Jersey City Clothing Boutique Expanding

Clothing boutique LIFE has temporarily expanded in Hoboken, notes Hoboken411. The small clothing store's original Jersey City location is on Morris Street in Paulus Hook, with a "pop-up" store a the north end of Hoboken, located at 14th Street and Bloomfield Ave.

New York's Waterfalls Visible from Paulus Hook

One of the waterfalls installed around New York harbor and the East river is visible from Paulus Hook's waterfront notes New York's Sixth.

City Receives Grant for Emergency Response Center

The city received a $2.2 million dollar grant to build a 911 emergency response center, reports the Journal.

Life in the Heights

A blogger named Holly documented a summer evening walk in Jersey City Heights, providing an interesting look at life in the neighborhood.

Rain Truncates Festival

JC Register reports that the Philippine-American Friendship Day was cut short by weather. Several people were injured when high winds toppled tents. Several impressive photos of the event show the heavy downpour.

City Dodges State Tax

The Journal reports that Jersey City got itself exempted from a recent state tax on commercial properties. The Journal claims mayor Healy was instrumental in convincing state legislators to exempt transit hubs, which receive tax breaks for commercial development.

Car Burning on Second Street at Erie

A parked car is on fire on Second street downtown.

update
The fire has been extinguished.

update 2
New York's Sixth posted photos of the car burning.

Museum Hosting Two, One Act Plays

The Jersey City Museum is hosting two one act plays on July 12, presented by the Philippine-American Friendship Committee. How To Cook Adobo and Ang Nobya Kong Arabyana, translated as "My Arabian Sweetheart", are both written by Filipino-American playwrights. More information is available from the Jersey City Museum website.

Canco Expanding Plans for Rentals, Retail, Park Space

The NYTimes reports that the developers of the Canco Lofts are now planning 1,100 apartments and retail space on site at the Canco Lofts. The plans include a public park and more retail space. The project will cost $350 million and be completed by 2011.

Owen Grundy Park to Open July 10

The Own Grundy pier park will officially open on July 10, notes the Hudson Reporter. The pier the park sits on has been rebuilt and new amenities added like a live stage.

Schundler Will Run for Mayor, Invade France

PolitcsNJ confirms that former Jersey City Mayor Brett Schundler will seek the mayor's office in next year's election. The May, non-partisan election is already eclipsing November's presidential election in Hudson County, and the result could dramatically change local politics.

Schundler, who also ran for Governor as a Republican, is rumored to be considering dropping the party. Even though the election is technically non-partisan, the Hudson County Democratic machine Organization essentially controls the city's government. Jersey City's mayor is often head of the county party, influential in both Trenton as well as county level government. The mayor's seat is critical for control of patronage contracts and jobs.

Schundler ruled Jersey City for nearly 10 years before leaving the post to campaign full time as a Republican for Governor against Jim McGreevey. Schundler ultimately lost that race. His departure allowed Glenn Cunningham to come to power leading to infighting in the once powerful HCDO. Cunningham died of a heart attack just a tentative peace had been hammered out. In the power void that followed, many of Hudson County's respected politicians have fallen, risen, and fallen again, from Bayonne to Union City.

Schundler is working towards building a slate to challenge Healy and the Hudson County Democratic Organization. But the field is very crowded already. Healy will seek reelection, the party already running ads. But the HCDO may find trouble with Sandy Bolden-Cunningham, Glenn Cunningham's widow. She convinced the HCDO to back her for a state senate seat against perpetual mayoral candidate Lou Manzo, a long time Hudson County legislator. Now Sandy Bolden-Cunningham is about to bite the hand that feeds her and run for mayor herself.

Also contemplating a run for mayor is Steven Fulop, the ambitious downtown councilman who is anti-establishment. He found support from Glenn Cunningham while he was still alive, but Fulop backed Manzo rather than side with Cunningham's widow in the district 31 Senate race last year. If Fulop skips out on running for mayor and instead hope to hold his council seat, he'll find a challenge from his long time ally Shelly Skinner.

In short, the playing field is already crowded and Brett Schundler's entry only means things are about to get dirtier.

Summer Festivals in Jersey City

JC Register has collated a list of summer festivals in Jersey City. The list runs through September and includes celebrations of many nationalities.

CIty Farmer's Markets Provide Access to Fresh Produce

Farmer's markets across the city are providing better access to fresh produce. New York's Sixth summarizes the time and place of the city's markets.

Four Bergen Avenue Buses Back in Service

JC Register notes that four more buses are in service on the Bergen Avenue line after 12 were pulled by the state for failing inspections. Build a subway.

City Misses Point of Abolishing Department, Keeps Staff

The Journal reports the city has eliminated the finance department. All 68 staff members will keep their jobs though.

Council Officially Grants CANCO Tax Deal

Jersey City is officially in the business of insuring profits of residential developments in the city granting the CANCO lofts an amended tax abatement. The council voted 7-0, reports the Journal.

Canco Lofts is a redevelopment project of the old American Can company. The old factory is a five building complex that in years passed has served as a canvas for a local artist-- neon lights installed in the building read "It is green thinks nature even in the dark."

The first phase of the building complex is well under way, but sales have been sluggish. Last year's credit collapse has not helped matters, though others point out that the complex is far from the PATH train at Journal Square. One solution proposed by the city, but not well regarded by the Port Authority, is adding another PATH station. That is unlikely to happen soon.

Critics have suggested that by granting the abatement deal to Canco, which has already sold more than a quarter of the units, that developers will expect to be able to renegotiate abatement deals whenever profits are threatened. This is not the first abatement to be renegotiated.

Previously, the council granted an amendment to a double tower development on Washington Blvd. Those, the Monaco Towers, first sought an amended abatement in January, which initially was rejected. That project, which is not currently under construction, later received a new abatement when the developer was ready to walk away from the project entirely. The difference of course is that Canco Lofts are nearly ready for their first residents to move in to units, while the Monaco Towers has only driven (and since removed) test pilings.

Red Arrows Rip Up Sky

A loud rumble shook houses across Jersey City last night around 7pm leading many long time residents fearing another terror attack on the city while simply baffling more recent transplants. But the jets last night were part of a planned air show at Liberty State Park, the Red Arrows. The Red Arrows are the British equivalent of the Blue Angels, top tier fighter pilots who perform stunts and formation flight.

JC Register has posted a few stunning photos of the flight group as well as a video of the jets tearing across the Jersey City skyline.

Syrup House Hilighted

A Jersey City Heights mansion owes its splendor to maple syrup, writes John Gomez for the Journal. The grand house even caught the eye of Journal editors nearly a hundred years ago as the house was erected.

Pride Regatta at Newport Landing Marina

The Knickerbocker Sailing Association is hosting the Sixth Annual Stonewall Sails Regatta at Newport Landing Marina on June 27th as part of their Pride Week activities.

Projects Getting Closed Circuit TV

The Jersey City Housing Authority will install cameras to be monitored by the Jersey City Police Department in several housing projects run by the agency in response to a recent outbreak of violent crimes, reports the Journal.

Salt and Pepper Grill Reviewed

Blogger Too Shy to Stop reviews Jersey City eatery Salt and Pepper Grill, a Journal Square, halal certified, restaurant. In short: a long wait and bland food.

Owen Grundy Park Nearly Ready

The pier beyond Exchange Place PATH station has been under construction for more than two years as the J. Owen Grundy Park has been rehabilitated. JC Construction writes that the park is almost set to open, and has posted pictures of the rehabbed pier.

Schundler Ready to Run for Mayor, Invade France

Former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler has given Republicans in Hudson County the impression he is as ready to run for mayor as Steven Fulop and Sandy Bolden-Cunnigham, which is to say, basically already campaigning. PolitickerNJ writes that influential party members believe Schundler's mayoral bid is all but certain. Republicans are concerned though that Schundler might drop the Republican moniker and run as an independent. Schundler left the mayor's seat to run for Governor, which he lost to Jim McGreevey who resigned in disgrace and wrote a book about the experience.

La Rustique Opens at New Location

A rumor on JCList points out that brick oven pizzeria La Rustique has opened in a new location in Harsimus Cove. The restaurant was pushed out of the Paulus Hook location. For now only take out is available, but tables inside and out may be available as soon as next week.

Aqua Tower to Comply With New Labor Laws

The $51 million dollar Aqua tower in Newport is likely to become the first to comply with the city's labor requirements for buildings costing more than $25 million and that receive abatements, reports the Journal. The agreements lead to the labor unions hiring Jersey City residents as new apprentices.

Toilet Art Displayed in Downtown Gallery

New downtown gallery Fish With Braids launched an art show with the toilet as the focus, the Hudson Reporter writes. The show includes toilet seats designed by local artists.

Jersey City Rated 21st of Greenest Drivers

Men's Health has created a list of the 100 cities with the greenest drivers, taking into account miles logged, mass transit, and air quality. Jersey City was given a B and ranked 21st in in the nation. By contrast, New York City was ranked 45th, and given a C+.

Wendy's Giving Away Free Burgers

JC Register notes that a portable Wendy's kitchen will be in Exchange Place on Friday giving 1/4 pound singles and gift cards. The event starts at 10am and goes until 2pm.

City Shakes Down Developer for Abatement

The developer of Canco Lofts wanted a better abatement deal. City councilman Bill Gaughan wanted a donation for the city's construction apprenticeship program. The shake down worked, and the developer agreed to donate money to the program. The abatement is on tonight's agenda, reports the Journal.

Bergen Avenue Buses to be Restored Tomorrow

The Journal reports that Bergen Avenue buses will be back in service tomorrow after repairs are completed. Riders have been complaining since the state realized most of the buses operating on the line were deficient, and yanked them from service. The state will reinspect the buses before they enter service tomorrow. Only two buses have been operating on the route since the state intervention.

Journal Square Farmers Market Opens Today

Journal Square becomes a little more gentrified today when a farmer's market is set to open. Hudson Now notes the market will be on Wednesdays through September, from 10:30 in the morning to 7:30 at night.

Driver Leads to Disrupted Light Rail Service

A driver made a wrong turn from Van Vorst Street this evening around 9pm and ended up stuck on the Bayonne bound light rail tracks. Despite 'Do Not Enter' signs posted at the end of Essex Street, turned onto the tracks and then continued beyond a short paved segment.

As the car continued west, the front wheels sunk into the gravel around the tracks and the car came to rest on the track itself. The driver attempted to rock the car out of the hole but the result was only to get the front drive wheels deeper. Passing pedestrians stopped the oncoming tram before it struck the vehicle, stuck on the tracks on a bend in the line. Service was temporarily interrupted, but NJ Transit currently reports no delays on the service.

Car on Light Rail in Paulus Hook

A car is stuck on the Bayonne bound light rail line between marin blvd and paulis hook. Service not operating to Bayonne.

Grove Street Concert Series Nearly Finished

Groove on Grove, a summer concert series hosted in the downtown on Wednesday nights is almost finished. The Bryan Beninghove Trio and Any Day Parade have performed on the past two Wednesdays, with WJ and The Sweet Sacrifice playing at tomorrow's final concert. Jersey City Uncovered writes about the first two concerts

'Sprawl' Artist Interviewed

Artist Lisa Dahl, one of the contributors to 'Sprawl', on display at the Jersey City Museum through the end of August, provides an interview to NEW. Dahl will appear at the museum on Thursday evening.

New Crime Stats

JC Register posts new monthly crime statistics.

Animal Corpses Found in Freezers

Newsday.com reports animal corpses were found in freezers inside a Jersey City animal shelter operated by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The shelter was closed several months ago.

Morgan Wants More Buses

Journal Columnist Earl Morgan wants more buses. He notes long wait times, buses in poor condition, and high gas prices all point to a need to increase service. The one thing he doesn't suggest is building a new subway line, but we will. Build a new subway line.

More Lead Found in Schools

The journal reports on more lead found in 7 schools.

Yuppies Buy Condos on JC Border

The Times writes up a touching tale of two yuppies who hate each other, hate the city, but ended up buying a condo on the border of Jersey City and Hoboken. Bonus points are awarded for mentioning Canco Lofts, a development the subject of the article represents as a real estate agent.

Despite Accidents, City Slow to Respond

Jersey City is finally addressing high speed accidents along Erie Street with the addition of a stop sign on Third Street, notes the Hudson Reporter. Accidents along the street in recent months have sent cars through fences and into the sides of buildings. Pedestrians, so far, have avoided death.

While Downtown Councilman Steven Fulop requested stop signs at each of the numbered streets only Erie, the Jersey City Police Department disagreed claiming such a measure would slow traffic too much. The Jersey City police department has a building located on Erie Street; Erie is one way, in the opposite direction of the nearest Dunkin Donuts.

Local residents have been looking for a solution to the traffic problems, but may not get one even with these changes. The addition of a single stop sign leaves six other cross streets unprotected and many residents believe the real problem is cars parked too close to corners. Cars coming to intersections can't see on coming traffic without pulling out into the middle of Erie Street. The Parking Authority has promised to step up enforcement, though its unlikely police vehicles parked illegally or double parked along Erie Street will by receiving tickets either.

Hudson Machine Changes Bi-Laws Fearing Power Loss

The Hudson Reporter writes that the powerful Hudson County Democratic Organization -- the party machine responsible for Mayor Healy and State Senator Bolden-Cunningham -- reorganized the party's bi-laws in order to protect the organization's officers in the event of losses. Instead of a one year term, the officers would sit for two. All this is likely in anticipation of Bolden-Cunningham challenging Healy's hegemony by running for mayor.

Jersey City Gas Stations Among Cheats

State inspectors have discovered many New Jersey filling stations are cheating customers either through incorrectly calibrated equipment or pricing discrepancies, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. Among the stations listed are several operating in Jersey City, near the Holland Tunnel:

CLK at 210 14th Street
Sunoco at 14th and Grove
Exxon at 202 14th Street

Station list

Pizzeria Opens on Greene Street

Pizza alla Gargiulo opened at 101 Greene Street in Paulus Hook, notes The Life Vicarious. Van Houtte Cafe also opened recently.

Contractor at 77 Hudson Could Get Fine

The Journal reports a concrete contractor at 77 Hudson Street could face a fine of $877,000 for safety violations. A worked fell to his death in March at the tower.

Mayor 'Rodney King' Healy Files Suit Against Town

The Asbury Park Press reports Jersey City mayor Jeremiah Healy filed a lawsuit against Bradley Beach and several police officers stemming from his arrest. Healy, who has been photographed naked and allegedly drunk on his front porch, was mercilessly beaten by the police.

Downtown Retail Changing Rapidly

Downtown Jersey City retail is under going plenty of changes, notes New York's Sixth. Grocery stores, cafe seating, and art galleries are in. Shoes and electronics are out.

Senior Housing Renovated

The Jersey Journal reports that seniors at 111 Storms Avenue are enjoying recent renovations made to their building.

NJCU Hosts Women's National Soccer Team

New Jersey City University hosted the U17 women's soccer team's training camp, notes NJCU

Motorcycles to Close Holland Tunnel

Two lanes will be closed on 12th Street tonight during rush hour as well as a toll and tunnel lane as more than 1,500 motorcycles file through on their way to Little Italy. The annual Garlic run kicks off from the Rockaway Mall on interstate 80 and passes through the Holland tunnel.

Port Authority Press Release

White Manna Burgers

A Hamburger Today compares Jersey City's White Manna burgers to its long lost sibling in Hackensack. White Manna is a burger joint on the corner of Manhattan Avenue and 1&9, just north of the Tonnelle Circle. Both shops were founded by the same man, but are now under separate ownership.

Family Health Fair

JC Register notes St. Aedan's will host a family health fair on June 22 offering free medical checkups.

Macy's to Snub Jersey City Again

Macy's will not display fireworks in the Hudson River for a second year in a row shafting Jersey City residents once more. The official fireworks site lists four barges, three in the east river and a fourth below South Street in Lower Manhattan. No barge will be in the Hudson River serving New Jersey.

Last year, Macy's snubbed Jersey City residents by canceling a planned fireworks barge in the Hudson River. The City of Jersey City had been looking to contribute to that display in the hopes of making it larger. Macy's didn't like the idea and canceled their barge. Initially Jersey City planned to go ahead and shoot off fireworks from a barge paid for by the city, but then Macy's somehow cajoled the New York Fire Department to cancel Jersey City's display. The Hudson River is governed by a century old treaty that makes all but the shoreline the domain of the NYPD, even though the state border is somewhere under water.

Jersey City newcomers may not recall the Macy's displays of the passed visible from Liberty State Park or the Paulus Hook waterfront, but for many Jersey City residents, Hudson River fireworks were far more convenient than heading off to Brooklyn. Last year Jersey City shot fireworks off from the grounds of Liberty State Park, hence circumventing the NYPD's ban and Macy's snub.

Anyone outraged by Macy's decision can leave them feedback here.

Farmer's Market Uncovered

Jersey City Uncovered explores the Van Vorst farmer's market, a Saturday morning market held in the downtown park.

PATH Turnstiles Debit Extra Cash

Incorrectly scanned Metrocards are leading to the Port Authority turnstiles charging commuters twice claims The Daily Commute. Noting two separate incidents, the Daily Commuter has twice been shorted fares at the 14th Street station heading back to Jersey City. The ever helpful Port Authority passed the buck to the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Lead Found in Schools

A handful of water sources in Jersey City's public schools turned out to contain lead. JC Register posts the letter sent by the board of education.

Homocides Jump After Last Year's Slump

The Jersey City Reporter writes that homicides are up for the first four months in 2008, a year after the Mayor touted declines for the same period in 2007. City spokesperson Stan Eason tried quelling fears of rising crime with double talk.

More police officers are on their way this summer and in the next academy class, with Urban Enterprise Zone money paying for new officers. If that doesn't work, voters can send Healy and the council packing next May.

Post Office to be Named After Former Congressman

Frank Guarini, a Jersey City native and former Congressman from 1979 to 1993 will lend his name to the main post office at 69 Montgomery Street, notes the Journal

Hudson Menus Launches Blog

Hudson Menus has started blogging, a long overdue edition to the menu site. Hudson Menus collects menus from restaurants in Hudson County and publishes them online in a centralized database.

Downtown Restaurants Reviewed

Blogger Grove Street JC wrote up three mini-reviews of downtown eateries Soul Flavors, Grand Sichuan, and Nha Trang.

CANCO Gets Abatements

The Journal reports that the CANCO Lofts received the revised abatement they asked for. The redevelopment project had been selling slower than anticipated.

T-Mobile Opens in Journal Square

JC Register notes a new t-Mobile store has opened in Journal Square.

China Spice Review

Blogger Too Shy to Stop reviews India Square area eatery China Spice. India Square is a few blocks north of Journal Square, along Newark Avenue.

Google Adds Jersey City to Street View

Google Maps has added Jersey City to its "Street View," a version of their Google Maps service that incorporates ground level photography. The photos are shot using special cars with multiple cameras and then compiled by Google's software. The service started with just a few of the nation's largest cities including New York and Google's home of Mountain View, California.

Cities have been added slowly as the data is aggregated. However, privacy concerns have been raised. In one case, an entire town opted out of the Google Street View. In the case of that town, the streets were entirely privately owned. In another instance, Google's camera car drove up a private driveway.


07302, Google Maps

Bus Line Short Buses

A bus line that runs from Journal Square to Bayonne doesn't have enough vehicles since a state inspection reduced the fleet to two units, reports the Journal. Also the buses lacked air conditioning. Riders were left waiting up to 40 minutes.

Pulaski Repair Work to Ruin Your Life

Hudson Now reports the NJDOT will be have some nightly closures on the Pulaski Skyway that require diverting traffic every which way. In short, find some other way to leave Jersey City.

Rapper Censored By City

JC Register notes that rapper Jim Jones was set to appear in Jersey City for national HIV Testing Day to promote blood tests for the disease. The city rescinded the invitation after learning Jones was a rapper. Note to city: read musicians lyrics before sending invitation.

City and Honeywell Enter Land Deal

The city transfer 35 acres to Honeywell in a deal with the company to clean up 100 acres of chromium tainted property and eventually resell the parcels for redevelopment on the West Side reports the Journal. Jersey City and Honeywell will share in the profits from the sale of the land, with Honeywell paying the city an advance against future profits. THat $15 million dollars has already been spent by the Healy administration plugging holes in this years budget. Healy faces a crowded field in next year's mayoral election.

City Residents Still Without Power

Jersey City was one of the hardest hit towns during Tuesday's storms and PSE&G is yet to turn the power back on for some residents, likely in the heights, notes Newsday.com