Remembering Angelo: To make a donation supporting Angelo’s upcoming memorial service at St. Matthew’s, a plaque to commemorate his favorite bench in the park, and to support the food pantry in Angelo’s memory, donate here.

General Meeting April 21st, 6:30 pm

We will be kicking our meeting off with an in-person neighborhood social from 6:30-7 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 Neighborhood Social

7:00 Opening Remarks from VVNA President Craig Zehms

7:05 Financial Report from VVNA VP Rebecca Missel

7:10 Small Business Spotlight: Tousled Hats with Owner Rita

7:15 Youth & Teens Library Coordinator Tony Williams

7:25 Turnpike Trap Coalition Representative Talya Schwartz

7:30 Assemblywoman Katie Brennan

8:00 All Other Business

Dear Neighbors,

To me Spring has always symbolized hope.  It allows me to put the dreary winter months behind me and start afresh.

And what gives me hope?  The spring flowers, walking through the park, the warmth of the sun, and the sound of the birds waking me up in the morning.

But squirrels to not inspire hope.  Let me be very clear about that. 

I encourage you to cherish the memories of those who are no longer with us and trust that their spirits remain to comfort us.  I encourage you to continue to embrace our community with acts of kindness.  And I encourage you to reach out and help those  in need.  Our unity makes us stronger.

Neighbors Make the Neighborhood

Craig Zehms
VVNA President

New Interim 2nd Vice President Bryce Shaffer-Fine!

Following Angelo’s passing, the VVNA board of directors consulted our Bylaws to fill the open seat on our board. With this change, Rebecca Missel was moved into the 1st Vice President role, and Bryce Shaffer-Fine was voted in as interim 2nd Vice President. You likely know Bryce as he has served as our Events Committee lead for the last couple of years, organizing popular events that include the book swaps, disco in the park, & the holiday party. He also coordinates the social hours that happen before each of our general meetings, and is one of the first faces you’ll see when you join us at an event! Congratulations Bryce!

VVNA Board Elections will be happening this October, so if you’re interested in running for an open seat, please reach out to us at welcome@vvnajc.org to discuss what being on the board is like!

NEW Merch Designs for VVNA!

VVNA Merchandise is now available on our website with new ‘Neighbors make the Neighborhood’ designs! We have T-shirts, sweatshirts, journals, water bottles, beanies, onesies, kids shirts, tote bags and more. Now in even more colors! Can’t find something in your size? Email us and we’ll get it printed! Order yours today!

6th Street Embankment - Feedback Requested

The 6th Street Embankment Coalition recently presented a design proposal for public feedback. View the presentation & take the survey here.

Street Safety: What You Can Do Today

See Click Fix:

Submit Pedestrian Safety Requests through See Click Fix! Visit the Resident Response Center, or submit a request HERE. These requests go straight to city employees responsible for responding to them. The more requests we submit on the public record, the more pressure we can place on city officials to make real change.

Street Safety Committee:

The VVNA’s Street Safety Committee is working on a pilot project to install planters at the corner of Jersey Ave & Bright St. Want to volunteer or donate to the project? Email us at streetsafety@vvnajc.org!

Vision Zero JC:

The city’s traffic & infrastructure team are seeking feedback from the public on their vision zero action plan. See flyers below for details!

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!

Street Safety Committee:

The VVNA’s Street Safety Committee is working on a pilot project to install planters at the corner of Jersey Ave & Bright St. Want to volunteer or donate to the project? Email us at streetsafety@vvnajc.org!

April 16th, 6:30-8:30pm - Vision Zero Kickoff Workshop - Public Feedback Requested! City Council Chambers. (flyer above).

April 18th, 10am-2pm - Earth Day Celebration at Van Vorst Park

April 25th, all day - North Jersey Transit Forum, hosted by Hudson County Complete Streets. This event is ticketed, learn more here.

April 25th, 6-9:30pm - Murder at the Mansion (see flyer for details).

May 1st, 6pm - Life After Cars, an evening with the authors hosted by Bike JC.

May 5th, 5:30pm - Vision Zero Community Walk Through for Wards E & F, Location TBD. (flyer above).

June 7th, 11am - JC Ward Tour hosted by Bike JC.

Ongoing - Every Monday, 10:15am - Hora de Cuentos (Storytime)

Ongoing - Every 3rd Thursday, 5:30-8pm - 21+ Game Night at the Library

Ongoing - Repair Cafe

See below fliers for details.

Hudson Grinding will be at the Van Vorst Farmer’s market on 4/11, 5/16, 6/6, 8/1, 9/12, & 10/10.

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!)

Looking for General Meeting Notes or Recordings?

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.