General Meeting April 15th, 7pm

We will be kicking our meeting off early with an in-person mixer from 6:30-7 to meet your neighbors before the hybrid meeting starts at 7pm. Light snacks will be provided.

In person: Barrow Mansion. 83 Wayne Street.

Zoom: with the Meeting ID: 851 7077 0500 https://zoom.us/j/85170770500

Agenda

6:30 In-person Mixer

7:00 Opening Remarks from VVNA President Craig Zehms

• Membership Vote to fund our new Community Care Fund (details to be provided at the meeting).

• Membership Vote to sponsor approximately 5 weeks of music in the park at a cost of $1250.

7:10 Small Business Spotlight: Urban Garden Companion with Helena Gouros

7:20 Volunteer Committee Introductions and Meet & Greets In Person

• Interested in volunteering with the VVNA? Join us to get to know our committees! Event Committee, Planning & Development Committee, & Marketing Committee are all looking for additional volunteers.

7:50 All Other Business

State Assembly District 32 Candidate Forum

Join us at the Library April 24th, 5:30-8pm. Flyer & details below.

Dear Neighbors,

In the past 10 days we have experienced temperatures between 10 and below freezing. Apparently, Mother Nature urgently needs an intervention. You’re welcome to join me.

At our March meeting we asked you to share your suggestions and concerns.  They were:

1.    Create some activities for Seniors.

2.    Parking and traffic stress.

3.    Add a Valentine’s Day Party to our event list.

4.    Create better signage for the Park and Neighborhood events.

5.    Host another Block Party. (It’s in the works!)

We had a very productive Board Meeting last week. Topics included how we can strengthen the VVNA regarding community involvement, how we can assist members of our neighborhood who are in need, and what should our focus be as we imagine a fundraising campaign. Please share your ideas and suggestions with us.

Jonathan Lum, a member of the Board & Marketing Chair, has come up with a great phrase for use: “Neighbors Make the Neighborhood.” Perfect!

I look forward to seeing you at the Candidate Forum at the Library on the 24th and the Book Swap at the Park on the 26th.

Remember – Kindness Counts!

Craig Zehms
VVNA President

Additional Marathon Information

A message from the JC Marathon team & Councilman Solomon:

As we prepare for the upcoming Jersey City Marathon on Sunday, April 13th, 2025,  we want to ensure that all residents are informed about the significant road closures and traffic disruptions throughout the day. Residents and businesses should plan ahead and make alternative travel arrangements to minimize disruptions. This large-scale, city-wide event will bring thousands of runners and spectators to our streets. Please take a moment to read through the important details below.

ROAD CLOSURES & TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• Washington Blvd. (Northbound from 2nd St. to Newport Parkway) will remain closed until 1:30-2:00 PM.

• Montgomery St. Shut Down Periods:

  • 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM – Closed at Grove St.

  • 8:45 AM - 10:30 AM – Closed at Coles and Monmouth.

  • After 10:30 AM – Intermittent re-openings with delays.

  • By 11:30 AM – Full reopening expected.

• Marin Blvd. (Northbound from Columbus to 6th St.) will start clearing around 8:00 AM but may be delayed.

• Jersey Ave. & Erie St. (Southbound access to Grand St.) will remain open throughout.

CHURCH ACCESS IMPACTS (PALM SUNDAY SERVICES)

• Paulus Hook (Our Lady of Czestochowa & Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church)

  • Prior to 7:00 AM – No traffic restrictions.

  • 7:15 AM - 9:00 AM – Expect various delays on Grand St.

  • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM – Lengthy delays at Grand St. crossings.

  • After 11:00 AM – Some delays remain, full access by 1:00 PM.

  • Pedestrian Crossings: Jersey and Grand and Warren and Grand

• Harsimus & Hamilton Park (Holy Rosary & St. Anthony of Padua Church)

  • Access from West (Journal Square) – NO impact.

  • Access from East (Downtown)

    • Best times to cross Monmouth & Coles:

      • Before 8:30 AM

      • After 10:00 AM

• St. Michael’s Church

  • No impact for North and East access.

  • South access (via Jersey Ave. & Erie St.) remains open.

  • West access:

    • Pedestrian crossing best times:

      • Before 8:30 AM

      • After 10:30 AM

BUSINESS & RESIDENTIAL IMPACTS 

• 2nd St. (East of Washington Blvd.)

  • Access via Hudson St. to Columbus, looping back to Hudson & Montgomery.

  • Between 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM, Montgomery closed at Grove – no access during this time.

  • 8:45 AM - 10:30 AM, Montgomery closed at Coles & Monmouth – expect delays.

• Metro Plaza & Marin Blvd. Northbound Access

  • Before 8:00 AM – NO clearance for northbound traffic.

  • Approximately 8:00 AM – Marin Blvd. should start clearing, but delays may occur.

• 65 Bay & 88 Morgan

  • Before 6:00 AM & Between 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM – Vehicles may cross Washington to Marin.

  • By 10:30 AM – Further openings expected.

  • Washington Blvd. (Northbound from 6th St. to Newport Parkway) remains closed until 3:00 PM.
    

STRAGGLERS & SAFETY

• Race organizers will ensure that remaining runners transition to sidewalks after roads reopen.

• Police officers and event marshals will assist with crossings and traffic management.

PLAN AHEAD!

• Expect significant delays and detours throughout the morning into early afternoon. If you have important plans, consider traveling before 6:30 AM or after 3:00 PM to avoid major disruptions. Please share the infographics below with your neighbors and visit https://jerseycitymarathon.com/race-information/ for more information.

New VVNA Merch has Launched!

VVNA Merchandise is now available on our website. We have T-shirts, sweatshirts, journals, water bottles, beanies, onesies, kids T-shirts, tote bags and more! All in a wide range of sizes and colors! Can’t find something in your size? Email us and we’ll get it printed! Order yours today!

Jersey City’s Calendar

Looking to join a Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Zoning or Historic Preservation Commission meeting? Find them all here on Jersey City’s Planning Calendar:

https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/calendar

You can also use this link to find agendas for these meetings, and other important city meetings!

Got Questions About the Tariffs?

We know some neighbors have expressed concerns about how the proposed tariffs could affect household costs and small businesses in our area. While VVNA doesn’t take a political stance, we encourage residents to stay informed and reach out to their elected officials with any questions or feedback. You can contact:

Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10)

Washington, DC: (202) 225-3436 | Newark: (973) 645-3213

mciver.house.gov

Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08)

Washington, DC: (202) 225-7919 | Jersey City: (201) 309-0301

menendez.house.gov

Senator Cory Booker

Washington, DC: (202) 224-3224 | Newark: (973) 639-8700

booker.senate.gov

Senator Andy Kim

Washington, DC: (202) 224-4744 | Trenton: (609) 123-4567

kim.senate.gov

Your voice matters—don’t hesitate to reach out and ask how they’re supporting Jersey City residents.

We have a campaign update!

• Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole publicly committed to service improvements in March: “We’ll take all those [2000+ petition] requests under advisement. There has been a sea change in PATH investments and you’ll hear more about it in March.”

• Hudson County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution calling for more PATH service.

• We're meeting directly with the executive leadership of the PATH next Monday to identify concrete improvements to service.

We need volunteers for canvassing at PATH stations to reach our goal of 10,000 signatures! Can't make the Saturday shifts? We can also train you to volunteer on your own schedule - just note that in the sign-up form. Sign up people any time you’re waiting on a PATH platform - it’s always an opportunity to find more supporters!

Can’t canvass, but have other skills you’d like to volunteer - like media & messaging, organizing, and outreach?  We need your help too, note that on the form!

Sign up for Volunteer Shifts here!

Book Swap 4/26, 10a-1p

We’re seeking volunteers to help us set up and run the book swap on 4/26 from 9a-2p, and volunteers to help us collect books on 4/25 at 5p. You don’t need to stay the whole time to volunteer! Email us at welcome@vvnajc.org to sign up.

Social Media

Do you love taking photos and videos around our beautiful neighborhood? We're looking for a new volunteer who can help the VVNA reach more people through social media. 

No professional experience required, a content calendar will be provided to guide you! In just an hour or two each week, you can connect people across the Van Vorst Neighborhood through the power of compelling images. 

Interested? Please email us at welcome@vvnajc.org

Neighborhood History

Do you have historical photos/flyers from the Van Vorst Park Neighborhood? Send them in to us for a chance to be featured at welcome@vvnajc.org

3/5 - 4/27 - ECHO presented by Cirque du Soleil at Randall’s Island Park. Use this link for 20% off select performances: https://tickets.cirquedusoleil.com/shop/#/a4d66c04-e0e6-4f7c-a445-4bf43fbe3673/shop/select?locale=en&skin=luzia_v2

4/14, 6p - Know Your Rights with the Waterfront Project hosted by the Library.

4/16, 6:30p - NJ Governor Social Justice Candidate Forum hosted by NJPAC. Learn more & RSVP here.

4/24, 5:30-8p - Candidate Forum for Legislative District 32, hosted by the VVNA at the Main Library

4/26, 10a-1p - VVNA Book Swap

5/4, 3-5p - Mayoral Race Candidate Forum hosted by JCLC & the Embankment Coalition at Grace Van Vorst Church. Find out more and pre-submit questions here.

5/12, 6-8p - State Assembly District 31 Candidate Forum will be held at the Cunningham Branch Library. Details to follow.

5/7-5/20 - NJ Gubernatorial Primary Debates - See flyer for details.

6/1, 11am - JC Ward Tour

6/6 - JC Fridays Art Tour with VVNA, details to follow.

Ongoing - Mondays-Thursdays, Senior Events at the Maureen Collier Senior Center. See flyer for details.

Ongoing - Tuesdays, 5-6pm - Bingo at the Library

Ongoing - Wednesdays, 11am - Story Time at the Library

Ongoing - Select Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm - SEWcial Meetup at the Library

Ongoing - Fridays, 3-4:30pm - Fun Fridays at the Library

Hudson Grinding Knife Sharpening will be at the Farmer’s Market on the following dates: 4/19, 5/10, 6/7, 7/5, 8/2, 9/13, 10/11, & 11/1.

See below fliers for details.

To subscribe to the Jersey City Free Public Library Newsletter, please follow this link.

For a full list of upcoming events at the Priscilla Gardner Main Library, click here (there are so many more!)

Register to Vote!

Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election is May 20, 2025. Register here!

Looking for General Meeting Notes or Recordings?

Find them HERE

Looking for Previous Newsletters?

Find them HERE

Thank you to our sponsors: Barrow Mansion Development Corporation and the Friends of Van Vorst Park!

The VVNA depends on fundraising and sponsorships from local businesses and community members. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Find out more information here & email welcome@vvnajc.org.