New Jersey "Liberty & Prosperity"

[ercarta]

We now have a non-partisan thread that will offer a more comprehensive outlook on the state of New Jersey, our state. I'm hoping other members of this bulletin board will help to shed a positive light on our state.

After all, there are pros & cons of living anywhere in the world. I feel truly, that in the end of the day... there is no place else that I'd rather be than here in New Jersey.

Here are a couple of New Jersey fact sites to get us started...

http://www.state.nj.us/njfacts.html

http://www.locationnj.com/Demog_NJ_FastFact.asp

Official New Jersey Website...
http://nj.gov/


What are some of the pros & cons of our state? Please find something nice to add if you will be sharing a bad experience. :D

[ercarta]

One thing I love about New Jersey are all of our franchised highways such as the Garden State Parkway & the New Jersey Turnpike. They really make it easy for a guy like me to get around. The signage on these highways make virtually impossible to get lost.

I love to take rides down Parkway South in the summertime with the windows down and the music high. The route is scenic and the beaches are abundant. Ahhh! Good times. :)

[bonacera]

I'm so sorry to say this.. I know you are trying to keep a positive image of NJ in this board. Maybe, you like the highways in NJ because you are grown up here and used to the area so much.

As a person who is new to NJ, New Jersey highway is not a very friendly road. I don't like New Jersey Turnpike at all. I always get lost and the signs are horrible. Besides, it is not free after all. Maybe, it is because I'm so used to driving in California's freeway. Sometimes, with all my respect, I really wonder why they cannot do better with their signs and ramps with the money we pay.

[ercarta]

I'm confused, how on earth can you get lost each destination has it's own numbered exit?

The NJ Turnpike particularly should be the easiest to navigate. All your destinations are printed on the ticket along with the corresponding exit number.

If you have EZ Pass then the signage is big and green with other signs that remind you that you exit is coming up. How do you find that hard to navigate? Please explain.

[sanity]

Maybe Bonacera is talking not quite about the Turnpike itself, but some of the on-ramps and connectors.

The one splitting 1 S and 9 S and Pulaski and 1 N and 9 N and 1 Truck and 9 Truck and the assorted side streets is quite annoying if you're not familiar with it. It definitely isn't clearly marked. Some of the older interchanges could use some modernization considering the volume of traffic it was designed for has grown exponentially since their construction.



On the flip side, Newport has a nice view, no city tax, low sales tax, and an easy commute. There! Some positive stuff!

[ercarta]

Alright man! See life isn't too shabby here in New Jersey. A tax break, another tax break, smooth commuting, & you got a view! That's fabulous! Just fabulous. :D



On the flip side, Newport has a nice view, no city tax, low sales tax, and an easy commute. There! Some positive stuff!

[bonacera]

I don't know.. It is really hard to get to I-95 N to go to CT. I tried four times and I gave up and I go to Manhattan to get to I-95 North.

What is the easiest way to get to I-95 North?

[ercarta]

Bonacera,

Turnpike North ends shortly after the GW exit. If you stay on it then you will be traveling on I-95N. The New Jersey Turnpike is like a short slab of asphalt on I-95.

[bonacera]

The problem is how I get to NJ turnpike north.
This the direction I got from yahoo and I always get lost between number around 8 or 9. I always ended up being in Newark or a very long iron bridge which I cannot get off until the end.. The signs do not help..

1. Start at 31 RIVER CT, JERSEY CITY - go < 0.1 mi
2. Turn on RIVER DR S - go 0.1 mi
3. Turn on NEWPORT PKY - go 0.2 mi
4. Turn on WASHINGTON BLVD - go 0.1 mi
5. Turn on 14TH ST - go 0.5 mi
6. Continue on I-78 WEST - go < 0.1 mi
7. Continue on US-9 SOUTH - go 1.2 mi
8. Take the US 1-9 NORTH exit - go < 0.1 mi
9. Continue on a local road - go 0.1 mi
10. Continue on US-9 - go 2.6 mi
11. Turn on PENHORN AVE - go 0.4 mi
12. Take I-495 WEST towards NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE - go 0.5 mi
13. Take the I-95/N.J. TURNPIKE NORTH

[ercarta]

That's baby step directions. Let me bottom line this for you because I'm bad with giving directions and I don't want to confuse you.

Outbound Holland Tunnel traffic. Whatever road that is , that is the road that you want to be on. That is the easiest way to get on the New Jersey Turnpike.

If you make the left as if you were going to Target but kept going straight you'd be traveling w/ outbound Holland Tunnel traffic and that would put you right on the New Jersey Turnpike. :D Once you're on that road all you have to do is bear right.

[ercarta]

Does anyone spend anytime in Atlantic City or Point Pleasant. I used to always visit the Tiki Bar @ Point Pleasant, it was a great time. I haven't been there in couple of years though.

Last summer I visited the Seven Lakes pretty frequently, I didn't get to take that ride up the Garden State Parkway that I love so much. :(

[hkmax]

That's baby step directions. Let me bottom line this for you because I'm bad with giving directions and I don't want to confuse you.

Outbound Holland Tunnel traffic. Whatever road that is , that is the road that you want to be on. That is the easiest way to get on the New Jersey Turnpike.

If you make the left as if you were going to Target but kept going straight you'd be traveling w/ outbound Holland Tunnel traffic and that would put you right on the New Jersey Turnpike. :D Once you're on that road all you have to do is bear right.

You're probably talking about I-78 which is a part of NJ turnpike, but if you're going I-95N taking I-78 is going around. Route 1 and 9 are more direct to 95 north, but it is trickier to find your way to the turnpikre (95N).

[bonacera]

You're probably talking about I-78 which is a part of NJ turnpike, but if you're going I-95N taking I-78 is going around. Route 1 and 9 are more direct to 95 north, but it is trickier to find your way to the turnpikre (95N).

Yes.. yes.. that trickier route is the one I want to know about. Would you pass me the tip how to find my way to I-95 N via Route 1 and 9 please?

[ercarta]

Bonacera,

In that case you're going to take 1&9N and when you reach Charlotte's Circle then you bend right onto Tonnele Ave.

If you drive North on Tonnele eventually you will hit the township of North Bergen and you will see a sign for Route 3W on your left.

Get on Route 3W and follow signs for NJ Turnpike North/I-95N. :)

It's really not tricky at all. :)

[bonacera]

I am not sure about Charlotte's Circle is, but I think that's where I always seem to get lost.

Is it a very complicated intesection under a ramp and just right after U-Haul?

[ercarta]

What you are calling a complicated intersection in actuality is Charlotte's Circle. Yes, Uhaul is on that corner. On that very circle coming from Newport is where you want to bend right to continue North on Tonnele Ave./1&9N. Driving North on Tonnele Ave. will lead you to Route 3W which connects you to NJ Turnpike/I-95

*Tonnele (ton-el-ee), that is my version of the phonetic spelling.



Is it a very complicated intesection under a ramp and just right after U-Haul?

[bonacera]

Thanks for clearing things for me. I'll make a very right turn when I see U-Haul. I always did not make a right turn and got lost all the time. I think that was my problem..

Thanks again and if I ever get confused again about direction around here, I know that I am in good hands.. I'll ask you again.. hee hee.. :D

[bonacera]

Oh... a funny thought...
I think the name, Charlotte's circle, does really makes sense for that intersection... It is so confusing and loos like a spider's web.. Maybe, someone thought about Charlotte's web and gave its name.. Just my random two cents.. :rolleyes:

[ercarta]

Haha, that's a funny theory. You may be right, I never put thought into it. :D

[ercarta]

Bonacera,

If you were to drive straight up past Route 3W on Tonnele Ave. you would also bump into the new Target, which is much nicer than the Greatland in NPC & also Lowe's Home Improvement. Both are in North Bergen right on Tonnele Ave.

It's actually hard to stay on Tonnele if you are not paying attention. Tonnele Ave is two lanes, at one point the lane on the left sends you off to route 3W while the right lane tapers and continues North on Tonnele. You need to stay on the right lane no matter what to continue to these stores. The fork happens around the Days Inn, just a heads up.

Target and Lowe's Home Improvement are just past a cemetery on your right and Pathmark on your left. These are some benchmarks in case you do make the trip. Otherwise, it's a straight route right up to North Bergen. No turns, nothing. North, north, north.

An unsolicited tip:

Tonnele Ave runs parallel with...

Kennedy Blvd. (Bayonne, JC, Union City, West New York, & North Bergen)

Bergenline Ave. (Union City, West New York, & North Bergen)

JFK Boulevard East. (Weehawken & North Bergen)

Port Imperial Blvd/River Road (Weehawken & Edgewater)

*These are all main roads that run through these townships. I listed them North to South in the parentheses. ;)

[07310]

I don't know.. It is really hard to get to I-95 N to go to CT. I tried four times and I gave up and I go to Manhattan to get to I-95 North.

What is the easiest way to get to I-95 North?

I live in Newport and work in Stamford CT, I go through the Holland Tunnel using the local entry on the other side of the mall, I get through the tunnel in 15 min max, up the West Side highway to the GW bridge and follow the signs to 95 North, I've found this to be the easiest way to go to CT.

[ercarta]

If you took Route 3W you could save a pretty penny & perhaps some time. Try it one day and feel out the difference. You would know better. :)

Route 3W brings you right in the GWB area so I think that may work out for you. Your actually moving against traffic going to CT so 3W should be a breeze and it's free.


I live in Newport and work in Stamford CT, I go through the Holland Tunnel using the local entry on the other side of the mall, I get through the tunnel in 15 min max, up the West Side highway to the GW bridge and follow the signs to 95 North, I've found this to be the easiest way to go to CT.

[ercarta]

Has anyone been to the IronBound in Newark. The area is loaded with fine Portuguese eateries. I haven't made the trip in while but I was in the mood for a Paella and the IronBound came to mind. That is the place to go for good Spaniard food. Paella Marinara, mmmm. mmmm. good.

:D :D

[07310]

If you took Route 3W you could save a pretty penny & perhaps some time. Try it one day and feel out the difference. You would know better. :)

Route 3W brings you right in the GWB area so I think that may work out for you. Your actually moving against traffic going to CT so 3W should be a breeze and it's free.

Crossing the river can be the most time consuming part of the trip, taking the local entry in JC cuts the time to 15 minutes, you can't avoid paying the toll to cross the river. The GWB is a horror during rush hour, it is to be avoided, unless you enjoy sitting in traffic for 45 minutes waiting to cross.

[ercarta]

I see. I figured the GWB would be easier and faster only because it is two levels but again, you know better. I don't go to the city very often so I am just speculating. Sounds like you have the commute down to a science, good for you dude. :D


Crossing the river can be the most time consuming part of the trip, taking the local entry in JC cuts the time to 15 minutes, you can't avoid paying the toll to cross the river. The GWB is a horror during rush hour, it is to be avoided, unless you enjoy sitting in traffic for 45 minutes waiting to cross.

[bonacera]

Eric and 07310,

Wooohooo!!! I have more options to go to I-95 N now...
Thanks for discussing it for me.. You guys are awesome!! sammlung05

[ercarta]

That's good. Glad to be of service... :D

[ercarta]

Did you know that AAA Roadside is not allowed to serve anyone on the NJ Turnpike or any other New Jersey franchised highways? If you break down on any of these highways you have to call a truck to tow you to the next closest exit then call AAA. Just a heads up. ;)

*It's times like those that it pays to have learned how to change your own tire. You'd be surprised at how many driver's can not complete this task. :confused:

[bonacera]

Did you know that AAA Roadside is not allowed to serve anyone on the NJ Turnpike or any other New Jersey franchised highways? If you break down on any of these highways you have to call a truck to tow you to the next closest exit then call AAA. Just a heads up. ;)

*It's times like those that it pays to have learned how to change your own tire. You'd be surprised at how many driver's can not complete this task. :confused:

Oh, my God!! I didn't know that.
Do you know why that is?

I don't know how to change a tire and I don't even know how to check the air in the tire, either..

[ercarta]

NJ Turnpike & Garden State Parkway have their own towing services. They do not allow other towing companies on their highways. The experience can be pretty bad if you are not informed and have learn this while your pulled over with a flat.

If your car breaks down on these highways, you have to call the highway's main number to have a truck come out and bring you to the next exit. AAA has a reimbursement allowance for this.

Bonacera, it is imperative that you learn to change a tire. Unless you always carry an extra 50 bucks for the person you will hire on the spot to do this for you. That can be a scary experience if this happens on a highway and you are not equipped with right numbers or experience.

[ercarta]

Did you know that:

Recent national polls have ranked New Jersey in the top third of all states for education, livability, health, and low crime. The state offers many outdoor recreational options, and varied sports, cultural, and entertainment activities from which to choose.

and that:

New Jersey's cost-of-living index is 105.7, which is only slightly higher than the national average of 100. This makes the state significantly less costly than anyplace else in the metro New York City region.

Just thought I'd share those cut & paste facts. :D

[bonacera]

Bonacera, it is imperative that you learn to change a tire. Unless you always carry an extra 50 bucks for the person you will hire on the spot to do this for you. That can be a scary experience if this happens on a highway and you are not equipped with right numbers or experience.
I totally agree that it would be very handy if I knew how to change a tire; however, where am I going to learn this kind of stuff? I passed a driver's license test without going to a driving school long time ago, so I don't know anything about it. Do they teach this kind of stuff? My parents taught me how to drive, but they didn't teach me how to change a tire. If I ask my Dad, I'm sure he will teach..

Oh, I also have a funny thought. Isn't it kind of dangerous to get out of the car and change a tire on a highway? Also, on TV, a police officer advised that when a car broke down on a highway, you should lock your car and do not get out until the help arrives because of the danger of the high-speed cars and the danger of a mugger. I know I am very timid so I will lock my car and use my cell phone, but I am sure it is better to know how to change a tire.. ;)

[ercarta]

Isn't it kind of dangerous to get out of the car and change a tire on a highway?
Yeah maybe your right, it's not the best idea to change a tire on the highway. I've done it and never thought about the consequences but perhaps it's not a good practice. Cars are driving by at top speeds and your left vulnerable outside of your car.



Also, on TV, a police officer advised that when a car broke down on a highway, you should lock your car and do not get out until the help arrives because of the danger of the high-speed cars and the danger of a mugger. ;)
Now my problem with this is let's say a car driving at highway speed doesn't perceive the situation correctly and thinks your car is in motion then slams into the back of your car while you're in it? So both of these scenarios look pretty bad then huh?

What then is the appropriate thing to do in this situation then? You know, these are not the things that you want to learn on the spot in a live situation. :confused:

[bonacera]

What then is the appropriate thing to do in this situation then? You know, these are not the things that you want to learn on the spot in a live situation. :confused:

Perhaps, there is no best answer to it since all the situations are different. However, it can't hurt to be prepared, right? Let's brainstorm..

I would say I'll have my cell phone ready all the time and carry all the appropriate phone numbers with me. Also, I'll leave the emergency lights on while I'm in in the car. I might buy a triangle sign (or danger sign) so that I can locate it in a conspicuous way outside of the car as well. :D

[ercarta]

I have seen those triangle hazard reflectors before. They are effective along w/ hazard lights because from afar you can tell that the car is stopped. Luxury cars usually have them as a standard feature attached to the inside of the trunk door so in a situation you leave the trunk open so that oncoming cars can see you on the shoulder when their headlights hit that area.

I've also seen people use flares when changing a tire on the highway. They usually set up the flares about 30-50 feet behind the car so again, oncoming traffic realizes your car is stopped. People drive w/ hazard light on for different reasons all the time, the important thing is to somehow communicate that your car is stopped so that oncoming cars shift away from the shoulder. That whole perception factor is scary on the highway. Sometimes it takes a while to realize and assess a situation properly when you are behind a wheel doing
70 mph+.

Where does one buy a triangle hazard reflector & roadside flares anyway?


I might buy a triangle sign (or danger sign) so that I can locate it in a conspicuous way outside of the car as well. :D

[ercarta]

Is it just me or are these winters in New Jersey getting here a bit faster and hitting us a bit harder? I feel like we will only have two seasons here in New Jersey pretty soon, winter and summer.

Where is all the in between weather, why does it go so fast? It feels like you either burn from the heat or burn from the cold here in New Jersey. Take your pick. :confused:

[PHXguy]

I feel the same way, too. This year we practically did not have descent spring weather. Fall was however pretty good and cool except for those 2-3 bitter cold days. The weather man has been talking about how colder this winter will be. What kind of world are we living in now? :o

[ercarta]

Has anyone heard about the Xanadu project happening in Meadowlands near Secaucus? The Xanadu project is spearheaded by the Mills Corporation & Mack-Cali. It's a 2.4 million square foot area that will house... office space, restaurants, a theme park, movie theater, hotels, & the largest shopping mall ever built in New Jersey. This project is said to "dwarf Palisades Center of West Nyack, NY which is 1.85 million square feet"

Is this more bad than good for New Jersey?

Read this...
http://www.mack-cali.com/development/development_projects/
http://www.themills.com/static/doc_MEADOWLANDSXANADU_LDETAIL.jsp;jsessionid=aoYK4 4sqHQz6

http://www.teterboro-online.com/xanadu/index.shtml
http://www.teterboro-online.com/xanadu/opinion1.shtml

http://www.nj-arp.org/pr040308.html
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E00E0D91430F93AA25751C1A9629C8B 63

[Juli B.]

The negatives that I have heard are as follows: from JC people: Xanadu will hurt the small, independent businesses in Jersey City because Xanadu will be accessible to us via the Light Rail, and, from Secaucusonians: even more traffic will be clogging the highways and funneling thru town and small businesses in Secaucus will suffer.

A positive: union electricians who have been out of work too many months over the last two years are salivating at the prospect of long-term work.

I wonder myself what the environmental impact might be.

About the weather: ****z! :eek: Albeit subtle, I felt the change in season--summer, spring, winter, and fall--more in the southwest Texas desert than I do here on the East Coast. I relish each winter day in which the temp. is moderate, though I admit it's wacko. And I miss the distinct springtime that I remember from my youth thru my early twenties.