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VNA October Meeting: Design Presentations for First Street Park

October 10, 2009

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 VNA 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.

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. [Read more]

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From Live Chickens to Live Music : 4th Street Fest Helps Redefine Village

September 30, 2009

It still amazes me that my only experience with the 4th Street Art & Music Festival up until last year was the unmistakable rumble of live music reverberating down Second Street during the Jersey City Artist’s Studio Tour. As quickly as it appeared, the following day, it was gone. Something cool was happening in my neighborhood, I just had absolutely no clue to what it was. Perhaps it was the party of all parties, and I was just too uncool to be slid an invite. No matter, there’s always next year.
Last September, days before the studio tour, Mike Macnamera, one of the head honchos with the festival, showed up to our VNA meeting. He introduced himself, and invited the VNA to set up our tent for the festival. I liked this guy, and I was intrigued to see for myself what had for so long eluded me.
It turns out this was no private party, and you don’t need a special invitation to attend. Hell, someone so lacking in cool as myself seemed to fit right in. This thing had everything – great music, food, funky art, and my kids had a blast. And the shocker, I was standing right in the middle of 4th Sttreet, in the heart of The Village. How is this happening?
As the day progressed I quickly realized that Mike and the gang were on to something here. With the demolition of 111 First Street, and the once home to the Jersey City art scene, this cultural epicenter had splintered and found new homes, many of which are the store fronts and commercial spaces right here in the Village.
This, I believe, is a blueprint for the future of The Village neighborhood. The meat and vegetable markets that so notably served the needs of this neighborhood for nearly a century, are nearly all gone now. But that infrastructure of street level store fronts, and even larger commercial spaces remain. The perfect setting for displaced artists to put down roots in which the growth of a community is inevidable.
One such space is owned by artist and cultural pioneer, Frank Pailia. A former turn of the century firehouse, Frank purchased the 4xx Fourth Street in 1988, and his impact on the Jersey City art scene was felt soon afterwards. In 1989pp, in collaboration with several downtown artists, Franc began the very JC Studio Artists Tour that the 4th Street Festival is now a major attraction of. This same group of artists banded together soon afterwards to form Pro Arts, a non-profit group who’s mission is to support and promote local Jersey City artists.
None of Franc’s contributions would have been possible without first having the vision to actually make the leap to move to Jersey City. But why here? For Franc – “I knew in my gut that JC would become an artist’s mecca and boom town in every way. We started the trend.”
Franc credits former Mayor Brett Schundler as “the first mayor to really understand and appreciate what artists can do for a city. This paved the way for what Pro Arts is currently doing by working with city politicians, and pushing the arts agenda towards the front of the line.”
With Jersey City as his backdrop, and Fourth Street as his home, Franc soon put together a group of four artists, and began the city-wide mural project, painting murals, exhibiting, and curating in local spaces. The large Columbus Street mural is one such example.
Though his move from Jersey City to Poughkeepsie, New York has been a gradual one (Franc still maintains a pied -a -terre apartment in the building), the vacancy of his studio space, and the groundwork he layed, set the stage for further cultural growth on Fourth Street.
In 2001, Mike moved in. He set up his home and photography studio, and set up shop.
Collaboration comes in many forms. As we were kicking around ideas last winter for a Village Neighborhood Assn.’s first annual Spring event, location was an obvious concern. Unlike the Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park neighborhoods, we lacked that physical center and focal point that defines their identities, that being s park. Sure, Mary Benson Park is nearby, but in it’s current condition, and the fact that it’s primary use is punctuated by the baseball field smack in its middle, it was hardly the most ideal location.
Remembering the sense of community I experienced as I stood on 4th Street last fall, I knew exactly who I should call. Mike not only welcomed our event to 4th Street, which grew into the monsterous Village Art and Flea Market, but 4th Street Arts became an official supporter. As steadfast liasian between city agencies, Mike not only helped us secure our neccessay permits and licenses, he became that all important bridge between The Village neighborhood and this emerging art community.
Following the success of The Village Weekend and The Village Art and Flea Market, Mike offered us the opportunity to become an official supporter of this year’s 4th Street Art and Music Festival. I happily agreed. Check out all the details about the festival on their mini site, which is proudly hosted on jcvillage.org
The rebranding of a neighborhood is not a singular event. The historical significance of an area needs to be embraced as a community looks to redefine it’s future.
One moment of last years 4th Street Festival stands out for me personally, and really illustrates the importance of neighborhood identity. At one point during the day i needed to head back to the house for some supplies. As i rounded the corner of Newark and Fourth, two hipsters with tattoos covering 80% of their bodies were approaching – one remarked to his buddy as they weaved their way through the crowd towards the festival- “They call this neighborhood The Village” – I smiled, that was music to my ears.

Left: Actual Village Sign from the 1970s. Right: Bands rock last year's 4th Street Art & Music Festival Festival in Jersey City

It still amazes me that  prior to last year, my only experience with the 4th Street Art & Music Festival was hearing the unmistakable rumble of live music reverberating down Second Street on a random weekend afternoon each Fall. As quickly as it appeared, the next day, it was gone. Something cool was happening in my neighborhood  -  I just had absolutely no clue what it was. Perhaps it was the party of all parties, and I was just too uncool to be slid an invite. No matter, there’s always next year.

In September 2008, days before the Jersey City Artist’s Studio Tour, Mike “Mac” McNamara, one of the head honchos with the 4th Street Festival, showed up at our Village Neighborhood Association meeting. He introduced himself, and invited the VNA to [Read more]

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VNA Back From Summer Recess

September 18, 2009


 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, [Read more]

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SUMMER’S OVER!!

September 1, 2009

(Sep 02, 2009) I’d hate to be the one to break it to you, but summer is over. OK, not officially, but lets be honest, with school right around the corner (parents stop smiling), and Labor Day in a matter of days, I think it’s safe to say that summer is now a part of our collective past.

With this bit of sad news, I am happy to announce a new “season” of  The Village Neighborhood Association!

As many of you already know, our monthly meeting schedule coincides with the very school calendar that signifies the end of summer. [Read more]

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The Village Art & Flea: LINEUP!

May 28, 2009

THIS SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2009

10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Fourth Street (between Newark Avenue and Merseles Street – see map below)

The LINEUP:

!! FREE Starbucks coffee beginning at 10:00 am

!! 20+ local artists and crafters

Erica Radol • Michele Iervolino • Christine Moss • Pamela Mieser • Kristi Elles • Christine Resuma • Glen DeCastro • Debbie Manville • Jaden Roges • Anna Almquist • Christina Alessi • Dierdre Kennedy • Jim Legge • Luca Cusolito • Mike Markman • Carl Ellis • Kate Stillings • Billy Moore

!! 30+ tables of Flea Market goodness

!! Live Music sponsored by the Lucky 7 Bar:

12:00 pm — Melinda Davis www.myspace.com/melindajdavis
12:45 pm — Ear the Man
1:30 pm — Bern & The Brights www.myspace.com/bgroove
2:15 pm — One Foot In
3:00 pm — Ace Case www.myspace.com/acecasemusic

!! Food Sponsors:
Madame Claude Cafe
Carmine’s Pizza Factory
Hamilton Park Pizza

!! Vintage Clothing, Photos, Jewelry and more

!! SILENT AUCTION: One brand new 2009 Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress personally donated by Diane.  (size 6)

!! Music and computer gear

!! Raffles

!! Fun for the kids

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Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 19, 2009

May 16, 2009

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting.
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (See map below for details)

________________________________________________________

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.

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ATTN: ARTISTS

May 8, 2009

Reserve your space now! This event is open and FREE to local artists who would like to showcase and sell their work. Contact us here

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The Village Weekend: Corporate Sponsors

May 2, 2009

Join our list of corporate sponsors

Based on a similar event held in the fall, we expect a total turn-out of over 500 people!

In addition to becoming a proud sponsor of The Village Weekend, for your kind contribution we will also…

“The Tiramisu” $100 +
…post your logo on our website for the month leading up to the event and for two months thereafter*. Print your logo on all promotional fliers, and feature your promotional material at our sponsors’ table during the Village Flea Market. If your business would like to participate in the event, please contact us.

“The Zeppole” $75
… post your business name on our website for the month leading up to the event and for two months thereafter*. Print your business name on all promotional fliers, and feature your promotional material at our sponsors’ table at the Village Flea Market.

“The Cannoli” $50
…print your business name on all promotional fliers, and feature some of your promotional material at our sponsors’ table at the Village Flea Market.

“The Napolean” $25
…feature some of your promotional material at our sponsors’ table during the Village Flea Market.

*Total posting time: three months. Our website has received over 9,500 hits since launching eight months ago.

Please make checks payable to:
The Village Neighborhood Association
365 Second Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302

Contact Information
Rob Crow
rob.crow@jcvillage.org


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The Village Art & Flea Market

May 2, 2009

Sunday, May 31, 2009
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Fourth Street (between Newark Avenue and Merseles Street – see map below)

BUSINESSES: If your business would like to participate in the event, please contact us.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! – This event is open and free to local artists who would like to showcase and sell their work. Please contact us to reserve your spot in our Artist’s Space!

RESIDENTS - If you are planning on selling at the Flea Market, please contact us ASAPto reserve your space.

In collaboration with The Fourth Street Art and Music Festival, we are inviting residents to dig through their closets, basements, and storage, and get ready to sell some stuff!!

How you go about it is totally up to you:

1) Sell it yourself — If you would like to stay with your belongings and sell them on your own, go for it. We only ask for a $10 fee to reserve the space.  Table rentals are available for an additional fee of $10. So for a total of only $20 down, the proceeds of your sales are yours to keep!! Please contact the VNA as soon as possible to reserve your space and/or table.

2) Donate to the Community Table — The VNA will have a community table available for items you would simply like to drop off.  All proceeds go directly to the VNA to help cover our operating expenses.  Following the event, the Salvation Army will pick up any items not sold.  So no matter what, your donations are going to a worthy cause.  Also for your convenience, feel free to contact the VNA if you would like to drop off your items prior to the flea market.

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Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 21, 2009

April 16, 2009

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting.
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (See map below for details)

PS #5 Auditorium

________________________________________________________

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.

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