Bayonne to study potential expansion of some redevelopment areas

By

-

January 18, 2023

01bayredev26 — All that remained at the Caschem West site as of May 2022. Photo by Daniel Israel.

Bayonne is considering the potential expansion of some redevelopment areas and the creation of some new ones. The City Council has passed a number of resolutions authorizing the Planning Board to take such actions.

At its December meeting, the council approved a resolution authorizing and directing the board to re-open and consider an amendment to the 69-71 Hook Road Redevelopment Plan. The resolution would see the addition of property at Blocks 416, 1.01 and 1.02 to the redevelopment area, and the determination if they constitute non-condemnation areas in need of redevelopment as well as to begin drawing up a redevelopment plan for the area if proved to be an area in need of redevelopment by both the Planning Board and the council.

The site is currently home to Delta Storage, where a new “flex use” warehouse and office space will be constructed by Sixth Wave Logistics with the support a 20-year payments-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the city. The lots that would be added would be the adjacent ones to the storage facility including a parking lot and the Accem Warehouse Inc. facility at 63 Hook Road.

The council also approved a resolution authorizing and directing the Planning Board to re-opening the the 8th Street Rehabilitation Plan to consider an amendment to include property identified as Block 306, Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, which encompasses the “Bergen Point 69kV Class H Substation.”

The site is currently home to the substation at the corner of Orient and Evergreen Streets but also a residential building as well as Mike’s Auto Repairs at 223 Orient Street. The resolution also authorizes the Planning Board to not only consider the amendment, but also if those properties constitute non-condemnation areas-in-need-of-redevelopment and to develop a map of reflecting the boundaries of the new proposed non-condemnation area.

Caschem West site to be studied for redevelopment

In addition, the council authorized the board to conduct a study to determine if the property at Blocks 332, Lots 1, 6, and 7, Bock 333.01, Lot 7, and Block 373, Lots 1, 2, 13, and 14 constitute areas in need of redevelopment.

Block 332, Lots 1, 6 and 7 are the part of the Caschem West site that abuts Newark Bay; and Block 333.01 Lot 7 is the part of the Caschem West site that fronts Avenue A.

The site has been cleared by owner and former Zoning Board Commissioner Ehab “Jimmy Gamal.” While he previously pondered a 16-story cold-storage warehouse for the site he would have been allowed to construct due to old zoning, he said it was just an idea he was “exploring” and he is still contemplating its fate ahead of the redevelopment plan being drawn up with inklings for things ranging from a hotel to a senior center.

Block 373, Lots 1, 2, 13 and 14 are located across the street from the Caschem West site on the other side of Avenue A and are home to a parking lot, White Glove Moving and Storage at 235 West 1st Street, Dependable Enterprises Inc. also at the same address, and land under the Bayonne Bridge. Not included in this is the Starting Point Bar and Grill at 2 Avenue A.

Lastly, the council also authorized the board to conduct a study to determine if the properties located within the Constable Hook West Side and East Side Redevelopment Study Areas constitute areas in need of redevelopment. At its May 2022 meeting, the council previously authorized the board to study the Central Constable Hook Redevelopment Area to determine if it constitutes an area in need of redevelopment as well, which was presented to the board in January.

Redevelopment plan approved as well

At its January meeting following the December council meeting, the Planning Board received the communications from the City Council to begin the preliminary investigation of the properties to determine if they are areas in need of redevelopment. It also saw City Planner Suzanne Mack present the Central Constable Hook Redevelopment Plan to the board, which they unanimously approved.

The redevelopment area included in the plan encompasses the 140-acre former Exxon site and International-Matex Tank Terminal (IMTT) at Constable Hook. A plan was previously adopted by the board and presented to the council but scrapped over the inclusion of a parcel of land occupied by rail lines owned by Conrail.

Amid the pause on most major residential redevelopment enacted by Mayor James Davis during the run up to the May municipal election pending a study on buildings constructed since the boom began in Bayonne, the city has decided to pursue industrial redevelopment at Constable Hook.

While residential redevelopment may resume unabated soon because the study has been completed and the data shows the constructed redevelopments are occupied, although some residential projects moved forward during the pause regardless which officials defended was due to prior planning approvals, industrial redevelopment of the Constable Hook area which makes up nearly 20 percent of the city is advancing rapidly such as with the adoption of the redevelopment plan for the former Seahorse Express property.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Craig Guy continues to name top campaign staff in bid for County Executive

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 18, 2023

01acguy26-01 — Craig Guy and Julietta Vogt. Images courtesy of his campaign.

Craig Guy has announced he has hired Julietta Vogt to serve as his campaign manager in the race for Hudson County Executive. Guy is the chief of staff of outgoing County Executive Tom DeGise, who will retire when his term is up.

Guy cites Vogt’s extensive experience working as executive director of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, and the crucial perspective that she will bring to the team as a young millennial woman dedicated to the future of Democratic politics.

“I am thrilled to announce that Julietta Vogt will be leading our campaign team,” said Guy. “Julietta is a highly skilled and experienced leader in Democratic politics, and not only has she worked closely with leaders and activists in Hudson County, but as a millennial and a woman she will bring with her the perspective that we need to move our county and the Democratic party forward.”

Guy is a lifelong public servant who has spent his career in Hudson County. After serving as a Jersey City police officer for 25 years, he has served as the president of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education, and chief of staff to DeGise.

Guy also serves as the treasurer of the Hudson County Democratic Organization. Guy said he will work to keep county property taxes stable, expand education, and improve parks and other public recreation spaces throughout the county.

“This is such an important race for the future of Hudson County, and I can think of no one better than Craig Guy to serve as County Executive and keep moving our community forward,” said Vogt. “I am so excited to take on this role and to work with Craig to build on the work that he has already done to serve Hudson County.”

Chairwoman for campaign named as well

Recently, Guy also announced that Florence Holmes will serve as chairwoman for his campaign for Hudson County Executive. A Jersey City native, Florence Holmes is a prominent leader and advocate in her community.

“Florence and I have been friends for many years and I am honored that she is joining our team,” said Guy. “Florence and I met when I was serving as the Executive Officer in the West District in the Jersey City Police Department, and her neighborhood was part of my beat. From then on I’ve admired her leadership and commitment to community organizing and activism. Her deep knowledge of Jersey City and its residents will be invaluable as we work to uplift every community within Hudson County.”

Throughout her long organizing work, Holmes has headed block associations in her neighborhood, and works at the Bethune Community Center. She also partnered closely with Guy on community policing programs in Jersey City. Holmes’s daughter operates a 501(c)(3) that works to feed the needy in Jersey City and Bayonne, and has also partnered with the county on numerous food insecurity programs.

“I’m so honored to be taking on this role and to be working with my longtime friend Craig,” said Holmes. “I’ve known and worked with Craig for many years and there is no question that he is the right person for the job. He has spent his entire career dedicated to serving the people of Hudson County, and I’m excited to support his candidacy for County Executive.”

Guy faces a challenge from progressive activist and former vice president of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County Eleana Little. Although she was not on the “county line,” meaning endorsed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization, Little came close to beating County Commissioner Yraida Aponte-Lipski in the 4th District in 2020 but ultimately lost by nearly a nine point margin with 4,117 votes for Aponte-Lipski to 3,397 votes for Little.

Election Day for the county executive and all nine county commissioners is June 6. After that, the winners of the Democratic Primary traditionally go on to trounce any Republican opponents in the General Election in November.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Hiram Gonzalez joins ‘Moving West New York Forward Team’

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 18, 2023

01wnygonzalez26 — Hiram Gonzalez, image via social media.

West New York Public Affairs Commissioner and Mayoral candidate Cosmo Cirillo has announced the third member of his council ticket ahead of the May municipal election.

Incumbent Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez is not seeking re-election, rather he is running on a slate for the new 33rd Legislative District with State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack and North Bergen Revenue and Finance Commissioner Julio Marenco.

The “Moving West New York Forward Team” has declared that Hiram Gonzalez is the fourth member of their team in addition to Cirillo, Revenue and Finance Commissioner Margarita Guzman, and outgoing Assemblywoman for the current 32nd Legislative District Angelica Jimenez. He is a lifelong West New York resident, having graduated from Memorial High School and going into the United States Marine Corps.

After the Marines, Gonzalez went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Montclair State University. Since then, Gonzalez has worked in finance, also involved in community service coaching the West New York Recreation Basketball Program for more than a decade as Program Coordinator, as well as a volunteering with the West New York Little League and sponsoring his own team there.

Cirillo believes Gonzalez’s background in finance and community service will be an asset to the team. Throughout his career, he worked as a Staff Accountant at Lifetime Networks, a Finance Manager for the National Football League, and as the Assistant Finance Director for the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

“The Gonzalez family has a long and rich history in WNY and Hiram has constantly demonstrated his desire to give back to our hometown and nation,” Cirillo said in a statement. “After graduating from Memorial High School as a proud Tiger, he selflessly joined the United States Marine Corps and honorably served while rising to the rank of Sergeant. A proud alumnus of Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Hiram has spent the entirety of his adult life working within the field of finance, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge. He has been a coach with our Recreation Basketball Program for over a decade, and currently serves as Program Coordinator.”

‘Moving West New York Forward Team’ grows

According to LinkedIn, Gonzalez is the Assistant Finance Director in Guttenberg, where Cirillo is the Business Administrator. He said he wanted to give back to the community when he started his family in West New York, leading to his involvement in the Little League and Recreation Basketball.

“When my wife and I decided to get married and raise our family in West New York, I knew I wanted to do my best to give back to the community that gave my family so much,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “My many years of community service have been very rewarding and I feel blessed each day to positively impact so many lives.”

Gonzalez is excited to join the team and further contribute to the community. He is the only member of the slate so far who is not already an elected official.

“I am overjoyed to be running with an individual that I have seen firsthand do all he can to support the youth of our community,” Gonzalez said. “Cosmo has constantly gone above and beyond to support our recreation programs, not only through the resources of Town Hall, but also by being physically present to cheer our teams on and be a great role model… I have not been politically involved in the past, but serving with a team led by Commissioner Cirillo is an opportunity that I cannot pass up. He will be an outstanding Mayor that will help West New York prosper.”

The “Moving West New York Forward Team” plans to share their plans for the future of the town in the lead up to the election. Meanwhile, former Democratic Rep. Albio Sires of the 8th Congressional District of New Jersey has declared his intention to run for Mayor too, setting up a showdown between the former three-term Mayor who just spent 16 years in Congress and the incumbent Commissioner.

Sires has not announced any running mates thus far. However, Commissioner of Parks and Public Property Victor Barrera and Commissioner of Public Works Yoleisy Yanez are rumored to be joining Sires’ bid for Mayor.

To make things more interesting, former Mayor Dr. Felix Roque has been hinting he may also run for Mayor alongside with former Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Tommy Mannion and potentially others. Roque, who was ousted by Rodriguez in 2019, has not officially announced anything but is anticipated to declare his candidacy at an event on January 19.

Voters will head to the polls for the municipal election on May 9. In West New York, the top five recipients of votes are elected to the Board of Commissioners, where a Mayor is then elected by the board.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Hudson progressives run for seats in county government

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 18, 2023

01acrprogressives26-01 — Alex Valdez is running for County Commissioner in District 9. Photo courtesy of his campaign.

All nine Hudson County Commissioner seats are up for re-election in 2023. Primary Election Day for the Democrats is June 6, and the winners would usually go on to handily defeat Republican candidates in the “deep blue” Hudson County.

But this year a handful of progressive candidates will try to challenge the usual primary cakewalk for Hudson County Democratic Organization office holders.

Alex Valdez has announced his candidacy for Hudson County Commissioner for District 9, comprising the West Hudson towns of Kearny, Harrison, East Newark, and parts of Secaucus and Jersey City. The seat is currently held by Commissioner Albert Cifelli.

As a non-profit leader and former Sergeant in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Valdez said he understands the wants and needs of the people of Hudson County. He is challenging an incumbent who has run unopposed for over 20 years to ensure that Hudson County residents have an advocate on the board who will fight to keep their community affordable, safe, and supportive.

“I am running for County Commissioner to ensure that Hudson County is a place where rent is affordable, our streets are safe, the environment is clean, and the American Dream is still attainable,” Valdez said. “As the child of a single mother who immigrated to this country, and a product of Kearny public schools, I am eager to give back to the community that gave so much to me. Each day the conversations I’ve been having with the residents of West Hudson have been nothing short of inspirational.”

Like so many others, Alex’s mother immigrated to Hudson County seeking better opportunities and the American Dream for her children. He was born and raised in Kearny and is a proud product of Kearny public schools, as well as Rutgers-Newark where he earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Valdez has coordinated after-school and summer programs for low-income youth in Passaic and Paterson, and now serves as a Board Chair for America Needs You-NJ, a non-profit dedicated to assisting first generation college students with career development. Additionally, he has worked on humanitarian aid missions supporting Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russia-Ukraine War, vulnerable Afghans who were evacuated to the United States, and asylum-seekers from the southern border including families, who just like his own, came here seeking a better life.

Valdez is running for Hudson County Commissioner in District 9 to keep the community affordable, improve parking and public transit, expand access to green space, and increase transparency and accountability in government. For more information about his campaign, go online to AlexValdezNJ.com.

Adrian Ghainda is running for County Commissioner in District 2. Photo courtesy of Ghainda.

District 2 progressive declares his candidacy as well

Along with Valdez, 24-year-old Adrian Ghainda of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County has recently launched his first campaign for public office for the District 2 seat on the Hudson County Board of Commissioners.

District 2 consists of most of western Jersey City and part of downtown. The seat is currently occupied by Commissioner Bill O’Dea.

“I am running for County Commissioner because our people deserve an option at the ballot box,” Ghainda said. “We deserve to have the working-class represented not only by everyday people but to also have our voices heard in every political process”.

Ghainda is a Jersey City native and a graduate from New Jersey City University Class of 2020. He is currently the Special Projects Director for Voters of Tomorrow New Jersey, the former State Delegate for the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County and former member of the Board of Delegates for the Progressive Democrats of New Jersey.

“I was born and raised in Jersey City and I’ve seen the toll it’s taken on friends, family, and neighbors who were pushed out of our county because of how unaffordable it became,” Ghainda said. “We deserve to have our elected officials advocating to keep us in the place we’ve called home instead of selling us out for a pretty penny.”

Ghainda has also served as a Field Coordinator for the Hudson County Democratic Socialists of America’s Right to Counsel campaign. His announcement came with a glowing endorsement from a fellow progressive, activist and former candidate for New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District Ricardo Rojas.

“Adrian is one of the most kind and selfless people I have ever had the blessing to work with,” Rojas said. “He is a true organizer at heart who understands that the injustices of the morally bankrupt system and those who prop it up are not resolved by the charity of a single individual, but through building community through solidarity. He is a man wise beyond his years, who I am confident will bring truly inclusive, truly progressive vision for the 2nd District so that every neighbor no matter their place of origin or socioeconomic class can call this place “home”, now and in years to come.”

For more information about his campaign, go online to adrianghaindanj.com.

Mamta Singh is running for County Commissioner in District 4. File photo.

Progressives challenge incumbent establishment Democrats

Mamta Singh has recentlyannounced she is running for Hudson County Commissioner for District 4. District 4 encompasses Jersey City Wards D and C and part of Ward E, currently represented by Yraida Aponte-Lipski.

Singh is a mom and Jersey City resident for the past 14 years who founded local non-profit JCFamilies Inc., a 501(c)3 that connects families in aims to enhance residents’ parenting experience. In addition to her work with JCFamilies, Singh is an active member of the Hamilton Park community, and serves on the County Committee.

Singh’s vision includes increasing climate resilience, revitalizing public transportation, ensuring District 4 remains an affordable community to raise a family, and ensuring the County’s $600 million budget is managed “fairly, transparently, and to directly benefit the community.” Her announcement came with an endorsement by Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon, a progressive figure in local politics.

For more information about her campaign, go online to mamtasingforjc.com.

In addition, Ron Bautista is running for Hudson County Commissioner for District 5, having announced his candidacy in July. The District includes Hoboken and the downtown Jersey City waterfront, currently held by Vice Chairman Anthony Romano.

Bautista, of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County, is again challenging Romano for the seat. He previously took on Romano in the primary in 2020, drawing in 38.5 percent of votes to Romano’s 61.3 percent.

Prior to that, Bautista was a candidate in a few local municipal elections. He ran for mayor of Hoboken in 2017, and for the Third Ward seat on the City Council in 2019. Since then, Bautista has been involved with progressives in Hudson County, being the President of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County until just before announcing his campaign.

Ron Bautista is running for County Commissioner in District 5. Photo courtesy of his campaign website.

Bautista is running on a platform of “empowering everyday people, holistic public safety, and tackling the climate crisis,” including: easy budgeting and accountable government; fair rents and legal representation for all tenants; a Hudson County for people of all incomes; equity and inclusion for people with disabilities; no profiteering from immigrant family separation; safer streets for kids and for all; social services to prevent the criminalization of communities; addressing the mental health crisis; accountability and transparency in public safety; fighting for 100 renewable energy by 2030; and increase green, planted areas by 2030.

“When politicians are owned by political party bosses and big corporate donors, they’re afraid to address homelessness, fight for cleaner air and safer streets for everyone,” Bautista said. “We need a County Commissioner with the courage to serve everyday people, not the politicians.”

For more information about his campaign, go online to ronbautistanj.com.

They’re also fielding a County Executive challenger too

There is also a progressive challenger for the County Executive seat. Eleana Little, a community organizer and environmental engineer, has announced her candidacy. Little is the former vice president of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County, as well as the former president of the Harsimus Cove Association.

A longtime resident of Hudson County, Little is running on a platform focused on “the struggles faced by everyday people,” such as rising rents, flooding, crime, and affordability. She also aims to prioritize affordable housing, transit infrastructure and safe streets, water and environmental infrastructure, educational infrastructure, and public health infrastructure, which she said is needed for livable communities.

According to Little, she doesn’t take any money from corporate political action committees (PACs), real estate developers, or political bosses. She said her campaign is powered by “everyday people who believe that it’s time for a change in Hudson County.”

Eleana Little is running for County Executive. Photo courtesy of her campaign.

Most recently, Little unsuccessfully ran for Hudson County Commissioner in 2020. Although she was not on the “county line,” meaning endorsed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization, she came close to beating Yraida Aponte-Lipski in the 4th District but ultimately lost by nearly a nine point margin with 4,117 votes for Aponte-Lipski to 3,397 votes for Little.

Little’s announcement came with the backing of former progressive candidate for the 8th Congressional District Hector Oseguera. Incumbent County Executive Tom DeGise is retiring in 2023 and he and the rest of the Hudson County Democratic Organization have backed his long time Chief of Staff Craig Guy to succeed him.

Little will face off against Guy in June, after he officially kicked off his campaign in September. It was expected that progressives would field some candidates for the June Primary, but it now appears a full slate may be forming to take on establishment Democrats at the county level ahead of the November General Election.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Jersey City will be hosting events related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 17, 2023

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jersey City will host the following events.

38th Annual Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Shabbat Services

A jewish temple in Jersey City will be hosting the 38th Annual Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Kabbalat Shabbat Services at Temple Bethe-El.

The event is set to take place at the congregation location at 2419 Kennedy Boulevard and will be lived streamed on their Youtube page.

A keynote speech will be given by Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway, along with the participation of JC Ecumenical Community Singers, a Christian based organization, which will be by Gail Blache-Gill and other musical guests according to the congregation’s site.

Dr.Martin Luther King Community Awareness Series

On Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. is the Community Awareness Series (CAS) of the Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL), an annual event in honor of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.

The event will host musicians Winard Harper and Jeli Posse in a Jazz Performance on Miller Branch-489 Bergen Avenue.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Series 2023

Rutgers University Cultural Center will be collaborating with Keynote speaker Angela Rye on highlight MLK accomplishments as a historian and social activist.

The discussion will take place from Jan.23 through Jan.31 according to the university’s site. To register click here.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at [email protected].

Jersey City and Hoboken cyclists are faced with ridership price increases

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 17, 2023

In an announcement by Citibike, the bike sharing service company said it would be hiking prices due to inflation costs. The price increase would be seen in both the annual membership and Day Pass fee, along with the non-member single-ride fees.

“As we continue expanding the largest bike share program in North America, we’ll be raising our prices this January to account for inflation,” said the statement.

Under the new price changes, non-member single-ride fees will increase from $3.99 to $4.49 starting Jan.5. But for those who are enrolled in day passes and annual memberships, a price increase will be seen from $15 to $19, and annual memberships going up from $185 to $205 staring on Jan.29.

Extra time spent on the Citbikes will also see price increases, with 26 cents per minute for single-ride users after 30 minutes and 17 cents per minute under the annual pass membership. According Citibike’s site, E-bike fees will go from 23 to 26 cents per minute for non-members, and from 15 to 17 cents a minute for members.

Jersey City and Hoboken have over 80 docking stations and 800 bikes under the Cit Bike bike share program. Using Citi Bike System Data, a report released by the NYC Data Science Academy last year, indicated bikes in New Jersey were used on average 2.2 times and each station was used about 22 times each day.

Chris Adair, who uses the bike service to commute to work five times a week and is the president of Bike Hoboken, told the Hudson Reporter that the price increases were not of a surprise to her. “Nobody likes to have prices raised on anything,” said Adair, who said the program “brings value to the community at large,” and reduces both air and noise pollution.

Under a five year contract with both Jersey City and Hoboken, the mobility service company Lyft created the Citi Bike bike share program for residents. Citibike made it way into Jersey City in 2015 and afterwards into Hoboken in 2021.

The Hudson Reporter previously reported on Gov.Phil Murphy’s 2023 fiscal year budget plan, which would award Jersey City $670,000 under the Local Bikeway Program, one off three programs (The Safe Streets to Transit and Transit Village Program).

The City of Hoboken was awarded a grant of $325,000 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to construct Protected Bike Lanes on Sinatra Drive between 4th and 11th Streets.

Tyler Newcomb, a trustee of Bike JC, and one of the organizers who led the NJ Turnpike Trap bike rally last year, against the city’s proposal in expanding the Turnpike extension of I-78, said he was glad to see the prices remain the same for low income based users, “ensuring that people can have access to the most efficient and affordable form of transportation there is.”

He added, that he would like to see Citibike expand into the south region of Jersey City, as they currently have limiting stations and bike access according to Newcomb who is a frequent bike rider.

“The city is aware of the fee increase and will continue to work with Lyft to ensure residents have equitable access to the bike share program as service continues to expand and improve,” wrote Marilyn Baer, the city’s spokesperson. “The city is thankful that fees will not increase for our residents most in need, as Hoboken Housing Authority residents and SNAP recipients will continue to pay the same reduced rate.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at [email protected].

Assemblyman Pedro Mejia will not seek re-election

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 17, 2023

01acmejia26 — State Assemblyman Pedro Mejia (center) at a Cuban Liberation rally alongside West New York Commissioner of Revenue and Finance Margarita Guzman (left) and State Senator and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco (right). Photo courtesy of the Assemblyman.

Assemblyman Pedro Mejia of the current 32nd Legislative District has officially announced that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming June Democratic Primary.

Appointed to the seat in 2018 following the resignation of former Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, Assemblyman Mejia of Secaucus is currently serving his third full term. According to Mejia, he is the first Dominican-American to serve in the New Jersey State Legislature.

“Serving the people of the 32nd District in the State Assembly has been a wonderful honor and I am so proud of the difference we have made in the lives of the people of New Jersey,” said Mejia. “Due to the changes in the district lines, I will not be running for re-election this year.”

Despite essentially being left out to pasture by the HCDO and their new slate for the new 33rd Legislative District post-legislative redistricting across the state, Mejia endorsed the candidates for the area of his former district including his replacement. That ticket includes current 32nd Legislative District State Senator since 2008 and Union City Mayor Brian Stack running for the Senate seat, West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez running for one of the State Assembly seats, and North Bergen Revenue and Finance Commissioner Julio Marenco running for the other Assembly seat.

“I am fully supporting the Hudson County Democratic Organization team of Senator Brian Stack, Gabe Rodriguez and Julio Marenco for Assembly and I know that they will do an excellent job for the people of our community,” Mejia said. “I would like to thank Senator Nicholas Sacco, Mayor Michael Gonnelli, Chairman Anthony Vainieri and all of the Democratic leaders and voters in the county for giving me the opportunity to serve as the first Dominican-American legislator in New Jersey.”

HCDO thanks candidates for stepping aside

Hudson County Democratic Organization Chairman Anthony Vainieri, also Chairman of the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, publicly thanked Mejia as well as fellow departing Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro of the current 33rd Legislative District, who already announced that she will not seek re-election. The new 32nd Legislative District candidates are State Assemblyman Raj Mukherji for the Senate seat, and Jessica Ramirez and John Allen for the Assembly.

“Assemblywoman Chaparro and Assemblyman Mejia are distinguished public servants who have been important leaders in Hudson County,” said Vainieri. “We’re sad to see Pedro and Annette leave elected office, but we know that they will always be part of the HCDO team. The HCDO has a dynamic new group of Assembly candidates who are ready to work alongside Senator Brian Stack and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji to deliver for the people of Hudson County, and we’re looking forward to supporting them in the Primary.”

Ramirez is a Jersey City resident and partner at the law firm D’Arcy Johnson Day, where she specializes in serious personal injury, sexual abuse, medical device and product liability litigation. She has served on the State Ethics Committee and as an Eminent Domain Commissioner.

Allen of Hoboken is the former Chief of Staff to Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and his predecessor Dawn Zimmer. He’s an attorney with the firm Schenck Price and also serves on a number of public bodies, including the Hudson County Planning Board and the Garden State Joint Insurance Fund.

The candidates for both the new 32nd and 33rd Legislative District were known publicly for months ahead of the official announcement. What was unclear is if the unendorsed incumbents would challenge the new HCDO-backed candidates, which is now evident they will not.

Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro is not running for re-election. Image courtesy of the Assemblywoman.

Chaparro not running for re-election either

Earlier this month, Chaparro indicated she would also not run against the HCDO-backed candidates for the other Assembly seat in the new 33rd Legislative District. She had previously intended for the voters to decide, but opted otherwise after the endorsements were announced, noting that she was glad her replacement was a Latina woman and that she would still be active in her community.

Chaparro, who is also employed at Hoboken City Hall, said that she brought a “unique perspective” to the State House as a single mom was born into and grew up in the Hoboken Housing Authority. Selected for the seat by former Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and largely able to stick around due to Stack’s political muscle, Bhalla ultimately got the final say here.

Chaparro said she will work hard in the Assembly until her term expires and also promised to help make it a smooth transition for the new legislators. She was first elected in 2015 and has served eight years in the Assembly prior to this.

“While my work is far from over, I wanted to thank the voters of the 33rd District for entrusting me to be their voice in Trenton for what will be eight years of service to the people of Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City, and Weehawken,” Chaparro said. “As announcements regarding the political future of my seat were made, I wanted to let everyone know that I am committed to a hard-working 2023 and will still help my community in any capacity I can going forward…My work isn’t done in the Assembly, and it won’t be done when my term ends. I still want to be a voice for all the people who need help in my community. But as plans for the future are announced, I wanted to simply say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me on this journey.”

Post-redistricting leadership shuffle nearly complete

Due to redistricting, State Senator Nicholas Sacco of the current 33rd Legislative District and Stack wound up in the same district. Instead of rehashing an old beef, Sacco decided to retire when his term is up after being in the State Senate since 1994 to focus on running for Mayor of North Bergen and endorse Stack, under a deal where North Bergen would choose one of the Assembly seats with the other remaining chosen by West New York.

This deal is what spelt the end for Mejia and Chaparro, as well as Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez who has been in the other current 32nd Legislative District seat since 2012. However, now, they have all decided not to seek re-election, with Jimenez running for the West New York Board of Commissioners under a ticket with Commissioner of Public Affairs Cosmo Cirillo.

Meanwhile, 33rd Legislative District Assemblyman Raj Mukherji is seeking the State Senate seat in the new 32nd Legislative District since February of 2022. Elected in 2013, he is now seeking a seat in the higher chamber of the state legislature.

With that announcement, all of the former State Assemblymembers left without a place on the HCDO “county line” have moved out of the way for the replacements. It remains to be seen if they will be challenged by progressives or if the establishment Democrats will waltz to victory unopposed in the Primary and then against Republicans in the General Election in the “deep blue” Hudson County.

In the 31st Legislative District, when it comes to State Senator Sandra Cunningham, State Assemblyman William Sampson, and State Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, Cunningham is expected to not run for re-election due to her hospitalization for unnamed health issues in the wake of dropped DWI charges in 2022 and Sampson recently had his crane operator license revoked by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor and was removed from the waterfront as a longshoreman after “excessive absenteeism,” although he is appealing the decision. However, the HCDO has not yet backed anyone in the district and said when announcing the other candidates that it will make clear its endorsements for that district in the future.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Man dies in a fatal fire at Secaucus apartment

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 16, 2023

01secfire26 — The apartment complex at 220 Meadow Lane where the fire occurred. Image via Google Maps.

In an overnight fire, 72-year-old John Meisenburg passed away at a Secaucus apartment, according a statement put out by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

At approximately 11:53 p.m., the Secaucus Police Department was notified of a fire at 220 Meadow Lane, where Meisenburg was residing at the time.

The Secaucus Fire Department arrived on scene and found heavy fire and smoke within a second floor apartment unit.

A preliminary investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force determined the fire originated in a second floor unit, with a third floor unit suffering heavy smoke damage. The fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time and the cause remains under investigation. The victims was found unconscious on the second floor according to a report put out by CBS New York.

He was transported to Hudson Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:52 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023.

The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is actively investigating with assistance from the Secaucus Fire Department and the Secaucus Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at [email protected].

Vainieri chairs Board of Commissioners for seventh consecutive term

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 16, 2023

01acvainieri26 — Vainieri was sworn in as Chairman on Jan. 5. Photo courtesy of the county.

The Hudson County Board of Commissioners elected Commissioner Anthony Vainieri, who represents North Bergen and Secaucus, as chairman again at its re-organization
meeting on January 5. He is also the Chairman of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.

The day after the meeting, Vainieri took to social media to post a statement: “Yesterday, I was sworn is as the Chairperson of the Hudson County Board of Commissioners. This is the 7th year in a row and I’m proud and honored to serve the residents of Hudson County. I’d like to thank all my colleagues for their vote of confidence in me and special thank you to North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco and Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli for the support that they have always given me to represent their municipalities.”

Vainieri has now held the position for seven consecutive terms, tied with the record for the most in Hudson County. He is the second person to do so, tied with former Chairman Sal Vega.

The former West New York Mayor and State Assemblyman was chairman of the board from 1999 and 2006. If Vainieri is re-elected to the board and elected again to the leadership position in 2024, he will overtake Vega for the record with eight consecutive terms.

Other leadership elected

Anthony L. Romano, who represents all of Hoboken and a part of Jersey City was re-elected Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Jerry Walker who represents parts of Jersey City was elected Chairperson Pro-Tempore.

That is the same leadership the board has maintained since 2021. Walker was also designated as Voting Member for the Hudson County Board of Commissioners to attend all meetings and conferences of the New Jersey Association of Counties for 2023.

In addition, Commissioner Fanny Cedeno who represents Union City was designated as Second Alternate Voting Member to the New Jersey Association of Counties for the year 2023. Hudson County Administrator Abe Antun was designated Alternate Voting Member to the New Jersey Association of Counties for the year 2023.

All nine county commissioners are up for re-election in 2023, with a number of progressive challengers declaring their intent to run for a number of seats on the board held by the establishment Democrats as well as for County Executive.

While Vainieri could make history as the longest serving Chairman on the board, that may not be the path he takes. There could also be a change up with an opening on the Board of Commissioners in North Bergen, which Vainieri could run for with the departure of Commissioner Julio Marenco running for State Assembly in the new 33rd Legislative District.

Vainieri has long been thought to be the mayoral successor to Sacco in North Bergen. While Sacco, who is retiring from State Senate, has made clear he will run for re-election in 2023, Vainieri’s addition to the board could clear the way for a potential mayoral run after Sacco retires as mayor.

However, Vainieri has not yet made clear his intentions.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Bergen Walmart reopens after $18 million remodeling

By

Hudson Reporter

-

January 16, 2023

01nbwalmart26-01 — Officials celebrated the reopening on Jan. 13. Photo courtesy of the township.

The North Bergen Walmart held a grand reopening, or “regrand opening” as they called it on Friday, Jan. 13.

The North Bergen Walmart opened on Jan. 28, 2010 and employs thousands of local employees, serving hundreds of thousands of customers. The reopening follows a huge $18 million, seven-month remodeling project that transformed the space.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Township Commissioners were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Police Chief Peter Fasilis, County Commissioner Anthony Vainieri, NHRFR Executive Director Michael DeOrio, Parking Authority Executive Director Robert Baselice, and many other township officials and administrators. Also participating in the event was the North Bergen High School Marching Band, which performed several numbers to the delight of the large crowd.

As part of the remodeling, they launched a new HIV-focused specialty pharmacy in the facility – the first of its kind in the northeastern U.S. In addition to providing for customers’ prescription and over-the-counter needs, the pharmacy will offer additional services for customers with or at risk of HIV, making available industry-leading clinical programs, pharmacy services provided by HIV-trained pharmacists, enhanced care coordination, healthy lifestyle recommendations, and more.

At the grand reopening the store donated checks for $1,500 and more to the North Bergen Police Department, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, National Hispanic Reformed Church, Kidney Foundation, Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, Koenig Childhood Cancer Foundation, and Hoboken Family Foundation, Inc. Joining in the event were numerous vendors including The Corn Guys, Pepsi, and Frito Lay.

Attendees were treated to various freebies and giveaways. Festivities continued throughout the weekend.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].