Union City will retain part of former bus garage property

October 4, 2022

The old New Jersey Transit bus garage, currently used by the Department of Public Works (DPW), is set to be demolished. However, the city will keep a portion of the property for municipal purposes, according to Union City Mayor Brian Stack.

Decommissioned for more than a decade

In August, the Federal Transit Administration previously announced that NJ TRANSIT will receive $44,677,500 in funding to renovate its Union City bus garage, allowing the agency to create a public bus terminal, house administrative services, and charge and deploy battery electric buses. The funding will help cover the nearly $68.9 million the project is estimated to cost by NJ Transit.

In 2011, NJ TRANSIT ceased operations at its Union City bus garage located between 27th and 29th Streets and Bergenline Avenue and New York Avenue. Since then, a portion of the facility at the north end of the property has been leased to the Union City Department of Public Works for storage of various vehicles, equipment, and road salt stockpiling.

The remaining unused main facility is in a state of severe distress from disuse and age. Recent inspection of the facility found the building to be unsafe, and the public and all personnel are currently barred from entry.

The roof structure, which is integral to the larger building structure, has widespread structural failures, and various internal structural components are heavily deteriorated or fallen. A variety of internal components have been subjected to severe corrosion with rotten timbers throughout, making the entire interior of the structure unsafe.

Continued deterioration of the building cannot be permitted without risking the overall structural stability of the facility up to and including the potential for a partial or complete collapse. As the structure is both functionally obsolete and far too deteriorated to attempt its salvage, the only practicable recourse is to immediately demolish it in its entirety.

In July, the NJ TRANSIT board voted to award a $6,015,763.40 contract, plus 25 percent for contingencies, to DMR Construction Services, Inc. to demolish the structure. The existing Union City Bus Garage will be rebuilt as a 40-bus storage facility to support maintenance and storage of articulated and zero emission buses.

Union City to retain two blocks for municipal purposes

In late September, Stack said the city of Union City will retain 27th to 28th Streets from New York Avenue to Bergenline Avenue for unspecified municipal purposes. Meanwhile, NJ TRANSIT will utilize 28th to 29th Street from New York Avenue to Bergenline Avenue to establish the state-of-the-art garage for electric buses with service all over Northern NJ and New York City.

Although NJ TRANSIT was only recently awarded a $44.6 million grant to build this facility, Stack said his administration has worked alongside them for over 20 years on the long-awaited project. He added: “This will be an incredible addition that our city will greatly benefit from.”

In addition to this grant, additional funds have also been secured for Union City and its residents for much needed improvements throughout the community, Stack announced.

He said this included $27 million in state funding for Union City’s municipal budget; $3 million towards the Union City DPW facility; $2 million for the beautification of Bergenline Avenue from 30th to 49th Street, including streetscape improvements, lighting, planters, and more; $3 million to renovate Central Avenue from 21st Street to 35th Street with new sidewalks, decorative lights, trees, and more; $1.7 million to enhance the municipal parking lot between 8th Street and 10th Street, and the construction of an 100-unit senior citizen housing project; and $970,000 for a city-wide police radio system.

“As always, the efforts the Commissioners and I make are with the best interests of our community in mind,” Stack said. “We will continue to work so that you, your loved ones, and all of the residents of Union City can enjoy a high standard of living and quality of life. Please feel free to call me, seven days a week, should you ever need any assistance.”

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].

Weehawken Township Council tackles long To Do list

Hudson Reporter

October 4, 2022

12weebudget16 — The next council meeting will be held at Weehawken Town Hall on October 12. Image via Google Maps.

In addition to holding a moment of silence to honor the county’s first female police officer and an old councilman who passed away, there were a number of other resolutions approved on a variety of topics at the Weehawken Township Council meeting on September 28.

Mayor Richard Turner explained the crux of each measure up for a vote at the meeting. One resolution authorized the application for a grant for a portion of a pedestrian walkway connecting Lincoln Harbor Park to the Weehawken Waterfront Park and Recreation Center.

“We are applying for a grant to complete the pedestrian bridge connecting the North Park with Lincoln Harbor,” Turner said.

Another resolution of note authorized the purchase of new scoreboards for over $40,000 through a purchasing co-op by Middlesex County. The township is currently completing construction on its waterfront recreation complex, which includes a baseball field, a multi-use football and soccer field, and track.

“We’re doing a purchase of two scoreboards for the waterfront for a total of $41,097,” Turner said. “That’s through a co-op.”

Budget to be introduced soon

On top of that, the council approved a resolution reappointing local firefighters. The North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue provides fire coverage for Weehawken, as well as Union City, North Bergen, West New York, and Guttenberg.

“That’s reappointing members of the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue,” Turner said of the resolution.

Other resolutions on the agenda involved granting a disabled veterans tax exemption pursuant to state law, a tax lien redemption, and some temporary budget appropriations. The financial measures come as the township is preparing next year’s budget.

“The Chief Financial Officer is working on the budget,” Turner said. “Hopefully that will be done in the next couple of weeks.”

Following the end of the council’s agenda, it convened as the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board. It granted two license renewals, one for consumption and one for distribution.

After that, the council adjourned as the ABC Board and reconvened as the Township Council. After the aforementioned moment of silence for Debby McGorty and Steven Weil, the council then went into executive session to discuss personnel issues for several minutes.

Other pertinent announcements

When they returned, Turner made some township announcements. He started by discussing ongoing road repaving projects.

“We’re finishing our road paving work on Shippen Street,” Turner said. “They’re probably going to move to Jane Street next.”

In addition to Shippen Street, Jane Street is likely among the streets to be repaved next. The township wants to get everything done before fall ends.

“It’s a little bit up in the air, but we’re going to try to get El Dorado, Clfiton, and Shippen, and maybe Jane paved before winter,” Turner said. “But it’s hard scheduling this.”

At the same time the streets are being repaved, residents with lead lines will have them replaced. Turner said this is being done by Veolia, the water system operator that recently took over from Suez after a merger.

“Veolia has a list of anybody that has not updated their lead lines,” Turner said. “As we do the work, they pay for the conversion to regular lines.”

Second Ward Councilwoman Rosemary Lavagnino noted she herself had lead lines. Turner noted Lavagnino would be among residents to have them replaced when Veolia gets to her residence eventually.

“The lead lines will be changed when they get to you,” Turner said. “They’re going around periodically changing lead lines at no expense to the homeowner. So they will get to you… Veolia is a water company. They change your lines from lead to non lead.”

Municipal pool usage rules for next year?

Turner also noted the municipal pool at the Waterfront Recreation Center is no longer open. He said the township will figure out how the pool, which was completed in August of 2021, will operate next year after construction on the complex will largely be complete.

“The pool has closed for the season as fall is among us,” Turner said. “We’ll figure out next winter or spring the full operation of the pool and how we handle it.”

Earlier in the year, Hoboken residents caused a stir after the pool was limited to Weehawken residents only due to COVID-19 restrictions and minimal parking amid construction, the township argued. However, the New Jersey Department of Environmental’s Green Acres helped build the park, leading to DEP officials alerting the township that it must allow all residents to use the pool, which Weehawken eventually obliged.

After some further discussion of things like Weehawken Day and Hurricane Ian, the council adjourned. The Township Council will meet next on October 12 at 7 p.m. For more information, go to weehawken-nj.us.

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].

Weehawken honors retiring deputy police chief after 28-year career

Hudson Reporter

October 3, 2022

10weechief13-01 — Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner (left) shakes retiring Deputy Police Chief Jason Czornomor's hand. Photos courtesy of the township.

Weehawken Deputy Police Chief Jason Czornomor has retired after 28 years of service. Recently, the township held a ceremony to congratulate Czornomor on his law enforcement career.

Czornomor began his career In July 1994, when he joined the Weehawken Police Department as a patrol officer. He was eventually moved to the “Juvenile Bureau,” remaining there until being promoted to Sergeant in May 2003.

The remainder of Czornomor’s career was spent working for the Quality-of-Life Squad, which is the unit of policing that focuses on community-oriented policing. He then attained the ranks of Lieutenant in March 2009, Captain in May 2016, and Deputy Chief in October 2021.

Following Czornomor’s promotion to the position of Deputy Chief, he was given the added responsibility of Patrol Commander. With that, he managed the patrol division, which also included all Traffic Control Officers, and the Motorcycle Squad, of which he was a member throughout his entire career.

Weehawken police officers salute their outgoing deputy chief.

In a joint statement on October 1 by Mayor Richard Turner, Councilman At-Large Robert Sosa, First Ward Councilwoman Carmela Silvestri-Ehret, Second Ward Councilwoman Rosemary Lavagnino, Third Ward Councilman David Curtis, and Township Manager Giovanni Ahmad, they acknowledged that Czornomor served the Weehawken Police Department with dedication for 28 years and they thanked him for that.

“His leadership of the Weehawken Police Department and the Township has benefited our department and the residents of Weehawken,” the statement said. “On behalf of the residents of Weehawken, we appreciate your service and wish you well in your retirement; we shall miss your service to the community.”

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 honors long-time civil servant and former newspaper editor

Hudson Reporter

September 30, 2022

10seccouncil06 — Mayor Michael Gonnelli and Louise Rittberg. Photo by Daniel Israel.

Secaucus has recognized a long-time municipal employee and former media woman for her service over the years.

At the September 27 meeting, Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council presented a proclamation to Louise Rittberg. Prior to reading the proclamation to Rittberg, Gonnelli remarked she was a “very special” person in Secaucus.

“You’ve done so much for this town,” Gonnelli said. “I could never explain how much you did. And you did so much for me.”

Gonnelli wanted to do something for her to thank her, thus the proclamation and a pocketbook with other gifts of gratitude inside. Gonnelli told Rittberg his heart was pounding because she makes him nervous, also noting they share the same birthday.

“We have a proclamation,” Gonnelli said. “And this is a goodie bag for you… Everything in there is true, so listen.”

Third Ward Councilwoman Orietta Tringali read the proclamation out loud before presenting it to Rittberg.

The town recognizes Rittberg for her “tremendous contributions to our community and for touching th elives of residents in a myriad of ways.”

A life of dedication to Secaucus

Rittberg was born in Hoboken, then spent the first few years of her life near Boston. There, she “unknowingly learned the lessons of tolerance, diversity, and the importance of sharing the same values with which she enriched the lives of Secaucus residents,” according to the proclamation.

A graduate of Jersey City State College, Rittberg served the town in several paid and volunteer positions. The proclamation states he was a “commendable resource and guide for residents,” many of whom she did not know personally.

Rittberg made “immense contributions” at several milestone town events. She co-chaired the month-long 500th Columbus Day Anniversary celebrations in October of 1992 and the town’s Secaucus Centennial celebrations in 2000.

In addition to that, Rittberg was a key member of the Secaucus Home News team prior to its closure in 2017 after 107 years. She contributed articles and photos to “advance the local paper to greater heights.”

Rittberg was a feature writer and advertising manager from 1980 to 1982, a reporter and advertising manager from 1982 to 1984, and an associate editor and reporter from 1985 to 2001. According to the town, she used her “writing talent and social networking skills effectively to document events with award-winning flair.”

On top of all that, Rittberg also served as publicity officer for the Huber Street School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Public Information Officer at the Office of Emergency Management, and Public Relations Coordinator at the Secaucus Public Library. She has been a lifetime member of the Friends of Secaucus Public Library, making further contributions to the town as a Literacy Coordinator, Tutor, and Teacher Trainer, she helped many residents improve English language skills and through the citizenship test program.

The proclamation concluded Rittberg was an “involved, generous citizen of Secaucus.” It thanked her for “her dedicate service and measurable contributions” to the community.

Rittberg speechless by the town’s gesture

After Rittberg was presented with the plaque, she said a few words. She was joined by one of her daughters.

“It’s difficult for me to be speechless, those who know me know that, but I’m about speechless right now,” Rittberg said. “I have to say, this is true, I enjoyed every minute of. I got involved in this, I got involved in that. I helped this one and helped that. I made friends and so that’s all that matters. It meant a lot.

Gonnelli noted that many people were present at the council meeting to support Rittberg, including the Friends of the Secaucus Public Library as well as her friends and neighbors, and of course her family. Following the passing of her husband Ed in 2013, Rittberg found solace in helping people as part of her job with the town.

“When Eddie passed away, it gave me so much to do,” Rittberg said. “Do you believe this Eddie?”

Gonnelli comforted Rittberg, who began to get emotional, alluding that her late husband was proud of her: “Eddie’s looking down, believe me.” The town honored him, a local sports legend, in 2017.

“I think so,” Rittberg said. “I can’t say anymore. This is remarkable that I should be speechless. There’s people here that don’t believe there hearing me say that.”

Rittberg concluded by thanking the council for the honor.

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].

Weehawken holds moment of silence for first female police officer in Hudson County

Hudson Reporter

September 30, 2022

10weecouncil06-01 — The Weehawken Township Council met in person and virtually on September 28.

Weehawken recently held a moment of silence for two notable members of the public who recently passed away.

Mayor Richard Turner led the moment silence after a suggestion from Councilman At-Large Robert Sosa. At its September 28 meeting, the Township Council honored Debby McGorty and Stephen Weil.

“Debby McGorty was the first female police officer in Hudson County,” Turner said. “And Stephen Weil was a commissioner in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. One moment of silence please.”

Debby McGorty

McGorty passed away at age 68 surrounded by loved ones on September 21. She died as a resident of Secaucus after a long battle with complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to her obituary, McGorty was born on October 1, 1953, to John and Mary McGorty in Weehawken. She was one of seven children that helped raise each other after the tragic death of her parents at age 15.

For grammar school, McGorty attended St. Augustine’s School in Union City before beginning her high school education at Holy Family High School in Union City. She transferring to Weehawken High School where she graduated in 1971, after which she pursued a career in Law Enforcement.

McGorty began her career as an officer with the Hudson County Corrections Department where she worked in the jail and continued to pursue advancement within the field. Breaking barriers for all women in the state of New Jersey, McGorty went on to graduate from the Jersey City Police academy becoming the first female police officer in Hudson County.

A trailblazer for women in law enforcement, McGorty joined the Hudson County Police Department in 1980 where she served as a patrol officer for over 16 years. She was very active within the department, acting as a field training officer and leading the union as Police Benevolent Association (PBA) president up to and through their disbanding in 1996.

Debby McGorty. Photo courtesy of her obituary.

Shortly after that, McGorty joined the Weehawken Police Department where she continued to serve for the remainder of her law enforcement career. She was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2008 and retired from the force in 2010 after over 30 years of service in law enforcement.

Stephen Weil

Stephen Weil passed away on August 24. According to his obituary, Weil was born December 19, 1943, and was a Weehawken resident his entire life, residing in the family’s home for 78 years.

After graduating Weehawken High School, Stephen served in the U.S. Army. He worked as a Union 24 plumber most of his life.

After retiring, Weil continued to work for the township of Weehawken as a plumbing inspector. He also proudly served as a councilman for the town and his work during a town blackout was honored.

Weil had an immense love for animals and rescuing them. He supported many charities, and his family will continue to do so.

Of note, Weil was said to have had the number one dog tag in town. He loved telling stories from the ‘good ole days’ of Weehawken and his friendships with the 50 Street boys.

Seven years ago, Weil opened up his home to his niece, Stacie Weil-Fitzgerald, her five children and another dog, Rocky. He loved late night walks with his dogs and with his nephew, Tristen Fitzgerald.

The Fitzgerald children took care of Weil in his last few months of illness. He loved watching the Mets with his brother, Bruce Weil, and it was the last thing he celebrated before his passing.

Weil was a collector of many things, including stray cats. He will be joined by his many animals at the gates of heaven, including Chelsie Bo, and his recent rescue and best friend Nena.

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].

Bell and clock tower will soon arrive in Fitzpatrick Park

Hudson Reporter

September 29, 2022

10baybelltowe06-01 — A sample photo of a bell tower similar to the one to be set up in Fitzpatrick Park at 27th Street and Avenue C. Images courtesy of the city.

The new bell and clock tower for Fitzpatrick Park in Bayonne is expected to arrive soon, Mayor James Davis has announced. The bell tower will be delivered on or about Wednesday, October 5.

The City Council voted unanimously in January of this year to award the contract for the construction of the bell tower to Picerno-Giordano Construction of Kenilworth for $250,275, the same contractor that conducted the renovations of Fitzpatrick Park. In March, the bells were shipped off to Cincinnati, Ohio to be revitalized.

The 35 foot tower will be the new home for three bells that used to ring at the former St. Joseph’s Church. The bell tower will be coming from the Verdin Bell Company in Ohio where the bells have been polished, refurbished, and retoned.

A fourth bell from the former church will be placed inside City Hall at a later date. Details concerning the fourth bell will be announced after arrangements have been made.

“I am very proud that our Administration saved the bells of St. Joseph’s Church for future generations of residents to enjoy,” Davis said. “They will serve as a memorial to the Slovak immigrants of St. Joseph’s Parish who helped build Bayonne in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.”

Bell and clock tower en route from Ohio

The bell tower will arrive in Bayonne on a truck. The tower will be lifted and put in place in Fitzpatrick Park at the corner of 27th Street and Avenue C.

A clock with four faces, one on each side, will be a prominent feature of the tower. The bells will be mounted inside the tower. They will be active bells, capable of making sounds along with music or tolling for the hour. The bells can be programmed to ring at specific times.

As Public Works Director Tom Cotter explained, “We will have a clock tower with all the bells and whistles.”

After the tower is in its new home, it will be hooked up to the electric line in the park. According to Cotter, the electricity will be tested to make sure that the clock and the bells work.

“Hopefully, within a few days after its installation, the bell tower will be ready to use,” Cotter said.

If everything is in working order, a dedication ceremony will be held for the tower at Fitzpatrick Park on Tuesday, October 11, at 10 a.m.

The bell tower includes a weather vane on its top. This kind of bell tower is placed frequently in town squares and shopping districts across the country.

Architectural plans for the bell tower in Fitzpatrick Park.

The history of the decades-old bells

The bell tower’s location, Fitzpatrick Park, is named after former Mayor Francis G. Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick served as Bayonne’s leader from 1962 to 1974.

The tower will use bells that were saved from the former St. Joseph’s Syriac Catholic Cathedral at the corner of Avenue E and 25th Street prior to the church’s demolition. The church was built by Slovak immigrants in 1909 and served the local community throughout the late 19th, the 20th, and the early 21st centuries.

While the façade of the church could have been preserved through designation by the Bayonne Historical Preservation Committee, the Archdiocese of Newark declined to do so. This paved way for developers to level the area and start from scratch, demolishing the approximately 112-year-old church to construct to two six-story residential redevelopments on the site.

The bells are all different ages from around the years 1897 and 1919. One of the bells is a former fire bell, and the other two were made for the church. Each has a different and distinct tone.

The tower was slated to be built near or as part of the new under-construction 25th Street pedestrian bridge before space limitations prevented that. Now the bell and clock tower will be constructed in the newly renovated Fitzpatrick Park, which underwent a facelift as well as storm water management upgrades.

The final portion of the park was finished on Christmas Eve in 2021, with the unveiling of a police-themed playground. And now the clock and bell tower will serve as the finishing touch.

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].

Four-story building on Grand Street approved in Jersey City

Hudson Reporter

September 29, 2022

10jcgrand06_1 — The approved project will be built in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood of Jersey City. Rendering by Architectura via Jersey City Planning Board application.

After having been denied for more than a year, a four-story development on Grand Street has been approved by the Jersey City Planning Board, paving the way for 23 residential units and additional commercial space to be built in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood.

The applicants, Mecca Realty Properties Inc., will be constructing a mixed-used building on 665-669 Grand Street that has commercial space on the ground floor, residential units above, and parking in the rear yard. Their attorney, Stephen Joseph, said that they have permission to demolish the existing building on site.

The proposed development had a brief history of being denied by the board last year, primarily over concerns from the board about traffic impact and parking.

This time around, Joseph explained that the Morris Canal Redevelopment Plan, in which the development is located, was amended to “permit the consolidation of these two undersized lots and the creation of a curb cut along Grand Street.”

“The first application we presented before the board that was denied was very similar to this plan,” he said. “It had parking, and it was denied because it was too many variances.”

“[The] second application presented before the board eliminated the parking altogether,” he continued. “That was denied [for] similar reasons. We needed a bunch of variances, albeit less variances than also with the parking.”

Architect Theodore Hammer explained that the building will have 18 one-bedrooms and five two-bedrooms over a retail floor and a driveway leading to the rear. The driveway will have a glass garage door activated automatically, with the rear itself having seven parking spaces, including one for the disabled.

The ground floor in particular will have two retail spaces, one at 2,677 square feet and the other at 1,459 square feet, as well as a lobby with a bike room for 12 bikes. The roof will have amenity space with a green roof and a surrounding patio area.

The plans were approved unanimously by the board 7-0.

For updates on this and other stories, check hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Mark Koosau can be reached at [email protected] or his Twitter @snivyTsutarja.

Secaucus to hold town wide garage sale on October 1

Hudson Reporter

September 28, 2022

10secgaragesale06 — File photo of a Secaucus town wide garage sale in 2015.

Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Secaucus Town Council invite all residents to participate in a town wide garage sale.

The sales will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 1. The rain date is 8 a.m. on October 2.

Residents interested in participating in the sale had to register online at secaucusnj.gov/garage to have their address added to the list that will be posted.

After the sale, GreenDrop is encouraging residents to give unsold items a second chance by scheduling a free donation pick-up. To schedule a pick-up call 888-944-3767 or visit GoGreenDrop.com.

GreenDrop works on behalf of partner charities including: the American Red Cross, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the National Federation of the Blind. The organization raises funds for their causes through the generation and collection of donated clothing and household items.

According to GreenDrop, the Recycle for Charity program: generates charitable donations to help others, provides student volunteer and community service opportunities, and keeps clothing and household items out of landfills.

What GreenDrop can accept: clothing, shoes, accessories, blankets and bedding, flat screen TVs, kitchenware, small appliances, electronics, sporting goods, books, toys, and games.

What GreenDrop cannot accept includes: large appliances, air conditioners, tube TVs, computer monitors, food items, exercise equipment, mattresses, foam pads, large furniture, and recyclables including cans, paper, and magazines.

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 promotes police officers, including first corporal

Hudson Reporter

September 27, 2022

10nbpromotions06 — North Bergen officials swear in the newly promoted officers at a ceremony on September 21. Photo courtesy of the township.

Nine North Bergen Police Department officers were promoted at a ceremony inside town hall chambers on Wednesday, September 21. Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual presided over the oath of office.

Jason Appello, a 15-year veteran of the NBPD, was promoted to lieutenant where he will command a squad in the patrol division. Appello attended Queen of Peace High School and graduated from Seton Hall University with a bachelor’s degree.

Gary Lowman, a 28-year NBPD veteran, was appointed as the first corporal in North Bergen’s history. Lowman has worked in the Street Crimes and Community Policing unit and spent the large portion of his career as a training officer for the patrol division, receiving numerous awards and commendations.

Lowman was assigned to the Detective Bureau in 2014, promoted to the rank of detective in 2016, and assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Identification. With his new and historic position, Lowman will continue his role in the BCI.

Anthony Ortiz, a lifelong resident of North Bergen and 20-year veteran of the NBPD, was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Ortiz served as Vice President of PBA Local 18 and is the only Nationally Certified School Resource Officer in the county.

Having been Officer of the Month twice, Ortiz’s most notable arrest was made when he investigated a student who was taking significant steps to plan and carry out a school shooting several years ago. The investigation and arrest prevented the juvenile from carrying out his actions as planned.

Five other officers promoted

Andrew Mejia, a 14-year veteran of the NBPD, was promoted to rank of detective. Mejia was hired to Hudson County Corrections in 2007 and joined the NBPD in 2008. He was assigned to the Traffic Division in 2015 and has been a certified motorcycle operator, serious MV accident investigator, and SRO.

Samantha Sexton, a lifelong resident of North Bergen and five-year veteran of the NBPD, attended North Bergen High School and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She assisted the Spring Valley Police Department in New York in the apprehension of two homicide suspects in North Bergen in 2019. Sexton received the Outstanding Law Enforcement Award from NJ Sex Crimes Officers Association for the investigation of a stranger rape in 2020.

Bryan Suarez, a seven-year veteran of the NBPD and one of the social media coordinators for the department, attended NBHS and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Suarez has been awarded Officer of the Month twice and is a two-time recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award. He is a motor vehicle accident investigator, EVOC and Radar Instructor, and one of the few recognized drug recognition experts in the State.

Feliz Vargas is a seven-year veteran of the department and completed six years of service in the U.S. Navy before moving to North Bergen. He is currently an investigator with the Detective Bureau assigned to the Patrol Division.

Michael Whalen, a seven-year veteran of the department, attended NBHS and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Prior to becoming a North Bergen Police Officer, Whalen interned for the NBPD and was assigned to the Detective Bureau as a silver shield investigator where he received an Outstanding Law Enforcement Service Award in 2020 for the investigation and arrest of a suspect in a rape case.

Police Chief Peter Fasilis was master of ceremonies at the swearing-in. Pastor Paul Haviland performed the invocation and benediction. Also in attendance were members of the officers’ families, along with representatives from the township administration and the police department.

NHRFR Firefighters promoted too

Meanwhile, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue (NHRFR) promoted four firefighters, including a new department chief. The ceremony was held in Waterside Restaurant on Tuesday, September 20.

Deputy Chief David Donnarumma was promoted to the rank of Chief of the department. Donnarumma takes over for Acting Chief Michael Falco, who assumed the role after Chief Frank Montagne retired in February of this year. Additionally, Captain Glen Gavin was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. Firefighters Gary Colombo and Kevin Todd were also both promoted to the rank of Captain.

Chief Donnarumma joined the organization in 1992 and worked his way up the ranks, eventually becoming a Battalion Chief in 2007 and a Deputy Chief in 2012. He attended North Bergen High School and graduated from New Jersey City University. Chief Donnarumma’s brother Michael served in the Department for 32 years before recently retiring and achieving the rank of Fire Captain.

Mayor Sacco attended the event and Revenue along with Finance Commissioner Julio Marenco to support the promoted firefighters. The NHRFR provides fire coverage for North Bergen, as well as Union City, Weehawken, West New York, and Guttenberg.

Also in attendance were Weehawken Mayor and Chairman of NHRFR’s Management Committee Richard Turner. West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodgriguez, NHRFR board members John Haberman, Anthony Vainieri, Martin Martinetti, Jose Munoz, and Co-Executive Directors Jeff Welz and Michael DeOrio, as well as proud family members of the four firefighters.

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].

Two new Downtown skyscrapers approved in Jersey City

Hudson Reporter

September 24, 2022

IMAGEFICTION221 North LaSalle StreetSuite 1510Chicago, IL 60601312-726-0818 — A new 42-story tower (seen left) and a 58-story tower (seen right) will be built near the Goldman Sachs tower. Photo credit: ImageFiction | Chicago.

The Goldman Sachs tower and the Colgate Clock will be getting some company now that plans for two new skyscrapers in Downtown Jersey City have been approved by the city’s Planning Board.

The two new towers, which will be developed by New York City-based real estate firm Tishman Speyer, will occupy two lots on 50 and 55 Hudson St., with the former getting a 42-story building, and the latter getting a 58-story building in the Colgate Redevelopment Plan.

“As some of the commissioners know, these are the last two parcels in the Colgate Redevelopment Plan, which was drafted about 30 years ago,” said Tishman Speyer’s attorney George Garcia. “These two tower elements will finalize the vision that the Colgate Redevelopment Plan sought out almost 30 years ago.”

The 50 Hudson building will be developed over an existing parking garage, according to civil engineer Matthew Neuls. The 476-feet tower will include 924 residential units, 12,017 square feet of retail, and 467 parking spaces available from the original garage on a 1.9 acre of land, along with creating a 44,600-square-foot public open space.

The existing garage entrance from Sussex Street will remain, while the open public plaza will deck over the garage facing Warren Street on the south side of the development.

The 55 Hudson building will take over an existing parking lot, with the 637.5-foot tower coming with 1,017 units, 37,185 square feet ground floor retail, 25,561 square feet of second floor retail, and 378 parking spaces.

The parking entrance will also be on Sussex Street, an open public plaza will be on the southwest corner of the site, and a larger plaza will be on Hudson Street.

Main architect Frank Fusaro explained that the both buildings will be on top of a base, with the 50 Hudson towers running in an east-west direction, while the 55 Hudson towers will be offset from one another.

Continuing back to 50 Hudson St., the retail portion will be on the south part, and the lobby will be on the northeast corner. The entrance to the building will be facing the Paulus Hook Ferry Terminal, and the end of the new plaza will be flexible space such as room for a farmer’s market.

Inside the building, the third floor will have amenities such as lounge-type and outdoor spaces. Floors 4 to 40 will have the apartments, with 259 of them being studios, 444 being one-bedrooms, and 221 being two-bedrooms. The 41st floor will have more amenities with programmable space and access to a terrace.

Over at 55 Hudson, the towers will have a so-called interlocking design. The ground floor will have retail space on the west and east sides, the lobby on the southeast corner and the building entrance to the east.

During public comment, Councilman Frank Gilmore and a number of residents asked the board to postpone the vote, with some saying that they were either given a short or no notice of the plans, along with others being concerned about the impact of the new skyscrapers.

A rendering of the approved project from the Hudson River. Photo credit: ImageFiction | Chicago.

Gilmore, who spoke earlier after Neuls testified, said that he wasn’t for or against the project, but took issue with not having enough information about the development, and had met with the developers and their attorneys for the first time the day before the meeting.

“I understand that something has to go there,” he said. “I don’t think anyone wants to see it in its condition or the current form that is in. But I really would like the opportunity to really sit down, do my homework, understand this, understand what are the community feelings as it relates to this project.”

Erica Walker, an aide to Gilmore, also added that before the developers requested a meeting, their constituents were the ones that told them about the project.

“I think this was very quickly done, without any appropriate reach out to the community to discuss the issues that are happening,” said resident Kashlif Chand. The issues he said that will have an impact included parking, schooling and changes to the environment.

Diane Kaese, the president of the Paulus Hook Neighborhood Association (to which the neighborhood is near the proposed development) also asked for the vote to be postponed, saying that she had issues with ADA access and school accommodation.

“The neighborhood has been very involved in this the whole way through,” she said. “To be told that this is completing the neighborhood’s vision, I have to respectfully say no. It is not completing the neighborhood’s vision.”

After public comments ended, Chairman Christopher Langston said that he understood the community “loud and clear” and said that he wished the developers met with the community group, but said that they had “no legal standing to make them do it.”

“They chose to come in front of us tonight with this application,” he said. “We are under an obligation to hear. So with that being said, this is what is in front of us tonight.”

Board attorney Santo Alampi later said that he urged everybody “to reach out to their state legislative officials and talk about why things aren’t posted on websites and why we’re still sending certified mail in 2020 or 2022.”

“That’s the law, that’s the reality,” said Alampi. “I don’t think Mr. Garcia and his client have wanted to send certified mail through green cards. But that’s what the law says you have to do. That’s what he did. According to the list provided by the tax assessor, that’s where it went, and that is what is required.”

A number of the board commissioners praised the project, but also asked the developer to talk with the community. “I would ask [Garcia] that a meeting with the community be open to the positive comments that can not only enhance the project, but enhance the community,” said Commissioner Steve Lispki.

Ultimately, the commissioners voted unanimously 6-0 to approve the projects.

The day after the vote, Tishman Speyer thanked the Planning Board for supporting their new skyscrapers. “We look forward to creating a vibrant multifamily community animated by new restaurants, shops and a large public plaza that will enhance neighborhood connectivity to the existing waterfront promenade, light rail and ferry terminal,” they said in a statement.

For updates on this and other stories, check hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Mark Koosau can be reached at [email protected] or his Twitter @snivyTsutarja.