To the Editor:
I am an 80-year-old, life-long resident of the city of Bayonne and I have lived in the First Ward the entire time. Next door to my property, they were demolishing three buildings to make way for a four-story co-op. During the demolition of the existing buildings, a dispute arose between me and the private demolition contractor. We had numerous discussions, and it sounded as though I would need to hire an attorney.
At the time, I was attending meetings for the Port Authority Bayonne Bridge Project for First Ward residents that were set up and attended by Mayor Jimmy Davis; City Business Administrator, Joe DeMarco; City Council President Sharon Nadrowski; First Ward Councilman, Thomas Cotter, and Resident Liaison Alicia Losonczy. After the meeting, I discussed my situation with Ms. Nadrowski who then, in turn, brought the problem to Mr. DeMarco. Joe told me there was no need to hire a lawyer, and within a few days, the problem was solved. I’d like to take this time to thank Mr. DeMarco for his assistance in resolving this matter. Despite the numerous city projects and private developments going on, he took time from his busy schedule to deal with my problem.
I feel it is necessary to compliment this administration on the work it has done in dealing with the Port Authority. They also have the NJ turnpike and many local developments all going on at the same time. I know not everyone’s happy, but from these meetings about the Port Authority that I have attended, it is apparent that the mayor and his staff are listening to our complaints. These include the problems that arise from the construction, along with unnecessary ones being caused by the builders. They’re working to find ways to resolve them.
Many meetings included the presence of Port Authority’s Bill Young and Chad Serpa. The administration can work with Mr. Young to find amicable solutions or resolutions to issues as they arise. I attribute this to Mayor Davis’s and Mr. DeMarco’s tenacity and fortitude on behalf of the residents.
I’ve seen a lot of administrations come and go, some great, some not so great. This one rates up there with the great ones. Most residents don’t know what the city’s doing because it doesn’t publicize its work. I know what I’ve seen, and they should get the credit they deserve. We have a great crew here; I hope we don’t lose them.
JOHN R. COON
