Mr. Worldwide – Pitbull and Jersey Cityâ€s own Akon!

Day of Live Music and Family-Friendly Fun returns to Exchange Place Plaza with Concerts, Carnival Rides, Food Trucks and New Jerseyâ€s Largest Fireworks Display

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop announces Pitbull and Akon as this yearâ€s headliners at Jersey Cityâ€s 6^th annual Fourth of July Festival.  As we celebrate our nationâ€s freedom, the full day of festivities will take place from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Exchange Place Plaza.  The free festival includes live entertainment with featured musicians starting at noon on the main stage leading up to Jersey Cityâ€s own Akon and world-renowned rapper Pitbull as the main event.  The grand finale will follow with New Jerseyâ€s largest fireworks display launching from barges in the Hudson River with an unparalleled backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.

“We set the bar high last year bringing in Snoop Dogg as our headline performance, and we expect to impress, yet again, with this yearâ€s entertainment lineup,” said Mayor Fulop.  “The headline performance and fireworks conclude a day of fun for thousands of families and visitors who come from all over the tri-state area.  As we show off all that Jersey City has to offer this Independence Day, I am confident this will continue to be one of the best celebrations in the nation.”

Last year, the event drew over 150,000 spectators from throughout the City and region. The daylong festival features designated zones for activities, including a carnival along Hudson Street, the “Love Beer Festival” on Columbus, and the concert stage at Exchange Place. Fun activations and additional food trucks and drinks can also be found along Montgomery Street.

The post pitbull AND jERSEY cITY’S oWN akon hEADLINE JERSEY CITY 2019 4TH OF july festival first appeared on River View Observer.

 JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop today denounced planned toll increases set to take effect December 1st by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, an agency that continues to enjoy strong profits while New Jerseyans struggle to recover from the recession.

“By moving forward with toll and fare hikes, the Port Authority continues to punish New Jerseyans – and especially Jersey City residents – at a time of continued economic hardship,” said Mayor Fulop.   “The Port Authority dumps a heavy burden on Jersey City taxpayers in three ways — from the costs of municipal services provided to the Port Authority, from the increasing tolls and PATH fares, and from a staggering underpayment by the Port Authority to the City for its property here.”

According to just released data from the New York Federal Reserve Bank, North Jersey is lagging behind the rest of the metropolitan area in recovering from the recession.  Last year, the $4 billion Port Authority had a 31 percent profit margin, not including depreciation, amortization, taxes, interest and capital expenditures.

“The Port Authority is financially strong and could choose to delay this increase,” added Mayor Fulop.

On Dec. 1, 2013, tolls on cars using E-ZPass will increase 75 cents, following increases in 2011 and in 2012.  The Port Authority will continue to increase the tolls by 75 cents for each of the next two years on cars using E-ZPass. Tolls on cars paying with cash will increase $1 in 2014 and 2015.  Fares will also increase for car pool and green pass motorists.

For PATH riders, a single PATH ride will cost $1.00 more – from $1.75 to $2.75 – by October 2014, with 25 cent annual fare increases that began in 2011 and continue through next year.

Earlier this month, Mayor Fulop announced that the city will file suit against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for $400 million for missed tax payments and undue economic harm caused to the taxpayers of Jersey City by the bi-state transportation agency.

Currently, for all Jersey City properties owned by the Port Authority – excluding the Holland Tunnel which is tax exempt – the agency pays the City $2.2 million annually.  Those same properties are assessed at a rate that would result in $18.2 million in property taxes annually to the City.

“The Port Authority continues to create hardship for the people of Jersey City and it is time they pay their fare share,” said Mayor Fulop.  “Thatâ€s why we are suing for back taxes and interest totaling approximately $400 million and going forward we will also set the rate at a more realistic payment to benefit Jersey City taxpayers.  The Port Authority isnâ€t struggling, though its host cities bear a tremendous burden. Itâ€s time make the Port Authority respect the commuters whose money they grab every day.”

All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Steven M. Fulop at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699.////

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Commuters riding the PATH trains from Newark to the World Trade Center (WTC) in NYC have cause to celebrate: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced yesterday that weekday PATH Service between Newark and the WTC has been restored, although PATH service is still unavailable on weekends. Through February, from Fridays at 10 p.m. through Mondays at 5 a.m., crews will use this stretch of time to repair damages caused by Hurricane Sandy.

 With Hoboken PATH service to WTC still under construction, Hoboken commuters must continue to find alternate routes to downtown NYC. According to a press release put out by the Port Authority of NY and NJ, “Crews continue to work around-the-clock to return weekday Hoboken to World Trade Center service and weekend service between Newark and the World Trade Center. Those are the final segments of service yet to be restored.”

PATH Train photo: Source- Bing.com

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According to PATH officials the Hoboken station renovations may take several more weeks due to “vital switching equipment being destroyed and not being salvaged due to Superstorm Sandy.

Crews are working around the clock to restore communications within the tunnels and replace the damaged signal equipment.

Ferry service is available for New Jersey Transit commuters  from the Hoboken Terminal. There is bus service to the terminal where commuters can  transfer to a ferry which arrives at Pier 79 at 39th street in Manhattan.

Ferries will run  between 6am  and 10 am  and 4pm and 8 pm from Monday through Friday The fare is $5.

The post Hoboken’s PATH Station Will Remain Closed for Now- The Only PATH Station Not In Use first appeared on River View Observer.

  Jersey City, New Jersey -National talent and recent controversial joke maker Gilbert Gottfried  headlines  Thursday, April 14^th, 2011 at Michael Anthony’s dazzling Waterfront Restaurant in Jersey City, New Jersey.  Host John “Nutsy” Fagan, another Jersey City Resident, will be on hand to warm up the evening.

After spending several years mastering the art of stand-up comedy, producers of the legendary NBC late night comedy show Saturday Night Live became aware of Gottfried and, in 1980, hired him as a cast member. It wasn’t until a few years later when his true notoriety would begin when MTV hired him for a series of improvised and hilarious promos for the newly formed channel. This led to several television appearances on “The Cosby Show” and “Late Night with David Letterman.”

Gottfried’s many credits include “Beverly Hills Cop II”. Other film credits include “Look Who’s Talking II” and “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.” He was also the host of the very popular late night movie series “USA Up All Night,” “Aladdin.” Gottfried is the voice of DIGIT in Cyberchase.” He is a regular on the new “Hollywood Squares”, “The Tonight Show ” and “The Howard Stern Show.” Gottfried recently appeared in the documentary “The Aristocrats,” with Entertainment Weekly quoting “out of the 101 comedians who appear on screen, no one is funnier – or more disgusting – than Gilbert Gottfried.”

“Gilbert Gottfried Dirty Jokes” was recently released on both DVD and CD, featuring 50 non-stop minutes of Gottfried telling the funniest and filthiest jokes ever. At the end of the show, Gottfried tells what is known among comedians as the “Dirtiest Joke of All Time,” which is also the basis for “The Aristocrats.”

Michael Anthony’s offers a central location between Jersey City, Hoboken and New York City, is completely accessible by car, PATH or LightRail, and has the breathtaking New York City Skyline as a backdrop for all performances.  The menu is casual Italian cuisine, and the chic atmosphere is perfect for a night out for friends or couples.

Lifelong Jersey City resident and Producer of the show, Suzy Yengo, is the President and Partner
of Catch a Rising Star Comedy Clubs and Productions.  She  said: “we are thrilled to bring comedy to Jersey City.  Our goal is to keep travelers and residents in downtown Jersey City instead of losing them to New York City.  After traveling around the country for a few years managing our other clubs, I had my eye on placing a club in Jersey City in my own backyard.  A beautiful location with parking and the most beautiful view of the New York Skyline !”, quoted Yengo.

The Show is at Michael Anthony’s on the Jersey City Waterfront,  located at 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City – across from the Westin Hotel.  Doors 6:30pm, Show at 7:30pm. Free parking is available on location. For inquiries, catchmichaelanthonys@catcharisingstar.com .Ages 16 and older admitted.  Advanced reservations are required. Phone 609-987-8018 or buy tickets online at catcharisingstar.com.  Press information:  suzyroseesq@aol.com or 201-433-6705. Press passes available.

Catch a Rising Star – the Original New York Comedy Club that launched the careers of Jerry Seinfeld, Dane Cook, Chris Rock and many others – has been providing Comedy of Legendary Proportions since 1972. www.catcharisingstar.com.

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Visiting The NY/ NJ Metro Area This Summer?

Stay in Hudson County ! 

 

 

 

Enjoy Special Rates, Free Weekend Nights & More with Newport’s New Stylish Hotel- The Westin

 Get away from the pressures of city life with an escape to serene Jersey City Newport’s new Westin hotel offering rooms and meeting spaces with breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River Waterfront, stylish Manhattan living and exclusive amenities such as a Westin WORKOUT® fitness center, Westin Heavenly Bed® and Westin Heavenly Bath® products. For travelers looking for a slice of city life to go along with their Newport escape, the Westin Jersey City Newport is located a mere 10 minutes away from Manhattan with the PATH train. This summer, the hotel is offering the following packages:

 Free Weekend Night Award with Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG)

The Westin Jersey City Newport is a participating hotel in the SPG Free Weekend Night Award program. Two stays at The Westin Jersey City Newport earns guests a Free Weekend at participating Starwood hotels and resorts across nine brands, including Westin, Sheraton®, W® and more, between now through July 31, 2009. Award can be earned and redeemed at over 875 properties worldwide. Awards can be used for any Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night through the end of September 2009. No limits and no blackout dates. To earn one Free Weekend Night Award with every two stays, register with the Westin Jersey City Newport and stay between now through July 31, 2009.

 Better Tomorrows package

Tomorrow has never looked brighter than at The Westin Jersey City Newport. For each night that guests pay a regular rate and they receive the following night at 50% off. So whether guests stay two nights, four nights or more, tomorrow has never looked brighter. Package is bookable online or by calling 1-866-924-8746 and mentioning promotional code ZBT. Rates are pre-paid and non-refundable. 50% is taken off the best available non-restricted rate. Valid Thursdays to Sundays only, through September 30, 2009.

 Room Rates Equal to your Birth Year package

The hotel is celebrating guest’s birthdays by offering rates equal to their birth year. This special offer is valid for two or three night stays only. Guests pay regular room rates for the first night, and the second or third nights’ rates are equal to guest’s birth year (i.e. guests born in 1976, would receive their 2nd and 3rd nights at a rate of $76each). Rates for second and third night stays will be confirmed at check-in upon presentation of valid identification. Package is bookable online or by calling 1-866-924-8746 and referencing rate plan BIRTHYR. Rates begin at $229 for first night, valid through December 2009.

 Reserve & Relax package

They say “the early bird gets the worm.” With The Westin Jersey City Newport’s Reserve & Relax program, guests receive special savings for advance bookings. Book a stay 14 days in advance at the hotel and you receive special savings up to 25% with rates starting from $229 per night, valid for arrivals any day of the week and no minimum length of stay required. Reserve & Relax package must be booked online for stays through December 31, 2009. Rates are pre-paid and non-refundable.

 Westin Babymoon package

New families need some time to get to know each other so the hotel is offering a Westin Babymoon package which includes complimentary breakfast in bed for two daily, in room movie per night, a Heavenly® crib for the baby and $15 mini bar credit per night. Rates begin at $287.

 Westin Indulge package

The Westin Jersey City Newport offers the perfect romantic setting with its uber-chic designed hotel rooms and suites and easy accessibility to a collection of lush, green parks and walkways. To enhance this romantic escape, the Westin Indulge package features complimentary full breakfast for two via room service or in the hotel’s Half Moon Lounge daily, welcome amenity of sparkling wine and strawberries upon arrival and late check-out. Rates begin from $264.

 Westin Park & Play package

Give the automobile a rest with the hotel’s Park & Play package which includes free valet parking, so guests can enjoy the parks, waterfront, shopping and restaurants of Newport plus a $10 Metro Card to go over to Manhattan without the car. This offer is valid weekends only from Thursdays through Sundays, with rates starting at $159.

 Westin Enhanced Park & Play package

With the Enhanced Park & Play package, guests receive free valet parking, a $10 Metro Card and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Rates begin at $229 and are valid Sundays through Thursdays only.

 

Westin AAA package

AAA members can also take advantage of their membership at The Westin Jersey City Newport where they will receive daily complimentary breakfast for two at the hotel’s Half Moon Lounge; and valet parking. To be eligible for this package, guests must show a valid AAA membership card upon check-in. Rates begin at $229 and valid Thursday to Sundays only.

 

To book these packages visit www.westin.com/jerseycity or contact 1-866-924-8746

 About The Westin Jersey City Newport

Located in the heart of the waterfront Financial District of Jersey City, The Westin Jersey City Newport is only minutes from New York City’s major attractions and business centers. Offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River and the Newport Marina, the hotel offers 429 guest rooms, including 14 one or two bedroom suites and one Presidential Suite. Every room features the Heavenly® Bed with custom-designed pillow-top mattress, crisp triple sheets, down blanket, luxurious duvet and five pillows. The rooms’ Heavenly® Bath is equipped with a specially designed dual showerhead, signature bath amenities and a curved shower rod for additional comfort and space.

 

 

Other facilities include a signature contemporary restaurant called Fire & Oak American Grill, an Atrium Lobby Lounge and the WestinWORKOUT® Gym. The hotel also features 20,500 square feet of contemporary meeting space, with a team of culinary specialists and meeting planners to assist in every detail. High speed Internet access is available throughout the property.

 

The hotel is minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport and one block from the Pavonia – Newport PATH station, Newark Light Rail and NJTransit Buses, providing quick public transportation to and from New York City and to all points in New Jersey – the NJ Turnpike and NJ Parkway, as well as LaGuardia and JFK International airports. The hotel is adjacent to the Newport Centre Mall with high quality shops such as Macy’s, Coach, A|X Armani Exchange, Brookstone and Swarovski Crystal as well as an AMC Cinemas. Steps from the Hudson waterfront, the Newport-Pavonia destination offers guests the convenience to New York City excitement and the ability to re-energize in a serene, out-of-the city location.

 

For further information, call 201-626-2900 or visit the Starwood website, www.starwood.com

 

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About Westin Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts, with more than 150 hotels and resorts in more than 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT). Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

 

About Newport

Located on the Hudson River waterfront, Newport is situated opposite lower Manhattan and offers breathtaking views of New York’s skyline and panoramic harbor. The community features unparalleled transportation amenities, including on site PATH station and Light Rail stop, as well as dedicated access to the Holland Tunnel and New Jersey Turnpike. Newport has many prestigious office tenants such as UBS, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, Charles Schwab, HSBC and ISO. The community also consists of over 4,360 luxury apartments currently housing more than 9,000 residents, world-class restaurants, shops, schools, a health club and fitness center, a number of community services, a marina and more than 30 acres of parks, playgrounds, seasonal ice skating rink and public spaces. Newport Center mall, the centerpiece of Newport; is managed by Simon Property Group, the nation’s largest real estate investment trust.

 

To learn more about Newport, visit www.newportnj.com

The post Travel-THE WESTIN JERSEY CITY NEWPORT OFFERS IDYLLIC SUMMER ESCAPES first appeared on River View Observer.