Torico's Gains Mostly Favorable Review

Downtown ice cream stand Torico's received a mostly favorable review from The the Chocolate Peanut Butter Gallery blog. That's a mouthful, but not surprising then that the blogger sampled the chocolate peanut butter ice cream, by way of a milkshake. On one hand, the blogger suggests the peanut butter wasn't salty enough, but

"Still, I’d like to go back and try the chocolate peanut butter ice cream in it’s “natural state” (un milk-shake-ified) to give the ice cream itself a fair taste."

Economic Slowdown Hits Newport

JC Construction points out that the under construction Newport Tower Aqua has sat idle for several months, a sign that Newport's stalwart rental market may have slowed. The shell of the tower has had very little work for months. Advertisements lining the PATH system and internet sites might point to higher vacancies as well.

Sip Ave Ripped Up

JC Register points out that Sip Avenue has been ripped up for repaving. Last week St. Paul's Avenue endured the same treatment.

Could A Crane Collapse in Jeresy City?

An upper east side construction crane collapsed in New York today killing two, just ten weeks after a similar collapse killed seven. New York's Sixth points out a few projects in Jersey City with construction cranes, and put together a map with the projects.

Council Grants Stay of Execution to Abusive Booting Practices

Downtown councilman Steve Fulop wanted to end abuses by the parking authority in downtown neighborhoods. The parking authority has been booting cars when they should have only been writing tickets for zone violations; the boots should only be attached to cars after the third violation. But the boot generates more revenue for the city.

City council members sent Fulop's ordinance to committee, reports the Journal, for several revisions. Jersey City Heights councilman Bill Gaughan reprimanded Fulop for suggesting that the city should stop balancing the budget with downtown parking tickets introducing a bill that "didn't make any sense."

JC Fridays Hits 3 Year Anniversary

June 6 marks the three year anniversary of the launching of JC Fridays, notes the Hudson Current. JC Fridays promotes art, music, performance, and local shops in the city, though mostly downtown. On June 6, events begin as early as 9am. For a full list of venues, visit JCFridays.com

Fulop Ally Going After Ward E Seat

Shelley Skinner, an education activist and Fulop supporter announced her bid for Fulop's Ward E council seat, reports the Journal. Skinner's decision could be another case of Hudson County political back stabbing, or simply means Fulop will, as expected, will run for Mayor, though Fulop denied having made a decision. Two other former allies are also running for the city's top spot. Mayor Healy and the HCDO supported usurper Sandra Bolden-Cunningham for a state senate seat hoping the position would placate former Mayor Cunningham's widow, but now seems to have backfired with Bolden-Cunningham readying a campaign against Healy.

Overzealous Parking Authority May Finally Be Reigned In

The Jersey City Parking Authority doesn't hesitate in slapping the boot on cars parked in downtown zones, and that's a problem according to Councilman Steve Fulop reports the Journal. First time offenders often find themselves booted and forced to pay a $110 fine in addition to a $42 ticket, even though the parking authority is not authorized to boot first time offenders in most zones. The arbitrary enforcement of parking rules means huge revenues in the way of fines.

110 First Street Ready for Abatement

A 35 story downtown rental tower in the Powerhouse District is set to receive a 10 year abatement. The tower will include 420 units, 25 of which will be reserved for artists. The abatement ordinance was introduced in an 8-0 vote and is expected to pass.

Animal Shelter to Remain Closed

The Hudson Reporter writes that the Hudson County SPCA animal shelter was ordered to remain closed for at least another month. The Johnson Avenue shelter was closed last month amidst health code violations.

Heights Everything Festival

The Jersey City Heights neighborhood hosted the Everything Festival last week. The festival closed streets in the not-to-transit-accessible neighborhood leading to traffic snarls and parking nightmares. But transportation aside, the festival was a success. JC Register posts a photo side slow in case you missed it. Between 12,000 and 13,000 people attended.

New Downtown Retail

The Life Vicarious updates a few retail changes coming to Jersey City. Coming soon to the Newport Mall is Hollister, a teen clothing company, and Hale & Hearty Soup. In Paulus Hook, two store fronts are being renovated for Citiroots and a baby supply store.

Exeter Property Having Zoning Problems

Exeter Property, a downtown developer with a portfolio that includes the Majestic, Schroeder Lofts, and the Park Foundry apparently needs a zoning change for its next project on the corner of Grove and Montgomery Streets. Exeter hung a banner asking a rhetorical question to residents: "What do you want?" (Hint: the answer is not a drive through taco bell, beauty salon or 99 cent store.) Curbed followed up with a rendering and a New York's Sixth post showing the site from two years ago as well as destruction shots. All in all, the proposal from two years ago includes 85 units of housing, more than 8,000 square feet of retail, and 963 parking spaces, according to JC Vibe.

Peregrine Falcons Have Chicks

Downtown office tower 101 Hudson Street is home to a family of Peregrine falcons. Four new chicks hatched a few weeks back, though two died in last week's Nor'easter. The two remaining falcon chicks were collected and administered antibiotics with an NBC Camera Crew watching.

Historic Synagogue Needs Repairs, Members

The historic Mount Sinai synagogue in Jersey City Heights once served as many as 500 families, but now only a few dozen worshipers attend regular services, notes the Jewish Standard. The synagogue is hoping for landmark status to become eligible for state funds for much needed repairs. The congregation's fortunes may be changing too as more young people move to back to Hudson County,

"If you are Jewish and live in Hudson county, it’s likely you are over 80 years old or under 40,"

McNair at top of Newsweek List

McNair Academy in downtown Jersey City was named one of America's top high school's by Newsweek. Ranked 30th in the country, McNair is number one in the state. The school slipped from 29th in 2007, but is still more than 100 places higher than its nearest New Jersey rival in Basking Ridge (132), and Princeton (138).

Hudson Catholic to go Co-Ed

Hudson Catholic, the all boys preparatory school will be co-ed in September of 2009. The school was to close at the conclusion of the 2008 year until students, alumni and private donors raise more than half a million dollars to keep the school solvent.

Press Release

Poll Points to Schundler Entering Race

A poll circulating around the city points to former mayor Bret Schundler entering next year's race for the city's top office, reports NJ Politicker.

Library to Host Origami Classes

The Jersey City library blog mentions that the Miller Branch will be holding origami classes on Thursdays in May.

Urban Gardening

JC Uncovered writes about urban gardening. May 15th was the official safe date to start spring plantings.

Real Estate Crash Comes to JC

New York's Sixth points out an article in The Wall Street Journal that claims real estate values are down by as much as 14 percent.

Haz-Mat Team Called to St. Pauls Ave

Hudson Now reports haz-mat teams were called to investigate smoking 55 gallon drums on St. Pauls Ave, just off JFK Blvd.

Jersey City Crime Stats

JC Register posted a nice little table of crime statistics from March 2008, based on police statistics.

Fulop Hearts Andrews

Downtown councilman hosted Rob Andrews over the weekend notes NJ Politicker. Fulop is expected to run for mayor next year in opposition to the Hudson County Democratic Organization, supporters of Andrew's opponent Frank Lautenberg.

More on City Hall Annex

City Hall proposed an expansion for itself last week. The Hudson Reporter writes up in a timely fashion a bit more on the proposed expansion off Jersey Avenue.

Displaced McDonald's Crosses Street

A McDonald's in Journal Square, displaced by the Harwood Towers project, is to reopen across the street, reports JC Register.

Waterfront Park Moves Closer to Reality

A single contiguous park is the goal of a downtown group hoping to turn several waterfront properties into a world class park, reports the Journal.

The group came together last year, hoping to unite several existing parks including the Morris Canal portion of Liberty State Park and the Waterfront walkway parallel to Hudson Street.

Avalon Cove Infested with Roaches

Low-rise, high rent waterfront apartment complex Avalon Cove has a pest problem, notes Hudson Now. Cockroaches have been invading apartments on the fourth floor from a currently vacant unit. Management has done nothing, claims the Journal. But they probably will now.

Taco Truck Gets Times Mention

Lucinda Burritos + Tacos, a waterfront food truck serving breakfast and lunch, catches the eye of the New York Times.

$500 Not Enough to Buy Fire Inspector

JC Register notes that the owners of the St. Paul Avenue apartment where last weeks fire began hoped to bribe the fire inspector with $500. Apparently the paltry sum was not enough, because the inspector called the police.

Cities Change as Powerhouse District Loses Arts

A one time warehouse district, the powerhouse redevelopment plan began with a vision for a low rise, arts centric neighborhood in the heart of Jersey City, but the ever changing urban landscape has once again molded a new city, reports the NY Times. Recounting a truncated history, the times briefly looks back at the Powerhouse District leading up to the Toll Brother's amendments.

10,000 Expected on Central Avenue

The Everything Festival on Central Avenue kicks off on Saturday with 10,000 expected, notes the Journal. With Central Avenue lacking direct access to the PATH or Light Rail, the festival should do wonders for traffic and parking in the area.

Farmer's Markets in Hamilton Park Incite Rivalry

Hamilton Park's farmer's market returns on Wednesday, June 4, according to a JCList Post. Or it returns on Mondays. Two groups (or the one group and one cantankerous individual, depending on who you believe) sponsoring competing farmer's markets on different days have launched online insults at each other, and apparently have questioned the validity (or existence) of required permits. For now at least, Hamilton Park residents should look forward to twice weekly farmer's markets beginning in June.

Newport Helps Book Lefrak on CNBC

CNBC Interviews Richard Lefrak, president of the Lefrak Organization, discussing the economy. The Lefrak's are responsible for the Newport development on the Jersey City waterfront.

Downtown Tower Topped Off

The top floor of downtown tower 77 Hudson Street was poured last week, notes Hudson Now. New York's Sixth writes up a bit more about tower, a condominium component of a larger two tower complex.

Jersey City University Graduation Today

Hudson Now notes that New Jersey City University's graduation is today. The school is graduating 1,521 students at the Izod Center.

City Hall Plans Expansion

Jersey City unveiled plans to expand city hall at an off site location on Jersey Avenue, reports the Journal. The 4 story, 120,000 square foot building would include retail space on the ground level. The proposed location is adjacent to the Jersey City Medical Center on Jersey Avenue, just west of the Liberty Harbor North development.

Hospital Morphs into Neighborhood

The massive medical center just east of McGinley Square sat vacant for years until the multi building complex began conversion into a new mixed use development. The first residences in The Beacon opened a few months ago, and several of the units sold for record prices. Many of the Art Deco features have been restored with stunning results. The Beacon hosted a tour this past weekend and JC Construction documented the journey with some remarkable photographs.

Jersey City U-Haul Requires Land Line, Two Credit Cards

A story on the Consumerist mentions a Jersey City U-Haul rental agency hassling a customer who didn't have a land line telephone number, as though anyone still has one of those, and then demanding a second credit card because a rental truck is "very expensive". No mention as to whether this was the Tonnelle Avenue location or the 14th Street location.

Motorcycle Run Clogs Streets

The "Freedom Run" of several thousand motorcycles imprisoned motorists and pedestrians alike on Saturday as riders passed through Jersey City on their way from the World Trade Center site. The motorcycle run left Hackensack around 11am, crossed the George Washington Bridge, traveled passed the World Trade Center site, and exited the city though the Holland Tunnel. There they cross downtown Jersey City by way of Marin Blvd. One Flickr user captured pedestrians dashing across the oncoming motorcycles.

Jersey City Uncovered New Issue

Jersey City Uncovered, an online magazine, has a new issue with stories on The Powerhouse, skateboarding , and Indian Food.

Jersey City Band Gains Notoriety

The Black Hollies are headlining the Hamilton Park festival in a few weeks. The local Jersey City band meanwhile has recently been noticed in St. Louis and Chicago. The Hamilton Park festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, with a rain date of June 15.

Pizza and Art

John's Pizzeria, a recently opened restaurant in Paulus Hook, hired local artist Richard La Rovere to paint a skyline mural of Jersey City's waterfront, notes the Journal. John's Pizzeria has a Times Square location with a similarly fitting New York City skyline. The Jersey City mural captures the waterfront from Liberty State Park to the north end of the city line.

McCain Visits Jersey City

Presidential candidate John McCain visited the Liberty Science Center today, notes WNYC.

New Bookmobile Unveiled

Hudson Now notes Jersey City's new Bookmobile will begin making rounds on Monday. The air conditioned, disabled accessible vehicle can hold 2,000 books, and the route schedule is available online.

Jersey City Undisputed Champion of Corruption

Campaigns and Elections, a national magazine for political wags and policy wonks, writes up a bit on a century of Jersey City political corruption with flashbacks to the heavy hitters like Branden Byrne and Jerry McCann. Mayor Healy gets a special shout out too, though less for corruption and more for his antics:

In 2004, during a special mayoral election that Healy ultimately won, photos depicting the future mayor nude and drunkenly slumped on his front stoop were widely publicized after a neighbor with a camera phone captured several shots of him in full, unattired glory.

The in depth article is worth the read, though its probably more shocking for those unfamiliar with local politics.

Fire Victim Found by Grandson-in-law

Yesterday's fire at the Villa Bouriquen claimed the life of a 91 year old woman who was found by a firefighter married to her granddaughter, reports the New York Times. Meanwhile, JC Register posted a few photos of the event.

Unintended Consequences of Preservation Efforts

New York's Sixth has a write up comparing the anti-development fight over Brooklyn's Atlantic Yards project to Jersey City's fight over the Powerhouse Arts District, and the unintended consequences. Yikes.

Hudson Catholic Saved

Hudson Catholic Regional High School announced two weeks this would be its last year in operation due to a shortage of funds. Last night however, school officials announced that fund raising efforts brought in more than $500,000, a quarter more than was needed reports the Journal.

Fire at Villa Borinquen

A fire broke out today in downtown housing complex Villa Borinquen, killing one, notes Hudson Now A one block area was evacuated. The complex is between Second and Fourth Streets, and Grove and Marin Blvd.

Joker Action Figure Arriving Today in Jeresy City

Batman's Joker action figures went on sale and quickly sold out in New York; the figures, modeled on deceased actor Heath Ledger's likeness are being favored by collectors. While stocks in Time's Square may havesold out, Gothamist notes Jersey City should be expecting a shipment today. Toys R Us in Jersey City city is located on route 440.

197 Academy Unwrapped

JC Construction has posted updates on 197 Academy, a 20 unit residential building near Journal Square. The apartment tower, covered in brick, is being marketed to young professionals and may signal that Journal Square will soon be following in the downtown's footsteps of gentrification.

Hudson Catholic Could Be Saved

Hudson Catholic, which last month announced it would close due to a accumulating expanses, had until today to raise $400,000 needed to keep the school operating. The Journal reports that its seems likely the fundraising goal was reached, but students won't know for sure until a meeting this evening.

Bolden-Cunningham Ready to Take on Former Allies

Sandra Bolden-Cunningham is preparing to challenge Mayor Healy, writes Politicker NJ. Last year Bolden-Cunningham cut a deal with the Hudson County Democratic Organization to usurp Lou Manzo for the State Senate seat, beating Manzo in a primary contest. The HCDO hoped the senate seat would placate Bolden-Cunningham, but now it seems as though she plans on using the seat to launch an assault the organization.

Politicker NJ mentions that Bolden-Cunnigham's support in the African-American community would account for about 30 percent of votes, but with a crowded field of possible candidates, the voters elsewhere may splinter enough to allow 30 percent to crown a king.

More on Toll Powerhouse Towers

GlobeSt.com has a write up on the Toll Brothers plans for the Powerhouse district, which gained council approval last month to amend the Arts right out of the district. The article does have a small rendering and names Carol R. Johnson Associates of Boston as the architectural firm.

Block Parties Start Tonight

Jersey City's block party season begins tonight in Columbia Park, notes Hudson Now. Each Jersey City ward will host a block party over the next month.

Jersey City Church Makes Most Endangered List

Preservation New Jersey, a heritage advocacy group, released the 2008 list of the 10 most endangered sites in the state, with Jersey City's Sacred Heart Church making the list. Past Jersey City nominees have included the downtown Powerhouse and the Apple Tree House.

City to Star in Music Video

Austin based band Anew Revolution will shoot a music video in Jersey City, n otes Blabbermouth.net. The rock band recently released a debut album.

Conservancy Launches Preservation Month

The Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy launched preservation month which includes historic architectural tours, cleaning up monuments, and an awards ceremony. Preservation month began on May 3 and runs through May 31.

Clothing Store Opens in PAD

d.e.e.n, a clothing and lifestyle store, opened this weekend in the Powerhouse District, notes We Are New.

d.e.e.n

Journal Square Towers Wins Popularity Contest

JC Construction ran a poll asking readers to vote for the most exciting project happening in the city. The winner: City Center, the double tower project planned for Journal Square.

Powerhouse Lawsuit

The Hudson Reporter writes up a bit on the the Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association fundraiser and future lawsuit.

Grace Church to Host Arts Festival

The Cathedral Arts Festival, Hudson County's oldest arts festival, kicks off with a champagne gala on May 10th, notes The Life Vicarious. Advance tickets to the opening event are available for $40. The art show runs through Friday, May 23.

Friends of Liberty State Park Celebrate 20 Years

The friends of Liberty State park celebrated 20 years with a luncheon today, notes Hudson Now.

Love and Real Estate

One happy couple is both engaged and new owners in downtown tower Gulls Cove, fluffs the New York Times. And they wanted to live in Westchester, gasp.

Senior Housing Proposed

A non-profit group hopes to build an 11 story building for seniors in the Hub redevelopment zone, reports the Journal

UPDATE: The housing would be near the Hub, but not in it.

Science Center to Host Free Asthma Screening

JC Register points out a free asthma screening will be held at Liberty Science Center on May 17, hosted by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Newport Man Falls to Death

Local Fox affiliate Fox 5 reports reports a man fell, or was pushed, from the James Monroe high-rise tower in Newport.

PATH Resumes After Fire

PATH service was disrupted yesterday when a small fire knocked out signals and power cables, suspending service to 33rd Street. Normal service resumed at 6:30AM today, some 18 hours after the fire.

Post Office Closed Over Safety Concerns

The Lafayette Post Office Branch was shuttered last year over safety concerns for employees, notes the Journal. A crime spree lead the post office to determine the branch could not be effectively upgraded.