Riverview Neighborhood Association wishes you a healthy and Happy New Year. We thank all of you who participated in RNA in 2011 and invite everyone to be a part of improving the quality of life and creating community here in our part of Jersey City in 2012.

Our theme for 2012 is to honor the spirit of founding member Maria Tuzzo, who passed away in December, by engaging everyone to take small steps that add up to significant improvement in the community. Despite Maria’s numerous health issues, she never complained and still contributed to the community by volunteering an hour here and there to mail out our newsletter, or spend time with the Harbor View residents. While she was as frustrated as any of us with the shortcomings in many city services, it did not stop her from doing what she could. While we won’t stop advocating for improvements in government services, we will also do what we can on our own to make a difference – whether it be picking up litter, or offering entertainment in the park.

On Tuesday, January 10th, at our monthly meeting, we welcome you to share your ideas with RNA members on how we can improve the community. This can include specific activities, programs, events, advocacy, partnership outreach or other ideas that we accomplish together in 2012.

In keeping with our 2012 theme, please bring an unopened toiletry item to the meeting (toothpaste, tooth brush, shaving cream, deodorant, sanitary napkins, tampons, soap) that will be donated to St. Lucy’s shelter.

The meeting will begin at 7:30PM at the Harbor View Health Center, 178 Ogden Avenue (corner of Franklin). All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Will 2012 be the year that the 100 Steps and Ravine Road will be completed? City officials say so. The repair of Ravine Road (aka New York Ave) is, according to City Engineer Chuck Lee and their contractor T&M Associates, on target for Summer 2012 construction. We have also been assured that all barriers to completion of the 100 Steps have been removed, and that they should also be completed this year. We do hope so. We will remain vigilant and have asked (and been assured) that we will be kept in the loop regarding any schedule changes, road closures and other issues that could impact the schedule or getting around during construction.

Many of you were dismayed to see “No Parking” signs on Palisade Ave between Franklin and Ferry Street from now until March. Luckily, that is NOT the case and the signs have been taken down and you can continue to park on that block. However, over the next three months there will be a few days when PSEG has to dig up the street to make repairs. “No Parking” signs will be put up 48 hours in advance of any closures and residents need to obey these signs. We are working with the City to get advance notice of these closures but do not have that information at this time.

Jersey City will be picking up Christmas Trees each Thursday in January (trees can be placed on the curb on Wednesday evening) and trees should ONLY be put out at this time. Please remove any lights, tinsel or other decorations before putting the tree on the street.