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February 19, 2013 - VVPA February Meeting & News
[posted February 17, 2013]

Meeting Tuesday February 19th @7:30pm-Barrow Mansion 83 Wayne Street
All are welcome; snacks served!

Meeting Agenda:
FEMA
FEMA representatives will be joining us to discuss the new flood maps and what impact it will have on Jersey City Homeowners.
New Development in Liberty Harbor North
John Neu and his team of architects from Perkins Eastman will be presenting plans for a multi-building development on Lot 17 in Liberty Harbor North. Lot 17 is just east of the Light Rail on Jersey Avenue. Their plans include over 1000 residential units, 40,000 square foot space for a Market, 30,000 square foot Community space and potentially one building reaching 40 stories high. They are joining us to hear community comments and concerns.
102 Wayne Street
Scott Seale joined last year to show us his plans for the renovation of 102 Wayne Street. There were concerns from the membership which he has apparently addressed and would like to present the newest set of plans.

February 10, 2013 - Jersey City LaCrosse Day
[posted February 6, 2013]

Join us for 2 hours of lacrosse and information about the most
exciting and fastest-growing sport in America—and our upcoming
Jersey City Lacrosse 2013 spring season for boys and girls,
kindergarten through 8th grade.
For more information - Download

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

Films in Van Vorst

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