West New York mayor says town is addressing increasing homelessness

September 22, 2022

09wnyhomeless29 — West New York is one of many municipalities faced with an increase in the local homeless population. Image via Shutterstock.

West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez has acknowledged that his town is facing an increase in the homeless population and working to help those affected. Rodriguez addressed the issue at a September meeting of the Board of Commissioners after concerns were raised by resident and recent unsuccessful Board of Education candidate Vipul Parekh.

“Due to the increased homeless population going on in West New York right now, all the homeless people congregate and they have been relieving themselves on the streets,” Parekh said on September 7. “It’s especially concerning due to the school starting, that our kids do not see this. It’s been happening a lot on 64th and Dewey, right behind #1 School, right behind the parking lot and along the sidewalks around there.”

Parekh asked what the town is doing to address the issue other than through the Police Department.

“Other than calling the police, what else is the town prepared to do to help the large homeless population arising in West New York, relieving themselves and congregating in areas and sleeping on the streets?” Parekh asked.

Rodriguez retorted that West New York is not the only municipality dealing with an increase in the homeless population.

“That’s not an issue that’s only exclusive to the town of West New York,” Rodriguez said. “There are increasing populations and homelessness throughout the county and several counties.”

According to Rodriguez, the issue is very complex, given that homeless people often suffer from mental illness as well.

“We also have to keep in mind that once they are here, they are residents. There is a humanitarian factor involved with treating our homeless population. We have to remember that many of them suffer from mental illness and things of that nature. You, being an EMT, should know that better than anyone. We understand that that may be a problem, and a problem in terms of quality of life for other residents.”

Parekh tried to interrupt Rodriguez, but the mayor kept going, illustrating his point that there was a humanitarian need to treat homeless people with respect rather than remove them from the town.

“You also have to keep in mind that it’s not about what are we going to do with them in terms of, you sound like you’re proposing to move them,” Rodriguez said. “We are working with our police department in addressing that issue, in making sure that they are taken care of within the confines of a community as well. We are also looking out for the interests of other residents who are affected by their presence in town.”

Rodriguez said dealing with local homeless population is a multi-faceted issue, which the town is continuing to address.

“So it is, like anywhere else in the country, a complex issue and not a black and white issue in the essence that we can’t say ‘We’re going to do this or that,'” Rodriguez said. “It’s a complex issue because it deals with people, their issues, their emotions, and unfortunately many times their mental illness and it has to be treated as such.”

Rodriguez said he would continue the conversation with Parekh offline.

The next Board of Commissioners meeting is on September 28 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].

North Bergen and West New York officials tout ANCHOR property tax relief program

Hudson Reporter

September 22, 2022

09nbanchor29 — Mayor Nicholas Sacco urged eligible residents to apply to the ANCHOR property tax relief program at the September 21 meeting. Photo by Daniel Israel.

North Bergen and West New York officials are informing residents about the rollout of the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) property tax relief program.

Residents of both municipalities will soon be receiving mailers from the New Jersey Division of Taxation with filing information and an application for the 2019 ANCHOR property tax relief program.

The ANCHOR program replaces the Homestead Benefit program and expands the amount of property tax relief while also boosting eligibility to twice as many homeowners, and also includes tenants renting their homes.

The Division will be emailing ANCHOR program filing information to homeowners who had requested their application be sent through email when they filed their 2018 Homestead Benefit application at the same time the physical mailers are sent out.

The NJ Division of Taxation mailers will begin arriving to tenants and homeowners in Hudson County, which includes West New York and North Bergen, on September 21. The municipalities have asked that residents not call about a missing mailer until at least two weeks after the expected delivery date.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible, homeowners must have been a New Jersey resident; owned and occupied a home in New Jersey that was their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019; paid the 2019 property taxes on their main home; and had 2019 New Jersey gross income of not more than $250,000.

To be eligible, tenants must have: been a New Jersey resident; rented and occupied an apartment or residence in New Jersey that was their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019; lived in a unit with its own separate kitchen and bath facilities (if the building had more than one dwelling unit); paid rent on their main home, which was subject to local property taxes; and had 2019 New Jersey gross income of not more than $150,000.

Applicants will choose to receive their benefits either as a check or direct deposit. Applications must file by Friday, December 30. The online application, eligibility requirements, filing instructions, and paper applications can also be accessed at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor.

The automated telephone filing system, which will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the filing period, can be reached at 1-877-658-2972. Text Telephone Service (TTY/TDD) for hearing-impaired users at 1-800-286-6613 or 609-984-7300.

Sacco touts new property tax relief program

North Bergen is making a huge push to make residents aware of the program, through means ranging from a letter from the township,

At the September 21 meeting of Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board advised that residents should expect a letter from the state that will explain the application access for the program. In addition to that, Sacco is making his own push to keep residents aware.

“We discounted that and sent out our own letter telling people to look out for the state letter and to fill it out,” Sacco said. “We’re sending out a letter to every resident.”

Sacco continued, explaining the program that is based on 2019 tax returns: “Of people who are eligible, there’s two levels.”

According to Sacco, homeowners who make less than $150,000 will receive $1,500, while those who make more than $150,000 will receive $1,000. Tenants who make less than $150,000 would receive $450.

“It’s imperative that people fill this out,” Sacco said. “We’ll be getting out other outreach… We have it on our Facebook, we have it on northbergen.org. We’re getting this information out.”

Township to offer residents application assistance

In addition to publicizing the program, the township will be allocating library staffers to assist residents in filling out the form.

“We are having our library staff prepare, and I talked to my Senate staff, to assist them,” Sacco said. “People kept calling the Senate office to assist people who may not have access to computers or not be prepared to do it this way.”

The township may also see the assistance of a firm it hires to do taxes for local senior citizens.

“We’re planning to bring in the person who does taxes for our senior citizens because he deals with them,” Sacco said. “He’s already getting calls about the program.”

The move to assist residents comes due to the timing of the deadline at the end of the year.

“The important thing about the deadline is that people go to their accountants after the end of the year,” Sacco said. “Their accountants would be doing this. I know some accountants who have done the Homestead rebate for people. So the people have to deal with it themselves. So we’re making staff available at both the uptown and downtown library.”

According to Sacco, the township is seeking answers regarding what qualifies for the new program.

“There are still some questions,” Sacco said. “My Senate staff has raised a Housing Authority question. They’re saying that if the place doesn’t pay taxes, we don’t know if that includes in lieu of taxes, they may not be eligible. If they’re in subsidized housing, they may not be eligible. But that’s the state will have to decide.”

Ironing out the details

Sacco touted the new program, which he worked to set up as the state Senator for the 32rd Legislative District. He added that this is a pilot program and it is unclear if it will continue again next year.

“As a Senator, I worked hard on getting this program established,” Sacco said. “So let’s hope people follow this and apply and get the money they deserve, the rebates they deserve.”

Commissioner of Revenue and Finance Julio Marenco told the Hudson Reporter that spreading awareness to residents of the benefits of the program was key to ensure eligible residents apply.

“The biggest thing is we’re raising awareness,” Marenco said. “We’re making residents aware. We don’t want a resident a couple months down the road finding out this program was available and didn’t apply for it. So we’re doing everything possible from the Senate office and their staff. We have our library staff as well. The people that do the senior citizens’ taxes are helping, because they know them best. So we’re making sure there’s no problem and then we’re sending out a town wide letter, which is interesting because not everybody is qualified for it, but at least everybody aware of it.”

Marenco urged patience as the program rolls out.

“We just found out today and yesterday that the system was down or is back up,” Marenco said. “So take your time to have the patience to do it to get it done.”

Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez also boasted about the program to West New York residents.

“This is huge news for West New York that benefits Homeowners and Renters alike with significant relief that I hope and encourage our residents to take advantage of,” said Rodriguez. “Our administration has held the line over the last four years while making significant investments in our infrastructure and streamlining government services – all while dealing with the unprecedented global pandemic – this news from the NJ Division of Taxation provides a glimpse of further relief for WNY residents and our neighbors across the State.”

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 considers redevelopment plan for 10 parcels on Tonnelle Avenue

Hudson Reporter

September 22, 2022

09nbBoC29 — An aerial rendering of the existing site, via Google Maps.

North Bergen is considering allowing redevelopment in a large area along Tonnelle Avenue. Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance that would do just that at its September 21 meeting.

The ordinance would authorize North Bergen to establish a redevelopment plan and designate the township the redevelopment entity for a number of properties on Tonnelle Avenue. The ordinance would also amend the zoning ordinance of the township to establish specific development regulations in this area.

Implementing the redevelopment plan

The total redevelopment area is approximately 7.164 acres in the central portion of the township on the western side of Tonnelle Avenue also known as Routes 1 and 9. The area forms a row along the western side of the street between 51st Street to the south and Hudson Bread to the north at 5601-5711 Tonnelle Avenue.

The area is bordered within 200 feet on the south by the Tonnelle Avenue Station of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and associated parking lot, and bordered by an active rail yard to the west. To the east, on the other side of the street, there is a gas station, residential dwellings ranging from one and two-family homes to a garden apartment development, heavy commercial and industrial uses, a house of worship, and the historic Hoboken Cemetery. Hudson Bread borders the redevelopment area to the north.

The properties consist of ten parcels of land including: 5401 Tonnelle Avenue; 5409 Tonnelle Avenue; 5419 Tonnelle Avenue; the rear lot of 5419 Tonnelle Avenue; 5013 Tonnelle Avenue; 5117 Tonnelle Avenue; 5211 Tonnelle Avenue; 5319 Tonnelle Avenue; 5501 Tonnelle Avenue; and the rear lot of 5013 Tonnelle Avenue.

The Board of Commissioners previously accepted the recommendation of the Planning Board to designate the area as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment in March of this year. Memorialized by resolution, the board also instructed a redevelopment plan be drawn up for the redevelopment area.

On September 6, the Planning Board reviewed the redevelopment plan, recommending it to the board. Now the board is set to hold a public hearing and vote on the matter in October.

The Board of Commissioners will meet next on October 12 at 8 p.m. in the municipal chambers in Town Hall at 4223 Kennedy Boulevard. For more information, go to northbergen.org.

“This is in the Tonnelle area?” Sacco asked Township Administrator Janet Castro.

“This is ten parcels,” Castro said, confirming their location on Tonnelle Avenue. “This ordinance is just designating us as the redevelopment agency and accepting the Planning Board’s recommendations and those land uses. We have not received any formal plans yet.”

Describing the redevelopment area

Some of the buildings in the redevelopment area located in the I Industrial Zone are in better condition than others.

5117 Tonnelle Avenue is currently home to a one-story bagel restaurant with seven parking spaces known as 51 Bagel. Constructed in 1967, the building was recently renovated.

5013 Tonnelle Avenue is presently outdoor storage for masonry building materials which are stacked high on pallets. Various forklifts, mid-sized and large trucks, vans, and other miscellaneous vehicles traverse the property, which is devoid of any permanent structures.

5211 Tonnelle Avenue is currently home to a one-story commercial building for the sales and display of masonry, building materials, and related merchandise known as Reuther Material Co. There are several angled parking spaces in front of the building and several rows of parking to the northeast of the building on the site.

5319 Tonnelle Avenue is presently utilized by a building materials company for the indoor and outdoor storage of masonry materials and it was formerly used for the manufacture of concrete block and other products. The property consists of a large materials storage building centrally located, and a collection of attached storage buildings and overhangs at the north of the property. A new small office building is under construction, east of the central storage building.

5419 Tonnelle Avenue is currently a vehicle towing establishment with a one-story building in the front of the property, known as Tumino’s Towing. An auto repair garage is attached to the rear of the office building. A front fence restricts access to the parking area, with several parking spaces in a single row in front of the building.

Some properties better off than others

5401 Tonnelle Avenue presently consists of five small adjoining one-story buildings in the southern property line and a large auto repair building on the western end. A driveway and parked vehicles are located on the northeastern end of the property.

The easternmost building has the design of an old retail building but is utilized for storage of tires, known as Good Deal Tires. The adjacent building is a garage also used for tire storage. The remaining three buildings are also garages with space for one to two vehicles at a time, all leased to individual tenants.

According to the ordinance, police reports have been filed for a series of general and property-related incidents over the past three years, including motor vehicle crashes, parking complaints for vehicles blocking the driveway, noise complaints due to loud music, and isolated incidences for a health hazard due to downed wires, medical emergency from a fall from a ladder, and other disturbances.

The North Bergen Department of Health filed a complaint against Good Deal Tires for stagnant water in tires at the rear of the building, and a notice from the Municipal Court was recorded for tires providing harborage for animals.

5501 Tonnelle Avenue is currently a centrally located one-story building, an attached metal garage to the west, detached metal garage to the northwest and parking areas to the north and south.

In the north parking lot, the township observed several mid and large sized trucks parking along the north side of the building, and a heap of rubble, garbage, and building materials at the northwest corner of the property. In the south parking lot, school buses, jitney vans, recreational vehicles, mid-sized trucks, truck cabs, and personal vehicles ranging in condition from aesthetically acceptable to damaged were observed.

According to the ordinance, police reports have been filed for a series of general and property-related incidents over the past three years, including motor vehicle crashes, disabled motor vehicles, and isolated incidences of burglary, motor vehicle theft, and damage to property threats.

5013 Tonnelle Avenue is presently a narrow dirt lot used for the parking of trucks, personal vehicles, and shipping containers. There are no permanent structures on the property, with the property having been vacant since June of 2021.

Details of the redevelopment plan

According to the ordinance, the redevelopment plan would allow for permitted uses including: multifamily residential; shopping centers; hotels; wholesale business, storage and distribution warehousing; the storage of trucks, buses, passenger and commercial vans, taxis, cabs, and limousines; light manufacturing, employing a process free from objectionable odors, fumes, dust, vibrations, or noise; motor vehicles repair uses; and any uses in existence at the time of the adoption of the redevelopment plan. The redevelopment plan, however, would forbid automobile body repair shops.

According to the ordinance, the redevelopment plan aims to maximize appropriate land usage, provide adequate off-street parking; creating an attractive visual environment; and provide other public improvements to support the aforementioned goals.

The project aims “to foster the proper utilization of existing resources, develop stagnant and unproductive land… to render it useful and valuable for contributing to and servicing the public health, safety and welfare, providing for appropriate standards for buildings, and other improvements to capitalize on the strengths of the redevelopment area, including its prime location, convenient roads access, and proximity to transit service,” per the ordinance.

The redevelopment plan would permit buildings up to 60 feet in height above the elevation of Tonnelle Avenue abutting the property for multi-family residential buildings, shopping centers, and hotels.

Residential density would be capped at 110 units per acre, which can be increased by the Planning Board if there would be suitable parking for the residential use and the site can accommodate the increased development yield.

For wholesale, storage, distribution, warehousing, and light manufacturing uses, the maximum building height would be 60 feet from above the elevation of Tonnelle Avenue abutting the property, but would not to exceed 75 feet above the average grade surrounding the building.

For storage of trucks, buses, passenger commercial vans, taxis, cabs, and limousines, the maximum building height would be 35 feet. For motor vehicle repair uses, the maximum building height would be 30 feet. For these uses, the minimum buffer from adjoining residential uses would be 25 feet.

Parking requirements would be a one to one ratio for residential uses. For warehousing with less than 60,000 square feet, one space would be required for every 1,250 square feet of gross floor area, and for warehousing with more than 60,000 square feet, one space would be required for every 2,500 square feet.

For light manufacturing uses, one space would be required per 750 square feet of gross floor area, and for motor vehicle uses, one space plus two spaces per service bay would be required. Indoor bike parking would also be required, with one space for every two dwellings, as well as street trees.

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].

Iowa man pleads guilty to 2017 Secaucus bank robbery

Hudson Reporter

September 19, 2022

09secguilty29-01 — The Bank of America the man robbed in 2017 is located at 700 Plaza Drive in Secaucus. Photo courtesy of Bank of America.

An Iowa man has admitted robbing a bank in Secaucus in January of 2017, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced on September 14. He robbed the Bank of America located at 700 Plaza Drive in the Harmon Meadow section of town.

32-year-old Jose Luis Martinez pleaded guilty on September 13, before U.S. District Judge John M. Vazquez in Newark federal court. Martinez pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a bank robbery.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, on January 5, 2017, Martinez walked into a bank in Secaucus and pointed a handgun at a bank employee while demanding cash. Martinez told the bank employee that he would shoot her and other customers if the employee did not comply. He then took cash from the bank and fled.

The armed bank robbery count carries a maximum potential penalty of 25 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. The brandishing a firearm count carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentencing is scheduled for January 31.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the FBI’s White Plains, New York Office; the New York City Police Department; the Greenwich, Connecticut, Police Department; and the Port Chester, New York, Police Department for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett Schuman of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.

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].

Union City native serves aboard Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex

Hudson Reporter

September 16, 2022

09ucnavy22 — Petty Officer 2nd Class Ana Francisco. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Amber Weingart.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Ana Francisco, a native of Union City, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex, according to Petty Officer 1st Class Patricia Rodriguez of the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Francisco joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Francisco serves as a culinary specialist.

“I joined the Navy for the college benefits and to travel,” Francisco said in a press release from the Navy. “Also for the fact that the Navy has ships and travels in the ocean.”

Growing up in Union City, Francisco attended Union City High School and graduated in 2015.

“I would like to send a shout out to my mom, Nancy Francisco,” said Francisco. “Thank you for supporting me and being there for me. I hope I make you proud, and I love you.”

Francisco relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Union City to succeed in the military.

“I come from a small town,” said Francisco. “The Navy is so diverse. When I joined the Navy I was very excited to meet new people from all over the country.”

These lessons have helped Francisco while serving with Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex. The Dam Neck site is located on Virginia’s Atlantic shore near where the first Jamestown settlers landed and where the infamous Blackbeard and other pirates were said to have buried treasures.

This area is also where battles of the Revolutionary War were fought, where Union and Confederate soldiers clashed during the Civil War, and where German submarines sank American shipping vessels within yards of the beach during World War II. Currently, the U.S. Navy uses the site for specialized training and support services to meet fleet requirements.

Serving in the Navy means Francisco is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy, according to the Navy.

“The Navy protects the waters and shows a forward presence,” said Francisco. “We also aid the other branches in transport. We’re always able and ready.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.

“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Admiral Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”

Francisco and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I’m proud of when I advanced in rank to third class petty officer,” said Francisco. “I did it completely on my own. I studied every day. I’m working towards my associates degree currently, and I’m pretty proud of that too.”

As Francisco and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“I joined at a young age,” added Francisco. “ I was 18 when I joined the Navy. The Navy has molded me into who I am now. I have hit so many milestones in the Navy and it’s really helped shape me into an adult. I’ve had help through every step; I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Navy.”

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 oldest family-owned business in town

Hudson Reporter

September 16, 2022

09seccouncil22-01 — Secacus officials pose with the Krajewski family at the September 13 town council meeting. Photo by Daniel Israel.

Secaucus has honored the man currently behind the oldest family-owned business in town.

Charlie’s Corner has been open since 1966, currently at 1254 Paterson Plank Road after moving from another location on the same road at some point in time. At the corner of Paterson Plank Road and Wilson Avenue, the bar is two blocks down and across the street from the Municipal Building at 1203 Paterson Plank Road.

Charles Krajewski has been running his family establishment for almost five decades. The Krajewskis descend from a family of local pig farmers, with roots dating back to a time when Secaucus was known as an odorous farm town first formed as a borough by the state from portions of North Bergen in 1900.

Meet the Charles behind Charlie’s Corner

Charles himself is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he took over Charlie’s Corner with his brother John Krajewski after inheriting the bar from their father Charles Krajewski Sr.

During his life, Charles Sr. not only worked on his family’s five-acre 4,000-pig farm, but also worked at a once famous local tavern on Secaucus Road known as Tammany Hall, ran by his brother Henry Krajewski. In addition to owning the tavern, Henry was also a three-time presidential candidate for the “Poor Man’s Party,” and also ran for nearly every office from town councilman, to mayor, to county freeholder, to governor.

Henry died on Election Day in 1966 amid a run for the U.S. Senate, no longer a pig farmer by then, as commercial and industrial redevelopment came to town and warehouses replaced pig yards. Despite Henry’s best efforts, it was Charles Sr. who would become an elected official after starting his political career in 1963, eventually going on to serve as a long-time town councilman on a ticket with Mayor Paul Amico who was credited for ushering in the town’s transformation.

Additionally, after having learned the bar business with Henry, Charles Sr. opened his own establishment in 1966 he named Charlie’s Corner. After Charles Sr. passed away in 1977, the bar has been run by Charles and John. The establishment has since been a staple for generations, although the Krajewski pig farms and political runs have now become a thing of the town’s historic past alongside the garbage dumps that defined the old Secaucus.

Charlie’s Corner will remain in the family for the foreseeable future while Secaucus continues to develop as a commuter community. Charles currently works at the bar with his daughter and fellow owner, Tara Krajewski.

The bar, which was the inspiration for Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days” music video, celebrated its 56th anniversary in 2022. After more than half a century, Charlie’s Corner continues to offer residents a good time with offerings like live music and karaoke as well as events including a costume party on Halloween.

Town honors iconic local establishment

Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council honored Charles Krajewski at the September 13 meeting. First Ward Councilman Robert Costantino gave brief remarks before presenting the award to Charles and the Krajewski family for the longest-running family business in Secaucus.

“This is an honor for me to be up here doing this,” Costantino said. “This is a plaque honoring Charles Krajewski, who is a veteran owner of Charlie’s Corner for probably longer than you’d like to admit. And this is for running the oldest family-owned business in town. Thank you for your contributions to the community.”

For over half a century, Charlie’s Corner has been a local watering hole. Photo courtesy of the bar.

Accepting the award, Charles said: “I’d like to take a couple of seconds and thank everybody. It’s a very nice award. There was a lot of fun getting this, a lot of good years. You know, people going to a bar have a good time. I was there all the time. So that’s a big plus. But thank you very much.”

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 break ground on Miller Park renovations

Hudson Reporter

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].

Jersey City bans dirt bikes and ATVs from public roads

Hudson Reporter

September 13, 2022

Dirt bikes and ATVs will no longer be allowed on the streets of Jersey City after a new ordinance was passed that will ban the vehicles from being driven in the city.

Dirt Bikes and ATVs Ban: the Details

The ordinance, which was adopted unanimously by the City Council (with Councilwoman Denise Ridley absent) and signed by Mayor Steven Fulop the next day, will ban them from being driven on public streets, highways or rights-of-ways.

Any such vehicles that are driven on such roads will be considered contraband, with violators subject to a minimum fine of $50. The vehicle may be impounded and disposed of, or destroyed.

Minors who are caught violating the rules will first be issued a written warning to their parents or guardians on a first offense; a second violation will make them liable for a $50 fine or community service, and a third or subsequent offense will make them liable to a $100 minimum fine and a maximum fine.

In new amendments that were added to the ordinance, any unregistered or uninsured dirt bikes or ATVs that are abandoned, stored, parked on a public street, sidewalk or in an alley will be subject to being impounded or may be destroyed.

It also states that any impounded vehicles will be released back to its owner once they submit “satisfactory” proof of identity and ownership, including (but not limited to) the appropriate registration and insurance for the vehicle and paying all outstanding fees and costs associated with the impounding and “reasonable” towing and storage costs.

Reasons Behind This Ban

The usage of dirt bikes and ATVs in the city streets have been a concern for a number of residents since at least last year. Ridley, who was the main sponsor of the ordinance, told the Jersey Journal last week that she had received a number of complaints from her constituents about the vehicles.

One video from a constituent in particular showed a number of riders popping wheelies through a red light.

Ridley was absent from the meeting last week due to family obligations, but had a letter read by City Clerk Sean Gallagher saying that the ordinance was “too important to hold up, so I have to ask that the vote continue without me present.”

“I know some people have concerns about the cops not being able to chase individuals on these vehicles,” read Ridley’s letter. “I remind you that our Jersey City police officers’ job is to protect and serve, and that includes the individuals on these dirt bikes and ATVs.”

“We do not want to injure them, other residents or offices,” the letter continued. “These vehicles will be treated like other unregistered vehicles and will be impounded. We have no plans to steamroll them, as you may have seen in other states.”

What To Expect for Other Types of Vehicles

Councilman Frank Gilmore mentioned the usage of electric scooters and asked how the police know to differentiate from them. Itza Wilson, the Supervisory Assistant Corporation Counsel, replied that officers would understand what would count as a dirt bike or ATV, and that the ordinance was only just for those two.

Councilman Daniel Rivera also followed up and asked if there was a way for the city to register electric scooters, saying that some of them with businesses and on sidewalks “go bananas,” to which Wilson replied that they can look further into it and get back to him on it.

In another ordinance that was adopted unanimously and signed by Fulop, bicycles, skateboards, scooters and roller skates will be banned from being ridden in pedestrian plazas and malls, which include the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall and the Exchange Place Pedestrian Mall.

Only children that are 10 years old or younger will be allowed to ride skateboards, scooters and roller skates on the pedestrian malls.

Bicycles Banned in Malls: Potential Implications

Ayla Schermer, the president of Bike JC, had asked the council if they could make changes to the ordinance that would allow walking a bike or other wheeled vehicles in the plazas, saying that the group had received reports of police officers issuing tickets for doing such or parking them on the bike racks.

“I think you’ll all agree, or I hope that you will, that this has no safety justification,” she said. “Someone slowly walking their bicycle through the plaza poses no more of a safety risk than any other pedestrian. The improper and inconsistent enforcement that is occurring is troubling and problematic.”

Colin DeVries of Safe Streets JC also said that it was his opinion that the plazas is a “missed opportunity to also be intentional” about including safe space for other modes of transportation.

“Many people frequent business[es] using bicycles, scooters, skateboards and roller skates, and having to put them aside somewhere at the start of the pedestrian plaza may prevent them from frequenting some of these businesses,” he said.

Councilman James Solomon said before voting that he had raised the issue about being ticketed for walking bikes into the plaza, and that Corporation Counsel responded to him that morning that a number of other concerns were raised about broader vehicle access currently on the pedestrian plaza such as delivery vehicles.

“Already a meeting was going to be convened to discuss it next week, and he asked that all the changes be incorporated into that one meeting,” said Solomon, adding that if the ordinance isn’t before the council in the next month, he would introduce one to clarify that bikes would be allowed to do as such.

Gilmore also asked what would happen if someone was ticketed for walking their bike, to which Wilson said that walking shouldn’t be included because it needs to be ridden or operated, and admitted that the ordinance needs to be “a little bit more strong.”

“So is it fair to assume that if someone did get a ticket for walking through, and they articulated that in court, a reasonable conclusion would be to dismiss that?” asked Gilmore.

“If they’re reading the way the ordinance reads now? Yes, it should be,” replied Wilson.

For those seeking legal advice or have questions about how this ban might affect them, Experts at Legal.com can provide guidance and support to navigate the new regulations.

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.

Jersey City Council okay’s changes for potential Paulus Hook project

Hudson Reporter

September 10, 2022

09jccouncil15_1_0 — The Jersey City Council at their Sept. 8 meeting. Screenshot via the City of Jersey City on Microsoft Teams.

In a packed meeting on Sept. 8, the Jersey City Council adopted a number of items amidst more calls for embattled Councilwoman Amy DeGise to resign after her hit-and-run.

Amongst the items adopted included changes to a redevelopment plan for a potential Paulus Hook project, adopting the Exchange Place Alliance’s budget that includes millions for their plaza renovation, and banning certain types of vehicles from the roads and pedestrian plazas.

Tidewater Basin Redevelopment Plan amendments adopted

The council voted to adopt amendments to the Tidewater Basin Redevelopment Plan that will accommodate a potential new development near the Paulus Hook neighborhood.

The amendments, which were approved by the Planning Board back in June, would pave the way for a new 401-unit development by Sussex Street Associates on 177 Grand St..

The development would include a 26-story building on Grand St. and Marin Blvd., and a 16-story building on Sussex and Van Vorst St.. The two buildings would be connected by a four-story base building shaped like a Z.

A rendering of the proposed development near the Paulus Hook neighborhood. Image via Fogarty Finger in Jersey City Planning Board application.

The amendments would specifically permit the maximum height for any building on Grand Street and Sussex Street to be 300 and 190 feet tall respectively, which would be enough to accommodate the heights of the proposed buildings in said locations at 275 and 178 feet tall respectively.

It would also add an Inclusionary Housing Overlay District to allow the construction of mixed income housing. Representatives from Sussex said at the time that the owner is willing to set aside 15 percent for affordable housing, which would be about 60 units, to comply with the new inclusionary zoning ordinance.

The project however has faced opposition by a number of residents due to concerns over affecting the Paulus Hook neighborhood and the height of it as well.

The council voted 6-1-1 to adopt the amendments, with Councilman Frank Gilmore voting no, Councilman Rich Boggiano abstaining and Councilwoman Denise Ridley absent from the meeting that night.

Millions for Exchange Place Plaza renovations approved

Millions of dollars will be going towards the renovations for the Exchange Place Plaza after the council voted to adopt the Exchange Place Alliance’s budget for fiscal year 2022-2023.

The $9,752,000 budget comes with $5.5 million for “capital improvements” for the Exchange Place Plaza. Construction for the plaza is currently underway, with fencing having been raised in the area.

However, the renovation plans for the plaza have been met with pushback by a number of residents, including those from the Polish American community, for potentially obstructing the Katyn Memorial statue that is located in the plaza.

$5.5 million will go to the Exchange Place Plaza renovations that are currently underway. Photo by Mark Koosau.

The statue commemorates the 1940 massacre of more than 22,000 Polish soldiers and prisoners of war by the Soviet Union. It had been planned for relocation four years ago to make way for renovations at the plaza, but ultimately did not go through after months of backlash.

The redesigns were initially rejected by the Planning Board back in April, but were then approved by the board after the Alliance appealed. The Alliance is also facing a lawsuit by a local resident and a Polish American group over their approval of the project.

The council voted 6-1-1 to adopt the budget, with Boggiano voting no and Council President Joyce Watterman abstaining, as she is the City Council representative on the Alliance.

Other legislation

The council unanimously adopted two ordinances banning certain types of vehicles on public roads and pedestrians.

One ordinance bans all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes from the city’s public roads, highways, or right-of-way. Any such vehicles that are driven on city streets will be considered contraband, and violators will be fined a minimum of $50.

In addition, any unregistered or uninsured vehicles of such that are abandoned, stored, parked on a public street, sidewalk or alley will be subject to impounding.

Another ordinance will ban bicycles, skateboards, scooters and roller skates on a pedestrian plaza or mall within the city.

The council also unanimously voted to support two cannabis applicants in the city that were previously withheld at the last meeting: the Cannabis Place 420 Corp. at 1542 JFK Blvd, and Oceanfront Holdings at 141 Newark Ave..

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.

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North Bergen considers redevelopment plan for 10 parcels on Tonnelle Avenue

Iowa man pleads guilty to 2017 Secaucus bank robbery

Union City native serves aboard Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex

Secaucus honors oldest family-owned business in town

West New York officials break ground on Miller Park renovations

West New York officials defend handling of Spotted Lanternfly infestation

Jersey City bans dirt bikes and ATVs from public roads

Dirt Bikes and ATVs Ban: the Details

Reasons Behind This Ban

What To Expect for Other Types of Vehicles

Bicycles Banned in Malls: Potential Implications

Jersey City Council okay’s changes for potential Paulus Hook project

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