Jersey City Rising

[macmini]

Company lowers the estimate of residents to work at new tower

New tower will create local jobs but goals are lower than before
Monday, July 16, 2007

Goldman Sach's proposed second office tower at 50 Hudson St. will prove a boon for local job hunters, according to Joseph J. Seneca, a Rutgers professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

During the estimated three-year construction phase, the $560 million project will generate the equivalent of 274 one-year construction jobs - or 11 percent of all the direct construction jobs - for Jersey City residents, according to an economic impact analysis Goldman paid the university to conduct, Seneca said.

The project will create 17 other indirect construction jobs for local residents as well as the equivalent of 213 one-year jobs created by the construction, Seneca said.

Once the building is occupied, Jersey City residents should land 413, or 12 percent of the 3,440 financial jobs at the facility - jobs paying on average $156,000 a year, Seneca said.

Though significantly lower than the 51 percent goals the company agreed to seven years ago, they are still above the figures Goldman has achieved at 30 Hudson St.

Like 30 Hudson St., the proposed new tower will be filled mostly by workers already on the payroll, Goldman officials said.

Goldman is building a new headquarters at Battery Park City across the river in Manhattan, which is slated to open toward the end of 2009.

The company is shedding leases in Manhattan with the goal to consolidate its metro area operation at Battery Park and its two Jersey City towers. No date has been set for construction to start on the proposed Jersey City tower.

KEN THORBOURNE

[STT757]

My Wedding rehearsal dinner was at the Jersey City Hyatt, VU? Stunning views.

[kliq6]

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)

Agreed they wont be expanding that fast to fill the new HQ in Manhattan, the secondary office in Manhattan in BPC and the already buillt only 65 percent occupied tower in JC anytime soon

[nafco]

local live maps have been updated recently where one can actually see a few new things in the downtown area. The new aerial view shows construction of Columbus Tower, Liberty Harbor, Trump, and even the new LSC addition.

http://maps.live.com/

[ianmac47]

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.


I think you are absolutely right that they don't want people to realize how shit their views are going to be before buying at Shore.

Please note my final Shore Club posting:
"Their sudden interest in our photography might be evident in the below photograph of the north tower-- bottom right is the base of the 31 story Aqua going in due East of the Shore Club:"
http://newyorkssixth.com/newyorkssixthphotoblog/labels/Shore%20Club.html

As far as I'm concerned, Lefrak can go Fark himself. There are plenty of more interesting developments than Newport in downtown Jersey City. NewYorksSixth is receiving between 2k and 3k unique visitors a week now, most from search engines rather than links, which essentially means 8k to 10k visitors a month who are interested in Jersey City are coming to my site. I wonder if NewportNJ.com has that kind of traffic. I think I've been more than kind to Newport's mediocre developments in the past. Also, now, the best vantage point for photos of Newport's development are from the New York side of the Hudson River, in which case Shore club will be pretty obscured by the rising Aqua tower.

[ianmac47]

local live maps have been updated recently where one can actually see a few new things in the downtown area. The new aerial view shows construction of Columbus Tower, Liberty Harbor, Trump, and even the new LSC addition.

http://maps.live.com/

Yeah, that's awesome. Nice find. Too bad they didn't update the "birds eye view."

[JCexpert558]

I'm just wondering will Jersey City ever get a sports team

[66nexus]

I'm just wondering will Jersey City ever get a sports team

Perhaps, but it, like the rest of Jersey, gets grouped in with NYC a lot so maybe not anytime soon. We have to hold on to our current teams which is why I'm definitely going to Devils games.

side note: aren't the Jets putting or already put a training facility in JC? (curious) JCMan somehow I know you know

[66nexus]

Oh yeah, it makes sense to me to perhaps list a JC hotel as a 'New York metro', or 'New York area' or even a 'nearby' hotel but it confuses me when they list it as New York because no matter how close and familiar, it isn't the same city. I mean the taxes, transportation, etc. could throw-off someone who is visiting outside of the tri-state. just a thought...

[JCexpert558]

You're right it does make sence. I mean who would want to pay all that money in NYc:)

[JCexpert558]

Also just to say one more thing, why isn't there a Airport, Train station, and bus station:confused:cause I mean the econmy would be alot beter.

[macmini]

Oh yeah, it makes sense to me to perhaps list a JC hotel as a 'New York metro', or 'New York area' or even a 'nearby' hotel but it confuses me when they list it as New York because no matter how close and familiar, it isn't the same city. I mean the taxes, transportation, etc. could throw-off someone who is visiting outside of the tri-state. just a thought...

nexus did you read the article the first line is "The best $200 hotel in New York is in New Jersey" it tells you it's not New York. Even if your not from the tri-state area it's not that hard to understand, an if it is then you have bigger problems.

[JCexpert558]

Hey Macmini do you think Jersey city is better than Newark?

[66nexus]

nexus did you read the article the first line is "The best $200 hotel in New York is in New Jersey" it tells you it's not New York. Even if your not from the tri-state area it's not that hard to understand, an if it is then you have bigger problems.

I didn't read first line, which now that you point it out, actually makes even less sense to me. If it tells you its not New York then why reference it at all? Sure it ain't hard for us to understand because we're from here and we know the deal.
-But you seriously don't see how that could throw off an out-of-tri-stater? -look at East Rutherford and the Giants stadium. You underestimate NJ getting grouped in with NY.
-And yes...I was one of the people who had a problem with the 'Red Bull New York' name change.

[66nexus]

Additionally...scratch the first line, the title itself reads : A Ranking of Seven Hotels for Under $200 a Night. In New York.'

and in cute tiny little letters it says: or so nearby that it doesn't matter
I think the real answer is that the NY name carries weight. Just saying the Hyatt at Jersey City doesn't do it.

LOL, the skylines are grouped in too:
http://homepages.ipact.nl/~egram/skylines.html

[johng]

You guys seem very informed on Jersey City. Can anyone tell me where I can find info on pollution in Jersey City Heights? I'm considering buying a small commercial building in Jersey City Heights on Palisade Ave, but my wife is worried about toxicity of the area. She's heard alot about pollution in the City, but I thought it was mainly in the lower lying areas. We are considering the building as a live/work place and we will be having children soon, so its a major consideration. I've only been able to find info on JC as a whole, not specifically on the Heights. Thanks for any help you might have.

[JCexpert558]

I not trying to make decisions for you're life but why dont you move to Downtown Jersey City?:)

[nafco]

Additionally...scratch the first line, the title itself reads : A Ranking of Seven Hotels for Under $200 a Night. In New York.'

and in cute tiny little letters it says: or so nearby that it doesn't matter
I think the real answer is that the NY name carries weight. Just saying the Hyatt at Jersey City doesn't do it.

LOL, the skylines are grouped in too:
http://homepages.ipact.nl/~egram/skylines.html

Guttenburg? Thats an odd one they threw in there

[NYatKNIGHT]

^The 3 Galaxy Towers @ 415'

[JCexpert558]

Did You guys here about the explosion in New York?:mad:

[NewYorkDoc]

Is there a rendering of the new Goldman Sachs tower?

[macmini]

Give deal to Aquablu prject at Newport
Thursday, July 19, 2007

By a 6-1 vote, the Jersey City council yesterday granted the Aquablu - the LeFrak Organization's latest residential project at Newport - a 10-year tax abatement.

The proposed tax abatement - in the works since last December - calls for yearly "payments in lieu of taxes" to the city of 10 percent of gross annual revenue, which would equal $816,357 the first year, according to the developer.

The developer had been willing to live with a five-year abatement, but that would have meant paying conventional taxes, which the city splits with the local public school system and the county. "Payments in lieu of taxes" only go to the city.

The 31-story Aquablu, already under construction, is to consist of 363 residential units and 15,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.
It will also be one of the first projects in the city to be included in the city's new apprentice program, which calls for a construction workforce comprised of 20 percent local residents.

KEN THORBOURNE

[macmini]

Goldman Sachs Gets Deal for 2nd Jersey City Tower
By CHARLES V. BAGLI (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/charles_v_bagli/index.html?inline=nyt-per)
Published: July 19, 2007

The Goldman Sachs (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/goldman_sachs_group_inc/index.html?inline=nyt-org) Group received approval yesterday to build its second tower on the Jersey City waterfront, a 30-story, $560 million office building that would house employees moving across the river from New York and accommodate the future growth of the firm.

The approval came in a vote by the Municipal Council to grant a property tax break worth roughly $4 million a year for the project, which had already been approved by the planning department. Goldman said it would probably begin construction late in 2009, about the time it completes a $2.4 billion headquarters one mile to the east, at Battery Park City in Lower Manhattan.

The deal in Jersey City comes less than two years after Goldman promised to retain 9,000 employees and add 4,000 in the coming years in Manhattan, in return for one of the most generous subsidy packages in New York City ever granted by state and city officials.

The new Goldman tower in Jersey City would hold about 3,500 workers and add to that city’s rapidly growing skyline.

But it raises questions about the wisdom of granting corporations tax breaks in return for jobs. Critics of the practice contend that Goldman Sachs, one of the most profitable investment banks on Wall Street, may be unable to fulfill all its promises to New York and New Jersey (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/national/usstatesterritoriesandpossessions/newjersey/index.html?inline=nyt-geo).

Goldman’s first tower in Jersey City, at 30 Hudson Street, is only 60 percent full today and could accommodate 3,000 more workers.

“Goldman has perfected the art of grabbing subsidies on both sides of the river,” said Bettina Damiani, director of Good Jobs New York, a group that conducts research on economic development. “We can only hope that elected officials can get equally good at ensuring that Goldman lives up to its job promises. Too often, taxpayers get stuck with the tab and don’t get the jobs that were promised.”

Peter Rose, a spokesman for Goldman Sachs, said the company was planning for the future and had made a substantial investment in both Lower Manhattan and Jersey City. The property tax abatement that Goldman Sachs just received in Jersey City, he said, is available to any company moving there.

“We have to look at the economics of where we put a building,” Mr. Rose said. “We may be a profitable firm. But that doesn’t mean we don’t watch our expenses. This is a win-win for Jersey City and Goldman Sachs.”
The firm says it has 9,000 to 10,000 employees in New York and 3,662 in Jersey City.

New York City officials expressed mixed opinions. “The great news is that Goldman Sachs is continuing to grow,” said Robert C. Lieber, president of New York City’s Economic Development Corporation. But, he said, the commitments Goldman made in New York “have consequences if they’re not upheld.”

The tax break for Goldman provoked a lively debate yesterday at the Municipal Council’s meeting.

It was generally acknowledged that Goldman was a model corporate citizen. But the Rev. Kevin Agee, pastor of the Calvary C.M.E. Church, said it was “morally reprehensible to allocate tax abatements to folks who are billionaires and millionaires while the poor, and even the middle class, gets shafted.”

Elnora Watson, president of the Urban League of Hudson County, said she was grateful that Goldman Sachs donated $7,500 to her group last year, but she opposed the abatement. She said the Council should work harder to ensure that jobs go to local residents, a sentiment also expressed by other speakers.

Raj Patel, who owns a travel agency in Jersey City, said that he pays full property taxes and an additional $960 a year for a special improvement district. “These people are getting freebies,” Mr. Patel said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

But the president of the Municipal Council, Mariano Vega Jr., said that Goldman Sachs had done a lot for Jersey City since it opened its first tower about four years ago. Aside from the jobs and tax revenues, he said, the company has contributed to programs for affordable housing, recreation and education. And he said that Jersey City needed to provide incentives for companies if it wanted to compete with Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and other locations.

The Council ultimately voted 6 to 1 in favor of the deal.
Viola Richardson, the sole council member to oppose it, said that she was not against Goldman Sachs, but that it was no longer necessary to provide incentives to get companies to move to the waterfront.
Goldman Sachs has long been a downtown stalwart. In 1999, the company bought three development sites at the former Colgate toothpaste factory in Jersey City. Five years later, it built 30 Hudson, at 42 stories the tallest building in the state, after bargaining for tax breaks worth more than $160 million.

Goldman Sachs initially planned to move equity sales and trading operations to the tower from Manhattan. But executives rebelled against the plan, and the company has been slow to fill the tower, which cost $1.3 billion to build.

A short time later, Goldman announced plans to build a 42-story headquarters on a site in Battery Park City, which would have a view of its Jersey City operations.

Grateful for the commitment downtown after the attack on the World Trade Center, state and city officials offered the company $1 billion in tax-free bonds and about $30 million in tax breaks.

But after snags in the negotiations, state and city officials enhanced their offer by providing $1.65 billion in bonds and $140 million in tax breaks and cash, as well as a sharp reduction, worth an estimated $9 million a year, in Goldman’s payments in lieu of taxes.

[sfenn1117]

Is there a rendering for the Aqua tower?

[66nexus]

Maybe for the second GS tower they could go into with a partner? Or try to lure a big partner to rent space in their first JC tower? I think the first tower could accommodate their initial expansion phase, but hey, I'm all for a new tower in JC. Even if GS can't fill it I'm positive someone would eventually because it'd be prime new class A office space...not to be overlooked

[investordude]

JC skyline would like nicer if the top 13 floors were lit up at night for tower 1. I'm all for another tower, but they should finish occupying the first building in order to get tax breaks since its a bit of an eye sore at night that detracts for JC's image to have the building unlit at the top.

Still, this is a very bullish signal on the regional market, and JC's vision as Wall Street West.

[66nexus]

I agree. It would probably be a good idea for them to have a series of lights at the tip-top of the building, much like the 744 Broad St building in Newark. It would dampen the effects of having the top 13 floors unlit (however slight). I agree with investordude as this is good sign and GSach's confidence in the JC market

[NYatKNIGHT]

Initial night rendering:

http://www.jcedc.org/photos/gsnight450.JPG

[LeCom]

Actual product:

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/2812/gsjcii7.gif

[66nexus]

Actual product:
***
As messed up as that is it's actually kind of funny

.

[JCexpert558]

To think that these buildings right now are just the beginning of Jersey Citys future. Jersey City might become a Major City one day.:cool:

[66nexus]

To think that these buildings right now are just the beginning of Jersey Citys future. Jersey City might become a Major City one day.:cool:

I do hope so. It's going to be tough though because its sits opposite the largest city in the US. I think JC can hold its own though

[JCexpert558]

:confused:Thats true but whos knows maybe Jersey city will surpass New york

[66nexus]

Maybe in our grandkids lifetime lol. Maybe if JC, Newark, Elizabeth, and perhaps Bayonne all combined (much like NYC and its boroughs) to make a super 'New Jersey City' then we'd stand a chance. JC and not even Newark could sustain a population of million or more people without annexing adjacent cities. Hey, NYC did in the 1800s. JC and Newark combined would have a pop of well over half a million but who am I kidding

[JCexpert558]

That would be cool, and it would probaly be the size of like Boston, or Miami. But what are the chances all four Citys will connect and make a new Jersey City

[66nexus]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i130/Rapunzel61/Adages/Animals/pig/pig-fly.gif



lol maybe not even when pigs fly

[JCexpert558]

What is the pig for

[LeCom]

As messed up as that is it's actually kind of funny

.
too bad the computer at work recognizes gif as the only appropriate picture file format. even jpg is too complex for it.

[brunfuss]

combining JC, Newark, Bayonne and Elizabeth is a bit of a stretch. but why not combine Jersey City, Bayonne, Hoboken, Union City, West New York, Guttenberg, Weehawken and North Bergen?

[66nexus]

combining JC, Newark, Bayonne and Elizabeth is a bit of a stretch. but why not combine Jersey City, Bayonne, Hoboken, Union City, West New York, Guttenberg, Weehawken and North Bergen?


Lol I wish they'd annex something even if it was only Hoboken for starters.

[jersey_guy]

You guys must be joking. We Jerseyans invented home rule and will stick to it at any price. It is nearly impossible to combine two neighboring towns' fire departments or school districts, no matter how small they are, because the locals will inevitably raise a stink since they will have less of an influence on the new, bigger entity.... Let alone combine two or more entire towns!!

I also do not see Hoboken hooking up with any other town in Hudson County and especially not JC. They are not suckers and will not be willing to support their neighbors' mass of poor residents. Maybe if Newport seceded from JC to join Hoboken, then they might think twice about it.

[66nexus]

You guys must be joking. We Jerseyans invented home rule and will stick to it at any price. It is nearly impossible to combine two neighboring towns' fire departments or school districts, no matter how small they are, because the locals will inevitably raise a stink since they will have less of an influence on the new, bigger entity.... Let alone combine two or more entire towns!!

I also do not see Hoboken hooking up with any other town in Hudson County and especially not JC. They are not suckers and will not be willing to support their neighbors' mass of poor residents. Maybe if Newport seceded from JC to join Hoboken, then they might think twice about it.


I honestly think that Hoboken hooking up with JC could be nothing bad for Hoboken. Sure, they'd acquire JC's poor population but it's not like that poor population would suddenly be able to afford to live in the new 'Hoboken' district. I do truly believe that Jersey City is acquiring and almost has a distinct prestige to it that Hoboken (as long as it remains as small as it is) couldn't acquire. I don't think Jersey City would bring Hoboken down, I think Hoboken would bring Jersey City up

to be noted-this is all speculation and should not be confused for nothing but

[JCMAN320]

Sorry I was away for a week guys up at Lake George but I'm back. I would love to see JC get a minor league baseball team but there is no room near any large transit hubs to put it. The closest thing we will have is the NY Red Bulls because they will be Hudson County's first major league sports franchise ever and we are the county seat and it's one stop from JSQ.

The GS Building will fill up and eventually fulfill the "light" rendering. 50 Hudson renderings I did see but can't find them on the net. It will be curved facing north with glass and squared with rounded edges facing 30 hudson.

The Jets are having there training facility built in Florham Park, NJ because they had more room.

The pollution your wife is curious about is chromium that is limited to industrial sites. It is found on old industrial sites and where development is built it is cleaned up. There are some sites left in JC but they are on the Westside between 440 and the Hackensack River and a large brownfield site in Lafayette. There aren't any brownfield sites in the heights. No different than the oil spill under Greenpoint in BKLYN and brownfields found along the East River in QNS. All post industrial cities have these sites.

I would love to see Hoboken merge with JC because Hoboken is a boutique town I've even have had friends counldn't believe Hoboken is it's own town because it likes a neighborhood of Downtown JC. Hoboken can't sustain itself it's resdients come to JC for everything that u can't find in a boutiqure. I also agree JC is gaining a prestige and identity all its own. I just love the New York can't ignore us anymore and we are in it's face all the time and I'AM LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!! :)

[JCMAN320]

LEGENDS & LANDMARKS

SOUNDS OF RENEWAL UNLEASHED
Restoration of Library Hall to boost entire neighborhood

Thursday, July 05, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the third installment of "The Restorers," a series profiling ambitious restoration projects in Jersey City.

It is always at the highest elevations that monuments make sense, offer answers, reveal true meanings.

Balancing myself on plank-board bridges and newly wrought steel steps spanning the height of Library Hall - a five-story architectural beacon clinging to the intersection of Grand Street, Ivy Place and Summit Avenue in the Bergen Hill section of Jersey City - I feel the collective tremor of pounding hammers, driving power drills, screeching saws, sliding spackles.

These are the sounds of renewal, the metallic murmur of history unleashed and fortified with new life. Up here, at roof level, they blend seamlessly with the truck-trafficked racket below. The vast surrounding scenery is the only visible silence: a suspended urban diorama decked and pinnacled with landmarks.

Indeed, Library Hall, erected from 1865 to 1866 as a public circulating library, town hall and civic center, is the structural core from which the Jersey City of the mid-19th century - at that time a consortium of bucolic hamlets bordered by uncultivated plains, tree-draped creeks and protruding palisades ridges - emerged under the guise of organized government and residential civility.


CROSSROADS

The roof, busy with carpenters dismantling hull-like, 40-foot-long trusses to make way for a glass addition, discloses, in a single dramatic glance, the architectural evolution of Jersey City over the last two centuries: Whitlock Cordage, a recently restored rope works, looms to the southeast; St. John's Episcopal Church, a seminal Gothic edifice on Summit Avenue, languishes in neglect to the north; and the Beacon, formerly the Jersey City Medical Center complex, ascends in Art Deco splendor to the northeast.

In between these monuments, at the outskirts of the ziggurating horizon, I see St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church backdropped by distant port cranes and, further out still, the forested hills of Staten Island. Factories, foundries, tenements, temples - all filling the narrow and wide streets and avenues, and all pointing back to Library Hall.


LOVE FOR LIBRARY HALL

Back inside, hard-hat firmly fastened, I am taken on a tour by the site's young developer, Larry Brush of Jersey City, who, with his wife, Barbara, is transforming it into perhaps the most exciting and high-profile adaptive reuse preservation project in Hudson County.

Larry is like a film director on the triangular Library Hall lot, constantly (and calmly) fielding questions and advice from sub-contractors and craftsmen. As he waves his arms and describes painstaking restoration details - he is keeping original cast-iron posts and soaring brick walls soldiered with nine bays of three-story-high Romanesque windows - I notice the leaden boots and hanging tool belts of construction crews banging and scraping against tall metal ladders leaning on unfinished cantilevered ledges and floors. It is a complex consortium of exposed timber and steel wall frames that seem, now, to make no sense to the eye but which will become, in a few months, spectacular living spaces.

The Bergen Hill neighborhood is looking to Larry's "Library Hall Lofts" venture -as it is looking to the Beacon - as a jump-start for the historic brownstone neighborhood.

It is an opportunity, and now responsibility, Larry first took on in his car.

"I had driven by Library Hall many times," he shares with me. "I was at the stop light at Grand and Summit one day with my wife and told her I was going to talk to the owner the next day about selling me the building. My first impression was that it was an incredibly unique structure and had a great presence on Grand Street."

Larry could not have been more prescient. The site had been underutilized and mostly mothballed for decades as various businesses came and went. It would take time and patience to rescue it.

The key, Larry realized, was to hire the right talent who would understand and appreciate the spectacular space - and who would look beyond the decades-old layers of oil paint marring its rich exterior brick veneer.

With the Hoboken firm of Minervini-Vandermark Architects and Christie Engineering of Bridgewater by his side, Larry is making the site functional again.

And although Library Hall will never again be the center of Jersey City government, it will, instead, dominate the streetscape in a new and unforeseen way.


HISTORY REBUILT

As Larry's contractors were removing the ancient roof trusses, it occurred to me that exactly 150 years earlier a similar construction scene transpired here - only in reverse, with the trusses being assembled in place.

Time turned inside out, I thought as I left Library Hall, a place heading for a new beginning.

JOHN GOMEZ, founder of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, is a thesis student at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. E-mail him at historyrules1999@gmail.com

[macmini]

Found a great picture on flickr just wanted to share.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/871004913_5f5cded503_b.jpg

[JoeSas]

Have there been any updates related to Harbor Lights as far as timelines or if it will even get built?

[ianmac47]

I think New Jersey will start seeing municipal consolidation within the next decade or so, mandated by a forward thinking governor or legislature. I think politically it would likely happen under a lame duck governor. The first step is eliminating dual office holding officials-- legislators who also hold local office are not keen on eliminating their second source of income and pension padding. The dual office ban has a lot of momentum right now, and I think we'll see a law dealing with this pass in the next 18 months or so. The press has run some articles recently dealing with the multitude of dual office holders and so on, and I also think Corzine is under the impression that he'll have an easier time controlling the legislature if they aren't also mayors and councilman and county freeholders.

Once the dual office holders are out of Trenton, I think there will be some serious pressure to begin combining smaller communities, especially the donut towns, like Metuchen which is entirely surrounded by Edison, or Princeton Borough to Princeton Township. I think also, once a few towns start benefiting from consolidated services-- specifically, dramatically lower property taxes-- there will be a greater push to start unifying other smaller towns and cities simply because taxes are such an issue and its is very clearly the easiest route to lowering costs without reducing services, especially in New Jersey where everything is highly fragmented.

As far as Jersey City annexing other Hudson County communities, I think the most realistic expectation would be Hoboken with Jersey City. But several things need to happen. First, Hoboken needs to run out of undeveloped land. The north west area is quickly being filled in with a number of developments on the books. The Southwest has a redevelopment plan under consideration, and the final piece would be the Hoboken Rail yards redevelopment. Once these parcels are filled in, there will no way for the city to grow.

Second, I think Jersey City's profile would need to be raised a bit, both in the state and the metropolitan region. Right now Hoboken has a very high name recognition outside of Hudson County. Many suburban New Jerseyians think of Hoboken as a party town where they can go have a good time. On the other hand Jersey City still has a reputation as a big urban city, known more for crime and corruption. I think shortly the JC skyline will dramatically change outsiders impressions of Jersey City. Its already impressive, but soon will entirely obscure the New York skyline from many New Jersey approaches-- 139, 78, ect.

Finally, the clutch reason I think Jersey City and Hoboken will eventually find a pairing is a simple matter of class warfare. Perhaps some of you have heard of Hoboken's Velocity, a development built right up alongside Hoboken's project housing. Hoboknites don't like the project housing in their backyard. They would love to see those projects flattened, and relocated. The trouble is, Hoboken doesn't have any place to relocate the projects, at least, not beyond existing community of wealthy residents who would oppose any plan to relocate the projects. Jersey City on the other hand, has a great deal of open land. I could see a future where JC officials and Hoboken officials strike a deal-- unify the cities in exchange for moving the projects. It would seem that JC gets the raw end of the deal, but it would be adding significant population increase-- immediately becoming the largest city in NJ-- and a strong tax base.

I think its unlikely Bayonne would ever join Jersey City for several reasons. One, its much more suburban than Jersey City. Second, its less diverse, and as a result, less accepting of diversity.

As for other communities up and down the Hudson River, I don't see strong incentives for the communities to combine. Maybe West New York with Guttenberg, or Union City and North Bergen, but probably none of these with JC, at least, not for a long while.

[RYinNJ]

There are too many corrupt local government officials that are unwilling to give up their lucrative positions. The only way consolidation will occur is if it is state mandated. The cities and towns of Hudson County should become one, much the same way it is done in the south and west…ie-Miami-Dade County, Nashville-Davidson County, and I believe Jacksonville also. Jersey City-Hudson would create a population of around 600,000.

[johng]

Hey, thanks for the post about the chromium. I also found a spot on the epa website that has info on current polluters by zipcode and the heights seems relatively clean. Best regards

[JCMAN320]

No prob john. Harborlights is a approved but might be taller than before due to the 111 first controversey.

Ianmac I agree JC and Hoboken should merge and you are right about Bayonne they think they are hott s*** and that they are better than everybody because there is no diversity aka prodominately white and shun outsiders and very suburban; they look down on JC for its diversity and urbanity and always have.

Guttenburg should merge back with North Bergen considering it use to be a neighborhood of North Bergen.

[jersey_guy]

I think New Jersey will start seeing municipal consolidation within the next decade or so, mandated by a forward thinking governor or legislature.

I don't think it would be constitutional for the Legislature to "mandate" a merger of two towns or a takeover of one by another without the approval of both communities, which is extremely unlikely to happen, and rightly so. Would you like NJ being forced to "consolidate" with New York or Pennsylvania by a "forward thinking" Congress??


The first step is eliminating dual office holding officials-- legislators who also hold local office are not keen on eliminating their second source of income and pension padding. The dual office ban has a lot of momentum right now, and I think we'll see a law dealing with this pass in the next 18 months or so.

Actually the Legislature passed that ban already but Corzine refused to sign it for now on. You can thank him for his forward thinking, hehehe.


Once the dual office holders are out of Trenton, I think there will be some serious pressure to begin combining smaller communities,

Pressure from where or whom?


I think also, once a few towns start benefiting from consolidated services-- specifically, dramatically lower property taxes-- there will be a greater push to start unifying other smaller towns and cities simply because taxes are such an issue and its is very clearly the easiest route to lowering costs without reducing services, especially in New Jersey where everything is highly fragmented.

That's a myth. Consolidating services of two towns, especially of similar size, would have a small impact on the bottom line in the short term, mostly because of union regulations making it hard to lay off the excess public employees. And if you think that property taxes will become "dramatically lower" anytime soon, you must be very naive.

As long as the NJ taxpayers are being terrorized by the teachers unions, police unions, state bureaucrats unions - some of them are in bed with the governor literally - and forced to pay for their comparatively high salaries, essentially free health care for life, and outrageously high pensions, trying to save a few bucks by consolidating services will be equivalent to trying to plug a dike with your finger. It does not even begin to approach the root of the systematic fiscal problems in NJ.

[66nexus]

I don't think it would be constitutional for the Legislature to "mandate" a merger of two towns or a takeover of one by another without the approval of both communities, which is extremely unlikely to happen, and rightly so. Would you like NJ being forced to "consolidate" with New York or Pennsylvania by a "forward thinking" Congress??



Actually the Legislature passed that ban already but Corzine refused to sign it for now on. You can thank him for his forward thinking, hehehe.



Pressure from where or whom?



That's a myth. Consolidating services of two towns, especially of similar size, would have a small impact on the bottom line in the short term, mostly because of union regulations making it hard to lay off the excess public employees. And if you think that property taxes will become "dramatically lower" anytime soon, you must be very naive.

As long as the NJ taxpayers are being terrorized by the teachers unions, police unions, state bureaucrats unions - some of them are in bed with the governor literally - and forced to pay for their comparatively high salaries, essentially free health care for life, and outrageously high pensions, trying to save a few bucks by consolidating services will be equivalent to trying to plug a dike with your finger. It does not even begin to approach the root of the systematic fiscal problems in NJ.

It may not be the root of NJ's fiscal problems but it'd be a start. Comparing a NJ merger with NY or Pennsylvania isn't a good comparison because there'd be much more involved merging two US states versus two small NJ towns. If a lot of small NJ towns merge it would actually lower taxes (however slight) because there would be no need of the overfill of civil workers. It can't just be one or two towns though because the impact wouldn't be large enough

[ianmac47]

The state would mandate consolidation with money. The straight up easiest way would simply deny towns municipal aid, a state subsidy sent to municipalities to off set property taxes. There are other ways as well. A number of towns that are too small for their own police force are patrolled by state troopers-- the state could simply set a deadline as to when state troopers would no longer be patrolling those towns (at which point those communities would either hire their own force or pay another town's department). Anyway, the point is that while you are right that the towns involved would need to consent, that 'mandate' is too strong a word perhaps, but the state can make it very difficult to not be combined.

As far as the dual office ban, there are several versions. One I believe grandfather's in sitting dual office holders. I believe the debate is more in regards to how a ban will be executed but as I said I think it will eventually be resolved, probably after this year's legislative elections.

The pressure to combine municipalities will come from several places. First, there already is a minority of policy makers who think municipal consolidation is an important part of the state's future, going back to McGreevey's administration. The state's various newspapers have also come across as favorable to the idea whenever it is suggested. Either way I think within a decade, municipal consolidation will move from whispers in halls of trenton to a real dialogue and debate.

As far as the actual savings to municipalities, there will be huge savings, regardless of unions. Many towns in New Jersey are three to five thousand people. Even if you just get rid of half the local elected officials, thats tens of thousands in savings. But even with unions, employees who's positions have been eliminated can be let go. But its not just that. Its savings in things like municipal holding cells-- where currently one town pays to rent cell space from a neighboring town. In small towns-- 8k, 10k 15k people -- the local police don't make many arrests, but from time to time they do. DUI, shoplifting, vandalism-- minor crimes, but the arrestees need to be held while they are processed, transferred, or sober up. Not every town has a jail cell, because it costs too much to bother building one, so instead they rent from a neighboring town. Every single service provided by municipalities suffers when the tax base is fragmented. The cost of fire trucks, of ambulances, dispatchers, trash collection, vehicle maintenance, municipal landscaping, street cleaning...in New Jersey every town wants their own piece of equipment, their own work crews, their own snow plows. But most towns are too small to keep the equipment productive 100% of the time, or rather, to maximize the benefit from the cost.

There of course is plenty of corruption, and the cost of health care and bloated pensions. But the savings from municipal consolidation is not insignificant.

[macmini]

Suburban builder targets NJ cities


A firm known for building homes in suburban New Jersey is moving into the state's urban areas, including development-rich Hudson County.

Millennium Homes, which has focused primarily on suburban Essex, Morris and Union counties, has launched several projects in the state's cities and is planning to construct condos in booming downtown Jersey City. Jonathan Schwartz, the third-generation owner of Millennium, said the company is pushing into urban centers because of the decreasing availability of land in suburban and rural areas of the state.

Millennium is one of the developers of the River Park condo project in Harrison, which is adjacent to the PATH station. He said the first 80 units at River Park--which are priced between about $350,000 and $450,000--have sold out, and the second 80 are 75 percent complete. Millennium is also working on a 614-unit project across from Giants Stadium; a 101-unit project in Fort Lee; and it recently completed and sold a complex next to the East Rutherford train station. Schwartz also noted that the company has projects under way in suburban Livingston, West Orange and Garwood.

And now Millennium is beginning to look at the Jersey City market, where Schwartz said the company should have at least one project planned by the end of the summer. He said Millennium is looking closely at the Powerhouse Arts District, Paulus Hook and the Newark Avenue corridor as possible spots to develop. Schwartz also noted that he has been eyeing the Communipaw neighborhood to the south of downtown as a possible future development spot.

"There is a lot less land in New Jersey and not enough acreage to build single-family or townhouses, so you have to go vertical," Schwartz said. "The best place to go vertical is in the urban areas." By John Celock

http://www.therealdeal.net/breaking_news/2007/07/16/1184614021.php

[macmini]

$350G from state UEZ Authority to help move firms to Jersey City

Tuesday, July 24, 2007
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

The Jersey City Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) has handed out $350,000 to help move firms relocating to the city's state-designated Urban Enterprise Zone, officials announced yesterday.

UEZ zones are eligible for tax breaks from the state due to unemployment rates and other factors. Businesses in the zones can charge customers 3.5 percent sales tax, half the normal rate.

"These grants offered by the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation assist some of the world's finest corporations in relocating here," said Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy. "And when new companies come to Jersey City, they often bring with them new jobs."

The JCEDC received a total of $750,000 from the New Jersey State Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for relocating businesses, which the city is doling out in $50,000 chunks.

To qualify, business must be willing to hire at least 10 Jersey City residents for full-time work, officials said.

The two most recent grant recipients are New York Sample Card Company, a fabric manufacturer, and Opera Solutions, LLC, an international management-consulting firm, both relocating from New York City.

Other New York businesses which have received moving money are: Medico Graphic Services, Inc., Citco Fund Services, a financial services provider; Rajbhog Foods, an Indian sweets and snacks firm; Falcon International, a warehousing concern; and Denmark Military, Inc., an embroidery company.

[JCMAN320]

^^Above articles are great news!!! Yes keep coming to the Jedis away from the Empire hahahaha :)

[nafco]

I dont know if someone already asked this but whats up with that sign at the proposed site of the JSQ towers that reads "NO DEMOLITION HERE: SITE FOR LEASE"? Are they serious or is that just an old sign? I thought only Mcdonalds was the only thing left to sell :confused:

[JoeSas]

http://www.panepintoproperties.com/site.html

[kliq6]

I don't think it would be constitutional for the Legislature to "mandate" a merger of two towns or a takeover of one by another without the approval of both communities, which is extremely unlikely to happen, and rightly so. Would you like NJ being forced to "consolidate" with New York or Pennsylvania by a "forward thinking" Congress??



Actually the Legislature passed that ban already but Corzine refused to sign it for now on. You can thank him for his forward thinking, hehehe.



Pressure from where or whom?



That's a myth. Consolidating services of two towns, especially of similar size, would have a small impact on the bottom line in the short term, mostly because of union regulations making it hard to lay off the excess public employees. And if you think that property taxes will become "dramatically lower" anytime soon, you must be very naive.

As long as the NJ taxpayers are being terrorized by the teachers unions, police unions, state bureaucrats unions - some of them are in bed with the governor literally - and forced to pay for their comparatively high salaries, essentially free health care for life, and outrageously high pensions, trying to save a few bucks by consolidating services will be equivalent to trying to plug a dike with your finger. It does not even begin to approach the root of the systematic fiscal problems in NJ.

Totally off topic but the only merging should be some states out West that should combine so we donty have to subsidize all these non populated places. The Dakotas, Wyoming and Montana should form one state and thus help cut down on government overspending.

[macmini]

http://www.panepintoproperties.com/site.html



Alright this is sweet!!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed it says it will start construction in 2008.

[kliq6]

^^Above articles are great news!!! Yes keep coming to the Jedis away from the Empire hahahaha :)

There smart, they go were the easy money is, NY has to wake up and our leaders have to stop tracking what cars and planes people use and start saving jobs!!!

[JCexpert558]

Will Jersey city Become a Major city one day

[JCMAN320]

Nafco that was a sign for last ditch effort before eminent domain came in. Those buildings should be down be mid August.

JC can become a major city one day. Not like NY, Chi-Town, or LA; but more like Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Providence, etc.. medium size cities like that. JC is pretty much becoming the defacto sixth borough.

[tbal]

Holy SWEET JESUS!!!! I totally did not see that coming to Columbus Drive!!!

The intersection of Columbus & Marin is going to look UNBELIEVABLE in about two years!!! It really is going to be the epicenter of downtown....I can't wait! :D:D:D

(I wonder if the original plan envisioned two shorter towers, because 48 stories is massive compared to the 35 that 50 Columbus is).

btw - JCMan is right, the buildings at Journal Square will be coming down within a month or so. City Center will rise.

Also, I just saw this posted by billc over at JCList regarding the closing of Montgomery Gardens (with redevelopment soon to follow I guess)...something is brewing over there and the city is keeping quiet about it:

"One of the security guards lives in Montgomery Gardens so I know of at least one local person who has a permanent job because of this project. She did say that she is going to have to move because the Gardens Project is closing, but she will get rent and moving cost assistance. This is the first confirmation we've heard from someone who actually lives there that something is up at the Gardens, but she didn't know when she would have to move yet or what the plans are for the site."

[66nexus]

Nafco that was a sign for last ditch effort before eminent domain came in. Those buildings should be down be mid August.

JC can become a major city one day. Not like NY, Chi-Town, or LA; but more like Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Providence, etc.. medium size cities like that. JC is pretty much becoming the defacto sixth borough.

Honestly, maybe not so much Baltimore but I think JC can have those others beat in about 10-12 years (I think it would be awhile for Baltimore). The only issue IMO is that JC is facing off against the largest American city. JC must continue to grow and make its presence completely undeniable

[ianmac47]

I think its absurd to try and separate Jersey City from New York when talking about 'one day being a great city', especially as the downtown continues to fill out. The political boundaries of borough, city, and state are nothing more than lines on a map. The only differences really are in tax structure and the number of times residents are required to swipe a metrocard. In practice though, residents in Jersey City have much more in common with Brooklynites or residents of Queens than they do with fellow New Jerseyians living in some quaint (or not so quaint) little suburb. Other "great" American cities don't have a 24 hour subway service as both NYC and JC have. The airports, seaports, and highways are one shared network. Our economies are interwoven. Talking about Jersey City as a city independent of New York is like talking about Brooklyn independent of Manhattan.

[nafco]

ianmac, i agree with all that. However, there are major differences in the composition of the boundaries between manhattan, brooklyn and JC. New Yorks boroughs are a lot more urban in the respect that the public transport is strong enough where there isnt a parking garage that needs to be built with every new major construction project. Even baltimore as mentioned has a tighter, denser downtown. But with these new projects coming up in JSQ and Downtown JC, the transit will need to improve as well and this will make it even more tightly knit as a 6th borough of NY.

They really need to make some obvious connections like extending the PATH to the Newark airport and out even to Brooklyns future Atlantic Yards project. Extending the light rail to Secaucas juntion and the meadowlands will all help increase ridership, connecting the cities even more and helping them all grow together better. This has to happen in the next 10-20 years so that JC wont suffocate in car congestion with overcrowding.

Either way, good to see the progress of those projects like 70 and 90 Columbus.

[nafco]

One more sidenote, if JC wants to be a real city with visitors, not just residents, its got to not be stupid about restricting bars and nightlife and concerts every once in a while. All these restrictions cripple the cities abilty to attract crowds or even keeping its own residents from leaving and going to NY or at least hoboken. :mad:

There should be a main strip where people want to walk around and shop, drink and dine.

[66nexus]

I think its absurd to try and separate Jersey City from New York when talking about 'one day being a great city', especially as the downtown continues to fill out. The political boundaries of borough, city, and state are nothing more than lines on a map. The only differences really are in tax structure and the number of times residents are required to swipe a metrocard. In practice though, residents in Jersey City have much more in common with Brooklynites or residents of Queens than they do with fellow New Jerseyians living in some quaint (or not so quaint) little suburb. Other "great" American cities don't have a 24 hour subway service as both NYC and JC have. The airports, seaports, and highways are one shared network. Our economies are interwoven. Talking about Jersey City as a city independent of New York is like talking about Brooklyn independent of Manhattan.

This, however, can be said for most of Northeastern NJ on the grand scale. Political boundaries are not insignificant. The political environment can affect JC where it wouldn't touch NY(though it may perhaps have financial impact at most).
-For the most part, NYCs economy is interwoven with most of the metro area. I'd understand if you said it was more tightly knit with JC
-If NY's doing good, hell we're probably doing good too.
-Comparing Brooklyn and JC is confusing to me. Although similar, Brooklyn does not have a mayor (borough president just ain't the same) and is officially a borough. NYC doesn't see a penny of the money companies in JC pay to be in JC, whereas Brooklyn is still NYC.
-Jersey City is trying to overtake Newark as largest city in New Jersey. This title, contrary to popular belief, has some distinction and prestige to it (however slight). Brooklyn, unless it breaks away, can not achieve this because it is completely part of NYC and can only be 'largest borough' (which isn't a small thing btw)

[66nexus]

One more sidenote, if JC wants to be a real city with visitors, not just residents, its got to not be stupid about restricting bars and nightlife and concerts every once in a while. All these restrictions cripple the cities abilty to attract crowds or even keeping its own residents from leaving and going to NY or at least hoboken. :mad:

There should be a main strip where people want to walk around and shop, drink and dine.

The more people that move into JC the city will pretty much have to not restrict the bars. A place with development on the scale of JC's will no doubt secure that 'main strip' or main drag

[ianmac47]

As far as bars in JC, the bigger issue here is the way NJ handles liquor licenses. There is a finite number of licenses in the state, and then within each municipality as well.

[sfenn1117]

http://i11.tinypic.com/5zf8ho1.jpg

http://i14.tinypic.com/4tftyk6.jpg

http://www.panepintoproperties.com/site.html

[Mal1518]

Hello all. This is the first time I post on this forum but have been reading it for around a year. Thank you all for the information you provide. It was very helpful in making my decision in December to move to Jersey City (Waldo Lofts) from Manhattan. I think it's an awesome place and I'm really excited for the future of this city. Kinda off topic but thought I'd share this article since it's about buildings/construction. Will we ever see something like this in JC? :D

http://www.ameinfo.com/127079.html

[TimmyG]

I don't think we'll ever see something like that in JC. There's a thread about it if you're interested. http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4302

[nafco]

I could be wrong but isnt the freedom tower supposed to be 1776 ft (top of spire) when complete? dont know if that counts or not though. Either way, I thought Burj Dubai would be about 2000ft when it was completed so i guess it wouldnt matter either way

[ianmac47]

Yes, Freedom tower is still supposed to be 1776. Burj Dubai is not finished, it merely reached the height of the world's tallest building at 1680 feet. So it is now officially the tallest in the world. Every foot here after is simply widening the lead and making it more difficult for other buildings to pass it.

[londonlawyer]

Holy SWEET JESUS!!!! I totally did not see that coming to Columbus Drive!!!

The intersection of Columbus & Marin is going to look UNBELIEVABLE in about two years!!!....

Can you post a rendering of the project you're referring to?

[JCexpert558]

On ninty five in this forum, I saw this building called Tower America and it looked like abut 1020F. So There might be a tall Building in Jersey city

[ianmac47]

I think the image on page 95 of this thread has already been built and its not like that rendering at all. Instead it has become one of several buildings collectively referred to as the Towers of America. Specifically at the site is the Atlantic Tower.

http://www.newyorkssixth.com/directory/labels/America%20Towers.html

[JoeSas]

Am I the only one who is not looking forward to this complex?

Living in the area I have dealt with the constant construction for almost 3 years now and this building will only bring more noise, dust, garbage and traffic to the area.

What about the shear volume of these people on the PATH system? It is almost impossible to get on the train now and that is before the opening of 50 Columbus and Grove Pointe (Not even considering projects a few blocks away).

Anyone else feels the same or that the area is becoming overdeveloped?


If you do not like to live around construction, Jersey City is not the place for you. I agree that the PATH is becoming a huge issue for commuters, but as far as overdevelopemnt I do not think we are even close to how much this area will be built out. I am looking forward to more retail and an increased urban vibe. As someone living in the PAD (WALDO) I welcome more people and commercialization.

[ianmac47]

I think the new PATH cars will begin to address crowding. They should be rolling out in 2008. They aren't dramatically bigger, but should provide a little more elbow room. If capacity still becomes an issue, then the trains will probably start running with an extra car that is only half on the platform. I would assume the next step from there 10+ years, is lengthening platforms.

Of course even with all the added housing not all these people will ride the PATH. Some will take the ferry, some will work in Jersey City, and still others will drive, either to the city or west.

[JCexpert558]

In like the next 40 years will Jersey City be bigger than like Boston San francisco and Houston:)

[JCMAN320]

Well I'll be 60 in 40 years but can still enjoy it lol. I think something on the sacle of Boston someday in far future is possible. They will need to eventually connect the Newark Subway and the HBLR and all that with transit but it can happen.

I love the new Columbus Towers. When the Metropolis gets started now this; the Grove St. PATH area will be the unquestionable hub of Downtown JC. It already has the nickname the G-Spot so it on its way. :)

[JCexpert558]

How far in The future will it take for Jersey city to surpass Boston

[JCexpert558]

But also how long will this buillding boom will last will kind of determine if Jersey city will become any bigger

[66nexus]

How far in The future will it take for Jersey city to surpass Boston

JC would have to work on its infrastructure to support a population that large (500,000+). Can it be done? Sure. Will it be easy? Well...

[TimmyG]

One of my favorite quotes from this article is "It's only geared toward people who can afford it." Imagine that.

Some Harbor ill will, others see green
Saturday, July 28, 2007 By LYSA CHEN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Some neighbors of Liberty Harbor say they worry the project will benefit only businesses and attract the wealthy while excluding Jersey City's working-class residents.
Half of the first phase's 700 housing units are rentals that will range from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, said Jeffery Zak, the developer and project manager. The other half are condos ranging from $275,000 to $600,000, he said.
"It's only geared toward people who can afford it, those coming in from Manhattan, not for Jersey City people," said Anna Christodoulakis, who lives nearby.
Liberty Harbor tenants and condo owners are expected to begin moving in by the end of the summer.
Christodoulakis lived across the street from the current construction site before the city asked her to move five years ago to make way for another redevelopment project, she said.
"The city is building too much," she said.
Ramona Chapman, who also lives near Liberty Harbor, said the developers are unconcerned with working-class families and only want to "play the property ladder."
"They're moving all of us old-timers out," Chapman said. "All the new projects are for the rich. There's no more housing for low-income families."
Peter Mocco, developer of the project, said such reactions are "nonsensical."
"It boggles my mind," he said. "If you ask me 'Does Liberty Harbor help the poorest of the poor in Jersey City?' The answer is yes."
Mocco said Liberty Harbor is developing previously vacant land and creating thousands of jobs, in addition to contributing "enormous sums" to the treasury of Jersey City. Many of the people who have bought or rented at Liberty Harbor are from Jersey City, he added.
"Because it's a non-union labor project, we can sell units at prices much lower than other waterfront projects," he said. "We're passing on savings to the homeowners."
Bobby Bournias, owner of Brownstone Diner and Pancake Factory on Jersey Avenue and Grand Street, said the project will be "fantastic for the neighborhood."
His diner, across the street from the first buildings going up, will benefit from the increase in population, he said.
"It's been a void for quite some time," Bournias said. "The project will bring in new people and businesses. The way they've mapped out the project, it will blend well with the rest of the Downtown area."

[JCexpert558]

JC would have to work on its infrastructure to support a population that large (500,000+). Can it be done? Sure. Will it be easy? Well...
I think that it wouldn't be that hard since there all this building blast going on.But I think it would need sports teams, and more tranportation like a international airport, train staition that does'nt just hold path, and a bus station.:)Just to make the population bigger

[JCexpert558]

But problaby wont be that hard waith all these buisness coming here:cool:

[66nexus]

I think that it wouldn't be that hard since there all this building blast going on.But I think it would need sports teams, and more tranportation like a international airport, train staition that does'nt just hold path, and a bus station.:)Just to make the population bigger

JC not only doesn't have the room for a large airport but it also has too easy access to Newark airport and nearby NY airports. It's transportation infrastructure is closely linked to NYC. The building boom is great but it's already a dense city. I think with a population over approx. 350,000+ I think JC would no doubt have to annex (How realistic this is is anyone's guess)

[66nexus]

Couldn't sift the whole thread but does anyone have an update for the work supposedly being done on JC's Newark Bay waterfront? I read about it awhile ago and haven't heard much since

[JCexpert558]

But at least could Jersey City have a major train station like in Midtown since JC is not any where near MT. Also then it would be a better comute for people ;)who work in Lower NY

[JCexpert558]

JC not only doesn't have the room for a large airport but it also has too easy access to Newark airport and nearby NY airports. It's transportation infrastructure is closely linked to NYC. The building boom is great but it's already a dense city. I think with a population over approx. 350,000+ I think JC would no doubt have to annex (How realistic this is is anyone's guess)
Reguarding the airport they can always build it in Liberty state park

[macmini]

Light Rail SparksRedevelopment
By Sean Ryan

http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_libertysciencecenter.jpg JERSEY CITY-Ridership on the seven-year-old Hudson-Bergen Light Rail increased 24% in the past year. New stops are being added every year, and have become hubs for numerous commercial developments. NJ-Naiop arranged a private Light Rail train up and down the Hudson coast, showing private real estate professionals what redevelopment is underway, and what is still available.

The tour started at the West Side Station, which has an 800-car parking lot but which only sees about 200 cars per day. Neal Fitzsimmons, director of light rail service planning at New Jersey Transit, says it was better to build the lot over all the land they had, rather than have a smaller lot overlooking a vacant parcel.

The Liberty State Park station, across from the just-reopened Liberty Science Center (http://www.globest.com/news/956_956/newjersey/162579-1.html), is one of the most popular stations. Its 1,400-car lot is always full, since it’s just off of Exit 14C of the Turnpike.

The Light Rail has four stops along Jersey City’s Gold Coast, which has been shooting up since well before the Light Rail came through. PATH terminals and ferries can get commuters over to Manhattan, if their final destination isn’t one of the Gold Coast’s office towers. Frequent requests are made to construct a Light Rail stop by the Target, Fitzsimmons says.

South of the Gold Coast is the Liberty Harbor North development, which is so big it has two Light Rail tops, one on either end. Numerous other condo developments, such as Gull’s Cove, are using Light Rail stations to create transit villages from scratch.

Just north of the Gold Coast is the partially renovated Hoboken Ferry Terminal. The ornate Tiffany skylight in the public train station has six sisters along a currently dilapidated corridor. The terminal sits on wooden piers over the water, where the piers are being replaced with sturdier concrete. LCOR (http://www.globest.com/news/391_391/newjersey/139145-1.html) has been the redeveloper for the project for the past two years. Ironically, the cleaning of the Hudson River has caused some of the pier damage, since the waterborne organisms that eat away at wood weren’t thriving when the river was polluted.

Hoboken’s nexus of the Light Rail, PATH, NJ Transit trains and ferries makes it unusually well connected. “There might be five cities in the US that rival what Hoboken has here,” says Hoboken Mayor David Roberts, who met the tour at the ferry terminal. From Hoboken, the Light Rail stretches up into Weehawken, Union City and North Bergen, with further expansions under consideration.

On the other side of Jersey City, the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor (formerly the Military Ocean Terminal) sits off the 34th Street station. It offers vast parcels of land for various development purposes, said Nancy Kist, executive director of the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority. Two of the terminals warehouses have been used for movie and television production (the Bourne Ultimatum, Oz), but that is not part of the long-term plan since roads are planned to run right through both building sites.

[ianmac47]

why would JC need an airport when the Port Authority Already has 5? Newark, Teterboro, JFK, Lagaurdia, and Stewart.

[conan]

why would JC need an airport when the Port Authority Already has 5? Newark, Teterboro, JFK, Lagaurdia, and Stewart.
It doesn't

[nafco]

Reguarding the airport they can always build it in Liberty state park

not only would that be a terrible waste of much needed park space, but luckily, i think its illegal and impossible to try to build anything on a state park. there is plenty of defunct land still on the west side of the city if they absolutely needed an airport, but they dont. the city just needs a better connection to nearby newark airport via PATH, light rail or at the very least a bus that goes directly there from JSQ or something.

[JCMAN320]

JC use to have a small municipal airport where Society Hill stands now before Roosevelt Stadium was built. There is no need for JC to have an aiport we have 2 helipads that should be enough.

In regards to the Westside developments that someones asked it is developing.

On Culver Ave. there are numerous condo developments going on. The Stations at Westside just opened up. Culver Lofts a few yards away is u/c and a small old light industrial building just across the street from Culver Lofts just was demoed and will be a condo soon. Where West Coast Video is on the corner of Westside and Culver Ave. will be bought out soon and a 12 story condo with retail on the bottom was approved for that site. Across from that will be a new Bayonne Community Bank; the reason for the bank is because Bayonne knows alot of it's residents attend NJCU and want them to keep their business with them. Also NJCU will be begin work on it's new West Campus in late winter. The city also just repaved Mallory Ave which runs parallel to Westside Ave and 440 and is a major road for the Westside area. New home construction has also been going on.

Also on a side note the city has put up new bus shelters, new pedestrian way findings signs, and has instituted its bike route plan and has put up signs for the bike route all throughout the Westside area and will go through the rest of the city. Bike lanes and a map should follow soon. Also the city has been doing numerous repavings throughout the city and redoing all the cross walks. Looks like the city is doing a lot of work on infrastructure and its great to see.

[TimmyG]

Housing, retail units set for India Square
Monday, July 30, 2007 By KEENAN STEINER
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Construction of a modern residential and retail complex has begun on a long-vacant property at the edge of India Square, at the corner of Newark and Tonnelle avenues in Jersey City.
The complex, at 845-859 Newark Ave., is planned to be 40 feet high and to house 12 residential units and four ground-floor retail spaces. The building will be completed in about 10 months, although construction is only in the foundation phase now, said Matthew M. Emmaty, the majority shareholder and developer for 845 Newark Avenue, LLC . He expects units to go on sale next spring.
Emmaty said that his intent is "to put an absolutely beautiful structure on that corner that has been an eyesore for a very long time."
One of Emmaty's goals is to build the type of homes that haven't been available in the area, but that are available in downtown Jersey City and Hoboken, he said.
Each housing unit will be 900 square feet, with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a washer and dryer, and a kitchen which opens into a living room and dining room.
As far as the commercial space, Emmaty said that he wants to attract a bank.
"I think that a bank enhances the value of the neighborhood and indirectly enhances the value of my property," he said, adding that a bank would bring stability because there tends to be less turnover with banks than with other kinds of businesses.
Emmaty said he is catering to the Indian population, but added, the homes are for "anyone who wants a good housing option."
There will be some parking on-site.

[tbal]

I was wondering what was going on there when I passed by the other night. You can see piles of dirt rising along the perimeter of the property. I think the lot borders the PATH system to the South, Tonnele to the East, and Newark Ave. to the West. A few months ago, there was a billboard up at the site that advertised the lot as being approved for a motel if I'm not mistaken.

[tbal]

Housing, retail units set for India Square
Monday, July 30, 2007 By KEENAN STEINER
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Construction of a modern residential and retail complex has begun on a long-vacant property at the edge of India Square, at the corner of Newark and Tonnelle avenues in Jersey City.
The complex, at 845-859 Newark Ave., is planned to be 40 feet high and to house 12 residential units and four ground-floor retail spaces. The building will be completed in about 10 months, although construction is only in the foundation phase now, said Matthew M. Emmaty, the majority shareholder and developer for 845 Newark Avenue, LLC . He expects units to go on sale next spring.
Emmaty said that his intent is "to put an absolutely beautiful structure on that corner that has been an eyesore for a very long time."
One of Emmaty's goals is to build the type of homes that haven't been available in the area, but that are available in downtown Jersey City and Hoboken, he said.
Each housing unit will be 900 square feet, with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a washer and dryer, and a kitchen which opens into a living room and dining room.
As far as the commercial space, Emmaty said that he wants to attract a bank.
"I think that a bank enhances the value of the neighborhood and indirectly enhances the value of my property," he said, adding that a bank would bring stability because there tends to be less turnover with banks than with other kinds of businesses.
Emmaty said he is catering to the Indian population, but added, the homes are for "anyone who wants a good housing option."
There will be some parking on-site.

From last Tuesday's Planning Board Agenda:

"Case: P07-013 Preliminary & Final Major Site Plan with "c"

variances
Applicant: SGA Investments LLC
Review Planner: Kristin Russell
Attorney: Charles Harrington
Address: 854-860 Newark Avenue
Block: 597 Lot: 15, 17, 19, 21
Zone: N/C - Neighborhood Commercial
Description: New 24-unit building with 900 sf of ground floor retail and 27 onsite garaged parking spaces.
Variances: lot depth, rear yard

Decision: Approved with conditions."


This one has got to be planned as at least 15 stories, considering the significantly smaller overall lot size, the fact that it will have twice as many units, and it will have substantially more parking.

Also note that the 70-90 Columbus project was approved (under the 50 Columbus address)...here's the link to the agenda:

http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/calendar/pb/july_24_2007_min.pdf

[JCexpert558]

Since Philadelphia isnt doing so good will Jeresy City surpass it and mak JC in the top 10 biggest cities

[Hamilton]

JCexpert558, do you mind if I ask how old you are?

[macmini]

24 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Saturday, July 28, 2007By LYSA CHEN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

More than 20 years after the original plans were drawn, Jersey City's massive Liberty Harbor is ready to become a reality.

The first residents of the Jersey City's newest Downtown neighborhood are expected to move in by the end of the summer, bringing to an end the first phase of a development that first went before the city planning board as Liberty Harbor North in 1983.

"We're literally weeks away from human beings living, socializing and participating in life at Liberty Harbor," said Peter Mocco, the project's developer. "People are going to be moving in, going to restaurants, going to retail stores and taking advantage of our waterfront."

Jeffery Zak, project manager and developer, said 700 units of housing and approximately 20,000 square feet of retail are nearly complete, and 80 percent of the condos offered for sale since October 2006 have already been sold. Now developers are just waiting for a few finishing touches on the project's first phase of construction before residents can move in, Zak said.

"All finished surfaces, streetscapes, bluestone sidewalks and decorative pavings are being installed at this moment, so the project visually is really coming to life," he said.

The 80-acre Liberty Harbor - which will take a total of about 15 to 20 more years to fully complete - was heralded in the 1980s as a cross between New York's Greenwich Village and the Upper West Side. It was also hyped as the project that would lead the way in the redevelopment of the Downtown area.

Liberty Harbor is bordered by the Morris Canal to the south, Marin Boulevard to the east, Grand Street to the north and Jersey Avenue to the west. Different versions of the plan had been under discussion for 20 years before it finally came together in 2003. The original plan called for the project to cover 3,000 acres.

Leon Yost, a member of the Jersey City planning board, said it is rewarding to see the project finally come to fruition.

"It's been excruciatingly long," he said. "There have been plenty of people who said it wouldn't happen, and it's happening."

Bill Bromirski, a member of the planning board throughout the project's early stages, agreed.

"The project has overcome a lot of adversity," he said.

Bromirski, who sat on the board for more than 30 years, said he was involved in many of the city's redevelopment projects that are just now starting to sprout up.

"It took a while for them to catch on, but they're going to be here for a long time after we're gone," Bromirski said. "I'm very proud of everything I did."

Liberty Harbor, in particular, is something to be proud of, Mocco said, describing it as the "most unique project in the country right now."

Mocco said the city is focusing on the look of the project, which currently has more than 18 different architects designing buildings and drafting plans. The goal is to create "really nice neighborhoods and livable streets," he said.

Bromirski said he has noticed the project's attention to detail during his walks past the construction area.

"Each building is not uniform, so everything is extra special," he said.
Half of the first phase's housing units are rentals which will range in price from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, Zak said. The other half are condos ranging from $275,000 to $600,000, he said.

board, will add 1,000 residential units and 80,000 square feet of retail, Zak said. Construction will begin next year, he said.

[66nexus]

Since Philadelphia isnt doing so good will Jeresy City surpass it and mak JC in the top 10 biggest cities

Not for nothing, but even though Philly has been backsliding in population over the years they're still WEEEELLL over 1 million. I do respect your love for JC but it isn't even bigger than most mid-size cities. True it is a major city and will continue to grow but I really believe there isn't enough room for JC to swell like that

[JCexpert558]

JCexpert558, do you mind if I ask how old you are?
If you most know Hamilton Im 14 years old.

[infoshare]

Recently two members of my favorite band (http://www.interpolnyc.com/) (INTERPOL) have moved out of NYC and into JC: if you ask me, that bodes well for Jersey City.

[JCMAN320]

yes infoshare I know I heard it already. It is very good. Also my Chemical Romance hails from Jersey City.

[NikkiInNJ]

I'm going to NJCU today to pick up some more information about the developments. If it's anything useful I'll post it tonight


In regards to the Westside developments that someones asked it is developing.

On Culver Ave. there are numerous condo developments going on. The Stations at Westside just opened up. Culver Lofts a few yards away is u/c and a small old light industrial building just across the street from Culver Lofts just was demoed and will be a condo soon. Where West Coast Video is on the corner of Westside and Culver Ave. will be bought out soon and a 12 story condo with retail on the bottom was approved for that site. Across from that will be a new Bayonne Community Bank; the reason for the bank is because Bayonne knows alot of it's residents attend NJCU and want them to keep their business with them. Also NJCU will be begin work on it's new West Campus in late winter. The city also just repaved Mallory Ave which runs parallel to Westside Ave and 440 and is a major road for the Westside area. New home construction has also been going on.

Also on a side note the city has put up new bus shelters, new pedestrian way findings signs, and has instituted its bike route plan and has put up signs for the bike route all throughout the Westside area and will go through the rest of the city. Bike lanes and a map should follow soon. Also the city has been doing numerous repavings throughout the city and redoing all the cross walks. Looks like the city is doing a lot of work on infrastructure and its great to see.

[macmini]

Two 48-story buildings a go

Planning Board demands dog run for phase II of Columbus Towers

Ricardo Kaulessar -- Hudson Reporter -- 08/03/2007

The Jersey City Planning Board approved the second phase of 50 Columbus Drive at their meeting on July 24. While the first phase, a 35-story tower, is near completion, the second phase will include two 48-story towers and a hotel.

The project, also known as Columbus Towers, is located on a long stretch of Christopher Columbus Drive between Marin Boulevard and Warren Street, in the Exchange Place area.

The site is being developed by PKG Associates, a company operated by local attorney and builder Joseph Panepinto in partnership with Hoboken-based Applied Companies.

Upon completion, 50 Columbus Drive's three towers will house 942 rental units, a 144-room hotel, 1120 parking spaces, and over 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail.

The first phase of the project, a 35-story tower with 392 units and 804 parking spaces, is near completion. Rentals are scheduled to start this month.

The second phase will be two 48-story towers with a total of 550 units, the hotel, retail and 316 parking spaces.

The board voted unanimously (7-0) to allow the rest of the project to go forward, but added some conditions, including creating access to the nearby Marin Boulevard entrance to the PATH and ensuring a dog run is built at the 50 Columbus site.

Where's the dog run?

At the meeting, several representatives for the project made a presentation of the 50 Columbus preliminary site plan to the Planning Board.

A preliminary site plan is used for new construction and additions located on land zoned for commercial and residential use. Any project built in a redevelopment area, as is the case with 50 Columbus Drive (in Exchange Place North), usually gets first approval and later comes back in front of the board for final approval.

After the presentation, the board approved the project with six conditions that have to be met by the developers.

Among them was putting in a dog run.

Board Commissioner Roseanne Petruzelli pointed out there was no place within the site plan for a dog run. Board Chairman Michael Ryan said there is supposed to be at least one dog run on the premises.

At the meeting, the developers' attorney Nevis McCann claimed 50 Columbus will be "pet friendly," when asked whether or not pets will be allowed.

But McCann said there was no room for dog run.

"The dogs will have to walk the streets like everyone else," he said. And another of the developers' attorneys, Francis Schiller, said a surface parking lot designed for the second phase of the project would be built in the location where the dog run was to be placed.

But the developers' representatives later agreed they will look for space on the site for a dog run.

Also, the board insisted upon an entrance from the lobby of the hotel that will allow guests and residents of 50 Columbus to gain easier access to the Exchange Place PATH station.

Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com

[ablarc]

"The dogs will have to walk the streets like everyone else," he said. And another of the developers' attorneys, Francis Schiller, said a surface parking lot designed for the second phase of the project would be built in the location where the dog run was to be placed.
They're still building brand-new and permanent surface parking lots as integral parts of high-density developments in Jersey City?

Have they learned nothing? Can't they see across the Hudson? Will Jersey City ever live up to its name and become a real city?

Give me a dog run any day.

[NewYorkDoc]

1120 parking spaces seems like a lot. Well, this isnt Manhattan I suppose.

[ablarc]

1120 parking spaces seems like a lot. Well, this isnt Manhattan I suppose.
And if they keep building parking lots, it's certain it never will be.

[macmini]

And if they keep building parking lots, it's certain it never will be.

Last time I checked Jersey City is in NJ not Manhattan and in Jersey we like our cars. I for don't want JC to be like Manhattan where only the rich can have a parking space for 225,000.

i.e. http://gothamist.com/2007/07/16/what_does_a_225.php

[ablarc]

in Jersey we like our cars.
Q.E.D.


* * *

Macmini, consider for a moment:

1. is a parking lot the only way you can have your parking?

2. how much else do you give up that you can have in Manhattan because it's walkable and that you would lose if it was full of parking lots? Have you ever been in an extended walkable (i.e. urban) place that relied on parking lots?

[macmini]

Q.E.D.


* * *

Macmini, consider for a moment:

1. is a parking lot the only way you can have your parking?

2. how much else do you give up that you can have in Manhattan because it's walkable and that you would lose if it was full of parking lots? Have you ever been in an extended walkable (i.e. urban) place that relied on parking lots?

I see you've never been to Jersey City if you did then you would know JC is very urban i.e walkable but to get around the rest of Jersey which is not urban you need a car. Unlike NY the majority of people in JC own a car so when developers build buildings with 900 units in neighborhood were you can barely find a parking spot now then yes you need a parking garage. And their is a big difference between a parking garage and a parking lot.

[ablarc]

And their is a big difference between a parking garage and a parking lot.
There is indeed; garages are always acceptable in any city (with ground floor retail), and lots are never.

That was my initial message; not sure why you're boldfacing it as a rhetorical point.

If Jersey City wants to become truly urban, it has to give up parking lots as a solution to parking. When it does, it's guaranteed folks from cities will find it urban.

[macmini]

There is indeed; garages are always acceptable in any city (with ground floor retail), and lots are never.

That was my initial message; not sure why you're boldfacing it as a rhetorical point.

If Jersey City wants to become truly urban, it has to give up parking lots as a solution to parking. When it does, it's guaranteed folks from cities will find it urban.

Almost all of the parking lots you see downtown JC are not parking solution. They are projects that are stalled and instead of just having them sit empty the developers are trying to make some money until the project gets built.

[ablarc]

Almost all of the parking lots you see downtown JC are not parking solution. They are projects that are stalled and instead of just having them sit empty the developers are trying to make some money until the project gets built.
That's good news for the future if the developers can get their act together, but it's exactly the same in the here-and-now as if the lots were intentional and perpetual.

Why would a person care when walking beside a lot if it's slated for imminent development or not? It's still a wasteland and there's nothing there of interest.

And you know what: if JC is anything like Charlotte, those lots have a perverse immortality of their own through the miracle of reincarnation. As soon as one gets built on, a building or cluster comes down nearby to replace the "temporary" parking lot until its developer in turn gets his act together, on and on...

So any given parking lot may be temporary but the reality of ubiquitous parking lots is permanent.

The city is always full of lots; only their precise location varies. The city is never complete, it's always disheveled, waiting for the day that never comes...

[66nexus]

NJ needs to encourage more public trans. For the density of our state and the proximity to the city we should be doing better. The new Hudson tunnel is great but it isn't enough. Parking shouldn't be as valuable as it is

[ablarc]

The city is never complete, it's always disheveled, waiting for the day that never comes...
Oh, and needless to say, it doesn't really function as a city.


NJ needs to encourage more public trans. For the density of our state and the proximity to the city we should be doing better. The new Hudson tunnel is great but it isn't enough. Parking shouldn't be as valuable as it is
Encouraging public transit use is just great and will pay off big-time when we have urban fabric that can support it.

Meantime, getting that urban fabric can be as simple and concrete as issuing demolition permits at the same time as the building permits for the replacement building, not before --with the requirement that financing be in place and the contractor ready to roll. If not, no building permit, no demolition permit. How do you think European cities stay completely intact? They have demand for parking, too.

There's no reason to let developers trash the city "temporarily" for several years on every project as they languidly get their ducks in a row while collecting parking revenues. Why, if I were a developer I could be tempted to just bag developing and go into the parking lot business. And you know what? A lot of them do (not in New York, coz they'd be fools to leave big bucks on the table), but in JC-size places everywhere.

It's profitable, but so are bank-robbery and drug-dealing --and those are illegal.

[JCMAN320]

Ablarc relax that has to be a typo there is no room on the site for the two towers plus a surface lot to exist. The lot im sure won't happen and if they want a dog run it will be on top of a garage on the bottom of either 50, 70 or 90 Hudson. Also stop ragging on our city get off it. Trust me I highly doubt a sufrace lot will be built considering the city is trying to build on the temporary ones that are around like macmini said. Besides surface lots being built is not part of the master plan, it's to eliminate them so like I said I highly doubt it will happen.

[ianmac47]

When I read about a the permanent surface parking I really was confused because I don't see where there would be enough space left on the lot for a surface lot of any size. The rendering shows the new towers adjacent to the existing midrise structure. The only possible place I could see a permanent surface parking would be on the Steuben St. side of the towers, sandwiched between the structure that is current built and a new tower. Still, how big could this surface lot be?

Anyway, as far as disrupting the urban fabric of the city, there are lot of other offenses in Jersey City. Trump tower on the Washington Facade, for instance, has no windows at street level. Just vents and utility access. This is a serious failure. Then of course there is Avalon Cove, the gate community that has a fence and shrubbery between the sidewalk and buildings (as well as surface parking). Frankly even Liberty Harbor, in all of its new urbanism, has some short comings. I think the sidestreets are too wide, the blocks too short, and the pattern of streets disruptive to the urban grid system.

Meanwhile, as far as parking in Jersey City is concerned, there is probably already too much. Yes, suburban NJ does require a car to do a lot of basic lifestyle things like grocery shopping. But as long as new parking spaces are created, there is less incentive to build transit oriented and pedestrian oriented communities. There are plenty of people who already survive--thrive even-- without a car in downtown JC. The city should be working towards adding fewer cars in new developments to discourage new vehicles coming into the downtown. The streets simply don't have the capacity for many more cars.

Further, since most of parking garages are built above ground in JC because of the water table, garages blight entire streets. The Morgan St facade of Grove Pointe is a prime example. While the Newark / Columbus and Marin Blvd facades have retail on the street level, the Morgan St side is a cold, empty street because of the wall of parking garage that is Grove Pointe. Or consider the Duane Reade in Newport-- retail in the parking garage, but its still awful. Or perhaps the best example is Harborside 4A, which is basically a parking garage on steroids.

Certainly parking needs to be available in the office towers. Without office parking, JC loses one of its big advantages over locating here rather than New York (which is that executives in the fancy suburbs can drive their SUVs door to door). But as far as the residential development, the city should be working towards less than 1 parking space per unit on new developments.

[nafco]

"Upon completion, 50 Columbus Drive's three towers will house 942 rental units, a 144-room hotel, 1120 parking spaces, and over 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail."


Why are there 1120 parking spaces for 1086 units including living and hotel spaces? The city is giving away spaces in its new developments and should really encourage no cars required per unit especially to those moving from manhattan who prob dont have one anyways. And yes, a surface lot would be a travesty in that area, espeically since theres a connection to Manhattan via the PATH on the corner of the block. If anything, they should attempt no spaces at all for the units.

Im curious if JC can ever have a high rise condo or rental unit without providing a single parking spot in the building. :confused:
Someone should set that precadent

[citybooster]

I love the two towers being developed as 70 and 90 Columbus,b ut like a lot of you have qualms about the parking situation.We should discourage too much emphasis on parking,even enclosed in base garages.Smple amenities like the dog run make good sense,all the parking seems like overkill...we've got a couple of train stations right there and buses and the light rail..time to not make stupid mistakes in our development into a world class mid sized city and show smart growth techniques that are creative and avoid as much as possible the ugly compromises.And as for the unfortunate decision to not locate prime retail on the Washington Boulevard side of Trump Plaza 1,every time I pass the building,which otherwise is growing on me.....I shake my head and wonder about the shortsightedness.

[JoeSas]

If there is going to be a Club H, shopping, hotel, and restaurants these people need to park somewhere. JC is not a walking town for the most part. People own cars as this is not Manhattan. As a car owner, I welcome the garages as long as there is retail also involved in the construction.

[JCMAN320]

JoeSas JC was named one of the best walking cities in the country by Prevention magazine a few years back and JC has the second highest number of mass transit riders of any city in the country except NYC we're second to them in terms of mass transit use.

I agree Trump Plaza should of had retial on Washington St., hopefully future developments will make up for it. Avalon Cove condos I think will do away with the lot considering the Metropolis, whenever it gets goin, will do just that for the Gregory Apartments.

Also the construction site around the corner from Hard Grove Cafe on C. Columbus Drive has seen acitivity again and looks to be making headway.

[JCMAN320]

Property owners are cleaning up
Task Force gets action against unsightly buildings

Monday, August 06, 2007
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City is cleaning up its act when it comes to unsightly - and potentially dangerous - dilapidated buildings, city officials announced last week.

Empowered by state legislation enacted in January, the city's newly created Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act Task Force is narrowing the list of properties that could be subject to government action ranging from increased fines to condemnation, officials said.

"We have already seen a success as property owners who have been notified their building is on the Abandoned Buildings List are stepping up and cleaning and rehabilitating what are often eyesores and public nuisances for the community," said Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy. "We are finally seeing action from property owners who previously left their buildings to deteriorate and diminish the overall quality of life of the community," Healy added.

There are currently 107 properties that were reviewed as potential candidates for the final APRA list, officials said.

But given the efforts property owners are making to clean up their properties, the final list due out within the next couple of weeks will probably have only 24 or so properties, said Rose Wagner, a project manager with the city's Department of Housing, Economic Development and Commerce working with the task force.

Besides HEDC, other city agencies participating with the task force include the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Health Department, Jersey City Incinerator Authority, Division of Neighborhood Improvement Districts and the Construction Code Office.

"Arson, vandalism and an overall decrease in the neighborhood's stability are the result of these properties remaining vacant for a long period," said Housing Code Director Edward Coleman, head of the task force. "We are here to change that."

[JCMAN320]

Concerned residents hope to save historic home near hospital

Monday, August 06, 2007
By BERNETTE PEARSON
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

A pair of concerned Jersey City residents are hoping they can rally the community to save a 19th-century mansion slated to be demolished by Christ Hospital.

The home, occupied at 148-150 Palisade Ave., has been owned by the hospital for the last decade. Historic records date the home back to at least 1873. The hospital last used it in early 2006 as a thrift store, which has since closed.

The hospital says it is demolishing the home for "health and safety hazards" but has no plans for what it will do next with the land, according to Barbara Davey, a spokeswoman for the hospital.

The building is "not conducive for the hospital as part of the hospital's strategic plan," she said.

Davey said the building has not been officially condemned by health and safety inspectors, but it is unsafe by the hospital's standards.

"The hospital has had nothing in those buildings for two years and again they are kind of falling apart," she said.

But Norrice Raymaker and Joshua Parkhurst, president of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, say the home should be saved.

Raymaker would like to see the home itself preserved for historic reasons and its lawn turned into a "healing garden" for the hospital.

"There's no place for families to take a moment and have an outdoor space where you can collect your thoughts," she said.

Parkhurst plans to use the strength of Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy to keep the building standing.

"Throughout the city, including the Heights, there's great 19th century housing stock with great architecture," he said. "We don't see any reason for why it should be shut down."

He hopes the hospital can use the house to benefit the community.

"It could be used as a community center or for community activities," he said. "This is not a profit making development here but it'll have a magnificent purpose."

He said he received numerous e-mails from residents complaining about the demolition of the building. They said they may organize a rally to save the building, but "there will certainly be nothing inappropriate," Raymaker said.

And they both agreed to offer Christ Hospital suggestions. "If they are willing to talk we'd be happy to talk to them," Parkhurst said.

Residents interested in preserving the building on 148-150 Palisade Ave. can e-mail Joshua Parkhurst at jclandmarks@gmail.com.

[nafco]

Plan for Square towers revised

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

The twin-tower development proposed for Jersey City's Journal Square is changing shape.

Originally proposed as two towers of more-or-less equal size, the latest design for of the mixed-use development to be built on the block adjacent to the Journal Square Transportation Center calls for a south tower between 35 and 40 stories and a north tower stretching 55 to 65 stories, according to the developer.

The City Council is scheduled to introduce the change at its meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the Mary McLeod Bethune Center, 140 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

"Both towers have been designed to maximize views and unit layout," said Liz Opacity, spokeswoman for MEPT Journal Square Urban Renewal, LLC, the developer. "And the height difference is for aesthetics when you are looking at the towers."

Lowell Harwood, managing partner of Jersey City-based Harwood Properties - a partner in the limited liability company formed to undertake the development - said Monday the design change was made at the request of his development partner, Washington D.C.-based Multi-Employer Property Trust (MEPT), a national real estate equity fund.

MEPT referred all questions to Opacity.

Even though there is no change in the 1.2 million gross square footage of the development, Planning Director Bob Cotter said the design change would likely add more units to the projects, a number originally pegged at 1,034.

But, Opacity said, the developers are "still assessing the market and working on architectural drawings to determine the number and layout of units."

The $400 million development, to include multiple levels of parking and retail, is still considered a rental project, Opacity said, but "the feasibility of the condominiums will continue to be explored."

Jersey City Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Robert Antonicello predicted existing structures on the entire block would be leveled by the end of the year so construction can begin.

McDonald's, at 15-16 Journal Square, still hasn't relocated.

KEN THORBOURNE

[kliq6]

Since Philadelphia isnt doing so good will Jeresy City surpass it and mak JC in the top 10 biggest cities

JC Population wise is not even in the top 100 now, so dont worry about it being in top 10. As for philly it just slipped another spot to 6th on the list.

[ianmac47]

According Wikipedia, JC is 73
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population

I don't know if this list is actually complete though since there are less than 10 cities with 1m+ people.

[kliq6]

That looks right, there are very few truly "large" cities in the US and even some that are over 1 million, like LA and Houston are so spread out you dont feel the size like you would in NY or Philly

[citybooster]

Very interesting news about the Harwood project....a tower up to 40 stories,and a massive one possibly up to 65 stories....any knowledge why the reassessing from the 46 and 52 story towers that had been proposed?As long as the project goes forth,it will be a great boon for the city and the Journal Square area in particular.I hope the plans to start early year with construction,and this new alignment seems very intriguing,just go forth without delay.

[citybooster]

Realistically,Jersey City may climb to betwwen 300,000-350,000 residents in the foreseeable future.There was a time in its industrial heyday Jersey City was in that range,around 330,000 people.There's nothing wrong in our potentiial being a first class,dynamic,smart growth middle sized city.Jersey City doesn't need a million+ residents to be a great city we can be proud of.

[ianmac47]

The article mentioned something about investment partners wanting to maximize views. My guess is that it does several things.

First, with two towers there is inevitably at least one side of each tower looking directly into the other tower. Just look at Liberty Towers downtown or the under construction 77 Hudson.

Second, at 65 stories, the second tower will probably be the tallest in JSQ for many years to come, preserving views for that length of time-- add that to the fact that JSQ is on the elevated palisade, the units will have great views. If the towers were just 50-55 stories, a larger overall percentage of the building would be too low to see over future surrounding buildings. If the Harwood towers is to actually generate the revitalization that is being promised, JSQ will probably see a lot of 25 to 30 story towers-- maybe even higher. A 25 story tower next to the 50 story Harwood would be 50% blocked. A 25 story tower next to 65 stories would only have 37% of the views blocked.

Also, also, the extra 10 floors may not seem like much, but 65 stories becomes a pretty iconic structure, especially since its on top of the palisades.

[citybooster]

Definitely ianmac I agree on the magnificence of the view a 65-story tower will provide,especially being built on the Palisades.Let's hope for a grand revival of the area,with the centerpiece being the tallest of the towers.At 65 stories,I'm gathering it will rise majestically around 700 feet....it will define Journal Square for years to come.

[tbal]

If you want to define Journal Square as the epicenter of Hudson County (as it once was), you need to build tall. And at 65 stories, the taller tower will be an icon visible for miles and miles away.

[nafco]

not to mention, that if it does get built in the next couple years, it will be taller than trump and thusly the new tallest residential tower in NJ (until ofcourse if/when metropolitan is built)

[ianmac47]

It will be hugely iconic at 65 stores. Not that 55 stories isn't, but those 10 stories will a pretty big difference. JSQ is about 90 feet above sea level, where as the downtown is probably less than 10 feet above sea level-- so from a distance its like having another 10 stories in height on top of the downtown development.

From the 'burbs, much of the skyline is visible, but the 65 story tower will dominate. From the i-80 Hackensack river crossing you can see Goldman Sachs in the distance, but largely the view of the skyline (and new york's skyline) is obscured by the palisade cliff. the Harwood tower will be on top of this--

The same is true of route 3. You can see snippets of the skyline as you approach travel east. The empire state building is pretty dominating as you get close because its almost directly due east of 3. But as you get closer to the palisade, only the tip of the Empire State building is visible, because of the perspective of the road. Again, the Harwood tower, on top of this ridgeline will still dominate.

[66nexus]

not to mention, that if it does get built in the next couple years, it will be taller than trump and thusly the new tallest residential tower in NJ (until ofcourse if/when metropolitan is built)

When is that thing slated to be built anyway? The Metropolitan looks damn nice but it looks almost too go to be true lol. I was reading that Trump II won't start until Trump I is mostly bought up. Is the Metrop developer waiting to see how Trump I does in the market? I think JC proved itself enough in this market

[JCexpert558]

Im also wondering when the Metropolotan will be built, I also heard that the Metropolitan is supposed to be a 755 feet ,or 775 feet. Which one is it?

[JCMAN320]

When Pepboys lease expires which should be this fall, they should start site preperation. I spoke to Steve Fulop and he says the project will happen.

For the Harwood Towers it said in the article demolition will be done by end of the year, which is starting to piss me off, and construction soon there after.

[tbal]

In the Planning Board Agenda:

-Why did work at the Monaco Towers cease a few months ago? It's apparently because they wanted to make some changes to the building design and surrounding landscaping.

-Harbor Lights is also on the agenda with some changes to the parking structure...

-And, there's yet another midrise building heading for JSQ!

-Also, for those of you who didn't see the postings on JC List, the developer who has claimed ownership of the embankment has as many as 64 two-family homes as an issue on the agenda...


LINK: http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/calendar/pb/august_14_2007.pdf

It looks quite possible that the Monaco towers, 70-90 Columbus, the Harwood City Center (1 Journal Square), and possibly even Harborside 4 may all break ground within a very small time period.

[ianmac47]

We better hope many of these projects in JC break ground within the next 12 months, otherwise there might be a materials and employee crunch that will raise the cost of construction, thus making it less likely these things happen. Check out the charts that the lowermanhattan.info has:

http://www.lowermanhattan.info/extras/pdf/logisticspresentation_021207_c.pdf

With Atlantic Yards, the stadiums, and new WTC under construction, vast amounts of construction materials and crews are already accounted for. By the middle of '08 there is going to be massive demands on the construction industry.

[artimusprime]

wow, i cant believe JC is doing so well. anyway, i wanted to know what kind of retail stores all of these buildings are anticipating. some of these places have a ridiculous amount of retail space. is it going to be a mix of locally owned and franchise or purely one or the other?

[tbal]

Brush was cleared this past week at 2 Second Street (also known as "Hudson Exchange"), after a delay of several months. The tower was supposed to break ground last Spring. Markers were inserted all around the site denoting locations of the extremeties of the property as well as those where piles are to be driven into the ground before excavation begins. I'm guessing we'll see some heavy equipment delivered to the site within the next week or so...

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07022.jpg

Overview of the recently-cleared site from the South:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07021.jpg

One last look at the site from the North, with Lower Manhattan in the background:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07024.jpg

77 Hudson is beginning to grow, with 5 levels of the parking deck completed and the rental tower rising above the rest of the structure:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07014.jpg

The parking garage extends to the front of the condo tower along Hudson Street:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07016.jpg

The project really does a good job of filling in the space along Grand Street:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07017.jpg

Here's a look at a small 5 story infill project along Essex Street, close to 77 Hudson:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07013.jpg

In Newport, the Aqua stands now at about 12 stories:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07028.jpg

View to the Northwest:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07029.jpg

Here's a quick look at the Westin Hotel, with its precast concrete facade being mounted to the side of the building along 6th Street:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07026.jpg

[ianmac47]

Well done. How did you avoid the Newport S.S.?

[JCMAN320]

Embankment sale invalid

Monday, August 13, 2007
By JARRETT RENSHAW
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Board rules Conrail failed to get required approval

A federal board has ruled that Conrail failed to secure the required regulatory approval before it sold the Sixth Street Embankment in 2005 to businessman Steve Hyman, opening the door for Jersey City to purchase the property - and end years of controversy about the site's future.

The ruling, issued Wednesday by the Surface Transportation Board, forces Conrail to go back and seek approval to abandon the site from the Interstate Commerce Commission and STB before the Philadelphia-based freight railroad company can sell the property. However, Conrail would first have to offer the property to the city before selling it to a private entity, according to city officials.

Although the STB did not explicitly address whether its decision invalidated Hyman's purchase of the property, the city is interpreting that way - with one law department official calling it "the only logical extension" from the ruling.

City officials said the decision allows them to seek a transfer of the property's title back to Conrail through the court system, whether at the federal or state level.

Hyman agreed with the city's assessment of the decision, but he said that does not mean that he won't end up with the property in the end.

"I got court-ordered planning approvals at the site, which means the property is much more valuable than when I bought it, and I don't think the city will be willing to put up that kind of money," said Hyman, who purchased the 6.2 acres for roughly $3 million in 2005 and hoped to build two-family homes.

The city's law department said those approvals are no longer valid since "Hyman never owned the property."

A spokesman for Conrail said the company is holding back on any official statement until its attorneys take a more careful review of the decision.

Conrail attorneys unsuccessfully argued that the rail line was an "ancillary" or a "spur," a designation that would relieve the rail company of the federal approval obligation.

In arguing for the main line designation, the city pointed out that the Embankment, which served as pipeline for the city's once-mighty industrial Downtown area for decades, carried at least 3,000 carloads per year for multiple customers.

Assemblyman Lou Manzo, D-Jersey City, initially filed the lawsuit with STB and was eventually joined by the city and civic groups, such as the Embankment Preservation Coalition, which formed nine years ago to save the site.

"It's extremely important decision, and we feel it now gives the city a great chance at getting great public use out of the property," said Maureen Crowley, Embankment Preservation Coalition coordinator.

Crowley noted that more than $3 million of federal and state funds have already been earmarked for the purchase

"This is a great day for the residents of Jersey City, and it's time to move to the next step of getting the funding necessary to move ahead," Manzo said.

"I am pleased the Surface Transportation Board ruled in favor of the city and the community this week," Mayor Jerramiah Healy said. "Their decision removes a major obstacle to the city and the community's goal to turn this embankment into green space and a light rail line to the city's Downtown area."

[TimmyG]

Is there any plan of where the light rail stations would be if the line along the embankment were built?

[tbal]

One interesting finding I forgot to mention in my earlier post was how the design of 154 Steuben has been changed to "fit in" more with the Columbus Plaza complex...there are a lot of similarities in design elements used in this and 70-90 Columbus especially:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=812.07035.jpg

btw - does anyone know what's up with the building shown next to Ivy House in the rendering? The building currently next to it looks nothing like the one shown...(?)

[TimmyG]

2 pull off a Trump- size stunt
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 By LYSA CHEN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Two late-night daredevils parachuted off the 55-story Trump Plaza in Jersey City early Sunday morning and made a quick escape before cops arrived.
Police reports said officers responded to a call just before 2 a.m. about two BASE jumpers who had leaped from the top of the tower at 88 Morgan St. and landed 532 feet below, in the parking lot of 34 Exchange Place.
BASE jumping is the sport of using a parachute to jump from fixed objects, including towers and cliffs. BASE stands for building, antenna, span and earth.
Paul Giglio, who works near Trump Plaza, said he was waiting outside for a car to pick him up early Sunday morning when he heard "flapping."
"I looked up, and these guys come down," he said. "One landed on a telephone pole, and the other landed right next to him."
Giglio said people came out of nearby buildings, and the jumpers, who were struggling to retrieve their gear, gave up and split.
According to reports, police retrieved one of the two parachutes that was hanging on a wooden pole, and the jumpers had fled south before cops arrived. Security cameras did not show the jumpers entering the building, and security guards said they had not seen anyone, police said.
Dean Geibel, founder of Hoboken-based Metro Homes, which is partnering with Donald Trump to construct the buildings, said the building has a working elevator, which only operates with a key, as well as stairs that lead to the top. He said Metro Homes has made the area secure.
"We are building in a community, and we are cautious," he said.
Geibel added that he does not approve of the BASE jumpers' stunt.
"I think it's an irresponsible act, and I am not impressed," he said.
Journal staff writer Jarrett Renshaw contributed to this report.

[macmini]

New Condo Complex Sets City Record for Penthouse Sales
Published: August 13, 2007

By Kelly Sheehan, Online News Editor

Jersey City, N.J.—K. Hovnanian Homes has sold two penthouse condominiums to one buyer for $6 million. The units are part of 77 Hudson, a new condo complex located in Jersey City, N.J.

The sale sets a new record price for a penthouse sold in the city. The penthouses, on floors 48 and 49, total 4,188 square feet.

Designed by New York-based architect firm Cetra/Ruddy, the community is currently under construction and is slated for completion in May 2009. Upon completion, it will feature 420 condos.

Units are priced from the $500,000s to $3 million, and they will include floor-to-ceiling windows as well as washers and dryers. About three-quarters of the residences will feature views of Manhattan’s skyline.

The community will feature a glass curtain wall façade, and will feature amenities such as a roof deck, dog park, pool, fitness center, café, lobby with art gallery, community lounge, game room, private dining room, screening room, virtual golf area, business center, barbeque area, hot tub, jogging path, massage room, yoga and Pilates studio, sauna and steam rooms, and party room. Residents will also have access to concierge services, state-of-the-art security systems, Wi-Fi in public areas and grocery delivery services.

[macmini]

5-1 vote in favor of several abatements
Council also tables Newport project
Ricardo Kaulessar
Reporter staff writer

Ward F City Councilwoman Viola Richardson was the lone dissenter Wednesday in several votes for tax abatements for new developments, including one for affordable housing.

A tax abatement is an agreement to exempt a developer from regular, fluctuating property taxes. There is usually a separate revenue deal for a set amount of money to go straight to the city rather than being split among the city, the county, and the schools. Thus, it is controversial because regular taxpayers have to contribute more to those budgets.

Affordable project
Richardson voted against a 30-year abatement for a 39-unit low-income residential building to be built at 194-212 MLK Drive.

She explained during the meeting that she was opposed to too many low-income housing projects being built in one part of the city, namely Ward F, which she represents.

"I believe that in order to raise the bar on Martin Luther King Drive, we need an integration of housing," Richardson said. "We need an integrated group of people with different income levels... all poor people are together in one area and all the rich people are in one area."

She received applause after she finished speaking. But the rest of the City Council voted for the project.

She also voted against two luxury projects that were slated for the waterfront.
On the waterfront


Richardson stated her opposition to a 10-year tax abatement for a mixed use rental project in the Liberty Harbor Redevelopment Area that contains 498 rental units, 525 parking spaces, and over 26,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.

The 10-year abatement project is located near the Liberty Harbor waterway situated between downtown Jersey City and Liberty State Park.

And she also opposed a 20-year abatement to a 10-story, 60 condo unit building on 106 York St.

She said she opposed both abatements because they are "too close to the waterfront."

However, she did vote for a 10-year abatement for a 349-unit rental building project with 353 parking spaces located on the corner of Grand Street and Marin Boulevard because it was located away from the water. The unit is a market-rate, mixed-use facility.

City Council President Mariano Vega commented that he didn't understand "the logic" behind her vote against the abatements, as the abatement she voted for pertains to a project located close to water.

That led to Richardson to retort to Vega just "vote your vote."

Richardson has said in the past that luxury condo projects should not qualify for an abatement because it is prime property and the developers do not need a tax break.
The 'Aqua' still treading water


The City Council also tabled an ordinance approving 10-year abatement for a rental building in the Newport area until their next meeting.

The Aqua is a 31-story, 358-unit rental building with 16,000 square feet of retail space located in the Newport area. It also in the early stages of construction - a no-no when it comes to getting a tax abatement.

In the case of the Aqua, their abatement comes after construction began, according to the project's attorney James McCann because the developer, the Aqua Urban Renewal Company (otherwise known as the Lefrak family and their investment partners) sought a short-term abatement for months, but couldn't hold off on construction during the delay.

The council decided to table the ordinance so McCann and the city's corporation counsel, Bill Matsikoudis, can meet to discuss the legality of the abatement.

Both Matsikoudis and McCann will see this abatement being revisited at the next council meeting.

That meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22 at the Liberty Science Center at 251 Philip Street in Jersey City.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com

©The Hudson Reporter 2007

[JCMAN320]

'HEART AS BIG AS A STADIUM'
Yankees legend raised millions for Jersey City school for blind

Wednesday, August 15, 2007
By N. CLARK JUDD
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Phil Rizzuto, the beloved Yankees shortstop, broadcaster and philanthropist, never called Jersey City home, but the baseball Hall of Famer carved out his own niche in the city.

Through an annual benefit golf tournament with his name on it, Rizzuto helped St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City raise $2 million over the past 16 years. The 17th edition of the tournament will be Monday at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park.

This one, however, will take on a much more somber tone than in the past. Rizzuto died yesterday after a long illness. He was 89.

But Rizzuto did more than lend his name.

"He would get money for autographs that people would send to his house," said sports journalist Ed Lucas, a longtime friend of Rizzuto's and director of fundraising for the school. "Instead of keeping that money, he would send it to (the school)."

Rizzuto may be known around the country as one of the key cogs of the Yankee dynasty of the 1940s and 1950s, or for his trademark "Holy Cow!" calls in the broadcast booth. But to Lucas and the St. Joseph community, he was known more for his generosity and caring spirit.

"Phil did quietly," Lucas said. "He didn't want anybody to know."

Gerald Kitzhoffer, school administrator at St. Joseph's, remembers Rizzuto as a man who took a genuine interest in the children attending the school, made a tremendous contribution to their lives, and never, ever asked for recognition.

"We'll not only miss Phil, the man, we'll miss the impact of what he's done for us," Kitzhoffer said.

Shortly after losing his sight during a sandlot baseball game accident as a child, Lucas met Rizzuto in the clothing store where the Yankees shortstop worked in the offseason, and the two quickly became friends.

Years later, Lucas was introduced to his future wife, Allison, by Rizzuto. The couple were married at home plate in Yankee Stadium in 2006.

Lucas said that without Rizzuto's efforts, new facilities like a playground and residential building at the school's new location on Summit Avenue would never have been built.

Rizzuto played for the Yankees from 1941 to 1956 and won seven World Series. He was the American League MVP in 1950 and a five-time All-Star. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.

[macmini]

Lehman Brothers Expands on Jersey City Waterfront

Financial Services Firm Increases Occupancy at 101 Hudson to 270,000 SF
Global financial services firm Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. has renewed and expanded at Mack-Cali's 101 Hudson St. office tower in Jersey City, NJ.

The firm is extended a deal for 8,741 square feet for seven years and inked a 62,763-square-foot expansion, which runs through January 2018. The new lease increases its total occupancy in the 1.25 million-square-foot building to more than 270,000 square feet.

Robert Alexander, Michael Geoghegan and Andrew Sussman of CB Richard Ellis New York handled the deal for Lehman Brothers. Christopher DeLorenzo and Thomas Savoca represented Mack-Cali in-house.

The distinctive 42-story high-rise was constructed in 1992 on an entire city block on the Jersey City waterfront. Other tenants in the building include National Union Fire Insurance Co. and Merrill Lynch & Co., according to CoStar information.

Mack-Cali acquired the property in 2005 for $329 million.

[JCMAN320]

Great news for JC. The office vacany rate on the waterfront continues to drop.

[tbal]

Earlier this week, I noticed that a fence was beginning to go up around 272 Newark Ave, part of a three-building complex that occupies a triangle bordered by Third Street, Monmouth Street, and Newark Avenue. It turns out that the 3-story eyesore that currently occupies the site will be torn down to make way for a new 5-story building. Here's an overview of the site from a screen-grab from local.live.com:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=274NewarkAve.jpg

(NOTE: The parking lot in the upper left-hand corner of the photo above will be home to another, much larger, 5-story building, to be built by the same company currently constructing 109 Columbus Drive).

Today, another (reasonably large) building on the South side of Third Street was torn down (right next to that day care center on Newark Ave....I forget the name). A huge excavator is sitting on the site right now and only parts of the first floor walls remain standing...I couldn't find any info on what is to get built on this site though...

Below is the screen-grab (pretty bad quality though...sorry) for the building that was torn down today on Third Street. The site is as wide as two typical multi-family homes, which means a 5-story building could fit on it:

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

[tbal]

GO JERSEY CITY!! (When the heck are we going to see construction begin on Plaza 4 though??):
______________________________________

Deutsche Bank Expands by 88,000 SF
By Eric Peterson (http://www.globest.com/cgi-bin/udt/im.author.contact.view?client_id=globest&story_id=163247&title=Deutsche%20Bank%20Expands%20by%2088%2C000%20 SF&author=Eric%20Peterson&address=http%3A//www.globest.com/news/973%5F973/newjersey/163247%2D1.html&summary=JERSEY%20CITY%2DThe%20banking%20giant%20up s%20its%20space%20at%20Mack%2DCali%26%23146%3Bs%20 Harborside%202%20building%20and%20now%20leases%20m ore%20than%20391%2C000%20sf%20at%20the%20multi%2Db uilding%20complex.)


http://www.globest.com/newspics/nej_harborsideplaza123.jpg
Harborside Plaza

JERSEY CITY-According to officials of Mack-Cali Realty Corp., “a major international bank” has taken an additional 87,965 sf of office space at the REIT’s Harborside Financial Center Plaza 2. Company officials did not identify the tenant, and a spokesman declined comment, citing a confidentiality agreement with the tenant, but sources confirm that the tenant is Deutsche Bank. The latter is in fact currently listed as a major tenant at the Harborside complex.


According to information released by the Edison-based Mack-Cali, the lease involves 80,867 sf for a 10-year term and another 7,098 sf for a six-year term, both expiring in 2017. David Maurer-Hollaender led a team of New Jersey and New York brokers from CB Richard Ellis to represent the tenant, while Mack-Cali was represented in-house. Further terms were not released. With the signing, the bank now leases a total of 391,258 sf at two buildings in Harborside Financial Center, a mixed-use complex with five class A office buildings totaling 3.1 million sf. Harborside Financial Center Plaza 2 accounts for more than 761,000 sf of that total, and altogether, the office buildings are now 98.8% leased. Asking rent for the availability is listed on Mack-Cali’s website as “negotiable.”



The deal also represents the third time in a year that Deutsche Bank has taken more space at Mack-Cali’s Harborside Financial Center. As reported by GlobeSt.com (http://www.globest.com/news/718_718/newjersey/149042-1.html), the banking giant took an additional 53,727 sf at the adjacent Harborside Financial Center Plaza 1 this past September. That expansion followed the leasing, earlier in 2006, of more than 228,000 sf in the same building, a deal encompassing a 90,000-sf renewal and an expansion of 138,000 sf.

[LeCom]

Great news. The complex owners should start construction as soon as they can at 98% occupancy rate. Sure, the economy is in a big slump these past couple of weeks, but it's not like the new office space is going to be available overnight.

Great updates on u/c projects btw, tbal.

[kliq6]

I would expect new construction soon as Manhattan is leased out basically and now firms must look to JC again for space

[MrWolf]

August 17, 4:40 pm
Penthouse condo sets Jersey City record

A $6 million penthouse purchase in a K. Hovanian tower has shattered the record for Jersey City's most expensive condo, tripling the city's previous record.

The buyer, whose name has not been released, purchased the penthouse units on the top two floors of a 48-story tower at 77 Hudson Street, Hovnanian announced today. Samuel L. Jackson reportedly set the previous record of $2.3 million for a penthouse in the Beacon that he bought in February.

The combined 77 Hudson Street units are 4,188 square feet. The two-tower glass-façade development, slated to open in May 2009, is rising a block from Goldman Sachs' Jersey City tower.

The buyer is a married Manhattan businessman with children, who liked the short commute from Jersey City and 77 Hudson's Manhattan-style design and views, said Eve McGrath, a Hovanian spokeswoman.

Hovanian has touted the project's location, a mile from Ground Zero, and its roof deck, party rooms, pools, dog parks, café and Fresh Direct room. A 14,200-square-foot indoor spa/fitness center features a yoga room, massage room, steam and sauna areas, screening room, game room and virtual golf.

These amenities are similar to the Trump Organization's two-tower project, just steps away in the Powerhouse Arts District. The Beacon, a mega-complex in the old Jersey City Medical Center, a less gentrified neighborhood, has promoted its resident-only parks, stores and shuttle buses.

After launching restricted sales two weeks ago, half of 77 Hudson's 100 released units have sold. Prices for the 420 condo units start in the upper $400,000s. Another tower has 480 rentals.

The development, designed by New York-based Cetra/Ruddy, is near the Exchange Place Path Station, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System and the New York Waterway Ferry.

Tom Graham, a project executive, has said the Paulus Hook neighborhood offers a mix of old brownstones and new waterfront towers. By John Celock
Copyright © 2003-2005 The Real Deal

[66nexus]

August 17, 4:40 pm
Penthouse condo sets Jersey City record

A $6 million penthouse purchase in a K. Hovanian tower has shattered the record for Jersey City's most expensive condo, tripling the city's previous record.

The buyer, whose name has not been released, purchased the penthouse units on the top two floors of a 48-story tower at 77 Hudson Street, Hovnanian announced today. Samuel L. Jackson reportedly set the previous record of $2.3 million for a penthouse in the Beacon that he bought in February.

The combined 77 Hudson Street units are 4,188 square feet. The two-tower glass-façade development, slated to open in May 2009, is rising a block from Goldman Sachs' Jersey City tower.

The buyer is a married Manhattan businessman with children, who liked the short commute from Jersey City and 77 Hudson's Manhattan-style design and views, said Eve McGrath, a Hovanian spokeswoman.

Hovanian has touted the project's location, a mile from Ground Zero, and its roof deck, party rooms, pools, dog parks, café and Fresh Direct room. A 14,200-square-foot indoor spa/fitness center features a yoga room, massage room, steam and sauna areas, screening room, game room and virtual golf.

These amenities are similar to the Trump Organization's two-tower project, just steps away in the Powerhouse Arts District. The Beacon, a mega-complex in the old Jersey City Medical Center, a less gentrified neighborhood, has promoted its resident-only parks, stores and shuttle buses.

After launching restricted sales two weeks ago, half of 77 Hudson's 100 released units have sold. Prices for the 420 condo units start in the upper $400,000s. Another tower has 480 rentals.

The development, designed by New York-based Cetra/Ruddy, is near the Exchange Place Path Station, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System and the New York Waterway Ferry.

Tom Graham, a project executive, has said the Paulus Hook neighborhood offers a mix of old brownstones and new waterfront towers. By John Celock
Copyright © 2003-2005 The Real Deal


6 million?! Holy :eek:!

Anyone know the highest in NYC by any chance (condos)?

[steveikin]

6 million?! Holy :eek:!

Anyone know the highest in NYC by any chance (condos)?

I think it was the Time Warner penthouse to an English Investment Banker: $54M - but this is from a couple of years ago.

[tbal]

Equipment used for pile-driving was delivered to 2 Second Street this week:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=818.07004.jpg

Also, here's a look at those smaller projects near Newark Ave that I mentioned in an earlier post:

Third Street building (next to Day Care Center):
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=818.07021.jpg

272 Newark Ave:
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=818.07023.jpg

Finally, I was walking toward 2 Second Street around 5 PM and saw the huge plume of smoke coming from the World Trade Center site. I took a few pictures, with my first thought being that a bomb went off in an attempt of terrorists to destroy our infrastructure at the WTC PATH station; after thinking a little longer, I figured that there was probably an electrical fire at the Deutsche Bank building or the World Financial Center. Turns out the latter of these is pretty close to the truth (the Deutsche Bank building did in fact have a major fire).

Anyway, some of what I saw from Jersey City:
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/Deutsche%20Bank%20Fire/?action=view&current=818.07017.jpg (http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/Deutsche%20Bank%20Fire/?action=view&current=818.07017.jpg)

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/Deutsche%20Bank%20Fire/?action=view&current=818.07012.jpg

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/Deutsche%20Bank%20Fire/?action=view&current=818.07015.jpg

[NYatKNIGHT]

^Those NY photos are eerie.

Thanks for the update(s). I have to admit, with all the goings-on in JC posted in this thread, I'm not sure which skyline-changing projects we'll be seeing across the river next. 2nd Trump Tower?

[tbal]

Thanks for the compliments, guys :).

The second Trump tower is supposed to rise beginning "this Fall" (or so Metro Homes says...). There hasn't been any noticeable activity at the location yet (at least as far as I know), but I'm pretty sure we'll see it rise before 2 Second Street...there's a lot of excavation & foundation work to be done at the latter of these, and I think that the foundation work may be mostly complete for Trump II.

[investordude]

I know they don't always light up residential buildings, and that some environmentalists are concerned about birds, but the Trump Tower looks great from Manhattan. I hope they light it up at night, so it won't kind of cast an eerie look the way the Goldman tower does with the top floors empty.

[beastofbergen]

It looks the three new high rises that will be part of Liberty National Golf Course have started. You can see the first floor forms as you enter Liberty State Park at the south entrance. They will be very impresive when completed. Check them out at www.libertynationalgc.com http://libertynationalgc.com

[phresident]

It looks the three new high rises that will be part of Liberty National Golf Course have started. You can see the first floor forms as you enter Liberty State Park at the south entrance. They will be very impresive when completed. Check them out at www.libertynationalgc.com (http://www.libertynationalgc.com) http://libertynationalgc.com

I haven't heard of those towers moving forward. What you may be seeing is the foundation for the clubhouse which definitely is to be built in the near future.

[macmini]

The clubhouse is already under construction none of the buildings have started construction yet. The developer said one of the buildings would start construction in 2008.

[TimmyG]

Weigh tightening rules on new 2-family homes
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 By EARL MORGAN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

The Jersey City City Council is expected to introduce an ordinance tomorrow that would place new restrictions on the construction of two-family, in-fill homes, which have been springing up throughout the city's Ward F.
The ordinance, unveiled at yesterday's caucus, is part of an effort by the council to address complaints and concerns council members said they have received from residents about the lot size and front and side yard setbacks for the construction of new houses.
The council will also vote to adopt an ordinance transferring ownership of 509 Martin Luther King Drive to the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, to be eventually included in the Martin Luther King Drive Redevelopment plan.
At one point during yesterday's caucus, council members expressed irritation at being unable to get an answer about which city agency, if any, is responsible for maintaining bus shelters.
Councilman Steve Lipski noted that the shelter in front of Christ Hospital on Palisade Avenue is so damaged it offers little shelter for hospital patients waiting for buses.
Councilwoman Mary Spinello said she has been spinning her wheels in efforts to have someone repair a shelter near the intersection of Duncan Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard. They said they are hoping that a scheduled meeting with Mayor Jerramiah Healy will lead to a resolution of the problem.
Because the Council Chambers at City Hall are not air-conditioned, for several years the council has held its summer meetings in more comfortable locations.
Tomorrow's session, scheduled for 10 a.m., will be held in Liberty Science Center, 251 Phillip St., in the third-floor board room.

[LeCom]

I know they don't always light up residential buildings, and that some environmentalists are concerned about birds, but the Trump Tower looks great from Manhattan. I hope they light it up at night, so it won't kind of cast an eerie look the way the Goldman tower does with the top floors empty.
Concerns over lighting one tower's top at night when you got the world's most massive skyline all lit up right across the river is bogus. However, most of bird migration is limited to only about three days a year, and there are programs in action that have various building owners volunteer to turn decorative lighting off during those brief migratory seasons. I believe that these programs should be made into mandatory law, yet most restrictions for building lighting should be lifted altogether.

[JCMAN320]

Trump Tower is suppose to be lit up at the top with the light going against the vertical columns at the top. GS Buildings had more lights on on the top which mean more work beign done on the top floors. Hopefrully once the whole buildings is fillied it will be lit up at it's set backs.

[66nexus]

Trump Tower is suppose to be lit up at the top with the light going against the vertical columns at the top. GS Buildings had more lights on on the top which mean more work beign done on the top floors. Hopefrully once the whole buildings is fillied it will be lit up at it's set backs.

That's gonna look tight. Do you know what colors they'd use? Or perhaps white light and let the color of the building give off a tan 'glow'. If they do the second Trump Tower the same way it would give JC a much further infill of buildings. The Metropolitan should be the icing on top lol

[tbal]

A medium-sized excavator was dropped off at the site of the approved 6-story builidng at 209-217 Newark Ave this morning.

The machine is presumably for the start of construction of this massive midrise building, with the most recently approved version of the building having passed through the Planning Board in May and a specialized soil testing company with some heavy-duty equipment having been at the site about a month or two ago.

This is the fifth major site on (or practically on) Newark Ave to see the start of some activity in the past two months alone.

Seems like this project has been on hold forever, so if construction does indeed begin, I think it will serve as a good indicator as to whether or not we'll be seeing other major projects break ground within the next 6 months.

[nafco]

looks like there should be lights when all is said and done

[66nexus]

looks like there should be lights when all is said and done

That's niiice! Hey that little 'platform' between the two Trumps looks like a parking lot or some kinda street. Anyone know?

[JCMAN320]

Sorry fans, no Beacon for this star

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

A recent report in the popular real-estate publication The Real Deal stated that Hollywood superstar Samuel L. Jackson purchased a $2.3 penthouse at the Beacon, where New York-based Metrovest is converting the old Art Deco Jersey City Medical Center into luxury condominiums.

As a newsman, the sale intrigued me on many levels.

Would Jackson become the highest-profile celebrity to grace this side of the Hudson River? How does this add to the maturation process of Jersey City?

Such speculation, however, will have to wait for another day now that a spokesman for the developer has denied the report, saying: "Samuel Jackson was in no way connected to the sale."

Though Jackson's Los Angeles-based publicist has yet to confirm or deny the report, I have to believe the developer would stay away from refuting the report, which, if true, would only bolster the development's image.

Jackson would have quickly become among the highest-profile celebrities with a Jersey City ZIP code. My apologies to current candidates: Tony Award-winning actor John Lloyd Young, of the hit Broadway show "Jersey Boys," and former boxing champion Arturo Gatti.

Politicians are in a position to affect history, so we can only hope they also possess a sense of it - but that does not seem to be the case in Hoboken.

As if Mayor David Roberts' public odyssey to gain more public access at a park adjacent to Toll Brothers' Maxwell Place was not absurd enough, he compared his plight to that of a heroic civil rights leader.

"Like Rosa Parks, we would not go quietly. We stood up and said 'No,'" Roberts told The Jersey Journal.

It would be easy to chalk up the comments to Roberts' impulsive personality and excitement over (almost) saving himself from public humiliation at the hands of a city employee, but it is so ridiculously off the mark that that it can't stand uncontested.

In the future, Mayor Roberts, please keep events in their proper perspective or else risk marginalizing yourself and the very goals you hope to achieve.

Silicon Valley East?

Well, maybe not, but two Jersey City Internet technology companies and a Hoboken biotech firm made Deloitte & Touche's annual list of the 50 fastest growing tech companies in the Garden State.

U.S. Tech Solutions - located at One Exchange Place - ranked fifth in the state after witnessing 4,354 percent growth during the past five years.

Meanwhile, Scivantage Inc. - at 10 Exchange Place - finished just one spot behind, after seeing nearly 3,000 percent growth during the same period.

Number 46 on the list was Hoboken-based Mindlance, which saw 267 percent growth.

In order to be eligible for the list, the companies must have had operating revenues of at least $50,000 in 2002 and at least $5 million in 2006.

[JCMAN320]

http://blog.nj.com/photos/af2af4fd2bd8efe512a8fc7fbe0a4a27.jpg

JCrew shoot in Jersey City

Varick and Mercer Streets blocked as they shot a JCrew catalogue in Chilltown
Uploaded by johnD on 08/17/07

[JCMAN320]

Misha, Mischa, Mischa!

by CraigTuesday August 21, 2007, 6:15 PM

Associated Press
Mischa Barton hasn't been seen much around Hoboken, but she has been making the rounds in Hudson County.

Barton (and co-star Bruce Willis) were spotted at Bayonne High School today filming their new movie, Assassination of a High School President. They'll likely still be shooting at the high school this evening and for the rest of the month. Bruce's daughter, Rumer Willis, also is in the movie, which is being billed as a "dark comedy."

Barton, you might recall, lives in Hoboken. She was reportedly living in the Archstone Hoboken, but was spotted moving out earlier this month; it's now reported she's living in the ultra-exclusive Hudson Tea building.

In addition to Bayonne, Mischa also was spotted in Jersey City last night.

Gawker has the story:

God, they weren't kidding about poor Mischa Barton moving to Jersey. Last night, from the mailbag: "Mischa Barton at A&P supermarket in Jersey City right now... she is buying stacks of Lunchables snack packs." We wrote back: "OH COME ON." Stalker: "True! She's with an older woman... her mother maybe?" Youch.

[TimmyG]

Two abatements get OK
Thursday, August 23, 2007

In other business at yesterday's council meeting, members approved a 20-year tax abatement for a market-rate condominium project at 120 York St. and a 10-year abatement for a market-rate project at Grand Street and Marin Boulevard in the Liberty Harbor North Redevelopment area.
The Council also approved an amendment to the Journal Square Redevelopment plan, where a mixed-use complex will rise on the Square.
The amendment allows for a plan to build two residential towers , one approximately 58 stories high, the other 38 stories, with retail space on the ground floor of each.
EARL MORGAN

[Bosco2BC]

That's niiice! Hey that little 'platform' between the two Trumps looks like a parking lot or some kinda street. Anyone know?

to answer your question, the "platform" between the two Trump buildings is actually the 7-floor parking garage servicing the entire complex. the top of this parking structure is where the heated pool, mini-park, playground, and fitness center will be located. at the street level of the parking garage will be a very large retail space... should be interesting to see who the tenant will be.

[injcsince81]

http://blog.nj.com/photos/af2af4fd2bd8efe512a8fc7fbe0a4a27.jpg

JCrew shoot in Jersey City

Varick and Mercer Streets blocked as they shot a JCrew catalogue in Chilltown
Uploaded by johnD on 08/17/07

I once had a JCrew baseball hat that had JC initials on the front.

I was not wearing it for JCrew, let's put it that way....

[ianmac47]

Newark Avenue Projects

I noticed a lot on the south side of Newark at Third Street had been cleared, down to bare earth, with an earth mover still sitting on the lot. This was across the street from the other Newark at Third Street Project on the north side of Newark Avenue, which is the demolition of the building.

The two 12 story projects on the west end of Newark Avenue still are just empty lots. Rumors are the project on the south side is waiting to be sold, but the project on the north side has also not had anything change in about 3 weeks, since they cleared the old buildings and debris. I would have thought they would be starting foundations already.

The project on Fifth St, just off Newark also has had little progress since about 10 days ago. They built up cinder block walls up to the first floor and have since stopped.

Finally, the lot on Newark just west of the North Fork bank has had some minor changes, the excavator had torn up some of the weeds but not dug any holes as far as I could see.

[artimusprime]

to answer your question, the "platform" between the two Trump buildings is actually the 7-floor parking garage servicing the entire complex. the top of this parking structure is where the heated pool, mini-park, playground, and fitness center will be located. at the street level of the parking garage will be a very large retail space... should be interesting to see who the tenant will be.

right thats were the load of amenities are. i actually bought at trump. i can see the building from my office at 545 washington. everyday i go get coffee and see it being put together piecemeal.

[66nexus]

to answer your question, the "platform" between the two Trump buildings is actually the 7-floor parking garage servicing the entire complex. the top of this parking structure is where the heated pool, mini-park, playground, and fitness center will be located. at the street level of the parking garage will be a very large retail space... should be interesting to see who the tenant will be.

So that's what it was. From the rendering I thought it was like an elevated 'avenue' so to speak lol

[JCexpert558]

I wonder if Jersey City will have a building like the Freedom Tower:confused:

[Malcontent]

A lot of rumors about a thousand footer coming to JC. Anyone else hear anything!

[JoeSas]

New hotel for Liberty Harbor North area approved
Planning Board gives nod to 300-room Hilton

Ricardo Kaulessar -- Hudson Reporter -- 08/24

DISCUSSING THE HOTEL – They were part of the discussion on the approved Hilton hotel in the Liberty Harbor North Redevelopment Area in Jersey City at the Aug. 14 Planning Board meeting.

No, it's not Paris. But Hilton is coming to Jersey City. This will be the second Hilton-owned hotel in New Jersey's second largest city, with the Doubletree Hotel on Washington Boulevard already in existence.

At its Aug. 14 meeting, the Jersey City Planning Board approved the plan for a Hilton Hotel to be built in the Liberty Harbor North redevelopment area in downtown Jersey City.

The plan includes not only the 321,366 sq. ft hotel with 300 rooms but also 470 residential units, a parking lot with over 700 parking spaces, and a 3,680 sq. ft retail space.

The hotel will be developed and managed by the Warren, N.J.-based Tramz Hotels Group.

Tarrunumn Murad, CEO of Tramz Hotels, said after the application was approved that construction for the hotel would start sometime later this year.

Liberty Harbor North is a massive undertaking by former North Bergen Mayor and longtime developer Peter Mocco that has spanned over 20 years, 80 acres, about 10,000 residential units, five million square feet of retail and office space combined, and 27 new city blocks.

Walkway - not right away

But at the Aug. 14 meeting, representatives for the hotel developers discussed with the attorney for Mocco the responsibility of building a portion of waterfront walkway about 30 feet across from what would be the entrance to the hotel.

State law requires developers on the Hudson River to build a portion of a public waterfront walkway that will eventually run from Bayonne to the George Washington Bridge.

A representative for the hotel developers said they will do a temporary walkway as they wait for a Waterfront Development Permit from the state's Department of Environmental Protection before they embark on doing a permanent walkway. A waterfront permit allows development near coastal waters, which in this case is the area near the Liberty Harbor Marina.

Mocco's attorney, Jon Campbell, said that since development of the rest of the Liberty Harbor area will take years to complete, the hotel developers should build a permanent walkway for those people who will moving into the Liberty Harbor area.

The board also sought to find out if the developers will build a permanent walkway.

Commissioner Leon Yost asked, "How soon?"

Board Chairman Michael Ryan said one of the conditions of the developers receiving approval for the hotel is to build the walkway.

Details of the hotel

An architect for the hotel, Alan Trousdale, said it will be a "focal point of life downtown" which will include a four-star restaurant. He said there will also be retail along Marin Boulevard that will add to the life the hotel will bring.

Trousdale said it will be one of a few atrium hotels in the New York/New Jersey area.

An atrium is a large open space, often several stories high and having a glazed roof and/or large windows usually at the entrance.

Also the hotel will have several ballrooms and conference rooms on the first three floors with the rest of the hotel having rooms.

There will also be two parts of the hotel, one part for guests and the other part for the residential units.

Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com (rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com)

[TimmyG]

That's good news. Does anyone know how many floors the Hilton will be?

[macmini]

That's good news. Does anyone know how many floors the Hilton will be?

It will have a 21 story Hotel & Condo tower ,8-Story Condo Building and Eight 4-Story Townhouses.

http://www.gradarchitects.com/large/95.jpg

[macmini]

LESS LOCAL

Outside money shrinks Square builder's share

Saturday, August 25, 2007 By KEN THORBOURNE

JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
The Jersey City-based company designated more than a year ago to develop a key block in Journal Square is now a minority owner in the mixed-use, $400 million project.

At a meeting of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency earlier this month, representatives of the partners said that Harwood Properties, headquartered in Journal Square, now has a 22 percent stake in the development.

The majority owner is the deep-pocketed Multi-Employer Property, based in Bethesda, Md., a national real estate equity fund that invests union pension funds. That company has a 66 percent interest in the project, representatives said.

MEPT has already invested $36.2 million, according to its Web site, mostly to help purchase the 1.5-acre site adjacent to the Journal Square PATH Transportation Center.

With $6.2 billion in assets, MEPT is expected to self-finance most of the construction, giving the project the advantage of eschewing conventional financing from banks, city officials said.

The third partner in the development is Becker + Becker, an architecture, planning, preservation and development firm based in Fairfield, Conn., which has a 12 percent stake in the development.

According to representatives of the companies, Becker + Becker has worked with MEPT on several projects, most notably "The Octagon," a 500-apartment renovation on New York City's Roosevelt Island.

Lowell Harwood, managing partner of Harwood Properties, said the reconfigured development team is a sign of confidence in the project.
"They came to Jersey City and they like what they saw and they are doing what should have been done in Journal Square many years ago," said Harwood, whose company has mostly built and owned parking lots.

The Journal Square project, which started out conceptually as two towers of equal size, is due to return to the Planning Board Sept. 25 for preliminary site plan approval.

As currently conceived, the north tower, to be built first, would be 62 stories - 55 stories of residential units sitting on a 7-story base consisting of parking and 150,000 square feet of retail, city officials said. The number of stories for the south tower would be in the "low 40s," the officials said.
Overall, the project could contain as many as 1,500 residential units, officials said.

The city is still in talks to try to relocate a McDonald's, a dentist's office, and a card store located at 15-16 Journal Square.

By the end of the year, the entire 1.5-acre site will be leveled so the expected two-year construction period can begin, officials said.

[JCMAN320]

Jersey City developers get 1-team assistance

Tuesday, August 28, 2007
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

New Jersey has "call before you dig"; Jersey City now has "talk before you build."

Jersey Mayor Jerramiah Healy announced last week the creation of the Smart Development Interdepartmental Team (SDIT), which will be responsible for coordinating and tracking development projects in the city.

It's not quite one-stop shopping, but it is one-stop collaboration: Developers still have to deal separately with various city agencies, but creation of the team means there will be at least one meeting a month in which every city agency having some involvement with a project will have a seat at the table, city officials said.

"In the past, some development projects have been bogged down by a lack of coordination among the numerous agencies involved," Healy said. "This group will provide structure and stability."

At a minimum, the SDIT - which has already reviewed the 22-acre development of New Jersey City University's west campus - will eliminate "plausible deniability," said Housing Economic Development and Commerce Acting Director Robert Antonicello. "No one can say they don't know."

City Planning Director Robert Cotter praised the effort, saying it allows city directors to see the "big picture" developments fit into.

The group meets the second Thursday of every month for roughly two hours and has representatives from 24 city agencies, officials said.

The next project scheduled to be considered by the SDIT is the $400 million, mixed-use development proposed for Journal Square.

[TimmyG]

This sounds like a good idea. I hope it actually smooths out the approval process rather making another hurdle.

[JCMAN320]

I bring good news!!! The Goldman Sachs upper floors along with the crown were lit up tonight!!!!!! There is hope yet for the tower to be lit up!!!

[JCexpert558]

I bring good news!!! The Goldman Sachs upper floors along with the crown were lit up tonight!!!!!! There is hope yet for the tower to be lit up!!!
Really because I remember never seeing the lights on The top of the Goldman Sachs building being lit up. As far as I remember that is:D

[MrWolf]

August 29, 2007

Jersey City Landlords Prosper in New York’s Shadow

By J. ALEX TARQUINIO

Although a few companies in other industries have begun moving in, office real estate in Jersey City is still very much an annex of Wall Street. Since modern towers started springing up along its waterfront in the 1990s, its fortunes have usually risen and fallen with the ebbs and flows in the financial markets.

In the last year, rents there have risen smartly, although not nearly as much as the rise in Lower Manhattan. Landlords are asking $36.85 a square foot on average for Class A office space in Jersey City now, up almost 14 percent from a year ago. During that time, average asking rents in Lower Manhattan rose more than 25 percent, to $50.59, according to Cushman & Wakefield, a real estate services company.

Brokers say the Jersey City office market is tight right now, especially along the waterfront, where most of the Class A towers have been built within the last 20 years. The waterfront has 24 office towers holding 14 million square feet of space. That is significantly more than the 14 top-quality office buildings holding 8 million square feet in Downtown Brooklyn, another business district within easy reach of Wall Street.

There are no development projects in sight in Jersey City, and the best-known buildings have had a flurry of lease signings recently, putting their occupancy rates above 90 percent.

For example, several companies recently took space at 10 Exchange Place, a 30-story, 700,000-square-foot office building. This includes a lease for 36,000 square feet that Opera Solutions, a global business consulting firm, signed in April, and a lease for 73,000 square feet that Rabobank International, a large Dutch bank, signed in May.

The building now has an occupancy rate of 92 percent, and is asking rents around $40 a square foot annually, said James J. Gillen, who is responsible for real estate in the New York metropolitan area for Invesco, a global asset manager based in London. Invesco manages 10 Exchange Place for a German institutional investment fund.

“Our building has all of the things you would want in a modern New York City building,” Mr. Gillen said, “and it is right at the foot of the stairs of the PATH train,” the commuter line running between Northern New Jersey and Manhattan.

Some global financial giants are carving out a bigger presence in Jersey City, but most of them are supplementing operations in Lower Manhattan.
Beginning last year, Deutsche Bank (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/deutsche_bank_ag/index.html?inline=nyt-org), a large diversified German company, signed a series of leases totaling almost 400,000 square feet at Harborside Financial Center, a Jersey City office complex with more than 3.6 million square feet in six office buildings. Some 300,000 square feet of that was new space, while 90,000 square feet was a renewal.

Lehman Brothers Holdings (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/lehman_brothers_holdings_inc/index.html?inline=nyt-org), the New York investment bank, recently signed a lease for more than 71,000 square feet at 101 Hudson Street, a 42-story, 1.25-million-square-foot office tower along the waterfront. This brings the total space Lehman leases in this building to more than 270,000 square feet.
And BNP Paribas (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/bnp_paribas_sa/index.html?inline=nyt-org), a financial company based in Paris, signed a lease this year for more than 110,000 square feet in Newport Tower, at 525 Washington Boulevard. This was the largest single lease signed in Jersey City this year, according to Cushman & Wakefield, whose brokers worked on both sides of the deal.
This week, BNP Paribas began moving in the first of 600 workers it plans to relocate from Manhattan. The company, which has about 2,400 employees in New York, plans to increase its local staff to around 3,000 employees by 2012. Larry Sobin, the chief operating officer of BNP Paribas North America, said 1,000 would be in Jersey City and the rest in the regional headquarters at 787 Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.
Mr. Sobin said most employees moving to Jersey City had jobs in departments like accounting, technology and human resources that support the capital markets and investment banking groups, which will remain in Manhattan. “We plan to take advantage of new technologies, like videoconferencing,” to make the arrangement work smoothly, he said.

Although lower costs are undoubtedly the major draw in Jersey City, many executives also want to decentralize their operations across the metropolitan region for security reasons, according to Patrick Murphy, who heads the suburban business for the CB Richard Ellis Group, a commercial real estate brokerage company.

A number of regional disruptions, both large and small, have occurred since the terrorist attacks in September 2001. A power grid failure caused a blackout in 2003. In July, a steam pipe exploded near Grand Central Terminal in Midtown. Also this summer, a tornado struck Brooklyn and a fatal fire broke out in the vacant Deutsche Bank Building, which is being dismantled near ground zero.

Mr. Sobin said the difficulty of getting people off the island of Manhattan during a crisis was one factor in BNP Paribas’s decision to put part of its operations in Jersey City. “In the event there’s a crisis, we want to make sure that the bank continues operating,” Mr. Sobin said. “We already have a data center in a different location in New Jersey (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/national/usstatesterritoriesandpossessions/newjersey/index.html?inline=nyt-geo) and a backup data center in a suburb of Philadelphia.”

Brokers say the rise in rents in Jersey City is largely an indirect effect of the soaring rents in Lower Manhattan. But they expect the tight space and the lack of new construction to add to the pricing pressure.
But if developers decide to construct buildings in New Jersey, they have one big advantage over their counterparts in New York City, said Bob Alexander, regional chairman of CB Richard Ellis. They can build much more quickly. “If it’s built to suit, Jersey’s going to be able to put it up quicker than in New York,” which is notoriously slow in granting permits, he said.

He estimated that an office tower could be completed 12 to 18 months faster than in New York City. So, he said, developers did not feel the same pressure to build “on spec” — without a major tenant already signed up — in a strong real estate market. They prefer to sign an anchor tenant first and design a building to suit its specifications.

There is certainly room to grow. For example, enough land exists for three new buildings, totaling 3.5 million square feet, at Harborside Financial Center, said Mitchell Hersh, the president and chief executive of the Mack-Cali Realty Corporation (http://www.nytimes.com/mem/MWredirect.html?MW=http://custom.marketwatch.com/custom/nyt-com/html-companyprofile.asp&symb=CLI), a real estate investment trust based in Edison, N.J. Mack-Cali owns most of Harborside Financial Center and 101 Hudson Street, among other buildings in Jersey City.

Mr. Hersh said that initially he would like to build a million-square-foot building at Harborside, in Plaza 4, at Exchange Place and Christopher Columbus Drive. He said he was in preliminary talks with a few potential tenants that have offices in Midtown Manhattan and are “examining very carefully the options of moving significant parts of their work force, for obvious reasons of cost savings.”

But Mr. Hersh said he had no plans to build anything that size until he was able to prelease about 350,000 square feet. “I have been reluctant to build on spec,” he said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/29/business/29jersey.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&ref=business

[JCMAN320]

Well I hope Plaza 4 goes through soon and the new GS Building will be under way once the current one is full by 09 they left that out in the article.

Also yes it wasn't a UFO I witnessed last night lol, it was the top 8 floors lit up with construction lights and some lights in the crown were on, it will be intersting to see if they are back on tonight.

[Malcontent]

I heard there were rederings of GS II available. Does anyone have it available?

[JCMAN320]

I'm with Mal I can't even find any but I saw it on T.V. but no online.

Locals snap up Jersey City condos

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Real estate pundits love to highlight New York City's supposed love affair with Jersey City's real estate market, citing the familiar trend of Big Apple residents being seduced across the Hudson River by lower prices and proximity to Manhattan's job market.

But although they may lack the news appeal and marketing value of the mighty New Yorker, Jersey City residents are purchasing homes here in great numbers, an interesting and often overlooked trend in the local housing market.

For example, roughly 53 percent of the first 223 properties sold in the Liberty Harbor North development went to Jersey City residents, according to the project's developer Peter Mocco.

"What it clearly demonstrates is a large number of Jersey City residents who had been renters or temporary residents have made the decision to be permanent homeowners in Jersey City," Mocco said.

"It validates that people are voting with their pocketbook," he added.

No surprise, developers tell me that many of these local buyers are not lifelong residents, but transient people who came to Jersey City for work and decided to stick around.

Many of the buyers have previously purchased property in the area and now want to trade up to some of the city's more luxurious condos, according to developers.

"People are here, and they see home prices rising, and they are buying a home with the confidence that they are going to continue to rise," said Mary Boorman, senior vice president of Pinnacle Properties, which has seen 40 percent of the first 161 units at its Mandalay on the Hudson go to local buyers - compared to 25 percent to New Yorkers.

There are similar trends at The Residences at Dixon Mills, where roughly 50 percent of the first 50 available units went to local buyers, while 22 percent went to New Yorkers.

The media's focus on New Yorkers' affinity for Jersey City is largely due to spin doctors who sell reporters on trends that happen to coincide with a developer's marketing plan.

Local developers have long courted New York buyers for a number of reasons, so stories about people crossing the river for lower prices is not only a good news hook, it's also good for business.

[JCMAN320]

http://www.panepintoproperties.com/site.html

Check the site out and go under "Office". There is a proposed office project called PATHside @ Journal Square. It looks to be on the same property as the Burger King and Dunkin Dounts on the Summit Ave. side of JSQ. I can tell this because if you go to "Retail", the Burger King is listed as the site of the proposed PATHside @ JSQ. Wirth talking a look at maybe it might happen along with the long awaited JSQ Plaza 3 on JFK Blvd.

[JCMAN320]

End of the road for Garfield Avenue bus route

by N. Clark Judd Wednesday August 29, 2007, 8:09 PM

Bus service in Jersey City will get even worse next week.

Effective Monday, Red & Tan in Hudson County's No. 3 bus along Garfield Avenue will stop running, Red & Tan officials have announced.

In notices posted on the buses and at bus stations, the company is asking its customers to take the No. 99 bus that runs along Ocean Avenue, one block away.

"It's being discontinued because of a very low passenger count," said Red & Tan district general manager John Emberson, who declined to provide specifics on numbers. He said he notified the city in July and officials posted notices last week.

Some commuters saw the notices, and others said they didn't.

Jacqueline Wynn, a No. 3 rider who received a flier from a bus driver last Thursday, sees it as an inconvenience regardless.

"The 99 takes too long," she said. "I'm going to have to wait another half an hour for it."

Another rider, Clara Williams, said she didn't hear about the change until she noticed a flier posted on the bus this morning. "We just found out this morning," she said as she boarded the bus this afternoon.

Williams said she is frustrated the bus is being eliminated -- even after riders accepted the loss of Sunday service in February.

"We did everything that they wanted us to do," she said.

Emberson says the disappearance of the No. 3 bus is a consequence of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail's success -- and that further cuts are a possibility.

"The Light Rail has a tremendous impact on us, on our operations in Hudson County," Emberson said, adding that he believes based on internal studies that many of the Light Rail's riders were formerly Red & Tan customers.

Asked if there will be further reductions in service as a result, Emberson responded, "That's a strong possibility," but declined to go into specifics pending the results of more internal studies. Emberson said the Red & Tan's strongest route, the 10/99S bus, is not in jeopardy.

But beginning last Monday, Red & Tan in Hudson County discontinued one route along Central Avenue and moved its 10/99S bus route to Central Avenue from Palisade Avenue in a controversial compromise with members of the Central Avenue Special Improvement District.
Central Avenue business owners said they need the service to keep customers coming during the day, but Palisade Avenue residents complain that the change leaves them with an even longer morning commute and a long, dark walk home at night.

[JCexpert558]

I keep thinking that JC is never going to surpass newark because it's population is to small. But Newak is not a major city so the results of both of the cities becoming big is never. But in my opinion Jersey City is most likely to become the biggest city and most concentrated area of New Jersey. Epsecially since it is having a major building boom at the moment.:)

[66nexus]

I keep thinking that JC is never going to surpass newark because it's population is to small. But Newak is not a major city so the results of both of the cities becoming big is never. But in my opinion Jersey City is most likely to become the biggest city and most concentrated area of New Jersey. Epsecially since it is having a major building boom at the moment.:)

Okay whoa-whoa. Newark, although not as major as say...LA or NYC, is definitely a major city. Jersey City is also a major city. NJ's two largest are both mid-size cities which this country has plenty of i.e. (Miami, Oakland, St. Louis, etc.). A city doesn't have to carry a huge populace to be major one

ps: JC is already the densest of NJ's largest cities

[JCexpert558]

Well I only said that because you dont seee people talking about the cities like they do with NYC and LA. Like what you last posted, "JC is the densest city in NJ." You dont see people talking about that all the time.

[nafco]

http://www.panepintoproperties.com/site.html

Check the site out and go under "Office". There is a proposed office project called PATHside @ Journal Square. It looks to be on the same property as the Burger King and Dunkin Dounts on the Summit Ave. side of JSQ. I can tell this because if you go to "Retail", the Burger King is listed as the site of the proposed PATHside @ JSQ. Wirth talking a look at maybe it might happen along with the long awaited JSQ Plaza 3 on JFK Blvd.

JCman, if you go to property map at the bottom of the website, it looks like pathside will actually be at the eastern corner of pavonia and summit, and the stupid burger king, dunkin donuts will remain.

[JCMAN320]

Nafco I know what you mean, but they own the BK and list it as where PATHside will be across from it is very Venitian apt building that has some condos in it so I doubt it will go. Th BK and Dunkin Dounts is where it will be if you look at it's other properties the map is not to scale.

[66nexus]

Well I only said that because you dont seee people talking about the cities like they do with NYC and LA. Like what you last posted, "JC is the densest city in NJ." You dont see people talking about that all the time.

True but LA and NYC are both 'world' cities. A lot of other major American cities do not compare to those two as they are the largest cities in the US.

[nafco]

Nafco I know what you mean, but they own the BK and list it as where PATHside will be across from it is very Venitian apt building that has some condos in it so I doubt it will go. Th BK and Dunkin Dounts is where it will be if you look at it's other properties the map is not to scale.

oh ok, i see what youre saying. and the footprint of the building makes a lot more sense in that location too. ok, well thats def an improvement for that site then. :)

[JCexpert558]

Has anybody been hearing anything new about the Metropolitan building yet:confused:

[JCMAN320]

JC I Know Pep Boys has not renewed it's lease, so once the lease ends it will be vacant and be able to make way for the Metropolitan.

[JCexpert558]

Do you also know when the lease will be up:confused:

[Hamilton]

JC I Know Pep Boys has not renewed it's lease, so once the lease ends it will be vacant and be able to make way for the Metropolitan.

JCMan, love your posts as always, but I do want to point out that you consistently write it's where its would be appropriate. Just a pet peeve. Sorry.

it's = it is
its = belonging to 'it'

[JCMAN320]

Thank you Hamilton I appreciate the praise and the correction I will make note to improve. When I write these posts during the day they are between work and class so I rush it. But I will be more careful. Thx again.

JC not exactly but it shuld be up before the Xmas holiday.

[conan]

Financial Times of London

By Christopher Bowe in New York
Published: August 31 2007 13:40 | Last updated: August 31 2007 13:40

I’ve become used to the looks of horror passing over people’s faces when I tell them I’ve moved from the East Village of Manhattan to Jersey City, New Jersey. “Oh ... ” is the near universal response as they verbally start to back away. One friend asked “How do you get there?”, as if it might require a flight. Another wanted to know if I’d stolen my first car yet. And when I told a colleague about my relocation, she recounted a fearful tale of going to “Jersey” to buy her new Mercedes-Benz but feeling so embarrassed about having license plates from the state that, upon arriving home in New York, she removed them and kept the car in a garage until replacements came.
I’ll admit that Jersey City, New Jersey is an awkward name; two mentions of “Jersey” in the same breath is too much for most New Yorkers. And many people have long associated the town with severe industrial decay and political corruption.

But these days, Jersey City is a thriving boom town, in the midst of a construction surge that could add 65,000 new housing units in 25 years, all priced well below New York’s red-hot property market. With a new baby in tow, my wife and I were able to find a late-19th-century, two-storey apartment more than twice the size of our old East Village space for roughly the same cost. Bars, restaurants and shops – some new and trendy, some old mainstays – are sprinkled throughout a neighbourhood sprouting from decades of change. A walk through its green spaces is like a tour through prewar America and the state park along New York Harbor, with views to the Statue of Liberty, is only a 15-minute stroll away.

As Jersey City residents, my wife and I no longer pay New York City personal income tax, a not insignificant boost to our standard of living. And my ride to work – on the PATH train that runs under the Hudson River – is no longer the one I used to take using Manhattan subways from the East Village.
Yet, in New York, Jersey City still prompts people to raise an sceptical eyebrow. It’s one of those places that is so very close to a great world city yet somehow ever so far away. In fact, my simple trip to work in Manhattan could be the least respected quick commute in the world.

That’s not to say there aren’t other people with the same problem.
In London, the rehabilitation of the Docklands, an area of shipping and rail terminals just east of the City financial centre, opened it up to high-quality commercial and residential developments; there’s even a Gordon Ramsay pub there now. But those who have left more established neighbourhoods for the converted lofts and modern condominiums further east still get questions about what they were thinking.

“Everyone asks when we’re coming back to civilisation,” says Frank Smith, who moved to a penthouse in Limehouse Basin with his partner, Christopher Wilks, last year. “Most of the clientele for our cabinet-making business is in the West End and Chelsea. And when our friends visit, they feel they’re coming on an excursion; nine times out of ten we tell them to bring their clothes and stay over.”

Partly because of these reactions, Smith has realised that he, too, is a city-centre snob. “Our apartment is beautiful, it overlooks a marina, we have one of the best views in London – and I can’t wait to sell it,” he says.

Robert Lang, an urban planning expert and director of the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech university, confirms that Smith is facing the same problem in the Docklands that I am in Jersey City. “There’s a legacy, a stigma,” he says. “But it’s just a near-miss from some of the most glorious places in the world. Both got remade because of proximity.”

Istanbul offers another, older case study. Continents really are crossed as commuters drive over the Bosphorus from the city’s suburban Asian side to its European cultural and business centre. The latter is synonymous with urban chic, while the former is “totally the opposite of hip”, says Istanbul native Defne Chaffin.

Residents of San Francisco, one of the US’s most fabled cities, look just as unfavourably upon Oakland, its neighbour across the bay. “People try to convince themselves” that living outside San Francisco itself is pleasant and “there are some militant East Bayers”, says one pharmaceutical executive who has lived in the better known city for 20 years. But “Oakland [still] has an inferiority complex.”

Water is a common divide for such perceptions. It also separates the Asian financial capital and former British colony of Hong Kong from Kowloon in mainland China. Although it’s just a short, one-train-stop commute from one to the other, many regard the journey as a jump from glittering city to the “dark side”. “Kowloon really is too much of China,” says Peter McMillan, a financial analyst who was born and raised in the area.

Still, since moving to New York in 2005, even he now agrees that the stigma I face – “the distaste when one tells people they live in Jersey and the funny look on their faces” – is worse.

Doug Muzzio, professor of public policy at Baruch College in New York, thinks the situation is best summed up by a famous 1976 New Yorker cover, which showed a Manhattanite’s view from 9th Avenue. New Jersey is just a strip of dirt almost as distant as the Pacific Ocean. “New Yorkers are a chauvinistic bunch,” he says.

But that was 30 years ago, when Jersey City was indeed a troubled ghost town, a steel-spaghetti mess of abandoned railyards, decaying piers and warehouses. Today, it is full of gleaming new skyscrapers housing high-profile companies, such as Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan Chase. The downtown area, along the river and facing Manhattan, has been rejuvenated. Once neglected 19th- and early-20th-century brownstones – famously offered for $7,500 in a radio advertisement broadcast during a 1976 New York Yankees’ World Series baseball game – are now valued at $1m. New hotels are popping up. And residential construction is booming.

Prime new waterfront condominium projects include 77 Hudson and a Trump tower, with luxury units offering a bird’s eye view of Manhattan, priced from $500,000 to $1m. Others are Grove Point, Athena Group’s “A” building and LeFrak Corporation’s new tower at Newport, an extension of the ground-breaking development that turned the railyards into a suburban-urban mini-city on the river.

Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas is designing his first large-scale US residential project, a 52-storey tower of stacked rectangular blocks for artists’ lofts, a gallery, condos, a hotel and shops, to serve as the centrepiece of an arts district planned near the hulking shell of a power station. The city’s foreboding, massive, run-down hospital, located on a hill away from the waterfront in what locals call “the real Jersey City”, is now an art deco condo building, with a penthouse that recently sold for $2.3m. And Liberty Harbour, from developer Peter Mocco and architect Andre’s Duany, is transforming an abandoned plot along a tidal basin into new streets of old-style, low-rise city residences.

The idea, says Bob Cotter, city planning director, is to emphasise a “human scale”, encouraging foot traffic and continuity with the past. It’s an attempt to rebuild the best of Jersey City life before the 1970s, when residents began moving to the suburbs en masse. “Essentially the whole downtown section of town went from being upper class to abandoned in a decade,” he says.
That swift demise is what makes Jersey City an excellent test case for redevelopment and reputation recovery, according to urban planning experts. Its initiatives, successes, failures and future will be closely watched.

More broadly, Lang says, it is part of a global trend changing the dynamics of the world’s great cities. Central, first-tier, neighbourhoods are not enough to support growing economies and middle-class populations any more; urban property prices are soaring and developers have run out of space on which to build both homes and offices. As a result, the orbiting cloud of the huge metropolis must expand, once-maligned surrounding areas must be enveloped and, eventually, long-held myths and stereotypes must be destroyed.
“The scale of the metropolitan areas around the world is so much bigger that [what is considered to be] the core must be bigger,” Lang says. “In those terms, Jersey City is at the centre of it all.”

Of course, my Jersey City is an almost 30-year work in progress and some of the worries that people have about it are legitimate. In spite of improvements, including new housing, the city’s schools have been under state control for two decades because of historically low quality, which continues to discourage young families from coming to the area. Last year saw the launch of a large road resurfacing project but other infrastructure is stressed. The city is also poorer than the national average, with 19 per cent of residents living below the poverty line. And crime, which had been on the rise, only started to fall last year, bucking regional and national trends, which the mayor attributes to his plan to form a gang task force and increase the number of police. These are the growing pains of a city that fell fast and hard even by global standards.

There are things I miss about living in New York too. Late-night food can be challenging to find in Jersey City and the energy and verve of street life isn’t the same. “Cool” does count in terms of coveted places to live and all the disrespected commuter towns suffer from a deficit of this elusive quality; quiet is always a double-edged sword, no matter what continent you’re living on.

Even Cotter acknowledges that Jersey City will never be Manhattan, just as Oakland will never be San Francisco and Kowloon will never be Hong Kong. Still, he says, at some point in the future, it “might be better than Brooklyn”. And perhaps that’s the real contest: to be the next best, and closest, residential destination.

Jersey City mayor Jerramiah Healy, who is a vivid proxy for his city (unpolished and slightly dishevelled with an accent echoing of an older era in the region) also knows he is fighting a pitched battle. “I can’t stop people from saying New Jersey or Jersey City is second-rate. You can’t persuade all the people to see the light. [But] if you visit our city, you’ll see the secret is out.”

I realise it’s a state of the human condition to justify living in any area, particularly if it’s less desirable. Within me now, there is a little part of the militant East Bayers the pharmaceutical executive knows and the Istanbul Asian-siders who force their friends to come visit. You get the feeling that people who move to Manhattan from elsewhere like to to reinvent themselves as ultra-New-Yorkers by denigrating places like Jersey City. But the city changes and the search for better living is its lifeblood. Having resided in Jersey City for 12 months now, I swear it all melts together into one New York, except I now have more space for less money, better views and, perhaps most importantly, no attitude.

Copyright (http://www.ft.com/servicestools/help/copyright) The Financial Times Limited 2007

[66nexus]

Financial Times of London

By Christopher Bowe in New York
Published: August 31 2007 13:40 | Last updated: August 31 2007 13:40

I’ve become used to the looks of horror passing over people’s faces when I tell them I’ve moved from the East Village of Manhattan to Jersey City, New Jersey. “Oh ... ” is the near universal response as they verbally start to back away. One friend asked “How do you get there?”, as if it might require a flight. Another wanted to know if I’d stolen my first car yet. And when I told a colleague about my relocation, she recounted a fearful tale of going to “Jersey” to buy her new Mercedes-Benz but feeling so embarrassed about having license plates from the state that, upon arriving home in New York, she removed them and kept the car in a garage until replacements came.
I’ll admit that Jersey City, New Jersey is an awkward name; two mentions of “Jersey” in the same breath is too much for most New Yorkers. And many people have long associated the town with severe industrial decay and political corruption.

But these days, Jersey City is a thriving boom town, in the midst of a construction surge that could add 65,000 new housing units in 25 years, all priced well below New York’s red-hot property market. With a new baby in tow, my wife and I were able to find a late-19th-century, two-storey apartment more than twice the size of our old East Village space for roughly the same cost. Bars, restaurants and shops – some new and trendy, some old mainstays – are sprinkled throughout a neighbourhood sprouting from decades of change. A walk through its green spaces is like a tour through prewar America and the state park along New York Harbor, with views to the Statue of Liberty, is only a 15-minute stroll away.

As Jersey City residents, my wife and I no longer pay New York City personal income tax, a not insignificant boost to our standard of living. And my ride to work – on the PATH train that runs under the Hudson River – is no longer the one I used to take using Manhattan subways from the East Village.
Yet, in New York, Jersey City still prompts people to raise an sceptical eyebrow. It’s one of those places that is so very close to a great world city yet somehow ever so far away. In fact, my simple trip to work in Manhattan could be the least respected quick commute in the world.

That’s not to say there aren’t other people with the same problem.
In London, the rehabilitation of the Docklands, an area of shipping and rail terminals just east of the City financial centre, opened it up to high-quality commercial and residential developments; there’s even a Gordon Ramsay pub there now. But those who have left more established neighbourhoods for the converted lofts and modern condominiums further east still get questions about what they were thinking.

“Everyone asks when we’re coming back to civilisation,” says Frank Smith, who moved to a penthouse in Limehouse Basin with his partner, Christopher Wilks, last year. “Most of the clientele for our cabinet-making business is in the West End and Chelsea. And when our friends visit, they feel they’re coming on an excursion; nine times out of ten we tell them to bring their clothes and stay over.”

Partly because of these reactions, Smith has realised that he, too, is a city-centre snob. “Our apartment is beautiful, it overlooks a marina, we have one of the best views in London – and I can’t wait to sell it,” he says.

Robert Lang, an urban planning expert and director of the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech university, confirms that Smith is facing the same problem in the Docklands that I am in Jersey City. “There’s a legacy, a stigma,” he says. “But it’s just a near-miss from some of the most glorious places in the world. Both got remade because of proximity.”

Istanbul offers another, older case study. Continents really are crossed as commuters drive over the Bosphorus from the city’s suburban Asian side to its European cultural and business centre. The latter is synonymous with urban chic, while the former is “totally the opposite of hip”, says Istanbul native Defne Chaffin.

Residents of San Francisco, one of the US’s most fabled cities, look just as unfavourably upon Oakland, its neighbour across the bay. “People try to convince themselves” that living outside San Francisco itself is pleasant and “there are some militant East Bayers”, says one pharmaceutical executive who has lived in the better known city for 20 years. But “Oakland [still] has an inferiority complex.”

Water is a common divide for such perceptions. It also separates the Asian financial capital and former British colony of Hong Kong from Kowloon in mainland China. Although it’s just a short, one-train-stop commute from one to the other, many regard the journey as a jump from glittering city to the “dark side”. “Kowloon really is too much of China,” says Peter McMillan, a financial analyst who was born and raised in the area.

Still, since moving to New York in 2005, even he now agrees that the stigma I face – “the distaste when one tells people they live in Jersey and the funny look on their faces” – is worse.

Doug Muzzio, professor of public policy at Baruch College in New York, thinks the situation is best summed up by a famous 1976 New Yorker cover, which showed a Manhattanite’s view from 9th Avenue. New Jersey is just a strip of dirt almost as distant as the Pacific Ocean. “New Yorkers are a chauvinistic bunch,” he says.

But that was 30 years ago, when Jersey City was indeed a troubled ghost town, a steel-spaghetti mess of abandoned railyards, decaying piers and warehouses. Today, it is full of gleaming new skyscrapers housing high-profile companies, such as Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan Chase. The downtown area, along the river and facing Manhattan, has been rejuvenated. Once neglected 19th- and early-20th-century brownstones – famously offered for $7,500 in a radio advertisement broadcast during a 1976 New York Yankees’ World Series baseball game – are now valued at $1m. New hotels are popping up. And residential construction is booming.

Prime new waterfront condominium projects include 77 Hudson and a Trump tower, with luxury units offering a bird’s eye view of Manhattan, priced from $500,000 to $1m. Others are Grove Point, Athena Group’s “A” building and LeFrak Corporation’s new tower at Newport, an extension of the ground-breaking development that turned the railyards into a suburban-urban mini-city on the river.

Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas is designing his first large-scale US residential project, a 52-storey tower of stacked rectangular blocks for artists’ lofts, a gallery, condos, a hotel and shops, to serve as the centrepiece of an arts district planned near the hulking shell of a power station. The city’s foreboding, massive, run-down hospital, located on a hill away from the waterfront in what locals call “the real Jersey City”, is now an art deco condo building, with a penthouse that recently sold for $2.3m. And Liberty Harbour, from developer Peter Mocco and architect Andre’s Duany, is transforming an abandoned plot along a tidal basin into new streets of old-style, low-rise city residences.

The idea, says Bob Cotter, city planning director, is to emphasise a “human scale”, encouraging foot traffic and continuity with the past. It’s an attempt to rebuild the best of Jersey City life before the 1970s, when residents began moving to the suburbs en masse. “Essentially the whole downtown section of town went from being upper class to abandoned in a decade,” he says.
That swift demise is what makes Jersey City an excellent test case for redevelopment and reputation recovery, according to urban planning experts. Its initiatives, successes, failures and future will be closely watched.

More broadly, Lang says, it is part of a global trend changing the dynamics of the world’s great cities. Central, first-tier, neighbourhoods are not enough to support growing economies and middle-class populations any more; urban property prices are soaring and developers have run out of space on which to build both homes and offices. As a result, the orbiting cloud of the huge metropolis must expand, once-maligned surrounding areas must be enveloped and, eventually, long-held myths and stereotypes must be destroyed.
“The scale of the metropolitan areas around the world is so much bigger that [what is considered to be] the core must be bigger,” Lang says. “In those terms, Jersey City is at the centre of it all.”

Of course, my Jersey City is an almost 30-year work in progress and some of the worries that people have about it are legitimate. In spite of improvements, including new housing, the city’s schools have been under state control for two decades because of historically low quality, which continues to discourage young families from coming to the area. Last year saw the launch of a large road resurfacing project but other infrastructure is stressed. The city is also poorer than the national average, with 19 per cent of residents living below the poverty line. And crime, which had been on the rise, only started to fall last year, bucking regional and national trends, which the mayor attributes to his plan to form a gang task force and increase the number of police. These are the growing pains of a city that fell fast and hard even by global standards.

There are things I miss about living in New York too. Late-night food can be challenging to find in Jersey City and the energy and verve of street life isn’t the same. “Cool” does count in terms of coveted places to live and all the disrespected commuter towns suffer from a deficit of this elusive quality; quiet is always a double-edged sword, no matter what continent you’re living on.

Even Cotter acknowledges that Jersey City will never be Manhattan, just as Oakland will never be San Francisco and Kowloon will never be Hong Kong. Still, he says, at some point in the future, it “might be better than Brooklyn”. And perhaps that’s the real contest: to be the next best, and closest, residential destination.

Jersey City mayor Jerramiah Healy, who is a vivid proxy for his city (unpolished and slightly dishevelled with an accent echoing of an older era in the region) also knows he is fighting a pitched battle. “I can’t stop people from saying New Jersey or Jersey City is second-rate. You can’t persuade all the people to see the light. [But] if you visit our city, you’ll see the secret is out.”

I realise it’s a state of the human condition to justify living in any area, particularly if it’s less desirable. Within me now, there is a little part of the militant East Bayers the pharmaceutical executive knows and the Istanbul Asian-siders who force their friends to come visit. You get the feeling that people who move to Manhattan from elsewhere like to to reinvent themselves as ultra-New-Yorkers by denigrating places like Jersey City. But the city changes and the search for better living is its lifeblood. Having resided in Jersey City for 12 months now, I swear it all melts together into one New York, except I now have more space for less money, better views and, perhaps most importantly, no attitude.

Copyright (http://www.ft.com/servicestools/help/copyright) The Financial Times Limited 2007


Honestly, I think JC is already better than Brooklyn, but then, it's all a matter of preference (granted, when/if Atlantic Yards happens then that, perhaps, would change)

[JCMAN320]

I agree JC is more refined than Brookyln. I found that article this afternoon but was otu at a BBQ so couldn't post it.

They are write though I hate NY'ers for their chavinest, patronizing, and childish views and actions in regards to Jersey, in their eyes, not being cool. NY'er's gotta grow up and get a clue. I mean being embarrased for having a Jersey liscene plate give me a freggin break. I mean I have heard the lamest excuses that JC and Hudson County as a whole is stealing NY's shine and that we should just wither away and lay in squalor. NY'ers wonder why we are so combative over here in Jersey whenever they give a off color remark, because enough is enough and the shoe is finally tieing itself on the other foot.

Also I always said that JC's waterfront redevelopment parrallels or is similar to that of London's Docklands development.

[Derek2k3]

More refined or more corporately soulless than Dtwn. Brooklyn? The fact that many people/companies only move there because its cheap is nothing to brag about. Anyway just be happy where you live, why care so much of what others think?

[66nexus]

More refined or more corporately soulless than Dtwn. Brooklyn? The fact that many people/companies only move there because its cheap is nothing to brag about. Anyway just be happy where you live, why care so much of what others think?

There's nothing wrong with a company moving in the name of cost-effectiveness. If that means a city can get several or more companies based off of that then so be it.
Additionally, I believe it's definitely less about what others 'think' versus what they actually say. I mean c'mon, JCMAN's right, embarrassed about a Jersey license plate? That doesn't even sound like NY'ers IMO.

[nafco]

I cant really agree that brooklyn and JC are close to eachother. As someone who has lived in brooklyn for over 4 years, I think it has an urbanness, community and night life that JC cant really touch right now. With that being said, through better development, JC is getting there, but is still pretty far behind where brooklyn is now. On the other hand, Jc has a stronger office market and a cleaner and newer downtown which is helping its growth and image. They are just two different cities so comparing them gets into a grey area.

[JCMAN320]

I don't mean refined by Downtown but I mean all of JC is quite refined. BKLYN is much mroe dense and larger than we are and that's just because of geogrpahic size, but the street names, style of older architecture, extremely diverse, they way both cities formed by the combination and annexation of original Dutch towns creating many shopping districts; with all that JC and BKLYN are very similar. In terms of night life, JC will get there over the years JC has and continued to suprise and prove the naysayers wrong. People remember JC is more than just Downtown and is extremely urban. I mean JC is one of the mostest densly populated cities int eh country and again is extremely urban. Also JC has a large sense of community.

Also remember JC is creating a new Downtown where railyards and warehouses dominated, our original Downtown was JSQ, which is one the verge of a huge comback. BKLYN had a Downtown from jump when it was formed.

Trust me Jersey City will shuty up all the critics and naysayers, just give it time.

[macmini]

Credit crash creates a boon for new luxury development
by Jarrett Renshaw -- Jersey Journal
Tuesday, September 04, 2007


The national credit crash that exploded in the sub-prime mortgage market has done more than just send the stock market on a roller coaster ride.

With mortgage lenders getting more cautious as a result of the sub-prime crisis, coupled with rises in both interest rates and housing prices, more and more people are expected to see renting as a more stable and secure financial option, experts say, and the evidence is mounting in Jersey City.

In the first week alone, the 30-story Grove Pointe development saw more than 140 of its 458 luxury rental units fly off the shelf.

"We were pleasantly surprised at the amount of interest," said Jonathan Kushner, a principal of SK Properties, which is developing the property, on Grove Street across from the PATH Station in Downtown Jersey City. "We are getting 60 to 75 phone calls a day, and it came without us advertising the property."

The same goes for the development up the street, 50 Columbus, a joint venture between Applied Development Co. and Panepinto Properties, where 739 people asked to be alerted when the leasing office opens in less than two weeks for the 400 rental units.

The early success of these projects proves there is plenty of demand for rentals in a market that has been dominated by the seemingly endless construction of high rise luxury condos in recent years.

"The for-rent housing market and for-sale market have an inverse relationship," said Jeffrey Otteau, president of the Otteau Valuation Group, a real estate consulting company that publishes quarterly reports on New Jersey's real estate market. "when one strengthens, the other one weakens."

Otteau said that Jersey City's close proximity to New York City-a unique market that has fended off downward national trends - will help insulate it from these typical shifts toward the rental market, but it won't make it immune.

"The housing market is the strongest market in New Jersey," Otteau said. "With prices in New York City, at the lower end, running $1,100 a square foot, and in Jersey City running $600 a square foot, potential home buyers will see some cost savings."

Kushner acknowledged that market conditions have helped drive interest in his building, but he said his company's decision to construct rental housing was not a result of reading the tea leaves of the market.

"That's what we mainly do," Kushner said, adding that only five percent of his company's portfolio is dedicated to condos. "We have 3,000 units in the pipeline in Jersey City, spread out among five projects, and they are all rental."

Though the properties are rentals - starting out at roughly $1,600 a month for a studio - they come with many of the amenities offered at the city's luxury condos, such as a concierge service, a pool, covered parking garage, public lounge and wireless Internet service, among other things.

Experts say these amenities packages are now standard in Jersey City, as developers compete with New York City, where luxury standards have been the norm for years.

"We have to offer these amenities, and we want to," Kushner said. "When you're building this many units, spreading the cost of a pool over more than 400 units is penny on a dollar."

[giselehaslice]

Any new construction photos anyone?
Anxious to see Trump, 77 Hudson, Liberty Harbor....

[Malcontent]

Great news!!! Maybe the Applied rentals in LHN will break gound soon!!

[nafco]

Yes. The Harwood family is negotiating with the owners of the other buildings that are left to buy them and demolish them so he can get on with the construction. If an agreement is not reached but late September, the city will take the properties through eminent domain.

just saw this from almost exactly a year ago today. Thought it was kinda funny that they still keep pushing the date back on demolition of the exisiting buildings on the square. Im surprised they cant cut a deal with moving Mcdonalds to some of those vacant storefronts nearby on bergen or buying out a shitty dollar store down the street on JFK. Sometimes, big investors will buy out a business for a year or two and then let them relocate in their new building once its complete. But working in an architectural office, I know that sometimes the worst part of getting a project complete is not the design or contruction, but the approval, especially if something else is in the way

[wander118]

According to "the heartbeat" which is a newsletter for mcginley square residents, work continues every day on the old courthouse and by next spring they'll be announcing the grand opening of the 32 unit condo complex.

I haven't seen much activity at the site, but I did notice that the roof is off the one building that stretches to fairmount.

[JCMAN320]

I go to school at SPC there has been a lot of activity. New boards over windows and other openings have gone up and there is construction crews in there everyday and work lights are hung throughout the place.

[wander118]

I go to school at SPC there has been a lot of activity. New boards over windows and other openings have gone up and there is construction crews in there everyday and work lights are hung throughout the place.

cool! it must be that by the time I drive by after work, construction has wrapped for the day.

[JCMAN320]

'EFFICIENCY.COM'
Complaints? Log onto new site, city says

Thursday, September 06, 2007
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Getting a pothole filled in Jersey City will never be the same.

The city yesterday unveiled new interactive Web site that not only yields an abundance of information - including City Council meeting agendas - but allows citizens and city agencies alike to track the reporting and resolution of service requests, such as fixing a pothole.

"We are excited to launch our new Web site, which will make doing business with the city easier and faster," Healy said. "Now you can pay your taxes online, download applications, and submit a service request such as a pothole repair from your home computer."

Located at www.cityofjerseycity.com, the site's most popular feature is destined to be the "Online Help Center," where citizens can request services ranging from fixing a broken traffic light to removing an illegally parked car.

Citizens will be given a tracking number and receive an e-mail once the job is done, city officials said.

Department and division heads in the city have assigned a time limit for getting each job accomplished, said Assistant Business Administrator John Mercer. Getting a pothole filled, for example, is to take no longer than 72 hours, he said.

If it takes longer, the complaint is "red-flagged" and taken to the city's "Citistat" team to determine what's causing the delay, said Carl Czaplicki, the mayor's chief of staff.

"The mayor didn't want this to be witch hunt," Czaplicki said. "He wanted this to be tool to make government more responsive and efficient." The Online Help Center is part of the city's overall initiative to track service delivery, in much the same way the Police Department uses the "Comstat" system to track crime and allocate resources, officials said.

Patterned after a system in Baltimore, the city's Web site was developed for $34,000 by Oho, a company based in Cambridge, Mass. No additional workers were needed to put the system in place, and in time the city might actually be in a position to reduce its workforce due to efficiencies gained from the tracking system, Czaplicki said.

[macmini]

Any new construction photos anyone?
Anxious to see Trump, 77 Hudson, Liberty Harbor....

These were posted yesterday on http://uncletonoosejc.blogspot.com/


Trump
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1344/1339563443_3cdeefee66_o.jpg


Hudson Exchange
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1075/1340450492_51091fed09_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/1340450674_fb109dbbbb_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/1340450950_a5469a08a8_o.jpg




LHN - And these are from heytigerjim on flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmylove/


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/1096522190_a7506834ce_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1340/1096522082_6d231ce8ee_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1147/1096520426_374f392bf3_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1161/1096522298_160fc01531_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1137/1096518488_15a2acc934_o.jpg

[nafco]

thanks macmini, its hard to find a reliable database for construction photos. i rode by the cliffs yesterday. (btw, that windy road from the heights into hoboken is dangerous on a bike!) and the that building is coming along pretty well too. Good to see what they did there.

[citybooster]

Hey guys! Has anyone heard anything in regards to the monaco towers?

[InsideScoop]

Monaco/San Remo on indefinite hold due to capital markets. (90% of cost development loans no longer available).

Also Pep Boys site on indefinite hold.

Waterfront area project which are likely to go forward are:
* Project on 2nd steet all the way down on the water a- no replanned as rental.
* Rental Project on site behind 111 first (111 first rem koolhaus site on indefinite hold)

[66nexus]

Monaco/San Remo on indefinite hold due to capital markets. (90% of cost development loans no longer available).

Also Pep Boys site on indefinite hold.

Waterfront area project which are likely to go forward are:
* Project on 2nd steet all the way down on the water a- no replanned as rental.
* Rental Project on site behind 111 first (111 first rem koolhaus site on indefinite hold)

If the Pep Boys site is on hold does that mean the 'Metropolitan' won't get built any time soon? That's the only building I'm REALLY looking forward to

[JCMAN320]

Yea unfortunately because the economy has been rolling around the toilet seat for a while now and it finally took the plunge. They will get built eventually but just not this year.

The office market is rebounding in JC that is the saving grace, so we will see development after most of these residences are finished but it will be office.

[66nexus]

Yea unfortunately because the economy has been rolling around the toilet seat for a while now and it finally took the plunge. They will get built eventually but just not this year.

The office market is rebounding in JC that is the saving grace, so we will see development after most of these residences are finished but it will be office.

Perhaps they'll build more inland...I think it's time lol

[JCexpert558]

I wish that most of the buildings in JC were more like the 111 first street. like a better design. I mean they
should be like those buildings in Hong kong.

[JCMAN320]

Most of those buildings were built mid 80s early 90s and that whats we got. The newer buildings though will be thoroughly modern like what were seeing. I agree with you JC.

It seems that we are entering a recession, I just hope it doesn't hurt JC too much. The JSQ towers will go through plus the projects around it seem to be going well. Most of these new apartments being built will be rentals not many condos that are built through this recession.

[JCMAN320]

Cultures from around the world celebrated at Newport fest today

by The Jersey Journal Saturday September 08, 2007, 2:06 PM

An international cultural festival featuring Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Latino and American music and dance is going on now at the Newport development on the Jersey City waterfront.

The fun lasts until 7 p.m. at Town Square Place and Pavonia Avenue. Hosted by the Newport Neighborhood Association, the event also features a variety of select cuisines; a showcase of local arts, crafts and healing arts; face painting for kids; tributes to the heroes of 9/11, and David Musial singing "Jersey City's a Melting Pot."

Call (201) 736-8654 for information and check out a preview of the event in The Jersey Journal.

[citybooster]

So does this mean trump plaza 2 won't be goin foward any time soon?

[JCMAN320]

Now it will from what I understand once this one is sold. The large projects ,that are outside of Newport, on the waterfront will eb on hold for a while while the smaller projects Downtown will still go through. This by no means means that development will now stop in Jersey City, for now it will just be projects in land. This won't be logn either I feel. As long as all the projects that goin on keep sellin like they have been and the developers feel confident there is still a need for more residences, which there is.

I mean it is true with what they are saying, the four still most viable real estate markets in the United States are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Hoboken.

The good thing the office market is making a come back. Goldman Sachs Tower is about to be filled up and all the other office buildings, 14 million square feet of office space, are practically at capacity. So like I've been saying look for projects such as GS II and Harborside Plaza 4 to get going within a year or two.

[JCMAN320]

Jersey City 'Rainbow' debuts at TV festival

by The Jersey Journal Sunday September 09, 2007, 8:17 AM

Ever wonder what it would be like to have a rainbow as a roommate? Probably not, but that's the premise nonetheless of a television pilot by two Downtown Jersey Cityresidents.

Far out as it sounds, "Redeeming Rainbow" is getting attention this weekend, having debuted Friday night with a repeat at 2 this afternoon at the third annual New York Television Festival at the New World Stages Theater, 50th Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues.

See a preview of the event in the most recent Weekend Urge, The Jersey Journal's Friday arts and entertainment guide.

And, hey, before you judge, remember we used to watch a show about a talking car.

[ianmac47]

Wait, so 111 First is now officially on hold?

I love the irony. The preservationists fight for five years to save the warehouse, finally they flatten it out entirely, and now they aren't even going to build anything there.

[JCMAN320]

I know Ian it is extremely ironic. Inside scoop where did you find this info that these projects are on hold? I'm no doubting you, I'm just curious thats all.

[tbal]

I wouldn't say the Koolhaas tower is on hold. It actually pretty much can't be (technically). As mentioned in some article a few months back, the plans aren't even supposed to go before the Planning Board for about another year. And remember, something like a full year (after final approval has been granted) must go by before a project is technically "on hold". Yes, I would say the Metropolitan is definitely on hold since 1. residential construction in general has slowed in JC, 2. the credit crunch has made it difficult for all developers to attain funds (imagine how hard it would be right now to gather sufficient evidence to show a lender that a proposed 809-unit building would be filled within the next 3 years, considering current conditions?), and 3. construction was supposed to begin this summer, yet the site hasn't even been marked up for pre-construction work (as of this afternoon).

I also find it hard to believe that the San Remo & Monaco towers are on hold. Of course, the final details are being worked out. In a Planning Board meeting a few weeks ago, a new site plan was submitted for the complex, but there's always some last-minute details that the architects/engineers always work out to fine-tune the design even after the general concept has been approved by the city (and if you need evidence of this, look at how many times 700 Grove went before the Planning Board for approval of minor design modifications well after construction began).

Plus, considering how incredibly tight the rental market is right now in the area, and considering that Roseland can use so many of its large developments in NJ (such as the Marbella) as collateral to secure funds, I can't see why they would put off construction on the complex. It just wouldn't make sense.

[tbal]

Anyway, how about a construction update...

Journal Square/Heights:

197 Academy Street:
The elevator shafts have gone U/C:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07027.jpg

Overview of the site:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07030.jpg

CanCo Lofts (aka American Can):
On Saturday, there was a ton of work going on where the mini-parking area used to be. The entire lobby area has been torn up and is under reconstruction.

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07032.jpg

The first floor exterior of the building looks amazing after going through a complete makeover - this is going to be one hell of a one-of-a-kind building:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07033.jpg

Check out the detail on this terrace area. Awesome.:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07036.jpg

Looking up from Dey Street:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07037.jpg

Overview:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07041.jpg

Corner of Tonnele & Newark:
Shoring has been put in place so that the foundation can be constructed deep below the surface:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07043.jpg

Looking east along Newark Ave:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07042.jpg

The Cliffs:
This is probably one of my favarites...really nice architecture. Check out the detailing:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07066.jpg

Looking up Paterson Plank Rd.:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07065.jpg

A look at the windows that will be used:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07069.jpg

Looking down Paterson Plank Rd. (South):

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07068.jpg


There's also this mid-sized building that has been U/C towards Downtown on Newark Ave:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07026.jpg

[tbal]

Downtown Midrise buildings:

Crescent Court:
Demo work is underway for the 4-story Crescent Court building by Matzel & Mumsford. The sales center has already been setup in a storefront on Newark Ave not too far away.

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07021.jpg

The ceiling trusses are being cut out, and presumably we'll see the walls torn down soon after this phase of demo is completed:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07023.jpg

The new parking garage will be on this side of the new building (based on renderings posted on the window of the sales office):

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07024.jpg

369 Fifth Street:
A significant amount of the steel support structure was put up on Wednesday. It looks like this building may contain Jersey City's first stacked parking system (note how both the first and second floors appear to have the same high ceiling, while floors 3 & 4 have shorter ceiling heights; the steel structure is not sturdy enough to support a traditional second garage level).

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07056.jpg

Hamilton Square:
The smaller building on Ninth street has been constructed. Also note that the facade on the west face of the larger building has been put up.

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07058.jpg

Another look from the Southwest:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07059.jpg

And one more from the Southeast:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07060.jpg

Here's a peek at the new Home Depot, which is scheduled to open in October:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07062.jpg

[tbal]

Downtown Highrises:

77 Hudson:
Construction has worked its way to the tenth floor:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07046.jpg

View to the Northeast:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07047.jpg

A look at the condo tower:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07049.jpg

Looking down Grand Street at the 10-story parking structure:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07048.jpg

Trump:
Nothing really new outside, but here's a silhouette of the tower at sunset:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07053.jpg

Aquablu:
View to the Southwest:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07089.jpg

Here's an overview of how the new tower fits in with the Shore Club:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07083.jpg

Westin Hotel:
Most of the facade is now up on all sides of the tower. The main thing missing is glass:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07055.jpg


Anyway, I'll wrap this one up with a shot of Lower Manhattan's skyline. Goldman Sachs' new tower is rising pretty quickly just north of the World Financial Center, and perhaps in about a year we may begin to see some steel from the Freedom Tower beginning to peek out somewhere:

http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g245/jcwalkingman/?action=view&current=909.07050-1.jpg

[JCMAN320]

Tbal great pics yet again. I would post some just that my comp is a dianosaur and gives me crap when I try to upload pics. My laptop is being worked on, so when I get it back I will post pics in the forums and in my blog.

This is a really exciting time in Jersey City's illustrious history and great to have it documented in this way. :)