Msg# 22

 Critical Public Hearing Tomorrow on Anti Pay to Play Ordinance - Webmaster

 Tomorrow the Jersey City Municipal Council will consider an "anti pay-to-play" ordinance aimed at eliminating the corrupting influence of money in local politics, sponsored by Civic JC and Councilman Steve Fulop. We need your help! Please come and express your support for a better Jersey City government. This is a special public hearing where the public may speak without the need to sign up in advance. Please attend even if you do not plan to speak. http://jclist.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=14097&forum=11&post_id=165945#forumpost165945 Wednesday September, 3 2008 - 7:00pm Middle School #4 107 Bright Street near the corner of Jersey Avenue and Grand

Msg# 21

 Civic JC ACTION ALERT - Jersey City Council to consider reform. - Webmaster

  Jersey City Council to consider ethics reform initiatives For everyone interested in ethics reform in Jersey City, this coming Wednesday morning will be a banner-headline moment, as Municipal Council will receive and consider the certified "pay-to-play-reform" initiative -- and possibly the "municipal salary" measure, if the emergency legal effort is successful.  We hope that you are able to attend this historic event.  The Council meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20th, at P.S. #7, located at 229 Laidlaw Avenue; Jersey City, NJ, the new school near Pershing Field and the Reservoir #3.  For those not immediately familiar, here is the MapQuest link:   http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Jersey+City&state=NJ&address=229+Laidlaw+Avenue   Please consider calling the City Clerk's office in advance to sign up for the speakers' portion of the meeting.  Even if your schedule might preclude your attendance, please call and sign up and leave a message for your Councilperson showing your support for the passage of this ordinance.  Council members wake up and take extra notice when numerous citizens are listed as speakers.  The City Clerk's office phone number is:  201.547.5150.   If enough Civic JC members, and other community activists supporting the initiative(s), sign up to speak, those of us actually in attendance can orchestrate (with the Clerk and the Council) for an effective, representative series of citizen presenters to articulate our common concerns, aspirations, etc.   We hope to see you there on Wednesday morning, or at least your name(s) listed as a potential speaker.   __________________________________________________________________________________________   Two years ago, Civic JC asked our City Council to adopt an "anti pay-to-play" ordinance aimed at eliminating the corrupting influence of money in local politics.  While we were completely ignored initially, we're proud to have begun a process that is now on the verge of bringing real change to Jersey City.  Through the hard work and support of Councilman Steve Fulop and a band of dedicated volunteers who gathered thousands of signatures, Jersey City voters will, on November 4th, have the chance to enact an anti pay-to-play ordinance that will begin to move Jersey City politics into the 21st century.   The political machine is now rising against us and we want your help .  Once it is confirmed that our referendum questions are on the ballot we will start an awareness campaign in preparation for the November election.    Civic JC will be setting up tables at key locations in Jersey City where we will register voters we want volunteers to man these tables.  (People will be paired up so don't worry about being out there alone!)  We will provide you with all the information and literature you need to do a great job and we can tell you from personal experience that it's very rewarding.   If you're interested, please Reply to this email: webmaster@civicjc.org with your name and phone number.   Thanks in advance for your help!   Civic JC www.civicjc.org  

Msg# 20

 Civic JC e-Newsletter - July 2008 - Webmaster

  Civic JC e-Newsletter Civic JC e-Newsletter www.civicjc.org Volume 3, Issue 4 July 2008   Redesigning Journal Square   The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency was awarded a $100,000 “smart growth” grant, the largest in the state, to develop a comprehensive plan for Journal Square as an entertainment and retail hub.  The plan will be created by A. Nelessen Associates, a Princeton-based urban planning firm and Dean Marchetto, a Hoboken-based architect and urban designer.   A design charrette process, a technique for consulting with all stakeholders, is to be used to create a vision for the future of Journal Square.    For more information on the project, see - $100,000 State Grant for Journal Square Plan   First Public Meeting for Journal Square Redevelopment Plan   The first public meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 22nd, at the Hudson County Community College Culinary Conference Center.  This follows a previous meeting with area property owner stakeholders.    While the meeting time is listed as 7pm, we suggest arriving at least 30 minutes early as there is a discrepancy as to the starting time.   The HCCC Culinary Center is located at 161 Newkirk St., Building E.     Many people see the Journal Square area as Jersey City’s true “Downtown” or “City Center.”  The public from all areas of Jersey City is encouraged to come out and participate in this and future related meetings.    The limited information available for this meeting reads:   "Wanted:  300 City Planners"    Mayor Jeremiah T. Healy, The JC Municipal Council and the JC Redevelopment Agency invite you to partake in "Redesigning Journal Square.  We Need You the People to Help Us Design The Future!!   Tuesday, July 22nd at 7:00pm HCCC Culinary Conference Center Refreshments and door prizes!! (Doors open at 6:30pm) For more information go to www.thejcra.org  201 547 5810   Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote good government practices and a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a “World Class City.”

Msg# 19

 Civic JC e-Newsletter - May 2008 - Webmaster

  Traffic Study Final Report Issued Civic JC e-Newsletter www.civicjc.org Volume 3, Issue 3 May 2008   Jersey City Mobility 2050   Jersey City has commenced the long awaited citywide traffic circulation study, titled Jersey City Mobility 2050 – which is to create a transportation master plan.  More information on the project can be found at  http://www.jerseycitymobility2050.com/.  The success of this project is critical not only to the economic future of our city, but the long term quality of life of our residents.   The first public meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, 6pm, at the Frank Conwell #3 School at 111 Bright Street.  The stated purpose of the first meeting is to establish the vision and goals for the new transportation plan.   Fortunate for Jersey City, New York City recently released its Strategic Plan for the New York City Department of Transportation 2008 titled Sustainable Streets.   New York City’s visionary plan focuses clearly on sensibly solving their city’s transportation problems.  One section,  World Class Streets for a World Class City says it all!   Civic JC looks for Jersey City to utilize the NYC plan as a benchmark of best practices and evaluate its recommendations in the context of providing Jersey City with “World Class Streets”.     Powerhouse Arts District   By now, most people have heard that the city council approved the Toll Brothers amendments to the Powerhouse Arts District.  The changes alter the original plan so substantially that the vision of the district no longer exists.   A 2005 interview with Mayor Healy by Tris McCall best describes how dramatic the settlement with the developer of 111 First Street and the Toll Brothers amendments can be framed just four short years into a forty year redevelopment plan.  On the Powerhouse Arts District.   Civic JC supports the Powerhouse Arts Districts legal effort to reverse the changes.  Visit http://www.padnajc.org/donations to contribute.     Public Initiative Efforts Continue   The petition drive continues in effort to place two reform ordinances on the November 2008 ballot through May and should wrap up in June. If you are interested in either obtaining a petition document to help gather signatures or to sign a petition, please contact info@betterjc.org.   Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote good government practices and a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a “World Class City.”   To be removed from this mailing list: http://civicjc.org/modules/evennews/index.php?action=unsubscribe  

Msg# 18

 Civic JC e-Newsletter - March 2008 - Volume 3, Issue 2 - Webmaster

  Traffic Study Final Report Issued Civic JC e-Newsletter www.civicjc.org Volume 3, Issue 2 March 2008     School Board Elections in April   As New Jersey proceeds to revert the Jersey City public school system to local control after 19 years – since the state assumed authority in 1989 – there is much at stake with the upcoming J.C. Board of Education elections on April 15, 2008.   Traditionally, school board elections have had dismal voter turnouts.  These contests have been won by very few votes, since only a handful of the electorate (usually) participate.  Your vote will count, more than ever.   An efficient and effective school system is necessary for the growth and stability of Jersey City.  It is important to recognize that the school system budget exceeds the Jersey City municipal budget by approximately 35%.  [The annual budget for the Jersey City public schools is $627.4 million; the annual municipal budget for Jersey City is $464 million.]     New Officers for Civic JC Leadership Posts   In the annual election of corporate officers, Valerio Luccio has succeeded Daniel Levin as president of Civic JC.  Mr. Luccio is a founding director of Civic JC, as well as a former president of the Downtown Coalition of Neighborhood Associations and the Harsimus Cove Association.   For the 2008-2009 term, Andrew Hubsch will continue as vice president, joined by Norrice Raymaker, treasurer, and Mr. Levin, now serving as secretary.   We thank outgoing treasurer Aaron Morrill for his exemplary years of service as a corporate officer; Mr. Morrill will continue as a director of Civic JC.     Parks and Recreation Study   The city’s long-awaited Parks and Recreation Master Plan – prepared by T & M Associates, and begun in 2006 – has been completed.  This study is designed to identify an inventory of all city park space, to make recommendations for new parks, and to prioritize and recommend renovations to existing parks.  The study will be officially presented to the City Council in early April and will be used by to plan improvements to the city’s parks and open space.   Toll Brothers will destroy the Powerhouse Arts District   Plan to attend the next City Council meeting on April 9, 2008 Middle School #4, 107 Bright St. (one block West of Jersey Ave.)   The Jersey City council will vote on a Tax Abatement for the Toll Brothers project in the Powerhouse Arts District.  For more information: http://civicjc.org/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=30 http://jclist.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?viewmode=flat&type=&topic_id=8653&forum=8   Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote good government practices and a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a “World Class City.”

Msg# 17

 JERSEY CITY CITIZENS UNVEIL CITIZENS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES SURVEY - Webmaster

  MEDIA RELEASE     MEDIA RELEASE   For immediate release:                                               Contact: Heather Taylor February 20th, 2008                                                                732-548-9798 x.1     JERSEY CITY CITIZENS UNVEIL CITIZENS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES SURVEY   Jersey City citizens, the Citizens’ Campaign and members of Civic JC today unveiled the results of a survey that explores opportunities for improving civic community in the City of Jersey City. The survey, which was facilitated by the non-partisan Citizens’ Campaign, is designed to provide an overall sense of the community’s civic strengths and weaknesses. Its main purpose is to give a community an analysis of how to increase constructive citizen participation and empowerment by discovering what laws and policies of a healthy civic community are currently absent or need to be improved.   Cristina Maria Rojas, Hudson County Chair of the Citizens’ Campaign said, “The results of this survey point the way to practical steps that can be taken to increase opportunities for citizens to exercise their rights and responsibilities and provide constructive leadership in politics and government.”  She continued, “This survey is an important tool citizens can use to make improvements in their cities and towns.”   Jersey City resident Norrice Raymaker said, "I don't view the survey as the end of the process, but as a blueprint directing us to Jersey City's best resource, the residents.  In this election year, I hope that residents who hunger for change will step up, attend the leadership forums and ‘work for change,’ and I am not referring to quarters and dimes."    Andrew Hubsch, Vice President of Civic JC, said, “This survey provides a road map on how to increase citizen participation in Jersey City government.” Hubsch went on to say, “We look forward to working together in a positive way with fellow Jersey City citizens and Jersey City government and community leaders to address the areas that need improvement.”     Survey Results   The survey evaluates civic health in Jersey City in 16 separate areas.  It shows that Jersey City is doing a good job on four of the components of civic health, has nine missing components and needs to strengthen an additional three.   The positive attributes are that (1) Jersey City has a procedure for citizen input at City public meetings; (2) Jersey City’s website lists, and keeps updated, meeting dates and times for council, planning board, and zoning board meetings;  (3) The Jersey City Public Schools offers High School civics classes that focus on participation in local government & politics; and (4) the Jersey City Board of Education’s website maintains an updated list of meeting times and dates, agendas, and minutes..   The nine components missing in Jersey City are:  (1) Jersey City political parties lack local party constitutions and bylaws which guarantee representative power to elected committee people; (2) local party constitutions don’t provide voting rights on party endorsements & platforms or provide for platform committees; (3)  there is no municipal ban on political fundraising in government offices; (4) there is no municipal requirement for developers to disclose political contributions; (5) there is no regulation of public contracting to protect against “pay to play” practices; (6) the City lacks regulations to protect the redevelopment process against “pay to play” abuse;  (7) a public directory of appointed citizen positions is not maintained; (8) no formal and open application process exists for citizens to apply for positions on boards, commissions, and authorities; and (9) adult civics educations classes that teach about citizens rights and opportunities to participate in local government & politics are not offered.   The areas that need to be strengthened are (1) reducing vacancies in the Democratic and Republican political party committees; (2) reducing the cost to run for Municipal office; and (3) reducing vacancies on boards and commissions.   Background   The survey was conducted by Jersey City citizens with support from the Citizens’ Campaign and Civic JC. Similar surveys have been conducted in Newark, Paterson, Plainfield, Trenton, and Hamilton. The Citizens’ Campaign is a non-partisan; non-profit organization which devises innovative civic engagement reforms solutions and promotes constructive citizen leadership.   To view the Executive Summary of the survey, see - Executive Summary - JC Survey   To view the full survey, see  JC Survey in entirety.pdf    

Msg# 16

 Civic JC e-Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 1 - February 2008 - Webmaster

  Traffic Study Final Report Issued Civic JC e-Newsletter www.civicjc.org Volume 3, Issue 1 February 2008     Reform Initiatives Underway   The petition drive continues in effort to place two reform ordinances on the November 2008 ballot.   Proposed Contract Pay to Play Reform Ordinance   Proposed Multi-Salary Restriction Ordinance   If you are interested in obtaining a petition document to help gather signatures or to sign a petition, please contact – info@betterjc.org.   Circulation Element of the Jersey City Master Plan Commences   Long time coming, the city issued a Request for Proposals in November 2007 for a consultant team to prepare a new “Circulation Element” of the master plan that defines the City’s vision through the year 2050.  The project is charged with creating an action oriented plan for a citywide, multi-modal transportation network for the movement of people and goods that strengthens the link between land use and transportation.  The RFP requests that the transportation network be pedestrian-friendly, traffic calmed, congestion-mitigated and provide frequent and reliable mass transit service between home, workplace, school, recreation and shopping both for Jersey City residents and regional commuters.   A citywide traffic study has been one of Civic JC’s founding goals and we are enthusiastic about the commencement of the study.  The project is to include a Stakeholders Group to be identified by Jersey City staff.  We encourage community groups, neighborhood associations and other advocacy organizations to contact City Planning and ensure their place at the “table”.  This Stakeholders Group is to assist with the organization of public meetings, the establishment of goals and objectives, and the identification of potential alternatives and the selection of preferred alternatives.   Un-Zoning of the Powerhouse Arts District Continues (then the rest of the city)   Backed by the public exhortations of the city administration, the Planning Board recommended the Toll Brothers amendments to the City Council who will now vote on these changes during February.  These changes include demolishing two historic warehouses, destroying and abandoning to the developer one of the city’s few remaining cobblestone roads and permitting double the density and four times height of the existing plan.  These changes become permanent and irrevocable.   Beyond the dramatic reversal of public policy, the work, resources, near universal citywide support and multiple unanimous city council votes that went into creating the historic district and original redevelopment plan, the city’s refuses to respect the integrity of the planning, zoning and redevelopment process by continuing to rezone land developer by developer, property by property.   Bill Matsikoudis, Corporation Counsel for Jersey City stated in his Opinion Letter to the Editor of the Jersey Journal published December 4, 2007:   When I addressed the "domino effect" before the City Council it was clear that other property owners, including Toll Brothers, might seek greater densities and heights and I said those issues would "come down to policy issues" and that "with regard to those other properties, those developers or those land owners are going to have the opportunity to make their case to the administration, to the council, to the Planning Board, and you are going to get to decide on that."    It is very disappointing to hear our corporate council accepting spot zoning.  The door has now been opened for individual deal making and more pay to play for each rezoning proposal to be evaluated not only in the Powerhouse Arts District, but within other redevelopment plans throughout the city.   Civic JC has endorsed the PADNA (Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association) Legal Fund which will solely be used for defending the Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan against the Toll Brothers amendments and other similar challenges.  Please make checks out to “PADNA”, with “Legal Fund” written in the memo section, and mail to the PADNA, PO Box 3834, Jersey City, NJ 07303.   Civic JC Civic Calendar   Please check our Civic Calendar for the posting of civic, municipal and political events to our home page.  Please submit events here – events@civicjc.org. Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote good government practices and a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a “World Class City.” TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER CLICK HERE: http://civicjc.org/modules/evennews/index.php?action=unsubscribe    

Msg# 15

 Civic JC e-Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 5 - November 2007 - Webmaster

  Traffic Study Final Report Issued Civic JC e-Newsletter www.civicjc.org Volume 2, Issue 5 November 2007     Reform Initiatives Underway   The time is now to make a difference in how our city government operates!   If you feel that your vote does not count in municipal elections with our one-party system that manipulates voting blocs, cuts deals and barters appointments, here is an opportunity - not just to help get two reform ordinances on the ballot, but to send a strong message to our elected officials that the public has had enough with business as usual and the influence of special interests.   Civic JC  and Councilman Steven Fulop's "Partnership for a Better Jersey City" (www.betterjc.org) have joined together to promote two public petition initiatives that are designed to improve Jersey City municipal government and reduce conflicts of interest.   Press Release   Proposed Contract Pay to Play Reform Ordinance   Proposed Multi-Salary Restriction Ordinance   Much thought and effort has gone into proposing these two ordinances that we believe will not only be effective, but will be able to sustain legal challenges.   We are not alone in our battle and have been fortunate to receive assistance and expertise from the following individuals and organizations:   Diana Jeffrey of NJ Appleseed Heather Taylor and Lauren Skrownski of Citizen's Campaign Eric Kurta of People for Open Government   If you are interested in obtaining a petition document to help gather signatures or to sign a petition, please contact – info@betterjc.org.     Civic JC Introduces Our New Civic Calendar   We have added a Civic Calendar for the posting of civic, municipal and political events to our home page.  Please email events here - events@civicjc.org   The calendar is not for arts, cultural, entertainment or charitable events.   Recent Column by Earl Morgan Detailing a Developer Bundling $140,000   In his recent Jersey Journal column, Earl Morgan detailed the bundling of $140,000 by property developers along with an additional $15,000 in contributions given to the top city official in charge of development.   See Earl Morgan - Their $140G bought them nothing?   Please share this e-Newsletter with your friends and neighbors.  Thank you for your time, effort and concern. Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote good government practices and a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a “World Class City.”  

Msg# 14

 Civic JC e-Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 4 - August 2007 - Webmaster

  Traffic Study Final Report Issued Civic JC e-Newsletter www.civicjc.org Volume 2, Issue 4 August 2007     Traffic Study Final Report Issued   The final report for the Jersey City Regional Waterfront Access and Downtown Circulation Study Final Report has been issued.  While a number of recommendations are contentious and will need to wind their way through the political process, there are a few that the city can begin working to implement almost immediately.  We also believe that as stated in our initial list of goals, Jersey City must secure funding and perform a city-wide traffic impact study.   There are no easy answers.  Here are two telling quotes from the study summary:   “The traffic modeling does indicate that virtually all of the roadway concepts will have a detrimental effect on traffic flow on the local streets during the PM peak period. These concepts all have the effect of transferring vehicles from the regional routes to the local routes without adding major additional capacity to the local street system.”   “Possible solutions to the potential gridlock scenario are the use of the parking management regulations to limit the demand into the study area, or the introduction of a congestion fee for vehicles that enter the study area during the morning peak period.”   For more information and a link to the study see JC Regional Waterfront Access and Downtown Circulation Study Final Report Issued.   Pay to Play Reform / Campaign Finance Update   Considerable efforts are being made to research, plan and undertake a petition drive to place Pay to Play Reform on the ballot as a Public Referendum and we are moving forward.   It is not surprising that there are no rules and ordinances in place to prevent or minimize conflicts of interest in Jersey City campaign finance.  However, the dollar amounts can be jaw dropping - please visit this summary on our website which includes expenditure totals by our current elected office holders during the 2005 municipal election cycle here - Campaign Finance Update Please share this e-Newsletter with your friends and neighbors.  Thank you for your time, effort and concern. Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote good government practices and a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a “World Class City.” TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER CLICK HERE: http://civicjc.org/modules/evennews/index.php?action=unsubscribe  

Msg# 13

 Civic JC e-Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 3 - April 2007 - Webmaster

  Civic JC e-Newsletter Civic JC e-Newsletter www.civicjc.org Volume 2, Issue 3 April 2007   Reservoir #3 – Next Steps   As Mayor Healy and the city continue to proclaim and advertise that the “Historic Reservoir to Remain Green-a Park for Families”, there are critical steps that must be taken to make this park happen.   Please see this see this article from the Reservoir Preservation Alliance outlining the next necessary steps -  State of Reservoir #3 – Next Steps     Civic JC Asks Ethics Board to Apply State Conflict of Interest Statute to all Municipal Boards – Sit It Out When In Doubt   The Jersey City Ethical Standards Board investigated and dismissed Civic JC’s November 2006 request to determine if a specific vote of the Planning Board violated the state statute applying to conflicts of interest.    The board identified that the Chairman of the Planning Board, Michael Ryan, has a financial interest in PJ Ryan’s Pub and that the property is within the redevelopment area.  However, his property was not within the PAD redevelopment that was the subject of the amendments approved by the Planning board on August 8, 2006 creating a new district within the redevelopment area to be known as the Powerhouse Arts Residence Zone.   In conclusion, the attorney for the Ethical Standards Board, John T. Sullivan, stated that his opinion “should not be read to be supportive of the proposition that Mr. Ryan will not have a conflict of interest in any future matters that come before the Planning Board relative to the Powerhouse Arts District Redevelopment Plan” and wraps up by stating that “the notion of “sit it out when in doubt” may help avoid future alleged conflicts which may have unforeseen ramifications at the time a vote is taken”.   Civic JC’s request as to whether the entire statute provision cited is applicable to all sitting city board members, and have an appropriate amendment added to all local board rules, which parallels the state statute for the purpose of clarity was not addressed.   What PADNA is Doing to Keep the PAD   To see what the Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association is doing to keep and save the Powerhouse Arts District, please visit this link - Keeping the PAD   What you can do to help keep the PAD:   1.                    Register to vote. Application   2.                    Vote!  Politicians also pay attention to who shows up for elections, particularly those of low media coverage.  Hudson County primaries are coming up the first Tuesday in June.   3.                    Stay in the loop – get your email on the PADNA distribution list.   4.                    Donate.  The legal fund needs $$$.  PADNA is non-profit and all contributions are tax deductible.   EMAIL PAD or send your check to PADNA, PO Box 3834, Jersey City, NJ 07303-3834   Please share this e-Newsletter with your friends and neighbors.  Thank you for your time, effort and concern. Civic JC is a non-partisan, community-based initiative, designed to promote good government practices and a comprehensive, positive vision for the future of Jersey City as a “World Class City.”   TO UNSUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER CLICK HERE: http://civicjc.org/modules/evennews/index.php?action=unsubscribe