Jersey City launches bike share program
Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced this week that Jersey City is launching a bike share program connecting Jersey City with the New York City bike share system, offering residents, commuters, and visitors seamless access to the nation’s largest bike share network. Jersey City’s bike share program will be funded through corporate sponsorship and comes at no cost to the taxpayers.
“Jersey City is continuing to grow at an unprecedented rate and much of our progress is tied to our proximity to New York City,” said Fulop. “Our residents, visitors, and commuters choose Jersey City for its ease of access to New York and in developing a bike share system; we saw an immense opportunity by linking with the 6,000-bike system in New York.”
With a single membership, bike share riders will be able to ride to the PATH or ferry, commute to New York City or Jersey City, and get back on a bike to reach their final destination.
Jersey City’s bike share program, a 24-hour system, was awarded by contract on Monday through an 8-0 City Council vote to Brooklyn-based Alta Bicycle Share, operators of the Citi Bike system in New York City. The program is expected to launch within six months of contract execution.
The initial rollout of Jersey City’s bike share program will include approximately 350 bikes and 35 docking stations, with further growth anticipated based upon usage. Bike share locations will be determined through an extensive analysis of population density, employment density, as well as locations of other mass transit systems and stations. Alta Bicycle Share will also host as many as 10 community meetings to receive input from community stakeholders
Fulop proposes referendum to change municipal election from May to November
Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced on Jan. 8 that the administration will seek the public’s feedback through a referendum process on whether the city should move municipal elections from May to November, fulfilling a campaign pledge made during the 2013 election.
The move would increase efficiencies, save approximately $400,000 and alleviate voter fatigue.
During the 2013 mayoral election, Fulop outlined numerous platforms for government reform, including moving the municipal elections to November. In a policy paper released during the campaign, Fulop cited increased voter turnout, reduced costs and greater access to the democratic process as the main objectives for the move, pledging to sponsor a referendum on the matter as mayor.
“Increasing voter participation benefits everyone,” said Mayor Fulop. “By moving the municipal elections to November, voters are offered the chance to cast ballots for all government offices at once – school board, city, county, state and federal – enhancing the pathway to the democratic process for all of our residents.”
Currently, in years when there is a municipal election, voters are asked to go to the polls a minimum of four times: in May for municipal offices, June for a runoff, June for primary elections, and November for general elections, as well as any special elections.
At the City Council meeting next week, the administration will present a resolution to advance the referendum, which would appear on the next general election ballot on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. The referendum would ask residents if they agree with moving the City’s non-partisan municipal elections from May to November.
In 2010, the State enacted legislation allowing Faulkner Act municipalities such as Jersey City to move their elections from May to November. Any city wishing to move their municipal election must first pass an ordinance enacting the change.
The Fulop administration, however, is first seeking feedback from the public before passing an ordinance. If results of the ballot referendum show the public in favor of the move, the administration would then present an ordinance to adopt the measure.
In 2012, the City Council adopted an ordinance to move the Board of Education elections from April to November following a similar referendum process championed by then Councilman Fulop. In that referendum, voters overwhelmingly supported the move, voting 73 percent in favor.
Suspect in New Year’s murder turns himself in
The man suspected in the alleged killing of a homeless man in Jersey City on Jan. 1 turned himself in on Jan. 3, after the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest.
“The homicide suspect, Terrance Grant (also known and spelled as Terence Grant), turned himself into the East District of the Jersey City, Police Department on Jan. 3, at approximately 9:45 p.m.” said Gene Rubino, spokesperson for the prosecutor. “He was then turned over to the Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit. Grant is currently being held in the Hudson County Correctional Facility on $500,000 cash-only bail. He is expected to make his first court appearance sometime early this week.”
Also, on Jan. 3, the Medical Examiner determined that Jose Rodriguez’ (the victim) cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries to the head and the manner of death was homicide.
The death of Rodriguez, 51, was discovered by his roommate at Franciska Residence, a shelter located at 615 Grove St. in Jersey City, New Jersey. Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Investigators believe that Rodriguez was struck in the head with an object. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 9 p.m. on Jan. 1.
Day care operator charged after two kids found shivering in the cold
The owner and manager of a Jersey City day care center and her 17-year-old daughter were charged with fourth degree child abuse and second degree endangering the welfare of a minor after two brothers, ages 3 and 4 were found standing outside without hat or coat on Jan. 4 near Monticello and Belmont avenues.
Michael Makarski, spokesperson for the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, said sheriff’s officers saw the two children and brought them to Jersey Police headquarters and then to Jersey City Medical Center. The children were examined for possible injury due to the low temperatures outside while their parents were notified. The two brothers had wandered out of a facility overseen the Urban League.
The director, owner, and manager had left her 17-year-old daughter in charge during which time the two children wandered from the facility, Makarski said.
An investigation by the Sheriff’s Department showed the facility had all the required licenses and was in good standing.
Jersey City offers warming center
Jersey City offers public libraries, senior centers, nutrition sites and other city-funded centers as warming centers for residents to use in the extreme cold weather.
In addition, Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation will pick up anyone at PATH locations and bring them to additional sites for overnight stays. The libraries are open at various schedules. The Main Branch, 472 Jersey Ave., is open Mon. to Thurs., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Glenn D. Cunningham Branch, 275 MLK Drive, is open Mon., Tues. and Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Five Corners Branch, 678 Newark Avenue, is open Mon. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tues. to Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fri and Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Greenville Branch, 1841 Kennedy Boulevard, is open Mon., Wed., and Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues. 12 p.m. to 8p.m. and
Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Heights Branch, 14 Zabriskie St., is open Mon. to Wed. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thur. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fri and Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Miller Branch, 489 Bergen Ave., is open Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed. 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Pavonia 326 Eighth St., is open Mon. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tues. to Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Lafayette Branch, 307 Pacific Ave, is open Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Marion Branch, 1017 West Side Ave,, is open Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the West Bergen Branch, 476 West Side Ave., Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The following senior centers are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Joseph Connors Senior Center, at 28 Paterson St; and the Maureen Collier Senior Center, at 335 Bergen Ave.;
The following nutrition sites are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Berry Gardens, 92 Danforth Ave. Boyd McGuiness, 2555 Kennedy Boulevard; Grace Senior Center, 39 Erie Street’; Lafayette Living Center, 463 Pacific Ave.; Ocean Towers, 425 Ocean Ave.; Olga Rodriguez Senior Center, 358 Montgomery St.; and Villa Borinquen (PACO), 398 Grove St.
The following locations are funded by the City: Garden State Episcopal Drop In Center, 514 Newark Ave., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Hudson County Self Help Center, 880 Bergen Ave. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Hudson Pride Connections Center, 32 Jones Street, Mon. and Weds, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Tues, Thurs and Fri, noon to 9 p.m.
Snow Ball returns
The Snow Ball, Jersey City’s most anticipated arts charity gala, makes a triumphant return on Saturday, January 24 at 8 p.m.
Art House Productions’ ninth annual, black tie creative and colorful arts gala will take place in the Journal Square section of Jersey City at Art House Productions’ new theater. The event raises funds for the company’s upcoming season of theater, music, visual art, JC Fridays festivals, dance, comedy, and poetry events. This year’s event will honor the KRE Group, sponsors of Art House’s new arts space.
The Snow Ball features live music by the Rebeca Vallejo trio. Madrid born vocalist and composer Rebeca Vallejo is a most versatile and innovative performer, known for using the language of Jazz to weave together the emotional beauty and rhythmic complexity of Brazilian music with those of her Flamenco ancestors, creating a sound that is truly unique.
“This year we are honoring Art House’s exciting new chapter at Journal Square. The 9th Annual Snow Ball will be a glamorous evening to remember and a celebration of how far we’ve come as an organization. Art House’s Snow Ball gives us an opportunity to revel in the artistic spirit of Jersey City, to connect with our community of supporters, and to celebrate our 14th season of innovative arts programs,” says Executive Director, Christine Goodman.
Dress for the event is “black tie creative” and guests are encouraged to compete for the annual best-dressed guest or couple award by donning their favorite formal attire, including vintage, wedding and costume-wear.
An $80 advanced purchase ticket for the fundraiser includes food and drink from this year’s Platinum Sponsor, City Diner. Art House is delighted to welcome our major food sponsors, GP’s Restaurant, LIMT, Porto, and Hamilton Inn. Mouth-watering desserts will be provided by Cholita Dessert Bar and Jaes Cakez. The Snow Ball’s open bar will offer fine wines from Cool Vines, beer from New Jersey Beer Company, and Chopin Vodka cocktails. The highly anticipated silent auction will feature unique art works and experience packages, including a 5-night getaway to Mountain Lake, VA. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.arthouseproductions.org and $90 tickets will be available for purchase at the door on the night of the event.
Art House Productions is wheelchair accessible and located at 136 Magnolia Ave at the corner of Summit. The theater is adjacent to the Journal Square PATH Station.
The event is sponsored by City Diner, LITM, Chopin Vodka, GP’s Restaurant, Hamilton Inn, Cool Vines, Jersey City Independent, Cholita Dessert Bar, Jaes Cakez, New Jersey Beer Company, Remco Press, Port-o Lounge, and Yelp.
City sells land to Barnabas Health for $24M
Aggressive marketing by Jersey City has led to the sale of city-owned property at Grand Street and Jersey Avenue for $24 million to Barnabas Health to expand the Jersey City Medical Center campus.
“This is major progress at this site as the city was receiving no benefit from this land until the current administration became involved to properly capitalize on its value,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “We saw the opportunity to elevate the worth and find redevelopers in Barnabas Health who fit into the vision of what we are building in Jersey City – a world-class city with increased public and private assets that will benefit all of our residents.”
The property, located behind the Jersey City Medical Center, has been owned by the city since 1997 and has sat undeveloped for nearly 20 years. Prior administrations had considered it as a location for a City Hall Annex or for private development with anticipated revenue of only $10 million.
At their Dec. 16 meeting, the Jersey City Redevelopment Authority Board approved Barnabas Health as the redeveloper of the site, with Barnabas agreeing to pay $24 million for the property.
The site will be part of an expanded health care campus to include medical offices, mixed-use development and parking. Final plans for the site must be approved by the Barnabas Board, the JCRA, the Planning Board and the City Council.
“We look forward to working with Mayor Fulop and the JCRA on fostering this vision of a complete campus that supports the development and residential growth of Jersey City,” said Joseph F. Scott, FACHE – President and CEO, Jersey City Medical Center — Barnabas Health. “Jersey City Medical Center – Barnabas Health continues to grow in patient volume, services provided and affiliated physicians. In addition to our growth, Jersey City continues to attract new corporations, businesses, and residents. We are looking for space for future expansion of the campus to better serve the needs of Jersey City and the greater Hudson County community, which will include support space such as additional areas for visitor and staff parking.”
Tricky Tray at Infinity Institute
Infinity Institute, at, 193 Old Bergen Road, is hosting a Tricky Tray Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. For more information call 201-915-1404 or email Anna Mylonas Christodoulakis at christodoulakis.anna@gmail.com.