The Village Neighborhood Association
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located on Merseles Street.

AGENDA

7:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Introductions
Rob Crow
President, The Village Neighborhood Association

7:45 pm – 8:00 pm
Louis Calamito Street Dedication
A brief discussion of Louis Calamito and the proposal to dedicate Monmouth Street between 4th and 5th Streets in his honor.

8:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Village Tree Initative
Ben Dorner

Ben will share with the group the Village Tree Project.

8:15 pm – 8:20 pm
Announcing: The Village Helpers
Rob Crow
The Village Neighborhood Association (VNA) is proud to announce the formation of a new neighborhood group dedicated to children of all ages who want to get involved in their community.

8:20 pm – 8:30 pm
Updates: The Village Park/The Village Weekend/Art & Flea/Walking Tour/Newark Avenue
Rob Crow

8:30 pm – 8:40 pm
VNA Board Elections  2010 – 2011: Open Floor for Nominations

8:40 pm
Coffee and Chat With Your Neighbors

Coffee donated by Starbucks!

Finding the school:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

AGENDA

7:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Introductions
Rob Crow
President, The Village Neighborhood Association

7:45 pm – 8:00 pm
The City of Jersey City Tax Assessor
Eduardo C. Toloza, CTA, Chief City Assessor
Mr. Toloza will be on hand to discuss the tax appeal process and guidelines. There will be a short Q & A.

8:00 pm – 8:10 pm
4th Street Ball at City Hall
Mike McNamara
As the lead organizer for The 4th Street Art & Music Festival, Mike will give a rundown of the upcoming “4th Street Ball at City Hall” slated for December 10th.

8:10 pm – 8:15 pm
VNA Bylaws
Rob will briefly discuss the VNA bylaws, and how we are working with our neighboring associations.

8:15 pm – 8:20 pm
The Village Park: Update
Rob will provide a brief update regarding this intricate and ongoing project. The latest revisions to the site design will also be on display.

8:20 pm – 8:25 pm
The VNA Holiday Toy Drive
The VNA will be collecting toys for the Annual Holiday Toy Drive for the Jersey City Police Department, East District Annual Children’s Party. Please bring unwrapped toys to the meeting.

8:25 pm – 8:40 pm
New Projects for 2010: Suggestion Box
As we walk around our neighborhood, all of us have ideas about how things could be better. Why are things the way they are? More than likely, they are the way they are because YOU haven’t changed them yet. As we look forward to 2010, this meeting is your opportunity to voice your ideas, organize with like-minded members, and turn your thoughts into actions.

8:40 pm – 8:45 pm
Coffee and treats with your neighbors
Coffee donated by Starbucks! Baked Goods donated by Carmen Rosa’s Bakery!

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Finding the school:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

AGENDA

7:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Introductions
Rob Crow
President, The Village Neighborhood Association

7:45 pm – 8:00 pm
The Jersey City Parking Authority
David Weiss
JCPA Representative
David will be on hand to discuss some of the responsibilities and services the Parking Authority provides, as well as answer any of your parking related questions.

8:00 pm – 8:10 pm
Newark Ave. Phase III: Update
This is your first chance to view comprehensive plans for the Newark Avenue streetscape courtesy of John Mucha, P.E, Jersey City, Division of Engineering. Having just been submitted to the NJDOT this past Monday, these plans are truly HOT OFF THE PRESS!

8:10 pm – 8:20 pm
The Village Park: Update
The winning concept drawings will again be on display, as well as full details about this intricate and fast moving project involving the VNA, the City of Jersey City, GothamWest Devlopment, The Jersey City Parks Coalition, and the JC Landmarks Conservancy.

8:20 pm – 8:30 pm
The VNA Holiday Toy Drive
Irene Barnaby
VNA is joining forces with the Jersey City Police Department, East District, for the Annual Holiday Toy Drive for under-privileged children in the area. Please bring unwrapped toys to our December 8th meeting or feel free to drop them off Weichert Realtors, 273 Grove St (corner of Montgomery), open Mon-Fri 9am to 9pm, Sat & Sun from 9am to 6pm.

8:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Open Discussion and Coffee

Coffee donated by Starbucks!

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Finding the school:

The Village Neighborhood Association (VNA), in collaboration with Gotham West Development and the City of Jersey City, invites you to attend 4-FIRST, a presentation showcasing the visionary works of four landscape architecture firms aimed at transforming the long-abandoned and deteriorated First Street Park in the Italian Village. Invited design firms from across the New York metro area will present their design concepts for neighborhood feedback and consideration.

The presentation will be introduced by the First Street Park Restoration Committee, and a brief history of the site – from its civic advocacy origins in the 1940s to its Mayor Paul Jordan-led “Legacy of Parks” construction in the 1970s – will be given by John Gomez of JC Landmarks.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

AGENDA

7:30 – 7:40
Introductions
Rob Crow
President, The Village Neighborhood Association

7:40 – 7:45
The History of the First Street Park
John Gomez
Founder of JC Landmarks; M.S. Historic Preservation,
Columbia University

7:45 – 7:50
The Current Status of the Park
Rob Crow, Michele La Monica-Egar
The First Street Park Restoration Committee

7:50 – 8:00
SiteWorks LLC
Annette Wilkus, RLA, LEED AP
Martin Leibrock
www.siteworkscm.com

8:00 – 8:10
Green Room Landscape Design LLC
Adam Hoppe, BSLA
Keith Buzzelli
www.designgreenroom.com

8:10 – 8:20
GRO Architects, PLLC
Richard Garber, AIA
Nicole Robertson, AIA, LEED AP
www.groarc.com

8:20 – 8:30
Future Green Studio
David Seiter
www.futuregreenstudio.com

8:30 – 8:50
Open Discussion | Design Review | Coffee | Raffle

The VNA will also raffle off a $25 gift certificate on behalf of the Lighthorse Tavern. The only requirement is to be in attendance!!

Baked Goods donated by Cocoa Bakery & Bistro!
Coffee donated by Starbucks!

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Finding the school:

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

AGENDA

7:30 – 7:45 — Introduction and assemble.

7:45 – 7:55 — The 4th Street Art & Music Festival

Festival organizer Marc Caterina will update the group about this upcoming all-day cultural event taking place right here in The Village on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The VNA is co-supporting the festival which features food vendors, live music, artists, crafters, and activities for children. www.jcvillage.org/4thstreetart

7:55 – 8:10 — Department of Health and Human Services

In an effort to familiarize our members with the many Jersey City government agencies, Director Harry Melendez from the Department of Health and Human Services will be in attendence. Director Melendez will discuss the many services provided by the agency, and will specifically address health issues related to feeding pigeons, a concern of many members who live in the Monmouth Street area.

8:10 – 8:25 — Building Redevelopment: Brunswick and First Streets

Bob Bhatti, owner of the building at the corner of Brunswick and First Streets, will share plans for his redevelopment project, and the future of two popular Village businesses, Bob Bubbles and Carmine’s Pizza Factory.

8:25 — Open Forum | Coffee | Raffle

The VNA will also raffle off a $25 gift certificate on behalf of the Lighthorse Tavern.
The only requirement is to be in attendance!!

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located on Merseles Street.

Finding the school:

________________________________________________________

7:30 – 7:45: INTRODUCTIONS AND ASSEMBLE

7:45 – 8:00: FIRST STREET PARK: UPDATE
Gotham West Development, owners of the building to the left of the park, discuss their project and the potential renovation of the park.

8:00 – 8:10: THE VILLAGE MURAL: UPDATE
After eight months, the Port Authority has finished their internal process to green light the project. We’ll discuss next steps.

8:10 – 8:20: NEWARK AVENUE PHASE III: UPDATE
Following the completion of the City’s application for federal funds to
extend the Newark Avenue Redevelopment into the Village area, the
process and the role of the VNA will be discussed.

8:20 – 8:30: THE VILLAGE WEEKEND: UPDATE
The what, where, when, and more importantly why, regarding our first-ever weekend event.

8:30 – 8:40: BOARD OF DIRECTORS: ELECTIONS

8:40: OPEN FORUM
________________________________________________________

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located on Merseles Street.

________________________________________________________

AGENDA:

7:30 – 7:45: Introduction and Assemble.

7:45 – 8:15: Election 2009 -”Meet the Candidates” Forum

In an effort to bring attention to the Jersey City Municipal Elections being held this May, the VNA is extending invitations to the Mayoral Candidates, as well as their Council Candidates. Over the next few months, we encourage candidates to use this forum to introduce themselves to our members, and present their vision for the future of Jersey City.

Joe Cassidy At-Large Council Candidate

Mr. Cassidy, a Hudson County sheriff from 1996-2007, is running for an At-Large Council seat on Lou Manzo’s ticket.

Joe Tarrazi Ward E Council Candidate

Mr. Tarrazi is running for the Ward E Council seat on Lou Manzo’s ticket.

Steven Fulop: Downtown Ward E City Council Candidate

Learn more about Councilman Fulop www.stevenfulop.com

Guy Catrillo Downtown Ward E City Council Candidate

Mr. Catrillo, a former Community Leader and Activist is running for a Council seat on Mayor Healy’s ticket. He works as a Senior Planning Aide in the City’s Planning Department, and was formerly Hudson County’s Deputy Superintendent of Elections.

8:15 – 8:30: The Pennsylvania Railroad Harsimus Stem Embankment Preservation Coalition

Founded in 1998, Maureen Crowley will update the community on the most recent developments regarding the Sixth Street Embankment, and how it could potentially impact The Village. For more information please visit www.embankment.org

8:30 – 8:40: Announcement: The Village Weekend!

Mark your calendars! We will discuss details of our May 30 – May 31 special weekend event. Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy Founder and President John Gomez will brief us on the upcoming “The Italian Village Historical Walking Tour” scheduled for Saturday, May 30th.

8:40 – 8:45: Announcement: The Village Spring Cleanup

8:45: Open forum and coffee with your neighbors.

________________________________________________________

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located on Merseles Street.

________________________________________________________

AGENDA:

7:30 – 7:45: Introduction and Assemble.

7:45 – 8:00: Election 2009 -”Meet the Candidates” Forum
In an effort to bring attention to the Jersey City Municipal Elections being held this May, the VNA is extending invitations to the Mayoral Candidates, as well as their Council Candidates. Over the next few months, we encourage candidates to use this forum to introduce themselves to our members, and present their vision for the future of Jersey City.

Steven Fulop: Downtown Ward E City Council Candidate

Councilman Fulop will discuss some of his notable achievements over the past four years, and his focus for the future, such as safety, education, taxes, and city government. Learn more about Steve at www.stevenfulop.com

8:00 – 8:10: New Jersey Turnpike Authority proposed waterfront elevated access ramp — Exit 14D “Separator”

Ward E Downtown Councilman Steven Fulop will brief our members on the NJTPA proposed access ramp “separator”. He will discuss where the ramp will be located, its possible timetable, and the benefits it could have to The Village . For a detail of the proposed plan, please visit New Jersey Turnpike Proposed Ramp — Exit 14D “Separator”.

8:10 – 8:25: The Embankment Preservation Coalition
Founded in 1998, Maureen Crowley will update the community on the most recent developments regarding the Sixth Street Embankment, and how it could potentially impact The Village. For more information please visit www.embankment.org

8:25 – 8:40: QOL: Monmouth Street

The VNA will present our approach to working with residents, businesses, and city government in an effort to better the quality of life for those in The Village having to deal with these issues. With its recent increase in loitering and street fighting, Monmouth Street is going to the focus of our discussion.

8:40: Open forum and coffee with neighbors

________________________________________________________

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located on Merseles Street.

________________________________________________________

AGENDA:

7:30 – 7:45: Introduction and assemble.

7:45 – 8:00: Election 2009 -”Meet the Candidates” Forum

In an effort to bring attention to the Jersey City Municipal Elections being held this May, the VNA is extending invitations to the Mayoral Candidates and their Council Candidates. Over the next few months, we encourage candidates to use this forum to introduce themselves to our members, and present their vision for the future of Jersey City.

Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (See map below for details)

________________________________________________________

AGENDA:

7:30 – 7:40: Introduction and Assemble

7:40 – 7:50: Monmouth Street QOL Survey Update
Rob Crow and Ben Dorner will discuss the results of our survey for Monmouth Street between Third and Fifth Streets.

7:50 – 8:20: Jersey City Incinerator Authority Presentation
Clayton Dabney, Division Director of Property Maintenance
Joseph Grant, Assistant Division Director of Property Maintenance

Discussion of concerns that arose regarding the survey, and lasting solutions that can be implemented in partnership with local businesses, residents and the Jersey City Incinerator Authority (JCIA) for an improved quality of life for the area. As development moves west down Newark Avenue into The Village area, it is important that the VNA, residents, businesses, and city agencies work together to keep our neighborhood clean.

8:20 – 8:30: Giving Back/Presentations
Irene Barnaby: Irene will introduce the developers of the Crescent Court project on Second Street to the attendees. She will also discuss what you can do to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Jim Ayers: Jim will discuss the East District Thanksgiving Day Volunteer program and the December Toy Drive.

Michelle LaMonica: Michele will present information about the Harsimus Cemetery and how you can volunteer for this worthy cause. She will also provide an update for the First Street Pocket Park.

8:30: Open Forum/Coffee with your neighbors

________________________________________________________

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located on Merseles Street.