Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Two meetings today on 9/11 Memorial and Bicyle and Pedestrian Plan

From the desk of City Hall....

REMINDERS:
1) PUBLIC HEARING FOR 9/11 MEMORIAL AND
2) BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN MEETING TONIGHT


Public Hearing for 9/11 Memorial: 7:00 pm

The City of Hoboken will hold a public hearing to discuss planned improvements to Pier A on the Hoboken waterfront at the end of First Street and Sinatra Drive. Members of the public are invited to attend the hearing to discuss the installation of a 9/11 Memorial on the north side of the pier. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the basement conference room at City Hall, 94 Washington Street opposite the violations department.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Public Information Center: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

A Public Information Center (open house-style) for the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will be held on Tuesday, November 30th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm at the Multi-Service Center, 124 Grand Street. The public is invited to this final public meeting to provide feedback on the strategies developed as part of Hoboken’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan to enhance bicyclist and pedestrian travel within Hoboken.



Click below to download a flyer for the event:
http://hobokennj.org/docs/transportation/bike-ped-plan-public-information-center.pdf

For additional information, visit http://hobokennj.org/bikepedplan.

Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/reminders-1-public-hearing-for-911-memorial-and-2-bicycle-pedestrian-plan-meeting-tonight/
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Photo of the Day- Lady Liberty at Sunset

Today's photo of the day was taken while on the NY Waterway Ferry going home from work. I would like to thank the French for the opportunity to snap a picture of this great landmark. That comment ought to get Da Horsey going in the morning.

Statue of Liberty at Sunset

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Monday, November 29, 2010

Corner Cars is Praised by Independent Advocates

Here is a press release from the City of Hoboken Mayor's Office highlighting the independent praise for the Corner Cars program which is in jeapordy of being voted down by the new City Council majority this coming Wednesday......

INDEPENDENT ADVOCATES AGREE:
CORNER CARS A SUCCESS
Mayor Zimmer urges Council to put good policy above politics

Despite its local status as a political football, the City of Hoboken has received a large number of accolades for the implementation of the Corner Cars program from transportation and environmental advocates, local organizations, the academic community, and independent news sources.


Most recently, Mayor Dawn Zimmer was “thanked” by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a critical transportation advocacy organization in the region, for her innovative stance with Corner Cars, among other transportation solutions. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental advocacy organization with more than 1.3 million members, featured Corner Cars in an article published last week in their “On Earth” magazine. In addition, Corner Cars and Hoboken’s transportation solutions are featured as the cover story of the November issue of the League of Municipalities Magazine.

“It’s great that Hoboken gets so much local, national, and even international recognition for our efforts, but what's most important to me are the benefits that Corner Cars and other transportation programs provide to our residents,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “I urge the City Council to put politics aside and ensure the continuation of this successful and widely-praised program which benefits all residents – those with cars and those without.”

At the November 14th Council meeting, the City Council voted 4-4 and failed to introduce an ordinance to establish on-street parking spaces for Corner Cars, a contractual obligation of the contract previously awarded to Hertz Connect by an 8-1 vote of the Council. As a result, the Zimmer Administration is again placing the same ordinance on the December 1st Council meeting agenda along with a resolution to temporarily establish the parking spaces since the prior temporary authorization will expire before the ordinance can take effect.

“We should all be proud of the success of these programs,” added Councilman David Mello, Chair of the Transportation and Parking Committee. “I am confident that Corner Cars will continue to take cars off the street and assist in relieving the pressure felt by residents who are looking for parking each day.”

“You simply don't get this kind of attention if it doesn't work," said Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs. "Our integrated transportation solutions featuring Corner Cars and the Hop have made it far easier to live in Hoboken without a car. The success of Corner Cars is proven by the numbers; with nearly 1,000 participants and 46 residents already giving up their on-street parking permits, Corner Cars is irrefutably taking cars off the street and improving the City's parking situation.”

Click here for a map showing the Corner Cars membership distribution in Hoboken.

Independent advocates, academics, and news organizations praise for Corner Cars:

New York Times
O Estado de S. Paulo
New Jersey League of Municipalities Magazine
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
Discovery Channel Planet Green
NRDC's On Earth
UC Berkeley "Access" Journal
Urban Transportation Monitor
H-Mag
Quality of Life Coalition
Streetsblog
How We Drive
The Infrastructurist
The Daily Green

Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/independent-advocates-agree-corner-cars-a-success/
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A Special Holiday Suggestion from Info

Here is a special column from reader Info, a reformer formerly known as Infotainme who has a penchant for rapier wit. Skullduggerers will feel the sting of his vorpal pen if they actually have the intellectual acumen to know when they are being insulted. Of course this is all in jest and is actually one of Info's more lighthearted pieces. Usually in humor I find the real truth can come out. Info's piece is no exception. Enjoy this spirited holiday read!!.......

A Special Holiday Suggestion from Info

Late November. The cool evening air carries traces of wood smoke, the acrid nip of roasted chestnuts, and the last spicy whiffs of bar-b-qued witch. A necessary pause overtakes the on-rushing calendar. For a few hours on Thursday we allow our attention to turn from day to day concerns and the endless to-do list of the season to a more wistful view of life….

Laney Loo Hoo - Based on the character Cyndy Loo Hoo from the "Grinch who Stole Christmas"

We even set our differences aside. Yes, even Larry Sharpton, or rather Stempler. Wait, what did I say? Sharpton? Honest mistake - I meant Stempler. Even the Reverend Al Stempler puts down his pitchfork and takes up a carving knife to serve the roast beast to a ravenous Laney Loo Who, who, just this once, lets someone else do the vivisecting….

We have it pretty good after all. Sure, we’re surrounded by malcontents, career criminals, predatory developers, diner dirt, character assassins, all manner of professional liars, and one good storm away from losing half the water front. But not bad on the whole….

In fact we count our blessings. It may not take as long to count them as in years past, but still we know fortune has smiled upon us. And we spare a thought to those who don’t have it as good and maybe dig into our pockets to try to level the playing field a bit.

But once again a cloud seems to have settled on our solitary thoughts of human kindness, transforming the Currier and Ives dreamscape into yet another Courier with Bribes nightmare. Once more our fair city is the subject of a criminal probe into election fraud and the unwanted attention that comes with it. And at just the moment when we should feel the warming grace of fraternity, we feel only the chill of disillusionment. Instead of picking up a bag of canned goods and toiletries for the soup kitchen or tossing our change in a Salvation Army pot, we shrink into our bulky coats and mutter humbug at every appeal to our common humanity.

But where does that path lead? Folks, it is what it is. This is Hudson County, not Hooterville or even Pottersville. Stop fantasizing that all this lawlessness is some sort of anomaly. Reform is the anomaly. Think of it - two reform mayors in the city’s history, and one passed away in office (btw, Stan, quick thought for the holidays: food taster).

Election fraud, influence peddling, bribes, accounting flim-flam, picking the taxpayer’s pocket at every turn – that is the norm. Embrace it – you’ll feel better.

Where was the story on Hoboken411 on the criminal referrals
regarding the 4th Ward Election on Perry Klaussen's
self-professed most complete news and business
site in Hoboken? - Graphic courtesy of GA
Maybe instead of screening out the political skullduggery – as has been so gamely tried by “Hoboken’s Most Complete News and Business Site” – maybe we can make it a part of the holidays. Why not? With more elections in November, you can count on fir trees, the first cheery flurry of snow, and federal indictments to arrive more or less simultaneously in election years. It may not be the tradition we wanted, but you can’t always pick these things. Sometimes they pick you. Look at your own family “traditions”. I bet you have a few real corkers in there. Bottom line, should the needs of the destituted be ignored because of the deeds of the prostituted?

Heck no! In fact, maybe they can even be the beneficiaries. That’s why I’m proposing a new holiday tradition.

The first annual holiday Perp Walk for the Cure!

It’s the perfect marriage of corruption and compassion. Talk about taking rotten eggs and making rotten eggnog!

How can you participate? Well if you’re in Hoboken politics for any length of time, that will probably take care of itself. But in the mean time you can sponsor the inevitable perp walk of one of the countless perps you see every day! Or, you can sign up sponsors and join the walk yourself as a Perp-for-a-Day!*

Perp Walk for the Cure 2010 Entry Form - Click on image to enlarge

* Participants must wear a coat over the head and walk with their hands behind their backs. Alternatively you can grip the upper arm of someone thus disposed. Just follow the lead of the many actual perps and their law enforcement escorts.

Picture it – hundreds if not thousands of your friends, neighbors, and future participants in the Witness Protection Program doing the Cool Perp up Washington Street as the Hoboken High School marching band plays, “My next girl should be nothin’ like my ex-girl” to honor Parade Marshall and street money geyser


Beth Mason! (Soon to be known only as Abruzese Mason during election season once the whole imaginary anti-semitism scandal plays out.) A crowned, sceptered, and enthroned Mason will ride on a float that depicts a water main break spewing cash and VBMs to a troupe of tumblers in prison jumpsuits who fall over each other to grab the bounty. It’s meant to suggest Hoboken’s idea for a 13th day of Christmas verse.

Now that’s festive! Or, to paraphrase another latter day holiday tradition, it’s an arrestivus for the rest of us! Just fill out the entry form above and you’re on your way to feeling a whole lot better about our perpetual political infamy. Just think of it as another part of the holiday season, like gluttony. ◦
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Hoboken PAL Middleweight Division Football Team 2010 Champs!

From the City of Hoboken.......

HOBOKEN PAL MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION FOOTBALL TEAM WINS 2010 HUDSON COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to the Hoboken PAL Middleweight Division football team for winning the 2010 Hudson County Youth Football League Championship and going undefeated in the regular season, 8-0.



Hoboken defeated North Bergen 32 to 6 in North Bergen. The team was led by star running back Khashawn Decker, who scored four touchdowns, and a strong offensive line led by Cesar Flores, Keith Boyd, Karim Salem and Alfredo Vera. One of the remarkable plays of the game was when running back Jimmy Rosa threw a touchdown pass on a reverse to Khashawn Decker.

Through PAL of New Jersey, 35 tickets to the upcoming Rutgers-Louisville game on Friday are being provided to the team members.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini would also like to thank and congratulate PAL Director Bobby Gohde, Head Coach Vinny Johnson, the coaching staff, and the Recreation Department on this achievement.

Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/hoboken-pal-middleweight-division-football-team-wins-2010-hudson-county-youth-football-league-championship/
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Two more Western Edge Redevelopment Plan Community Meetings Announced

Two more Western Edge Community Meetings have been announced by the City of Hoboken......

WESTERN EDGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN COMMUNITY MEETINGS ANNOUNCED

Two additional community meetings have been scheduled to provide further opportunities for public input on the Western Edge Redevelopment Plan.

The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 8th from 7-9 p.m. at the Elks lodge, 1005 Washington Street

The second meeting will take place on Thursday, December 9th from 6-8 p.m. at the Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Avenue.

These meetings are in response to the public’s request for additional meetings to provide feedback to the draft Western Edge Redevelopment Plan. The most recent version of the plan is available on the City website: http://www.hobokennj.org/departments/community-development/redevelopment/

The format is workshop style, and residents may come in at any time during the meetings at their convenience. There will be a brief discussion at the beginning of the meetings to go over the main issues that have been raised. Tables will be set up so residents can provide input on each of those issues.

Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/western-edge-redevelopment-plan-community-meetings-announced/
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The Nutcracker - Hoboken Dance Academy December 4th-5th

The Hoboken Dance Academy is putting on a prodcution of The Nutcracker at the Hoboken High School Theater December 4th at 4 PM and Decemebr 5th at 2 PM. Tickets are available at
http://www.hobokendanceacademy.com/.

Tickets: 12$ adult, $6 student and $3 senior

Below is a brief description of the event:

Nutcracker is not your ordinary Nutcracker. Clara's story is the same but we combine jazz, tap, ballet and modern dance to spin our twist on this holiday favorite. Join us as we kick off the holiday season with our benefit for the Boys and Girls club! Suitable for all ages!


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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A Politicized Halloween Retrospective

The Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade is quite the big hit in Hoboken every Halloween and this year's attendance was quite large. The parade was followed up by tons of trick and treaters and made for quite a festive day overall. I am a bit late with these photos but I figured it would be fun to look back at Hoboken's last holiday and put a little political twist to the whole affair all in good satirical fun. I am sure I will be criticized for this but I can assure that I did not post a photo of a devil since I did not want any church groups, PACs, or Lane Bajardi (The weasel with an easel) doing a presentation about my website at a City Council meeting. Actually, that would be fun; I double dare him.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? Maybe not in this case but it was funny to see Peter Cammarano prison costume for the parade. Some people still consider Peter Cammarano a hero and  that is one of the major things that is still wrong with this town.

Well tickle me Matt Callichio! Actually, his costume is Oscar the Grouch and not Elmo.  Questions: Matt is smiling here in this photo but is Matt now grouchy since he was named in a criminal affidavit? Will the NJ AG's office finally take out the trash with a conviction on election fraud from the Timothy Occhipinti 4th Ward race? At this point they are just accusations so stay tuned for more developments on this especially if the decision is made to prosecute. Remember, people are innocent until proven guilty in this country, even if the statistical evidence of correlation to vote buying is overwhelming.  

Is that a purse, a satchel or a big bag of money that Ricky Mason (dressed as a gangster) is carrying on behalf of Tim Occhipinti?  Ricky Mason donated substantially at the last minute via in-kind donations to Tim's campaign.

Elvis was a true reformer (of music that is). Shake those hips!

This Count Dracula could have helped count all of Tim's vote by mail ballots but he is not the political type.
The smell of garlic that emanates from the pores of the La Familia will scare away event the most accomplished vampire.

The Hoboken baby boom continues and will shape the demand for services like schools and larger living units as more parents opt to attempt to stay in town rather than go suburban. It is about the demographics and the strollers. Hoboken will soon need wider sidewalks for all those double-wide strollers. Season's Breedings!

This little guy is so cute and if the City of Hoboken were to hire younger firefighters like this kid it could save the taxpayers a lot of money on salaries! Just kidding! This is one of this year's best costumes for  kids under 4.

Beware of the sleeping giant aka Reformerus_Gianticus. As the saying goes you reap what you sow politically. I, dressed as the grim reaper was telling people "death to corruption and voter fraud!" during the parade.  

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Photos of the Day - More Pier C Park at Night

Here are some more Pier C Park pictures at night I took recently without a tripod.





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HUMC Meeting Schedule 2010-2011

Here are the scheduled times for the remaining 2010 and upcoming 2011 Hoboken Municipal Hospital Authority's meetings. All meetings are in Assumption Hall at the Hospital. I will update the Hoboken Journal Calendar when I get a chance.

Calendar of Meetings (All meetings begin at 6:00 p.m.):

Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Hospital is currently trying to solidify a strategic partner to take over the hospital and get the City of Hoboken out of the Hospital business.The City of Hoboken is on the hook for more than $50 million in bonds backing the hospital not including interest. ◦
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Monday, November 22, 2010

Mark R. Toback - Hoboken's Next Superintendent of Schools on the Web

Mark R. Toback has just been named as the one finalist for the Hoboken Superintendent search to replace interim Superintendent Peter Carter. Here are a few useful links on this finalist in an educational context only.  I wonder if Board Member Maureen Sullivan will blog on this candidate in a negative fashion like she did with finalist Frank Romano last year. I certainly hope not. Perhaps this candidate will better suit "Queen Maureen". Time will tell.

1) Here is a letter to parents while he has been at Sussex County Technical School from Mark R. Toback, Ed D. on the AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) standard from No Child Left Behind Act:

"I am pleased to notify you that Sussex County Technical School made AYP as defined under the No Child Left Behind Act this past year. Our students made significant progress. We passed 40 of 40 indicators."

http://www.sussex.tec.nj.us/files/nclb_letter_superintendent.pdf

Sussex County Vocational School 2010 AYP Status under Mark R. Toback

2) Mark has his own brief Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sussex_County_Vocational_School_District

3) Here is a quote from Mark R. Toback on the performance of Sussex County Schools:

14 schools in Sussex County not up to par with state testing standards
From NJ Herald
http://www.njherald.com/story/news/23AYPRESULTS-web

"In Sussex County, failure to meet benchmark targets in special education is what kept the majority of the schools from meeting the requirements.

Sussex County Technical School Superintendent Mark Toback said the only area where the school failed to meet the requirements was in special education. Toback said it's important to understand what's behind the data. "It's fairly common," he said. "You have to realize that we take in a higher percentage of special education students compared to other schools in the county. Really, when you look at it, it's only a few students. It doesn't mean we are a bad school. Compared to other technical schools across the state, Sussex Tech stacks up pretty well."

- Mark R. Toback

4) This link shows that Mark had served as Business Administrator/Board Secretary for Leona Public Schools. I don't know if he currently serves in that as a secondary job or if that was in the past.

http://tripatlas.com/Leonia_Public_Schools
'Mark Toback, Ed.D.' - Business Administrator/Board Secretary

5) This Shows that a position similar in type and location that  Mark R. Toback is at is already being shopped as of November 15. 2010 via simplyhired.com:

http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/gnroohguvy/administration-jobs/

6) Here is a description of the Leonia Middle School where Mark was once principal. His background shows that he was once principal at an ethnically diverse school such as the situation that is Hoboken's public schools.

http://www.localschooldirectory.com/public-school/54704/NJ

Leonia Middle School Overview

Leonia Middle School enrolls 450 middle school students from grades 6-8. It is located in Leonia, NJ, which is a medium sized city with a predominantly White community and a median household income of $72,440. This school is part of the Leonia Borough School District, which has a total student enrollment of 1,725.

The principal, Mark Toback, oversees the school's faculty and staff, including thirty-seven full-time "equivalent" teachers serving the student body with an average student teacher ratio of 12.2. There is a diverse racial makeup at this school, with Whites being the largest group, making up forty-one percent of the student body.

Being eligible for a Title I program, this school has access to state and federal assistance to help low-income and at risk students. Also, about nine percent of the students can obtain lunch for free or at a reduced cost.


7) Freeholders demand resignations over superintendent's raise (Toback's)

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/05/freeholders_demand_tech_school.html

Pladdys said the board has been pleased with Toback's job performance since he was hired two years ago at a salary of $135,000.

Toback serves as superintendent and principal, and was in the second year of a three-year contract. The board canceled the third year and instead gave him a four-year pact that would bring his pay more in line with other tech school superintendents in New Jersey, who on average earn $174,000, Pladdys said.

"We thought so much of Mark we renewed him," Pladdys said. "In the overall scheme of things, he has saved a lot of money administratively. We wanted to bring him up to parity with other tech schools in the state."

My comment: I can't blame Mark if the previous board (not Hoboken) gave him too generous of a contract  in the opinions of the freeholders. It seems like the board saw his value and wanted to bring his salary in line competitively.

That's all for now folks. I am sure there will be more to come on this finalist's background. If he gets hired I wish Mark Toback all the best in improving our public schools given the obstacles that are in place. ◦
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Meet the New Hoboken Superintendent Candidate Dr. Mark Toback - November 23rd

Update 11/22/2010 4:35PM: Hoboken Superintendent Search


The Board of Education and Dr. Mark Toback have agreed that Dr. Toback be identified as the board's choice to serve as our next superintendent of schools, even though we continue to await final approval on the proposed contract from the Department of Education.

Dr. Mark Toback will be in district tomorrow, Tuesday November 23rd touring our schools and meeting our principals. He will also be available to meet with the community in the high school cafeteria from 1:30-2:30 pm and from 4:30-6:30 pm. Please come and join us.

Here is an announcement on the selection of Hoboken's Superintendent search from Hoboken BOE Board member Irene Sobolov that will give residents two time frames to meet the one finalist and then have a meeting at 7pm to possibly vote on his/her contract pending approval from the Hudson County Executive Superintendent.

Original Post 11/22/2010 4:20PM:

Meet the New Superintendent Candidate - November 23rd

The Hoboken Board of Education invites all to come and meet the final candidate for the position of Superintendent of Schools.

Please come to Hoboken High School on Tuesday, November 23rd between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM, and again from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. You will have an opportunity to meet the candidate and learn more about him. The Board has also advertised a Special Meeting on November 23rd at 7 PM to consider the appointment of a new Superintendent, contingent on Hudson County Executive Superintendent approval. This meeting will be held in the Board offices.

The search process began in June with the hiring of a specialized recruiting firm, who then reached out to the community, teachers and staff for their input during the search.

In October, the consultant presented approximately 50 potential applicants to the Board. After several weeks of interviews and a group visit, one finalist remains.

The Hoboken Board of Education is currently in contract negotiations and is awaiting approval from the Hudson County Executive Superintendent. For this reason, confidential information regarding the candidate cannot be shared at this time.

What can be shared is the thanks of the Board to everyone who took the time and worked so hard together on this important task.

Hoboken is an amazing City with a wonderful school district; it deserves nothing short of a stellar Superintendent, with proven experience, passion for public education and a positive vision of the future for all district students! Come join us on November 23rd at 1:30 PM or 4:30 PM ◦
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Hoboken Holiday Crafts and Art Fair Coming Soon!

Hoboken Holiday Crafts and Art Fair
Sat. and Sun. Dec. 4 and 5,
18th and 19th • 11am to 5pm
New Location!: Monroe Center for the Arts
720 Monroe, 3rd Floor, Suite C-301
Elevator available


Unique Handcrafted Gift Items by over 50 local artists, photographers and crafters

Featuring:
Art, photography, stained glass, mirrors & frames, hand knit scarves, hats, mittens, baby sweaters and more, jewelry, baby clothes and blankets, holiday ornaments, soaps and  body lotions, candles and so much more.

Most items are one of a kind and if you don't see exactly what you want, you can place a special order with the artist.

Monroe Center is located just 1 block from the the Hudson Bergen Lightrailor take the PATH, NJ Transit Trains and Buses or NY Waterway and hop on the City's HOP shuttle bus which will take you right there.

For more information call 201-420-2207
Or online at http://www.hobokennj.org/. Applications are still available

There will be lots of other events taking place at Monroe Center during the time of the Craft Fair, fun for the whole family. Stop by for some holiday cheer, live music, art, craft, theatrical performances, visit with Santa Claus and so much more. Also, many of the artists in the building will open up their studios. ◦
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Another Waterfront Meeting Scheduled by Mayor Zimmer

Update 11/22/2010: The second Hoboken Waterfront Meeting is tonight and here is a reminder from 5th Ward Councilman Peter Cunningham:

"Good evening everybody,

This is a friendly reminder that tonight the Mayor will host a community meeting with regards to our waterfront infrastructure issues. Please attend if you can.

I will also be announcing in the next day or so the first set of community workshop meetings on Western Edge Redevelopment. Those meetings will be held the week of December 6th.

Stay tuned..."

Peter Cunningham
5th Ward Council man

Original Post 11/19/2010: One more meeting by the Mayor's office uptown for residents concerned abut Hoboken's waterfront issues.....

MAYOR ZIMMER TO HOST WATERFRONT INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNITY MEETING

On Monday, November 22nd, Mayor Dawn Zimmer will host the second community meeting to discuss waterfront infrastructure issues and concerns with residents. The meeting will take place from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Hoboken Historical Museum, 1301 Hudson Street. Mayor Zimmer will also be available afterwards to talk with residents and answer questions about any other issues of concern.

Residents who have questions but are unable to attend may email waterfront@hobokennj.org.

Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/mayor-zimmer-to-host-waterfront-infrastructure-community-meeting/
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Hoboken Track and Field Team Used Clothing Drive through December 10th 2010

Judy Burrell along with the Hoboken High School Track and Field Team is directing a used clothing drive through December 10th of 2010. Bring donations in platic bags to Hoboken High School at 9th and Clinton Street.

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Holiday Banding Concert at Willie McBride's 12/16/2010

Here is a Holiday event sponsored by Hoboken's Cultural Affairs Department to raise money for the Movies Under the Stars Summer series in 2011......

Hoboken Holiday Banding Concert
Thursday Dec. 16th
Doors open at 6pm, Music starts at 7pm
Willie McBrides, 616 Grand Street
Admission is $10

Your favorite local musicians will perform favorite Holiday Classics.......

Including performances by:

John Bauers
Jeremy Beck
Benson Ridge Project
Bianca Bob
Dave Calamoneri
Gene D. Plumber
Jon & Deena of The Cucumbers
Beele Hamilton
Kate Jacobs
Jennifer Lampert (AMusicSpace.com)
Las Vandelays
Mad Dog Mary
Dan McLoughlin and Garden Street Music
Shrub
Jack Skuller
Sputnik
Jim Testa
Emily Turonis
Lloyd United
Annalee Van Kleeck
Tom Vincent and the Hoboken Holiday Banding house band featuring John Keim and more.

For more information call 201-420-2207.
Or online at http://www.hobokennj.org/.
Proceeds to support Hoboken's Movies Under the Stars Summer Series 2011. ◦
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Friday, November 19, 2010

Hoboken Photo of the Day - Rooftop

I took this photo of Hoboken from my roof top this morning......


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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Professor John’s Hoboken Real Estate and Culture Dialogue

Here is a new column from Professor John Bredin who in addition to teaching as a professor, and now moonlighting as a real estate agent, also hosts a community talk show at the Symposia Book store. I hope this is the beginning of a periodic column here at the Hoboken Journal from the perspective of a man who sees the cultural value in living in the Mile Square.

Professor John’s Hoboken Real Estate and Culture Dialogue

As a freshly-minted real estate agent (sadly, college teaching doesn’t pay the bills) with a focus on high-end properties in Hoboken, my goal is to craft a holistic approach to the profession by caring as much about the community with a focus on the aesthetic, social, and cultural treasures that enrich our neighborhood as the beautiful features of homes in the Mile Square City.

In his 2000 book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, Harvard professor Robert Putnam says the mental health of a community is best measured not by the number of friends you have, but by how many people you can have a brief chat with on the sidewalk heading home after work. By this standard, Hoboken must be one of the happiest places on earth! Washington Street, Hoboken’s main drag (recently voted one of the 10 best streets in the nation by the American Planning Association), has the feel of a classic Italian piazza: a great democratic mingling space the Romans referred to as “the commons;” where you founded the identity of your life in communion with fellow citizens.

A bohemian jam session in the Monroe Arts Center, during last week's Hoboken Artist Studio Tour.

A relaxing stroll down Washington Street, taking in the wonders of its historic architecture, also brings the magic possibility of a social encounter. As an English Professor, I have a particular interest in human dialogue. Martin Buber, the great theologian and author of I and Thou, has taught me something about the sacredness of authentic dialogue; a process enhanced whenever I remember what the psychologist Carl Rogers said about the importance of deep listening and acceptance of people. So, a simple walk down Washington Street to pick up a ripe avocado for dinner, for example might lead to an unexpected moment of connection with another person (even if just a friendly wave) that would be unheard of in the more alienated suburbs….or even in NYC. Yes, there is a touch of Mayberry in Hoboken: which is one reason why we love it!

As for the arts, I find it just as enchanting to behold the marvelous details of a Garden Street Brownstone as a funky, kaleidoscopic collage on the Hoboken Art Studio Tour. Just as my pulse never fails to quicken at the wondrous sight of the oversized, B and W still of Marlon Brando from On the Waterfront, hanging in the arched brick courtyard outside the Hoboken Museum. In the first Hollywood film shot entirely on location, Elia Kazan chose Hoboken for its authentic sense of place,a quality it still enjoys. Glancing at this iconic cinematic image, I’m reminded that I must be moving forward in my own quest to be a “contenda”, i.e. to enjoy a life filled with purpose and meaning—simply by living in such a cool city as Hoboken!

I’d like this column to open up a collaborative space to celebrate the current wonders of Hoboken….and to ponder ways of improving it. For me, that would include expanding its arts infrastructure to feature more gallery spaces, and to create more venues for theatre, dance, and independent cinema. I chose to hang my license at Halliburton Homes on First Street because of its intelligent, aesthetic and evolved nature: the same qualities I seek to expand in the world through my teaching. It’s the furthest thing from a real estate “chop shop” that you could imagine. Halliburton also happens to be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified retail real estate broker in the United States.

One glance at the spectacular photographs in our office, taken by Cindy Halliburton, of an atmospheric old barn in Woodstock, NY where the recycled wood for our desks was harvested from, tells you all you need to know about the integrity of this company. These are photographs even Alfred Stiglitz (a former friend of Picasso’s, and Hobokenite, he lived at 500 Hudson Street, who put photography in the same “high art” league as paintings and sculpture) would’ve approved of.

Moving forward, as a dialogic project, I’d like to invite your reflections (or stories) on the unique qualities that make Hoboken one of the best places to live in America. Releasing your imagination, feel free to send an idea about how to make it better too. Real estate questions are also welcome. My e-mail is john@halliburtonhomes.
 
-John Bredin

Here are some photos of interest that tie into the theme of John's piece he submitted for inclusion:

Elvis is right outside the building!!! Interesting characters add a carnivalesque flair to Hoboken's already vibrant street life.

Garden Street Enchantment!

Amidst bookstore closings throughout Hudson County, Symposia remains a blessed source of intellectual (and social) nourishment.

Hoboken's place in cinema history was established when On the Waterfront, starring Marlon Brando, was shot here in 1954. What future films will be made here, by the "contenda's" in our midst?
 

Because of Hoboken's own Alfred Stiglitz, photography is now considered a fine art. Current, and future, art innovators may walk among us now in the Mile Square City.
 

This wintry dreamscape from Woodstock, NY was captured by the photographic art of Cindy Halliburton. To reduce its carbon footprint, Halliburton Homes had its desks made out of recycled wood from this barn.
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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

BOE Meeting Agenda for Tonight at 7PM

HOBOKEN BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Hoboken Board of Education Meeting Room
1115 Clinton Street
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030

AGENDA

1. Board President Report and Board Committee Reports
2. a. Approval of minutes
b. Policy readings
3. Report of Interim Superintendent:
a. Personnel: postings, resignations, re-appointments, appointments, extensions, transfers, full and part time staff, training, stipends, substitutes
b. Curriculum and Instruction: Curriculum and instruction matters; field trips
4. Business Administrator: financial reports and actions; payment of bills and payroll; food service program; facility matters; grants; student placements and services; workshops.

Any matters relating to the above items that may come before the Board. Please be advised that the Board may be required to go into closed executive session during this meeting to discuss litigation, negotiations and personnel items. Action may be taken on all agenda items.

Published by order of the Board of Education
of the School District of the City of Hoboken

Robert H. Davis
Interim School Business Administrator/Board Secretary

For the detailed agenda click on this link below:


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A letter to residents from Mayor Zimmer on the Hoboken Waterfront

Below is a a letter to residents from Mayor Zimmer on the Hoboken Waterfront issues:

November 16, 2010

Dear resident:

As you may have noticed, Hudson County has begun construction to repair the collapse on Sinatra Drive North. This work is expected to last several months. We are aware of noise and vibration concerns both to residents and nearby businesses, which unfortunately are unavoidable during this type of major construction. However we are sensitive to those concerns and are in regular discussions with the County so that disruptions due to construction are minimized or scheduled to be least disruptive.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer
Some residents have expressed concern about the structural integrity of their buildings. While it is our understanding based on information from engineers that the foundation of the buildings are independent of the roadway, we have asked for Applied to provide this information in writing, and we will forward this information when we receive it. Toll Brothers provided a letter from their engineer with regard to the Hudson Tea Building (Follow this link to view their letter: http://hobokennj.org/docs/waterfront/Toll-Brothers-Engineering-Memo.pdf).

I am very glad to report that at last night's City Council meeting, the Council unanimously agreed with my Administration's request for funding to conduct an underwater investigation with divers of our entire waterfront -- both public and private properties. I believe it is critical that our City engineer have firsthand information so that we can ensure the safety of our community. Divers have already inspected portions of the lower section of the waterfront, and as a result, we are reopening a small section south of Pier A that was previously closed as a precaution. Divers will begin inspecting the waterfront around the Hudson Tea Building shortly.

I thank the residents who attended the community meeting on Sunday, and we will also be holding an additional meeting on Monday, November 22nd. The location and time will be announced shortly on our website, or if you would like to sign up for updates from City Hall or you are unable to attend but have questions or concerns, you may email waterfront@hobokennj.org.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work to keep our community safe.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer ◦
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Hoboken Advocate Does Study on Hoboken Fire Department Sick Leave- The numbers are sickening!

Here is a excerpt fromt he recent Hoboken Advocate newsletter on Fire Department sick leave in Hoboken:

Fire Department Unlimited Sick Time and Contract Day Usage Study

The Police and Fire have an unlimited sick day policy. They also get unlimited "Contract Days". Contract Days are additional paid time off for things like funerals, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs. They do have to ask for permission to take a contract day but there is no limit to how many a Firefighter or Police Officer can take in a given year. It's completely up to a Firefighter's supervisor whether or not permission is granted. If the supervisor wants to grant 40 Contract Days to an employee in a given year, there is nothing the Administration or the public can do about it. All sick and contract days have to be backfilled typically at overtime pay.

As of the budget workshop in January, attendance records are tracked by the Police and Fire Departments themselves and held in the Police and Fire Departments instead of having to submit them to Human Resources.

The data presented by Fire Chief Blohm in January did not foot with the data for the same period, provided via the OPRA request. The City is not accountable for accuracy of documentation provided in OPRA requests however, I find it alarming that the data was so far apart. Again both the data presented at the budget workshop and from the OPRA request came from the Fire Department itself.

How well are they tracking attendance? Are they deliberately mis-coding attendance? Are they abusing these, all too generous, unlimited use policies?

By using the attendance records provided by Chief Blohm from the Budget workshop last January plus 3 years of data pulled from an OPRA request, I did a regression analysis to see if there was a significant shift in sick day and contract day usage pre and post state take offer. Again, the data provided in the budget workshop did not foot with the data provided in the OPRA request. I used the OPRA request data because it covered 3 years in lieu of one. Unfortunately, it did not break down absenteeism by month. I think it would be really interesting to see if there was a precipitous drop after June 2008

The data was thru January of 2010 so that's full year 2007, 2008 (the state take over took place June 2008), all of 2009 and January of 2010. This means the dataset had a year and a half before the state take over and a year and a half after the state take over.


Sick day and contract day usage dropped dramatically right around from 2008 to 2009. Notice the average number of days taken per person 28 days, 45 and 42, 2007, '08, and '09 respectively. That's the average. What's the average in your office? Have you ever heard someone taking that many days who was wasn't really ill. There are approximately 200 firefighters and there were about 8 people who were out for surgery per the January 2010 budget workshop document. By 6 standard deviations from the mean, it indicates that the data is not clustered close to the mean but is spread out. The 8 people who were out for surgery could not have spread the data over 6 standard deviations. This basically means there are a number of people who are taking considerably more than 40 some odd days a year, ie strong evidence that there are abusers.

Absent Police and Fire have to be replaced often times with overtime hours. Should Hoboken continue to over such an unlimited benefit?

Should sick days be limited to something like 10 days a year? Short term disability can be used to validate that someone is really ill and needs more. Short Term disability policies use a third party to certify, using medical records, that someone is really ill. When Lt. Andriani was out for 111 consecutive days, the department had no recourse to get him to come back to work. Per the contracts, no doctors note is required. Other than the judgement of one's supervisor there is no validation process for Contract Days either.

The Police Department ignored the Mayor's directive to supply attendance data in the January Budget workshop and also refused to supply data via the OPRA process.

I will re-request the data by month so we can take a closer look pre and post state takeover. Did their behavior shift after the state takeover? Let's see if we can get the Police Department to hand over its attendance records. Why are they trying so hard to hand it over? What's there that they don't want us to see?

- Reprinetd from the Hoboken Advocate Newsletter

Note: Send your friends to: www.ipetitions.com/petition/unioncontractdemands/ to sign the petition. This is an alternate way to get on the mailing list for the Hoboken Advocate newsletter. Please note that this is seperate from the Hoboken Advocate blog and may indeed have a different author than Eric Kurta for some of its articles like this one. ◦
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Monday, November 15, 2010

Pier C Park Nightime Photos

Below are a few pictures of recently opened Pier C Park at night taken via my IPhone....

Great view of Downtown NYC!

The lighted handrails are a very nice touch.

The playarea is closed until certain safety concerns are addressed.
Note: The base of this park on a pier is concrete and steel and not lumber like the recently collapsed Sintra Drive uptown. It should prove more reliable than that previous construction but time will ultimately be the judge on that assertion. ◦
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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Beth Mason on Waterfront Community Meeting

I received this email from 2nd Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason on the upcoming community meeting this Sunday on the structural issues with Hoboken's Waterfront........

Subject: Community Meeting on Waterfront Repair Sunday November 14th 6:45PM to 8:00PM


Dear Friend,

Many residents have expressed their concerns over the safety of Hoboken's waterfront to me. On Sunday, November 14th, the City of Hoboken will be holding a community meeting to provide residents with information regarding Hoboken’s waterfront, the repair of the collapse on Sinatra Drive North, the impact on residents, and ongoing efforts address the entire waterfront infrastructure.

The meeting will take place at the Hoboken Historical Museum, located at 1301 Hudson Street, from 6:45 pm to 8 pm. Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Boswell Engineering, the City’s engineer, will be in attendance to answer questions. It is important that we all work together to resolve this situation as fast as possible.

Residents who have questions but are unable to attend may email http://www.blogger.com/waterfront@hobokennj.org or attend a future meeting on November 22nd.

As always please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at (201)-916-8244 or
http://www.blogger.com/Beth@MasonCityCouncil.org. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we continue to work together to make Hoboken an even better place to live and raise a family. ◦
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Friday, November 12, 2010

Pier C Park now Partially Open!

Finally, the Mayor Roberts inspired $20 million dollar park shaped like a kidney or a fetus is open after 10 years of planning and stalling.....

Perhaps a little snark from this editor is apparent but the City of Hoboken needs to still work on it's project management skill set.

Still, this park will be a great asset to Hoboken's water front. I thought it was a very nice park when I got a sneak preview this summer. The views are spectacular!

CITY OF HOBOKEN ANNOUNCES PARTIAL OPENING OF PIER C PARK TO PUBLIC

The City of Hoboken is partially opening Pier C park to the public. The promenade and lawn areas will be open, while the playground areas in the middle, which are not complete, are closed off with fencing.

Arial photo of Pier C Park
“I welcome everyone to come out and enjoy our newest park,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “The park’s nighttime lighting is impressive, and we invite residents to take an evening stroll.”

The City received approval for the partial opening from state inspectors and the City’s insurance company. The park will be open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.

Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/city-of-hoboken-announces-partial-opening-of-pier-c-park-to-public/
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Art Event at the Friary Friday November 12

Art & Music at The Friary - Closing Reception
619 Jefferson St. Hoboken
Friday Nov. 12th
7pm to 11pm

If you missed the event this past weekend for the Artists Studio Tour here is another opportunity to check out the great art and music.

Admission is Free but we will be collecting canned goods for families in need

Artwork by:

Tim Kirkpatrick - paintings.
Lauren Purcell - media, collage, paintings, recycled fashion magazines and acrylics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/misslaurenpurcell
Bill Kadish- watercolor and ink prints.
Ricardo Roig- visual srtist, printmaker, oil painter and mixed media on wood boards, linen and canvas, figurative sculpture.
Joseph Lanzo- Digital prints and photo manupalation on canvas.
Michael Parcelli - paintings, oil on canvas.
Margaret Chiaro- on canvas, figurative oil paintings.
http://www.margaretchiaro.com/
Bob Lampert - watercolors.
Justin Donica - artwork.
Amy Bauer - artwork.
David Ribyat - paintings and more.

Live Music in the Chapel including performances by: Jennifer Lampert, Dave Calamoneri, Beele Hamilton, Lloyd Gold, David Ribyat, Mark Giannotti and more. BYOB

Food Drive: We'll be collecting canned or packaged goods for the RE/MAX Gold Coast Realty’s Annual Turkey Dinner Drive for families in need so they can cook their own Thanksgiving Dinner.

From the Turkey to the trimmings, the mash potatoes to the pie.
http://www.hyacinth.org/

Items needed:
~ Turkeys (10 – 15lbs)
~ Stuffing (14 oz)
~ Boxed Mashed Potatoes (15.3 oz) or Canned Whole Potatoes
~ Canned Veggies: French Cut Green Beans, Peas, Carrots, (29 oz.)
~ Canned, cut yams (40 oz.)
~ Chicken Broth (48 oz)
~ Cranberry Sauce (16 oz)
~ Gravy Mix (1.2 oz) or Jarred Gravy (16 oz)
~ Mushroom Soup (10 ¾ oz.)
~ Canned French Fried Onions (1 can)
~ Spices: Thyme, pepper, rosemary, parsley
~ Oval roaster pans (large)
~ Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
~ Entenmann’s Apple or Pumpkin pies (please check dates on these) ◦
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Music Legends Film Series to Support 2011 Movies Under Stars

From City Hall, yet another cultural offering to the residents of Hoboken.......

MUSIC LEGENDS LIVE ON FILM SERIES TO SUPPORT MOVIES UNDER THE STARS 2011

Presented by The City of Hoboken, Projected Images of Hudson County and Stevens Institute of Technology Division of Technology and the Arts, in the College of Arts and Letters

Pink Floyd (1966-1980): Music Legends Live on Film
Rare Performances from the Shelley Archives
An Exclusive New Jersey Premiere presentation

Thursday Nov. 18th
Doors open at 7pm at DeBaun Auditorium 5th St. between Hudson St. and River Terrace
(on the campus of Steven's Institute of Technology)

For information call 201-217-4077
Ticket info: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/131624

Thursday Nov. 18th
Pink Floyd (1966-1980)
Approx. 90 min.

From their early work with the legendary but doomed Syd Barrett to later iconic albums like Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, Pink Floyd have created a body of work that ranks among the greats of rock and roll. Pink Floyd exploded on Swinging London’s music scene during the mid 1960s with their strange, trippy, spaced out, psychedelic sound. After hit songs like See Emily Play and Arnold Lane, the group’s genius songwriter/singer/bass player Syd Barrett had a mental breakdown and could no longer perform. Replaced by David Gilmour, it took time for the band to find a new voice, but when they did the result was landmark works like Dark Side of the Moon, Animals, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall.

Shelley Archives has looked deep into their vault and discovered extraordinary rare color and black and white footage of Pink Floyd from their earliest days playing on television, concerts, promotional films, newsreels, out takes, home movies and more!

This evening of amazing performances will present a full retrospective of Pink Floyd’s entire career from the 1960s to their groundbreaking concerts from all around the world during the 1970s. No fan of this brilliant band will want to miss this evening of classic footage of Pink Floyd!

Sat. Dec. 11th
Celebrating Frank Sinatra's 95th Birthday
The Legend and Legacy of Frank Sinatra- A treat for all ages.

Frank Sinatra - The Chairman of the Board - returns front and center in this special one-night-only celebration of his musical legacy, featuring rare television, concert, and motion picture performances that span his unrivaled career.

Performances featured in this retrospective include Young at Heart, Strangers in the Night, My Way, New York, New York, It Was a Very Good Year, That’s Life, High Hopes, Lady Is a Tramp, and many more. Also featured are excerpts of musical performances from his favorite Hollywood films including High Society, Young at Heart, On the Town, Robin and the 7 Hoods, and Pal Joey.

These rare clips present Frank Sinatra in solo performances and with some of his favorite singing partners, including Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Gene Kelly, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and even Elvis!

These are exclusive New Jersey Premiere presentations. These collections are unavailable anywhere else and are part of the personal and private collection of the Shelley Archives. Each film pieces together footage from rare concerts, television show performances (from Europe & USA), promos, interviews, out-takes, rehearsal footage, home movies and more from a wide-ranging variety of musical subjects.

There will be a Q and A with archivist Bill Shelley following each presentation as well as a performance by ACE - the Alternative Controller Ensemble, comprised of students in Stevens Institute's Music and Technology Program.

Proceeds go to support Hoboken's Movies Under the Stars Series 2011 ◦
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