Marist High School may be at risk of closing if unable to raise about $1.5 million by April 24. The reasons include years of declining enrollment (only 76 students enrolled by the February 4 deadline); the closing of Catholic elementary schools that graduate students to Catholic high schools; increased costs and tuition;and competition from charter schools. These factors have contributed to a structural deficit and possible closing of Bayonne’s only Catholic high school, which will celebrate 63 years of operation in September. Since 2008, the number of freshmen enrolled declined by half. “Fewer students results in less revenue, creating a deficit that has depleted the school’s reserves,” reads the school’s fundraising page on its website, adding that the school’s founders, the Marist Brothers, “are not in a financial position to assist Marist High School going forward.” Click here for more.
The Bayonne Chamber of Commerce held its 3rd Annual Peninsula Gala on Thursday, March 23, at Bayonne Golf Club, where local leaders in the community, business, and government met to celebrate businesses in Bayonne. Honorees at the gala included Vinny and Toni Bottino, who retired this year when they closed Big Apple after 44 years in business. Former Chamber of Commerce President Robert Doria received the Hall of Fame Award, and Richard R. Fisette, a recently retired IMTT Terminal Manager received the Dan Kane Legends Award. Click here for more.
The Bayonne Zoning Board’s decision on March 6 not to approve a local Muslim group’s plan to convert a warehouse on 109 East 24th Street into a Muslim Community Center has prompted the city to reckon with the consequences of its newfound reputation. Since the vote, one Planning Board commissioner resigned after criticizing a mother who spoke out against the plan, the mayor of Hoboken tweeted “I would welcome a mosque in Hoboken,” and the U.S. Department of Justice contacted the president of the local Muslim group to inquire about possible discrimination. “We don’t know if we want to step away from the property altogether and give up or pursue the state and federal court route,” said Waheed Akbar, president of Bayonne Muslims. “We’re speaking to some lawyers and haven’t come to a decision yet.” They expect to decide in the coming weeks. Click here for more.
