Jersey City Rising [Archive] - Page 8

ianmac47

May 1st, 2007, 09:52 AM

Again, this is more or less a product of a short term limit on the speed of growth. There are a number of parking lots and other empty lots that disconnect the neighborhoods, but these are starting to fill in. Grove Pointe and Columbus Plaza will go along away to bridge Grove Street with the Powerhouse. Athena and Trump will bridge Newport and the PAD. Greene Street had been for a while something of a division between the waterfront office towers and Paulus Hook, but the last two years brought Essex Commons, the Grandview and now 77 Hudson. There are still three large parking lots between Hudson and Greene, but with greater pressure on real estate markets, they won't stay parking lots for long. The southern waterfront, the financial area is a bit sterile, but largely because no one lives there. On the weekends its very quiet. Again, this is changing. Trump, Montgomery Greene, and 77 Hudson street will be putting a lot more people down there as full time residents. Metro Plaza with Shoprite and BJs is of course a very suburban style shopping plaza. But eight towers are planned for the site over the next two decades, beginning with the metropolitan, so over time this area will lose its suburban character as well. There are some detached single or two family homes along Manila / Grove Street north of First. They all have curb cuts for driveways, and were probably built between 1945 and 1965; this has some suburban character to it, but I imagine that these will in not too distant a future succumb to pressures to replace them, especially as Grove Street to the south fills up with store fronts. With much of the downtown built with a traditional street grid, and limits on road capacity-- narrow streets-- a true urban environment is very inevitable. the biggest obstacle I think has been the fact that many neighborhoods are separated by the sea of parking lots, but since all of these have planned large scale developments, most with ground level retail, this suburban sensibility is quickly disappearing.

citybooster

May 1st, 2007, 10:49 AM

Jersey City is far from sterile. It has street life and character all its own, but that character is not suburban. Downtown has parking lots because they were there when nothing was down there and once all those developments are built they will fill in the gaps and create a complete urban downtown. Right now it's still is not finished.I highly doubt that downtown especially in the next two or three years,when all the building gets into high gear and the everything takes shape we will call the result suburban on any way.It will have a diverse,exhilirating special urban character.As much as I love the high rises,the integration of a gorgeous,visionary,vibrant center like the Liberty Harbor development will add life and excitement to the city.The 350,000 square feet of retail will most definitely NOT be remotely mall-like in character,but realized in a grand urban thoroughfare called Morris Boulevard.And if Mocco stays to his word,we'll see it grow into a reality in less than 3 years.I cannot wait!The doubters will be amazed!

nafco

May 1st, 2007, 12:48 PM

I cant agree that no areas are suburban in JC. Anywhere, there is a low rise mall that takes up several blocks in a downtown area cant be considered urban by any means. I have no real complaints about the parking lots because they can be replaced with well designed urban structures, but the existing box stores and driveways really take away the pedestrian feel and urbanity of the city. The mid-rise residential towers like those in downtown and by Journal Square with huge parking lots in front of them are a big part of segregating the pedestrian flow of a continuous ped-friendly area to walk.

With that being said, a lot of these problems are from old construction, and are being addressed and even used as a model to avoid for the most part. With the exception of the Home Depot currently rising, there are few suburban structures going up and more urban designs and parks to attract people to come out onto the streets. Hopefully, the trend stays in this direction, and more street vendors and markets will continue to rise outdoors to encourage an urban feel. i think despite some major mistakes, the city is moving in the right direction.

TriHobo

May 1st, 2007, 01:16 PM

In Jersey City arts district, Koolhaas supplies the power

Jersey City officials seek Tribeca-style makeover for Powerhouse District

http://www.therealdeal.net//issues/MAY_2007/images/1177972620.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:openpopup('http://www.therealdeal.net//issues/MAY_2007/images/1177972620.jpg',190,141,true);)
The Koolhaas building is the flagship project of the Powerhouse Arts District.

More skyscrapers are coming to the Jersey City waterfront as developers seek to fill in the arts district portion of the city's downtown with its tallest buildings ever.

Anchored by a 52-story mixed-use tower designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, the Powerhouse Arts District is a top area for development in a city already full of new projects.

The district is a formerly downtrodden industrial neighborhood named for the massive brick power station, built in 1908, which provided electricity to the Hudson Tubes, now known as the PATH trains. The area is between the Holland Tunnel and Exchange Place PATH station, and buildings there are mostly factories and warehouses. City officials, intent on creating a Tribeca-style arts district, have insisted that new developments contain living and work space for artists.

The Koolhaas building, being developed by the Athena Group and BLDG Management Co., is the flagship project of the Powerhouse District. Located at 111 First Street, the tower, designed as three boxes at alternating angles, will contain a hotel, condominiums, artist space and retail at street level. Ground will be broken on the project in 12 to 14 months.

Jersey City has attracted plenty of high-rise development in the last few years, as officials seek to create a skyline to mirror the larger version across the Hudson River in Manhattan.

"The way for this city to go is vertical," Mayor Jerramiah Healy said when the Koolhaas project was unveiled at the end of February. "For better or worse, this city is taken up by tall high-rises. I think it is for the better."
Another high-rise is planned across the street from the 111 First Street project. Long Island developer Bob Leher is planning a 40- to 50-story high-rise on top of the Butler Building warehouse at 350 Warren Street. Leher has owned the century-old warehouse for the last 14 years and plans to convert it to a high-rise, mixed-use tower. Ground will be broken in a year at the earliest, he said. While he has owned the building for a long while, he said the recent development boom in Jersey City has been the catalyst for his new development.

Leher said he plans condominiums on the top floors of the building, with the possibility of some rental apartments. Additionally, he is looking into including a hotel in the building, as well as ground-floor retail space. He is unsure of how much space will be set aside for artists.

"I think that it is what the area calls for, more high-rise and density," Leher said. He cited a recent speech by Jersey City planning director Robert Cotter in which Cotter endorsed high-rise development on the waterfront and areas close to mass transportation.

Trump Plaza is a new 55-story tower being developed in the arts district by Donald Trump and Metro Homes. Tara Hogan, vice president of research at the Marketing Directors, the project's sales agent, said the project is aimed at a population that would normally be drawn to the areas outside the city and that most of the buyers hail from the outer boroughs and Hudson County, with few from Manhattan.

"It's a similar price point and a fabulous commute," Hogan said. "At many times, it's an easier commute than the outer boroughs are to Manhattan."

Another project rising in the arts district is a $110 million, 33-story condominium one block west of the Hudson River by the Athena Group and GoldenTree InSite Partners. The project will have 10,500 square feet of retail, a 238-space parking garage and a brick-and-glass façade.

Pricing in the Powerhouse District is close to the rest of the Gold Coast. Prices are starting in the low $300,000s and exceeding the $1 million mark for larger units in new developments.

Jersey City prices tend to start slightly lower than prices in nearby Hoboken. Hoboken is the epicenter of most of Hudson County's new residential development over the last decade, and prices have skyrocketed during much of that time.

Fields Development Company has recently completed the Waldo Lofts project in the Powerhouse District. The 12-story building contains 82 lofts and is designed to resemble the neighborhood's namesake brick powerhouse.

Trendy Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Williamsburg are the model for Fields, which supports the arts district plan. "We are trying to bring the Brooklyn feel to Jersey City," said Jim Caulfield, managing partner of Fields Development.

He said many people who look at Jersey City real estate also look in Brooklyn and choose Brooklyn because its neighborhoods have character, and new projects there offer designs and interior features similar to new development in Manhattan. Many of them seek to avoid buying "cookie cutter" apartments.

To attract buyers looking for apartments that stand out, Caulfield said, he's looking to bring in unique interior features to the Waldo Lofts.

The Waldo Lofts have 82 units, of which 49 have been sold, and some residents have started moving in. Caulfield noted that seven of the units are set aside at an affordable rate for artists, and almost 5,000 square feet has been set aside for gallery exhibits. The gallery space includes the lobby, community areas and 1,000 feet of space in the elevator banks of each floor of the building.

Prices for the Waldo Lofts start at $250,000 for a studio.

Caulfield said that Fields Development has several other projects in the arts district. They include an 18-unit apartment building at 154 Steuben Street, which is being built jointly with TreeTop Development. The project has 12 two-bedroom units and six one-bedroom units. In addition, Fields Development is working with Toll Brothers on a new project in the Powerhouse District that Caulfield said he could not elaborate on.

The Powerhouse District is not the only designated arts development area in Hudson County. Hoboken has been moving ahead with several projects to combine live-work spaces for artists with gallery spaces. Unlike the high-rise nature of the Powerhouse District, the Hoboken developments are smaller-scale, in keeping with the nature of buildings in the mile-square city immediately north of Jersey City.

JoeSas

May 2nd, 2007, 12:25 PM

I noticed last night that the northern top part of the Goldman Sachs has a row of lights now (almost all the way to the top). I was wondering what was going on up there. Not sure if that is leasable space or if the lights were on all around. Maybe some is renting the penthouse- unless that is just decoration.

JCMAN320

May 2nd, 2007, 08:47 PM

JoeSas from what I heard the upper part of the crown was suppose to have lights put it in, maybe this is it?

New system will track City Hall problem-solving
CitiStat database will gauge municipal progress, save money

Ricardo Kaulessar
Reporter staff writer 04/20/2007

Jersey City is taking a cue from Baltimore to implement the CitiStat computer database system, a management tool that reviews city government operations.

The system has been in place in Maryland's largest city since 2000.

Jersey City officials began considering the CitiStat system to manage the municipal staff of 2,680 employees during late Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham's administration.

Former Cunningham staffer Carl Czaplicki, now Mayor Jerramiah Healy's chief of staff, has made instituting CitiStat his personal project.

Czaplicki, Healy, Councilman Mariano Vega, and other officials have visited Baltimore in the past two years to study how the program works. Czaplicki said it should be up and running in Jersey City by the end of September this year.

"It's a team-building effort that allows us to create a better sense of accountability where we set goals and meet them," Czaplicki said.

Czaplicki said it could even lead to downsizing. "Ultimately, the goal is to save money as we find out how to improve services and make it more efficient," he said.

Easy to file complaints

Czaplicki said the city will start a temporary 311 non-emergency number, which will allow the public to call complaints into the Mayor's Action Bureau.

Eventually, the number will be integrated into the city's 911 system.

"The goal is to clearly get constituents' concerns or requests into a system where it can be tracked, measured, and responded to in a very accountable way," Czaplicki said.

There will also be a website launched this month that allows residents to file complaints before calling 311.

Bayonne is also considering CitiStat for their municipal operations.

May save thousands of dollars

CitiStat is modeled after the CompStat program created for the New York City Police Department by late former Deputy Commissioner Jack Maple in the mid-1990s. Compstat, which is currently being utilized by the Jersey City Police Department, uses tracking technology and reinforces it with meetings between top police brass and precinct commanders.

CitiStat brings the same process to city agencies and departments. Strategies are developed and employed, managers are held accountable, and results are measured weekly.

The objective, Czaplicki said, is not to blame but to ensure accountability and get immediate results. "This is not a witch hunt, not a way to get people," he said.

Baltimore estimated that it has saved at least $12 million every year with CitiStat operating on an annual budget of $400,000.

There, CitiStat includes CitiTrak, a call system residents use to report problems to all city departments. Each complaint is issued a tracking number for residents to refer to in follow-up calls.

Since former Baltimore Mayor and current Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley started the program, it won an award from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2004, among other accolades.

CitiStat has also been adapted in Atlanta, Ga. Other countries, such as England and Serbia, have embraced it.

Are CitiStat and Jersey City compatible?

"Now with CompStat, what you have is the sharing of information from precinct to precinct, since the bad guys don't always stay in one place," Czaplicki said. "What we want to do in a similar fashion is apply the same logic. We will discuss between city departments why we aren't meeting benchmarks."

Complaints from the 311 number and website will go through the Mayor's Office before reaching the appropriate departments. This way, the mayor and other top officials will be aware of the complaints and if they were responded to.

The city is also considering setting up computer kiosks in certain city buildings and reserving a separate room for CitiStat meetings and operations.

Czaplicki said that once the 311 system is set up, more sophisticated software will replace the city's current packages, such as Excel.

Czaplicki admits that it will take some time for city departments to accept CitiStat.

"We don't want to jam this down people's throats because, obviously, there will be resistance," Czaplicki said. "We want to get them used to CitiStat. We're dealing with human nature."

Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com

©The Hudson Reporter 2007

LincolnParkResident

May 3rd, 2007, 01:40 AM

Really good, let's see how many things without the fundraising for other causes can really get done NOW!

I bet, since Bentley is right off one of the Cities best Parks, those two Houses will be going for in ALL CASH MAYBE closer to double the currest asking high one! REALLY REALLY SHORTLY IF AS SOME WERE CONTACT AROUND A CERTAIN AREA! And those And not the highest one at $1.25 Million now! Especially the homes first sitting between Kennedy Blvd and West Side Avenue the better buys than the other direction too to start please! Some other streets might be Gifford, Jewett, Gautier and Kensington to start please, I guess they hit THAT BONUS LOTTERY, kinda looking since is all cash and THERE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM OTHERWISE!

I bet some condo's on Harrison Avenue for 1 bedrooms might be for the 600 SF $350,000-400,000 or so too ALL CASH TOO THERE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM OTHERWISE!

Certain direct contact probably better on certain things! Wink Wink and in person isn't the same as on the phone either! IF SOME THINK THEY HAVE MONEY, DON'T THINK SO WITH SOME!

injcsince81

May 3rd, 2007, 11:07 AM

LincolnParkResident

May 3rd, 2007, 02:58 PM

It Could Be Interesting!

investordude

May 5th, 2007, 12:42 AM

I realize there is a building under construction near the Newport mall theoretically where the Westin is being constructed, but why is it not listed on their website?

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/new_star_props.html

This strikes me as relatively odd.

JCMAN320

May 5th, 2007, 02:42 AM

It is a Westin, maybe they'll list it once its finished.

InsideScoop

May 5th, 2007, 08:39 AM

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/about/news/news_release_detail.html?obj_id=0900c7b9805d3ed2

The westin link is above.

JCMAN320

May 6th, 2007, 12:12 AM

By the way the Westin topped out today!! :)

JCMAN320

May 6th, 2007, 08:23 AM

Tours today will light up Lafayette's past

Saturday, May 05, 2007

While Jersey City has been home to almost 400 years of history, its Lafayette section is an often overlooked cradle of local history.

But the Sixth Annual Lafayette History Festival and Tour that kicks off today at 11:45 a.m. aims to bring more attention to the area.

John Gomez, founder and past president of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, started the tour in 2002.

"It's a part of (our) own history, so it's vital that (we) celebrate it in some way. The architecture is so eclectic . (Lafayette is) an incredible collection of sacred spaces from the Romanesque to the Byzantine," said Gomez.

The Lafayette section has been host to historical figures, including Henry Hudson in 1609 and Washington Irving in 1808. The brick buildings date to the Civil War. The oldest, dating to 1856, is William Keeney Manor, just one of several spots on the tour.

The festival starts with an opening ceremony at Van Horne and Lafayette streets at 11:45 a.m. The Guided Walking Tour runs from noon to 2 p.m. and the Guided Bus Tour runs from noon to 1 p.m. A reception and closing ceremony is at 2 p.m. at Ercel F. Webb Park.

For more information, call (201) 420-1885 or visit www.jclandmarks.org.

MARY PAUL

ianmac47

May 6th, 2007, 11:35 AM

By the way the Westin topped out today!! :)

I was wondering when that was going to happen. Its bloody tall.

RYinNJ

May 6th, 2007, 02:35 PM

i was just on emporis.com and they indicate that both towers at 77 hudson are under construction. Does anyone know if that is the case? Usually the developer waits until one tower is almost sold out before starting the second. Emporis indicates this is the case for Trumps two towers in JC. any info would be appreciated! thx

steveikin

May 6th, 2007, 04:10 PM

ianmac47

May 6th, 2007, 05:36 PM

My understanding was that both towers would go up at the same time.

Also, the Westin:

For those of you that follow this sort of thing, the light rail service between newport and harsimus cove is suspended on the weekends for the next two weeks. They lifting slabs of what I assume is prefab concrete onto the side of the Westin. This is the west side of the tower that faces the tracks.

nafco

May 6th, 2007, 08:07 PM

damn, they really threw that westin up quickly, and meanwhile it seems theyve been just breaking ground at 77 hudson for about a year now.

tbal

May 6th, 2007, 09:00 PM

Construction of 77 Hudson's first floor started a week ago at the east (condo) tower. The west (rental) tower will be going up this or next week. I'll post some pictures on Tuesday unless someone else beats me to it. There is a red-colored tower crane going up...nice of Hovnanian/Metro Homes to break from the boring yellow that was used on Columbus, Grove Pointe, and then Trump lol.

btw - the Westin has been topped out at 24 floors, not the 26 that I've seen posted on emporis. They removed the concrete distribution equipment from the top of the tower a little more than a week ago.

ianmac47

May 7th, 2007, 10:25 AM

I have 77 hudson pictures going up this afternoon.

Also, anyone hear about whats going on at the Van Leer Chocolate factory site? I saw a piece of heavy machinery breaking up the old concrete foundations on the site this morning. Do you think this is starting to finally start going up?

Also, 833 Jersey Avenue has been pretty dormant for the last 3 or 4 months. I was thinking that maybe they were waiting for some warmer whether, but its been warm for 4 or 5 weeks now. Any word with what's happening with this project.

ianmac47

May 7th, 2007, 11:56 AM

The latest from 77 Hudson street:

http://newyorkssixth.com/newyorkssixthphotoblog/2007/05/77-hudson-street-reaches-surface.html

injcsince81

May 7th, 2007, 09:39 PM

Also, they drove in the piles and are preparing to pour concrete for the foundations of the clubhouse and the first residential tower at Liberty National Golf Club.

The clubhouse will open late summer 2008 and the tower in 2010.

There is supposed to be a fancy restaurant with public access in the otherwise-private clubhouse.

tbal

May 7th, 2007, 11:16 PM

I have no idea what's going on with Van Leer or 833 Jersey...and I have personally been wondering what the heck is going on with 361 Newark - the formerly approved 6-story building that the developer had re-approved as a 12-story just a few months ago. There was some minor activity at the site about a week or two ago, but other than that, the site has been dead for the past 5-6 months, with hundreds of pilings already in the ground (there was a TON of activity at the site last summer). There are a few others along Newark Ave that I wonder what's going on with - I know that the 5-story building on the corner of Newark and Third is on hold because the developer is busy constructing 109 Columbus at the moment, but there is also that lot next to North Fork Bank, as well as the other 12-story building at 380 Newark...

I also had been wondering what was going on in the area between Newark Ave and Hoboken Ave, but I am thinking the developers are all waiting for the Lightrail extension from Newport to Secaucus Junction through the Bergen Arches (these approved buildings are all 11-23 stories, and all are within one block of the the Bergen Arches): 414 Hoboken Ave, 15 Oakland Ave, 32 Oakland Ave.

ianmac47

May 8th, 2007, 10:16 AM

So there was definitely heavy machinery tearing up what remains of a concrete wall along the palisade cliff, and some of the old foundations. I'm assuming this is in preparation for Van Leer. the Reporter article from last year says construction to begin in Spring 2007.

As far as the property at the end of Newark avenue just below the turnpike: yes, the van reappeared and there has been a guy wandering around on the property a few times last week, but nothing substantial. Hopefully they start moving forward with this again as the area really needs some redevelopment.

109 Columbus has a concrete base poured now, and they are moving fairly quickly with this. This site is very difficult to photograph because of a dark green fence across the front and walls on three sides. But they very well maybe above street level by the end of the week or end of next week.

The property next to the bank does not appear to be for sale any longer as the website was removed a few months back that was advertising it. Also, the approved plans, I think, were simply a sales tool to get a higher price. I highly doubt they will actually be realized. For one thing, they were only a mid rise building, and I believe lower density than Newark Avenue zoning allows. I think at this point Newark Avenue is ready for a larger project than was originally approved for that site.

As far as the 3rd Street / Newark Avenue project, I don't really know anything about it, except that I thought it was approved and Baker Boys closed.

tbal

May 8th, 2007, 11:31 PM

There were a few light-brown colored trucks and some other equipment 361 Newark this morning, but I have no clue what they were doing. I really can't wait for that building to go up...a high-density building in that spot will significantly increase foot traffic, helping the retail outlets and improving the appearance of the area.

JCMAN320

May 9th, 2007, 11:13 PM

Ground broken on new affordable housing

Ground was broken today on a 40-unit affordable housing complex in Jersey City.

The groundbreaking for what will be known as the Webb Apartments, was held at Martin Luther King Drive and Oak Street, where the housing will be built.

State Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin joined Mayor Jerramiah Healy for the ceremony.

The Webb Apartments will feature 40 rental units for people earning up to 50 percent of the median income; it will also have 8,000 square feet of commercial space.

The Webb Apartments also has received a Silver LEED-Homes rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, a distinction that recognizes its plans to use energy-efficient appliances, windows that retain more heat and a number of other features.

Ramon Luna

macmini

May 10th, 2007, 12:13 PM

Newark's rebirth is under way - will it rival Jersey City's?

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

S eparate, though nearly identical, reports in the New York Times and the Star-Ledger this past Sunday left the impression that Newark is on the brink of something big.

The stories showed that big-name developers and the banks that support them are now willing to take a gamble in Newark's real estate market, hoping that the same magic dust that transformed its neighbor Jersey City will work again.

It forced me to consider whether a success in Newark matters to Jersey City homeowners, or whether one city has a competitive advantage in attracting new residents.

The short answer is that Jersey City, unlike Newark, has a long-established residential and commercial real estate market that offers the predictable return on investment that developers and investors love.

In addition, Jersey City benefits from its closer proximity and greater accessibility to the Manhattan market, a factor that has helped Jersey City get the label of the sixth borough.

That doesn't mean that buyers won't be swayed by the promise of greater value in Newark, or that these same buyers might be financially locked out of Downtown condos and choose Newark over other areas of Jersey City.

"We really don't compete with Newark, except for political attention. The difference is the transportation in Jersey City is tied to New York, while Newark it's tied to New Jersey," said a developer with large interests in Jersey City and zero in Newark.

The first five months of this year saw 22 condo projects, totaling more than 770 units, go before Newark's Planning Board. From 2002 to 2007, only 155 condo units were approved.

Meanwhile in Jersey City, the last five years have seen more than 15,000 units approved. In the next decade, Jersey City is expected to see at least 15,000 more units approved.

"Newark is still a frontier location, similar to where Jersey City was in the 1980s," said James Hughes, dean of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.

Any boom in Newark would have to coincide with a reversal of its violent crime, a trend that has hit historic proportions and will only get brushed under the rug if the city adopts the Jersey City model of creating two cities: one for the rich and another for the poor.
In 2006, Newark saw 106 homicides, its largest number in years. In 2006, Jersey City saw 24 homicides.

However, I suspect and hope that Newark's African American population will have more to say about the future of the city than Jersey City's African American population, which is still fighting its way into the fruits of the construction boom.

There seems to be a general consensus that Newark outpaces Jersey City in terms of its cultural icons and institutions. Newark has the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Symphony Hall, Rutgers University, the Newark Museum, and a new arena for the New Jersey Devils.

"These venues are great, but there are no restaurants or night-life in these areas, it's like Downtown Jersey City on the weekends. Nobody is around," said one observer.
Jersey City and Newark are locked in battle for the title of largest city in New Jersey. The 2000 Census puts Newark at 273,546 residents, with Jersey City second at 240,055.

"We may pass them, but they will probably leap frog over us since they are larger than us and have more room to build," Jersey City Planning Director Robert Cotter said.

investordude

May 10th, 2007, 07:35 PM

I don't think there is a zero sum game here. If Newark became a nicer place, that would just make the overall region more attractive, which would increase the desirability for the whole urban Jersey market. As a symbol for a lot of negatives about Jersey, it would help a lot if things there turned around for the perception in both markets.

New Guy

May 11th, 2007, 02:31 AM

Hello Jersey City! I just moved into Journal Square area. I appreciate all the info from this forum. Believe it or not, the info on this forum was one of the factors in my recent decision to buy two months ago. Im comming up from Trenton, which has never developed economically to its potential (although I admit there is some small economic movement near the new new Trenton stadium). I wondered if Jersey City is yet another Trenton, to go thru 20 revitilizations, and never really revitalize. I watched this forum for awhile and yes, it appears that JC is a good place to make a bet. And Thank you to all on this forum for the info. JC Man, you particularly know your stuff -- I dont know how, but man you know it. If I get any info on the area I will post it (i.e. 77 Hudson).

ianmac47

May 11th, 2007, 10:15 AM

I've spent quite a bit of time in Trenton and it is so dissimilar to Jersey City that its really not worth comparing. Trenton has a number of problems, some are the city's fault, some the state's. Trenton was once a manufacturing center, like many north east cities. But the cost of doing business in Trenton rose compared to other places in the united state and overseas. Trenton no longer Makes. And then there is the transportation issue. Trenton doesn't have direct access to the turnpike. 95 circles around the outside of Trenton, but really in name only. Most interstate travelers are either heading north / south via the turnpike, or east / west travelers head out 78 or the Pennsylvania Tpk, neither near Trenton. All this means its much harder for The World to Take what Trenton Makes. Of course the state has all those offices in Trenton, and all the businesses that go along with government. But the state basically has raped the city. Most of the government buildings are islands in the middle of vast parking lots. There is no sense of place, no urban environment in the government district. Of course Trenton does have the Northeast Corridor line. Too bad the morons in Trenton didn't build the light rail all the way to the train station. Or use the light rail line to connect the northeast corridor to the statehouse-- few people are going to take the train to Trenton if they work in the government buildings because its too remote a location and there is no adequate transportation service between the station and the statehouse. Then of course there is the flooding issue; most of the few nice neighborhoods in Trenton also happen to be in a flood plain, so even if they are a nice place to live, you have to worry about floating away every time it rains.

EDIT: Also, Trenton has one hotel that opened four years ago. For dozens of years Trenton had 0 Hotels.

TimmyG

May 11th, 2007, 11:54 AM

OKs shorter abatement
Friday, May 11, 2007

The Jersey City City Council signed off on a five-year abatement for Grove Pointe II Wednesday. Located at Christopher Columbus Drive and Grove Street, the 458-unit market rate rental project is due to open in July.
The developer - Schenkman Kushner of Bridgewater - backed out of 20-year abatement because it would have cost $200,000 to $300,000 more per year than conventional taxes, said James McCann, the developer's attorney.
With Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson absent, the abatement was adopted 6-2, with Councilmen Bill Gaughan and Michael Sottolano voting against it.
Under the terms of the abatement, the project will pay zero taxes the first year, 20 percent of conventional taxes the second year, 40 percent the third year, 60 percent the fourth year, 80 percent the fifth year, and 100 percent the sixth year.
To increase the city's incentive to grant the abatement, the developer allowed the city to keep a $1.6 million pre-payment on the 20-year abatement and a $750,000 contribution to the city's affordable housing trust fund.
KEN THORBOURNE

investordude

May 11th, 2007, 01:04 PM

I'm glad the government of Jersey City had the good sense to stay out of the real estate business.

JCMAN320

May 11th, 2007, 10:54 PM

Obama coming to Jersey City

As part of a campaign swing through the Garden State, Democratic Presidential candidate and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is scheduled to be in Jersey City on Monday for a fund-raiser at the Liberty House Restaurant.

Mayor Jerramiah Healy and Newark Mayor Cory Booker are among the 100 or so expected to attend the noon to 1:30 p.m. luncheon — the entrance fee for which is $2,300 per person, organizers said.

Healy and Booker are expected to endorse Obama at an event in Newark before the Liberty House event, sources said. “Obama brings a refreshing element to the political fabric,” said Terry Dehere, a former NBA star who was recently elected to the Jersey City school board and who is one of 14 people listed as New Jersey supporters of Obama on the luncheon invitation. “Other than voting for myself, this is the first time I am really comfortable with my political choice.”

According to the Web site politicsnj.com, the other people listed on the Jersey City invitation are: Ed Albowicz, Joe Caufield, Frank Cretella, Jersey City Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis, Victor Herlinsky, Paul Josephson, former City Councilman E. Junior Maldonado, Vice Chairwoman of the LibertyHealth System Board of Trustees Rosemary McFadden, Ken McPherson, Pamela Miller, Mike Murphy and Steve Valiotis.

Obama is also scheduled to make fundraising stops in Montclair and Princeton, as well as appear at a labor union town hall meeting in Trenton.

A Qunnipiac University poll taken from April 10 to 16 gave New York Sen. Hillary Clinton a 38 percent to 16 percent lead over Obama.

Ken Thorbourne

New Guy

May 12th, 2007, 01:39 AM

I called the developer (Crowley Development Group) regarding a condo building going up on the corner of Baldwin and Academy in Journal Square. They were scheduled to start construction in the Spring. No movement yet. The developer said they will start construction in a few months. The project is still going forward. The same developer has plans to develop another lot off Academy street only a block away, closer to where Academy intersects Mill Rd. I believe.

Another condo was approved for Baldwin Ave a few blocks north of Academy just on the south side of the path tracks.

These Baldwin condos that are popping up are all basically running about 30 unit buildings, not huge, but larger than the existing housing in the area.

On Trenton vs JC -- Good analysis Ianmac 47 - Yes the "one" hotel in Trenton never seems to work out, and if it werent for American Standard and Trojan, I dont believe we would have any manufacturing at all.

JCMAN320

May 14th, 2007, 04:25 AM

Tax abatement limitation bill clears state hurdle

Monday, May 14, 2007
KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Over the objections of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, the state Assembly's Housing Committee narrowly passed a measure sponsored by Assemblyman Lou Manzo, D-Jersey City, to limit most tax abatements to 10 years.

The state Treasurer would have the right to allow up to a 20-year abatement, but only for areas in dire need of revitalization and situations in which the developer needs the long-term abatement to obtain financing, Manzo said.

State law currently permits tax abatements as long as 35 years. In Jersey City, 20 years has become the norm with developers paying 16 percent of gross annual revenues to the city. Unlike conventional taxes, these "payment in lieu of taxes" are not shared with the county or local public schools.

"It's good property tax relief news for Jersey City," Manzo said about the bill. "There is obviously a need for reform. We are not getting what we should from the abatements."

Citing the 30-year abatement granted the two-tower development planned for the heart of Journal Square, Manzo said that project and others in Jersey City will need long-term abatements. But, he added, tax abatement for projects on the waterfront aren't yielding the money or the jobs they promised.

In a letter sent to members of the committee, Healy argued Manzo's bill would have a "chilling effect" on redevelopment in the city.

"Without the city's commitment to long term tax exemption, projects like the Beacon, a residential and commercial reuse of the old Medical Center Building on Baldwin Avenue, and the American Can Co., a residential reuse of an abandoned factory, would not have been possible," Healy stated.

Both projects received 30-year abatements.

The measure now moves to the floor and a companion bill will be sponsored in the state Senate, Manzo said.

investordude

May 14th, 2007, 01:44 PM

I hear people brag about having the highest property taxes in the US. Do people in NJ realize this is bad?

I'm not sure the abatements are needed in NJ but clearly this will hurt cities like Newark that haven't gotten revitalized yet. If New York is offering abatements, this makes a place like the Bronx or eastern Brooklyn more attractive than Jersey City for attracting redevelopment.

investordude

May 14th, 2007, 01:45 PM

Correction - I'm not sure the tax abatements are needed in Jersey City, but I think it makes Newark less attractive than the South Bronx or eastern Brooklyn, in terms of attracting redevelopment capital.

citybooster

May 14th, 2007, 06:27 PM

Those who develop in areas in vital need of development can still get 20-year abatements,which are long enough.I believe all deals made to the present will still count,so if a developer and the city have already agreed to a 20-year abatement,it would still be permitted.

I wonder if the recent Grove Pointe developers reconsideration of their original 20-year abatement,in which they calculated they'll wind up paying a lot more than they had anticipated if they didn't alter that agreement means these long term abatements may not be such a great deal for the developers,maybe the 10-year route allows everyone more flexibility.I think the city's reluctant reworking of the deal for Grove Pointe suggests the city may be more addicted to the concept of long term abatements than the developers are....as the city doesn't have to dilute the infusion of cash from each abatement payment through having to share it with the county or contributing to the education budget.The long term abatement system is like a drug,the city itself gets more out of it and must get more of them.

The Beacon and American can projects would have qualified for 20 year abatements anyway,located in areas in most immediate need of development.the downtown waterfront is the least in need of this overused enticement....that land is worth so much no one can lose money to build there...it is a sure thing now,not a risk as amenities improve dramatically,so many new developments and neighborhoods springing up constantly,the infusioon of residents with lots of purchasing power....the time to pull back and strictly limit new abatements is now,anyway.Good for Louis Manzo!

RYinNJ

May 14th, 2007, 07:00 PM

Although property taxes are very high in jersey, it is the case in mostly wealthy towns such as in Bergen County. In this case you pay for excellent public schools and a police response rate of two minutes on average. It also should be noted that Bergen County is the safest big county in America. We pay our public employees salaries that allow them to be able to work and live in the towns they serve. In return our teachers and police are amongst the best and most professional. So yes our taxes are high, but we recieve great services in return. Better then most areas in the country!
SORRY THIS IS not REALLY RELATED TO JC!

JCMAN320

May 14th, 2007, 07:02 PM

Investordude I never head any body brag about havign alot of taxes, but what we are proud about here in NJ is that we are the wealthiest state in the country per capita.

NY, NJ, and CT (not in that order) all have the top 3 highest property taxes in the US so there should be a push for all 3 of these states to help lower them.

JCMAN320

May 14th, 2007, 07:12 PM

New culinary arts building for HCCC

Hudson County Community College officially opened its new Culinary Arts building in Jersey City today.

The college has one of only two programs in the New York Metropolitan region accredited by the American Culinary Federation Accrediting Commission. It has expanded its program, which will now be housed in a 72,000-square-foot Georgian Revival-style, five-story, steel frame and masonry building on Newkirk Street.

The third floor has two hot-food kitchens and two bakery kitchens and the fourth floor has two Garde Manger kitchens for cold-food preparation, an ice-carving studio and a fish-and-butchery room.

The building also has a Hospitality Suite.

The building will have 4,600 square feet dedicated to the Business Conference Center, where contract training will be offered to area businesses and industries.

Construction on the Culinary Arts Building began in March 2004 as part of Hudson County Community College’s $200 million capital expansion and improvement program. It is the first building that the college has ever constructed from the ground up.

Ramon Luna.

tbal

May 14th, 2007, 10:27 PM

It looks like ianmac was right about 209-217 Newark Ave...from the May 17th Zoning Board agenda, it appears the land is under the control of a new developer and that the new developer does want to build a larger building on the site...in any case, about a week or two ago they finally patched up the sidewalk around the lot and inserted at least two construction markers within the lot itself...perhaps they will begin construction as soon as approval is granted for the revised plans...

12. Case: Z02-003.1 Site Plan Amendment
Applicant: FTD Newark, LLC
Attorney: Charles J. Harrington, III, Esq.
Address: 209-217 Newark Avenue
Block: 311 Lot: 68 (f/k/a 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 54B, 55A, 57B, & 60A)
Zone: NC Neighborhood Commercial District / R-3 Multi-Family, Mid-Rise District
For: Amendment to Final Site Plan to revise facade and floor plan and to add a 6th story rooftop common room. Applicant also seeks relief from a condition of final approval disallowing full residential units on the fifth floor level."c" Variance: % coverage of rooftop appurtenances "d" Variance: Height

citybooster

May 14th, 2007, 11:54 PM

I had read here a couple months back about Harborside 4 being on the Jersey City Planning Board's agenda,but heard nothing about any decision on construction,proposed revisions,nothing at all since.Also,the whole mess going on with the Toll Brother's proposed three tower development,(The former Manischewitz factory)in which no one,city or developer,seems to be forthcoming with the neighborhood residents regarding any notification or consultation about the project...I saw something in another forum recently regarding the devastating impact this development would incur in the Arts district,and it really turned me agaoinst the whole project.Now I read about the Butler Building being converted to a 40-50 story residential tower...isn't that the huge,hulking 8-story complex right next to the former 111 First Street site?

I love the rising towers that bejewel the skyline of Jersey City,but the incursion into the Arts district(including the apparent scrapping of a gorgeous ,fitting development like the Hudson for something allegedly at least twice as tall,sticking out like a sore thumb in that area) is wrong headed and short sighted.Giviing different neighborhoods differnt,unique characteristics,quirks,appeal would really add to the future attractiveness of Jersey City for tourists and perspective residents.Build big like the Metropolitan,the Koolhaus vision,Trump,etc.....but promote diverse,vibrant neighborhoods of all sizes.

z22

May 15th, 2007, 09:28 AM

investordude

May 15th, 2007, 10:38 AM

Sure, affluent areas tend to have decent public schools and low crime in New Jersey, just like they do elsewhere. But if you're arguing New Jersey has great services, I would definitely disagree. Public universities in NJ are bad, infrastructure is old and decaying despite unusually high tolls, racial segregation is worse than most of the country, and crime in poor areas like Camden and Newark is a national embarassment.

I realize there are wealthy people in New Jersey and, fair or not, they get decent services just like they would everywhere else - I just think they shouldn't be proud their taxes are high. Your bragging about how great your "rewards" are for paying high taxes confirms there's a sort of pride in taxing yourself to death. That's bad for New Jersey and the region.

ianmac47

May 15th, 2007, 10:40 AM

Harborside 4 is moving forward from what I can tell. Like all large projects it moves slowly. But with vacancy rates in the city dropping and rents in midtown rising, I think this project will likely break ground sooner rather than later, probably this summer. Right now the site is a parking lot.

EDIT: Here is the site, which is on Columbus:
http://newyorkssixth.com/newyorkssixthphotoblog/2007/04/site-harborside-plaza-4.html

Also, this is the Butler Brothers building:
http://www.newyorkssixth.com/directory/2007/03/butler-brothers-warehouse.html

There are only rumors now that the owner, having seen the Koolhaus building is looking to knock down the building to build a tower. There are not yet concrete plans to do that yet.

As far as the Newark Ave project, all I can say is thank goodness they want to modify the facade; below is a rendering they had posted for a number of months at the property, and its awful.

http://newyorkssixth.com/newyorkssixthphotoblog/2007/03/215-newark-avenue.html

JCMAN320

May 15th, 2007, 02:47 PM

Investor the public universities are not bad at all. Rutgers is a very good school and NJCU has the best co-op programs in the nation. I mean to paint such broad strokes is a little un fair. Public education in New Jersey is ranked as one of the best in the nation with of course problem areas in urban areas but overall thepublic school system in Jersey is ranked very high, I should know because my mother is a public school teacher. We also have the highest graduation rate in the nation.

The infrastructure in the urban areas needs an upgrade but no different than the outer boroughs.

It's a no brainer that the problems in Camden and Newark are rediculous and very sad, but it will turn around. Overall I do enjoy living in New Jersey.

ianmac47

May 15th, 2007, 03:34 PM

The property tax situation in New Jersey is absurd, and there are a number of things at play here that have really created the problem

1. Multiple municipal madness (also, the title of an excellent book about the problem) There are more than 500 municipalities in the state. Dozens of towns have less than 5,000 people. This means there is a huge amount of bureaucracy supporting all the little towns. At a minimum there are 5 council members for each town. Some have seven. Some have mayors on top of that. Then of course, most of these towns have their own police departments, fire departments, and emergency responders. In many other states, most of these services are consolidated into more regional governments. The small towns can't save money through bulk purchases, which drives up taxes. For example, a town might need to replace a fire truck, but they are bidding on one unit. Its unlikely they will get any volume discount. Many other states have regional fire fighting, so maybe they are buying 10 or 20 units at a time, all to the same specifications and receive volume discounts.

2. Multiple Office holding.
State officers from the assembly and state senate can also hold positions in the county and local government. Nothing gets people re-elected to their local positions faster than "bringing back money from Trenton." So there is a lot of state money spent on local services from dual office holders. State Aid to municipalities pours in from Trenton because none of the dual office holders want to rise local property taxes so they take state money away from state programs to feed the local budgets.

3. More School Districts than Municipalities.
There are I believe a hundred or so more school districts than there are municipalities. Some districts have 0 schools and are responsible solely for shipping students to other districts. Some towns have multiple districts. All this comes down to lack of ability to negotiate with contractors. Publishers of school books for example, create text books to cater to large districts like Texas-- and give them a discount for buying in bulk. New Jersey has somewhere around 1.4 million public school children. There is no reason why there shouldn't be discounts for cafeteria contracts, trash removal, book and computer purchases, ect.ect. But the districts are so small there is no way to leverage that population into a solid negotiating block. New Jersey has a great public school system, especially compared to many others. but the state wastes a lot of money. There is also a lot of overhead then on highly paid administrators rather than on teachers. Every school district has a superintendent, as well as principals.

4. Pensions.
These three conditions produce a lot of people suckling from the government teat through pension plans. The salaries of elected officials in small towns aren't that much -- many receive just a few thousand dollars a year. But thats enough to get them a credit towards state pension plan, which calculates payments based on the highest three years of salary. Plus you also have, proportionally, a lot more high paid administrators. Every police department has a chief, as well as captions and Lts. Fire Chiefs. Superintendents. School Principals.

RYinNJ

May 15th, 2007, 07:08 PM

There is no doubt that the less a government needs to tax the better. However, my point is that our services are superior to most. I grew up in Emerson, NJ(10 miles from NYC) with a police dept that covered 1.5 square miles with four police officers on duty at all times. They would respond to any emergency within a minute. I graduated from a public high school with 60 students in my graduating class and with the most up to date technology, books and wonderful teachers. The town has voted down any attempt to merge with neighboring schools or police departments to reduce or stabilize the tax base. The reason always being we like it the way it is! People will complain that taxes are high but admit it is worth it! Virtually no crime, excellent schools, a DPW that responds the next day after calling if you need something picked up. This is how well -to -do Jersey likes it. Also to state NJ has higher racial strife then elsewhere is absurd. Perhaps in 1960's Newark, but times have changed and Jersey including it's suburbs are some of the most racially diverse in the country. Furthermore, our higher education system isn't half bad either. I graduated from Rutgers and received my Masters from Montclair State University, two fine examples of higher ed anywhere in the country. Lastly, our toll roads are in excellent shape considering they are the most heavily traveled in the nation. I will admit that Our interstate (non-toll roads) highways are in shambles, but this is a result of a shortage in federal dollars. We pay the most in taxes to Washington but get the least amount in return. WOW, JCman now I know why you get so annoyed by outsiders who criticize our cities and state.

JCMAN320

May 16th, 2007, 01:04 AM

http://lwdmr.com/galleries/5/

Here are the renderings of the Bates Project at the corner of Grand and Bates St. No word on when it will start yet. This is from ianmac's site Newyorkssixth.com.

investordude

May 16th, 2007, 05:17 AM

Just curious, since you claim to know even though by your own admission you've spent most of you life in the area. Look, some things about New Jersey are good. Tax money being used intelligently is *not* one of them, and your view that New Jersey's egregious tax burden is justifiable is part of the problem.

I'm sure you did fine in school, but would you really objectively say Rutgers is a better school than, say, UC Berkeley or UCLA? Yet California passed proposition 13 and the tax-lover doom and gloomers have been inaccurately predicting problems that never arose ever since.

Also, I find it intriguing that you think NY metro suburbs are not unusually segregated, especially given your very dubious rational about why your "well to do" school didn't want to merge with a larger district. In other words, wealthy people carved out an exclusionary area for their schools.

I can definitely tell you that most affluent areas in other dynamic places, such as Texas or California, have good schools and are less segregated. Try Palo Alto, Cupertino, or suburbs of north Dallas like Plano. Excellent schools - MUCH more diverse.

You should explore the country and then that can give you some perspective about the amazing value you're getting for your tax dollars.

ianmac47

May 16th, 2007, 09:41 AM

Emerson is actually a perfect example of how NJ wastes money and why there should be a statewide effort to combine municipalities. There are fewer than 8,000 people in Emerson but there is six council members and a mayor. That's seven elected officials ruling over less than 8000 people. Absurd. Bergen County in particular has several dozen of these micro-boroughs.

Would fire coverage really not be any better if there was a regional Bergen County fire department? Would crime be higher if there was a regional police force? Its doubtful that services are improved by having a local fire department and a local police department. Coincidentally, Bergen County has TWO law enforcement departments at the County level. The County Police and the County Sheriff's department.

injcsince81

May 16th, 2007, 09:42 AM

PGA Tournament With a View of the New York City Skyline

By DAMON HACK (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/h/damon_hack/index.html?inline=nyt-per)
Published: May 16, 2007
The Barclays golf tournament, a fixture at Westchester Country Club in Harrison, N.Y., since 1967 and the inaugural PGA Tour playoff event, will move to Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City in August 2009, bringing professional golf closer to Manhattan for at least one year.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/05/16/sports/16golf.1.190.jpg Suzy Allman for The New York Times
The Liberty National course, a 7,400-yard layout bordered by townhouses in Jersey City, opened last July.

“Liberty has a lot of potential,” Tim Finchem, the PGA Tour commissioner, said Sunday during the Players Championship. “With camera angles, 4,000 feet on the water and the Statue of Liberty very much a part of the landscape, it will look more like New York to the rest of the country when it’s on television. The golf course was built with hospitality in mind, and I think it will be a nice move in 2009.”

Although the Barclays — formerly the Westchester Classic and the Buick Classic — has been played at the same course for four decades, Finchem and the club’s membership agreed last year that Westchester would be its host for only three of the next six years, including 2007 and 2008, with an option for a fourth year.
That left the Tour with a gap to fill for its FedEx Cup playoffs, and Finchem chose Liberty National, a 7,400-yard layout designed by Tom Kite and Bob Cupp and built by Paul B. Fireman and his son, Dan Fireman, for $150 million.
Finchem said the Tour had not decided where the Barclays would be played in 2010 and beyond.

Liberty National, which opened last July, has gained acclaim among businessmen and politicians. Rudolph W. Giuliani (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/g/rudolph_w_giuliani/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and Robert K. Kraft (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/k/robert_k_kraft/index.html?inline=nyt-per), owner of the New England Patriots (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/sports/profootball/nationalfootballleague/newenglandpatriots/index.html?inline=nyt-org), are among the club’s founding members.
Liberty National has built up plenty of cachet, with ferry and helicopter service, $1 million Belgian stone cart paths and challenging holes with panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline.
If the course holds up to professional competition and if the tournament is viewed as successful, Liberty National may continue as a PGA Tour site and also begin courting major championships, Ryder Cup matches and Presidents Cup matches.

“Though Westchester has been a great venue for years, Liberty is the next new thing out there for the Tour to sink its teeth into,” Dan Fireman said in an interview. “It’s an exciting new venue for golf, and we hope to showcase it. Tiger Woods (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/w/tiger_woods/index.html?inline=nyt-per) wants to conquer everything out there. Until he conquers Liberty, he hasn’t.”

Cupp, who collaborated with Jack Nicklaus (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/n/jack_nicklaus/index.html?inline=nyt-per) to build Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio, called Liberty National his defining moment.
“Players, deep down, love to compete on hard golf courses, and the Tour likes to see 30-mile-an-hour winds,” Cupp said. “The course has places to make birdies and places to make a bunch of ‘others.’ It’s a course that has every shot.”

In location and style, Westchester Country Club is much different from the wind-swept Liberty National. Westchester, nearly 600 yards shorter, is a classic course lined by large trees and dotted with small greens.
Before moving to August as part of the FedEx Cup playoffs, the Barclays was often overshadowed in its June date on the Tour calendar, one week before or after the United States Open. Woods, for example, who rarely plays the week before or after a major, has not played at Westchester since 2003.
Last year, when it was rumored that Westchester would cease to be a regular stop on the PGA Tour calendar, the Tour veteran Billy Andrade was among those who bemoaned a potential change.

“If you polled every player on our Tour and said name your top three or four, Westchester Country Club is in the top three or four,” Andrade, who won there in 1991, said last year. “I hope we do whatever it takes to continue to play here because this is a fabulous venue.”

Although Finchem did not rule out returning the event to Westchester beyond the Tour’s deal with the club, he said he liked the idea of rotating the location. The lure of a course a stone’s throw from Lower Manhattan, he said, would only increase the tournament’s appeal.

“We wouldn’t at all have a problem with our home base being Westchester,” he said. “It’s great as far the tournament goes. The only thing is, you are trying to reach and excite a metropolitan area of 10, 11 million and make sure it has a full flavor that is really part of New York. It would just make it a bigger event. That’s not to take anything away from Westchester at all. It’s just to say that we’re in the business of trying to make big events.”

JCMAN320

May 16th, 2007, 11:19 AM

Great News!!!!! Good job Jersey City!!!!

investordude

May 16th, 2007, 02:14 PM

I think this golf course is great for the region, especially if its well covered like this. Should also help the condo tower sales.

I wonder what golfers themselves think though - I would imagine wind conditions on the harbor are less ideal than in Westchester for actually playing professional golf.

Still, especially on TV, that might make it more fun to watch.

macmini

May 16th, 2007, 03:25 PM

$106M vote of confidence for Downtown

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

A Woodbridge-based development company has purchased 30 Montgomery St. and its neighbor, 2 Montgomery St., in Downtown Jersey City, for a whopping total of $105.87 million - and the plans for the site might open a new chapter for the city and its already red hot waterfront real estate market.

City sources tell me that Onyx Equities LLC plans to demolish the buildings to make room for a spectacular, mixed-use complex similar to the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle in Manhattan.

The project would feature a 14,000-square-foot open air plaza with shops and restaurants.

The building would also have more than 1.2 million square feet of retail, residential, office and luxury hotel space, continuing the trend of mixed-use construction in Jersey City.

The location is one of the most marketable and expensive sites in Jersey City, just a block from the Exchange Place PATH station and thus minutes from Manhattan's Financial District.

There have been no plans submitted to the city yet, and officials with the company did not return calls seeking comment.

If true, the proposal shows the continuing maturation and diversification of Jersey City's residential and commercial market, which in recent months has seen an innovative proposal from one of the world's most noted architects.

"This is the type of building that gets built in major metro areas like New York and Chicago," said one city official.

The 30 Montgomery St. building, built in 1974, is home to bankers, lawyers and real estate brokers, along with a number of Jersey City government offices, including the city's Planning Department, Redevelopment Agency, and the Jersey City Economic Development Corp.

Sources tell me the company plans to let leases expire in the upcoming months and may buy out others in order to clear the building. Meanwhile, the city is working on plans to consolidate all offices, perhaps building a City Hall annex on Grove Street.

The 2 Montgomery St. building is the previous corporate headquarters of First Jersey National Bank, but is currently fully leased to Met Life.

Though 30 Montgomery St. dwarves its neighbor in size, the buildings sold for roughly $52.5 million each. City officials say the similar sale prices has to do with the similar zoning.

It appears The Donald's charm works on both sides of the Hudson River, after Metro Homes and the mogul himself celebrated the sales of more than 300 units at Trump Towers Jersey City - in Trump style of course.

There were beautiful models, a yacht that carried real estate brokers from Manhattan to the shores of Jersey City and, of course, a bit of self-promotion.

"It is the most successful real estate project in the state of New Jersey," said Dean Geibel, owner of Metro Homes, who has partnered with Trump on the project.

Since the sales office opened seven months ago, 304 of the 444 available units have sold in the first 55-story tower, with prices ranging from $450,000 to $2 million.

That means 43 units sold per month, which either beats or compares with other Jersey City condo development sales at the height of the real estate boom, said one local official who tracks the market.

"The success of the Trump project means a lot. It shows there is a high demand for luxury condos," the local official said.

Buyers can expect to move into their new digs by next spring, Geibel said. However, the start of construction on the 407-unit second tower is still some time away and depends on the success of the first tower.

"The quicker we sell out the first tower, the quicker we can start construction of the second tower," said Geibel.

About 15 percent of the buyers are moving out of Manhattan into New Jersey in pursuit of value, while the majority of the remaining buyers are people who are moving from other parts of New Jersey to get closer to their jobs in Manhattan, said Geibel.

JCMAN320

May 16th, 2007, 09:50 PM

Good job macmini you beat me to it buddy. I read this today and this really made my day. I can't wait. JC just won't stop moving and shaking it truly is remarkable.:)

sfenn1117

May 16th, 2007, 10:02 PM

^Now that's a site for the skyline......it deserves nothing but a top notch, soaring building.....maybe the best spot for a 1,000 footer.

JCMAN320

May 17th, 2007, 12:02 AM

1,000 footer for Jersey City; I can only hope and dream and hope. lol. I would love to see those babies reachfor the sky. That area needs that because that was one of the first buildings built in 80's for downtown and t no doesn't fit the plan JC has for downtown. Needs to go can't wait!!

investordude

May 17th, 2007, 01:31 AM

I'm trying to understand why the developer thinks the city will approve the building - it says the previous buildings sold for the same price based on exisiting zoning. Is this developer have connections - he seems awfully confident in a fairly detailed plan for the site.

I think he should be allowed to build this, but why does he think he'll get a green light?

ianmac47

May 17th, 2007, 10:09 AM

I think the lots are zoned like the rest of the waterfront-- super high rise. Meaning the existing buildings are not built out on the lot, and they can be demolished for a higher building. The only thing I wonder is, isn't the PATH line like directly under that lot?

tbal

May 17th, 2007, 10:20 AM

I wouldn't be surprised if this thing ends up being taller than the GS Tower, given the location of the property - directly behind a tall building (10 Exchange Place) - and the amount of $$ the developer has paid for the site.

In other news, I can confirm that ground has been broken for at least the Monaco towers at Washington and Sixth Street...there were at least two pilings already in the pavement and a whole bunch of them lying next to the crane on the site. From what I've seen at 77 Hudson, they will most likely drive a few of these into the parking lot, dig up the parking lot, excavate the site, and then begin driving in a few hundred pilings. I'm not exactly sure why they drive pilings in before excavation, but that's the way it was done with 77 Hudson.

JCMAN320

May 17th, 2007, 10:30 AM

Yup tbal I saw the pillings this morning. I can't wait very excited!!!!

tbal

May 17th, 2007, 10:41 AM

I also forgot to mention this, which I saw on the kannekt forums:

http://www.lwdmr.com/galleries/14/

This is that 23-story building approved last November right off of Hoboken Ave....so it looks like we have not two, but THREE beautiful high rises coming to the Square area!

nafco

May 17th, 2007, 10:44 AM

Im not sure I totally get it. It is good news for the city and everything, but it seems like a lot more work to take that site over other ones in the same general area. Whats the advantage of demolishing a 16+ story building when there are plenty of full sized parking lots still flooding the downtown landscape. I would think the city would push hard to fill these plots of land before developing already used land and buildings. I understand the location is great and that either way, its good for the city, it just doesnt seem as productive to move people out of the city before moving them all back in again when they could build new buildings to fill first so they wouldnt have to evict anyone.

Although, I wonder if GS could take advantage of all these refugees in need of office space for a little while until they can be relocated since they still have a third of the GS tower to fill.

JCMAN320

May 17th, 2007, 10:48 AM

Yes I Love It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Can"t Wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

nafco

May 17th, 2007, 10:49 AM

JCMAN320

May 17th, 2007, 10:58 AM

Most of the lots your talkihng about will be built on and are owned by Mack Cali and Harborside, Merril Lynch, and Goldma Sachs. Most of the offices in 30 Hudson are city offices and the shorter building has bank offices. This will be a tall set of buildings I can't wait.

JCMAN320

May 17th, 2007, 10:59 AM

Yea nafo it ia the corner of Hoboken Ave. and 139 aka the elevated roadway over the covered roadway.

ianmac47

May 17th, 2007, 10:59 AM

The 23 story tower is on Hoboken Ave just off the upper level of 139. Its not directly on 139, but because of the angle of the streets, its less than half a block. This puts it pretty far from JSQ, relatively speaking, but probably will bring a lot of investment into the area. No ground breaking on this yet, and the lot is still a parking lot with cars in it.

As far as the Monaco towers, they have broken ground:
http://newyorkssixth.com/newyorkssixthphotoblog/2007/05/monaco-towers.html

And regarding the Montgomery street land acquisition, it sounds like simply the developer wanted to get a foothold in the market and bought their way in, so while I'd love to see the other parking lots filled in, they are all tied up with other projects already, even if those are delayed. I would assume it would probably take another year to clear out the existing buildings of tenants and put together a proposal, probably its at least 5 years away from being completed, but still its great for the area. Whoever posted the link about the sale, do you have the original article source citation?

Has there been any further talk about the HS6,7 plot or the HS8,9 plot? I heard rumors that the land at Harborside 8 and 9 was being sold for apartments.

And what about the metropolis towers expansion? I haven't seen anything happening there in months, does anyone know why? I would have thought the parking garage at least would be underway by now.

JCMAN320

May 17th, 2007, 11:20 AM

Ianmac, the source of the sale is Jarrett Renshaw of the Jersey Journal it is still online and was on the front page of the Journal yesterday.

Metropolis Towers expansion I have no idea the site is prepped.

As far as I know the only Harborside building to come close to move forward is Harborside 4.

Any other question, Ill try and help.

tbal

May 17th, 2007, 11:42 PM

Someone who lives in Metropolis scanned in a notice they received and posted it over at kannekt or jclist (I forget which one) right before demolition of the lowrise section of the building, and if I remember correctly, they stated that the new parking structure would begin to go up in the Spring of 2007...maybe they're still waiting for the permits from the city, or negotiating a contract with the construction company...

I'm still wondering what's going on with 2 Second Street (I know they did that soil remediation a few months ago, but since then, nothing has happened). I'm also wondering what's going to happen with the triangular plot of land that the Athena Group had cleared out right next to the Powerhouse...has the city given Athena development rights over it? I wonder what the terms of the agreement were, because I could definitely see a building of about 20 stories or so going up there.

Also, I wonder what kind of planning Applied Co. is doing behind the scenes for the rest of the land at Columbus Plaza...they put up a huge white-colored facade on the exposed part of the parking structure, as if they don't plan to complete the construction for awhile...

One more thing - does anyone know if any major developer has bought that HUGE lot behind Washington Commons? That lot is definitely big enough for a major office tower. And I wonder what's going to happen to the senior housing right across from 30 Montgomery? It's so close to the Exchange Place PATH station. When do you guys think that building is going to go? I'm sure some sleezy developer will bribe the city with a promise of a huge new senior housing complex somewhere far, far away from the waterfront.

nafco

May 18th, 2007, 10:51 AM

oh, i didnt know that was senior housing, i thought that was just condos or rentals. either way, something like that is hard to say what they will do. Those old 60's Corbusian box structures surrounded with huge parking lot "plazas" around them can be updated like the Metroplois towers projects. Where its probably too much hassle for a developer to evict everyone in those buildings and tear them down, they can just design an infill scenario to more effeciently use what is wasted valuable land on parking lots.

The other structure further up Montgomery from the senior housing has this case with a mid rise building surrounded by a huge parking lot. Instead of kicking people out or tearing the building down, its prob a good idea to just build around the building on the parking lot to save money, time and the effort of getting everyone out. Not to mention that if designed well, it can bring storefronts to the sidewalk which will bring street activity to the area.

As for the triangular park across from Athena, they could very well build a high rise there, but it seems like its a good corner to just have a little sitting park area right across from what could be a busy cultural center at the powerhouse.

ianmac47

May 18th, 2007, 12:14 PM

I assume the Metroplis towers expansion will go Parking Garage, then new towers on Columbus, followed by the third proposed tower in the other corner, based on those architectural renderings that surfaced a few months back. I wish they would get going on this though because the complex now really adds nothing to the city's urban landscape but the new towers will definitely play a big roll in connecting Grove Street to the waterfront, especially once Columbus plaza gets retail units.

As far as Columbus Plaza is concerned, I'm quite perplexed. There were rumors that the original proposal was an apartment tower on the east side and an office tower on the west. Then "Columbus plaza" was birthed, the renderings showing the current tower and midrise section with a low rise section up to the glass PATH octagon. But now it seems that construction west of the existing parking deck is non-existent. I much rather see a tower rise on that corner than an empty lot or even a little low rise building. But who knows.

2 Second Street I haven't been by in a few weeks because its kind of out of the way, but I'm assuming nothing is happening yet. I should probably swing by this weekend I suppose.

The lot behind Wash. Commons is half in the PAD, half out. Wash. Commons buyers claim the developer is telling them its zoned for low rise only. This might be the PAD limitations. I wouldn't be surprised to see some movement on the property with a mid to high rise something soon, maybe 1 or 2 years from now.

I've been thinking about the senior housing building; its on a massive lot considering the existing footprint. they could probably strike a deal to leave the existing building and build something new on the rest of the property. The city probably needs the money too.

I believe the triangle lot across from Athena is City owned land, and Athena basically traded the cost of removing the dirt pile for the right to temporarily put a sales office there. This might end up being a small park eventually once the powerhouse redevelopment project goes into effect. (Or maybe the new location of the PATH substation attached to the powerhouse). Anyway, from what I heard the city didn't want to pay to remove the dirt on the lot and was hoping a developer needed clean fill and would take it away for free. instead, Athena moved the dirt to another city lot.

Finally, in the article about 30 and 2 Montgomery street, there was one line of particular interest:

"Meanwhile, the city is working on plans to consolidate all offices, perhaps building a City Hall annex on Grove Street."

I heard a rumor maybe 6 months ago that the city has been thinking of building a parking garage / mixed use office building on the corner of Marin and Montgomery, where city hall employees currently park. I think the plan was a parking deck, retail, and office space. This could be part of that rumor, I suppose.

nafco

May 18th, 2007, 02:46 PM

hey, does anyone know whats going on with the Cliffs project? That might be nearing completion (externally anyways) since its not too tall of a project. Last I saw, it was a few stories tall in the winter.

tbal

May 18th, 2007, 02:49 PM

That line about the City Hall expansion caught my eye too...isn't Majestic II supposed to go in near City Hall as well?
As for the housing complex, I did see a rendering a few months back (I think it might have been by the same architect working on Metropolis) for a low-rise urban infill around the existing tower. But I still wonder if the owners are thinking about razing the building and going high.

About Columbus - the last I heard was that they are weighing either having a single office tower or two additional residential towers with (if I remember correctly) something over 700 rental apartments...keep in mind that whatever they build will have its own on-site entrance to the PATH, so this might explain why they may be taking their time to strategize and weigh their options really carefully...

ianmac47

May 18th, 2007, 03:16 PM

Majestic II is suppose to wrap around Montgomery Street west to Grove south to York; basically the western 1/3 of the block. The city owns the parking lot on the eastern 1/3 of that same block and uses it for parking. I think the article was inaccurate when they suggested the annex would ON Grove Street, when I think they probably mean that City Hall ON Grove Street would get an annex.

asg

May 18th, 2007, 04:15 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/503626863_bb09f4915d_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/503583050_be42894f7f_o.jpg

JoeSas

May 18th, 2007, 04:32 PM

I bought a unit in Washington Commons and the developer did not say anything about low rise buildings in the parking lot behind them. The only thing they knew is that a 45 ft setback was required from WC. As Ianmac stated I would think a tall tower of some sort will go there, my guess is residential with some commercial. Either way I think most of the views of downtown JC will be blocked in WC from the back of the building so I bought a low floor unit (they charge 6K+ for each floor as you work up the building). Eventually Washington Commons will be dwarfed all around.

ianmac47

May 18th, 2007, 04:58 PM

Is the 45 feet deeded?

tbal

May 18th, 2007, 11:04 PM

Good question...I'm guessing the 45 feet ends where that chain-link fence cuts across the massive parking lot.

Anyway, looks like the View is back with some changes. I remember reading an article about the decontamination of soil taking place there (they have had a temp office and some equipment there for a few months now) and I believe it was stated that they might break ground sometime this summer or fall. From the May 22nd Planning Board Agenda:

10. Case: P04-161.1 Amended Preliminary Major Site Plan
Applicant: The View at Jersey City, LLC
Attorney: Nevins McCann
Address: Mill Creek Lane
Block: 2145 Lot: 55A, 55B, 55C
Zone: Grand Jersey Redevelopment Plan
Description: Three connected high-rise towers with 575 dwelling units atop a parking and retail base. Maximum height is 30 stories including a base of approx. 3 stories Changes include adjustment of stories and building footprint, restaurant elimination and increase in retail area, four street parking spaces added, underground parking eliminated and overall number of parking spaces reduced. Originally approved November 30, 2004.

JCMAN320

May 19th, 2007, 01:19 AM

Big park for Bergen-Lafayette

Friday, May 18, 2007
By RONALD LEIR
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

An ambitious Jersey City park project that's been talked about for seven years got a big boost yesterday when Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise said his administration is recommending spending $3.2 million from the Open Space Trust to acquire the last 5.6 acres needed for the 13.6-acre Bergen-Lafayette tract.

Berry Lane Park, which would be roughly the same size as Pershing Field in the Heights, would be the biggest park developed in the city in a century. There are no city ballfields anywhere in the area.

Still, many hurdles must be overcome.

"The goal is to have it completed in three years," said Project Manager Ben Delisle of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, which is assembling the land and building the park. "We're making it a high priority in this office."

The JCRA must buy out two remaining property owners, finance an environmental cleanup plan for the site, relocate residents and businesses - mostly junkyards and auto shops - on the property and find the cash for the actual construction, expected to be between $8 and $10 million.

But JCRA Executive Director Robert Antonicello is hoping the agency can begin getting mandated public input by summer and that cleanup work can start by fall.

Councilwoman Viola Richardson, who represents Ward F, said that while the project would be "a big plus" for the ward, there are existing recreation facilities in the Hill area that need attention now, including Arlington Park, Oak Street Park, Ercel Webb Park and the defunct Bergen Avenue YMCA pool and Harmon Street pool, off Communipaw Avenue.

"Those are not priorities," Richardson said.

DeGise will ask the Hudson County Board of Freeholders to earmark the money when it meets at 1 p.m. next Thursday. He'll also recommend other appropriations for Bayonne, Kearny, Secaucus, Guttenberg, Weehawken and West New York.

Delisle said the JCRA has voted to hire the Jersey City architectural firm of Dresdner Robin, in partnership with Robert Marvel Architects of New York, to design the park, which would sit between Garfield and Woodward avenues, north of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit System tracks up to the foot of Berry Lane off Communipaw.

Delisle said the biggest chunk of the site - old railroad yards - was purchased from Conrail for $660,000 in 1999.

Delisle said the JCRA has had appraisals done for the remaining five acres and if the agency can't settle on a price with the owners, it will take the land through eminent domain.

kljc

May 19th, 2007, 03:16 AM

I believe the person who owns Butler Brothers also owns the parking lot across the street. It's within the PAD development zone.

tbal

May 19th, 2007, 02:50 PM

^ I wouldn't be surprised...but I'm just amazed that we haven't read anything about that lot being considered for something huge yet...

I noticed on the Mack-Cali website that 101 Hudson has a large chunk of space available - over 200,000 sf (or it will be available)...I had the opportunity to talk to a project manager at 77 Hudson a few months ago and he mentioned that Merrill Lynch was planning on consolidating all of its Jersey City operations in "the next Harborside building"....Merrill is currently occupying over 200,000 sf at 101 Hudson, so it looks like Harborside 4 is not too far off from construction. Perhaps they will start site prep sometime this summer (?).

In other news, they fixed the temporary construction fence at Metropolis and there are several new markings/flags all over what remains of the foundation of the former lowrise building.

Also, Columbus Tower (advertised as "50 Columbus") now has a huge advertisement banner along Marin Blvd. describing the building as "luxury rentals", so its looking like within a couple of months, it should have the COO and people should start moving in.

ianmac47

May 19th, 2007, 04:29 PM

So went by to shoot the progress of the Monaco towers-- and there were cars parked there. The pilings that had been driven are sprayed neon orange and roped off, but it looks like they are still using the parking lot, at least this weekend. I dont know how long this will continued or what, but I imagine they wont be able to park there once they start putting in a foundation.

tbal

May 19th, 2007, 05:13 PM

The pilings that they drove into the parking lot are probably temporary as were the ones at 77 Hudson. They removed them during excavation, and then put in a few hundred at the bottom of the excavated area. If you see some excavation equipment there on Monday, they will probably begin digging up the parking lot surface. I'm sure they're going full-speed-ahead, as this morning I noticed tons of markings on Washington denoting underground utility locations, and these are usually marked off right before excavation begins.

Here's a picture of the 77 Hudson site from last July, the week they starting driving in these temporary pilings there. Notice the backhoe in the background starting to dig up the parking lot and the pilings driven directly into the asphalt:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/77Hudson6.jpg

tbal

May 20th, 2007, 11:25 PM

I was passing through the area and noticed markings all over the parking lot (and surrounding sidewalks) at the corner of York & Warren Streets, right across from the 22-story Gotham. A developer originally proposed a 10-story building stretching from Montgomery to York along Warren (as the Gotham does), which would have required the demolition of several low-rise historic buildings. In April, the developer returned with a revised plan for a 12-story building to occupy just the undeveloped (parking lot) area. Here's a few pictures of the site...this is similar to what I mentioned a few weeks ago about the site of Monaco I & II, which broke ground (well, sort of) this past week:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-7.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-8.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-11.jpg

In other news, new equipment was delivered to 126-142 Morgan Street, which is supposedly to be developed by Toll Bros. & Fields Living...Fields already has permission for construction of a large building (I believe 16 stories) there, so maybe they will begin excavating as if they were going to build that while they wait for approval for the new plans (?):

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-3.jpg

Also, the construction elevators for Grove Pointe have been removed, and the building is being patched up. There is a "conformance review" for this first of many major buildings on Tuesday night:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-1.jpg

New traffic signals have been installed at the corner of Morgan & Marin:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-4.jpg

Also, it looks like brick work at the main Hamilton Square building may begin soon:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-2.jpg

Finally, here's a few shots of Trump, Athena, and how downtown is beginning to look with these two new towers:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-6.jpg

What remains of 111 First with the new Athena gleaming behind:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-5.jpg

Overview of the rising downtown area:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-9.jpg

JCMAN320

May 21st, 2007, 12:06 AM

^^^Can't wait for the Metro Plaza to be gone!!!!!!:D

sfenn1117

May 21st, 2007, 01:04 AM

So it's safe to assume that suburban style Wachovia will be developed soon?

JCMAN320

May 21st, 2007, 02:00 AM

Yes I would assume so with the rest of the plaza.

ianmac47

May 21st, 2007, 10:05 AM

Yes and no. They have a long term time line for redeveloping metro plaza. The metropolitan is to replace pep boys and probably a good bit of parking lot along the light rail. But there have been no other proposals for the other towers / retail / plazas / parks as far as I know. I wouldn't think that the brand new wachovia would be early on the demolition agenda. Pep boys on the other hand is older and probably near the end of their current lease.

macmini

May 22nd, 2007, 05:03 PM

Harwood Closes on Journal Square Parcel

May 21, 2007
Written by Timothy A. Gilday

Planned Residential Towers Moving Forward in Jersey City Redevelopment Area

Harwood Properties LLC has closed on its $28 million acquisition of a 1.5-acre parcel in the Journal Square Redevelopment Area of Jersey City, NJ, for the development of two residential towers containing 1,000 units.

Harwood is planning the project in cooperation with the Journal Square Redevelopment Agency. The site, adjacent to the Journal Square Transportation Center, is currently used for parking lots.

The towers will both total around 50 stories and could cost $350 million to construct, according to local reports. Included in the project would be a ground-floor retail center, a rooftop fitness center, and 675 parking spaces on five floors. Typical one-bedroom units are expected to rent for around $2,000 per month.

Harold Sutton, owner of Centurion Realty LLC, and William "Skip" Dolan of Dolan Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. worked with Harwood Properties' Lowell and Scott Harwood to bring the redevelopment to fruition. "I'm looking forward to starting this project as soon as possible. It's time to bring back the excitement to the Square," said Lowell Harwood.

Since 1936, the Harwood family has operated a business empire in Jersey City that includes part ownership of the State Square apartment complex and numerous New York City properties. Lowell Harwood runs the business along with his son and daughter, Craig and Leslie Harwood, and his nephews, Brett and Scott Harwood.

tbal

May 22nd, 2007, 10:57 PM

""I'm looking forward to starting this project as soon as possible. It's time to bring back the excitement to the Square," said Lowell Harwood."

That is music to my ears!

The news in downtown is that a second crane has arrived at the Double Tree parking lot at the Monaco Towers site. Also, a backhoe has been delivered and is beginning to dig up the north side of the parking lot, and there is a massive stack of steel platforms (about two stories tall) sitting in the center of the activity (I still have no idea what these stacks are for, but there seems to be one at every major construction site where a parking lot is being excavated). So, it looks like we have yet another major construction site to watch along Washington Blvd!

ianmac47

May 23rd, 2007, 10:28 AM

Thankfully yes. I've been getting bored lately with some of those towers where the exterior work is virtually finished and they are in the process of finishing the interiors.

Also, 833 Jersey Avenue had new heavy machinery on the lot and the dirt piles had been moved around. Maybe they are finally ready for foundation laying. Also, it pretty much looks like they are outright clearing the lot between Hoboken Ave and the rail line (Van Leer), which is probably an indication that they are moving ahead with that project.

citybooster

May 23rd, 2007, 04:18 PM

Great about the Monaco about to begin groundbreaking and construction!I am still concerned about second thoughts over the other side of the light rail at G&S backing off or delaying on the Metropolitan.We'll have to see if the Pep Boys does close down this summer and is demolished....if the rumors about G&S being concerned about the price tag of actually building the Metropolitan are true,wouldn't they have the same sense as the Harwoods with the Journal Square towers and get a partner to help contain costs?The Metropolitan is just the first of the eight towers proposed for the Metro Plaza lot,but over the next decade or so in building others,it wouyld seem logical that G7S get into partnership with someone...maybe Roseland which is doing the Monaco towers,the San Remo,and the Doubletree expansion?

Also,though I expected nothing out of it,what of the plans to lure media giants like Disney and Paramount to Jersey City?Harborside 4 and especially 7 would require big companies committing lots of space to justify building,especially with always cautious Mack- Cali.With New York poised to develop the West Side and interest in downtown for business increasing...Jersey City has got to step up and heavily sell its much lower rental,tax,and energy costs and prime location and views....or we might as well just concentrate on residential opportunities only.Merrill Lynch is dawdling,prime real estate is a parking lot....another parking lot on a site Goldman Sachs doesn't need next to 77 Hudson...they may wind up buiding the baby brother 50 Hudson,but another tower across the street?They can't even fill the current Goldman Sachs tower.Hartz decided they didn't see a commercial future for their land and sold it...quickly the 77 Hudson vision took shape.If you ain't gonna develop it,sell it to someone with vision and a plan who will!

And the football field sized empty lot that Harborside 6 and 7 are envisioned....not even being used as a parking lot,just one big nothing right now that is sitting completely idle....what a colossal waste of space and potential!I don't expect things to all go up at once,but there seems to be a lacking commercial effort/vision and I think we should start thinking outside the box....New York is prepping,the lower Manhattan skyline will be rising in the next 2-3 years,let's not drop the ball!

tbal

May 23rd, 2007, 11:11 PM

The first tower crane went up today at 77 Hudson. I'm guessing they'll be putting another one in on the opposite side of the site next week.

Below is a picture of that weird stack of steel platforms at the Monaco I & II site that I mentioned in an earlier post.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-12.jpg

There were new markings at both corners of the site along Washington, including at least 3 on the San Remo side, so perhaps they will be constructing all three towers at the same time. It would make sense to do so, as according to an article at therealdeal.net a few weeks ago, analysts expect the vacancy rate on rentals in and around Manhattan to drop even lower than current levels between now and 2010, despite all the new construction going on.

Lastly, Grove Pointe finally put up its own 40 ft. banner today, advertising its new website www.grovepointenj.com (http://www.grovepointenj.com). Columbus Plaza put up their own a week ago right across the street with their website being www.50columbus.com (http://www.50columbus.com).

tbal

May 24th, 2007, 10:13 AM

Yet another project moves forward: Pilings were being driven into the ground at 209-217 Newark Ave. this morning, a project that went before the Zoning Board last week. It is to be 6 stories tall. A company called "A.N.S. Contracting" was there this morning performing the work.

In addition, a warehouse at 369 Fifth Street was torn down over the last few days. A two-story addition was to be made to the two-story warehouse, but perhaps the developer has bigger plans in mind.

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we were to see a majority of the major projects approved within the last year or two break ground within the next two months, considering that most of them are expected to take at least 2 years to construct and by summer 2009, the housing market should probably be in healthy territory again.

nafco

May 24th, 2007, 10:29 AM

I guess I signed up to be on the Canco Lofts Mailing list and got an email of their finished website www.cancolofts.com (http://www.cancolofts.com/). i dont know how much if any of the lofts have been sold yet, but they seem at least pretty ready to show off most of the units now. They also show a few area photos of the city, but i swear at least one of them looks like its manhattan.

TriHobo

May 24th, 2007, 02:24 PM

...if the rumors about G&S being concerned about the price tag of actually building the Metropolitan are true,wouldn't they have the same sense as the Harwoods with the Journal Square towers and get a partner to help contain costs?

I'm confused. How does taking on a partner help control costs? The design of the building is what determines building costs. Yes a more experienced developer might be able to buy out the job better, but that's not the problem here.

The Harwoods took on a financial partner because they didn;t have the equity to do it themselves, or chose to share in the risk. If the financial partner had been concerned about costs, they too would not have joined the project.

While the design on the Metropolitan might be nice, it is also the sign of an inexperienced developer that was trying to 'wow' people. The economics - meaning the constructions costs involved factored with the insane amount of units in the building, tells me that as it is currently designed and programmed, The Metropolitan will not get built.

(Spoon, you can thank me later for having people attack me now, instead of you...)

ianmac47

May 24th, 2007, 04:21 PM

I think it will be built, but will probably be a little more boxy and little less glitzy. But that's the usual course of expensive projects like that.

InsideScoop

May 24th, 2007, 08:44 PM

Trihobo i think you were referring to me, and sure thanks. Don't get me wrong, I'm a HUGE JC booster too! It's just that a lot of real estate talk is hype hype hype by big mouths and I think it's worth separating the real competent contributors to JC's renaissance (whether bigtimers like Mack-Cali/Harborside, Newport/LeFrak, Hartz or the successful locals like Geibel, Panepinto, even Silverman/Exeter) from the small-time phone booth operators who spread a lot of favors around City Hall but aren't so good at getting anything done.

The City and the Press tends to look for the shiny new penny but in truth the JC renaissance has mostly been accomplished by some hardworking builders who've been grinding away at it for a darn long time.

Pep Boys building and Remi Koolhaus building are not the first b.s. projects that have been bandied about only to disappoint later with major scalebacks or non-commencement.

citybooster

May 25th, 2007, 02:31 AM

My apologies,I meant to say share risk,not control costs:oWell,something is going to get built on the Metro Plaza lot and the now nearly removed 111 First Street...whether there is a reconsideration of designs,or whatever...my hope is the Metropolitan does get built,though I understand the doubts and skepticism.G&S simply may not be able to pull it off without some,maybe drastic changes...or would be better off selling the property.Gold Properties is partnered with the Athena group on the 111 First replacement,so Koolhaus or not,they have the capability of building something there...within a couple of weeks nothing will be left of the old Lorillard Building.

citybooster

May 25th, 2007, 02:34 AM

I think it will be built, but will probably be a little more boxy and little less glitzy. But that's the usual course of expensive projects like that.Well,if the Pep Boys does close down as scheduled this summer and is razed,we will soon know.At least Roseland is going full steam ahead with the Monaco projects....is the San Remo,on the other side of the Doubletree,going to be built at the same time?

tbal

May 25th, 2007, 01:48 PM

Yes, it does look like San Remo is going to get built at the same time. There are markings all around the property, both on the surrounding sidewalks and within the parking lot itself. There are numerous cones blocking off several areas now on the San Remo side.

As for Metropolitan - I have no idea where the rumors started about the project being scaled back or completely abandoned. As far as I am aware, the project is going forward. Folks, G & S said they would begin construction this summer, and we are still about 4 months away from the end of summer (in case you didn't realize, summer doesn't even START for another month).

And, in for those of you who didn't know, a huge underground utilities project on Marin (one of the streets bordering Metro Plaza) began about a week ago, with several pieces of heavy equipment digging up the center of Marin for a utilities upgrade, which would be necessary if G & S were to go ahead with its plans to significantly increase density in the area. I will be sure to get some photos of the huge underground utilities project on Marin this weekend.

ianmac47

May 25th, 2007, 08:04 PM

I think the issue here is that G&S took the time to create a master plan for the site. Arquitectonica lists it not as a single tower, but a whole community. I don't think any company would waste the resources creating an expensive masterplan without realizing the costs that would be expended on such a project. The Metropolitan may be a trophy tower, but I don't think they are fools. They will build the Metropolitan as a beacon for the rest of their development.

As far as the utilities on Marin, any utility upgrade is long overdue downtown. Sewers are are 100+ years old and the electricity grid is probably almost as old. Coincidentally, a substation blew up this afternoon apparently.

tbal

May 26th, 2007, 09:45 PM

77 Hudson tower crane (with Trump's first tower rising in the background):

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-26.jpg

I have a feeling that they may take the route taken by Trump and do one tower structure at a time. I know one of the articles said that Equity Residential and K. Hov would be building simultaneously, but another article mentioned that one tower will be ready in 2008 and the other in 2009.

Anyway, Trump's first tower, with only 5 more floor slabs to pour:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-15.jpg

Does anyone know what the actual final roof height is supposed to be? The website njtrump.com says 532 feet, but I find it hard to believe that it won't be taller than that including rooftop structures. I noticed some floors are taller than others as well (floors 5, 10, 22, and 33 all have higher ceilings than the rest).

Finally, underground utilities work on Marin (Metro Plaza - the G & S development site - is to the left with the grass and trees):

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/5-16.jpg

sfenn1117

May 26th, 2007, 11:58 PM

The Trump tower sure does dominate the local area.....makes me anxious to see the Metropolitan go up.

fronti

May 28th, 2007, 10:30 AM

Does anyone know why Second St (and I think Washington) is being closed sometime in June? Are they finally putting the light in?

ianmac47

May 28th, 2007, 10:36 AM

Second Street between Wash. and the exit to Metro Plaza is already closed. Are you talking about bit of second street between Metro Plaza and Warren st?

fronti

May 28th, 2007, 11:19 AM

Second Street between Wash. and the exit to Metro Plaza is already closed. Are you talking about bit of second street between Metro Plaza and Warren st?

They have signs up that Second St Eastbound will be closed starting on or about 6/something. I think the sign on Second said that Washington would be closed as well, but I'll check on that this afternoon.

macreator

May 28th, 2007, 07:18 PM

I like the height of the Trump building, but man is it bland. Together with Trump Place and Trump's new SoHo development, it's sad to see that Trump's NY area developments pale in comparison architecturally to some of the stuff he's putting up elsewhere.

macmini

May 29th, 2007, 03:29 PM

Looks like The View project is still on I thought this project was dead since it was originally to start construction the end of 2006. Now the developer said construction will start in 2008 they also change the design from the original rendering.

Planning Board approves changes to 575-unit towers near Liberty State Park

Ricardo Kaulessar -- Hudson Reporter 05/25/2007
.
At Tuesday night's Jersey City Planning Board meeting, the board approved changes to "The View," a $135 million, three-tower, 575-unit condo complex on a three-story base overlooking Liberty State Park.

The three towers are respectively 30 stories, 25 stories, and 19 stories. The project is to be built by Bayonne developer Lance Lucarelli.

http://images.zwire.com/local/Z/ZWIRE1291/zwire/images/2007/05/story/05jcplanning27b_story.jpg
THE CURRENT VIEW OF “THE VIEW” – This is a current rendering
“The View,” which is expected to break ground by 2008. Rendering
provided by Dean Marchetto Architects.

Fred Worstell of the engineering firm Dresdner Robin said at the meeting that the changes were made to open up a few "view corridors," or gap areas between buildings that allow better views, in order to receive a state waterfront development permit.

The changes included increasing a formerly 22-story building to 25 stories, making another tower much slimmer, eliminating a restaurant space, increasing a retail area, and eliminating underground parking to reduce the overall amount of parking spaces from 1,195 to 988.

The revised plan shows one of the towers undergoing a major decrease of 90 feet of width, from being 200 feet to 110 feet wide.

The board, by a 6-0 vote, approved the changes after presentations by the attorney, the architect, and the engineer involved in the project.

Changed for waterfront views

Advertisement

Audrey Zapp Drive will border the complex to the east, Johnston Avenue to the west, Mill Creek Lane to the north, and Phillips Drive to the south. Hovering above, next to the site, is a stretch of the New Jersey Turnpike.

The land on which "The View" will be built spans over 5.75 acres.

Attorney Nevis McCann, who represents the developer, said the changes had to be made in order to receive a Waterfront Development Permit from the state's Department of Environmental Protection. A waterfront permit allows for development near coastal waters, or in the case of the View, near a waterway connected to Liberty Harbor Marina and, to a larger degree, the Hudson River.

Planning Board member Leon Yost called The View "one of the nicer projects" he has approved while on the Planning Board. But he posed an all-important question: "When are you going to get started?"

After the vote, attorney Francis Schiller, who also represents the developer, said ground would be broken on the project by 2008.

A room and a 'View'

According to Worstell, to achieve the desired view from the Turnpike to the Hudson River, one building's width had to be decreased.

Hoboken architect Dean Marchetto presented two site plans he drafted for the project, the original one and one after the changes requested under the permit.

Marchetto explained the various changes, pointing out that the underground parking could not be built because studies of the soil on the site showed it was not feasible. The restaurant space, once eliminated, will be utilized for parking instead.

Heights resident Catherine Grimm asked if the project would be built to receive LEED Certification. LEED Certification is awarded to a building that meets standards for environmentally sustainable construction, such as water efficiency and using recycled materials.

But both McCann and Worstell concurred that there are no plans to build for LEED Certification.

The history

The Planning Board approved the project in November 2004. There were initially plans for towers of 30, 20, and 18 stories. There were also plans for underground parking with 1,197 spaces, commercial space, and possibly an upscale restaurant on the ground floor.

In April 2005, the Planning Board approved The View 2, another Lucarelli project located across from The View. That project is a 14-story mixed-use tower with 189 dwelling units and 16,265 square feet of retail space, and a garage with 381 parking spaces. There is no date set for the start of construction.

The View is Lucarelli's largest project to date.

Lucarelli has built three smaller projects on Jackson Street in Hoboken and an 11-unit project in Bayonne.

But he is most known for his Millennium Towers project, two 43-story towers that were slated for construction on 18th Street in Jersey City in 2000. The project was sidelined due to residents' objections to the project blocking the "view" of those who live along the Palisade Cliffs in the Jersey City Heights area.

Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com

These are the Landscape renderings by Landscape Architects, Dresdner Robin.

http://www.dresdnerrobin.com/IMAGES/Job-TheView/TheView-Lot.jpg

http://www.dresdnerrobin.com/IMAGES/Job-TheView/TheView-RoofTop.jpg

Dresdner Robin played a key role in the planning and development of the project; providing due diligence investigation, zoning analysis, wetlands mapping and investigation, regulatory permitting, topographic survey mapping, site engineering and landscape and lighting design.

As the project engineers, Dresdner Robin coordinated and designed all utility extensions to the complex including gas, water, sanitary, storm sewer, electric and telecommunications services. Dresdner Robin's innovative design solutions utilized otherwise wasted pieces of property to provide water quality and storage solutions complying with the NJDEP's latest storm water management regulations.

As the project Landscape Architects, Dresdner Robin provided overall site design including the design of walkway systems around the building with seating, lighting, decorative paving, a custom design railing and mixed plantings. At the request of Jersey City, Dresdner Robin designed a streetscape plan along Johnston Ave. which connects the site access points to the Liberty State Park Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station. Dresdner Robin also designed the 47,000 sf rooftop open space plaza. The Rooftop design provides mixed passive and active recreational spaces, as well as a meadow like planting scheme.

RYinNJ

May 29th, 2007, 06:46 PM

I miss the old view! This new design is just terrible. I hope new pics will be forthcoming that depict the project in a better light.....

Zoe

May 29th, 2007, 08:33 PM

Man did they screw this project up. They cut the buildings in almost half the size and went from a sail looking sleek design to a POC!! What a disappointment!

Spoon

May 29th, 2007, 09:48 PM

That looks terrible. Man the old design was so inspiring and artistic. This just looks like, hey get it under budget and get these things sold asap. Jersey city residential is becoming giant podiums full of parking and twin towers.

macmini

May 29th, 2007, 10:06 PM

Are you guys confusing The Residences at Liberty National & The View I can't remember exactly what the original View looked like but, I don't remember any sail shape building. The RALN on the other hand dose have a sail shape build and the design has not change. It's been so long since I've seen the original renderings of the The View I can't really say whether I like the new or old renderings better.

ianmac47

May 30th, 2007, 09:44 AM

Emporis lists "The View" with images of three sail like towers. They have since removed images listed as the View I, II, III and replaced images of the Residences at Liberty National:

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/cx/?id=streetresidencesatlibertynational-jerseycity

injcsince81

May 30th, 2007, 12:09 PM

A few points:

1. I also think some of you guys are confusing The View and Residences at Liberty National.

2. They are pouring foundations for the clubhouse and the first tower at RALN. No doubt they are planning on a huge marketing push for the RALN condos at the 2009 Barclays PGA tournament to be held there.

3. Are they going to open Jersey Ave to Phillips Drive when The View goes up? The rendering indicates so... Zealots be damned, Jersey Ave needs to be opened.

ianmac47

May 30th, 2007, 02:03 PM

The city has been talking about opening Jersey Avenue. its likely that it will happen. The guys who did the view really like relying on the light rail-- they proposed the Millenium towers too.

nafco

May 31st, 2007, 01:27 AM

yea, that Jersey Ave Extension really would break that awkward lack of connection between downtown JC and the park. Im sort of surprised that this project sold actually. Its not bad that it got approved I guess, but isnt that area technically part of the park and not for sale to build on, or is that on the other side of Audrey Zap road?:confused:

ianmac47

May 31st, 2007, 09:39 AM

Its north of Audrey Zap road on the canal side. Its also very close to the LSP light rail station. Hopefully the mixed use development planned for the parking lots just west of the light rail station will move forward soon too.

tbal

May 31st, 2007, 10:57 PM

The second tower crane base was delivered today and is sitting on Hudson Street, with that monster-sized assembly crane positioned to assemble it as the pieces arrive (yes, it is also red). So, it does look like both towers will be going up at the same time, unlike what's happening at Trump Plaza.

Also, another set of steel platforms and huge wooden beams arrived at the Monaco site today for what looks like another one of those strange stacks of steel platforms (see picture I posted on here last week). The platforms aren't stacked yet, but perhaps there will be a crane at the site tomorrow to take care of that....I still have no idea what the heck those things are for :confused:. Also, a significant part of the parking lot was closed off today, and several cars that were parked there yesterday afternoon were moved.

ianmac47

June 1st, 2007, 09:58 AM

Could they be something that will eventually be buried in the ground as part of the foundation, or perhaps used in the construction of the foundation and then removed? I saw them and yes, I have no idea what they are for.

ianmac47

June 1st, 2007, 05:24 PM

Construction Map, using Google.

Still working on it, but here is a preview:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=107270427713358130014.00000111c1de8b6a9c5ec&layer=t&ll=40.722445,-74.038239&spn=0.021499,0.039825&z=15&om=1

MarbRes

June 1st, 2007, 05:58 PM

There's been no work on the Monaco site in the parking lot of the Doubletree for about a week. Crews pounded in some pilings and left a stack of steel shoring behind. Interestingly, the Doubletree's website (http://www.doubletree.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=EWRWTDT) simply says: "Our parking lot is under construction through May 25." So it seems like work may be done for now.

BTW I believe the steel panels stacked on the site are shoring for the excavation. As the site is dug out the panels are installed between the pilings that have been pounded in. Given this site is on landfill and the water level is so high, the shoring must be put in or the hole will simply collapse in on itself.

tbal

June 3rd, 2007, 07:12 PM

A look at the progress at 77 Hudson Street....

The base of the second tower crane has been installed. Looking westward toward the other tower crane:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-3.jpg

Work in the past week has focused in part on beginning construction of the parking garage:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-2.jpg

The second floor of the east (condo) tower is going up:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-7.jpg

A look down Greene Street from the Trump Plaza site. The large building to the far left is 30 Montgomery, which was part of a $106M purchase and supposedly to be demolished to make way for JC's version of NYC's Time Warner Center mega-complex. The small building to the right of it was supposedly recently sold for $10M, more than twice what the city was willing to pay when it wanted to purchase it for the purpose of demolishing it to make room for widening the stretch of Greene Street next to 101 Hudson. Behind the tower crane is the Liberty View Towers west tower, completed in 2003:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-1.jpg

A quick look at Trump Plaza, as the 53rd floor slab cast is constructed:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-4.jpg

Another perspective, looking West:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-5.jpg

And lastly, exterior work at the Athena tower is nearing completion:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-6.jpg

TimmyG

June 4th, 2007, 10:29 AM

SQUARE KEY
Monday, June 04, 2007 By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Developer acquires final piece

The future of Journal Square is about two months away.
The limited liability entity redeveloping a key block of Journal Square now owns every lot on the block, and new owner Lowell Harwood hopes to complete demolition of the remaining buildings at the heart of Journal Square by August.
Harwood said he hopes to break ground next year on a two tower, $400 million mixed-use development that many hope will revitalize the Jersey City neighborhood.
The developer already had purchased a number of adjacent properties, but now Harwood holds the final piece of the puzzle - a 1.5-acre block adjacent to the Journal Square Transportation Center that was snapped up by MEPT Journal Square Urban Renewal, which is partly owned by Harwood, at a closing in April.
Harwood refused to disclose the sales price, but CoStar Comp, an on-line newsletter, stated the transaction amounted to a $28 million sale; an official familiar with the negotiations said the figure was somewhat higher.
Harwood had already purchased the lion's share of the properties on the block from companies tied to Ralph Tawil Jr., a landlord who racked up nearly $4 million in code violation fines during his nearly two decades on the square.
In March 2006, Tawil agreed to a settlement figure of $1.1 million and to sell his holdings to Harwood.
MEPT Journal Square had also already purchased 12 Journal Square (formerly KFC), 14 Journal Square (formerly Wendy's), and 15-16 Journal (McDonald's, Song's Hallmark, HT Wireless, and a dentist's office.)
No date was given as to when McDonald's, Song's Hallmark, HT Wireless and the dentist's office would have to vacate. The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency is working on relocating the 15-16 Journal Square tenants, officials said.
Besides the McDonald's building still on the block are the Three Brothers Pizza and a parking lot owned by Central Parking. Harwood said he expects all the buildings to be demolished by August.

macmini

June 4th, 2007, 11:31 AM

Harwood said he hopes to break ground next year on a two tower, $400 million mixed-use development that many hope will revitalize the Jersey City neighborhood.

It's great news that Harwood now owns all the property but, if their going to demolish every thing by August. Then why are they hoping to start construction some time next year.

tbal

June 5th, 2007, 12:07 AM

Good question, macmini - I was wondering that myself. My guess is that they need more time to negotiate contracts with developers, get the final plans put together by engineers and architects, and get all the permits necessary for construction to begin. I could be wrong about this, but I believe the city must evaluate the site after demolition of all the buildings is completed, and from what I understand, the city is very slow with carrying out its business. I am just hoping that, by this time next year, we see a ton of activity at the site. That would be awesome.

In any case, redevelopment of the Square is bound to happen anyway with every lot on the waterfront quickly being snatched up and developed.

ianmac47

June 5th, 2007, 11:16 AM

So 111 First is pretty much leveled now. How long do we think before they break ground on the new tower?

tbal

June 5th, 2007, 11:03 PM

At the press conference back in March, they said it would take 12-14 months to get the permits, so I'm guessing next May or June.

JoeSas

June 6th, 2007, 02:44 PM

Does anyone have an update on the blight study/next steps for the block between Newark and Christopher Columbus west of the PATH train? On Steve Fulop's website it says it has been completed adn there are some 'next steps' but I haven't heard anything. www.stevenfulop.com (http://www.stevenfulop.com)

investordude

June 7th, 2007, 11:53 PM

The news in the times makes it seems like all the decision get to be made by New York. Given that is the case, I'd imagine people are going to spend the revenue from congestion pricing in New York - since those are the people the need to please for passage.

Is that fair? It seems to me Jersey City could get screwed. I especially think Jersey City should at least get money for a light rail connection between Journal Square and the Beacon redevelopment area.

ianmac47

June 8th, 2007, 09:58 AM

Ultimately the Port Authority will probably be taking a large cut of that money, especially since in some cases their bridges and tunnels will be collecting the fees. This could ultimately benefit PATH service and improvements.

Meanwhile, New Jersey is getting screwed by the WTC redevelopment. When the first WTC was built, NJ got a PATH connection to <STRIKE>New York</STRIKE> Newark. This time around we're getting-- well, not much since the MTA keeps shrinking the WTC subway station (and more importantly, reducing internal connections between the PATH and the subways). Ultimately I think Jersey City will benefit from the increased office space in lower Manhattan. Mid-town rents might be very high, but thats more a benefit for LIC than for us, given the proximity. With all the downtown business that will be generated when the WTC is completed, Jersey City's office market will probably benefit through proximity. But still, I think a bi-state agency like the Port Authority should be giving something back to NJ since they making such a huge investment in lower Manhattan.

nafco

June 8th, 2007, 10:15 AM

Is that fair? It seems to me Jersey City could get screwed. I especially think Jersey City should at least get money for a light rail connection between Journal Square and the Beacon redevelopment area.

I totally agree. JC needs more light rail of some kind on the west side or even middle of the city running north-south. Not to mention that JSQ would become a much larger hub of transportation and benefit economically if it had transit running with the PATH and buses that could also connect with the area north and south of it.

andfluff

June 8th, 2007, 11:29 AM

Meanwhile, New Jersey is getting screwed by the WTC redevelopment. When the first WTC was built, NJ got a PATH connection to New York.

The PATH connection was around a lot longer than the first WTC. It was built by in 1909 by the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad and went to Hudson Terminal. All the Port Authority did was build a new, bigger terminal.

-AndFluff

ianmac47

June 8th, 2007, 12:33 PM

I meant Newark.

JCMAN320

June 8th, 2007, 02:35 PM

Series put Hudson County on the movie map

Friday, June 08, 2007
By LYSA CHEN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

With the series finale of "The Sopranos" Sunday night, Hudson County is preparing itself for the end of an era.

The hit HBO drama series has often been praised for its unique New Jersey flavor, and many Hudson County locations have had starring roles and cameo appearances in the show's eight-year run.

Hudson County is the "heart of Sopranos country," said Steven Gorelick, associate director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. He estimated that the show has contributed approximately $60 million to the state's economy.

"New Jersey was a popular place to film before 'The Sopranos' came here, but 'The Sopranos' made it a fabulously popular place to make movies and TV shows," Gorelick said. "It really emblazoned New Jersey in the minds of filmmakers."

The show has created pop culture landmarks - such as the "Bada Bing" strip club that doubles as Tony Soprano's home base - that are sites on various bus tours.

Arguably the most popular site, he said, is "Satriale's Pork Store," which is nothing more than a vacant building on Kearny Avenue in Kearny when scenes are not being shot there.

Those who live and work near the fictional deli/meat shop experienced "The Sopranos" firsthand while the series was in production.

Jane Souza, manager of Thistle Fish and Chips just a few doors down from Satriale's, said her restaurant drew a crowd when HBO was filming.

"It was very exciting," Souza said, adding proudly that the restaurant's sign was shown twice in last week's episode. But the Thistle sign was not the only bit of restaurant property to make an appearance, she said.

"There was a meat slicer (in the episode), which was actually ours, that they just returned," Souza said. "It's something you could sell on eBay," she joked.

Danny Batista, who works in a barbershop across the street from Satriale's, said most people who worked in the area were good neighbors and stayed out of the crew's way.

"It's cool, but you don't want to be over there bothering them and asking for an autograph," said Batista, who proudly showed off a picture of him with James Gandolfini, who plays Tony Soprano.

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy said "The Sopranos" and other productions in Jersey City have helped the city to grow and improve.

"The more exposure Jersey City gets, the better it is," Healy said. "We have a lot to brag about. The more people see us, the better it is for our city, and the happier I am."

As for the show's final episode, Souza, of Thistle Fish and Chips, says the rumor going around Kearny is that Meadow won't survive.

"I don't think Tony's going to get killed," Souza said. "My 11-year-old son came home from school the other day and said Meadow (Tony's daughter) was going to die. I don't see how that could possibly be, but that's the rumor going around over there."

macmini

June 11th, 2007, 10:18 PM

Jersey City Condo Conversion Project Sells Over 50 Percent of Units

By Kelly Sheehan, Online News Editor

JUNE 11, 2007 -- Jersey City, N.J. -- Robert Martin Co. LLC and GoldenTree InSite Partners recently sold more than 50 percent of the first 50 residences in Phase I at The Residences at Dixon Mills, a condo conversion in Jersey City, N.J. The complex’s first phase celebrated its grand opening in May.

Upon its completion, the entire community will feature 467 condos, available in several floor plans. The buildings at Dixon Mills underwent a $100-million conversion to rental apartments in the late 1980s. The project team believes that the buildings’ conversion into condos reflects the city’s ongoing revitalization.

The new owners are restoring the complex’s original architectural details and period brickwork, cobblestone-style streets, landscaped courtyards and turn-of-the-century street lamps that make Dixon Mills a well-known Jersey City landmark.

“The wonderful benefit of this project is that every residence offers a unique floor plan to fit an array of lifestyle needs and desires,” says Greg Berger, principal with Robert Martin Co. “Residents will also revel in knowing that they are living in a historic landmark community,"

Studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums, are priced from the mid-$200,000s. Duplexes, triplexes and penthouses are also available. Many of the homes at Dixon Mills feature genuine hardwood floors; oversized windows and ceilings that range in height from nine to 12 feet; gourmet kitchens outfitted with G.E. Profile stainless steel appliances and granite countertops; and bathrooms with Carrara tile floors, marble vanities or pedestal sinks, and sleek finishes.

Amenities include 24-hour security, courtyards with grills, private shuttle buses to the nearby PATH train station, on-site management and parking, and a planned exclusive residents' club with fitness center, yoga/movement room, lounge with fireplace, saunas, indoor multi-purpose recreational court and a plug-and-play area for laptop computers.

JCMAN320

June 12th, 2007, 10:52 PM

Former Russian Tea Room chef to head HCCC cooking school

Hudson County Community College has appointed a former chef for the Russian Tea Room in Manhattan to head its new Culinary Arts Institutre.

Eric Friedman was named Dean of Community Education, a position in which he will oversee the new $25 million Culinary Arts Institute/Business Conference Center/Classroom Building in Journal Square.

In addition to serving at the Russian Tea Room as both a chef and in management, Friedman is a former culinarian and hospitality industry executive for Aramark Food and Support Services and completed a chef’s apprenticeship program in continental cuisine with Westin Hotels.

He was also a chef at the Hudson River Club in New York

macmini

June 15th, 2007, 02:31 AM

Trump Jersey City tower to top off

One of Trump Plaza Jersey City's towers will be topped off in a ceremony tomorrow. The two-building condo project, which is being developed by the Trump Organization and Metro Homes, will boast the tallest residential buildings in the state of New Jersey and have more than 900 units. One tower will be 55 stories high, and the other will rise 50 stories. Initial occupancy at the development is scheduled for later this year. TRD

http://www.therealdeal.net/breaking_news/2007/06/14/1181850716.php

JCMAN320

June 15th, 2007, 06:07 PM

Trump gets topped

The Trump Plaza Jersey City, the tallest residential building in New Jersey, had its topping off party today at noon.

Eventually the Trump Plaza Jersey City will be two towers -- one 55 stories and the other 50 stories.

It has already sold more than 300 units, just seven months after the sales office for the project opened.

Construction of the second tower has yet to begin and no date is set for when the project will be completed

JCMAN320

June 15th, 2007, 06:10 PM

Council intros mandate on use of local labor

Friday, June 15, 2007

By an 8-0 vote, the Jersey City City Council introduced a long-awaited ordinance Wednesday to establish "project labor agreements" with developers who receive tax abatements.

The goal of the program is to employ construction "apprentices," culled from the ranks of city residents.

The apprentices would undergo training, paid for with state money, and then be put to work by the construction unions who are also partners in the effort, city officials said.

Tax-abated projects - minus land acquisition costs - worth at least $25 million would be required to participate, officials said. Penalties for noncompliance would include fines and ultimately having the abatement revoked, officials said.

The ordinance is up for a final vote in two weeks.

KEN THORBOURNE

InsideScoop

June 15th, 2007, 07:14 PM

From here on out long-term PILOT deals are done in Jersey City. This administration is unbelievably retarded.

NewYorkDoc

June 15th, 2007, 08:04 PM

Taken from the ferry to Ellis Island.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5692/day414vy9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

hazard1

June 16th, 2007, 03:52 AM

Jim Cummins for The New York Times
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/06/15/realestate/600-njzo.jpg

By ANTOINETTE MARTIN
JERSEY CITY
PRICES are a big attraction at Dixon Mills, an apartment complex set in historic brick factory buildings here that is being converted from rentals to condominiums. The condos run about 60 percent less than for comparable space in Manhattan (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/classifieds/realestate/locations/newyork/newyorkcity/manhattan/?inline=nyt-geo), according to the Robert Martin Company, the developer doing the conversion.
The apartments are distinctive, the streets are cobblestone, and there is even parking for most of the 467 units. In addition, from the top floor the views — of Manhattan, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the Statue of Liberty — are nonpareil.
The catch? “Well, I guess it’s New Jersey (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/classifieds/realestate/locations/newjersey/?inline=nyt-geo),” laughed Timothy M. Jones, a partner at Robert Martin. “It’s still a wide river in some respects. A lot of people don’t even think about coming to New Jersey.”
Given the increasing price disparity, however, more New Yorkers are said to be giving New Jersey a look. Various developers offering new condos along the Jersey “Gold Coast” are reporting that the number of home shoppers venturing west of the Hudson River is up.
Mr. Jones’s partner at Robert Martin, Greg Berger, said that when his company began work at Dixon Mills last year, only about 10 or 15 percent of those looking at the condominiums were considering a move from New York City (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/classifieds/realestate/locations/newyork/newyorkcity/manhattan/?inline=nyt-geo). Now, nearly 30 percent are from Manhattan or other boroughs, he said. “Given the price disparity that exists,” Mr. Berger added, “I think huge crowds should be beating down our doors.”
Studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums, some with balconies and patios, have asking prices from the mid-$200,000s ranging up to the mid-$600,000s.
Because the complex is horizontal rather than vertical — there are six brick buildings, with four or five floors — there are more than 100 penthouse units available, some priced below $300,000.
“We had a guy in here from Park Slope,” Mr. Berger said last week. “He had been looking for months and couldn’t find anything in New York — and that was at $650 per square foot. We’re in the mid-$400s per square foot here.”
“This particular guy works downtown” in Manhattan, Mr. Berger said, “and he can catch the PATH train three blocks from here and be at work in 10 minutes, and he was, like, ‘Oh! This is a no-brainer.’ ”
The complex at 158 Wayne Street is also bordered by Christopher Columbus Drive, Mercer Street and Brunswick Street. The Grove Street PATH station is three blocks east on Christopher Columbus.
Built in 1847 on seven acres as the factory for Joseph Dixon, whose most famous invention was the yellow Dixon Ticonderoga pencil, Dixon Mills is situated between two historic brownstone neighborhoods: Hamilton Park and Van Vorst.
Its Romanesque Revival-style buildings were transformed into rental apartments — 122 of them two-story duplexes and 10 of them three-story triplexes — more than 20 years ago. The layouts are quirky, with no two precisely the same; ceiling heights range from 9 to 12 feet. Many have private entrances.
There are 222 one-bedroom units, 159 two-bedrooms, a dozen three-bedrooms and 74 studios.
The buildings retain their original oversized factory windows, overhead pipes and exposed brick interior walls. One structure is to be made over into a community clubhouse with a fitness center, sports courts, locker rooms, sauna, WiFi laptop bar, screening room, kitchen and lounge. The layouts of the other five buildings will remain as they are.
Robert Martin, which is based in Elmont, N.Y., is upgrading the interiors with high-end kitchens, marble baths and refinished floors.
The work is being done without displacing tenants, who may choose to renew their one-year leases up to three times under New Jersey laws governing conversions, and who have the first option to buy the units in which they reside.
Three weeks ago, the first 50 converted units were put on the market, and contracts have been signed for 60 percent of them, Mr. Jones said.
The developer is renovating all of the buildings’ interior courtyards, and each is being given a theme. One will feature tropical plants and cozy seats. Another will have an original artwork — an etched-glass waterfall sculpture — installed under a glass canopy roof. A third courtyard, which has a huge skylight and three levels of interior balconies, will have nostalgic streetlamps creating a “town square” effect. And the fourth will be done up to resemble a French town plaza, with window awnings, umbrella tables and a town clock.
The sprawling exterior courtyard of the fifth residential building is being relandscaped and outfitted with community barbecue grills.
When the building is entirely converted, a community association will be formed to maintain the common areas, according to Mr. Jones.
Among the current offerings at Dixon Mills is a 943-square-foot duplex with one bedroom, one and a half baths, exposed brick and a small terrace. It is priced at $388,330 with a common charge of $539 a month.
A three-story condo with 1,257 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths, a balcony and a rooftop deck is priced at $475,670, with a monthly fee of $719.
One penthouse duplex with a large rooftop terrace that wraps around two sides of the apartment, a Juliet balcony and a straight-on unobstructed view of the Statue of Liberty was decorated and shown as a model. Priced at $600,000, the two-bedroom, two-bath unit immediately generated competing bids, and Mr. Jones said last week that he expected it to sell for about $650,000.
By comparison, the average price in the first quarter of this year for a one-bedroom condo in Manhattan was more than $813,000 and for a two-bedroom condo was $1.7 million, according to a report by Prudential Douglas Elliman. For co-ops, the average was more than $570,000 for a one-bedroom and more than $1.3 million for a two-bedroom.

hazard1

June 16th, 2007, 04:23 AM

Saturday, June 16, 2007 By JARRETT RENSHAW

JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Less than 18 months after the shovels went into the ground, city officials

yesterday joined with the developers of Trump Plaza Jersey City to celebrate

the topping off of the 55-story building.

The project, which broke ground in February 2006, is a joint venture between

Hoboken-based Metro Homes and real estate mogul Donald Trump, who has

made several high-profile visits to the site since construction begun.

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy was on hand to celebrate the "topping" of

the first of two towers to be built. Construction on the smaller, 50-story

second tower, which was slowed by financing concerns, is now scheduled to

begin in the fall.

Trump Plaza Jersey City will feature more than 900 condominium residences in

two towers, making them the two tallest residential buildings in New Jersey -

that is until the nearby Metropolitan is built.

When built, the $200 million Metropolitan would become the state's second

tallest building, after the 781-foot Goldman Sachs building on Hudson Street.

The tower is one of several that may be built in the 18-acre shopping area

currently anchored by a Shop-Rite supermarket and a BJ's Wholesale Club.

Sales at Trump Plaza Jersey City have been going quickly, with roughly 320

units sold in less than eight months, officials said.

JCMAN320

June 16th, 2007, 10:44 PM

To reopen July 19 after work
SCIENCE CENTER'S ALL NEW

Saturday, June 16, 2007
By JEFFREY GOLD
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

JERSEY CITY - Kids, this won't be your older brother's Liberty Science Center.

New Jersey's most popular museum hopes that its 22-month expansion and makeover will extend its appeal to all age groups, from preschoolers to adults.

Almost all of the exhibits are new, including a skyscraper gallery in which visitors can enter a chamber and be lashed by hurricane-force wind and rain, or don a harness and walk along a steel beam more than 10 feet off the ground.

"This will appeal to the more fearless of our visitors," museum president Emyln Koster said after donning a hard hat to tour the bustling, but incomplete, interior.

The center, which had enthralled a generation of school children since opening in 1993, is poised to reopen July 19 after a renovation that almost doubles its size.

While major construction is complete, much work remains. Most exhibits are in the early stages of assembly or under protective coverings. Floors were also shielded, and crews will now be at the site seven days a week.

A new 60-space lot for buses has been paved, ensuring that school children will not have to cross any roadway to enter the museum.

Much of the museum's contents will be grouped in six major exhibits. Besides the skyscraper gallery, those include "Our Hudson Home," examining the industry and ecology of the Hudson River.

Instead of a wide variety of smaller displays, the museum is focusing on the six big exhibits.

Several crowd favorites, however, have been retained: the Madagascar hissing cockroach, the lobby's expanding geodesic dome, and the IMAX movie theater.

Half the money for the $109 million expansion is coming from the state, with the remainder from private donors and grants, Koster said.

A coalition of union ironworkers and steel companies helped fund a portion of the skyscraper exhibit: a 15-ton base column from the World Trade Center. The flag-draped steel, recovered with its concrete base, stands 17-feet tall.

The center's own power will come chiefly from solar panels on the roofs of the lobby and bus walkway canopy, with some coming from a wind turbine. The museum is also going green - literally - by planting an insulating grass roof atop the gift shop.

Another new feature will be a "cloud" of 9,000 tiny lights that will hover above the lobby. Cameras around the room track visitor movements as well as the color of their clothing, allowing computers to create an ever-changing group portrait

Spoon

June 18th, 2007, 11:02 PM

Does anyone know if Jersey City has the largest skyline or possibly most amount of office space for a city of it's size (population)

I know Boston proper is pretty small like 500,000 but that is still more than 2x JC (under 250,000). Small cities like Stamford and Hartford have skylines but not as impressive as JC's. Those cities are in the low 100,000 for population.

Are we #1, and if we are #1 now it's going to be on in like 5 years when we have 4 or 5 more projects completed. Also none of these small cities has a signature tower like Goldman Sachs.

Just a random thought since I'm stuck at work late. JCMan help me out on this one..haha

JCMAN320

June 18th, 2007, 11:15 PM

Well all I know is we have more office space than Pittsburgh, Miami and Atlanta. I would expect we would be number one just based on those facts.

Hope I helped :)

citybooster

June 18th, 2007, 11:56 PM

Well all I know is we have more office space than Pittsburgh, Miami and Atlanta. I would expect we would be number one just based on those facts.

Hope I helped :)I'm just getting pissed that there still is no real action on the office front...are we ever going to get the companies that will think outside the box,or are we going to constantly finish behind Manhattan in all the major office deals for the near future.Nothing yet on Harborside 4 or 7,Merrill Lynch site,anything...if the rumored megaproject rivalling Time Warner on the Montgomery Strret waterfront ever gets beyond the rumor stage,that will be a plus and might spur more daring development.But the Metropolitan seems on hold,God knows when the Koolhaus project will be built on the large scale residential front.

We just seem to have to keep proving ourselves,despite our growing skyline(and our top positioning for medium sized cities)...even with Trump Plaza and 77 Hudson,we should even be in better position.

InsideScoop

June 19th, 2007, 07:53 AM

citybooster

The State of NJ mostly eliminated the B.E.I.P. benefits which were supposed to compete with New York's business relocation benefits. Since then, the downtown JC office market has not been able to compete with lower manhattan for corporate job giveback benefits so no one has been looking seriously at Jersey City since 2002. McGreevey's administration ended the program but Corzine's staff is not sharp enough to bring it back. Condequently all the obvious relocators like JP M and Goldman are actually buidling new big buildings in Battery Park City and the new Freedom Tower complex and actually taking employees OUT of JC to populate these buildings as soon as their B.E.I.P. benefits run out (2010 - 2013 expirations).

So I doubt we will see any new office buildings in the near future -

Not that the antics of the saused Mayor of JC are helping!

We need a pro-growth Government in JC and NJ to get some more companies here. NJ is the only state that had NEGATIVE overall job growth over the last 8 years (-1.3%) while everywhere else in the country average 5-6% job growth.

investordude

June 19th, 2007, 11:55 PM

InsideScoop, I think your analysis is flawed. Why subvert market forces - people are building like crazy in Jersey City, and the developments are generally unsubsidized excluding tax breaks. Why would you subsidize developments and subvert the market place just to build an office building instead of a residential tower? There's plenty of office space around Jersey City, both in Journal Square and Newark, not to mention the Jersey suburbs and of course Manhattan. Therefore, the market place identifies what's missing - luxury housing with decent schools - and builds it.

If Jersey City is going to subsizide something instead of using taxes to pay for police and schools, that sounds like the worst sort of industrial policy imaginable for a city flush with investment and construction right now.

Scraperfannyc

June 20th, 2007, 02:32 AM

Well all I know is we have more office space than Pittsburgh, Miami and Atlanta. I would expect we would be number one just based on those facts.

Hope I helped :)

Pittsburgh has about 30 msf of office space. I thought JC was in the 10-15 msf range, or is this just downtown?

InsideScoop

June 20th, 2007, 06:34 AM

investor dude

people are building CONDOS like crazy

no one, i mean absolutely no one, is building an office building now.

NY heavily subsidizes corporate relocation to new office buildings. NJ competes directly with NY for these jobs/businesses. NJ has to at least do something to be competitive with NY's massive subsidy package. Cancelling the one subsidy (BEIP) which was successful in getting some jobs across the river in 1996-2001 was incredible stupidity by McGreevey and now Corzine, as NY now takes JP Morgan and Goldman back across to the NY side of the river.

JCMAN320

June 21st, 2007, 03:01 AM

TriHobo

June 21st, 2007, 12:38 PM

They are moving employees back which we all knew would happen, but they are not vacating Jersey City just moving some employees back.

Harborside 4 and the new GS building should start movign along before 08.

I agree that they're not vacating. But what information do you have that GS (or more specifically Hines) and Mack-Cali will build new office buildings when there is a 20% vacancy rate now for Class-A office space.?

tbal

June 21st, 2007, 01:13 PM

TriHobo - where does the 20% figure come from? I know the overall vacancy rate for all of JC is somewhere in the teens, but the waterfront in downtown is below 10% I believe. Remember, the higher figure accounts for areas such as Journal Square that still have significant vacancy rates. The low vacancy rate on the waterfront is why Hines & Mack-Cali have put forward proposals for more office development on the waterfront.

kliq6

June 21st, 2007, 03:15 PM

JC has in my opinion the best skyline of any city with 250,000 to 450,000 residents.

JCMAN: do you know of any major commercial projects underway in Jersey City?

JCMAN320

June 21st, 2007, 04:04 PM

I know I have spoke to Steve Fulop and he said Mack-Cali is serious in building Harborside Plaza 4 and once the new GS headquarters on your side of the Hudson is done then GS will start on the second GS building here being designed by I.M. Pei

Also thanks for the compliment about our skyline much appreciated :)

kliq6

June 21st, 2007, 04:19 PM

kliq6

June 21st, 2007, 04:23 PM

kliq6

June 21st, 2007, 04:24 PM

NYatKNIGHT

June 21st, 2007, 06:55 PM

^Is the other GS building you're talking about the lowrise annex of the tower that was (temporarily) scrapped? I forgot about that.

Harborside 4 - no idea what it looks like.

JCMAN320

June 21st, 2007, 10:16 PM

If Corzine knows what good for him hell reimplement it.

GS will built the smaller tower next to the current one once its HQ in Manhattan is built and then fill the rest of the current tower and start on the new one.

I still don't get why NY can't stand that we have our own office space. Again NY has SSSOOOO much why is it that big of a deal if we get a piece of the pie?

InsideScoop

June 22nd, 2007, 06:37 AM

I know I have spoke to Steve Fulop and he said Mack-Cali is serious in building Harborside Plaza 4

OK, but "insidescoop" knows that the inside scoop is that they are not serious, they have no prospective tenant, and they are just shopping a drawing if and when anyone ever gets interested in relocating out of manhattan again. Actually they are more likely to sell off more of their sites to residential builders.

The Port Authority convinced Corzine et. al. that Jersey City is just a bedroom to the Freedom Tower complex so NJ shouln't have any protections against the PANY/NJ poaching tenants out of NJ to move into the complex it builds and then heavily subsidizes the occupants of. Corzine is so out of it at this point he has no clue what the heck is going on anymore. The guy may as well be the Governor of NY and get a partners desk with Spitzer. Between him and Lautenberg neither one sleeps more than 30 nights a year in the State of NJ.

NJ is dropping the ball, NY picking it up. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

We can look forward to a few more condos until the national housing recession eventually catches the NY metro area (one more wall st. bonus cycle, then its done here because the December 2008 will be bad as a result of the national recession).

ianmac47

June 22nd, 2007, 10:22 AM

The housing market will turn around before Manhattan / LIC / Brooklyn / JC feels any pinch. Lifestyles have made a dramatic shift in the last decade away from the suburbs towards urban lifestyles. People are flowing to the cities as rapidly now as they were flowing out in post war America.

But regardless of the housing market, the Jersey City office market will eventually expand. North Jersey has as much office space as Manhattan, its just spread out over a half dozen counties in suburban office parks. Companies headquartered in these buildings choose to be because its less expensive office space than Manhattan and closer to their employees. But as I said previously, people are moving out of suburbs back to the cities. The next generation of middle management are living in places like Manhattan, Hoboken, Jersey City, and to a lesser extent, urban suburbs like Montclair. As a result, long term I see New jersey's office market shifting away from places like Paramus and Wayne-- large suburban office complexes, and towards places like JC and Newark. Additionally, the suburbs are working to restrict growth and prevent sprawl. This increases the costs of building in the suburbs and reduces the incentive to build office parks there. On the other hand, Jersey City wants office towers and have granted historically, abatements and other incentives to build downtown. When faced with a prolonged legal battle against local authorities looking to prevent development vs. a municipal authority like JC that wants to make it easier to build, its more likely that the office space will end up in Jersey City than a suburban office park. Further, New Jersey is running out of free land to build in the suburbs. The state will be built out anywhere from 30 to 50 years, which means the only way to continue growth will be vertically. Finally, I think once the Freedom tower Complex is fully realized and occupied, there will actually be a greater demand for Jersey City Office space because of its proximity to the WTC site. Midtown may have record high per square foot prices, but that doesn't directly help JC because we're 20 minutes away from 33rd street, and elsewhere there is an additional subway transfer. But after the freedom tower complex is built, there will be a greater interest in lower manhattan office space, to which JC is a natural extension. Freedom tower will have lots of government agencies. Businesses that contract with these agencies will want to be nearby. Some of these businesses will ultimately end up in JC.

kliq6

June 22nd, 2007, 02:44 PM

kliq6

June 22nd, 2007, 02:47 PM

ianmac47

June 22nd, 2007, 02:52 PM

JC has a real advantage over new York on income taxes; management will pay less working in the JC vs. NYC.

InsideScoop

June 23rd, 2007, 09:42 AM

Ianmac the income taxes in NJ are roughly equal to those in NYS since the McGreevey (and subsequent Corzine) increases in the 'millionaire' tax, etc..

Idea that JC stole firms after 9/11 is fallacious. All those companies moved to JC in 99-01 Pre sep. 11th due to major expansion in financial services businesses and more employees. Some physically moved in post sep 11, but all had signed leases in 1998 to 2000.

North Jersey office space is 10% of manhattan

400 mm feet in manhattan compared to 40mm in hudson - north jersey market (not including north central jersey - just east of the hackensack river, to the west is a different market entirely).

Np public firms moving to 'actual freedom tower' maybe, but it is a complex of a half dozen buildings including the one JP Morgan just agreed to relocate its JC workforce into in 3 years (coincidence - as soon as its BEIP bonus runs out).

ianmac47

June 23rd, 2007, 03:38 PM

Anything in the 287 corridor is part of North Jersey's office market, not just Hudson County, Middlesex, somerset, morris, passaic, essex and bergen county.

And no, the personal income taxes are still lower in New Jersey as is the cost of living and the cost of doing business.

tbal

June 23rd, 2007, 10:00 PM

It seems like this will be the year of the midrise building in Jersey City (and the year the construction boom moves westward, away from the waterfront).

A large piece of demo equipment was delivered to 380 Newark Avenue this morning, where a 12-story building was approved for construction by the Planning Board a few months ago. This will be one of the largest buildings downtown that is not by a PATH station.

Directly across Newark Ave from 380 is 361, which was originally approved as a 6-story building and then re-submitted to the Planning Board as a 12-story proposal. 361 Newark was very active until the winter, but since then, it has been almost completely dead. It will be interesting to see which building is completed first, since all of the pilings at 361 were driven into the ground a year ago (so that 361 is far ahead in the construction process at the moment, but may not be for long). The two buildings together will add a total of 121 new apartments to an area deeply in need of foot traffic.

Excavator equipped with claws for demo-ing the one-story (former) autoshop. Notice the Turnpike Extension in the background. The building is to be 132' tall, which I am guessing is slightly taller than the height of the highway:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-8.jpg

If you look closely enough at the photo below, you can see the designation for the lot written on the wall of the autoshop:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-9.jpg

380 Newark Avenue, soon to be home to a 12-story midrise building:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-14.jpg

In a similar story, 369 Fifth Street, which is only about two blocks from 380 Newark Ave (and very near to Newark Ave), went U/C this past week, after a crane was delivered on Wednesday to drive pilings into the ground. A few months ago, a two-story addition was approved for the warehouse that occupied the site. Then, about two weeks ago, the warehouse was demolished. Based on the number of pilings going in, I suspect that we may see a 5-6 story building go in (although it is located in a residential zone for 4-or-fewer stories).

Crane that arrived Wednesday:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-11.jpg

A few pilings have been driven in already:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-12.jpg

Many more will be driven into the ground this week:

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/6-13.jpg

Finally, a large excavator was being used for demolition at 261 Baldwin Avenue (near Journal Square) today. Several of the neighboring buildings appeared to be abandoned and perhaps they are on the chopping block. Does anyone know what's going on here?

ianmac47

June 23rd, 2007, 11:24 PM

I was looking for information on 369 5th today and couldn't find anything. Could it have a Brunswick St. Address for planning board approvals?

tbal

June 23rd, 2007, 11:51 PM

You mean 369 Fifth, right? All I found is that the warehouse was supposed to get the two-story addition. I am confused too because it's almost as if the two-story addition was a second/alternative plan submitted to the planning board just as 361 Newark Ave was re-submitted to the planning board as a 12-story instead of 6-story building. But, usually on the planning board agendas, if a plan is re-submitted, there will be a note of what the original plan entailed, and there was no such note with the latest submission for 369 Fifth. I honestly have no idea what they're putting in there, but in any case, anything will look better than the old abandoned warehouse that used to be there! (although a 5-6 story building would be pretty sweet).

I am sort of thinking you're right with the possibility of it being a Brunswick Street address, given the fact that Brunswick is a more trafficked street and that the lot has more frontage on Brunswick than on Fifth.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens at 380 Newark this week. Construction proceeded fairly quickly after demolition at 369 Fifth; hopefully we'll see the same at 380 Newark.

btw - does anyone know what's going on at 109 Columbus? I passed by today and it seems like no progress has been made in the past few weeks.

It seems like ground breaking on all of the major residential projects is either on hold or there have been serious delays in attaining construction permits - nothing is going on with 2 Second St., Harbor Lights, the Metropolis expansion, and apparently the Monaco/San Remo site (?) (and of course, Harwood has pushed back construction in Journal Square several months to early 2008).

ianmac47

June 24th, 2007, 09:58 AM

Yeah, I noticed that too about 109 Columbus, i was expecting at least the shell of the first floor this week. If I recall though, someone mentioned that the building going in on 3rd and Newark was owned by the same developer; I suppose it could be that resources have been shifted temporarily to this site.

Also, I searched for various incarnations of a brunswick street address that would have matched 361 5th, but didn't find anything.

tbal

June 24th, 2007, 04:27 PM

I'm tempted to go to 30 Montgomery sometime this week to see if I can find some information about 369 Fifth (or whatever the Brunswick Street address might be) as well as 380 Newark Ave (and maybe 361 Newark Ave too).

The pilings are going in at 369 Fifth more than 80 ft deep...maybe this building will be as high as 7-8 stories; if you think about it, this area is far enough from the waterfront to have a nice view of the tall buildings in Downtown Jersey City with a backdrop of the tall buildings in Lower Manhattan. A view like that would be pretty amazing from here if you're above the 4-5 story height at which this view would be pretty much unobstructed (this has got to be at least part of the reason for why the developers at 380 & 361 Newark Ave are both building 12 stories high).

TimmyG

June 25th, 2007, 12:39 PM

Citizens say 'Connect The Parks'
Monday, June 25, 2007 By CHARLES HACK
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

As any Paulus Hook dog owner knows, the spit of land at the southern tip of Jersey City has a prime view of the Lower Manhattan skyline.
Now a group of residents and business owners have come together to protect the eroding peninsula and join it to four plots of land to the north to create one large park to be the pride of the neighborhood.
Yesterday, the Paulus Hook Parks Conservancy held a free festival to promote their vision of the unified park.
Some of the land is already dedicated as park space, including the grassy peninsula that separates the Little Basin of the Morris Canal and the estuary for the Liberty Landing Marina, which is officially part of the Liberty State Park.
But across the Morris Canal Little Basin, the waterfront parcels in public and private hands are in limbo to become public green space.
The land south of the Goldman Sachs building, under the Colgate clock, is owned by the state and has been dedicated as Veterans Park. An area next to that is shared between Liberty State Park and Jersey City. And Colgate Park, which now has ball courts being renovated, is owned the Colgate Property Owners Association.
Meanwhile, an ordinance is awaiting a second reading that would dedicate the end of Washington Street - a section of road closed to traffic - as park land, accessible only to the disabled and to those going to the Korean Veterans Memorial.
To start the process rolling, the parks conservancy, which was formed recently as an offshoot of the Historic Paulus Hook Association, have put together a public survey as a sort of "wish list" for the park.
Filmmaker Stephanie Daniels, co-chair of the Connect The Parks event, said ideas so far include a dog park, picnic tables, a dog run, a performance area, children's playgrounds for different age groups, ball courts, a water park, and kayak launch.
To take part in the survey, log on to www.paulushook.net (http://www.paulushook.net).

kliq6

June 25th, 2007, 03:00 PM

pianoman11686

June 25th, 2007, 03:02 PM

6/23: Looks like Jersey City really is rising! The skyline's got some good length and height, and Trump's making a big impact.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/pianoman11686/SA700038.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/pianoman11686/SA700039.jpg

InsideScoop

June 25th, 2007, 08:03 PM

tbal

June 25th, 2007, 10:53 PM

ianmac47

June 26th, 2007, 10:25 AM

The building in the photos in my last construction update at 380 Newark Ave was indeed torn down today. I guess the pile of rubble that's left of it will be transferred to the two containers onsite tomorrow and then trucked out. I'm thinking that more equipment will be delivered by the end of the week to tear up the parking lot surface.

Yeah, I saw the lot cleared away. The van at the other Newark Avenue site has moved from one side of the site to the other, but nothing else is happening.

kliq6

June 26th, 2007, 10:35 AM

What workers from JC are moving to the new WTC 5? they are relocating Midtown workers there, nobody from JC are part of the deal

The whole crew that works in 570 Washington are relo-ing there as soon as their new building is built. Them plus the smaller of their park avenue buildings are ultimately joining up there.

Okay the question i asked was what workers from Jersey City are relocating from Jersey back to Manhattan, not what Manhattan workers were being shifted around

InsideScoop

June 26th, 2007, 12:38 PM

kliq6

June 26th, 2007, 02:51 PM

Okay good to know, I thought you were talking about Washington Street in NY, because at that address Morgan Stanley has people so I was getting confused.

This is great news and Im hoping to hear more and more of it in the years to come. Im going to give a ton of money to your Governor to keep him in office forever!

macmini

June 26th, 2007, 03:35 PM

570 Washington Blvd is an address in Jersey City.

It's the location of a building.

JP Morgan Chase is in it.

They are moving out of it to relocate into their new building in lower Manhattan as soon as it is finished.

They happen to be joining up with some midtown Manhattan people but that is a side issue.

I heard nothing about the jersey city offices being move to the wtc site but, it's not like it's going to happen tomorrow. If the new building is completed on time there not moving until 2013 or 14.

JCMAN320

June 26th, 2007, 07:09 PM

Jersey City won't lose out. JP Morgan ha two buildings they'll keep one then find another tenent for the one they are leavign no biggie. Jersey City won't go empty.

InsideScoop

June 26th, 2007, 08:30 PM

If the new building is completed on time there not moving until 2013 or 14.

Actually 2010.

macmini

June 26th, 2007, 08:47 PM

If the new building is completed on time there not moving until 2013 or 14.

Actually 2010.

were both wrong it's 2012 still 5 years away

JP Morgan Chase moves into Ground Zero

Andrew Clark in New York
Thursday June 14, 2007
Guardian Unlimited (http://www.guardian.co.uk/)

The investment bank JP Morgan Chase is to invest $2bn (£1bn) in a new 40-storey tower on the edge of the World Trade Centre site, in a significant boost to efforts by the US authorities to lure the financial industry back to lower Manhattan. Presently based in mid-town, the bank said the new facility would open in 2012 on the site of a former Deutsche Bank building severely damaged in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which is still being dismantled.

InsideScoop

June 27th, 2007, 06:21 AM

Yeah like I said 2012.

:rolleyes:

macmini

June 27th, 2007, 12:31 PM

On agenda tonight: Abatement for new Goldman Sachs tower

Wednesday, June 27, 2007 By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Its 42-story tower at 30 Hudson St. is barely 65 percent occupied, but Goldman, Sachs & Co. wants to construct another office building right next to it - and wants a tax abatement to do it.

The Wall Street heavyweight dispatched a phalanx of officials to the City Council's caucus meeting on Monday to describe the high-rise proposed for 50 Hudson St. and make their pitch for a 20-year abatement.

Plans call for a 30-story office building consisting of more than 700,000 square feet of office space, roughly 21,000 square feet of retail space and a 573-space parking facility, Goldman officials said.

By the end of 2009, 30 Hudson will be completely filled, said Goldman Managing Director Dino Fusco.

The proposed 20-year abatement, already given a green light by the mayor's "Tax Enhancement Committee," calls for a "payment in lieu of taxes" to the city of 15 percent annual gross revenue for the retail space and 10 percent of annual gross revenue for the office space.

The first-year "PILOT" would be $2.2 million, officials said. The site currently generates $165,000 a year in taxes, city officials said.

The Goldman abatement is scheduled to be introduced at tonight's council meeting.

Council members were receptive to the application."

Spoon

June 27th, 2007, 01:07 PM

How tall do you think a 30 story building would be? 450ft?

TimmyG

June 27th, 2007, 04:35 PM

^^^ 450 ft sounds about right. The figure I remember is about 500 feet.

kliq6

June 27th, 2007, 04:54 PM

ianmac47

June 27th, 2007, 05:30 PM

Its not like they giving them money, they are simply not getting as much as they would otherwise. Office space has a very low cost to the city-- no kids looking for schools ect., and the infrastructure costs are minimal if the building remains empty. Also, if Goldman has the space here, it will eventually be filled with their employees, even if it takes time. Goldman is really positioning themselves to be a major force in the JC market which will eventually I think be leveraged into state tax incentives, ect. But their presence gives a big boost of legitimacy to JC as a financial center.

macmini

June 27th, 2007, 08:23 PM

This really makes no sense since they already have a half empty building they promised to fill and now they are promising to fill this one. I know since im a NY some will say im saying this cause i dont want it built, but honestly I think NJ would de stupid to give Goldman more money having already done nothing on there first promise

What was stupid was NY giving Goldman and JP over 1 billion dollars of tax payers money to stay in NY as if they were ever going to leave.

Found some great pics of JC on flickr

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/598017901_0fb2ba6488_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1323/630499039_c8e9433cca_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1435/630396559_4013d5c4e7_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1052/610349715_e547c6a90d_b.jpg

JCMAN320

June 27th, 2007, 10:57 PM

Good to hear about GS I'm so happy!!! As you can see in one of the photos above they are already doing work on the top floors of the GS Tower the lights have been on up there several nights in a row.

The last picture showing the the 575 Washington Blvd. with the JP Morgan Chase logo is the building JP Morgan will be keepin in JC. 570 across the street from it is half the size and height of 575 and they are moving the employees out of 570 and keeping 575 employees here in JC. So not a bad move at all. JP will still keep the larger building in JC so all is well.

Beautiful pics macmini. God how I do love Jersey City. :)

ianmac47

June 28th, 2007, 06:43 PM

I came across this on JCList this afternoon:

http://www.khov.com/Home/NJ/294/_Properties_AUTH.htm?Brand=MZM&Search_Type=OurCommunities&State=NJ

In short, Crescent Court at Second and Merseles, 54 Condominium units debuting Summer 2007.

I drove by there this afternoon and there is an old industrial building on the south west corner with a temporary construction fence around the thing. I assume this is where they are building. This is interesting because this area is very far west and sort of in the middle of nowhere, relative to the rest of the downtown. Across Merseles street is basically open land and the pylons that support the Turnpike, and to the south of the lot is the Columbus Drive embankment. I hadn't heard of this before. Had anyone else?

tbal

June 28th, 2007, 10:07 PM

I took a walk around the area myself on my way home from work today (a little out of the way, but...). It does look like a strange area to build, a lot of variety in housing styles (as well as a lot of detiorating housing) so it doesn't have the "orderly" appearance of the rest of downtown, plus it doesn't have any retail around it. It does have the school only a block or so away though, which might be attractive to families with young children. Views of the grassy area under the Turnpike or the Columbus embankment didn't strike me as too great either for the price they're planning on charging. There was a note written in Spanish on a piece of cardboard attached to the door of the industrial building but all I could make out was it said something about a new location somewhere else on 2nd Street for workers to go (I think).

JCMAN320

June 29th, 2007, 02:56 AM

Download flicks from library site
At the movies

Thursday, June 28, 2007
By BERNETTE PEARSON
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City Free Public Library cardholders can now watch more than 400 classic movies, indie films, how-to shows, documentaries and more with the library's new system, MyLibraryDV.

Demonstrated Monday at a library press conference, MyLibraryDV is a free on-demand video service, similar to Comcast's Digital Cable's on-demand, that people with valid Jersey City Library cards can access via the Internet.

Jersey City's Free Public Library is currently the only library in New Jersey offering the service.

The service, created by Recorded Books, can be accessed 24 hours, seven days a week, and viewers can log on via a link on the library's Web site using their library bar code and pin number.

MyLibraryDV can only work through Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP with Flash 9 and Windows Media 9 or higher, and via the most current versions of Web browsers with a broadband Internet connection. Systems need at least one gigabyte of available hard drive space to function properly.

Up to ten shows can be downloaded from the site at once and the videos will expire within seven days, said Victor Enriquez, manager of the library's Management Information Systems Department.

However, there is no limit to how often one can download or view a video.

He and two other MIS staff members, Rafael Artiles and Jonathon Pasco, approached Library Director Priscilla Gardner with the $6,000 project.

"I researched this with regards to other library-related magazines and I noticed this is a service offered at other libraries (within the country)," Enriquez said.

So far, 25 classic movies are featured, such as "Phantom of the Opera" and "Night of the Living Dead." Ninety food programs featuring world-renowned chefs such as "Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home" and 100 travel programs are just some of the 400 programs offered.

ianmac47

June 29th, 2007, 09:46 AM

The Library Service sounds interesting, but anyone know what's required to get a library card? Its never really something I got around to doing. its not as much a hassle as a parking permit, I hope?

kliq6

June 29th, 2007, 10:00 AM

***

Actually most of Goldmans aid was tax free liberty bonds given by the Feds, and guess what if you pay taxes and live in any state, you just helped ny out, so all i can say is THANKS!!

JoeSas

June 29th, 2007, 10:10 AM

When I was condo shopping last summer this development was a huge selling point for that whole area. Even though it is almost under the turnpike, it is really quiet around there and there will be some cost savings with distance from the PATH and the fact that the area is still a bit run-down. I think it is the 'shot' that this neighborhood needs to bring some life to those blocks.

I came across this on JCList this afternoon:

http://www.khov.com/Home/NJ/294/_Properties_AUTH.htm?Brand=MZM&Search_Type=OurCommunities&State=NJ

In short, Crescent Court at Second and Merseles, 54 Condominium units debuting Summer 2007.

I drove by there this afternoon and there is an old industrial building on the south west corner with a temporary construction fence around the thing. I assume this is where they are building. This is interesting because this area is very far west and sort of in the middle of nowhere, relative to the rest of the downtown. Across Merseles street is basically open land and the pylons that support the Turnpike, and to the south of the lot is the Columbus Drive embankment. I hadn't heard of this before. Had anyone else?

macmini

June 29th, 2007, 01:15 PM

$ky $craper deal!

Votes add up: Goldman gets its abatement

Friday, June 29, 2007 By KEN THORBOURNE

JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Goldman, Sachs & Co. is golden with the Jersey City's governing body.
By a 8-0-1 vote, the Jersey City City Council introduced on Wednesday a 20-year tax abatement for the company's proposed office tower at 50 Hudson St. - right next to its 42-story tower at 30 Hudson St.

The 30-story structure will consist of more than 700,000 square feet of office space, roughly 21,000 square feet of retail space and a 573-car parking garage, officials said.

The 20-year abatement calls for "payment in lieu of taxes" to the city of 15 percent of annual gross revenue for the retail space and a 10 percent of annual gross revenue for the office space.

The first-year "pilot" would be $2.2 million - a far cry from the $165,000-a-year the property currently yields in taxes, city officials said.
Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop, who favored the abatement, abstained since he once worked for Goldman Sachs.

The only dissenting voice on the abatement came from Pamela Gardner, vice president of the Jersey City's NAACP, who during the public speaking portion of Wednesday's meeting questioned how many blacks and Latinos work for the company and how many are in upper management.
Goldman Sachs spokesman Peter Rose declined to comment on this topic yesterday.

Joseph Seneca, a Rutgers University professor working with Goldman Sachs, told council members Monday the $560 million project will generate the equivalent of 274 one-year construction jobs for Jersey City residents, paying on average $58,000 annually.

When the building is finished, 12 percent, or 413 of Goldman Sachs' 3,440 financial workers located in Jersey City will be local residents, Seneca said. These workers earn on average $156,000 annually, Seneca said.
No start date for 50 Hudson St. has been set.

injcsince81

June 29th, 2007, 06:45 PM

***

A question was posted on JClist whether IM Pei is designing this building.

Anybody know?

RYinNJ

June 29th, 2007, 07:33 PM

According to this article http://www.newyorkssixth.com/2007/03/star-chitects-flock-to-jersey-city.html, Pei is designing a building for Goldman. However according to this article http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_52/golmansachsunveils.html
It states that a firm that Pei is associated with is designing Goldman's new building in Battery Park. Perhaps he is doing both or maybe the Newsday article confused the two..................

JCMAN320

June 29th, 2007, 10:46 PM

Klig relax man why are you gettin so pissed that JC is back in the office game. Don't be mad just be happy for us. :)

I.M. Pei is only designing the GS building in Downtown JC. Newsday has a habit of gettin facts mixed up. I can't wait the date to be set for them to build it. Again tonight the top floor lights in the GS Building were on and it looks like they are doing work in there. Once the whole tower is lit up what an impact it will have on the JC skyline at night!! :)

pianoman11686

June 30th, 2007, 10:24 PM

It's nothing personal, JCMan, it's just business.

I don't know if by "I.M. Pei is only designing the GS building in Downtown JC" you mean he's designing it all by himself (i.e., not through his firm) and/or that he's not involved at all with the new GS building in Battery Park City. What I know is that his firm, Pei Cobb Freed, has in fact designed the GS building in BPC.

JCMAN320

June 30th, 2007, 10:54 PM

Well I'm mistaken then he and his firm are designing both buildings then.

Also Ianmac I have a library card it is very easy I have one and got it's free.

TimmyG

July 3rd, 2007, 03:09 PM

$100G state grant for Journal Square plan
Tuesday, July 03, 2007 By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

The largest "smart growth" grant in the state belongs to Jersey City.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has awarded the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency $100,000 to develop a comprehensive plan for Journal Square as an entertainment and retail hub, city officials said last week.
The grant is in keeping with the state's push to promote residential and commercial districts around mass transit centers, city officials said.
"We are very excited about this grant," said JCRA Executive Director Robert Antonicello. "It gives the city an opportunity to coordinate the growth of the (Hudson County) community college and other large-scale projects in the area."
The grant money will be used to hire the Princeton-based A. Nelessen Associates, an urban planning firm, and Hoboken-based architect and urban designer Dean Marchetto, Antonicello said.
The planners will be asked to help coordinate a plan for further entertainment and retail growth in the area, taking into account the new "City Center" towers being developed by Harwood/MEPT Journal Square, the steady expansion of Hudson County Community College, and attractions like Loew's Jersey Theatre, Antonicello said.
The "City Center" project is to have 120,000 square feet of retail, he said.
The city, through the state's Urban Enterprise Zone program, has set aside $1.2 million to make facade improvements in Journal Square.

macmini

July 3rd, 2007, 04:31 PM

Newport abatement postponed
Council wants better deal

Tuesday, July 03, 2007 By KEN THORBOURNE

JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

A five-year tax abatement for the Aquablu - the LeFrak Organization's latest residential project at Newport - was pulled from last week's Jersey City City Council agenda to give the city more time to negotiate a longer-term deal, city officials said.

Council members, including Ward A Councilman Michael Sottolano and Ward D Councilman Bill Gaughan, objected to the short-term abatement negotiated by the mayor's "Tax Enhancement Committee" on the grounds a longer-term abatement would yield more money for the city.

The five-year abatement calls for annual increases in conventional taxes paid by the developer until the sixth year, when the developer is to pay full conventional taxes.

LeFrak's attorney, James McCann, said the five-year abatement would cost his client the same as a 10-year abatement he's proposed. The 10-year abatement would call for paying the city 10 percent of gross annual revenue in "payments in lieu of taxes."

But unlike conventional taxes, which the city has to share with local schools and the county, the city would get to keep all of these payments, McCann and city officials said.

The 31-story project, to be built in the northeast section of Newport, is to consist of 363 residential units and 15,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.

The council is expected to revisit this issue at its July 18 meeting.

tbal

July 3rd, 2007, 10:28 PM

Interesting article about Aquablu. But does the author of that article even realize that they have already constructed the first two floors of this thing!?!?! Why the frig do they even need an abatement?

InsideScoop

July 4th, 2007, 05:46 AM

tbal, re-read the article CAREFULLY. The one who wants the "Abatement" is the City because it enables them to keep all the tax money instead of sharing with the County. The developers don't care who they pay it to.

But unlike conventional taxes, which the city has to share with local schools and the county, the city would get to keep all of these payments, McCann and city officials said.

This is a perfect example of the fallacy of 'abatements' in Jersey City. Jersey City does not offer real abatements like NY's Section 421 Abatement Program. Jersey City offers "Long Term PILOTS" in which the developer is required to pay more than conventional taxes and the City doesn't have to share the winnings with the rest of the County.

tbal

July 5th, 2007, 08:10 PM

(Taken on this rainy Thursday afternoon):

More equipment was dropped off at 380 Newark Ave today (as the Nacirema demo container was removed from 361 Newark Ave after about a year of sitting at that site).

From the corner of Sixth and Division streets:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7-1.jpg

The parking lot surface should be gone within a week or so:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7-2.jpg

Foundations for the former auto repair shop are being excavated:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7.jpg

As you can see from the photos below taken along Second and Merseles streets, the Matzel & Mumford site is finally seeing some action. Several penetrations through the pavement on First Street were performed in the past week in preparation for major work to begin:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7-4.jpg

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7-3.jpg

Viewing the site from Second Street:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7-5.jpg

On Baldwin Ave, a decent-sized lot has been formed by the removal of two buildings (I have no idea regarding what's going to go at this site though):

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7-6.jpg

Finally, I'll leave you guys with a view of the new entrance to The Beacon, and a view of Downtown from this entrance. The Freedom Tower will stand tall just beyond where Columbus Tower I is in the center of the second photo below:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7-7.jpg

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=7-8.jpg

macmini

July 6th, 2007, 11:12 AM

JC to Newark: Move over?

While some Jersey City officials say their development-heavy city is in line to overtake Newark as the state's largest, population estimates released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau would seem to indicate otherwise. The numbers, however, do not fully take into account the building boom occurring along Jersey City's waterfront.

Newark's population checks in at 281,402, an 8,000-person gain from the population recorded in the 2000 Census. Jersey City's population estimate is 241,789, a modest 1,000-person gain from the last official Census. Both numbers are estimated populations as of July 1, 2006.

According to a spokesman from the Census Bureau, the population estimates were based on building permits issued by Dec. 31, 2005 and took into account buildings that were set to be completed by July 1, 2006; the figures project that one resident is added per new unit of construction.

Despite the modest gain Jersey City recorded in comparison to Newark, the former is indisputably in the midst of a larger-scale building boom than its neighbor to the west.

Several large high-rise buildings are currently under construction in Jersey City, including Donald Trump's two-tower Trump Plaza Jersey City, which is slated to have around 850 condos; an 800-unit tower from K. Hovanian; and a mammoth complex called The Beacon. A new neighborhood, Liberty Harbor North, is also rising in downtown Jersey City, and dozens of smaller-scale projects have been completed or are under way. A Census spokesman said none of these buildings would have been included in the numbers released last week.

The construction boom has led Jersey City officials like Councilman Steven Fulop to suggest that the Garden State's perennial Avis would overtake Newark's Hertz by the 2010 Census. Newark developers dispute this notion, saying that the city is beginning to experience a building boom as well. Developer Arthur Stern recently completed a 35-story luxury apartment tower a block from Newark's Penn Station, the first luxury development in the city's downtown in years. The building has been renting steadily to young professionals and grad students.

Stern, head of Cogswell Realty Group, has announced plans for other big projects in downtown Newark that he says will introduce 3,000 new residential units along with 200,000 square feet of retail and 2,500 parking spots. Stern says the proposed developments will take seven years to complete and should spark other developments so that the city maintains its status as the state's largest.

The Census will release population estimates based on data through July 1 of this year in 2008. By John Celock

JerzResident

July 6th, 2007, 11:34 AM

LOL @ JC trying to take our spot. That's a no no.:D

JCMAN320

July 6th, 2007, 11:25 PM

We still are the better city :P

66nexus

July 7th, 2007, 12:04 AM

We still are the better city :P

The better city as far as new developments perhaps. I love Jersey City but Newark has always been larger and seems to have more of its own identity. Newark has been a much larger city before. JC may surpass Newark eventually but don't be surprised if it doesn't happen by the 2010 census. It may be close with no Cuban cig

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/28/newark-rises-but-not-like-phoenix/

Granted, JC didn't hit 250k+...yet (matter of time), but to climb above Newark while 2010 is less than 3 years away is in no way a small feat. It's not like they're neck and neck at only 5-10k people apart

JCMAN320

July 7th, 2007, 12:24 AM

Jersey City has an identity, in order to appreciate you must know our cities history which is rich in it.

http://www.njcu.edu/programs/jchistory/entries.htm

Look at those entries you will get a deeper apprecitation for Jersey City:

-The oldest permaent European settlement in New Jersey; Bergen Village (now Bergen Square.)
-The oldest continious site of education in the country PS 11.
-The oldest church and congreation in the state in Old Bergen Church
-The first bank in New Jersey with the Provident Bank on Washington St.
-A major battle in the Revolutinary Way at the Battle of Paulus Hook on Aug 29, 1777 led by Major Lighthorse Harry Lee
-The Apple Tree House from the Village of Bergen where Geo. Washington and Genreal Lafayette met to discuss battle plans and Lafayette was later awarded a staff from that tree with the engraving regarding the meeting of him and Washington that is now in a museum in France.
-The Hilton-Holden house which had all four routes of the underground railroad converege there. It is in great conditon today and is under consideration to become a muesum.
-The Dempsy-Carpenter fight occured at Boyle's Thirty 30 acres the present site of Hudson County Tech School down the street from the Beacon. It was the first million dollar card fight ever and helped elevate boxing into a major sport.
-The Cunard Lines started on the Jersey City Waterfront and there is a major memorial in Bayview cemmetary dedicated to workers from there who perished.
-Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier at Roosevelt Stadium
-Dr. Martin Luther King getting a docterate from my college, Saint Peter's College
-The Loews Jersey Theatre where Frank Sinatra saw Bing Crosby perfrom and got inspired to start a singing carrer.

etc.... Check that site you will see how illustrious Jersey City's past REALLY is. :)

66nexus

July 7th, 2007, 12:40 AM

JC's illustrous past is indisputable, but by identity I meant the 'face' of the city. Which a lot of times gets grouped in with NYC (which I wouldn't necessarily consider a bad thing), but sometimes can mar its own image. That whole 4th of July Hudson River thing was ridiculous but I'll save that for your other thread though lol

JCMAN320

July 7th, 2007, 12:51 AM

I see your point when coming from the West NYC's and JC's skyline mesh. The 4th of July thing again your right was silly lol and that thread is doing well enough without me adding fuel to the fire lol.

The best way to see the "face" of Jersey City is once you cross the Newark Bay Bridge and you continue on the extension north towards the Holland Tunnel you get to see JC on both sides of you Downtown and LSP to your right and JSQ and McGinley Square area and the Beacon rising to you left.

It is simply beautiful.

I think as JC grows and improves, it's identity and face and will become more distinquishable.

66nexus

July 7th, 2007, 01:09 AM

Agreed. But I think that the best way to view the face of JC is from Lower Manhattan, the same way the arguably best view of NYC is from Exchange Place. The GS building has an undeniable presence and I was reading you guy's earlier post about GS building a second 30-story tower. I've also seen the lights on the upper floors of the GS building (as I believe you mentioned earlier) from the Newark(west) side. Just hope its a sign of things to come

JerzResident

July 7th, 2007, 02:18 AM

We still are the better city :P

for now:p

ianmac47

July 7th, 2007, 01:09 PM

TimmyG

July 7th, 2007, 01:50 PM

That stinks. Where was the picture taken from exactly? Did you go through a gate or something?

ianmac47

July 7th, 2007, 01:59 PM

Nope. I don't trespass for any of the photos. It was from the sidewalk of Newport Parkway. I also asked about going to the waterfront walkway, but the rent-a-cops didn't like that either.

macmini

July 7th, 2007, 02:26 PM

You mean to tell me that you actually listed to a rent-a-cop, it's a public sidewalk even if he didn't want you taken pictures there was nothing he can do about it. Newport is not a gated community as much they would like to think it is.

macmini

July 7th, 2007, 08:52 PM

FBI probing threat to Goldman Sachs

July 6, 2007, 6:47 AM EDT

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) _ The FBI is investigating anonymous threats against the Goldman Sachs investment firm contained in handwritten letters warning that "hundreds will die."

Sent to newspapers across the country, the letters threaten the investment titan, warning, "We are inside. You cannot stop us."

The Star Ledger of Newark reported the letters were all mailed from Queens, and signed "A.Q., U.S.A." One of the letters, postmarked June 27, was received recently by the newspaper.

Goldman Sachs is based in New York, and has offices in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong and other cities. About 3,000 people work in its 44-story Jersey City tower.

"We take all of these things seriously," said New York FBI spokesman Bill Carter. Postal inspection authorities also are investigating.

Company officials would not discuss the threat or their response to it.

"As a matter of policy, Goldman Sachs does not comment on internal security matters," spokesman Michael DuVally told the newspaper.

Copyright 2007 Newsday Inc.

injcsince81

July 8th, 2007, 09:33 AM

Nope. I don't trespass for any of the photos. It was from the sidewalk of Newport Parkway. I also asked about going to the waterfront walkway, but the rent-a-cops didn't like that either.

Sounds fishy.

It's a public street.

I'd be tempted to keep taking more pics in front of them and see what they do.

If they so much as touched you, you might have a nice little case against the LeFraks.

lofter1

July 8th, 2007, 12:37 PM

I always get that from security types when I'm on a public sidewalk or street and taking pics of non-government owned construction sites.

I usually say nothing -- what is the point of engaging when you know they have no legal basis? Theoretically security personnel could take your cam by force if they were so inclined. Not that it wiould be legal for them to do so ... But I don't need that (would be lost without my cell-cam) or any legal BS about who was where when.

I find that if someone asks what I'm doing and I tell them I write for an architecture website then that can get me around alot of BS. Particularly if the questioner is a site manager, rather than merely security personnel.

Basically I just ignore people who tell me to stop. I simply move on -- often to return a few minutes later and pretend to make a phone call (when in actuality I'm taking another picture :cool: ).

I enjoy the stealthiness of it all :D

Government sites are a whole other matter ...

citybooster

July 10th, 2007, 12:31 AM

Now I see everything has been removed from the Monaco site area on the Doubletee parking lot....all the pilings,whatever that stack was.What is going on with the Monaco now..a delay?:confused:Any info on the Pep Boys lease and the Metropolitan....or the Toll Brothers agenda for the Manischewitz property and its environs they purchased?Finally,is the Butler Building seriously being looked at as another 50+ story residential high rise,as well as the Hudson site?So many projects look in limbo,delayed or pipe dreams....haven't even discussed the Hudson Exchange puzzlement..what gives there with its delay after getting a sweet abatement deal...it's location is so perfect it should have been excavated at least already,as it appeared was going to be done a few months back.(Resumes normal breathing patterns)

sfenn1117

July 10th, 2007, 02:02 AM

The Ellipse and Metropolitan are going to be stunning.

http://i16.tinypic.com/4pmgz6d.jpg

http://i15.tinypic.com/62qcunn.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/4pn585g.jpg

http://i12.tinypic.com/630gks2.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/5437x3l.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/5393090.jpg

Snagged from arquitectonica.com

66nexus

July 10th, 2007, 02:13 AM

Wow those renderings are gorgeous. I hope those aren't just teasers. Lets get 'em built!

JCMAN320

July 10th, 2007, 03:23 AM

As far as I know, both the Metro and Ellipse will be built. The lease at Pep Boys should be running out soon and the Ellipse they said will get underway in about a year if I remember correctly. Those buildings are going to have a huge impact on our skyline. :)

ianmac47

July 10th, 2007, 10:41 AM

Looking at the rendering of Metropolitan and comparing it to the photograph with the tower superimposed on the skyline, it would seem that the length of the base runs North / South parallel to the light rail tracks, with the tower on the southern tip, immediately west of the Double Tree Tower.

Take a look at the Google Map http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=07302&ie=UTF8&ll=40.72323,-74.037305&spn=0.00261,0.005021&t=k&z=18&om=1

This configuration would place the tower along Metro Plaza Drive (essentially, Third Street if MP Drive continued through the PACO lowrise community between Erie and Marin). This configuration would also fit between the current entrance to Metro Plaza from Sixth Street-- essentially a road along the western side of the building.

If you scroll south on the map, you'll see Warren Street at Second Street, the southern edge of Metro Plaza. The Metro Plaza's configuration has disrupted the original street grid. But the entrance to the plaza from Sixth Street is essentially aligned with Warren, if not for the current BJ's building. According to Arquitectronica, The Metropolitan is the first of 8 buildings. What do you think the chances are that Warren Street will eventually connect all the way through to Sixth Street again?

macmini

July 10th, 2007, 04:48 PM

I just don't see some of these projects happening at all or any time this year. I don't think Hudson Exchange,Monaco,the Metro & Toll Brothers project are going to happen until the housing market improves. Newport said last year that the Ellipse would not start construction until the Shore Club & Aqua were complete.

Beacon: Ready for first move-ins
Tuesday, July 10, 2007

The conversion of the old Jersey City Medical Center into a luxury residential building is to enter another stage next week as the building opens its door to its first homeowners.

A spokesman for the developer of the Beacon - New York-based Metrovest - confirmed yesterday that the city issued a number of certificates of occupancy and a handful of people are slated to move into their new digs starting Monday.

It was unclear exactly how many people are expected to move into their units next week.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the old Jersey City Medical Center is one of the state's largest examples of Art Deco architecture.

Its conversion into the Beacon is one of the most highly anticipated projects in the city and market observers have hailed it as the measuring stick for sales outside the Downtown area.

When completed in 2010, the complex will feature 1,200 condominium units, a public theater, a gourmet market, parks, shops, a dog run, a library and business center, screening rooms, a spa and a museum devoted to the Jersey City Medical Center.

The Jersey City Medical Center was spearheaded by Mayor Frank Hague, who wanted to create a model for medical services to the poor.

JARRETT RENSHAW

JCMAN320

July 11th, 2007, 09:51 PM

Japanese bankers in Jersey City today

A delegation of Japanese bankers will visit Provident Bank in Jersey City as part of an information exchange program.

The delegation will be at the bank, 830 Bergen Ave., from 2:30 to 3 p.m. today.

JCMAN320

July 11th, 2007, 09:54 PM

Meeting tomorrow on police grant

Tomorrow’s public hearing at Jersey City City Hall will be a forum for discussing a $495,500 grant awarded to seven Hudson County municipalities for use by the police department in quality of life patrols.

At the meeting, police and other officials will discuss the regional Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, Police Director Sam Jefferson said today.

A public meeting must be held before the federal grant administered by the county can be finalized.

"We look forward to your participation and extend our genuine appreciation to the community for your continued support or our efforts to improve public safety in Jersey City,” Jefferson said.

The meeting will be held at 11 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 280 Grove St.

Michaelangelo Conte

JCMAN320

July 12th, 2007, 11:14 PM

Work Starts for Canco Condo Conversion

By Eric Peterson

JERSEY CITY-Work is under way on a major conversion project that will turn the five-building, one-million-sf former American Can Co. (Canco) plant here into 200 residential condos initially, and more than 550 units at build-out. The project is being done by Coalco Construction Services, a New York City-based division of Russia’s Coalco Development. The cost of the project hasn’t been released.

Dubbed Canco Lofts, the project will remake a complex of five industrial buildings constructed in the 1920s. The first phase of 200 units involves two buildings totaling 380,000 sf, and will include a small retail component, and a feature of the project will be the 10,000-sf Canco Lofts Residents Club. First-phase units are slated for delivery in Q2 2008.

macmini

July 14th, 2007, 06:24 PM

Goldman Sachs wants special tax agreement for new $560M tower

If they get it, will they build?

Goldman Sachs wants special tax agreement for new $560M tower

Ricardo Kaulessar
Reporter staff writer 07/13/2007

MAKING A CASE FOR 50 HUDSON – Dino Fusco, director of global real estate operations for Goldman Sachs, speaks at the June 25 City Council caucus on the financial firm’s proposed office tower at 50 Hudson St. The company estimates that they will be expanding greatly over the next few years. Some are concerned that they may take too long to start building.
When the City Council convenes its meeting this Wednesday, it will consider approving a 20-year tax abatement deal for a major investment firm.

Goldman Sachs, the owner of the tallest building in the state at 30 Hudson St. - and a sponsor of various community events - would like the tax agreement for an office tower to be built at 50 Hudson St., next to their existing headquarters.

They say their company will be expanding over the next few years, and they need the extra space.

However, tax abatements have become controversial. They allow developers to make a deal with the city to pay a pre-determined annual tax fee rather than being subject to the quixotic rise and fall of regular property taxes. Some believe that the deals are too generous to the developers, and should be used only to encourage developers to build in blighted areas.

But even major developers sometimes claim they need the deals in order to make a big project financially viable, or to make it more prudent than locating elsewhere (like in New York City).

At the City Council's previous meeting on June 27, the council voted 8-0 to introduce the abatement, with an abstention by City Councilman Steven Fulop, a former Goldman Sachs employee himself.

The $560 million, 918,956 square-foot office tower will be 30 stories high with 573 parking spaces - if it is built.

Some officials believe that it's a big if, as an original construction plan for that property has been on hold since June 2000.

That year, Goldman Sachs got approval for tax abatement for a hotel/conference center at the site.

At the last council meeting, several officials tried to press Goldman Sachs on when they will build their new project, if they get the new abatement. They noted that the existing 30 Hudson St. headquarters is not fully occupied and that Goldman Sachs is currently building its new world headquarters near New York City's Battery Park.

But Goldman officials say that their company is expanding rapidly, and they will build when the market makes it feasible.

Went from 50 to 30

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The plan for the new tower went into motion last year when the City Council at its Aug. 16 meeting approved changes to the Colgate Redevelopment Plan, allowing for the construction of a 50-foot office tower by Goldman Sachs at 50 Hudson St.

The redevelopment plan also allowed for an open-air plaza with the 21,000 square feet of retail space. Previously under the plan, an atrium would have been built.

But even at that time, there were questions about Goldman Sachs seeking to build a new, taller building at a time when their 30 Hudson St. location was then filled at half-capacity.

At that meeting, Goldman Sachs executive Timor Galen said the new tower for 50 Hudson St. was necessary to redistribute the workforce between New York and New Jersey.

The Jersey City Planning Board, at its meeting on Sept. 19 of last year, approved a shorter 30-story office tower for 50 Hudson St. They also approved a public plaza between that new building and Goldman Sachs' existing 30 Hudson St. building.

Goldman will need more space

Peter Rose, spokesperson for Goldman Sachs, said last week that their proposed office tower is advance planning on the part of Goldman Sachs to prepare for future expansion.

Goldman Sachs operates offices in 46 cities in the United States and in other parts of the world.

Rose pointed out that since 1999, when shares in the company were first offered on the stock market, the firm has grown from 9,000 to 28,000 employees.

"We're very serious about preparing ahead of time," Rose said. "Over the past years, we always believe we end up needing more space sooner than later."

He also said they intend to be the sole tenants of the buildings they occupy, which is why they have reached only 65 percent occupancy at their 30 Hudson St. location.

Rose said if Goldman Sachs gets the abatement, they will do a study to find out when it will be economically feasible for them to start building. They may look six to 10 years into the future in that study.

"We do the economic analysis and we find it's very difficult to start building immediately," Rose said. But Rose noted that they are already paying taxes on the property, regardless of when they build.

According to the current abatement agreement, they pay a current tax of $165,000 annually on the undeveloped land. The new agreement calls for $2.2 million to be paid each year to the city from time of completion to the year six of the abatement. After that, the payment will increase every few years until the abatement ends.

Putting on the charm

Goldman Sachs advocated for the abatement at the council caucus last month.

Dino Fusco, director of global real estate operations for Goldman Sachs, noted that the firm has been a "good neighbor" in Jersey City with their support of various community events.

They said they established a strong presence in the city with their 30 Hudson St. building, and a new building will be necessary once 30 Hudson St. is fully occupied by - by his estimate - 2009, and the new world headquarters in New York City is completed in 2010.

"With the completion of our world headquarters building in Battery Park across the river, Jersey City is going to be more strategic for Goldman Sachs," Fusco said.

Fusco may have revealed why Goldman Sachs will probably receive the abatement, as he complimented the city's "tax enhancement" program for keeping Jersey City "competitive" with lower Manhattan.

Not everyone is convinced

City Councilman Bill Gaughan got to the point during the caucus when he asked: "How long will it take to build this building?"

An architect for Goldman Sachs said that after construction begins, it could take three years to build the tower.

Gaughan also wanted to know how many construction jobs and jobs after construction will be available for Jersey City residents.

In fact, a recently passed ordinance forces certain projects to agree to use a percentage of Jersey City residents in their construction. The Goldman Sachs project falls under this agreement.

A consultant for Goldman Sachs, Rutgers University professor Joseph Seneca, saidd the project will produce 274 construction jobs for Jersey City residents. There will be 3,811 jobs during construction.

He said that when the building is finished, 413 of Goldman Sachs' 3,496 permanent jobs at 50 Hudson St. will be local residents.

Last week, City Councilman Steven Fulop, who represents the Downtown area of the city where the 50 Hudson St. site is located, said the abatement should have had a stipulation that requires Goldman Sachs and other developers to build once they receive the abatement.

Fulop said that some developers get an abatement for a project, then stall on development for years or sell the property for a higher price than purchased originally.

"The reality is, the developers should be building," Fulop said. "Instead, the city is in the business of giving abatements that increases value of the property, but [do] not actually see the development taking place."

Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com

66nexus

July 14th, 2007, 08:46 PM

Okay not for nothin' but don't they already have PLENTY of existing space in the current GS building?(I think the article noted it) I would love for JC to get another building and add to skyline but with them already building another tower in NYC it would be useless to have another building sitting halfway dark for years (true, the company maybe expanding but that can so quickly change or end altogether...I just hope the decision isn't too rash is all)

TimmyG

July 15th, 2007, 10:50 AM

Study: Downtown Jersey City traffic will get worse
A study commissioned by Jersey City has concluded that by the year 2020, traffic in the Downtown area will reach the full capacity of the current roadway system to handle it.

The $176,00 federally-funded “Jersey City Regional Waterfront and Downtown Circulation Study,” 1½ years in the works, was undertaken in order to come up with solutions to the increasing crowding on city streets.

To deal with this impending gridlock, the study’s consultant, Stantec, makes several recommendations, both large — extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System along the Sixth Street Embankment through the Bergen Arches into Secaucus — and small — changing the timing of traffic signals to speed up traffic flow.

“As the fastest growing city in the state, it is imperative that we look at all options available in alleviating the tremendous congestion in the downtown area,” said Mayor Jerramiah Healy.

The most controversial proposal is to extend Jersey Avenue from where it currently ends just behind the Jersey City Medical Center through Liberty State Park to Audrey Zapp Drive.

“Our main concern is a Jersey Avenue road would be a magnet for rush-hour commuters . . . diminish the peaceful experience for people who come to the park,” said Sam Pesin, president of the Friends of Liberty State Park.

Naomi Hsu, a city planner, said she doubted the two-way, two-lane road with bicycle paths would become a rush-hour thoroughfare, since a light rail crossing of Jersey Avenue would naturally slow traffic and discourage commuters from using that route.

See the full study. (http://www.downtownjcras.com/)

STT757

July 15th, 2007, 01:33 PM

To deal with this impending gridlock, the study’s consultant, Stantec, makes several recommendations, both large — extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System along the Sixth Street Embankment through the Bergen Arches into Secaucus — and small — changing the timing of traffic signals to speed up traffic flow.

Definetly, get the Hudson Bergen Light Rail to Secaucus Jct. It would be an easy connection from almost all of NJ Transit's heavy rail commuter lines.

macmini

July 15th, 2007, 07:14 PM

Living the high life in Jersey City
Sunday, July 15, 2007
By JENNIFER V. HUGHES
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD

JERSEY CITY -- Audrey Ng, 3½, is eager to show off her new home, even though there are still contractors painting the walls pale blue and there are wires hanging from the ceiling, awaiting light fixtures.

"Hey, come on, guys!" she shouted as she escorted her father, Darryl, and her mother, Jane, carrying little sister, Bridget, 17 months.

While Audrey is most thrilled about the pink princess ceiling fan in her room, the truly spectacular features of the two-bedroom condominium are the floor-to-ceiling windows, which run the length of one wall, revealing the stunning Manhattan skyline.

"You can't get a view like that in New York. In New York, you get the million-dollar view of New Jersey," said Darryl Ng. The family bought the condo even though it is smaller than the apartment they were renting nearby.
The Ng family plan to move into their new condominium at the south tower of the Shore Condominium Residences at Newport this weekend, joining about 11,000 other residents who make this section of Jersey City their home.

Twenty years ago, Newport was essentially an abandoned rail yard. Today on the 400 acres, there are nine high-rise rental apartment buildings, two completed condominium buildings, the 1.2 million-square-foot Newport Centre Mall and 5 million square feet of office space -- with tenants such as J.P. Morgan Chase. There are about a dozen retail shops and restaurants, a playground, a health club and several private schools.
"In 1986, everyone thought this was a dumb idea," said Jamie LeFrak, the principal of the LeFrak Organization, which created Newport. The first apartments were marketed as a safe, affordable alternative to New York City, he said, adding that one of the big selling points of the early buildings was that they were gated.

"Now we're competing on the luxury market," he said, noting that the Shore condos have amenities such as a hot tub room with panoramic views of New York City.

Condominiums in the south tower of the Shorecondos started going to contract in September 2005, and 200 units sold in 100 days, said Lynette Hamara, sales director for Coldwell Banker in Jersey City.

The north Shore tower started selling about a year ago, and while it is only two-thirds complete, it's about 90 percent sold.

Hamara said new residents range wildly from young singles to empty nesters who long to be closer to the city. Many are couples with young children. Residents come from as near as Hoboken and as far away as Cranbury and Manalapan, where Manhattan workers seek a shorter commute.

Buyers tell Hamara that Newport's biggest draw is its proximity to New York City and the variety of public transportation. PATH trains depart from the Pavonia Newport station for both midtown and the World Trade Center. NJ Transit's Light Rail passes through Newport, giving riders options north and south. There is also a ferry terminal where boats depart for midtown Manhattan.

Newport was developed jointly between the LeFrak Organization and Melvin Simon & Associates, which built the Newport Centre Mall in the mid 1980s. LeFrak said his grandfather and father looked at Newport as "a blank canvas."

"They liked the idea of creating their own city from scratch," he said.
One of the biggest initial problems was purchasing the land from the many different owners, most of whom were banks who had foreclosed on railroad property. After that, there were issues of environmental remediation. For example, the company paid about $20 million to remove a deposit of coal tar left behind on several plots of land. In total, the company has spent about $2.5 billion to develop Newport.

Sonia Maldonado, who heads the Newport Waterfront Association, a residents group, said Newport in one respect has become a victim of its own success. She noted that so many people have moved in recently that mass transit has gotten more crowded.

In 1995, the annual ridership out of the Pavonia/Newport station was 8,759, according to Port Authority statistics. By 2000, that number had jumped to 12,841 and in the first six months of 2007 it is already at 15,502.
The organization is hosting a meeting in the fall to address the issue.

Maldonado said residents are also anxiously awaiting a new park and playground that is planned for the northern edge of Newport. As the area becomes more attractive to families, she said more schools -- public and private -- will be needed. Many residents are frustrated with how long it is taking for a planned waterfront walkway from Newport to Hoboken to be completed.
Maldonado came to the area a decade ago, moving out of her co-op at Park Avenue and 39th Street in Manhattan. She planned to stay only about a year when she first moved in to a rental apartment at the George Washington building.

"At that time there was a lot of grass," she said, laughing. "It was no longer just the tracks -- there were some buildings, but it was still different than it is today."

Maldonado said she liked the quiet lifestyle of Newport.
"It was calmer than Manhattan," she said. "It was very, very safe -- I loved that."

For many years she worked in Manhattan; recently she's taken a job as a tax professional down the street. Not long ago she moved to another Newport rental building, The East Hampton.

"There is nothing quite as nice as sitting on a bench on the waterfront and just relaxing ... watching the ships sail through on the Hudson," she said.
Ng is not only a Newport resident, he's also a business owner as the proprietor of a shop, Canis Minor, which is around the corner from the Shore condos and carries dog-related items, from food to swanky outfits. He has just opened a similar store in Tribeca called Pet Bar South, and like many Newport residents, he said the quick commute was a big factor in his decision to buy.

"That was by far the number one reason -- there is no other place that is so close to all those transportation hubs," he said.

Another reason was price. Prices in Newport are comparable to other developments on the Jersey side of the Hudson River, said Scott Selleck, broker and principal of New Jersey Gold Coast Real Estate. And, of course, the prices pale in comparison with Manhattan, where the average price for condos and co-ops tops $1 million.

While the vast majority of residents in Newport are renters, LeFrak said ownership is key to Newport's survival. For one, he said owners are important because they are more likely to be voters, and local politicians pay more heed to an area when constituents live there. Secondly, he said surveys have found that 80 percent of renters who leave do so to buy elsewhere.

LeFrak said he wants to persuade them to stay, and is planning accordingly.

"We will be bringing in a lot of family-oriented stuff," he said, noting that a skating rink should be opened soon and child-friendly shops and stores are in the works.

* * *
Newport by the numbers
• 3,476 units of rental apartments, all of which are occupied. There are 659 condos -- all of which are sold with another 220 to be finished by the end of the year.

• 4,500 more residential units are planned for the next 10 years.
• Studio apartments rent for about $1,700, while a two-bedroom can go for $2,500 to $3,700.

• A one-bedroom condo at the Shore Condominium Residences sells for about $500,000, while a three-bedroom duplex costs about $846,000. The most expensive unit in the development sold for about $1.7 million.

• Maintenance fees for Shore condos range from about $430 to $1,100, and service charges, which are payments in lieu of taxes, cost between $600 and $1,300.
Source: the LeFrak Organization

macmini

July 16th, 2007, 02:30 PM

No more Newport Coverage:

So I was getting some photos for the ol' photoblog this morning and when I was down in Newport snapping a few pictures of Aqua, the rent-a-cops sent me on my, saying I couldn't take photos of from Newport property. So for now this is the last update for the Newport properties that aren't visible from public access points.

http://newyorkssixth.com/newyorkssixthphotoblog/labels/Aqua.html

Since the Shore Club started construction Newport had a construction cam up so you can watch the progress of the shore club. It's been up for a little more then a year now and they have never move the angle of the cam. Last week when I looked at it you could start see the Aqua build from the cam. The construction of the Aqua was blocked by the Holland tunnel vent, but now that the building is starting to rise you can see it from the cam until today. Now the angle of the cam for the first time in over a year has moved almost cutting the top corner of the Shore Club out of view.

Ianmac I don't this had any thing to do with you or anyone taking pictures of Newport, but stopping buyers and potential buyers of see that a rental building is being built almost directly in front of their new condo's. Not that Newport didn't let people know about the Aqua but the map they put of where the Aqua would be built is false. They made look as if the Aqua would be built in between the two buildings.

Here is a link to the cam http://64.119.93.249/hugesize.jpg

macmini

July 16th, 2007, 03:48 PM

A Ranking of Seven Hotels for Under $200 a Night. In New York.

Or so nearby it doesn’t matter.
By Stephen Milioti (http://nymag.com/nymag/10077)

http://nymag.com/travel/features/cheaphotels070723_1_560.jpg
The Hyatt Regency in Jersey City. (Photo: Coutesy of Hyatt Regency)

In many cities besides New York, $200 gets you a nice room at a good hotel, with shampoo, a shower cap, and maybe even an in-room coffeepot. In New York, not so much. But with some digging and some deals, it is possible to find a clean room, a soft mattress, free Internet, and fresh-baked cookies for under two Franklins. I tested seven hotels, staying on weekends and booking rooms online to take advantage of deals. Prices can vary widely (especially in the fall and spring high seasons) and often go up during the week.

1. Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson
2 Exchange Pl., Jersey City, N.J.; 201-469-1234

PRICE: $199
GREAT VIEWS http://nymag.com/images/2/travel/07/cheaphotels/icon1.jpg

The best $200 hotel in New York is in New Jersey—a one-stop, four-minute PATH ride or short Water Taxi ride from lower Manhattan. My room has water and city views (not all do, but my ultranice front-desk agent upgraded me because there was available space). The room is 400 feet, with low-key and sophisticated touches: a granite bathroom sink; a rather masculine taupe, brown, and gray color scheme; a good-size desk for working; and very upscale bedding—plus a spectacular view of the Woolworth Building.

The rest of the list http://nymag.com/travel/features/34731/