Hamilton Park Renovation Update

First off, my apologies for the lack of updates outside the HPNA meetings. We've been afraid to jinx this by announcing anything since there have (obviously) been a few delays. But things are progressing well now. Thanks to Councilman Fulop, money was approved from City Council a couple of months ago. Tonight at the Planning Board meeting the construction documents/plans were reviewed and unanimously approved.

Timetable looks like the following: Out to bid in May. A few weeks for bids to come back, then some administrative decisions on the City's end. Looks like construction will start this summer - perhaps in June after the HPNA's annual June Park Festival (6/14 - mark your calendars). We'll have a dedicated renovation table at the Park Festival, so come by and check out the plans. Once it's out to bid we can put an electronic copy of the site plan on our website for everyone to review online. But it looks great!

Unfortunately, it looks like most of the park will be closed for at least a little stretch while the infrastructure (drainage, sewers, electrical) is addressed. After that hopefully the construction will be limited to the areas where specific projects are planned. The entire project should be wrapped up this winter (maybe by year-end 08) so next spring we will be in the clear with a new park.

The HPNA will provide construction updates. Check the HPNA blog frequently for news.

Hope that helps give everyone a good idea of where things stand!

Jen Greely

HPNA February Community Meeting

The Jersey City Police Department has a new website,www.njjcpd.org that provides extensive Department Information as well as Preventive Tips. Two officers from the East District gave a briefing on crime in the area.



















Also, representatives from DogJC discussed remedies for the continual and dangerous off leash dog problem we are still experiencing in HP. The group will hold a community meeting on that subject.
Visit: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogJC for more information.

Route 139 Rehab Project - Impending Construction Stage Change

Early to mid February 2008 work will begin on Route 139 Eastbound. This work is estimated to be completed in 16 months. The work on the 12th Street Viaduct (Route 139 Eastbound) includes:

• Replacement of structural steel beams
• Structural repairs and strengthening
• Demolition and replacement of concrete deck (riding surface)

New traffic patterns to be implemented during this stage.

Brochures in PDF Format:
Overview - English/Spanish
Trifold Brochure - English
Trifold Brochure - Spanish

Happy Holidays

The HPNA wishes our friends and neighbors happy holidays! The next membership meeting will be on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.

DCNA Holiday Party – Thurs. December 13th

Despite the inclement weather, the annual Downtown Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (DCNA) Holiday Party at LITM was well attended, and fun was had by all!
DCNA includes:

Hamilton Park Neighborhood Assn.
Harsimus Cove Assn.
Historic Paulus Hook Assn.
Power House Arts District Assn.

Thanks to PADNA for organizing this year's event and making it a success.

Neighborhood Meeting Dec 5- Wine Tasting

John Gizzi and Diann Greco of Make Wine With Us discussed the art of making wine. HPNA members were treated to a tasting of a very special vintage - HPNA Chardonnay! The wine is hand made in small batches, and produced - in Jersey City! Merlot was also on the agenda.

December Newsletter

You're Invited to our Next Community Meeting:

Wednesday December 5, 2007 – 7:45 PM

NOTE LOCATION CHANGE:
1 McWilliams Place (St. Francis Building)

Meeting Agenda

7:45 to 8:00 - Crime Report

Police Officer Dina Reilly from the East District Police Department will come to discuss our neighborhood safety concerns. Please note the non-emergency police number: (201) 547-5477.

8:00 – 8:15 Nominations for 2008 HPNA Board

The December meeting is when we take nominations for the next year’s HPNA board members; elections will be held at our January meeting.

8:15 – 9:00 Wine Tasting and Discussion

Let the holidays begin – and what better way to get in the holiday spirit than by discussing and tasting wine. Special guest appearance and talk by John Gizzi and Diann Greco of Make Wine With Us, Jersey City's best kept secret, its very own winery! Check them out on the web at http://makewinewithus.com/ .

9:00 to 9:30 Announcements, Community Questions, Social Time

We welcome your ideas, suggestions and concerns and ask that you express them during our meetings. If you cannot make one of our meetings please feel free to contact us via email at hpnajc@gmail.com with your suggestions. Please stay and socialize with the presenters and your neighbors. Refreshments will be served.

Announcements

JC Fridays – Fri. Dec 7th all day

Don’t forget that the first Friday of every month is JC Fridays, a day of free arts events in Jersey City. Check out http://www.jcfridays.com/ for event listings.

HPNA Holiday Party – Sun. Dec 9th 2pm to 4:45pm

Bring out the kids to enjoy the annual HPNA-sponsored Holiday Party. Hosted at Cordero School on Erie between 9th and Pavonia, activities include an ornament-making station for the kids, a visit from Santa Claus, and Christmas carols. Cookies, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be served. Homebaked goods to share are welcomed. We will be lighting the Christmas Tree in Hamilton Park immediately following the holiday party. Look for updates and details on the HPNA blog at http://hpnajc.blogspot.com .

HPNA Christmas Tree Lighting in Hamilton Park – Sun. Dec 9th 5pm

Bring out the kids and the pets to enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Hamilton Park. We will be lighting the tree immediately after the HPNA holiday party at Cordero School. Located in the southwest corner of the park (near the intersection of West Hamilton Place and 8th Street), the Christmas Tree in Hamilton Park was planted and first decorated to honor the memory of Jack Swallow, one of the founding members of the HPNA and a core member of the community.

DCNA Holiday Party – Thurs. December 13th 6:30 to 9:30 pm

The Downtown Coalition of Neighborhood Associations, of which the HPNA is a member, will be having their annual holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 13th from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at LITM (140 Newark Avenue). This year the Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association (PADNA) is hosting. Everyone is invited, so please come by and say hello to neighbors from throughout Downtown JC.

Want to receive this newsletter and other announcements electronically? Join our Yahoo! Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPNA-JC-Public/