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February 3, 2012 - Update - Ladies On The Mic presents "First Songs of Spring"
[posted January 28, 2012]

“First Songs of Spring” to be held at Art House Productions.   There has been a venue change for our event “First Songs of Spring”.
The event is now going to be held at Art House Productions,
1 McWilliams Place, 6th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Made With Love Café will also be on hand selling both savory and sweet goods.
Ladies on The Mic is very proud to present this free concert on Friday, February 3, 2012 from 7pm – 9:30pm at Art House Productions.
The two featured musical guests are bands that intertwine their classical training with jazz, rock & pop. Double-Breasted a trio consisting of Ardith Collins on Cello, Josh Bicknell on percussion and Kristy Chmura on Harp. Rose & The Nightingale is a powerhouse quartet of female virtuosi celebrating the sublimity of gardens through poetry and song. Band members for Rose & The Nightingale include Jody Redhage a composer, vocalist & cellist, Sara Caswell on violin & mandolin, Laila Biali on keyboards & vocals, and Leala Cyr on vocals and trumpet.

Check out their websites to give a listen to their music:
www.jodyredhage.com
www.doublebreastedmusic.com

Event Details:
First Songs of Spring
Presented by, Ladies on The Mic
Featuring Double-Breasted and Rose & The Nightingale
Friday, February 3, 2012, 7pm – 9:30pm
Art House Productions, 1 McWilliams Place, 6th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302

(www.arthouseproductions.org)
FREE admission. Food & refreshments available for purchase.

For Public Transportation take the PATH to Grove St. Street parking is available.

February 3, 2012 - Ladies On The Mic presents "First Songs of Spring"
[posted January 23, 2012]

At Grace Church Van Vorst, 39 Erie Street(www.gracevanvorst.org)
FREE admission. Food & refreshments available for purchase
For more information - Download

December 17th, 2011 - VVPA Holiday Celebration
[posted  December 10, 2011]

Gear up for the Holiday Season!!! We will be celebrating in Van Vorst Park on December 17th from 11-5pm with vendors, hot chocolate, a tree lighting and many more surprises....more details soon!!

HAPPY MERRY!!  The VVPA

November 15, 2011 - VVPA Meeting
[posted  November 19 , 2011]

We had a great meeting on Tuesday, November 15th with Tom Shields and Robert Luckritz from the Jersey City Medical Center's EMS department. They were so informative!! They've inspired us to have a CPR class as one of our meetings...stay tuned for more information~ Also if anyone is interested they are giving a one hour behind the scenes tour of the Jersey City Medical Center including the 911 call center, the emergency room and their Neonatal ICU. Thursday Dec 1st at 8:45am and Thursday December 8th at 8:45am....contact amcgee@libertyhcs.org for information.  The tours are a on a first come, first serve basis.

Carol Lester, Vice President of the Jersey City Board of Education, stopped in as well to give us an update on the search for the new Superintendent....she asked us to let you all know about an upcoming meeting to which everyone is encouraged to attend.  Here's the info:

PS #30(171 Seaview Avenue) Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 6pm.   

President ofthe Board of Education Sterling Waterman has called for this PublicForum to announce Board process and seek community input on theSuperintendent Search- both Interim and National. Your questions or comments will be encouraged so we can moveforward in a transparent and inclusive manner in this vital mission tofind new leadership in Jersey City Public Schools.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving--

VVPA

November 22, 2011 - Jersey City Board of Education Town Meeting
[posted  November 16 , 2011]

Encourage your neighbors to come out to PS #30 (171 Seaview Avenue) Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 6pm.    President of the Board of Education Sterling Waterman has called for this Public Forum to announce Board process and seek community input on the Superintendent Search- both Interim and National.  The flyer has been published in the local papers in English and Spanish this week.  Your questions or comments will be encouraged so we can move forward in a transparent and inclusive manner in this vital mission to find new leadership in Jersey City Public Schools.

Carol Lester, VP JC BOE

Neighbors - Please READ!! Important Zoning Applicatio​n!!
[posted  November 10 , 2011]

There is a pending application for zoning approvals to open a restaurant/bar on the corner of Bright and Jersey (currently BONE).  Bubbys Burritos, LLC wants to relocate and apply for a change in use from retail to a commercial restaurant with 45 interior seats and 52 exterior. If approved, this would be the largest amount of exterior seating for any restaurant in Van Vorst and possibly all of the historic downtown. This is a non-conforming use for the Van Vorst Park Historic Zone and is subject to public opinion because of the possible impact to the quality of life in our neighborhood.

They have not approached the VVPA in a timely manner before this meeting nor did they contact us before they met with the Historic Preservation Commission. Past businesses and developers such as The Brightside Tavern, PJ Ryans (Barrow&Mercer), Brownstone Diner, PS3 & MS4, the hospital, and various other projects in the area have presented to try to address any thoughts and concerns prior to their application to the city.  These owners have not.  If this is approved, there are plans to attain a liquor license and stay open late (2am) as a bar as a part of the restaurant row district. The implications of this will greatly effect the fabric of the historic neighborhood.  This may set a dangerous precedent for the entire Historic District.

We realize that everyone may be busy and not be able to attend the meeting tomorrow, but if you feel strongly it would be prudent to voice your opinion at the hearing. If you cannot attend, and have concerns or questions, please email us at vvpanews@gmail.com. But attendance at the meeting is always favorable. The plans are also available for review at the City Planning office (between 9-4) if you want to see them.

They will be presenting their expansion and plans at the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting tomorrow

November 10th at 6pm at City Hall Council Chambers. Currently they are scheduled 7th on the agenda, but this is still subject to change.

You will have an opportunity to voice your opinion.   

Here is the official case agenda item.

Case: Z11-013
Applicant: Bubby’s Burritos, LLC
Address: 437 Jersey Avenue
Attorney: Elliot Skolnick, Esq.
Block: 304 Lot: B.1
Zone: Van Vorst Park Historic District
For: Expansion and conversion of a pre-existing nonconforming retail space to a restaurant with 45 seats and an accessory sidewalk café with 52 seats
“c” Variances: Min lot area/depth, min building coverage, min lot coverage, rear yard
“d” variance: Use 

Thanks for your time!

Saturday November 12th 1pm  Liberty State Park
[posted  November 2 , 2011]

Free nature walk with Dr Frank Gallagher.  Meet at 2nd Parking Lot from eastern end of Pesin Dr. It’s the lot before Freedom Way.  Walk will progress towards Liberty National Golf course and towards Port Liberte.
Check Out:  www.proartsjerseycity.org

For the latest up to date cultural goings on in Jersey City...theatre, music and art!.  

VVP Egg Hunt - May 1, 2011 (Sunday) followed by Entertainment at Noon
[posted  April 29 , 2011]

Children up to age 8, come try your luck in finding one of two golden eggs (prize baskets awarded.)  Please bring a basket to carry home your loot. There will be music, balloons, face painting and more! Volunteers are needed to supply plastic eggs with candy (no nuts please) and real dyed ones. Stop by the park at 10:00 am to drop them off.
Happy Spring!

For RSVP so we can get a head count or if you have any questions, please e-mail:  marcwesson2@aol.com

VVPA & St Matthews Tree Lighting and Holiday Party
[posted  December 13 , 2010]

On December, 14,  2010 (Tuesday
At Angel Ramos Park Wayne Street btw Barrow & Jersey & Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne Street

Spread some holiday cheer with your Neighbors!!!

It's the second annual Tree Lighting in Angel Ramos Park with Santa, Cider and Cookies...From 5:30-6:30

Then after 6:30 bring the kids or stop by on your way home from work in the Barrow Mansion for our holiday party. Mingle with your neighbors while the kids do fun activities with Santa--Lots of yummy drinks (beer, wine , soda) nibble on some yummy snacks and listen to festive music with the Rum Runnerz. Open for all, Free for all and FUN FOR ALL!!!!  

Free Film - Van Vorst 6th Annual Summer Film Series presents "UP" directed by Peter Docter August 18th, Wednesday (around 8:15 pm)
[posted August 17 , 2010]

Just east of the gazebo: Films in Van Vorst 6th Annual Summer Film Series presents "UP" directed by Peter Docter.  Visit www.filmsinvanvorst.com for more information.

Films in Van Vorst 6th Annual Summer Film Series presents "The Blind Side”
July 21, 2010 (8:30 pm)
[posted July 15 , 2010]

Make my City - July 18th to 24th
[posted July 15 , 2010]

Make My City is a week of discounts and promotions at JC's best independent businesses, designed to help you discover what you've been missing…right outside your door. Shop for clothing and gifts, take a Pilates class, grab a bite, all without leaving your neighborhood.

Happening from July 18th through the 24th, Make My City challenges all of us to spend our money locally− eating at, shopping in, and exploring Jersey City's eclectic array of independent businesses.

Grease - Movie Sing Along at Grace Church Van Vorst, June 12, 2010 (7:30 pm)
[posted June 9 , 2010]

The event flyer can be downloaded here

25th Anniversary Hamilton Park Festival and Park Re-opening Ceremony Saturday, June 12, 2010 (10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
[posted May 20 , 2010]

The vendor and business Registration Form is available here

Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy - May Events
[posted May 16 , 2010]

Information regarding JCLC events is available here.

Spring Festival for Children at Van Vorst Park - May 22nd
[posted May 5 , 2010]

On May 22nd, there is a Spring Festival for Children at Van Vorst Park.  All information regarding this event is available here.

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Jersey City Ward Tour - May 23rd
[posted May 1 , 2010]

Jersey City Ward Tour, May 23, 11 am, Exchange Place. Rain date June 6.  Bike JC announces its inaugural Jersey City Ward Tour, a ten-mile bike ride through five of the six wards of Jersey City, will be held May 23. Join us in our annual block party and parade! Click here for more information.

Cinco De Mayo - Celebrate on May 7th
[posted May 1 , 2010]

(click image for larger version)
Join us in our annual block party and parade!

VVP Flea Market - May 15, 2010: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
[posted April 8, 2010]

The Friends of Van Vorst Park is pleased to announce its third annual community flea market. This is a Neighborhood event helping to raise funds for our volunteer group, to improve and maintain Van Vorst Park, an oasis in an urban setting.  Click here for more information.

Movie Night a Success!
[posted March 17, 2010]

The VVPA would like to thank Jersey Wine and Spirits and La Rustique for making Movie Night a great success!  Jersey Wine and Spirits supplied the beer and La Rustique provided pizza.

Census 2010
[posted March 11, 2010]

More information can be found at the Jersey City web page.

Removal of Large Elm Tree
[posted March 2, 2010]

After consultation with an arborist and City Park authorities, the removal of a large Elm tree just west of the Gazebo was deemed necessary. The tree is diseased and will be shedding large limbs over the coming busy summer season making it a life safety hazard. To prevent further spread of the disease to neighboring Elm trees and endangering visitors to the park the tree will be removed and a tree will be planted to replace it.

January 19, 2010 -  VVPA Minutes

The minutes can be viewed here

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Our funky contageous fun in the square downtown, Grove Path Plaza

The Embankment Preservation Coalition is asking for your help!

The federal Surface Transportation Board needs to hear from you that you want a full environmental study of the Harsimus Branch before Conrail is allowed to walk away from the Harsimus Branch Embankment.

We urgently (no later than April 7, 4pm) need you to register your comments and to get everyone you know to the same.  We need 1,000 public comments.

PEOPLE DO NOT NEED TO BE JERSEY CITY RESIDENTS TO COMMENT!!!  They just need to care about issues like:  a healthy environment, preservation of transportation corridor, healthy neighborhoods, historic and cultural preservation, overdevelopment, habitat and ecosystems, flooding, public process and good governance.

REACH OUT VIA EMAIL to your personal networks and encourage others to do the same, getting family and friends near and far to let their voices be heard by registering comments directly online.   AND SEE IF THEY TOO CAN SPREAD THE WORD AND GET PEOPLE TO FILE COMMENTS AS WELL.

Here's How to File in a Few Easy Steps
1. Go to the STB web site.
2. Enter, in the first four boxes, AB 167 1189 X 3. Enter your contact information, your comment, and Submit.

If you have only a minute, just write: I want a full environmental study of the entire Harsimus Branch.   If you can, spend a few more moments and describe, IN YOUR OWN WORDS, what environmental impacts Conrail's abandonment and demolition will have on our neighborhoods. Guidelines for comments are at the Coalition web site.

Please Note: The Harsimus Branch is not just the Embankment on Sixth Street; the right of way that Conrail is abandoning extends from the Hudson River waterfront to the Embankment and from the western end of the Embankment into the Village area and along an edge of the Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery. The Cemetery is a Revolutionary War and War of 1812 historic site as well as a historic burial place for Jersey City families. A full environmental impact study for the whole right of way should help decision makers make good choices about this important corridor.

If you need more help, call Jenny Meyer at 917-379- 3455.

Jersey City Master Plan --Powerpoint Presentation from Public Meeting 3

The draft Circulation Element of the Jersey City Master Plan and the PowerPoint presentation from Public Meeting 3 are now available for download at the project website www.jerseycitymobility2050.com

The PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD for the draft Circulation Element will conclude on Monday, March 30 at 5 PM.  During the public comment period, written comments on the draft Circulation Element may be submitted by e-mail or fax.
E-mail: jerseycitymobility2050@gmail.com
Fax: (201) 547-4323
Attn: Naomi Hsu, AICP, PP, Senior Transportation Planner

During the public comment period, paper copies of the draft Circulation Element are available for public review at the office of the:
Division of City Planning
30 Montgomery Street, Suite 1400,
Jersey City, NJ
(201) 547-5010

and at the:

Mayor's Action Bureau
City Hall
280 Grove Street, Room 105,
Jersey City, NJ
(201) 547-4900.

The purpose of Jersey City Mobility 2050 is to create an action-oriented transportation master plan for Jersey City's multi-modal transportation network (including light rail, PATH, bus, ferry, bicycle facilities, sidewalks, and roadways) through the year 2050.

Films in Van Vorst

4th Annual Summer Films in The Park
For more information visit: http://filmsinvanvorst.wordpress.com/