Friday, July 31, 2015
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE JACKSON 5IVE!
See what Johnny did there with the name? Just like the cartoon show about them used to do. No moss on Johnny.
Know what sounds good on a hot summer night? Duh, the Jackson 5ive, pay attention. How about his gem, 'Never Can Say Goodbye' to get us started tonight on this last night of July 2015.
Know what sounds good on a hot summer night? Duh, the Jackson 5ive, pay attention. How about his gem, 'Never Can Say Goodbye' to get us started tonight on this last night of July 2015.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE CURE!
Headphone alert, this is an official Jersey City Desk headphone alert! Get the headphones on and put them to good use on this track by The Cure, an extended amazing super duper cool version of their classic' Lullaby'. We think you'll appreciate the heads up.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with BRYAN ADAMS!
Johnny reached into his sack, er mailbag this week and what do you know an actual reader request for a Friday night Music Series artist. Not so much a song you understand but what not to play which if you're Johnny and it's Bryan Adams and you already think he ought to be in jail for that abortion of a song with Sting and Rod Stewart, and you can't play 'Summer of 69' the job gets tougher. Why would you put your name on that 'All for Love' song? Did your house burn down and you had no insurance? Did Maury say you ARE the father? Help a blogger out here...
OK, Bryan Adams and a song Johnny heard a couple years ago driving back to Michigan on the XM radio and he didn't change the channel, 'One Night Love Affair' on a reader request Friday.
Why is Bryan Adams always jumping?
OK, Bryan Adams and a song Johnny heard a couple years ago driving back to Michigan on the XM radio and he didn't change the channel, 'One Night Love Affair' on a reader request Friday.
Why is Bryan Adams always jumping?
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Another hot, humid, midsummer day
Johnny's just not feeling it kids. Walked into the office today as he always does and this weather, ugh. No, it's not a long hot spell but it's just the wrong hot spell.
Here's something; Mrs. Johnny is taking Johnny to see U2 tonight at MSG. U2 has been around long enough to, in the words of Paul McCartney on the Rolling Stones, "To make a real good noise." Here's to the lads playing all the hits so Johnny isn't feeling left out in not singing anything new. In fact, "We'd like to play a couple songs from our new album" are code words that tell you now it the time to go to the restroom or get another beverage. When you come back The Edge is is swinging into something familiar, like this:
Here's something; Mrs. Johnny is taking Johnny to see U2 tonight at MSG. U2 has been around long enough to, in the words of Paul McCartney on the Rolling Stones, "To make a real good noise." Here's to the lads playing all the hits so Johnny isn't feeling left out in not singing anything new. In fact, "We'd like to play a couple songs from our new album" are code words that tell you now it the time to go to the restroom or get another beverage. When you come back The Edge is is swinging into something familiar, like this:
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Late night open thread
Ain't it grand when the hottest day of the year turns into the busiest run around day all summer? Johnny missed you all today. Truly, writing an air conditioned story would have beat any meeting he was in or running to today.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Welp, the meeting has begun
Johnny worked the phones and cajoled some council members today over the abatement vote going on alongside the city budget being passed over on Grove St. tonight. Hopefully we'll have the info on the abatement vote before bed tonight.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Late night open thread
Happy happy 75th birthday to one Bugs Bunny who debuted on this day back in 1940. Debuted in 1940 but was years ahead of his time with the perplexing idea of what the hell to do with the wackadoodle state of Florida:
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Today is the day and now is the time
If you do not want Jersey City further turned into an ATM for developers (more on that tomorrow) you had better contact your city councilperson tonight or tomorrow before the special session of council to vote on the tax breaks for Abe Naparstek (see a couple stories below). Jersey City is hemorrhaging tax money because of too many tax abatements downtown. Now Steve Fulop wants to start in all over agin on a grand scale, something he said he would fight against. Some claim it's about affordable units. We all know that's not true. A variance will be given by "city planning" as it always it and affordable units wind up in Essex County if anywhere at all. City Council is the last chance to stop more giveaways of your money.
If you're not an ATM for builders let your councilperson know NOW. If you don't want to possibly be paying for a bad buildings with a bad leases that people flee (hey it's your money ask hard questions) or avoid while they got their money regardless, call or email or Tweet your councilperson NOW. No matter how bad the tax base could be in 15-20 years with more of these bad deals you're still going to be paying Mr. Naparstek's way in Jersey City. Unless you contact your councilperson right now.
It's only all of our long-term financial well-being we're talking about...
If you're not an ATM for builders let your councilperson know NOW. If you don't want to possibly be paying for a bad buildings with a bad leases that people flee (hey it's your money ask hard questions) or avoid while they got their money regardless, call or email or Tweet your councilperson NOW. No matter how bad the tax base could be in 15-20 years with more of these bad deals you're still going to be paying Mr. Naparstek's way in Jersey City. Unless you contact your councilperson right now.
It's only all of our long-term financial well-being we're talking about...
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Mayor Fulop selling out the city again, more tax breaks for downtown
For a guy who started at Goldman Sachs we'd expect more economic understanding. When you look at what Goldman Sachs has done to the American economy maybe this shouldn't be the surprise it seems to be for Johnny.
Mayor Fulop, who railed against former Mayor Healy's "Johnny Appleseed" idea of downtown tax abatements is doing exactly the same. Yet, Fulop announced, well his schoolmarm spokesmodel announced, Fulop wants to give the many towers going up in the BJ's, Pep Boys lot downtown off Second St. and Marin TWENTY year tax abatements. See Fulop somehow thinks instead of a long-term tax base with large developers paying the going tax rate for OUR land, Fulop would rather let developers (and this goes on again and again and again with him) take a cheap payout by paying a pittance into JC coffers. Terrence T. McDonald has more on this sweet deal for developer
The abatement would allow Forest City to eschew normal taxation in exchange for paying the city 7 percent of its annual gross revenue on the $449 million project. The amount the developer expects to pay the city in its first year of operation is about $920,000 for each tower.
What economic madness Mr. Mayor. Where the hell did you get your econ degree? Moreover, where did you lose your backbone? Certainly Mr. Mayor you'll remember this comment YOU made:
“Until now, all the market-rate development has been limited to Downtown because of a lack of a policy,” Fulop said in a statement from the city. “These one-off deals have created a culture of artificial competition with parts of the city, abatements based on who you know, and no foresight for future development in those parts of the city where it is needed most.”
A lack of policy. Yes Steve Fulop, YOUR lack of policy.
So the mayor with one foot out the door is not protecting Jersey City's economic long-term development and health. When Healy did it you could make a case jumpstarting downtown was necessary. In no way, shape or form does downtown need ANY MORE tax breaks but Fulop simply can't stop himself giving YOUR money away. Where are the groundbreakings at Journal Square Mr. Mayor? Where are your new big digs in Greenville? You said, you out and out said downtown was done getting breaks while the rest of the city was rehabbed on your watch. Liar. Your new and more tax breaks downtown despite your hollow words now have gone beyond stupid Mr. Mayor and they are starting to smell of patronage, you know for when someone needs campaign contributions for governor.
Don't worry though, no doubt this deal will get passed on Tuesday night as city council has their marching orders. Candice Osborne claims she hasn't read the plan and this is her ward. You know, millions upon millions of business deals going on in her ward and she hasn't had time to worry yet. It'll probably make her vote Tuesday (not Wednesday this week kids) that much easier. Rolando Lavarro hasn't met a proposal to build in someone else's ward and fuck them over he doesn't like. Joyce Watterman is in Fulop's hip pocket. Oh this deal is going to pass alright, with your city council proving they are as economically challenged as the mayor.
Of course we'd also like to give a shout out to the mooch who wants all your tax monies, The developer, Abe Naparstek. Naparstek has a funny idea about how business should work but luckily he found the Jersey City mayor and council who seemingly have no idea how it works:
"...the city tax break and the redevelopment bonds as a package deal that, together, make the project viable. Without one of the three components, he wouldn't be able to build the towers, certainly not with 172 affordable units, he said. "All work in concert together," Naparstek told The Jersey Journal in a phone interview this morning. "You can't have one of these things without the other."
HA! Does anyone think that number, if any, will be "affordable units"? City Planning will, as they always do, give a variance to affordable units and the developer will then say they are to be built in Secaucus or Hopatcong (with some of your tax money) and developers still get tax breaks. There will be NOWHERE NEAR the number of "affordable units", trust Johnny, look around you if you don't believe him. Lloyd Goldman, BLDG, Toll Brothers, all have agreed to affordable units to get tax breaks only to decide it made them no money and they kick the can down the street and the city allows it.
So fuck you Abe. Know what we as a city would rather have? NO buildings and our tax money in our pockets. These buildings don't HAVE to be built yet you act like it's a city necessity. Maybe for your bankbook Abe but that's why you want to work with Jersey City government, they don't ask the tough questions like Johnny does you fucking mooch.
Mayor Fulop, who railed against former Mayor Healy's "Johnny Appleseed" idea of downtown tax abatements is doing exactly the same. Yet, Fulop announced, well his schoolmarm spokesmodel announced, Fulop wants to give the many towers going up in the BJ's, Pep Boys lot downtown off Second St. and Marin TWENTY year tax abatements. See Fulop somehow thinks instead of a long-term tax base with large developers paying the going tax rate for OUR land, Fulop would rather let developers (and this goes on again and again and again with him) take a cheap payout by paying a pittance into JC coffers. Terrence T. McDonald has more on this sweet deal for developer
The abatement would allow Forest City to eschew normal taxation in exchange for paying the city 7 percent of its annual gross revenue on the $449 million project. The amount the developer expects to pay the city in its first year of operation is about $920,000 for each tower.
What economic madness Mr. Mayor. Where the hell did you get your econ degree? Moreover, where did you lose your backbone? Certainly Mr. Mayor you'll remember this comment YOU made:
“Until now, all the market-rate development has been limited to Downtown because of a lack of a policy,” Fulop said in a statement from the city. “These one-off deals have created a culture of artificial competition with parts of the city, abatements based on who you know, and no foresight for future development in those parts of the city where it is needed most.”
A lack of policy. Yes Steve Fulop, YOUR lack of policy.
So the mayor with one foot out the door is not protecting Jersey City's economic long-term development and health. When Healy did it you could make a case jumpstarting downtown was necessary. In no way, shape or form does downtown need ANY MORE tax breaks but Fulop simply can't stop himself giving YOUR money away. Where are the groundbreakings at Journal Square Mr. Mayor? Where are your new big digs in Greenville? You said, you out and out said downtown was done getting breaks while the rest of the city was rehabbed on your watch. Liar. Your new and more tax breaks downtown despite your hollow words now have gone beyond stupid Mr. Mayor and they are starting to smell of patronage, you know for when someone needs campaign contributions for governor.
Don't worry though, no doubt this deal will get passed on Tuesday night as city council has their marching orders. Candice Osborne claims she hasn't read the plan and this is her ward. You know, millions upon millions of business deals going on in her ward and she hasn't had time to worry yet. It'll probably make her vote Tuesday (not Wednesday this week kids) that much easier. Rolando Lavarro hasn't met a proposal to build in someone else's ward and fuck them over he doesn't like. Joyce Watterman is in Fulop's hip pocket. Oh this deal is going to pass alright, with your city council proving they are as economically challenged as the mayor.
Of course we'd also like to give a shout out to the mooch who wants all your tax monies, The developer, Abe Naparstek. Naparstek has a funny idea about how business should work but luckily he found the Jersey City mayor and council who seemingly have no idea how it works:
"...the city tax break and the redevelopment bonds as a package deal that, together, make the project viable. Without one of the three components, he wouldn't be able to build the towers, certainly not with 172 affordable units, he said. "All work in concert together," Naparstek told The Jersey Journal in a phone interview this morning. "You can't have one of these things without the other."
HA! Does anyone think that number, if any, will be "affordable units"? City Planning will, as they always do, give a variance to affordable units and the developer will then say they are to be built in Secaucus or Hopatcong (with some of your tax money) and developers still get tax breaks. There will be NOWHERE NEAR the number of "affordable units", trust Johnny, look around you if you don't believe him. Lloyd Goldman, BLDG, Toll Brothers, all have agreed to affordable units to get tax breaks only to decide it made them no money and they kick the can down the street and the city allows it.
So fuck you Abe. Know what we as a city would rather have? NO buildings and our tax money in our pockets. These buildings don't HAVE to be built yet you act like it's a city necessity. Maybe for your bankbook Abe but that's why you want to work with Jersey City government, they don't ask the tough questions like Johnny does you fucking mooch.
Late night open thread
If you weren't awake before, this box will make sure you are now. It's fucking horrifying. Mmmm, can't wait to stare at the clown and eat breakfast tomorrow so I can have nightmare again tomorrow night too.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with DAVID BOWIE!
Johnny and Mrs. Johnny had dinner with her cousin tonight and his wonderful wife and spent the evening strolling the Jersey City waterfront by J. Owen Grundy Park. What a jewel. Also good to get the news from back Michigan way. To that end, David Bowie with 'Panic in Detroit' which might just be apt for those Tigers about now.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with SWEET!
Know what this place needs right now? A singalong. You know the words, SING!
Sweet (Yes, technically The Sweet but that might confuse and anger the general populace) and 'Ballroom Blitz'
Sweet (Yes, technically The Sweet but that might confuse and anger the general populace) and 'Ballroom Blitz'
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE ROLLING STONES!
Sometimes it's best not to overthink your choices. The Rolling Stones and 'Slave'
Friday, July 24, 2015
Late night open thread
Treasury Secretary: "Sir, you try my patience!"
Firefly (Groucho Marx): "Don't mind if I do. You must try mine sometime."
TIme for Jersey City, After Dark
Firefly (Groucho Marx): "Don't mind if I do. You must try mine sometime."
TIme for Jersey City, After Dark
Thursday, July 23, 2015
BREAKING: Maple Leafs hire Lou Lamoriello after he resigns from Devils!
Long time Devils GM, President, coach and puck boy Lou Lamoriello in a shock move has been hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs after resigning his Devils job. Even more interesting is that the hire was made by Male Leafs President Brendan Shanahan, Lamoriello's first draft pick as Devils GM.
TSN has much more on this shocking move.
TSN has much more on this shocking move.
Online trolls have a name for the North Bergen School District bosses...
..."Looser Babbies" which is trolling for of course, loser babies.
Come one, come all and hear the tale of looser babbies taking a forfeited high school football game North Bergen have been proven time and time again outright cheated in, to the US Supreme Court. Plessey vs Ferguson, Roe vs Wade, and now, if the North Bergen Schools have their way, Looser Babbies vs NJSIAA.
Seriously, you HAVE to go read this. North Bergen is throwing such a tantrum of being rightly stripped of a high school football title due to using illegal players they are willing to spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to fight a battle they can't possibly win. Steve Politi is spot on with his takedown of the North Bergen Looser Babbies keeping this lawsuit, rejected by the NJ Supreme Court, alive.
Come one, come all and hear the tale of looser babbies taking a forfeited high school football game North Bergen have been proven time and time again outright cheated in, to the US Supreme Court. Plessey vs Ferguson, Roe vs Wade, and now, if the North Bergen Schools have their way, Looser Babbies vs NJSIAA.
Seriously, you HAVE to go read this. North Bergen is throwing such a tantrum of being rightly stripped of a high school football title due to using illegal players they are willing to spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to fight a battle they can't possibly win. Steve Politi is spot on with his takedown of the North Bergen Looser Babbies keeping this lawsuit, rejected by the NJ Supreme Court, alive.
Late night open thread
Sorry not sorry. Johnny spent the day doting on his See Spot Rescued pup today on her third anniversary of living with the Johnny family. What an amazing addition she's been. Funny what rescuing a dog can do for your life.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Late night open thread
Gonna watch the FC Barcelona vs LA Galaxy pre-season friendly at the Rose Bowl in a few minutes. When last we left our Catalan heroes they were putting Juventus to the sword in Munich for another Champion's League title. Hard to believe a friendly match in July gets the show started towards hopefully another June parade. Forca Barca!
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
We've all heard our share of "Bringing Newark Back" type stories in the media
We've heard about Mark Zuckerberg meeting Cory Booker and Chris Christie on Oprah's show vowing to give $$$ to Newark schools, we've heard about new beginnings with every mayor, we've heard about enterprise zones; Let's face it, there have been at least a dozen such ideas spawning stories. Johnny read one yesterday that actually seemed like it had legs.
A venture fund of several big name players in tech and government are looking to turn Newark into a tech hotbed. Hey, tech hipsters love downtown cities they can do what they want with right? Newark is an open book in this regard. Here's the backstory on this intriguing idea:
Newark Venture Partners is aiming to raise $50 million to invest in a select group of start-up tech companies, all of which will be housed in a so-called "accelerator" that will help them develop ideas and grow with the help of various guiding hands. Officials and partners in the initiative said it is all part of a wide-ranging effort to transform Newark from a city struggling to recover from its industrial past to one embracing the tech-based economy of the future.
As many 1,000 fledgling companies are expected to make their pitch to join the accelerator each year, all hoping to join a select group of less than 50 that will land initial investments of between $50,000 and $100,000.
The venture project brings a lot of big hitters to the table, Audible (A division of Amazon), Prudential and several venture capitalists out of NYC. Newark mayor Ras Baraka is all about it meaning city buy-in to this project. There doesn't seem to be the usual turf squabbles breaking out over this idea. it also doesn't ask for one thin dime of public money. They have office space thanks to Audible and Rutgers.
Fund tech startups, move the tech people to Newark (Much like Jersey City has done to great success, pointing out the value of JC) and let it go. IF, and of course this is a big IF Newark can somehow become a tech-startup city located just outside NYC, well then all things are possible.
We'll give the famous Jersey City Desk last word to Donald Katz, Audible's CEO and Newark Venture Fund chairman. Mea culpa, Johnny has met Mr. Katz a couple times and his company is in Newark because he wants to do great things IN Newark:
"I have a feeling that literally, when you put the stake in the ground, that all kinds of things will happen."
A venture fund of several big name players in tech and government are looking to turn Newark into a tech hotbed. Hey, tech hipsters love downtown cities they can do what they want with right? Newark is an open book in this regard. Here's the backstory on this intriguing idea:
Newark Venture Partners is aiming to raise $50 million to invest in a select group of start-up tech companies, all of which will be housed in a so-called "accelerator" that will help them develop ideas and grow with the help of various guiding hands. Officials and partners in the initiative said it is all part of a wide-ranging effort to transform Newark from a city struggling to recover from its industrial past to one embracing the tech-based economy of the future.
As many 1,000 fledgling companies are expected to make their pitch to join the accelerator each year, all hoping to join a select group of less than 50 that will land initial investments of between $50,000 and $100,000.
The venture project brings a lot of big hitters to the table, Audible (A division of Amazon), Prudential and several venture capitalists out of NYC. Newark mayor Ras Baraka is all about it meaning city buy-in to this project. There doesn't seem to be the usual turf squabbles breaking out over this idea. it also doesn't ask for one thin dime of public money. They have office space thanks to Audible and Rutgers.
Fund tech startups, move the tech people to Newark (Much like Jersey City has done to great success, pointing out the value of JC) and let it go. IF, and of course this is a big IF Newark can somehow become a tech-startup city located just outside NYC, well then all things are possible.
We'll give the famous Jersey City Desk last word to Donald Katz, Audible's CEO and Newark Venture Fund chairman. Mea culpa, Johnny has met Mr. Katz a couple times and his company is in Newark because he wants to do great things IN Newark:
"I have a feeling that literally, when you put the stake in the ground, that all kinds of things will happen."
Monday, July 20, 2015
Taking a sick day
Johnny's right out of it this morning, certainly not something he was looking forward to. We'll see you back here tonight but in the meantime, DO check in on seniors and pets today because of this scorching heatwave.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Late night open thread
That was one awful penalty called at the end of the Costa Rica vs Mexico game. Just brutal.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
If you love hot weather and soccer Met Life is the place for you today
Hot steamy weather and hot passionate fans will both invade Met Life Stadium later this afternoon as two Gold Cup quarter-final matches will be played. At 4:30 in the meat of the heat Trinidad and Tobago and Panama will square off for a slot in the semi-finals and at 7:30 a great matchup of CONCACAF top clubs with Mexico's El Tri taking on Costa Rica's Los Ticos at 7:30pm. Both Mexico and Costa Rica will view this tournament as a failure if they don't advance. Incredible pressure on both to play well, win and keep-up with the USA men's team who cruised past Cuba yesterday 6-0 to book their own semi-final slot.
Met Life Stadium promises lots of heat and lots of heated action. A perfect spot for a soccer-loving Heat Miser today.
Met Life Stadium promises lots of heat and lots of heated action. A perfect spot for a soccer-loving Heat Miser today.
It is going to be a scorcher today
Temps in the mid-90's and heat indexes in the middle 100's:
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings starting at noon for Mercer, Gloucester, Camden and northwestern Burlington counties. The maximum heat index forecast for those areas is between 102 and 107 degrees.
As always when the temperature gets this high. limit outside exposure, drink lots of water, check on the elderly and PETS and make sure they are holding up OK. Bring a water bottle with you if you're walking a dog this afternoon. when you see them start to foam a little at the mouth it's time for water. If you're heading to the JC Eats outside Jersey City Hall today stay hydrated. Alcohol is NOT a good idea as the beverage of choice on hot days like this.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings starting at noon for Mercer, Gloucester, Camden and northwestern Burlington counties. The maximum heat index forecast for those areas is between 102 and 107 degrees.
As always when the temperature gets this high. limit outside exposure, drink lots of water, check on the elderly and PETS and make sure they are holding up OK. Bring a water bottle with you if you're walking a dog this afternoon. when you see them start to foam a little at the mouth it's time for water. If you're heading to the JC Eats outside Jersey City Hall today stay hydrated. Alcohol is NOT a good idea as the beverage of choice on hot days like this.
Late night open thread
Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are.
-- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Friday, July 17, 2015
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS!
The song 'El Matador' featured in Grosse Pointe Blank is our way of bringing the running of the bulls to you in a more humane way where el toros don't all get 86'd right after goring a tourist from Berwyn. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs starting the party tonight with 'El Matador' all up in your ears.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE SMITHEREENS!
Jersey's own. Always a big sound for a Friday night. The Smithereens and 'Behind the Wall of Sleep'
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with ELVIS COSTELLO!
Every so often Johnny will hear a song during the course of a week between Music Series' and say to himself "Yes, that band is on for Friday night" Such is the case here, heard him earlier this week, still sounded great so here we are.
Elvis Costello with 'Tear Off Your Own Head (It's A Doll Revolution)'
Elvis Costello with 'Tear Off Your Own Head (It's A Doll Revolution)'
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Another Cocoa Puffs fueled City "Planning" fail
Johnny doesn't just suggest the people at Jersey City "Planning" eat Cocoa Puffs all morning then run around making a complete hash of Jersey City without reasons. We have pointed out some of Bob Cotter's prominent failures at City "Planning" in the past, here friends is yet another that'll cost you and Johnny money in the long run.
There is an old abandoned warehouse at the corner of Second St. and Warren. Public Storage, a company we're all familiar with if you've ever taken a train or driven down a highway and seen their statement-colored units, bought the warehouse on Warren and are in the process of converting it. Bob Cotter's City "Planning" gave them the go ahead with the variances necessary, then city council gave the final OK. Trouble is City "Planning" didn't read the PADNA redev plan apparently and they've had a hand in writing it. See our City "planners", all hopped up on chocolaty cereal no doubt, missed the part where according to the PADNA website:
The J.C. Planning Department has been sued by two other Jersey City self storage space businesses (Keepers and Liberty) stating that is illegal for Public Storage to be a storage space operator in our neighborhood – it is to house an arts-related gallery and work/live lofts as written into PAD Redevelopment Plan.
It continues: Keepers and Liberty Self-Storage feel that the variances Planning and Zoning approved are illegal and then later approved by city council – And they won; city planning department lost.
So the folks at 150 Bay St. (ie Keepers and Liberty) won the case in court because City "Planning" wasn't paying attention. Know what this does? It opens up a lawsuit against the city by Public Storage who have sunk an awful lot of time and cash into the rehab already. City Council said go and they went.
Who do you think is going to pay for the coming litigation over this? Steve Fulop? Bob Cotter? Oh no, it'll be you and Johnny getting soaked extra because Jersey City's "Planning" Department is such an abject failure.
There is an old abandoned warehouse at the corner of Second St. and Warren. Public Storage, a company we're all familiar with if you've ever taken a train or driven down a highway and seen their statement-colored units, bought the warehouse on Warren and are in the process of converting it. Bob Cotter's City "Planning" gave them the go ahead with the variances necessary, then city council gave the final OK. Trouble is City "Planning" didn't read the PADNA redev plan apparently and they've had a hand in writing it. See our City "planners", all hopped up on chocolaty cereal no doubt, missed the part where according to the PADNA website:
The J.C. Planning Department has been sued by two other Jersey City self storage space businesses (Keepers and Liberty) stating that is illegal for Public Storage to be a storage space operator in our neighborhood – it is to house an arts-related gallery and work/live lofts as written into PAD Redevelopment Plan.
It continues: Keepers and Liberty Self-Storage feel that the variances Planning and Zoning approved are illegal and then later approved by city council – And they won; city planning department lost.
So the folks at 150 Bay St. (ie Keepers and Liberty) won the case in court because City "Planning" wasn't paying attention. Know what this does? It opens up a lawsuit against the city by Public Storage who have sunk an awful lot of time and cash into the rehab already. City Council said go and they went.
Who do you think is going to pay for the coming litigation over this? Steve Fulop? Bob Cotter? Oh no, it'll be you and Johnny getting soaked extra because Jersey City's "Planning" Department is such an abject failure.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Late night open thread
Goddamn Shriners, those lazy sons of bitches.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Everybody loves a good food fight
And no doubt the NJ.com just waded into one by naming THE best burger in all of New Jersey and yeah, it's a local joint. Krug's Taven in Newark's Ironbound was named the best, the best, better than all the rest!
Let the debate really begin.
Let the debate really begin.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Late night open thread
Be humble for you are made of earth.
Be noble for you are made of stars.
-- Serbian proverb
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Be noble for you are made of stars.
-- Serbian proverb
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Hello Pluto
Johnny is bumping you back to full planet status this morning. After 9 years and 3 billion miles Pluto is ready for it's closeup:
(Photo by NASA)
(Photo by NASA)
Late night open thread
When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is.
-- Oscar Wilde
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Oscar Wilde
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Monday, July 13, 2015
Four more Jersey City residents injured in yet another shooting
The long hot summer in Jersey City was amped up yet again when four residents were shot near Sip and Van Wagener in Jersey City. While the fact those shot were uncooperative the shooting still happened. Those bad actors out at 4:15 am will probably never cooperate with police but what the JCPD needs to do is stop the bad actors before the play starts, something not happening enough here anymore.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Remembering Jersey City Police Detective Melvin Santiago
A very nice article on the very short, far too short life of JCPD Detective Melvin Santiago who was killed almost a year ago today (by someone so inconsequential we'll not mention his name) in the line of duty at the Walgreens on Communipaw and Kennedy Blvd. Writers Michaelangelo Conte & Patrick Villanova tell the story of someone who was really excited at joining the JCPD and his love of family. A very good read today, make time if you can.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with IAN HUNTER!
One day the bestest backup singer on this Earth or any other, Ellen Foley, will get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She's simply magic on so many songs. She's worked with The Clash, Joe Jackson and most notably as Meat Loaf's date in 'Paradise By the Dashboard Light.' Johnny's always loved her singing and here battling with Ian Hunter near the end of the classic' "We Gotta Get Outta Here'.
What are we gonna do, go home and watch the Super Bowl?
What are we gonna do, go home and watch the Super Bowl?
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with the YEAH YEAH YEAHS!
Do you like to read while you watch a video or listen to music? Of course not and neither does Johnny. If he wanted to read he'd go to school but it was reading words or an ad at the beginning. 'Heads Will Roll' by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs batting second on the Music Series this week.
If you like what you're hearing on the Music Series tell a friend, if not go give yourself a swirlie.
If you like what you're hearing on the Music Series tell a friend, if not go give yourself a swirlie.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with OINGO BOINGO!
Johnny went to see Danny Elfman's Music From the Films of Tim Burton at Lincoln Center tonight and what a blast that was. All those great movie soundtracks Danny Elfman has written and produced. Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Batman, Sleepy Hollow, Big Fish, Alice in Wonderland, The Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas to name a few. Just the wonderful NY philharmonic and choral assembly to back it all up and Danny Elfman came out to recreate his Jack Skellington songs and the classic swing Oogie Boogie song from Nightmare. It's only there for like a hiccup, until next week but if you can go, do go. Let's face facts, Danny Elfman is so cool he pisses ice cubes.
Danny Elfman from when he wrote different songs for a different time with Oingo Boingo and a favorite of Johnny's, 'Dead Man's Party' to end another Music Series.
Danny Elfman from when he wrote different songs for a different time with Oingo Boingo and a favorite of Johnny's, 'Dead Man's Party' to end another Music Series.
Friday, July 10, 2015
If you are heading into NYC for the Women's World Cup ticker-tape parade...
And why wouldn't you? It's AWESOME! If you are going do know PATH is running extra trains starting later this morning on the Newark-WTC line. NJ Transit will also have extra busses running on the NJ Transit also will have extra mid-morning buses on the 128, 139, 158, 159, 161, 163, 165, 166, 167, 190, 193, 197, 199, 320 and 324 routes, said Jennifer Nelson, an NJ Transit spokeswoman. The procession will start at Battery Park at 11 a.m., then move north on Broadway to City Hall Park. Get there early and stake your spot!
Also this morning at 10AM the world's biggest American flag will be unfurled in honor of the Women's National team from the George Washington Bridge so make sure to crane your neck up the Hudson River today.
Also this morning at 10AM the world's biggest American flag will be unfurled in honor of the Women's National team from the George Washington Bridge so make sure to crane your neck up the Hudson River today.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Late night open thread
A true earworm and a song Johnny is really feeling tonight. Neko Case and 'Where Did I Leave That Fire' from her album The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
New Jersey wonders why the cost of doing business is so high
The state of New Jersey is going to approve JP Morgan Chase $188 million dollars in tax credits to move 2,000 workers to Jersey City. WE as taxpayers are paying a company that made over 5 BILLION dollars last QUARTER $188 million dollars to move 2,000 workers across the river. Could this money not have been invested more wisely? Maybe some smaller businesses could use a tax cut. Why give a mega-bank that engages in this kind of business practice our money?
JPMorgan Chase & Co has agreed to pay at least $125 million to settle probes by U.S. state and federal authorities that the bank sought to improperly collect and sell consumer credit card debt, according to people familiar with the matter.
What a great company. Exactly the kind of company who is really undeserving of the money first off and it's truly unnecessary secondly make this a bad bad deal for New Jersey taxpayers but the usual suspects, Chris Christie, Steve Fulop et al were jumping up and down for it. These guys just don't seem to get economics or if they do it doesn't show up in people looking to gain higher office. Jersey City wouldn't live or die with these jobs coming here or not. There's no requirement those getting New Jersey tax money hand over fist actually live in New Jersey. Very few if any of these people will set up shop here so in essence we just subsidized a lot of New Yorkers. Again, reasons the cost of doing business is so high and there is no benefit in making it so.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has agreed to pay at least $125 million to settle probes by U.S. state and federal authorities that the bank sought to improperly collect and sell consumer credit card debt, according to people familiar with the matter.
What a great company. Exactly the kind of company who is really undeserving of the money first off and it's truly unnecessary secondly make this a bad bad deal for New Jersey taxpayers but the usual suspects, Chris Christie, Steve Fulop et al were jumping up and down for it. These guys just don't seem to get economics or if they do it doesn't show up in people looking to gain higher office. Jersey City wouldn't live or die with these jobs coming here or not. There's no requirement those getting New Jersey tax money hand over fist actually live in New Jersey. Very few if any of these people will set up shop here so in essence we just subsidized a lot of New Yorkers. Again, reasons the cost of doing business is so high and there is no benefit in making it so.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Late night open thread
So, heh, looks like none of the interns made it in today either. Johnny had an excuse (Plus he pays the note on this dump) but we may be looking for some new interns come the weekend.
The beatings will continue until the attitude improves.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
The beatings will continue until the attitude improves.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Late night open thread
We owe a lot to Thomas Edison. If it wasn't for him, we'd be watching television by candlelight.
-- Milton Berle
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Milton Berle
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Because of this whole Jared/Subway/Child porn thing...
The Jersey CIty desk will no longer accept advertising from Subway. Not that we were allowing any ads from anyone but certainly not Subway.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Late night open thread
"No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don't ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives."
-- Neil deGrasse Tyson
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
-- Neil deGrasse Tyson
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
This just in to the Jersey City Desk newsroom...
Carli Lloyd just scored on Japan again.
That is all.
That is all.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Late night open thread
World champions and most importantly THREE STARS!! Congratulations to the entire US Women's National Team on their amazing World Cup run and their third championship.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
A few pics from last night's fireworks shows
Some pics as promised of the fireworks shows of both Jersey City and the Macy's show. Johnny's gotta say if you ever get the chance to go up the 102 floors to the WTC observation deck and watch the shows from above do it once in life. You get to see the Jersey City show, the Macy's show, the Newark show the fireworks show in Berwyn Illinois and about everywhere else within 3000 miles.
If the spacing is off below it's because instead of setting limits on the image sizes we're letting you click on them for the big size to use them for a screensaver or what not. Johnny doesn't worry about his images showing up elsewhere as long as they aren't being used to sell anything or someone claiming it as theirs.
Jersey City at sunset
A couple of the show over Jersey City
And now one of the Macy's fireworks over the East River next to the Brooklyn Bridge
Finally, after the fireworks on both sides of Manhattan Island and while there was still smoke hanging in the air Johnny took one of his favorite pictures ever. Lying down to rest his camera on a ledge so as to be very still, he got a very blue looking Empire State Building looking down 5th Avenue to the monument in Washington Square Park
If the spacing is off below it's because instead of setting limits on the image sizes we're letting you click on them for the big size to use them for a screensaver or what not. Johnny doesn't worry about his images showing up elsewhere as long as they aren't being used to sell anything or someone claiming it as theirs.
Jersey City at sunset
A couple of the show over Jersey City
And now one of the Macy's fireworks over the East River next to the Brooklyn Bridge
Finally, after the fireworks on both sides of Manhattan Island and while there was still smoke hanging in the air Johnny took one of his favorite pictures ever. Lying down to rest his camera on a ledge so as to be very still, he got a very blue looking Empire State Building looking down 5th Avenue to the monument in Washington Square Park
Late night open thread
We'll have a lot more pics, like the ones you've seen on Twitter here tomorrow. For tonight enjoy this animated gif of Jersey City lit up with fireworks from 102 floors up at the WTC where Johnny and Mrs. Johnny attended a July 4th affair, the first such viewing party on Independence Day at the newly opened observation deck.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Happy 4th of July!
Johnny wants to wish everyone in the Jersey City Desk viewing area a very happy and proud 4th of July. It rings out extra loud this year with the gay marriage ruling so that even more people now feel included in this great American experiment.
Make sure to follow Johnny on the Twitter or drop back here later tonight around midnight, Johnny is going to have a special treat for all of you!
Make sure to follow Johnny on the Twitter or drop back here later tonight around midnight, Johnny is going to have a special treat for all of you!
Friday, July 3, 2015
Late night open thread
Johnny's got to get to bed so he can get up on the 4th of July and do what Americans do, drink beer, eat hot dogs and have roman candle fights.
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN!
When writing songs about America and all that makes up this amazing experiment, who better to turn to than Bruce Springsteen and one of Johnny's favorite songs by him, 'Atlantic City' as we take a look at the gritty side of America this July 3rd.
Meet me tonight in Atlantic City...
Meet me tonight in Atlantic City...
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with JOHN COUGAR MELLENCAMP!
Well he was a Cougar back then and we're all about the accuracy here.
Johnny has always loved this song as the perfect slice of small town America seeing as how he grew up in a small town that couldn't have been much bigger than Mr. Mellencamp's one state down. So instead of a long-winded treatise of small towns and midwest living here's 'Pink Houses'.
Johnny has always loved this song as the perfect slice of small town America seeing as how he grew up in a small town that couldn't have been much bigger than Mr. Mellencamp's one state down. So instead of a long-winded treatise of small towns and midwest living here's 'Pink Houses'.
Friday night MULTIMEDIA EXTRAVAGANZA with THE STEVE MILLER BAND!
Putting the wraps on our look at America in rock music on this week's Music Series here's an oldie and a goodie, The Steve Miller Band with 'Living in the USA'
Thursday, July 2, 2015
The bad kind of Throwback Thursday in Jersey City
Twitter as many of you know is a fun day of sharing throwback pictures. Jersey City is not enjoying another kind of throwback, arrests for apparent corruption at the Jersey City Incinerator Authority (JCIA), three to be exact at press time while Terrence T. McDonald tells us the Jersey City Police Department is currently seeking a fourth suspect.
McDonald's questioning would seem to have caught the chair of the JCIA Board of Commissioners off-guard this morning:
A phone call seeking comment from the JCIA's executive director, Oren Dabney, went straight to voicemail this morning. Maureen Hulings, the chair of the agency's board of commissioners, told The Jersey Journal she did not know about the arrests.
"Oh, God," Hulings said when she heard the news. "I have not heard anything. Oh, God.
Unlike the situation with Ward B Councilman Chico Ramchal who was recently fired from an alleged no-show county job, the Mayor's office through spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill wasted no time in calling for investigations and the rooting out of corruption wherever is appears:
"We will not tolerate individuals that have taken advantage of the city residents for years and today is just another step in that direction," Mayor Steve Fulop said in a statement that noted the investigation was initiated by the city.
Convenient to have a comment on this other than letting the law take it's course. This is however another step forward for citizens and a strike against those who would use their city positions to steal and or profit at taxpayers expense. A neverending job in Jersey City it appears.
McDonald's questioning would seem to have caught the chair of the JCIA Board of Commissioners off-guard this morning:
A phone call seeking comment from the JCIA's executive director, Oren Dabney, went straight to voicemail this morning. Maureen Hulings, the chair of the agency's board of commissioners, told The Jersey Journal she did not know about the arrests.
"Oh, God," Hulings said when she heard the news. "I have not heard anything. Oh, God.
Unlike the situation with Ward B Councilman Chico Ramchal who was recently fired from an alleged no-show county job, the Mayor's office through spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill wasted no time in calling for investigations and the rooting out of corruption wherever is appears:
"We will not tolerate individuals that have taken advantage of the city residents for years and today is just another step in that direction," Mayor Steve Fulop said in a statement that noted the investigation was initiated by the city.
Convenient to have a comment on this other than letting the law take it's course. This is however another step forward for citizens and a strike against those who would use their city positions to steal and or profit at taxpayers expense. A neverending job in Jersey City it appears.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Late night open thread
Unless you cheer for Japan, as a soccer fan the ending and own-goal a minute from extra time and penalty kicks seems very unsatisfying. That poor woman from England who tried to poke it away but landed it in her own net; In the words of Marlon Brando near the end of Apocalypse Now, "The horror....the horror"
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Time for Jersey City, After Dark
Happy 70th Birthday Debbie Harry!!
Anyone who reads the Jersey City Desk knows how much Johnny reveres Debbie Harry and her time with and without Blondie. To a kid living in Ortonville Michigan in the late 70's and early 80's who wanted nothing more than to be in New York City, her voice has always been a beacon. Johnny was blown away one night, a real epiphany listening to the debut of Autoamerican on 105.5 FM out of Flint on his stereo being broadcast in something called Carver Sonic Holography it was, well, Johnny still remembers it as a high-water mark musically after all these years. That's how they'd do it back then kids. If a band had a really big album they'd let a station in each market play it, usually at midnight so everyone could hear it at the same time or together. A great way to reward loyal fans and a great program by the FM stations back then. Then you'd get on Twitter, Facebook and text your friends about what they thought...NOT!
And then radio died but it sure wasn't Debbie Harry's fault. Here now Johnny's favorite Blondie song, 'Union City Blue' with a hale and hearty happy birthday to her royal highness Debbie Harry.
And then radio died but it sure wasn't Debbie Harry's fault. Here now Johnny's favorite Blondie song, 'Union City Blue' with a hale and hearty happy birthday to her royal highness Debbie Harry.
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