i-tees

I lived in Hoboken for 15 years before moving up to Jersey City Heights. Some of my friends who live up here thought I’d love it and I did when I first moved here almost 5 years ago. But Central Avenue has changed in the last few years and not for the better.

Due to the terrible economy, some of the stores have closed and some that were vacant 5 years ago, still are. Today a store can only survive if it sells products we truly need, like food and liquor. We can live without new sneakers, but we have to eat and have that glass of wine.

I have noticed that down in Hoboken stores close also, but a new store is more likely to open there, than here. It’s obvious to anyone who walks around here or there, the type of people who live and shop in these two areas are quite different.

A new store cannot open if the type of people who would shop there don’t exist up here, and if they don’t open better shops, the living spaces won’t improve driving up the cost, making the type of people who live up here better.

I realize it’s all a cycle and everything is connected. Just look at how Downtown Jersey City has reinvented itself, the same way Hoboken did years ago. New condominiums, shops, malls, parks, walkways, etc…

But “The Heights” is stuck in a downward spiral and no one is doing anything to help it. Hello, Mayor Healy? Each year in May, right on Central Avenue we have “The Everything Jersey City Festival.” This past festival drew approximately 23,000 people and it was a spectacular day, but one festival, on one day, cannot bring a section of the city up to where it could be.

I’ve got visitors coming to visit from the midwest this summer and I’m wondering what they’re going to think about this area and if they’re going to wonder why I moved here. Yes the space I have is huge compared to Hoboken spaces, but when they see the locals, I can only imagine their horror. Well, all I can do is show them a great time in close by New York City, and the waterfront areas of Hoboken and Jersey City.

Today I participated in the first ever Jersey City Bicycle Ward Tour. Organized by BikeJC.org, it started and finished at Exchange Place, and with the threat of rain, (which never materialized, whew!) the cyclists came from all over. We were approximately 600 strong, We rode at a relaxed pace and through the wards of Jersey City. Led by a police escort, as we moved from one section to another,  it was wonderful to see the public stunned at the size of our group and you just know they were thinking, damn how come I didn’t know about this?

The people who rode were multicultural, music playing from their backpacks, dressed in very colorful attire or just unusual. Parents with kids, riders with pets in their packs (wish I’d gotten that photo), couples, friends, even people from out-of-town.

There were some steep hills but just as many downhills for that free ride… overall a wonderful experience. I saw spots in JC I’d not seen before, Lincoln Park with the fountains is gorgeous.

As we approached the finish line, we were welcomed by the band, The One and Nines, who were awesome. There were tents or areas set up with free coffee from Starbucks, yummy goodies from Made With Love. I bought the apple scone, yummmmmm!

The message we wanted to send was that Jersey City as it is right now is quite un-bike-friendly. No bicycle lanes, no bicycle parking. I think we made an impact by the sheer number of riders.

Visit my gallery of photos, here.

Yesterday was such a glorious day, the perfect day for an Earth Day Festival! Not a cloud in the sky, 65-70 and a slight breeze, fabulous.

Mary Jo, my business partner for our cause, FROGS ARE GREEN and I, packed up some giveaways and headed over to Liberty State Park. Our plan was to meet some of the other organizations as well as pass out postcards and wristbands to as many people as we could. We were thrilled to see thousands of people, young and old, and knew right away we hadn’t brought enough materials. Nevertheless, we gave out all we had and lots of kids smiled at the cute frog postcard and loved the bright green, eco-friendly wristbands. Folks stopped by and asked questions about frogs, and our cause.

We’ve already ordered more postcards and will tackle the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival next Saturday, May 2. Come out and meet us…

Tents at Liberty State Park, Earth Day Festival 2010