Journal Square Jersey City 07306

Hit-and-Run: JFK Blvd and Bond St

Del — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:30:44 +0000

Hit-and-Run at JFK Blvd and Bond St

Weeks after the horrific accident at the boulevard and St. Paul’s Avenue, another speeding incident occurred at the same main road and Bond Street claiming the life of a 47-year old musician from Bayonne.

Jersey Journal reports that witnesses said that Gene “Bluejean” Hughes – a recording artist – was struck at Kennedy Boulevard and Bond Street by a black Honda Ridgeline pickup truck that was traveling north on Kennedy Boulevard at 11:47 p.m…

… (witnesses) saw the pickup, which contained a male driver and female passenger, stop momentarily where Hughes was lying in the street and then take off north of Kennedy and then eastbound on Sip Avenue… another witness told police the driver of the pickup blew through a red light at Kennedy Boulevard and Stuyvesant Avenue..

If you’ve been in that area the past several weeks, you probably have noticed that construction has been going on (will end in September), and portion of south-bound lane is closed. That is enough reason for motorists to take extra care when driving. I just don’t see the need for speeding, especially during night.

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USPS Five Corners to close?

Del — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:20:18 +0000

USPS Five Corners and USPS Journal Square

More than two years ago when the news about USPS trimming down offices across New Jersey first broke, I wondered, which of these two branches here in Journal Square will get the boot?

The question has been answered: USPS Five Corners on Newark Avenue is being considered for closure.

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JSQ Branch vs Five Corners

I’ve been living here in Journal Square district of JC for almost a decade now, and I honestly admit that I’ve never used the Five Corners branch on Newark Avenue for a good reason: it is farther from where I live.

However, I had driven seniors there and had heard good testimonials from other people as well. The place didn’t seem too busy. Maybe because the place is smaller and sandwiched between two other establishments in a busy neighborhood. This USPS station is hard to notice if you are a new resident.

On the other hand, the USPS station on Bergen Avenue is a thriving branch as its location – for me – is better: near PATH Station, near the square, it is basically in the heart of the district. Reason why lines are longer (still can’t beat DMV/MVC though :P ). My complaint here for the longest time is this: why are some of the windows closed? There are five windows there which include the parcel window, but most of the time I’d been there, only two were open.

Do you still use the post office?

My quick answer is YES. I pay my bills online, shop online, and write letters via email. But some of my personal businesses are still sent/received via USPS, as I find it much cheaper if I don’t mind the “quickness” of delivery. Would I miss it if the USPS closes? Probably not, because I am aware of other services available for me and I can use them whenever it is necessary.

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Bergen Avenue: Two Incidents at the Same Time

Del — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:54:33 +0000

Two accidents: Same time, different places

Some weird accidents happened just about ten minutes ago on Bergen Avenue. Police, firemen, and Emergency units responded to two incidents at around 10:37 this morning.

A middle-aged woman of Indian descent fell off while crossing Bergen Avenue at the corner of Academy Street in front of C-Town Supermarket. I asked one bystander who witnessed the incident and he said the lady just dropped on the street.

He also added that another incident occurred “at the same time, also a woman.” and he pointed at the direction of Newkirk Street near Bally’s Gym where paramedics were already attending the lady.

I am unsure if it is related to the heatwave. The sun is up, but it is a little breezy, better than yesterday. As of writing, the cops blocked off the north-bound lane of Bergen Avenue.

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DMV-MVC Reopens Monday; Changes Schedule

Del — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:15:48 +0000

Taken last Saturday (July 16, 2011). Long line outside the DMV. Sorry for the crappy phone pic

Last year, DMV-MVC announced that Mondays will be closed. But due to long lines and inconvenience to the customers, DMV/MVC Chairman and Chief Administrator Raymond P. Martinez announced on Jul 11, 2011 that the agency will reopen the Monday schedule. “We have listened to you and added the convenience that was needed most,” said Martinez…

““This change is designed to allow more flexibility and provide the customer with more hours outside of a traditional 9-5 schedule…. We are confident the MVC can accomplish all of these customer friendly upgrades and still operate within an austere budget” said Martinez.

As of today, all 39 motor vehicle agencies operate under the following schedule:

Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Source: DMV/MVC Press Release

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In the News: Robbery and Decomposed Body

Del — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:30:15 +0000

Some Journal Square news this week (July 11-17, 2011): A robbery took place on Thursday July 14, 2011 on Pavonia Avenue. The thieves — both teenagers — were captured by a cop in plainclothes while traveling on Sip Avenue. (I hope the report indicated a more precise location; is it west of JFK or east side?) The police sensed that something was not right when he saw the teenagers acting suspiciously. When he questioned them, a toy gun was recovered, as well as the stolen items, which were returned to the owner. Good job by the police!

Offbeat news: This evening, Jersey Journal reports that a “decomposing body of a man was found tonight inside a Van Reipen Avenue…” Authorities say the body has been there for some time, and no foul play was involved.

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Farmers’ Market 2011 at Journal Square

Del — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:30:10 +0000

Farmers’ Market at Journal Square started about three weeks ago and will continue until the fall season every Wednesday and Friday. If you are a first time resident of JSQ, this event simply means you get a chance to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables locally grown here in NJ.

The market is located just outside of PATH station on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. You’ll also find bread, pickles, tomatoes, snacks, and NEW this year: Gourmet coffee, NJ wines, and Italian specialties.

The Market opens at 10 in the morning and closes at 7:30PM until November 23, 2011 (Wed. and Fri).

Rating: 9.0/10 (1 vote cast)

Pedestrian Killed in Alleged Drag Racing

Del — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:50:21 +0000

Two brothers are involved in an alleged drag racing incident that killed a pedestrian last night (July 12, 2011) at 10:45PM, according to NJ.com.

Fire Director Armando Roman said fire officials were called to School 31 at St. Pauls Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard at 10:45 p.m. and found a two-car crash and the pedestrian pinned against the fence…the driver in the right lane lost control of his car, crossed into the southbound lanes and struck two pedestrians…

I use this road almost everyday, and I see absolutely no reason for drag racing to happen in this place. Sure, there are less vehicles at night, but that’s not an excuse. If you want to race, go to a designated place to do that.

Condolences to the family of the victim, and speedy recovery to those who got hurt.

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7-11-2011: Free Slurpee at 7-Eleven Jersey City

Del — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:30:48 +0000

Today marks the 84th Birthday of 7-Eleven, which means Free Slurpee for everyone!

We have three 7-11 stores here in Jersey City, two of them are in Journal Square: one at the corner of Sip and Bergen Avenues across the PATH Station, and one on the boulevard between St. Pauls Avenue and Route 139. The third store is on Tonnelle Avenue next to 555 Market.

Each customer will receive 7.11-ounce frozen Slurpee drink served in a special cup. You can get refills according to the personnel at Sip/Bergen branch. However, the staff on 7-11 JFK and 7-11 Tonnelle don’t have any idea why slurpees are free today. Maybe they’re not participating? Make sure to give them a call before you go to those branches.

Take advantage of the free slurpee, it is perfect for today’s hot weather! Enjoy it while it lasts, it’s not free tomorrow!

Rating: 9.0/10 (1 vote cast)

Weather: 90′s in 07306

Del — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:15:25 +0000

It’s going to be brutally hot today (Jul. 11) and tomorrow (Jul. 12) here in our zip code, as we reach the 90′s! The temperature reading for today shows 90 degrees, and tomorrow, it will just get worst: 93 degrees with rain.

How to stay cool:

Drink lots of water!
Avoid excessive exercise
Stay in cool buildings
Turn the AC on
Wear something light-colored
Protect your eyes with a pair of sunglasses.

How do you beat the heat and humidity? Personally, I wear something loose matched with a hat and I bring a bottle of water with me to avoid dehydration. I’m also lucky that in my job, we are allowed to wear walking shorts instead of pants/jeans this time of the year! :D

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Heavy Traffic in Journal Square due to Suspicious Package

Del — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:30:33 +0000

Just got home (6:06PM) from work after an hour drive — 30 minutes just on Summit Avenue alone! The traffic is all the way to the heights area (somewhere between Carlton and Troy Avenue). I sensed something was going on when cars were moving VERY slowly as all intersections are jammed.

Van Reipen and Pavonia Avenues are blocked off, so I couldn’t turn right towards the boulevard. I decided to stay on Summit going South, and it turned out to be a sound decision to make.

I immediately checked the news, and NJ.com reports that there is a suspicious package in Journal Square area: “…The swell of activity is on the southbound side of Kennedy Boulevard at the overpass that is opposite the taxi stand. That is directly above train tracks. All the sidewalks are closed in the area as well…”

All I can say right now is I’m glad to be home! (I hope the package isn’t a bomb)

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