Patch Invades Hoboken, Promises Better Coverage of Beer Specials, Beer Pong Scores

Patch, the hyper local news startup turned corporate arm of AOL has launchedHoboken Patch, a Hoboken version of the site meant to compete with local newspapers and blogs while turning a profit. Patch launched in suburban New Jersey markets in February of last year and has spread faster than the virus in the Dustin Hoffman film Outbreak.

The launch of the site could spell trouble for Jersey Journal blog Hoboken Now and independent blogger Hoboken 411 with both sites competing for the local business ad dollars that fuels Patch. Hoboken411 has made notable contributions with breaking stories from city hall while Hoboken Now has the backing and resources of the Jersey Journal behind it. Patch Editor Claire Moses was poached from the Journal late last year.

Hoboken Now Gets Facelift, Gets More Internety

Jersey Journal blogs Hoboken Now and Hudson County Now recently received a facelift. The previously cumbersome design has been replaced with a more modern look and feel, and the biggest change has been converting the byline's into links, allowing users to find pots by particular reporters, just like a real blog. Also more prominent are social networking features such as comments, previously stuck at the end of long posts. However, tags and categories have been removed, a curious omission for a blog.

Waterfront Walkway Opens, Scissors Not Required

The Long Slip Pedestrian bridge and connecting segment of the waterfront walkway in front of Newport opened to foot traffic, at least unofficially. The bridge links Hoboken to Jersey City. Surprisingly, no red ribbons were injured in the opening of the bridge.

Corzine's Scissors Only Obstacle to Pedestrian Bridge

The Long Slip Pedestrian Bridge is ready to go except for one thing: a ceremonial ribbon cutting including Governor and candidate for re-election Jon Corzine. The much delayed connection between Jersey City and Hoboken was suppose to open in the in the Spring of this year; unexplained delays then pushed the opening date to August.

The Long Slip Pedestrian Bridge is being built by NJ Transit and will connect from the Hoboken Terminal to the Newport neighborhood in Jersey City. According to Newport Associates, their segment of the walkway in the northern quadrant is ready to open, and they are simply waiting for NJ Transit to open the bridge. NJ Transit however, has refused to comment on the expected "completion" date.

Over the weekend, a brief Q&A between the New York Times and Newport CEO James LeFrak revealed the new expected opening date is sometime in September, to be accompanied by an appearance of Jon Corzine.

Hoboken, Downtown Foreclosures on Par with Manhattan

The New York Times has mapped foreclosures in the region with all sorts of pretty colors. Downtown Jersey City and Hoboken are fairing well, particularly compared to the outer boroughs. A high rate of foreclosures lowers home values in neighborhoods by flooding saturated housing markets with additional stock. The real lesson gleaned from the Time's map however is the further from the island a neighborhood is, the higher rate of foreclosure.

NJ Transit Bridge Nearing Completion

The footbridge connecting Jersey City's waterfront with Hoboken is nearly complete. The bridge will create an important link in the waterfront walkway and connect the Newport development in Jersey City directly to the Hoboken Terminal.

The project was long talked about and much delayed by the transit agency. A small, unused canal separates Jersey City from the Hoboken rail yards adding to the expense of completing the walkway. The bridge is mostly built with railings, pavers and lighting yet to be installed. The project, scheduled to be finished in June, will provide a more direct route for pedestrians between the two cities.

For now, the pathway will route through the Hoboken Terminal. Eventually the walkway will extend around the exterior of the station though these tentative plans are not finalized.

The Lefrak organization completed a final segment of the waterfront walkway between the Aqua tower and the new bridge last year. When the bridge opens, the waterfront park will extend from Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken south to the Colgate Clock in Paulus Hook, minus a short segment in Newport where the Lefraks built an office building up to the waterline. One day, the hope is to connect waterfront parks from the George Washington Bridge to Liberty State Park.

Healy Wins Mayor's Race Spending $185 per Vote

Mayor Healy avoided a runoff election yesterday by garnering 53 percent of the vote, or 16,231 votes. Healy spent more than $3 million on the campaign, costing him $185 a vote and besting Mike Bloomberg's $92 a vote and surpassing Corzine's 2000 Senate race cost per vote. Don't worry though, Healy contributors, you'll earn that back through patronage jobs and no bid contracts in no time.

Also fairing well was Steve Fulop, the Ward E councilman who won his race with 60 percent of the vote.

In Hoboken, Dawn Zimmer and Peter Cammarano will face a runoff election, each getting about 35 percent of the vote.

Vote Today, 6AM to 8PM

Today is election day in Jersey City and in Hoboken, the one day in four years to replace local politicians without indictments. We've endorsed Dan Levin for Mayor and Steve Fulop for Ward E. The Jersey Journal endorsed Lou Manzo for Mayor and Steve Fulop for Ward E. If that's not enough information for you, The Jersey City Independent has a full section on the issues.

Over in Hoboken, the Jersey Journal endorsed Peter Cammarano. Hoboken411 has a summary of who else is running.

Meanwhile, Tris McCall counted up the campaign signs around the city.

Fireworks to Return to Hudson

NewYorkology discovered Macy's has moved the Independence Day fireworks display to the Hudson River, sinking plans for an East River barge. Brooklyn's loss is Hudson County's gain, with five barges planned for the Hudson River. Hoboken will have a better view than Jersey City; in fact, the barges will begin at 24th Street and work north towards 50th Street, once again snubbing viewers in Liberty State Park. After several years of positioning a barge off of lower Manhattan, Macy's up and shut down the downtown barge, and then convinced the New York Fire Department to prohibit Jersey City from launching their own barge. It seems New York maintains dominion over the Hudson River. For the last two years, a fireworks display has been launched from the ground at Liberty State Park.

Hoboken Police Fail

Hoboken boots a Hoboken Police car, gaining them entry to the exclusive fail blog.

Hoboken Drunkeness Parade Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the famous annual Hoboken St. Patrick's Day parade and celebration, a sort of combination of Mardis Gras meets Homecoming with an Irish theme. The parade begins around 1pm, but the drinking begins at most bars at 11am. A few special places will kick things off at 10am, but in most cases there will be lines and $10 to $20 cover charges, not to mention heavily inflated drink prices. A much better solution is finding a fraternity house friend's house where drinking can begin early and end late.

Remember too that since 2007, the police have stepped up enforcement of public urination and open container laws for the sake of balancing Hoboken's municipal budget safety.

Hoboken Rejects Terminal Redevelopment Plan As Though It Matters What They Think

Hoboken's City council rejected a resolution authorizing a contract for FXFOWLE, an architectural firm designing a plan for the Hoboken terminal. NJ Transit has been looking to develop land above and around the rail yards that are mostly, but not entirely in Hoboken. A small portion of the yards falls within the boundaries of Jersey City.

Hoboken residents have been upset about the proposal fearing the high rise tower component of the project would block their views. These concerns are mostly irrelevant since Jersey City's Newport development is already zoned for high rises and borders the NJ Transit Property. Newport's northern quadrant may be several years away from new construction; indeed, the Lefraks have not even sought final site approvals for those towers. However, with the soon to be completed NJ Transit bridge connecting Newport to the Hoboken terminal, the northern quadrant is suddenly a much more desirable location for residential and office development.

Hoboken Now quotes the always insightful Dawn Zimmer as saying: "I don't think they have the right to come in here and build sky high." Actually Dawn, NJ Transit, as a state agency, can pretty much do whatever they want.

The plan developed for the terminal includes an area of high rise office towers on the east side of the property and mid rise residential buildings around the perimeter of the property. The southern portion would abut against the north side of Newport's redevelopment zone over the existing canal. The project would also include large areas of park space around the terminal and the new buildings.

Along with the project, new sewers and flood pumps would be constructed. While these upgrades alone won't solve Hoboken's flooding problems, the improvements are at least a step in the right direction.

While many in Hoboken are arguing against high rise towers, there is little the city can do along the border. Jersey City's zoning already allows high rise towers in areas like Newport. The problem is best illustrated by 700 Grove Street, a large residential building in Jersey City, but north of the train tracks. Hoboken receives the drawbacks of that building, such as increased traffic, without any of the benefits, such as increased tax revenues. Because the building is in Jersey City, Hoboken had no control over the zoning. The terminal project, split between the two cities, would produce similar challenges for Hoboken.

W vs. Westin: Fight!

Last month, Jersey City's newest hotel, the Westin, opened its doors. At the end of March, Hoboken's W hotel will open. Both high rise towers will have views of Manhattan's skyline, though the many rooms in the Westin will be looking into the Newport Center towers. Both hotels will have steakhouses attached to them. But only the W is giving out free packets of promotional materials with mints and a mini telescope, today at the PATH Station in Hoboken. Hoboken Now has a picture of the W's goodie bag. Step it up, Westin, this round goes to the W.

BJ's Carts Keep PATH Running

The plague of BJ's shopping carts in downtown Jersey seems to be slowly subsiding as the wholesale retailer begins installing locking mechanisms on the carts. However, that hasn't stopped Port Authority employees / contractors from making use of the carts as they do maintenance work in Hoboken.

Hoboken Bicyclists Organize

While New York City in recent years has been quite proactively reclaiming space for pedestrians and bicyclists, the same can not be said in Hudson County. That could change thanks to the efforts of Bike Hoboken, a group working to convince city officials to add bicycle lanes throughout Hoboken. They have a plan.

Rail Yard Development Unveiled

The Hoboken rail yards will eventually be a 54 acre mixed use development with high rise towers according to plans released last week. Three quarters of the land falls within Hoboken with the remainder in Jersey City bordering against Newport.

According to The Hudson Reporter, the project will cost as much as $500 million dollars. The masterplan was prepared by architectural firm FXFOWLE.

The NJ Transit rail yards present a major opportunity to physically unite Jersey City and Hoboken. For now, a vast expanse of undeveloped and industrial land exists on the north end of Jersey City with the rail yards a major obstacle between Hoboken and Jersey City. For instance, 700 Grove Street and the Zephyr Lofts, both in Jersey city but North of the rail lines, might as well be in Hoboken; there is no neighborhood to the south, only desolate parking lots and fenced in vacant land.

Developing the rail yard would provide a major opportunity to further transit oriented growth in New Jersey. Already, Hoboken property nearest the terminal is largely built out. Large vacant properties are only available in the western side of the city. Further, the value disparity has become more evident in the recent real estate downturn with eastern properties continuing to sell. In either case, Hoboken's terminal has not been used to maximum effectiveness as a transit center since property to the south and west over the rail yards are not being built out. Building on the rail yards will allow more residents or office workers to commute by more easily accessible trains.

Also to the immediate south of the Hoboken terminal is the northern end of the Newport property in Jersey City. NJ Transit is building a bridge over the a small canal that will connect Jersey City's waterfront to Hoboken at the rail terminal. When completed, the bridge will make Newport properties planned for the Hoboken / Jersey City border more desirable. The north side of the development is more than half a mile from the Pavonia-Newport PATH station, but less than a quarter mile from the Hoboken terminal when traveling over the new bridge.

The 54 acre rail yards are roughly the size of Liberty Harbor North. In that development, nearly 7,000 housing units and nearly a million feet of office space are planned. The final tally over the NJ Transit property may be higher though because Liberty Harbor North contains a significant amount of low and mid-rise buildings.

The rail yards project will certainly change the Hoboken skyline, but it will also make available more housing. But whatever happens, the project is years away from starting, and even further from completion.

Sales Slow, but Continue

Development in Hoboken's west side is slowing, but waterfront properties continue to sell according to the Times. The Toll Brothers waterfront projects continue to sell quickly, including Maxwell Place. Strong sales there could both provide incentives and capital to move forward with a three tower complex in Jersey City's Powerhouse District.

Meanwhile, on the west side of Hoboken where recently a movie theater broke ground, sales are slowing. Asking prices are the first round of negotiations down rather than the starting point for a bidding war. Some projects have since been converted to rentals. The Velocity for instance, the luxury project under construction next to Hoboken's low income projects has since gone rental. Similarly, the Cliff Lofts went from condo to rental last year as well. The Cliffs are technically in Jersey City, but sit at the base of the Palisade cliffs, across the street from Hoboken's Second Street light rail station.

Another area still booming is on the Jersey City border near Observer Highway. Several low rise projects are currently under construction along Paterson Plank Road at the intersection with Observer Highway. Also in the vicinity is 700 Grove, again, technically a Jersey City project, where some units remain available even though the building opened a year ago.

The strength of the real estate market is holding in the most desirable areas like waterfront locations and those in proximity to rail stations. However, deals can be found in regions farther from the core of gentrification and redevelopment.

Hudson Office Market Strong

The New York Times has a bit on New Jersey office real estate markets; construction on several projects in suburban north Jersey are moving forward. More importantly though, vacancy rates on Hudson coast are down to about 8 percent, and new projects are being planned including another tower in Hoboken.

Part of the continued strength comes from the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program in effect since January. 9 Cities qualify, including Hoboken and Jersey City. Under the program, office development within a half mile of designated transit hubs qualifies for state tax abatements.

New office towers are expected along the Gold Coast, but not immediately. Harborside Plaza 4 surfaced last year briefly, but before the credit crisis (coincidentally, happy birthday, Credit Crunch!). Newport has no immediate plans for new office towers; several additional residential towers are in various stages of approval there, but no new office towers. Hoboken's Waterfront Corporate Center has a third complex in the works, as noted in the Times. The Journal Square area does have several opportunities, and the hope is the development of the Harwood Towers will eventually bring more development there.

Still, many office development firms continue to insist on constructing suburban office parks, even as gasoline surpasses $4 a gallon. While suburban New Jersey office parks are currently asking a third of mid-town rents, and half of asking rents along the Gold Coast, unless fuel prices drop, employees may be less inclined to transfer into office space inaccessible to mass transit. The true effect of New Jersey's Urban Transit Tax Credit won't be realized for some time; the program has only been in effect for six months.

Shakespeare in Frank Sinatra Park

The Hudson Shakespeare Company will be performing Twelfth Night in Frank Sinatra Park on Monday next week and the week after, beginning at 7PM.

Hudson Shakespeare Company.

Hoboken Movie Theater Breaks Ground

The long anticipated movie theater in the northwest corner of Hoboken broke ground today during a ceremony involving Mayor Roberts. A movie theater has been planned for Hoboken for several years but seemed as though the project was to be abandoned last year when several deadlines were missed. Hoboken411 was actually there, with video footage.

Of course, this is just a groundbreaking, and shoveling a bit of dirt around doesn't prevent the project from stalling once more. But that aside, things are looking up for film buffs, who have few options other than crossing the Hudson River. Jersey City's Newport Mall has a movie theater, but as well not considering the broken seats, ripped screens, broken toilets, and leaky faucets, not to mention Newport's theater lacks automated ticket kiosks.

Hoboken Condo Building Sold as Rental Complex

Originally intended to be a condominium building, 1000 Jefferson was sold as a rental complex after the real estate market softened, reports Trading Markets.com. While the rest of the country has suffered dramatic depreciation in real estate values over the last year, New York and the urban neighborhoods surrounding the city have claimed immunity. However, 1000 Jefferson is not the only complex to go from condo to rental reversing a trend of the past decade when many rental towers were converted to condos.

The Monaco Towers, intended for a site on Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, recently switched their plans from condominium towers to rentals. The city later denied the developer's request to amend the abatement, leaving open the question of whether or not the towers will even be built.

Another property to have been rumored to make the switch is the Cliffs Lofts. The Cliffs Lofts located on the border between Hoboken and Jersey City is squeezed between the Palisades Cliffs and Paterson Plank Road, a mile from the Hoboken PATH station in an altogether undesirable location. Rumor has it the project failed to generate enough sales and was sold off as a rental complex.

While real estate buyers may be scarce, renters are not in short supply. Grove Pointe and 50 Columbus, two large towers across the street from each other, quickly filled the available apartments even as both building opened their doors at roughly the same them. This should pave the way for new rental towers such as 70 and 90 Columbus and continued expansion of Newport in Jersey City, primarily rental community.

McMansion Builders Turn to McSkyscrapers

Toll Brothers and K. Hovnanian get a reach around from CNN Money. Always on top of the news, CNN has broken the story that condominium towers cost more and carry more risk than single family homes.

Gleaning the most interesting bits from the article:

25% of 77 Hudson is sold
85% of 700 Grove has sold
90% of Maxwell Place is under contract.

NJ Transit Finally to Break Ground on Waterfront Walkway

Hoboken Now is reporting that NJ Transit will officially break ground on the long overdue connection between Hoboken and Jersey City waterfront. The walkway, a grand park along the Hudson River that one day could theoretically connect Bayonne to the foot of the George Washington Bridge is being built in pieces. Private developers are compelled to build out their section of the walkway when seeking development approvals for construction along the water.

The NJ Transit portion of the walkway would bridge southern Hoboken with Jersey City at Newport. The Lefrak organization has built their portion of the walkway up to the currently under construction Aqua rental tower. The NJ Transit portion of the walkway will lead to no where until the Lefrak organization completes about a thousand feet of walkway in the northern quadrant. While the northern quadrant may not be built out for several years, the Lefraks have pledged to connect the existing walkway with NJ Transit's portion ahead of the planned high rises.

NJ Transit's portion of the walkway is seen as a critical link. The property, owned by NJ Transit could easily have been overlooked by an agency more concerned with operating buses and trains than building parks.

At present, there are a few holes in the walkway. At second street, construction of Crystal Pointe has temporarily closed a previously finished section of the walkway. The walkway continues through Exchange Place to Veteran's Park where a short segment of Essex Street is also disconnected. The walkway then continues south from the Morris Canal Park up to the under construction Liberty Harbor North.

Hoboken Traffic Cameras May Violate Laws

NJ.com Blog Hoboken Now is reporting the recently approved traffic light cameras for Hoboken's Washington Street intersections may run afoul of state laws. The red light cameras cost the city $75K and while safety is the concern, Hoboken law makers perhaps should have done some research: after installation of red light cameras in Lubbock, Texas, occurrences of accidents increased. So much for public safety.

When Skyscrapers Attack

Construction materials from the Hoboken W Hotel fell and struck a car, according to a post on JCList, and later picked on by Hoboken Now. We have photos of the tower from September available Here.

NJ Transit to Build Bridge to Newport

A lynchpin component of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway will be built by NJ Transit, reports Hoboken411. The bridge will connect Newport and Hoboken sometime in the Spring of 2009, with the Lefrak Organization building a temporary extension between the bridge and permanent walkway.

Restaurant Week Starts Monday

For all the foodies, Monday marks the beginning of Hudson County's Restaurant Week. Similar to New York's version, restaurant week features prix-fixe meals for various eateries in Jersey City, Hoboken, and elsewhere along the Gold Coast. For a full list of participating restaurants, prix-fixe pricing, and available days, visit Hudson Restaurant Week. Be warned, not every prix-fixe menu is a deal. Check out many of the restaurants' regular menus at Hudson Menus before making your reservations.

Hoboken's Velocity: Sale's Velocity Near Zero

Hoboken's Velocity development has had its share of problems, unless of course long periods of an idle construction site are planned. It seems sales must not be as good as the developers had hoped, since according to Curbed.com, the first 40 units will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. This sounds like a sweet deal, if you don't mind living next to low income projects. As Hoboken411 illustrates, the southern end of the two building development sits next to Hoboken's more affordable side.

[Via Curbed]

Bits & Briefs

Condo rises in new Jersey City neighborhood
A bit on the Liberty Harbor North Development.

Harwood Closes on Journal Square Parcel
One step closer to making Journal Square hospitable.

Jefforson Trust
Hoboken411 has pretty renderings of the proposed expansion of the Jefferson Trust building in Hoboken.

Bits & Briefs

Where the Money Goes
Derek Beres encounters occupying troops in the PATH station. Oh, wait, those guys are here to protect us. $2.4M more is not being spent on rail improvements, but instead on super troopers to protect us. [via JCBaby]

Maxwell Place
Hoboken411 has a bit on the Toll Brothers park going in as part of Hoboken's agreement allowing Maxwell place.

Hoboken plan goes back to plan board, judge rules
The Journal reports of a minor set back for a high density southwest side of Hoboken.

Bits & Briefs

PGA Tournament With a View of the New York City Skyline
The New York Times reports that The Barclays golf tournament is coming to Liberty National in 2009

Publishing photos of poop perpetrators
The Hudson Reporter notes that Hoboken wants to print the pictures of dog owners convicted of leaving dog shit on the ground.

Jersey City Celiac Disease Meetup Group
Someone dropped us a line about a gluten free group in the area, and since we love fan mail, we're given the group a shout out. So if you live a gluten free lifestyle by choice or necessity, you have some friends downtown.

Hoboken Expanding Upward

Hoboken's gentrification and inundation with luxury housing complexes has been a long ongoing process that has left little vacant land in the mile square city. While the debate rages on with regards to how to develop some of the last remnants of empty land in the southwest and the NJTransit rail yards, it seems the inevitable upward expansion of Hoboken's skyline has begun. Hoboken411 is reporting a furtive plan to expand the Jefferson Trust building 8 stories higher with luxury apartments. Locals are concerned over sunlight issues.

And of course, speaking of those last empty lots out near the dead president streets, Hoboken411 has a bit on the Lexington coming to Adams and Lexington, and Hoboken Hero continues to chronicle 800 Madison and 900 Monroe. Go West young man, and then go up.

BIts & Briefs

OKs shorter abatement
Grove Pointe's abbreviated abatement on the rental portion of the tower was approved.

Cinco Tacos, Hold de Mayo
Downtown Taqueria gets some love from the Hudson Current

Toll Brother's City Living
Hoiboken411 reports on Toll Brother's ratings of housing markets. The Jersey City / Hoboken Market gets high marks.

From the Blogosphere

Tris McCall has moved to the lovely Harsimus Cove area and is back to posting. And as if to answer Tris's question as to where all the Jersey City bloggers are, we came across Jersey City Baby, a blog by and about a Jersey Cityean. The NEW Blog came across a little bit of an Architectural Love Fest thanks to Rem Koolhaus, still.

Meanwhile, north of the Holland Tunnel, Hoboken Hero has scaled the Palisades and taken some photos of Metro Stop. Hoboken411 cautions us that ShopRite's delivery trucks are out to destroy your car, and The Hoboken Blog wants Mayor Roberts to resign.

Bits & Briefs

Ibby's Returns
Ibby's Falafel, the much beloved Grove Street fixture closed for months of renovations has finally reopened. Go, eat falafel.

Developer scales back abatement
Grove Pointe is backing out of its 20 year tax abatement in favor of phasing in regular taxes over the next five years citing a savings for the developer.

This Way Up
New Jersey Monthly gives some love to Jersey City, months after New York Magazine, totally justifying our name once again.

Demolition Begins
Hoboken Hero has some great demolition porn from the west side of Hoboken.

Hoboken Home to The Stars

If of course, you consider Governors to be celebrities. Bloomberg reports Hoboken is the hot new address for self-made millionaires. To hell with East and West Egg, Jay Gatsby would live in Hoboken. The best line comes from the Toll Brothers CEO:

"``We're killing 'em in Hoboken,'' Chief Executive Officer Robert Toll said at a March conference in Las Vegas."

Bits & Briefs

Model of Urban Future
USA Today discovers Jersey City; Motel guests across the country to flock to city.

Sunday Flooding
Its raining, meaning Hoboken is flooding.

Bits & Briefs

The Future of Jersey City
The new issue of Jersey City Magazine is out and ponders where the city is going.

6.2 acres of tax rise reduction
The Journal Reports that the city and the state have come to an agreement over a bit of land in the Liberty Harbor North redevelopment allowing the new Hilton Hotel to move forward.

Oldie But Goodie
A historic Hoboken street sign built into the corner of the building as captured by Hoboken Hero.

Cab Drivers Buy City Council

The Journal is reporting that the Hoboken city Council has gone ahead and voted to ban pedicabs before they even have a chance to carry their first passenger. Taxi cab operators have been protesting for weeks that the pedal powered carts would be real competition with their gas powered pedestrian killers, and since we absolutely don't want to encourage a competitive market, the city of Hoboken will ban the pedicabs until they can figure out a way to balance the budget through pedicab licensing fees.

Jersey City as well as a number of shore towns were also intended to get pedicab service. The Hoboken ban could mean that Jersey City will get pedicabs sooner, or on the other hand the whole prospect of bringing eco-friendly transportation to Hudson County is over.

Bits & Briefs

Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood
The Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association has launched a website. Name calling, petty bickering, stalking charges to follow. Oh, wait, that's Newport.

Hoboken Hero
A new blog from the northwest corner of Hoboken was launched with all sorts of construction-porn goodness including the new Metro-stop building

Safest Drivers In N.Y.C., Jersey City, Yonkers
Don't expect an auto insurance discount anytime soon, but apparently we rank among the safest drivers in the nation.

Frustrated Bus Rider Makes Map

We don't often take the bus, and we really don't many people who do. But apparently there are a few of you out there, like the one frustrated rider who wanted a map of Hudson County buses. But since NJTransit seems to have a map aversion, he had to create his own, thus, JerseyMap.org was born. As we said, we don't often take the bus, so we have no way of knowing if its accurate, but it sure looks professional.

What the Industry Has To Say

The Real Deal has gone and interviewed everyone from Jaime Lefrak to local real estate brokers on the current conditions along the Gold Coast. Jersey City seems to be on the tip of everyone's tongue, and an unscientific survey concludes: Jersey City is underrated and more towers are coming to the downtown. Go figure.

Via Kannekt Forums

Bits & Briefs

More use Light Rail
The Journal reports ridership is up more than 50% between 2006 and 2007.

Social Sports League Deadline Approaches
ZogSports runs a social sports league for anyone who likes balls flying at their face. Sounds like any typical Friday night in Hoboken, but this one is an organized dodgeball league, with flag football in Jersey City. Oh, and there is something about benefiting charity too.

Bits & Briefs

Littered park to be pretty 'plaza'
The Grove Street PATH plaza has a name, and has nothing to do with Grove or Pointe.


A park extending onto roofs up for discussion in Hoboken
12 story high development approved for Hoboken with the caveat of public roof decks, or something crazy like that.

Bits & Briefs

Yellow Cabs Turning Green
At this year's New York International Automobile Show, the iconic yellow cab will be getting a green makeover. Showcased at the event will be a number of potential variants for the next generation taxi with emphasis on alternative fuels.

Hamilton Park's makeover: More active or passive?
Hamilton Park will soon have a long overdue refurbishment. Engineering firm Schoor DePalma presented three possible alternatives. Ball playing still prohibited.

R2D2 Mailboxes
Hobhoke411 reports that first of the Star Wars themed mailboxes began popping up in Hoboken, with photo goodness.

Bits & Briefs

Hoboken park funded
The Journal reports that Hoboken received the last $200,000 of the needed $7.1 Million to build a park at 1600 Park Avenue

Panty Bandits Raid Jersey City Mall
Sorority houses across the state are on the lookout after a Panty Raid at the Newport Mall.

Lorillard-- Not Quite History - But Going!
Blogger Uncle Tonoose has a few photos of 111 First Coming Down.

Uncivil Servants

The New York Times has pointed us to a new community website, Uncivil Servants that posts photos of illegally parked cars. The vehicles in question usually are taking advantage of city issued parking permits that are ostensibly issued for specific civic duties, but which appear to be used as one of those "benefits" doled out to government officials.

While Uncivil Servants is concentrating on New York and its official boroughs, the problem exists on our side of the river too. A JCLister has posted a few pictures of a police officer stationed in the BJ's parking lot prepared to write citations for folks making an illegal right hand turn, but turning a blind eye to the construction crew vehicles parked the wrong way on the one way street. Meanwhile, Hoboken411 captured similar incidents of official vehicles illegally parking on street corners. Oh, and let's not forget the Port Authority vehicles parking on the sidewalks along Jersey Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets-- forcing pedestrians to navigate between the curb and fast moving cars and trucks.

Its probably time that civil servants began respecting the laws they expect everyone else to follow. Until then though, there is always the internet to shame them.

Bits & Briefs

Selective Crossing Guards
Hoboken411 ponders the usefulness of crossing guards who only assist children.

Growth, More Jobs
The downtown development has increased the need for steel piping, and local piping company Ideal Supply is expanding its Jersey City presence to meet demand. Too bad all those new blue collar employees can't afford to live downtown.

Robot Wars

The Journal is reporting more delays for the automatic parking garage in Hoboken, out of service for months while the parking authority figured out how to keep the garage from hunting Sarah O'Conner.

The automated parking garage, the state's first, has been plagued with problems, in part because of a dispute about software licensing fees. Automated garages are common throughout Europe largely because they are 20 to 30 percent more efficient than garages with ramps.

Several recent building proposals in New York have included automated parking garages, and with each announcement Hoboken has been cited for how not to run an automated garage.

Bits & Briefs

Bridging Gaps Through Art
A new art gallery is set to open in Hoboken on the 24th of March with the hope of bringing "conversational art back to Hoboken." galería GOBA, 320 Washington Street, Hoboken.

Movers: $15 Guys vs. $19 Guys
Hoboken411 has the story of couple who responded to one of those fliers hanging all over Jersey City and Hoboken. And since you are reading about it here, you can guess it was a scam.

For Further Reading
Tris McCall responds to his own previous post that dared ask where are all the Jersey City blogs? He points us to a few, though not that they are updated frequently. Which is a lot like JerseyCitoyen, a blog we came across a few months back and have been waiting for its owner to write something fresh. Indeed, fellow bloggers, send us your links.

Toll Brothers Gets Grant to Cover Park Obligations

The Toll Brothers's waterfront property Maxwell Place will expand the river walk along the Hudson River, as required by law. The Journal is reoprting though that the company received a $6 million federal grant to help cover expenses Toll was originally to pay. Meanwhile, the 5 to 6 acre park is included in the Maxwell Place marketing campaign.

Pedicabs New Hot Thing

Just as New York City is getting ready to regulate the foot powered tourist traps, the Hoboken City Council is getting ready to consider whether pedicab operators need anything other than a business license.

The Journal reports that existing taxi regulations don't cover pedicabs, meaning operators won't need a $250,000 medallion.

Obviously the gas powered cab drivers are none too pleased the prospect of splitting fares with foot driven brethren. Environmentalists should be pleased though, as the only fumes coming from pedicabs will be the rank odor of sweat any bicyclist produces on a hot day.

Municipal Employees (probably) Rejoice as Site Reconnected

The journal is reporting that by order of Mayor Roberts himself, popular community site Hoboken411 is again accessible by city computers, which means city employees can once again go back to "spending taxpayer time" reading the site.

Bits & Briefs

Jersey Avenue (extended version)
Tris McCall tackles the Jersey Avenue Connector issue.

The Hudson School art exhibit
Judy Marciano points us to The Hudson School of Hoboken presentation of student art.

No Flash of Badge
Hoboken Councilman Chris Campos laments that the city failed to ratify a police contract in two years.

Coming to Jersey City: '600-foot-tall piece of art'
Just in case you hadn't had enough Koolhaas, another photo of the model.

North End of Hoboken Getting 12 Story Tower

Hoboken approved a twelve story tower for properties on the north end of Hoboken, including the Park on Park garage. The building will include space for a charter school, retail space and 180 condos.

Via Hoboken Reporter

Bottom's Up

Dust off off your shamrocks, today is Hoboken's version of St. Patrick's day. Don't get yourself arrested.

China, Cuba, Hoboken Censor Websites

At the risk of finding ourselves on the wrong side of Hoboken municipal digital firewall, we're going to point to a bit about City Hall's banning of local blog Hoboken411. of course we can't be too surprised given the 411's coverage of redevelopment zones, pay-to-play reform, and drunken council members. We would make some wry remark here, but there's nothing funny about censorship.

Bits & Briefs

Jersey Pearl
The New York Post discovers Jersey City. Most interesting tidbit-- only 8 units remain in the North Tower of the Shore Club.

Tea for Two
Jersey Journal shows Janam Indian Tea Shop the love.

NJ Transit study to determine light rail's impact
Next week officials ask whether people prefer jet packs or flying cars.

Hoboken Southwest Development
Hoboken411 has a bit about redeveloping the southwest corner of Hoboken with 8 story buildings.

Bits & Briefs

Kvetching about condos
As Toll Brothers push forward with plans to build towers on the Manischevitz factory site, activists want to be part of the dialogue. Half the Manischevitz property is outside the PAD, and recent variances for 111 First Street might set a precedent that allows Toll to go higher.

Housing Market Heats Up
Apparently the housing crash is over, at least in the metro region. Bidding wars are back just in time for the spring collections.

Trump's local apprentice
Architect Dean Geibel is interviewed regarding the Trump Tower. Rumors of the demise of the second tower are greatly exaggerated; Geibel says the abatement payment to the city has been made, and at a cool $1.6 million, you can bet they're going to be building the other tower.

New construction coming to train terminal area
Hoboken's rail yards might not be getting as much attention as those in Brooklyn or the west side of Manhattan, but developers could soon be dreaming just as big. Hoboken's council has approved a planning board study calling for the redevelopment of the yards. Half the yards of course are in Jersey City, north of the Newport redevelopment property.

The Multi-Million Dollar Apartment Arrives

The New York Times, in their usual timely manner has a bit about the arrival of the $2 Million Plus condo. The Beacon is presently Jersey City's winner at $2.3 million, though Trump has one listed at $2.5. Hoboken's W Hotel has a $4.4 million unit.

Bits & Briefs

Hoboken University Medical Center
City taking over money losing operations at St. Mary's hospital, hoping for federal aid, arrival of McDreamy, McSteamy by becoming a teaching hospital.

City officials face challenges over clock, fate in city's hands, time running out
Goldman Sachs, Colgate and the City are fighting over the position of the historic clock and a million dollar payment owed to the city.

Victory Hall Defeated
The non-profit special events and arts venue loses its lease in the fall. The building, owned by Our Lady of Czestochowa Church is preparing to open a pre-school.

Hoboken Wiki Launched

The folks over at Hoboken based blog The Hoboken Blog have gone and launched a new site based on Wikipedia. The HobokenWiki is a user driven site much like the real Wikipedia, but only filled with all the knowledge Hoboken residents have to offer. Eventually, there might be articles in the HobokenWiki too. So if local Wiki's interest you, or if you have a few facts you want to jot down on the internet, check it out.

Rail Yard Redevelopment: Jersey Edition

Perhaps you may recall what now seems a lifetime ago, the fight over what to do with New York's West Side rail yards in the dirty thirties. Local residents there wanted nothing to do with redevelopment fearing high rise buildings would ruin the character of the local neighborhood. Meanwhile, its still the dirty thirties.

Well now according to Hoboken411, its New Jersey's turn to have a go at redeveloping rail yards.

"There is great concern that Mayor David Roberts has given the unofficial green light to the construction of high-rise office and condo towers running from the train station straight up Observer Highway."

Even if Roberts did green light development along the rail yards, we assume there will be a long a protracted fight to stop it. One only needs to look to the Jersey City side to see what we're talking about: Back in early 2001, there was a plan to build the Millennium Towers on the Jersey City side of the rail yards. That met with community opposition and the proposed 45 story towers are now nothing but artist's renderings in an architect's portfolio.

We're for high rises along the rail yards for several reasons. Building over railroad tracks costs quite a bit of money, and money is after all what drives development. If it won't be profitable to redevelop the rail yards, the rail yards will remain an eyesore and will prevent a contiguous urban landscape from forming.

Second, the entire neighborhood north of the Holland tunnel exit and south of Observer Highway is essentially a wasteland, just like the dirty thirties on Manhattan's West Side. The only way to begin to revitalize these areas are a few high rise towers to act as anchors.

Third, fighting these sorts of things only puts off the inevitable, which means in the interim, housing shortages (leading to higher rents) and parking shortages (leading to road rage) and underused mass transit (less incentive to increase and improve service).

Finally, there really isn't a neighborhood that would be disrupted by high rise towers along and above the rail yards. Observer highway does a great job of amputating Hoboken from Jersey City. If you've never walked from Hoboken to Jersey City as we have, you have no right to talk. Take a stroll from Washington Street to say the Newport Mall, and you'll understand what we mean about a vast wasteland. Pedestrians can easily meet with death along the route, not to mention the rather ominous empty lots on the Jersey City side of the rail yards.

In the end of course, the money will talk. If developers can find a way to turn a profit redeveloping the rail yards, then they will be. And if they can't, then they won't.

Bits & Briefs

Getting In Shape For the New Year
The Hudson Reporter discusses one Hoboken native's development of a workout video, that surprisingly does not involve keg stands. Or maybe it does.

Oh Heavens Protestants don't want condos on historic church property, evolution in schools. Oh shit, that said Protesters. Protesters don't want evolution in condos, school in church.

After odor blankets New York City, officials point to New Jersey Residents blame fried food, cabbage, "Pull my finger?" jokes. Staten Island unavailable for comment.

Secret Hoboken Street Parking Revealed

The folks over at Hoboken411 may have discovered a bit of free parking, for now at least. Rumor has it that the 11th Street extension next to Maxwell Place is a free-for-all until zone stickers go up in March.

Hoboken Yuppies Blamed For Warehouse Shortage, Apocalypse

The New York Times has a bit about all the disappearing warehouse space in New Jersey, placing the blame on the popularity of Hoboken and Jersey City as residential communities. It makes mention of The Hudson Tea Building, Maxwell House, and Hostess buildings in Hoboken and in Jersey City the Sugar House and Wells Fargo Lofts.

Eat Me

Hudson Restaurant Week is coming at the end of January, which means (relatively) cheap eats at a number of spots from Paulus Hook to Hoboken. Meanwhile, it seems Hoboken will be getting a fondue chain restaurant We're unsure as to whether we should be thrilled or appalled.

Recap of Year End Recaps

Making the moves has a rather interesting bit about sales figures in Hoboken. Judy has taken the time to break down the number units sold for various sized properties, the sort of Geeky stats we get hot and bothered over.

Meanwhile, Hoboken411 has tabulated the number of businesses coming (58) and going (31).

The Jersey Journal is reporting there were fewer people killed this year in Jersey City. No doubt this is yet another sign the housing bubble has popped.

Bits & Briefs

Running faucet causes $100,000 in damages
Jersey Journal
[See Building]

Cingular Ad Shot in Hoboken
Hoboken411

Collectors find new ways to store wine
Business Week

Around the Blogosphere

With all the chatter created by New York Magazine's declaration of Jersey City's cool-ness, it was only a matter of time before people started cashing in on the city. Well, someone other than us, that is. And it seems that Murketing was one of the first to do that with a Jersey City Calendar. [via JCList]

Meanwhile, just as Jersey City is becoming too cool for you, Hoboken is over: "It's just so tarty and fratty and homogeneous." Maybe. But then again, Hoboken has a a certain something Jersey City never will.

Regular Programming: Bits & Briefs

A news of the week wrap up that includes a good ol' reach around to just about everyone who writes about the sixth borough.


Time For Developers to Start Playing Ball
Jersey Journal

A Hoboken View
Hudson Current

SW Redevelopment Plan Continues
Hoboken411

Plans on Hold for 10th Street Buildings
JCVibe

Jersey City Trump Not a Sex Act
Curbed.com

Drawings Out For Pencil Factory
JCVibe

Bits & Briefs

Planning Board tells developers: Meet with residents
Newport Group's plan to build two structures on the Tenth Street embankment meets opposition.

Music to their ears
A twelve story tower gets approved for lot across from Shoprite.

Rescue Plan for Hospital
New Jersey's oldest hospital is about to be bankrupted.

361 Newark Ave to Triple in Height
Rumors on JCList indicate a stalled construction project could go higher.

Google Map Tools We Love

We came across WikiMapia, a hybrid between Google Satelite images, Wikipedia, and Flickr. Users can enter data on hot zones on the satelite images-- for instance, the empty lot that now is the site of the new Trump Towers. Like all sites relying on user generated content though, we've come across a few mistakes. But in either case, Jersey City and Hoboken both have extensive entries.


And meanwhile, Hoboken411 pointed out the GMaps Pedometer, a service that calculates the distance of a walking trip using Google maps. We've found this a most useful tool after gathering construction site photographs.

Opening Tonight

The Basement, a new bar in Hoboken with 75 Martinis opening their doors tonight. Hobokn411 has a full write up.

Imagine Atrium, the new independent bookstore in Jersey City is ready to open tonight at 7pm with "Music, Merriment, & Magic!" The only magic we want to see is a shelf of books for less than the cover price.

Oh, and Hoboken Too.

Recently we've been a little heavy on Jersey City and a little light on Hoboken. We make no apologies. But we will point out a few interesting things we've found through the power of google. First, Hoboken411 has some interesting bits about the W Hotel and the preponderance of new banks.

Meanwhile, its probably likely that you've heard of the Dog Association and the Park Association, but did you know there was also a Dart Players Association? Probably not.

Also, we found another Hoboken related website that we would have considered linking too had it not been for some interesting emails they sent to local area blogger MisterSnitch!

In either case Hobokenites, we hope this holds you over until we find the time, or the inclination to get our wee little camera north of 14th Street.

Old is New: Hoboken School to Become Condos

An old Hoboken school is being gutted and turned into condos, reports curbed. Its fairly appropriate for Hoboken. After all, it already has the fraternity brothers, so why not the school?

Robot Overloads Begin Invasion

Our new robot overloads have begun their invasion in Hoboken. The automated parking garage is once again having some fun with residents' cars. It would be funny like bad sci-fi movie if it wasn't your car. But its not ours, so yeah, its pretty hilarious.

Hoboken Photos

Drew over at the blog Let's Review is considering a move from New York's First borough to its Sixth. On a recent trip he snapped a few photos.

Tower, Transit Village To Break Ground

The Western end of Hoboken will soon have a new condo tower as part of the The Monroe Center Development's "transit village" project. Breaking ground at the end of the week, the tower is part of a larger vision to renovate a five and half acre site at the 9th Street light rail station.

Part luxury condo development, part artists' haven, the project will include a 123 unite tower on Monroe Street as well as renovating the Monroe Center for the Arts. Also included in the final phase of the project will be retail space and ample parking in a deck.

Cars Released From Garage

The malfunctioining automatic parking garage in Hoboken has released its captives at least temporarily. We have to wonder, after being stranded by a car eating garage, who would still park there?

Hoboken Garage Takes Cars Hostage, Demands Ransom

The automatic parking garage in downtown Hoboken that has been plagued with problems is causing more headaches locking cars inside.

Automated Garage Gets Staff Members

Hoboken's troubled automated parking garage has added several staff members in the hope that other cars will not be destroyed. The company that built the garage has insisted many of the problems can be attributed to a lack of care in maintaining the garage.

Light Rail Opens Station Past Hoboken, In other News, There Are Places Past Hoboken

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line will officially extend up to Weehawken as of this weekend. Congressman Menendez was on hand referring to the opening of the station as "more than a celebration of a rail stop," adding that it was also a celebration of Jon Corzine leaving the Senate and making a vacancy available. Meanwhile, ridership between Hoboken and Weehawken should make the Camden-light rail seem like a stunning success story.

Hoboken Projects to Get Security Upgrades

The Hoboken Housing Authority is set to to make security improvements at local projects in an effort to increase public safety. Still no word as to when the projects will be converted to luxury lofts.

Hoboken To Wait Another 90 Days on Rent Control Issue

The rent control issue that has been facing tenants in Hoboken, specifically a statute of limitations on collecting over billed rent, has been postponed as result of legal action under taken by a local renter's advocate.

Hoboken Garage Eats a Jeep, Asks For Seconds

Hoboken's automatic parking garage that last week we mentioned for its failure to return cars to its owners has destroyed a jeep after the vehicle fell four stories inside the building. The Parking Garage has been understaffed, according to the company that built it, or if you ask the city, the parking garage has never worked properly.

Hoboken Rent Control Ordinances Pass Despite Possible Conflicts, Then Gets Sued

The much talked about rent control ordinance changes was passed by Hoboken's council, despite recent revelations that three of the council members are landlords with a questionable history of following the existing rent control laws themselves. Shortly after the ordiance was passed, Hoboken was sued. Good Government surrenders.

Hoboken Could Be Sitcom Star, Rumored To Be Engaged, Pregnant, and Producing New Rap Album

Two New Jersey comics are hoping to make Hoboken the star of a new sitcom. The pitch involves an Italian-American family with creators Mike Marino and Sarit Catz hoping to sell the pilot for the 2006 season.

Hoboken Names New Historic District

Hoboken's Castle Point Terrace has been nominated for historic district status paving the way for preservation of two blocks along Hudson Street.

Hoboken Terminal To Get Transit Village: For "Transit Village", Read "Condos"

NJTransit has given a contract to a Philadelphia based firm to create a master plan for redeveloping the historic terminal. LCOR, the real estate firm, will produce the master plan in exchange for development rights.

"Hoboken Mayor David Roberts said plans for the terminal could include a historical museum and even a trolley that would loop around the city."

But will likely only include condos and The Gap.

The Hoboken Reporter has a bit more as does The [Bergen] Record.

Auto-Garage Eats Cars, Spits Out Owners, Threatens To Destroy the World

Hoboken made headlines a few years back when an automated parking garage was built in the city which could store more cars in the tight area than a conventional garage. It seems though, everything is not as peachy as once thought. The garage keeps breaking down leaving car owners stranded.

Some props to the Jersey Journal for insertaing a Kubrick reference in a news story about a parking garage.

Via Mr. Snitch!

Hoboken Stores' Fate In Hands Of Consultants: Doomsday Clock Starts

Washington Street store fronts have apparently been vacated over the last few years as soaring rents push out stores. Hoboken is taking action: they've hired a consulting firm. Rest assured, with high priced consultants on the case, Hoboken's downtown will be safe.

Hoboken Rent Control Lives To See Another Day

Hoboken had been considering removing two family homes from rent control, but it now seems the council has reversed their decision. Also postponed was a statute of limitations on reimbursing rent in cases where it had been illegally raised.

Hoboken To Renters: Drop Dead, Next Week

Hobken's on going debate over rent control has been delayed. Renters in two family homes should be particularly concerned by changes in the rules as those tenants can be denied renewal of their leases under state law.

Hoboken Renters: Drop Dead, Again

In the continuing saga of Hoboken's proposed rent control law changes, it seems the city is looking to strip tenants of two family homes of the protection. The Jersey Journal sums up nicely just exactly how well thought out the proposal is:

"It is unclear how many people would be affected by the proposal, because city officials wouldn't say how many such homes are in the Mile Square City. In fact, city officials wouldn't say if they'd done any research to gauge the potential impact."

Indeed, it seems Hoboken's government is moving along to push out the last of the under priviledged-- i.e. poor people. We would be more surprised by this if many elected officials in Hudson county weren't also landlords.

Hoboken Says Landlords Allowed To Rape and Pillage Renters

The city of Hoboken is going to change rent control ordinances limiting the liability of landlords who overcharge tenants. As things are now, renters can seek retribution for landlords who illegally raise rents, indefinately. Under the proposed rule changes, renters would have only two years to seek reimbursements before forfeiting thousands of dollars in back rent. In other news, your rent is going up, again.

W Hotel Mystery Returns

During our first week, readers asked us about the mysterious W Hotel, with which we responded with the eloquence of a school girl. In either case, its back on our radar as The Bergen Record Reports: "In North Jersey, the W Hotel plans to build a 25-story waterfront tower in Hoboken that will have 225 guest rooms topped with 40 condos."

Santa Clause Does Hoboken

Mister Snitch! points us to some video's showing quite a unique perspective of life in Hoboken. Our personal favorite includes the short video of dozens of Santa's storming Washington Street "A surreal night on Washington Street features a Santa gang putting the 'HO!' in Hoboken".

Hoboken Tea Party

Tenants of the Hudson Tea Building have been facing higher rent increases over the last few months as the Toll Brothers, the buildings new owners, have pushed to convert the rentals to condominiums with million dollar price tags. The building was formerly rent control exempt under a plan to encourage more rental units in the area. If converted, the building would fall under rent control leaving some residents wondering if they are being forced out now, before the building falls under rent control. Ten tons of tea will be dumped into the Hudson River in protest.

Film Students Invade Hoboken

The documentary "Fatal Mistakes will be shown Saturday at 8pm at the Symposia Bookstore. The documentary was filmed by two students and is presented by the Hoboken Digital Film Society. Tickets are $5.

Via Asbury Park Press