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Message |
    
ROGER
Citizen
Username: Roger
Post Number: 22
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 11:08 am: | 
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Susan: I guess that NJT probably has hundreds of stations in their domain. However, how many do you think they have under major construction?
Have you been to the platform particularly during rush hour? It is a very dangerous situation... Pointing back to Howard's earlier comment, "I still do not understand how they can get away with one means of egress for such an extended time period"
Asking NJT to show up at our monthly meetings for 15 minutes to give an update and explanation of the delays and problems it is not a whole lot to ask. 15 minutes of their time for 12 times a year is the equivalent of 3 hours per year. I don't think they'd need to hire more employees to do this.
If you are a NJT commuter, you will quickly agree to my analogy of the blind leading the blind. You have all sort of constant major delays and problems and no will tell you why. Funny, yesterday the 6:35 am train was running 10 minutes late (according the NJT announcement). Guess what, the train didn't show up for another 40 minutes, without any new updates to the delay. Sounds familiar?
Oh and btw, NJT just raised the fares again, effective July 1. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 696
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 11:15 am: |
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Roger,
My husband commutes, and I go to my NYC office, and yes, it is a mess.
I'm still not convinced that using our influence to make sure that a NJT person takes 15 minutes (plus travel time!) 12 times a year, to give updates and be grilled is particularly effective (or a good use of BOT agenda, when major substantive local issues often seem to come up for discussion at 11 PM).
I do, however, think that member(s) of the board or administration should be tasked to have the same 15 minute grilling by phone at least monthly, and report back. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2005
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 11:51 am: |
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Susan: We insist on them coming to a meeting once a year because we want the public to hear right from them where everything stands and to have a chance to ask questions.
Based on past experience with NJ Transit, I think we need to make sure they come with an official update. PSE&G is also invited once a year to give an update on repairs, etc.
Cablevision and East Orange water have been invited but they have declined to come to a meeting other than at the committee level. S. Orange Disposal came a few months ago to discuss their billing problems and to take questions about what they were doing to insure it did not happen again. |
ROGER
Citizen
Username: Roger
Post Number: 23
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 12:11 pm: |
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Susan: great suggestion. I couldn't agree more, and you are right, I think it would be more effective that way.
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Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 296
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 12:30 pm: |
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Mark, do you have a schedule of when these annual pilgrimages will occur or when last one occurred?
I do remember that Mark Gordon (no longer works for NJT) was a contact that we had with NJT when I was on the design committee of Main Street. This relationship worked well with the Sloan Street stores and the Sickley property.
I think you have made a valid point relating to the stairs at either end of the platforms. To my point it creates the situation that there are no second means of egress. |
Husky
Citizen
Username: Husky
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 12:34 pm: |
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Mark: first, thanks for your many informative posts over this board.
Second, in your post above you state, "...possibility of a deck. At this point it is still in negotiations."
Can we interpret that statement to mean that the Village is in negotiations regarding a deck?
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2007
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 12:47 pm: |
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Husky: The village is in negotiations regarding a deck.
Howard: NJ transit was here about six months ago. In the fall, we will invite them again. |
jayjay
Citizen
Username: Jayjayp
Post Number: 27
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 1:21 pm: |
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If there is to be a deck, how about priority for South Orange residents? Its hard to be viewed as a NY commuter town if there are no places for residents to park. Having stickers for your car which would entitle you to park at the station would be great. Other towns have such a system. But, I'm not clear whether the town owns the land or NJ Transit, and how that weighs on the issue. |
Husky
Citizen
Username: Husky
Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 1:32 pm: |
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Mark: thanks for the reponse.
I have significant concerns about adding a parking deck. This is a major issue that deserves attention, as some Board members acknowledged in the election. Has there been any opportunity for public discussion? If not, does the Board plan on soliciting any? Or is the Village Administrator the person to contact? Finally, what is the status of the negotiations - Are they exploratory or developed? And how can I find out more about them? Thanks again, |
Daniel M. Jacobs, PP, AICP
Supporter
Username: Conrail
Post Number: 35
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 1:35 pm: |
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NJ Transit parking facilities are open to NJ residents (since they are funded with State transportation funds). Township parking facilities can be restricted to residents. In 1983, when NJ Transit took over rail operations from Conrail, the State gave many towns in NJ all station related real estate that was not directly related to train operations to "lighten" the load on the new agency. This is why many station buildings are presently used by private businesses. In any case, many towns ended up with parking lots formerly owned by the RR. So a new NJ Transit deck would have to be open to all NJ residents.
There is one alternative that might temporarily meet some concerns. The Village could try to encourage NJ Transit to adopt the village parking authority's "waiting list" for the new deck to give these people first priority on new spots. Once the lot opens, NJ Transit would add new names to the list from statwide applicants. The village should also try to make sure the deck has a commercial component along the street-face. NJ Transit has done some pretty awful decks and some other decks that are award winning design pieces . . . |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2008
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 1:41 pm: |
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Negotiations are still exploratory at this point although they should be furhter along. There are many concerns and issues that will need to be discussed. Feel free to contact John Gross with your concerns.
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susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 697
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 2:44 pm: |
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Jayjay,
It is worth pursuing some of Daniel's ideas if NJT builds a deck. It would be super if both waitlists (town and NJT) would have priority before new applicants.
But to build a deck with general priority going to local residents, we'd have to build it ourselves, not NJTransit. Building a parking deck (exclusive of land costs) tends to cost $7000-15000 per space, maybe more (rough estimates, based on basic research).
Is there any chance that we should be taking on this investment, perhaps over by the rescue squad, in order to make a serious improvement in the town's long-term parking situation? I suspect that resident parking fees would have to go up substantially if we did so, to cover building costs. (so those of us who already have spaces would probably incur higher costs...)
[Mark, correct me if I'm getting any of this really wrong...I'm an informed observer rather than an expert on this] |
Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1945
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 3:10 pm: |
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What if a private developer was willing to build a deck with a 1st floor retail component to it over on Valley Street. We have reached critical mass with respect to the immediate downtown. What if the developer was an old time South Orange resident who is relegated to the courts for fair consideration. What gives with the Brunner action against South Orange? |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 698
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 4:12 pm: |
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What are you trying to say? I can't recall some of the history to which you are referring.
What would the annual rent per space have to be to make this attractive to a developer?
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Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1946
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 4:49 pm: |
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How long have you lived in town, if you don't mind me asking? And, from where did you move?
BTW: I think your cost estimates for construction is correct; and, I think it would be price competitive with NJT/SOPA parking rates. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 699
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 4:56 pm: |
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Almost 10 years, and from elsewhere in Jersey.
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Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 297
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 5:10 pm: |
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During our campaign we made a deck recommendation that could be located along Valley & Third from the Gulf Station/Unoccupied Car Dealer Showroom to the Railroad (Rescue Squad). This would include the current PA lot.
The portion along Valley would be underground with retail stores above. It should be noted that these properties are currently in the redevelopment zone. |
susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 702
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2005 - 12:18 pm: |
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So Pizzaz, I answered your question, are you going to answer mine?
Can you be more explicit about what you are trying to hint/remind us about? I'll admit that I didn't always follow local development and politics as closely as I do now, but am interested in facts rather than hints and allegations.
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Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1950
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 10:02 pm: |
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It has something to do with development of the parcel. Speaking about development, what thoughts do you have as to where a 300 car parking deck should be placed? I think the recommendation that the village BoT put forth a strategic plan or "vision" to guide our master plan is a good idea. The master plan is due for update next year. Do you find this agreeable?
http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=3133&post=366565#POST3665 65
ps: Perhaps someone can submit an OPRA request or attend Legal Committee meetings in order to understand village politics somewhat better...
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susan1014
Supporter
Username: Susan1014
Post Number: 710
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 11:51 pm: |
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My questions on this plan have more to do with finances than exact location choice, although the space defined by Howard above sounds good, if it can be done without teeing off any legal wars, or running the town into debt that will require tax increases to service.
Pizzaz, you seem to have a very specific plan in mind, on whose specifics (size and location) I cannot really comment.
Nice idea on attending legal committee meetings and filing requests for records; but, honestly, at this point in my life I don't have the bandwidth to take it up as a hobby (my family gets too little of me as it is), so I'll have to do the best I can with all of the flawed tools available to me (Star Ledger, News Wrecked, MOL, word of mouth, BOT rebroadcasts). |
Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1952
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 9:50 am: |
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I have no plan in mind. The "vision" statement is to develop community awareness and public input into the process of defining our planning and zoning criteria. Is engaging, ad nauseum, in legal conflicts the way to lead our village? NO, but it has been the preferred method and we sit back and wait for some communications or reporting of the issues that mean something to us, the residents of South Orange. As been said it's "Coming Soon". I do wish you perseverance and steadfastness in your attempt to become more informed and active in village politics.
Btw: The Legal Committee is meeting today during working hours. I don't know why they choose such a time to hold their meeting when the majority of the public who wish to attend can't. Terri_ANN is a county employee, but will chair meetings during official county business hours. Is that appropriate, do you think?
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Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1953
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 2:05 pm: |
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Speaking of "Coming Soon", there's a letter I like to share with you. The erections of SOPAC will begin on Monday, June 27, 2005. The erector will only cause erections to occur in the evenings....
You really can't make this stuff up. I will ask Dave, if he'll scan and post this document. Happy erections, all. 
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Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3380
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 2:27 pm: |
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I'm SO glad I didn't vote for this guy... |
Parkingsux
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 3
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 2:44 pm: |
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S.O.D.A.= SOUTH ORANGE DUMB ••• |
Matt Foley
Citizen
Username: Mattfoley
Post Number: 265
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 2:57 pm: |
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HOOT HOOT HOOT |
Parkingsux
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 4
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 2:59 pm: |
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LOL.. HOOT HOOT HOOT |
Parkingsux
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 5
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 3:15 pm: |
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PRETTY QUIET NOW HUH S.O.D.A. HOOT HOOT HOOT |
Matt Foley
Citizen
Username: Mattfoley
Post Number: 266
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 3:23 pm: |
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Line C for you and me....
Nice to see more Hooters out there.
hoot hoot hoot |
gotcha
Citizen
Username: Gotcha
Post Number: 16
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 3:48 pm: |
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Not that he will, but Dave oughta suspend PArkingSUX |
Parkingsux
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 6
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 5:12 pm: |
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LOOK AT THIS S.O.D.A. SELF PORTRAIT..  |
LazyDog
Citizen
Username: Lazydog
Post Number: 43
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 5:13 pm: |
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Bravo, Bravo..... |
LazyDog
Citizen
Username: Lazydog
Post Number: 45
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 5:24 pm: |
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figure out why we might want to make use of this due to certain posters :
http://www.dearauntnettie.com/gallery/museum-barfbucket.htm |
Stuart0628
Citizen
Username: Stuart0628
Post Number: 63
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 5:55 pm: |
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If you look in the dictionary under Thread Drift... |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3381
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 9:20 pm: |
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Stuart0628:...and sadly, it's not even new thread drift. The Thomas Kemper piece shown above was originally posted about a year ago by John Pogany, or some lackey or surrogate (as, I'm sure, was the case this time) in a lame over-expression of his personal inability to accept even the slightest hint of either mockery or valid criticism. Here's the response I posted shortly thereafter:
Personally, I don't much care who Parkingsux or LazyDog really are, or why they've decided to push the envelope of their collective "creativity" in these oh-so-very-hurtful attempts at Soda-bashing...
...But I do know who John Pogany is. It's just sad that he hasn't more articulate or witty means to express himself, albeit in a drifting fashion.
-s.
BTW: John, I'm still glad I didn't vote for you. And you should really get some smarter friends/barflies/lackeys. Or just get smarter. |
Pizzaz
Citizen
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 1955
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 - 9:40 am: |
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I have no control over other posters. They are individuals who wish to express themselves as they please (within permitted boundaries). The fact that they appear to collectively attempt to Soda bash speaks volumes of you and not me.
If you would lighten up a little you might come to appreciate others and their opinions even if you don't agree with them. Isn't that the real purpose of this message board to communicate and invite an exchange of differing opinions?
Now back to topic, I think it's going to get nuts downtown if Transit is renovating the station while SOPAC is under erection.
BtW: I do hope your Line C elected candidates make you SO proud. (Just think one of them never even voted in a municipal election before -  ).
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Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3384
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 - 10:39 am: |
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-s.
BTW, John: I announced my candidate choices back in April (http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=129&post=374160#POST37416 0), and none of them were from Line C. Maybe you didn't notice... |
Parkingsux
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 7
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 - 3:23 pm: |
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It's a friend of a friend no friend of yours. |
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