins on Washington Boulevard in Newport, loops through historic Hamilton Park, continues passed the Morris Canal completing the circuit by way of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.

AMB Property Acquires Land

AMB Property plans to develop an 878,000 square foot distribution center on 50 acres in Jersey City. AMB plans to seek LEED certification for the project.

From AMB Press Release

Chickpea Coming to Journal Square

Chickpea, a middle eastern eatery chain will be expanding to Journal Square, reports Grub Street. Chickpea was recently purchased; the new owners also operate Nan King, a downtown Asian restaurant located at 101 Hudson Street.

Chickpea
From Wired JC

Neport Getting Steakhouse

New York's Sixth reports the under construction Westin Hotel will be home to South City Prime, a steakhouse restaurant off shoot of South City Grill.

Chain Dance Installed

The JC Register reports that street artist Pappi has installed another sculpture, this one on Newark Ave and 1st Street.

Open Mic Tonight

Blogger Melissa Surach posts about the Babyhole Open Mic tonight, celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women Workers Day at the Toy Eaters Studio, a downtown gallery space at 143 Columbus Drive.

Library Reopens Today

The Jersey Journal reports that the Greenville Branch of the Jersey City Library reopens today.

Light Rail Gaining Riders, Losing Money

The Record writes that despite increasing ridership and ticket revenues, the light rail line running through Hudson County is still losing money. Plans to extend the line into Bergen County may be in jeopardy without more funding, and part of that funding was to come from Corzine's toll hike.

Street Too Narrow for Parked Cars

Oxford Street is officially too narrow for parked cars according to the State DOT, reports the Journal. Part of the problem residents face results from the city having granted curb cuts to new construction, and fewer garages than apartments.

Bottle Sculptures Removed

Street artist "Pappi" installed glass bottle sculptures on First and Newark Avenues; the sculptures were later removed by the Jersey City Parking Authority. JC Register notes that the bottle sculptures were removed over liability issues. Be certain to take check out the photos of the sculptures.

Sprawl at Jersey City Museum

Art Daily.com mentions new exhibits opening at the Jersey City Museum on March 20th, including SPRAWL, an exhibit dedicated to the issues and problems of suburban sprawl in the Garden State.

Liberty State Park Attracts Development

The 1,120 acre park attracts 5 million visitors a year, and now private developers treat the park as an amenity, notes the Hudson Reporter. Three residential towers are planned as part of the Liberty National Golf Course, south of the park. Not mentioned in the article is The View, a two tower project slated to be built at the entrance to Liberty State Park.

Schundler Contemplates Return

Bret Schundler, failed gubernatorial candidate and former mayor of Jersey City is contemplating a return to city hall reports the New York Times. Schundler would likely face current Mayor Jeremiah Healy who has been campaigning for next year's election since taking office in 2005. Other could be candidates include former Assemblyman and one time mayoral candidate Lou Manzo, Jersey City State Senator Sandra Bolden-Cunningham, and current downtown councilman Steve Fulop. The next election is more than a year away.

Harvest Cart Delights NY Times

The New York Times crossed the Hudson to give Jersey City's Harvest Cart a try, and they liked what they ate, calling the little sandwich shop sophisticated takeout.

Union Workers Protest Development

Electrical workers were marching at the Hamilton Square project in protest of non union workers on the site, reports JC Register. Hamilton Square is an Exeter Properties redevelopment of the old St. Francis Hospital adjacent to Hamilton Park.

NEW Gives Subia's Thumbs Up

Subia's, an organic market and cafe located on Jersey Avenue and Wayne Street, gets a thumbs up from the folks over at NEW. For vegetarians looking for Meatloaf and Meatballs that have no meat, Subia's is for you.

Heights Housing Approved

The city council approved a 45 unit affordable housing plan for Summit Avenue, reports the Journal. The project will rely on state loans, city money, money provided by New Gold Equities resulting from a settlement with the city over the 111 First Street fiasco, and private investment. Upon completion, the units will be sold to low and middle income residents.

Easter Egg Hunts This Weekend

The City announced an Easter Egg hunt in the Winter Newsletter. Scheduled for March 15, that egg hunt is planned for Pershing Field at 1pm.

The Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association announced their own annual Easter Egg Hunt will be scheduled for Sunday, March 16 beginning at 3pm. They are looking for volunteers to help clean up the park and hide Easter eggs beginning at 1pm. For more information contact sjsesq@comcast.net.

From JCList and City Newsletter (PDF)

Brownstone Diner on FoodTV

Jersey City's Brownstone Diner appeared in a recent episode of FoodTV's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri. The downtown diner, located on the corner of Grand and Jersey, has long been known for its large variety of pancakes. Fieri finds himself in the kitchen of the Brownstone diner whipping up a mega batch of batter and then creates his own pancake wrap. The episode is scheduled to air several more times this month if you missed it the first time around.

Grand Sichuan Opens Tomorrow

Renowned Chinese eatery Grand Sichuan is set to open tomorrow on Grove Street after renovating a former noodle shop. The menu is now online.

Newark Ave Clock on Central Time

A Newark Avenue clock adjusted not so long ago to display standard eastern time, is now once again behind the times. Hudson Now reports the clock is off by an hour. After clocks "fell back" in the fall, the clock displayed the incorrect time for months; now its incorrect once more. Perhaps the city should not try so hard, and then at least half the year it would be accurate.

Central Avenue to Host Everything Festival

Jersey City and the Central Avenue Special Improvement District will host the Everything Jersey City Festival on Sunday, May 17. The street fair will include two music stages and the usual street fair booths. Organizers hope 5,000 to 10,000 people will attend.

PATH Card Confetti

The NJ.com Transit blog found the remains of hundreds of PATH Quick Trip cards strewn about near Exchange Place.

The $3.3 Billion Dollar Question

Blogger John de Guzman has noticed new PATH posters stating the Port Authority's undertaking $3.3 billion in capital expenditures, and more importantly, thinks the number a little high.

Last year, the Port Authority laid out a 10 year spending plan allocating money for various projects. Not surprisingly, a quarter of the capital budget is headed straight to security improvements, meaning most riders will never see the results. Another $850 million or so is going to replace the 340 cars the system uses; a full scale model was shown off last month, and the cars will begin showing up for service over the next four years. Another $500 million is projected for signal upgrades which ultimately will allow an increase in peak capacity, to be finished sometime around 2014. Another $220 million is headed for station expansion at Grove Street and Harrison, allowing for 10 car trains on the World Trade Center Line.

$3.3 Billion sounds rather impressive, until you consider its all part of a ten year program; averaged out, thats a mere $330 million dollars per annum. Of course, posters with with "$.33 billion in PATH Improvements" probably wouldn't garner as much attention.

Classic Films in Journal Square

Cinema Treasures has a list of upcoming classic films to be showed at the Loew's theater in Journal Square. The landmarked building is run as a not for profit arts center.

Affordable Housing Planned

Hudson Now reports a 45 unit affordable housing project for Summit Avenue is going before the planning board, financed using a $2.5 million from 111 First Street developer New Gold Equities.

All Points West Brings Major Bands to Liberty State Park

Radiohead and Jack Johnson will be headlining the All Points West concert in Liberty State Park this August. Day and three day passes are currently on sale. According to the concert website, presale tickets sold out in 4 hours-- nothing like a little marketing hype to help move tickets, but Radiohead fans should remember the last time the band played in Liberty State Park, the concert sold out.

Vespa Coming to Jersey City

Vespas, the lovable Italian scooters, may soon be cluttering the streets of downtown Jersey City. According to a rumor over on JCList, a new Vespa dealership is set to open on 10th Street.

Hoboken411 Reviews Edwards Steak House

Hoboken411 deigned cross the railroad tracks and visited Jersey City eatery Edward's Steak House. The extensive review was not kind. In a word: overpriced.

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