Healy Attempts to Thwart Fulop's Mayoral Run, Ethics Reform

Politicker NJ reports that Downtown councilman Steven Fulop's other ballot initiative-- a ban on Pay-to-Play-- is being used by Mayor Healy in an effort to rebuff Fulop's presumed mayoral challenge to Healy.

Healy proposed amending Fulop's pay-to-play reform bill whereby candidates would reveal their net worth and yearly earnings. If a candidate met a threshold of personal wealth, pay-to-play rules would not be enforced. Fulop, an investment banker, likely has a large enough net worth that if he entered the race, the pay-to-play rules would not be in effect for Healy. By contrast, Healy has suckled from the public teat long enough his assets may not qualify, meaning its a win-win-win for Healy.

City Clerk Folds to Machine Pressure and Rejects Fulop Ballot

The Journal reports that city clerk Robert Byrne refused to certify petitions that would have placed an ethics reform bill on the ballot as a referendum in November.

The ordinance in question would have prevented council members from collecting more than one salary from taxpayers. Downtown councilman Steven Fulop first proposed the ordinance in a council meeting, but the other council members, all of whom collect at least two tax payer funded salaries, soundly rejected the bill. Since then Fulop worked to send the ordinance to a referendum vote.

First the city set the required number of signatures around 1,500, but when it became apparent that threshold would easily be met, the city than decided to require more than 12,000 signatures. Byrne's failure to certify the petitions ultimately will lead to a court battle.

Hudson Menus Nominates Itself for Best Local Site

Get Out Hudson is running a "best of" survey of local businesses, restaurants, and of course, best local website. Unsurprisingly, Hudson Menus, which is owned by Get Out Hudson, has made the list. Nothing says integrity like giving yourself a reach around.

Robert Hennigar to be Memorialized by Surveillance Center, Police State

The Journal reports the Jersey City police department's new close circuit television center will be named after former police detective Robert Hennigar who introduced big brother neighborhood watch programs in the city. Jersey City has invested heavily in CCTV technology despite unproven results.

Sip Avenue to Get Park

JC Construction posted a rendering of anew park planned for a Sip Avenue lot adjacent to Hudson County College. The Culinary Arts Plaza Park is currently under construction.

All Points West Confiscates Celebrity Snack

Susan Sarandon had trail mix confiscated by security guards at the All Points West concert, even though she is a celebrity, and she was waiting in the special celebrity line, reports the post. Does being famous mean nothing anymore? Is trail mix so dangerous that concert goers should have it confiscated?

Beacon Ready for Next Phase

GlobeSt.com reports that plans for the next building phase at the Beacon are ready. The conversion of the Jersey City Medical Center from depression era hospital into luxury residences is a long term process.

The 22 Story Murdoch Hall will become the Paramount with 208 residential condos. The art deco features will be preserved, including the restoration of a theater from the era. With the first phase nearly sold out, the new construction phase will begin next year with occupancies beginning in 2010.

Already The Beacon has been seen as a boon for the McGinley Square area, with new construction and renovation sprouting up on properties adjacent to the old medical center. The Jersey City Police Department also has a motorcycle division in the complex.

The medical center was built during the depression, a gift from political machine boss Mayor Hague to the people of Jersey City. Hague's delivery of the city to President Roosevelt probably helped with financing too. The ten building complex will eventually house more than 1,200 apartments when the total conversion is complete. So far, three buildings have been converted.

One Fulop Peition on Ballot, Second Undecided

One of downtown Councilman Steven Fulop's reform referendums has gotten on the ballot, but the second is still waiting for a legal decision, writes the Journal. The referendum banning pay-to-play -- the practice of campaign contributors receiving government contracts -- is on the ballot. But Fulops other referendum, banning public officials from having more than one government salary is still to be decided. Elected officials likely fear the second initiative more, as the ban on multiple tax payer salaries would crimp their earning power and reduce their future pensions.

All Eyes on Park Concert

The attention this weekend was on the All Points West Concert, a three day even held in Liberty State Park. Locals in the know found out the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway remained open during the concert providing free access to the best shows. The Times provides a write up, while Gothamist provides excellent photos. Time Out New York went day by day. Most of the other coverage, of which there was plenty, focused on Radiohead, the headline band on Friday and Saturday.

Feed Your Soul on You Tube

Downtown cookie bakery Feed Your Soul makes an appearance on YouTube. The short interview talks about cookies, from We Are New

Music Festival Kicks off Today

The All Points West concert opens today in Liberty State Park, meaning its probably a good idea to avoid Lafayette, Liberty State Park, and the light rail line south of Exchange Place.

The concert officially ends at 11pm, so expect the PATH and light rail system to get a bit crowded around then. Also, with lots of out of towners coming in for the festival, you can bet the parking authority will have a field day with the boot, so make sure you garage the car if you lack the necessary permits.

Gothamist has a nice map of the fair grounds. If you happen to be going, note the official rules prohibit in-and-outs, so if you live downtown and hope to catch an early show before slipping out for a few beers on Grove Street, you won't be getting back in.

Residents Resist New Housing

The city wants to construct high density housing affordable to middle and working class families on Duncan Avenue, reports the Journal. Local residents objected.

Apparently People Do Drugs In Journal Square. Who Knew?

Blogger G-Lines Newsletter writes to explain why he is leaving Journal Square, and it has something to do with the drug abusing homeless people. Commissioner Gordon unavailable for comment.

Turf Replacement Approved

The Journal reports that the council approved replacing the turf at Cochrane Stadium. Earlier this year lead was found in the artificial turf.

Major Concert Opens Tomorrow

All Points West, a three day concert event in Liberty State Park, opens tomorrow. The massive concert features Radiohead and Jack Johnson. When tickets initially went on sale, per diem tickets sold out quickly, forcing concert goers to purchase the more expensive three day pass.

However, daily tickets are once again available. The doors open at noon, and the concert is scheduled to end each night at 11. Residents should expect the light rail line to be extra crowded this weekend as the concert organizers are encouraging the use of mass transit.

Concert goers be warned, the organizers have instituted more regulations than the TSA.

All Points West

Ox Restaurant Reviewed

I Am Not a Chef reviews downtown eatery Ox, a not quite yet year old Newark Avenue restaurant that has already made NJ Monthly Magazine's best in state list.

Beacon Looking for Revised Tax Abatement

The redevelopment of the Jersey City Medical Center may become a bit more profitable as developer Metrovest seeks a revision to the tax abatement program similar to other already under construction projects that received more favorable revisions, writes the Jersey City Reporter.

Lefrak Goes Hollywood, London Next

Epoch Times gives a reach around to the Lefrak organization, heaping much love on Jersey City's Newport development. Lefrak has diversified in recent years, buying up properties in Hollywood, and now looking to invade the U.K.

Healy Could Be Out After Decision on Newark Councilwoman

A Newark councilwoman used her position to obstruct justice more than two years ago, and now must give up her position thanks to a judges ruling. Some are hoping the ruling will apply to Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy who was involved in a drunken scuffle at the Jersey shore. PolitickerNJ writes that potential mayoral candidate Lou Manzo is looking into the legal options to remove Healy.

It's Monday, Meaning More Jersey City Schools Have High Levels Of Lead

The Journal reports more Jersey City schools have high levels of lead.