West New York officials break ground on Miller Park renovations

September 15, 2022

09wnypark22_alternate — An aerial view of Miller Park prior to the renovations. Image courtesy of West New York.

West New York officials have broken ground on renovations to Miller Park, the town has announced. The largest park in town, surrounded by a largely residential area, will be getting a facelift.

Miller Park is on Jackson Street, between 57th Street and 59th Street in town. The park is just across the street from the landmark Miller Stadium, which recently underwent renovations as part of a three-pronged park plan which included McEldowney Field and Centennial Field.

Now Miller Park is slated for an overhaul too. Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez, Commissioner Victor Barrera, and the West New York Board of Commissioners along with Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ-08) commemorated the start of the park upgrades with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Saturday, September 10.

The new park will have significant improvements to the playground, basketball court, and open passive areas with benches and walking paths for use by seniors, according to the town. The new playground will also provide the community with areas specifically tailored for children with special needs, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

Some of the other amazing features of the park will include a community garden, a new mini soccer field, a dog park, new basketball courts, security cameras, safe lighting, and landscaping, among other improvements. The planned upgrades were presented to the board at the beginning of the year in January, during the Capital Plan Midterm Review for capital projects by Special Projects Manager Jonathan Castañeda.

The funding for the project comes from federal, state, and local sources. This includes some of the town’s federal COVID-19 relief funds, federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund money among other sources. Earlier in the year, the local Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance bonding millions for the improvements.

The park is now closed until the renovations are completed. While the project was initially estimated to be completed in September, it has started in September instead and it is not clear when exactly construction will finish in mid-2023 and the park will reopen.

“We are happy to break ground here at Miller Park,” Rodriguez said in a video by the town touting the groundbreaking. “We want to thank our Congressman Albio Sires for all his hard work in Washington and getting us the funds that completed the project so we can once and for all finish fixing Miller Park. We are excited to say that we will be opening sometime mid-next year. West New York, this park is getting fixed for you.”

Sires, who is retiring from Congress and running for mayor of the town in 2023 when Rodriguez will run for state Assembly, touted the park project as teamwork between himself, the board and the town, and all involved entities. He said work will continue on other town parks to bring them up to snuff.

“This is an example of working together, the Board of Commissioners and myself, what we can bring to West New York,” Sires said. “This is probably the largest park in West New York. It’s going to have an active part of the park, and it’s going to have a passive part of the park, where seniors can come and sit down and enjoy this beautiful park. This all happened because everyone’s working together for the betterment of West New York. So we will continue working to make all our parks as good as this one is going to be.”

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].

West New York officials defend handling of Spotted Lanternfly infestation

Hudson Reporter

September 15, 2022

Top,View,Of,Spotted,Lanternfly,,Chester,County,,Pennsylvania — A spotted lanternfly with its wings open, sucking the life out of a tree. Image via Shutterstock.

West New York officials are defending their handling of the Spotted Lanternfly infestation following residents complaints.

Rianna Bryceland asked Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez and the West New York Board of Commissioners what is being done to curb the pests at the local level at the September 7 meeting. She also asked if the administration is aware of the spraying of the invasive insects in the more affected areas of the county by the Hudson Regional Health Commission.

“Considering North Bergen has already received help, what communications has the administration had with the HRHC to ensure West New York is included?” Bryceland asked. “Aside from spraying to alleviate the presence of the SLF during the Farmers Market, I have seen no other proactive initiative taken by the town’s administration, even though the New Jersey state government has published an extensive informational website dedicated to this invasive insect and that our governor has instructed the citizens to destroy the pests on site.”

Bryceland pointed to Hudson County Commissioner Chairman Anthony Vainieri’s Facebook post from August 3 regarding county action against the Spotted Lanternfly.

“This week I instructed the county parks and roads departments to start spraying on Blvd East for Lanternflies,” Vainieri wrote. “We will keep this going throughout the rest of the summer and if needed longer. I walked with the staff and saw all the Lanternflies all over. Just to let you all know, we are on it. I just was watching the news and there is a problem on the beaches as well with these flies. So again, we will be doing a major treatment constantly to address this problem.”

Bryceland took issue with this, noting she has yet to see the county in West New York or Weehawken. She alleged North Bergen received “special treatment” of the county following media coverage of Lanternflies on an apartment building in the township.

“Because the news concentrated on a high rise in North Bergen, North Bergen has been getting some special treatment,” Bryceland said. “I would very much like West New York to get some special treatment.”

Spotted Lanternflies invade Hudson County

Following that, Bryceland showed infestations at the Versailles Apartments in West New York at 6600 Boulevard East. She said the insects swarm on the front and back of the building, on the promenade, and at the pool.

“I would say, and I’m not even exaggerating 75 to 80… crawling up… and concentrating in the corner, all on top of one another,” Bryceland said. “They were running all the way down… crawling up the building. Then right underneath where the D Line apartments, there was even more, twice as many and then going around the side.”

Bryceland said she has been hunting them down at her building. She has amassed quite the Spotted Lanternfly kill count.

“I was able to take out 300 to 400 of them with my handy fly swatter,” Bryceland said. “I broke a fly swatter and had to go upstairs to get another one.”

However, the problem is not isolated to just one area in town. Bryceland said the invasive species is killing trees and plants throughout West New York, evident by the honeydew left behind on trees after the Spotted Lanternflies suck the sap from the host plant.

“I walked down Boulevard East, and they began attacking the trees,” Bryceland said. “The trees on Boulevard East are beleaguered. They are dripping in the Lanternflies’ honeydew…”

She continued: “They started the invasion last year… and this year it is out of control. I’m hoping that we can get the same kind of consideration from the county so that we can at least start to beat back this infestation.”

Town is aware of the issue

Mayor Rodriguez responded that the town is already in communication with county officials.

“I can tell you we are in contact with the county, specifically about this issue,” Rodriguez said. “We’d be happy to get back to you when we have further updates and plans in terms of what the rollout will be. It’s obviously affecting the entire tri-state area and we are part of that.”

Bryceland added that this affected more than just the tri-state area.

“It’s really, this is almost an emergency,” Bryceland said. “It’s gotten to that point.”

Ginger Thatcher, another resident of the Versailles Apartments, echoed Bryceland.

“It seems that Bergen County is already spraying for these, and I just want to reiterate that the time to do that is yesterday,” Thatcher said. “These have to be addressed because they’ve gone from manageable to completely ruined our summer at the pool. You couldn’t enjoy it because they were jumping in on you, flying in.”

Thatcher added that the problem is all over West New York, and urged the town take action.

“They’re all over the cliffs of the Palisades, all the way up and down, all the way to Jersey City. I was told there was supposed to be coordination between the three towns of Weehawken, West New York, and Jersey City. But I have not heard anything yet about that happening, nor have I seen any action being taken and it has to happen. They are out of control. It’s horrible.”

Rodriguez responded, “I agree.” Manager of Special Project Jonathan Castañeda added he would have answers for residents soon, noting that there was an upcoming meeting between entities to address the problem.

“We’ve been working with our Health Officer recently and Hudson Regional [Health Commission] to plan out the three towns you just mentioned coordinating,” Castañeda said.

In the meantime, the best way residents can help to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternflies is to stomp them out.

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].

Stack touts improvements to Central Avenue, other major streets in Union City

Hudson Reporter

September 9, 2022

09ucstreets15 — A new bike lane was added to Central Avenue. Photo courtesy of the city.

Major improvements on Central Avenue have been completed in Union City, Mayor Brian Stack has announced. New sidewalks, new streets, decorative lighting, and many safety upgrades have been added, including a bike lane.

A majority of the city’s main avenues have been totally redone. According to Stack, those that haven’t been renovated yet are in the works.

“We just finished resurfacing 21st to 35th Street on Central Avenue,” Stack said in a video update on the project on August 30. “Brand new streets, brand new sidewalks. Very soon we will have decorative lighting coming in.”

Among the safety upgrades made to the street, the city has installed brighter lights to existing street lights.

“We replaced all the flood lights to make it very bright in the evening,” Stack said. “Now, with our children going back to school, it makes it even safer.”

On top of that, the city also added a bike lane on Central Avenue like it did on Palisade Avenue.

“Bicyclists and individuals that are operating a motorcycle or a scooter can drive so safely and follow the pattern of traffic,” Stack said.

Stack concluded in true Stack-fashion by thanking residents for their support and advising them to contact him with any suggestions and concerns.

“What’s very important is that the street from 21st to 35th on Central was completely replaced,” Stack said. “The sidewalks were done. We put ballards on the corner to keep people safe in the crosswalk. And soon we’ll have decorative lighting.

Prior to finishing renovations on Central Avenue, Summit Avenue received the same treatment. Summit Avenue was repaved from 5th Street to 18th Street, sidewalks were replaced, and brighter street lights were added, among other similar improvements.

“This just adds to the safety,” Stack said, touting the changes in a video update on August 17. “Please come to Summit Avenue, shop at Summit Avenue, come to the restaurants on Summit Avenue.”

In addition to work on Palisades Avenue, Summit Avenue, and Central Avenue, the city is redoing Bergenline Avenue as well. The projects will continue to progress throughout the year, according to Stack.

“We are focused and committed to continuing the progress we have made together!,” Stack said.

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 amends five-year tax exemption, introduces another for 30 years

Hudson Reporter

August 31, 2022

09nbtax08 — An aerial view of the Wyndham Garden Hotel in North Bergen. Photo courtesy of the township.

North Bergen has amended a five-year tax exemption it granted to a redeveloper to support an already-constructed hotel. Meanwhile, the township is contemplating granting another tax exemption for 30 years for a planned residential redevelopment.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance authorizing amendments to the hotel’s financial agreement at its August meeting, after it was introduced in July.

The tax exemption is for Spectrum Capital North Bergen, LLC, for 1706 and 1904 Paterson Plank Road. The property is the Wyndham Garden Hotel in North Bergen, owned by Rohit and Raj Gaur.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place for the hotel on June 2, 2021, delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic. The entity applied for the tax exemption back in 2020, to support the five-story hotel with 135 units on the property.

Tax exemption granted in 2020

According to the ordinance, the Tax Assessor can regard the full and true value or a portion of certain improvements as not increasing the full and true value of certain property for a period of five years. That is, if the applicant gets approval from both the Board of Commissioners and the Tax Assessor.

In 2020, the township voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance authorizing the agreement. The township and property owner entered into the Tax Exemption Agreement on November 9 of that year.

According to the new ordinance amending the agreement, Spectrum Capital North Bergen, LLC will pay the township, in addition to the full taxes on the land which shall continue to be conventionally assessed and taxed and not appealed, pursuant to the Amended Agreement, a tax payment for the new improvements to the property.

The new payment schedule will see a total payment of $476,240 to paid quarterly in the amount of $119,060 on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. For 2023, the $250,000 payment can be paid quarterly in the amount of $62,500 on those same dates.

For 2024, the $275,000 payment can be made quarterly in the amount of $68,750 on those same dates. And in 2025, the $300,000 payment can be paid quarterly in the amount of $75,000 on those same dates.

Another tax exemption eyed by township

The Board of Commissioners also introduced an ordinance that would approve and authorize a financial agreement between the township and 8619 Holding Company, LLC for a term of 30 years.

Earlier in the meeting, the commissioners approved a resolution designating 8619 Holding Company, LLC the redeveloper for 8505, 8515, and 8619 Bergenline Avenue, after a Developer’s Agreement was executed in May. At the same August meeting, a redevelopment plan was approved by the board, allowing 11-story multifamily residential buildings on the lots bigger than 7,500 square feet, and 6-story buildings on the lots smaller than 7,500 square feet, as well as allowing parking lots and garages and commercial uses that serve the residents of the buildings.

The area contains a vacant lot that has previously been approved for a mixed-use development, as well as a condominium building that has fallen into disrepair, and an adjoining retail space. 8505 Bergenline Avenue is currently home to James Vincent Bicycles, 8515 is the Mariah Condominiums building, and 8619 is a currently vacant lot adjacent to the Mariah’s parking lot.

Now, the township is eyeing a financial agreement pursuant to the state’s Long Term Tax Exemption Law to support the project. According to the ordinance, the agreement calls for a development with an unclear height and 128 units on the site, with off-street parking and other facilities and public amenities.

James Vincent Bicycles (left) and the Mariah Condominiums (right). Image via Google Maps.

Upcoming public hearing on financial agreement

During the public hearing for the redevelopment plan in August, no members of the public spoke, but Sacco asked Township Administrator Janet Castro if James Vincent Bicycles at 8505 Bergenline Avenue was included in the ordinance. Castro confirmed it was included in the redevelopment plan, but that no final site plans had been submitted by a redeveloper that includes the site.

Sacco noted that if the bicycle business sold the property, they were offered the opportunity to open on the ground floor of the redevelopment. He added that nothing is being done forcefully, however, and the owner of the business can choose not to sell and remain in place.

While the redevelopment plan has been approved, 8619 Holding Company still needs final site plan approval from the North Bergen Planning Board. Meanwhile, the financial agreement ordinance will be up for a public hearing before the North Bergen Board of Commissioners at the next meeting.

The Board of Commissioners will meet again on September 7 at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at Town Hall at 4233 Kennedy Boulevard. For more information, go to northbergen.org.

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].

PILOT approved to support waterfront redevelopment in West New York

Hudson Reporter

August 31, 2022

09wnyPILOT08 — One of the existing Riverbend buildings at Port Imperial in West New York. Image courtesy of Riverbend.

West New York has granted a payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement to a redeveloper to support the construction of new waterfront residential buildings.

Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez and the West New York Board of Commissioners adopted the financial agreement ordinance at the August meeting after it was introduced in July. Previously, the ordinance was introduced at the May meeting this year, but withdrawn at the recommendation of corporation counsel.

Two new Riverbend buildings

Now the town is moving forward with the financial agreement with RB III Apts Urban Renewal, LLC to support the construction of two new buildings at the Riverbend redevelopment. The property is located on the eastern side of Port Imperial Boulevard, in the town’s Controlled Waterfront Development Zone.

Riverbend Building Company II, LLC, an affiliate of the previously mentioned entity, got approval from the the West New York Planning Board for the project in November of 2020. But the redeveloper had to make modifications to the site plan due to changes in FEMA’s policies regarding below grade parking in multifamily buildings, requiring it to be heard again at the May meeting after which the board passed a resolution approving the project at its April meeting.

Under the approvals, the redeveloper adjusted the lot line between two parcels so that the one lot with an existing decreased in size from 3.15 acres to 2.997 acres and another lot increased in size from 1.73 acres to 1.881 acres.

On the lot that was increased, the redeveloper will demolish the existing Buildings 2 and 3 of the Riverbend development and construct two new residential buildings with rental units at market rate, according to the ordinance. The new Riverbend 2 building will have 164 units, an increase from the existing building which contains 87 units; the new Riverbend 3 building will have 426 units, an increase from the existing building containing 126 units.

Inside the 30-year financial agreement

According to the ordinance, the project would not be feasible without the financial assistance of the town, leading to the redeveloper applying for the PILOT agreement. As such, the redeveloper sought to support the project by applying for a PILOT agreement, as is allowed per the state’s Long-Term Tax Exemption Law.

After review of the request together with the town attorney, redevelopment counsel and the town’s financial advisor, the mayor has recommended that the long-term tax exemption and financial agreement be approved, according to the ordinance. The ordinance authorizes the town to accept, in lieu of real property taxes, an annual service charge to be paid by the redeveloper.

The PILOT will be for a 30-year term with an annual service charge based on 11.5 percent of annual gross revenues for years one to five. The annual service charge increases to 12 percent for years six to 10; 12.5 percent for years 11 to 15; 13 percent for years 16 to 20; and 14 percent for years 21 to 30.

The property currently generates $1,400,000 per year in real estate tax revenue. The projected annual service charge over the 30-year term will generate an annual average of approximately $2,600,000, according to the ordinance. The project is also estimated to create temporary jobs during construction, as well as permanent jobs.

Ordinance approved unanimously

No members of the public or board members spoke at the public hearing for the ordinance at the August 10 meeting. Subsequently, it was adopted unanimously.

The next meeting of the West New York Board of Commissioners is on September 7 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, go to westnewyorknj.org.

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].

Secaucus offers activities for seniors

Hudson Reporter

August 24, 2022

09seccouncil01 — Local seniors meet with the Secaucus Police Department to discuss scams on February 26. Photo courtesy of the department.

Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Secaucus Town Council have plenty of programs for seniors underway. Second Ward Town Councilman James Clancy made the announcement at the August 23 meeting of the council.

New senior walking initiative

The council invites seniors to its “Let’s go for a walk” program, Clancy announced. Residents are invited to walk with the town at the nearby American Dream mall. The program began earlier this month on August 1.

Going forward, the program will take place on the first and third Monday of the month at 10 a.m. Bus transport is provided.

“We invite our seniors to talk a walk through the American Dream” Clancy said. The events will be on September 12 and September 19.

Mayor Michael Gonnelli said that there will be people on site to take blood pressure during the event. For more information, call 201-865-4422.

Senior congregate meals return

Clancy also announced the return of congregate meals for seniors.

The meals will take place at the Community Center currently serving as a temporary Senior Center at 145 Front Street. The Senior Center at 101 Centre Avenue was demolished because the town is currently in the planning phase of constructing a new facility.

The suggested donation is $1.75 per meal. The meals take place every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Call 201-330-2094 to reserve a meal. Gonnelli said this was the day that the seniors had bingo there.

“You have lunch and you have bingo,” Gonnelli said.

For more information on these and other opportunities, go to secaucusnj.gov.

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 approves redevelopment plan for portion of Bergenline Avenue

Hudson Reporter

August 24, 2022

09nbredev01 — James Vincent Bicycles (left) and the Mariah Condominiums (right). Image via Google Maps.

North Bergen is looking to redevelop three properties in a prime area of Bergenline Avenue between 85th and 87th Streets.

The township has approved a redevelopment plan for properties including 8619, 8515, and 8505 Bergenline Avenue. The properties are directly across the street from James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park, facing eastward toward New York City.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance adopting a redevelopment plan for the properties at its August 17 meeting. This is the latest step in the process of redeveloping the site.

The first step was taken back in 2021. The Board of Commissioners passed a resolution authorizing a redevelopment study in November of that year.

The area was subsequently designated an area in need of redevelopment by both the Planning Board and then the Board of Commissioners. Following the adoption of a resolution delineating the area for redevelopment in May of 2022, the Board of Commissioners also directed the Planning Board to draw up a redevelopment plan.

The Planing Board reviewed and recommended the plan be advanced in July of this year ahead of the Board of Commissioners meeting on the 13th, when the ordinance was introduced. Now, the Board of Commissioners have approved the plan after a public hearing and vote on the matter in August.

Delineating the redevelopment area

The Mariah Condominiums at 8515 Bergenline Avenue currently contains a five-story, 20-unit residential building constructed in 1950. The building has had multiple, ongoing reports of non-functional basic utilities such as heat, hot water, an elevator that has been non-functional for years, and multiple fire safety violations which have remained outstanding for more than a year.

The township has been forced to address a number of these life and safety issues, such as paying to repair the chimney and boiler. These costs were then assessed as liens against the owners of the building, however they have not been paid and the total amount of the liens currently exceeds $30,000. The property also currently has a lien from the North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority in excess of $100,000 due to nonpayment of water fees.

The building’s condition continues to deteriorate, with visual signs of structural problems, and the township regularly receives numerous complaints illustrating a pattern of sanitary, safety, and accessibility violations that have not been corrected by the property owners. These include, but are not limited to, a lack of heat and hot water, a need for chimney and boiler repairs, infestations of mice and roaches, a lack of preventive maintenance and testing of fire alarms, extinguishers, etc., combustibles near an egress, and a non-operational elevator.

The township contends ongoing negligence in maintaining basic facilities has created an unwholesome, unsafe, and unsanitary living environment for residents. Township officials are considering condemnation proceedings on this property alone in order to facilitate redevelopment of the entire parcel.

The other properties included in the Area in Need of Redevelopment include 8619 Bergenline Avenue and 8505 Bergenline Avenue. According to the township, 8619 Bergenline Avenue is an undeveloped lot that has been approved for a 10-story, mixed-use development with two ground floor commercial spaces, garage parking, and upper floor residential units. Meanwhile, 8505 Bergenline Avenue contains two attached commercial retail buildings, including a two-story and one-story building.

Bicycle business included if interested

During the public hearing, no members of the public spoke, but Sacco asked Castro if James Vincent Bicycles at 8505 Bergenline Avenue was included in the ordinance. Castro confirmed it was included in the redevelopment plan, but that no final site plans had been submitted by a redeveloper that includes the site.

“Formal plans have not been submitted yet,” Castro said.

“They haven’t decided yet,” Sacco said of the bicycle business. “I think they were offered to be a ground floor store” Castro confirmed that: “If they were interested.”

“If they want to they can,” Sacco said. “No one is forcing them to be involved… The key is no one is being forced to do anything they want or don’t want.”

After the meeting, Castro reiterated to the Hudson Reporter that while the property is included in the redevelopment plan, that does not mean it will be redeveloped. The redevelopment plan allows a redeveloper to propose something on the site, but it would need to acquire the property first.

“The redevelopment plan includes it, but just for consideration,” Castro said. “So if the bicycle shop decided that they wanted to sell, then it would be included. So it was included just in case. Nobody’s going to push them out. They can remain if they so choose.”

Castro confirmed that if the redeveloper did not acquire the property because the owner chose not to sell, they can still move forward with final site plans for the other lots in the redevelopment plan that are under their control. Final site plans may be heard by the North Bergen Planning Board in the future. For more information, go to northbergen.org.

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].

Authorities probing cause of fire that sunk yacht in Hudson River

Hudson Reporter

August 22, 2022

09wnyyacht01 — Seven were rescued from the burning yacht on August 20. Photo courtesy of Daisy Khan via Twitter.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating what caused a fire that sank a yacht in the Hudson River on August 20.

The 48-foot vessel caught fire in the waters between West New York and 72nd Street in Manhattan. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) said marine and land units responded to the river at about 3:30 p.m.

However, before firefighters even arrived officials said that a good Samaritan on a nearby boat had rescued the seven occupants of the yacht.

The passengers were later put on an NYPD boat and brought to Chelsea Piers. No injuries were reported.

A number of fire departments responded to the blaze, including the FDNY, Hoboken Fire Department, and North Hudson Regional Fire Department, as well as the NYPD, and the Coast Guard Station New York.

Since the fire, the boat has sunk, but the Coast Guard is keeping track of its location. The yacht drifted to the area of 116th Street, and the location of the vessel is designated with yellow and orange markers so other boats can avoid it.

Officials said the owner and the insurer now need to get a commercial salvage company to remove the sunken vessel. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.

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].

Secaucus considers $6.5 million bond for new senior center

Hudson Reporter

August 19, 2022

08seccouncil25-01 — The Secaucus Town Council will meet next on August 23.

Secaucus is considering a multi-million dollar bond ordinance for various improvements across town, which will include more funds for the new senior center.

The $6,535,000 ordinance was introduced at a Town Council meeting in late July, with an upcoming hearing this month. Mayor Michael Gonnelli was absent at the July 26 meeting, so Third Ward Councilman Bill McKeever chaired the meeting.

The ordinance includes funds for the completion of various public improvements, and the acquisition of new or replacement equipment or machinery, new information and technology equipment, new communication and signals system equipment, and new automotive and electric vehicles including apparatus and equipment.

Roads and senior center improvements

After the meeting, Town Administrator Gary Jeffas explained the gist of the bond ordinance to the Hudson Reporter. One of the biggest items was another approximately $1.5 million for the new senior center at 101 Centre Avenue.

“This is essentially due to cost overruns,” Jeffas said of the previously estimated $7.8 million project. “We didn’t start building yet.”

The cost estimate has increased due to inflationary prices.

“The architectural estimates, now that they are able to drill down more, they just said that with everything else, costs are increasing, so we had to put more money into that,” Jeffas said.

The other major object of the bond ordinance is approximately $2 million for various road paving projects.

“We’re going to be repaving five roads this year,” Jeffas said.

Roof repairs, Millridge Field improvements, and electric vehicles

Other highlights of the bond ordinance includes roof repairs to the recreation center in the amount of approximately $500,000.

“We have a basketball recreation center that we have to redo the roof,” Jeffas said. “It’s a big barrel roof. So there needs to be some shoring up with the steel structure and a new roof on it due to age.”

Another approximately $520,000 will further pay for already-completed improvements to Millridge Field.

“We approved a project a couple of years ago where we do in the field with turf,” Jeffas said. “It’s a flood area so we had to raise it a bit. Based on cost estimates, we need a little more money for that one.”

Another big ticket item in the bond ordinance is approximately $1 million for new police vehicles.

“We applied for a really nice grant on a total electric 25 yard garbage truck,” Jeffas said. “The state granted us that… A large number in that overall vehicle purchases was taking advantage of that grant.”

Grant offsets price of electric garbage truck

Jeffas said the grant helps offset the cost of an electric garbage truck to the point that is cost as much as a diesel truck, which costs considerably less.

“Hypothetically, if a truck would normally cost $500,000 electric, you could buy the same truck in diesel for $250,000,” Jeffas said. “So what the state would do is give a grant of $250,000 so you can essentially buy the electric vehicle at the same cost to the taxpayer as the diesel.”

In order to get the grant, the town has to retire their current diesel garbage truck, drill a hole through the engine block, and show the state that the truck cannot be used again.

The council also introduced another ordinance that would see a $30,000 down payment for improvements to the town’s swim center. Another ordinance introduced is one that would see the removal of a bus stop on Meadowlands Parkway.

Additionally, the council adopted ordinances related to new flood plain management regulations to bring the town in compliance with the state, as well as changing parking meter pricing and hours, among others.

The introduced ordinances will be heard at the next council meeting on August 23 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers in Town Hall at 1203 Paterson Plank Road. For more information, go to secaucusnj.gov.

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].

West New York eyes restrictions for garbage and recycling collection

Hudson Reporter

August 19, 2022

08wnyboc25 — The West New York Board of Commissioner met via Zoom on August 10.

West New York is contemplating establishing time restrictions on the collection of solid waste and recyclable materials by private parties in town.

Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez and the Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance that would do so at its August 10 meeting.

According to the ordinance, the collection of solid waste and recyclable materials by private parties at haphazard times within the town is detrimental to the public welfare.

It is within the police powers of West New York to regulate the hours of collection of solid waste and recyclable materials. The ordinance states that it is in the best interests of the town to do that, as has been successfully done in other adjacent municipalities.

The collection times for both solid waste and recyclable materials for commercial and industrial establishments within West New York by private parties is restricted to between the hours of 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. Such solid waste and recyclable material pick-up must be completed town-wide no later than 7 a.m.

Any person, firm, corporation or association violating the ordinance will be subject to a fine of $100 for each violation. If the violation continues, each day constitutes a separate and distinct offense.

In addition, any violator of disposal and separation requirements of solid waste and recycling will be subject to a fine of $500 for a first violation, and $1,000 for each subsequent and additional violation.

Read the ordinance in full at: westnewyorknj.org/_Content/pdf/ordinances/Ord2122-Solid-Waste-Collection.pdf.

A public hearing and vote will be held on September 7 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. For instructions regarding attendance and participation in the meeting, go to westnewyorknj.org.

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