News & Press Releases
Prime Healthcare Rescinds offer for Christ Hospital; Christ Now Considering Filing for Bankruptcy
February 2, 2012California-based for-profit healthcare company Prime Healthcare Services has rescinded its offer to purchase Christ Hospital in the face of public resistance. As the Jersey City Independent reports:
“[Prime] had hoped to play a key role in stabilizing the financial future of healthcare in Hudson County by acquiring Christ Hospital and investing tens of millions of dollars to upgrade its services,” said Lex Reddy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Prime Healthcare Services, in a statement.“However, out of respect for the wishes of those in the Hudson County community that Christ Hospital remains as a not-for-profit hospital, we respectfully withdraw our bid to purchase the hospital.”
Peter A. Kelly, President and CEO, Christ Hospital, added he “regrets” the withdrawal, noting “Prime made a substantial investment of money and professional resources during negotiations to help keep the hospital solvent during a difficult financial time.”
“We collectively owe Prime a debt of gratitude for the resources they have given Christ Hospital in recent months, allowing us to meet our financial obligations and provide essential medical services to the community,” added Kelly in the statement. “Christ Hospital must now work through very difficult financial challenges, and it remains to be seen if there is another viable way forward.”
Coincidentally, a “potential viable way forward” may have recently presented itself when non-profit health facility Jersey City Medical Center put in a substantial bid to pick up Christ Hospital last week.
The news was welcomed by Save Christ Hospital, a grassroots organization focused on the preservation of community-based health care in Hudson County, which released a statement applauding the decision.
“This is a great example of what the community can do working together,” said Michael Yun, President of Central Avenue Special Improvement District, in the statement.
Reports have also emerged today that Christ Hospital will now pursue Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. For more coverage see the Jersey Journal, Hudson Reporter, and visit Save Christ Hospital for regular updates on events related to keeping Christ Hospital a non-profit, community-oriented healthcare provider for Jersey City and Hudson County.
CapitalOne Bank Toy Drive Brings Smiles at JC Medical Center
January 2, 2012
On Thursday December 22nd, Assistant Branch Manager Marilyn Sud of CASID-member CapitalOne Bank and CASID President Michael Yun delivered toys to children in the children's ward of JC Medical Center's Emergency Room. A very special thank you to CapitalOne Bank and ER Nurse Manager Christine Wade and the rest of her great staff at JCMC.
NJ Today visits Central Avenue
December 30, 2011NJ Today’s David Cruz visits Central Avenue, Jersey City, to report on the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone program. Jersey City UEZ Director Roberta Farber, CASID President Michael Yun, and Director William Clarke comment on the importance of UEZ funds to Jersey City’s commercial districts. The segment starts at the 3:00 minute mark.
Jersey City Independent - Artists React to Jersey City's Designation as 10th Most Artistic US City
December 21, 2011Jersey City is the tenth most artistic city in the United States, according to a recent ranking by The Atlantic magazine.Like boxing king Manny Pacquiao, Jersey City is punching above its weight class — the list includes cultural centers New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. So how did Jersey City, population 250,000 — a city without a museum, music venue or dedicated bookstore — manage to edge out the likes of Boston and Philadelphia?
Richard Florida, the senior editor of The Atlantic, used data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to rank cities based on the number of artists who live there compared to the overall population. “We wanted to examine which metros have the largest concentration of artists relative to their population,” Florida notes. “We use a measure called a ‘location quotient,’ or LQ, which is basically a ratio that compares a region’s share of artists to the national share of artists.”
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Say Hello to Angel Salazar: Scarface Actor and Comedian Set to Greet Central Ave Shoppers and Visitors December 13th
December 5, 2011 
“You want to play rough? Ok, say hello to Angel Salazar”. Boost Mobile is giving Central Avenue shoppers more than great cellular products and services this holiday season. The successful actor and comedian, best known for appearing in the 1983 movie Scarface, will be performing comedy, signing autographs, and taking pictures with customers at authorized Boost Mobile dealer, Central Wireless, located at 283 Central Avenue on Tuesday December 13th between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
The Kennedy Dancers Announces Holiday Dance Concert
November 22, 2011Relive the Christmas spirit of yesterday and come experience a live, multi-cultural holiday performance of music and dance. The Kennedy Dancers will present their annual “Holiday Dance Concert” at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind – 76 Summit Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07307 on December 9 at 7:30pm and December 10th at 7:30pm. The program will include dances that celebrate cultures and holidays from the Caribbean (“Caribbean Silent Night,” music by Special FX), Kwanzaa (“Thanks to The Earth,” music by uplifting and enchanting choreographies that celebrate December’s unique holidays and winter solstice.
Jersey Journal - Old parking meters along Central Avenue in Jersey City to return after complaints about newer models
October 26, 2011
The Jersey City Parking Authority plans to replace the parking meters on Central Avenue in response to complaints from shoppers and business owners who claim the meters repeatedly malfunction and discourage local commerce.
The meters, which were installed in early 2008, are unimeter-style devices like the kind seen in midtown Manhattan. They replaced 200 older-style meters like those seen throughout Jersey City. JCPA Executive Director Mary Paretti said she hopes to have the old-style parking meters back on the strip by early 2012, and possibly move the unimeter-style devices to other parts of the city. Paretti said the newer meters are operable, but she decided to replace them with the older meters because the constant complaints have become a “headache.”
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Jersey Journal - Jersey City sneaker shop selling T-Shirts to raise funds in fight against breast cancer
October 21, 2011 
A Jersey City Heights sneaker-store owner is selling T-shirts to raise thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. Suraj Kaufman, 31, owner of the sportswear store Takeover at 267 Central Ave., launched a campaign yesterday to sell the T-shirts for $15 each and is donating all the money to the Susan G. Komen Search for the Cure, an organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer. So far, Kaufman said he’s received orders for 75 T-shirts.
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Jersey Journal - Koi fish mural on Jersey City Heights pharmacy's wall to be unveiled Wednesday
October 17, 2011 
A mural done by Jersey City Heights artist Ed Morris to brighten up the shopping experience on Central Avenue will be unveiled Wednesday afternoon.
The "Koi Too" mural, which features images of koi fish, adorns the wall of Jersey Drugs pharmacy, 286 Central Ave., and will be unveiled at a ceremony at 3 p.m.
"These fish are not only beautiful and tranquil to behold, but their unique and individual coloring in many ways reflects the diversity of the people I've lived with all my life in the Jersey City Heights," Morris, a lifelong Heights resident, said in a statement.
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Jersey Journal - Portions of discontinued 4 and 99S bus lines will resume under different operators
October 14, 2011
In a move that will delight commuters, local shoppers and Jersey City business owners, NJ Transit and A&C Bus will take up the bus routes that Red & Tan bus company announced last week it is discontinuing, and there will be no lapse in service, state and local officials said today.
A&C will take over Red & Tan's 4 bus, which runs from Merritt Street to the Newport Center mall, according to Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, who just emerged from a meeting with state officials called to discuss the matter.
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See Central Ave Bus Campaign for more info.
Jersey Journal - Jersey City Parking Authority is picketed by Heights residents and business owners who say pay stations are hard to use, often malfunction, and are driving business away by setting shoppers up for tickets
September 28, 2011 
Roughly a dozen fed up Jersey City Heights residents and business owners picketed last night in front of the Jersey City Parking Authority’s headquarters at 394 Central Ave., protesting parking stations they say often don’t work and are aiding a ticket blitz on the part of the authority. “A lot of the merchants on Central Avenue feel that the pay stations are hurting business,” said Roberta Tarkan, a business owner and member of the Central Avenue Special Improvement District.
“They (merchants) hear complaints about how difficult it is to come to Central Avenue. People don’t want to come and get tickets.”
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A Community Remembers September 11th
September 8, 2011 
Riverview Neighborhood Association and Farms in the City invite you to gather on Sunday, September 11, 2011, at 10AM at the Gazebo in Riverview-Fisk Park as we remember those lost on September 11, 2001. We welcome you to share your memories, read a poem, or stand in silent reflection. No formal program. Join them afterwards (about 11AM) to plant a tree.
Central Ave. Biz Man Wants Top Parking Authority Job for $1/Year
August 2011After years of frustration with a disastrous parking meter system that relies completely on often malfunctioning pay station machines, the Central Avenue business community, along with many shoppers and residents, are voicing their anger with the Jersey City Parking Authority, particularly CEO Mary F. Paretti’s inaction on the matter.
The failed pay station experiment indicates what CASID President Michael Yun believes is a deficiency in leadership: “Months after raising the issue with Paretti and requesting its removal, there has been no concrete improvements with the machines.” Mounting frustrations among the business community has led Yun to call for changes at the top of the JCPA and offer his own services in place of CEO Paretti’s. The JCPA is responsible for managing the City’s parking needs in both residential areas and business districts but has failed in that capacity: “It is time the JCPA gets back to basics with leadership that understands how parking management affects local commerce and jobs. Instead of punishing residents for shopping local, the JCPA should lead the way for Jersey City to live up to the “business-friendly” image Mayor Healy always boasts of,” said Yun. “For a salary of only one-dollar a year I could get the Parking Authority back on track.”
Read the full story here>
Enjoy Central Avenue's Fresh Markets
Summer 2011
Shop local for the best prices on freshly baked goods and produce. Heights’ residents do not have to travel far or wait to get it. Central Avenue has three "farms" (Central Avenue, Young, and Sabzi) and a total of seven (7) businesses dedicated to bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to the Jersey City Heights and our two (2) bakeries wake the neighborhood every morning with the scents of fresh breads and baked goods. Local businesses are FDA and State inspected to insure consumers of safe and quality produce. Whether it's a ripe, juicy orange, summer salad, refreshing smoothie or a birthday cake you have in mind, Central Avenue has the Heights covered everyday.
Towing/ Booting task belongs to Jersey City Parking Authority
June 30, 2011 Councilman Steven Fulop led the opposition to an ordinance that would essentially transfer the duties of booting and towing from the Parking Authority to the Police Department. Councilman Fulop pointed out the serious problems behind the policy change and was correct in his objections.
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Jersey City Officials, CASID & Others Testify at Senate UEZ Hearings
June 9th, 2011 
As the deadline for New Jersey’s next state budget nears, elected officials across New Jersey continue to debate the merits of the Urban Enterprise Zone program. On Thursday, May 26th, Central Avenue SID President Michael Yun, District Manager David Diaz and Director William Clarke traveled to Trenton to advocate for the program before the State Senate Committee on Community and Urban Affairs. Senator Jeff Van Drew of Dennis Township in Cape May County chaired the committee session while committee members and Senators Ronald L. Rice, Sr. of Newark, Dawn Marie Addiego of Medford, Christopher J. Connors of Forked River, and Teresa M. Ruiz of Newark were also in attendance.
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Jersey Journal - "Everyone in Hudson County comes out to Everything Jersey City Festival"
Saturday May 21, 2011
With an estimated 30,000 in attendance, the 2011 Everything Jersey City Festival was again a huge success. See the coverage from the Jersey Journal.
To learn more, see the 2011 Festival
Christa McAuliffe School Named Winner in Disney Nationwide Competition
April 8, 2011
The Walt Disney Company has announced Christa McAuliffe School as the statewide winner of Disney Plant Challenge, a project-based learning environmental competition for classrooms across the United States. Disney Plant Challenge teaches kids about science and conservation while empowering them to make a positive impact on their communities and planet.
In their project, students at the Christa McAuliffe School in Jersey City have partnered with the Jersey City Reservoir Preservation Alliance to raise awareness of Jersey City’s Reservoir # 3 and create activities for schools and community groups who use the Reservoir as a field trip site. Students visited the reservoir and researched some of the more popular and interesting species of plants, trees, and shrubs found there. Armed with that information, students created a replica of the reservoir in their school’s hallways, a brochure to promote the reservoir, and a scavenger hunt to test visitors’ knowledge of its flora and fauna. Fourth grader Darien Minyetty said: “I had a really good time visiting the reservoir and learning about the plants that grow there. It was fun to make the reservoir in our school, and to inform all the people of Jersey City about what a great hidden treasure the reservoir is.”
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Jersey Journal - Sneaker king is returning to Jersey City to open new shop on Central Avenue tomorrow
April 8, 2011
Jersey City native Suraj Kaufman is coming home. Kaufman, who ran the city's first sneaker boutique, Sneakerroom, on Brunswick Street, for two years before moving to Montclair, will open a new store called Takeover on Central Avenue tomorrow.
"I left a void in Jersey City," said Kaufman, who explained he moved to Montclair when he was unable to get a Nike account in this area. "People kept asking me, when are you coming back?" Kaufman found a new place for a store on Central Avenue and immediately began construction.
The family-run store will sell sneakers generally priced from $70 to $200, said Kaufman, who owns over 400 pairs of sneakers.
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Jersey Journal - Crowd told what it will take to save St. Anne's School
March 29, 2011 The St. Anne's Centennial Hall on Congress Street was so packed last night that many in attendance had to stand to hear about the deal the finance board made with the Archdiocese of Newark in order to save the school.
"In order to stay open, the school must raise tuition by $500, and we also have to raise $100,000 by Sunday, May 15," said Jim Carroll, the committee financial advisor. "I'm cautiously optimistic, I think that we can do it."
The school, which is $350,000 in debt with the Archdiocese, must also forego a 2 percent salary increase for teachers, but teachers will not lose their jobs nor will they have to take pay cuts.
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The Heights Welcomes Grille Two74 to Central Avenue
March 25th, 2011
March 25, 2011, Jersey City, NJ— Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, Council President Peter Brennan, Ward D (The Heights) Councilman William Gaughan, Jersey City Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) CEO Steve Lipski, and members of the Economic Development staff were on hand to welcome a new family-friendly restaurant to the Heights area this morning. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Grille Two74 was held this morning at the restaurant, which is located at 274 Central Avenue.
“I have always been an advocate for small businesses as they truly are the engine that drives our economy,” Mayor Healy said. “In these difficult economic times the City of Jersey City is doing all we can to provide entrepreneurs with the technical assistance and access to financing that will help them get off on the right foot and succeed. This project is a prime example."
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Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Awards the Washington Park Association with $20,000 Grant to Build Learning Garden
March 24, 2011March 24, 2011, Jersey City, NJ - Mory Thomas, president of the Washington Park Association, (WPA) received a letter today from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation confirming an award of $20,000 towards a Permaculture Learning Garden and Apprenticeship Program initiative that will be installed in Washington Park this year. The garden represents the next phase in the WPA’s planting, permaculture and education initiatives. It will serve as a demonstration garden to be replicated in other parks and gardens throughout Jersey City, Union City and the entire County.
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Central Avenue Merchants Welcome Residents, Shoppers, and Visitors at Festival
February 23, 2011In reading “Cancel festival and CASID” by the John Ippolito from Podewitz Liquor which appeared in the February 23rd edition of the Jersey Journal, a response is necessary to address this individual’s misleading comments regarding the Everything Jersey City Festival.
For the past three years, the Central Avenue S.I.D. has worked closely with neighboring civic and non-profit organizations, artists, crafters, corporate sponsors, government officials, and hundreds of local businesses to plan and implement one of the largest main street events in New Jersey.
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Central Avenue Renews SID Program for 2 More Years
November 22, 2010The Central Avenue S.I.D. Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that at a Meeting of the Corporation that took place on November 09, 2010, an overwhelming 98% of the votes submitted by CASID members (owners of commercial properties and businesses on Central Avenue between Manhattan Avenue and North Street) were in favor of continuing the Management Corporation and the Special Improvement District on Central Avenue for an additional two years (December 2010 to December 2012). In accordance with our by-laws, CASID members vote every two years to renew the program.
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Jersey City Independent - Programs Inside Jersey City’s UEZ Trying to Make Do with Much Less
September 2, 2010Despite a loss of about $12 million in revenues, those managing programs inside Jersey City’s Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) say they are forging ahead, doing the best they can in keeping the areas viable for businesses.
“The state has kept the program, which is better than what was introduced in the original [Fiscal Year 2011] budget,” city spokesperson Jennifer Morrill says. “However, we did not get back as much as expected when the final budget was adopted.”
The city suffered a total loss of about $12 million from various forms of UEZ knife-wielding, according to Morrill, leaving only $4.2 million available for this entire fiscal year.
The city’s Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC), which distributes the UEZ money, is now being forced to embrace a “half-a-loaf is better than no loaf” philosophy on state funding, and Mayor Healy is working to see if there is any new federal funding that might help fill the UEZ void.
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Beware Counterfeit Currency in the Heights
July 26, 2010
Recently on Central Avenue merchants have noticed a few counterfeit $100, $20, and $10 bills trying to be passed for good use. Business owners should not assume that customers know they are in possession of counterfeit money but should be made aware they are when spotted with one.
To best address the situation and know how to tell the difference from an actual and a fake bill, here are some clues to better assist you:
* On a genuine bill, the portrait stands out from the background. The counterfeit portrait is usually lifeless and flat.
* On a genuine bill, the Federal Reserve and Treasury seals are clear, distinct, and sharp.
* On a genuine bill, the borders are clear and unbroken. On the counterfeit, the lines may be blurred and indistinct.
* On a genuine bill, the currency paper has tiny red and blue fibers embedded throughout. On the counterfeit note the lines are printed on the surface, not embedded in the paper.
To read more click here
Official Merchandise of the CASID
July 2010 
The CASID is pleased to announce the launch of their Official Merchandise line. Two premier designs include "I (heart) JC Heights" and "Living the High Life in the Heights." The merchandise is a fun way to promote the Heights and show pride in our community. T-Shirts are now available at the Garden State News (366 Central Ave) for $6.99 each while supplies last. Local businesses interested in adding the T-shirts to their retail inventory, please contact the CASID.
NY Daily News - Jersey City Heights' star is on the rise
November 13, 2009The wave of gentrification that leapfrogged the Hudson a few years back has reached new heights - Jersey City Heights, to be exact.
When banker Yvonne Thevenot saw her family's future home in Jersey City Heights five years ago, the house and the friendly neighbors immediately won her over.
"We just saw ourselves there," said Thevenot, 39, who lives in the Ogden Ave. home with her husband and 5-year-old son. "It has a great view of Manhattan, and there's a lot of space for us."
The Thevenots are part of a wave of young urban professionals sweeping into the Heights, a historically working- and middle-class neighborhood perched on the Palisades just west of Hoboken, once the hot across-the-river destination for folks priced out of the West Side and Brownstone Brooklyn.
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Jersey City Ranks Among 100 Best Places to Raise Kids
October 20, 2009
Children's Health Magazine Ranks Jersey City in the Top 100 Least Accident-Prone Cities in the USA—yet another great reason to live and work here (Jersey City ranked #13)! Evaluation criteria included: fatal workplace accidents (Bureau of Labor Statistics); accidental deaths from car crashes, poisoning, drowning, falls, and fires (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention); emergency-room visits (American Hospital Association); and bandage sales (SimplyMap). pariatur.
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Jersey Journal - Back to 1939 as White Mana Diner celebrates 70 years
October 15, 2009 
White Mana Diner in Jersey City, which was built as the "diner of the future" for the 1939 New York World's Fair, is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Sunday Oct. 25.
Owner Mario Costa is offering 1939 prices to celebrate. On Oct. 25, Costa is selling $.15 hamburgers, $.10 fries and sodas for a nickel to 70 of his customers.
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Jersey Journal - Art work is big and shiny, and takes a place of pride in park
October 16, 2008
A crowd of curious onlookers gathered this morning at Washington Park in Jersey City to check out what was underneath a giant piece of blue tarp.
An avalanche of "oohs" and "aahs" burst through the park after workers removed the tarp to unveil "Wave," the first-ever county-funded piece of public art.
Created by noted artist Chakaia Booker, a Jersey native, the brushed stainless steel sculpture piece -- 14 feet high and 35 feet wide -- represents the first effort to install public art in Hudson's parks through funding from 1 percent of the county's capital budget. In all, the county spent about $175,000 to commission the art piece.
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Jersey City Reporter - New arts center brings 'Hope'
October 10, 2008 
Since it opened in 1996, the Hope Center has been primarily known as a church on Charles Street in the Jersey City Heights section. But since 2000, it also has served as an arts academy, and now it contains a new arts center as well.
On Thursday, Oct. 2, the Hope Center took the next step in establishing their arts-influenced ministry with the grand opening of The Hope Center for Visual and Performing Arts, a 10,000 sq. ft. building that includes a 5,000 sq. ft. gallery and theater space. The facility, which was once a warehouse, now can hold music and dance concerts, art exhibitions, and visual presentations.
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Jersey Journal - Two schools, not supermart slated for Heights lot
July 14, 2008
Bolstered by renewed state funding for building schools in poor, urban districts, the site of an old turf battle
in the Heights is set to be transformed into two new schools.
The 2.2-acre plot of land at Laidlaw and Summit avenues is to be shared by a 22-room early childhood center for 324 tots and an elementary school for 469 students, kindergarten through grade 5.
The Jersey City Board of Education had been in a tug-of-war over the land with local residents, many of whom preferred having a new Stop & Shop supermarket built on the property. Stop & Shop's developer had purchased the land.
But store owners along Central Avenue contended that the Stop & Shop mega-store would kill off
mom-and-pop businesses along the avenue.
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J.C. News Article Goes Here
February 22, 2007
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