Shaving for a cause

December 2, 2020

12nbshave10 — A barber from The Jagged Edge Spa & Salon shaves Eye Contact Vision Center owner Robert Ceragno outside.

Entering December, “No Shave November” comes to an end. And with that, the facial hair grown during the month is shaved off the participants.

Raising awareness for colorectal cancer

Members of the North Bergen Police Department and PBA Local 18 raised nearly $5,000 during “No Shave November.” The officers participated by growing out their beards and mustaches to support Fight CRC, an organization dedicated to research and awareness about colorectal cancer.

Officers went unshaven for the month to help raise visibility for the cause, and voluntarily contributed to the fund. Det. Constantino Apostolakos handed over the money on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at a “shave-off” event at Eye Contact Vision Center.

A barber from The Jagged Edge Spa & Salon pitched in by shaving Eye Contact Vision Center owner Robert Ceragno on the sidewalk to observe social distancing.

Ceragno survived colorectal cancer and has dedicated himself to raising awareness for the potentially life-threatening disease.

Get screened

Ceragno’s colon-cancer was detected by an early screening, which allowed him to get life-saving treatment several years ago. Since then he has been a vigorous advocate for Fight CRC, and has sponsored No-Shave November and the annual Shave-Off for the past five years.

This year, North Bergen declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the North Bergen Board of Commissioners passed a proclamation declaring the awareness month in honor of Ceragno.

According to the American Cancer Society, regular colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 45 is the key to prevention.

“Get screened,” Ceragno told everyone at the Board of Commissioners Meeting.

The NBPD has actively supported the cause from inception, and officers look forward to it each year.

Chief Peter Fasilis, who participated this year and was among the officers at the shave-off, is considering expanding the program to longer than one month in the future.

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

Weehawken mourns the loss of 97-year-old WWII vet

Hudson Reporter

November 24, 2020

12weevet03 — Fredericks Jr. served in the European Theatre during WWII.

Officials have offered their condolences following the passing of a Weehawken World War II veteran.

Remembering Joe

Joseph J. Fredericks Jr., a lifelong Weehawken resident, died on Nov. 16. He was 97. Fredericks was a member of one of the longest established families in the township, with ancestors living in Weehawken since 1867.

During WWII, Fredericks served in the Office of Strategic Services in the European Theater of Operations, the precursor to the modern day Central Intelligence Agency and Special Forces.

A combat engineer, he was called on by the United States Army to be a part of a Special Forces operation in 1944. He and another engineer from Jersey City were tasked with delivering supplies to resistance forces by parachuting in the middle of the night to resistance groups in various countries.

Fredericks was also the Deputy Chief of the Weehawken Fire Department and taught fire safety in schools. He retired after 36 years but remained active in the community through the Red Cross, St. Lawrence Church, and the VFW Post 1923.

For the past 15 years, he served as cochair of the Memorial Day Parade Ceremony on Boulevard East.

‘A true American Hero’

In a joint statement, Mayor Richard Turner, First Ward Councilwoman Carmela Silvestri-Ehret, Second Ward Councilwoman Rosemary Lavagnino, Third Ward Councilman Raul Gonzalez, Councilman at Large David Curtis, and Township Manager Giovanni Ahmad mourned Fredericks’ passing:

“Joe was part of what is called America’s greatest generation. Joe was a symbol of all the men and women who had to leave their homes and give up their lives to protect this country. He was devoted to remembering those who fought in World War II, especially those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

They continued: “Joe loved Weehawken, and Weehawken loved him. He was an inspiration to all; he knew everyone and everyone knew him. A true American Hero in every way. Rest in peace, Joe. Weehawken will be forever grateful to you.”

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].

Heated discussions over wood-burning fire pits

Hudson Reporter

November 19, 2020

11weecouncil26 — Fire pits have provided outdoor warmth for Weehawken residents during COVID-19.

Following public outcry, Weehawken has tabled an ordinance that would have banned wood burning in outdoor fire pits. Instead, the township will form a committee consisting of one council member and residents to discuss the issue.

The Weehawken Township Council introduced an ordinance banning the practice at the virtual council meeting on Oct. 29.

Mayor Richard Turner said that the ordinance stemmed from individuals with lung conditions or asthma complaining about the smoke from wood burning in fire pits. Embers have also raised concerns about spreading fire.

The ordinance would have banned only wood burning in outdoor fire pits, not gas or propane.

Committee formed

The decision to table the ordinance followed outrage by residents at the Nov. 5 council meeting who argued that an outright ban punishes residents who burn wood responsibly.

Instead of holding a public hearing on the matter at the Nov. 23 meeting, the council will hold further discussions following the formation of the committee.

The committee will make recommendations to the council on the ordinance. Turner said the recommendations will be on the website and residents will have input.

The committee will be chaired by Councilman David Curtis, a retired Fire Chief from North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, and will consist of approximately five locals.

Turner appointed one outspoken resident, Roger Desmond, to the committee at the Nov. 5 meeting. Desmond is passionately opposed to the ordinance, questioning what other activities that create smoke could be banned.

Hot controversy

Desmond championed the camaraderie among neighbors through social-distanced get-togethers around outdoor fire pits.

As it gets colder, fireside meetups may be the only safe way for residents to gather.

Resident Lori Young said that everyone should not be punished over a few irresponsible folks and suggested a permitting process to weed out violators.

Pablo Galloy, a Weehawken resident for over 20 years, was concerned that the ordinance would ban him from cooking on his outdoor, wood-burning culinary oven.

“Losing my oven would be like losing a member of my family,” Galloy said.

Galloy said he also would miss connecting with neighbors around the fire.

Resident Scott Dennis said that the fireside get-togethers have been a great way for his children to interact with their friends safely.

Sharon Palm said she was concerned that without fire pits, residents would return to gathering inside and spread the virus.

Resident Sandra McKenzie said that she supports both sides of the argument. Living behind a senior home, she understands some residents may have issues with the smoke, but she supported the safe activity.

The next council meeting is on Nov. 23. Visit 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 introduces 2021 budget

Hudson Reporter

November 6, 2020

11weecouncil12 — The Weehawken Township Council met virtually via Zoom on Nov. 5.

Weehawken introduced its 2021 Budget at the Nov. 5 township council meeting.

According to Mayor Richard Turner, the township is $3.4 million short in revenue this year due to COVID-19.

Addressing the deficit

According to Chief Financial Officer Lisa Toscano, the state has a system in place to address these revenue shortfalls. In addition to lost revenue, there are a number of expenses due to COVID-19.

The 2021 budget appropriations total approximately $47,202,912. Toscano said this is down about $4.2 million from last year’s budget.

She said this is because miscellaneous revenues are down. However, the township is cutting appropriations to stabilize taxes.

According to Toscano, there will be no increase in municipal taxes this year. However, the library tax, which is dictated by the state, has gone up $114,000. Toscano said that the township doesn’t have a say in that decision.

She said that appropriations could have been raised more, thus raising taxes in the process, but the township decided against it.

Now the budget goes to Trenton for approval, Turner said. The township will hold a public hearing and most likely unofficially adopt the budget in December, whether or not it hears back from the state. When the budget receives state approval, it will be officially adopted.

The public hearing will be held Dec. 9. For more information, visit weehawken-nj.us.

Cap bank

The township also introduced an ordinance alongside the budget that would establish a COLA cap bank.

Toscano said the state put in place the cap bank to raise appropriations to 3.5 percent if needed. Currently, appropriations account for 2.5 percent of the budget.

Toscano said that doesn’t mean the township is going to use those funds. If needed, Weehawken has three years to raise appropriations under the cap bank.

According to Toscano, this gives leverage to use this in the 2021 budget or in subsequent budgets.

A public hearing for the cap bank ordinance will be held on Dec. 9.

Coping with COVID

At the Oct. 28 council meeting, Weehawken introduced two ordinances and accompanying resolutions to address the budget deficit.

The first would consist of the township applying to the state to spread out the deficit over a period of time.

Turner said the township is trying to spread out the fiscal deficit over a five-year period amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Various categories of the budget have been affected by loss of revenue due to COVID-19.

The second ordinance would allow the township to remove COVID-19 expenses from the budget. Toscano said that Weehawken would be able to spread the expenses over several years.

The township is applying for grants from FEMA and hopes to secure additional federal funding. Turner said FEMA funds will offset 80 percent of the expenses.

Of the $2.7 million in relief funding already received by Weehawken, $1.6 million came from FEMA and CARES Act funding. This funding is vital because expenses from pandemic are “astronomical,” according to Turner.

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 to repave streets after utility work

Hudson Reporter

November 3, 2020

11nbrepaving12 — Utility companies left a mess for the township.

Over the next few weeks North Bergen will repave certain streets between 76th Street and 92nd Street, from Kennedy Boulevard to Bergenline Avenue.

Many of these streets were damaged by work done by PSE&G and Suez. The township has been waiting to repave them until the utility companies completed their underground work.

At the North Bergen Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 21, a resolution was adopted awarding a contract for the 2020 Township Paving Program for $1,065,275.90.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco said he has been very critical of the companies “ripping up the street” instead of “preparing the infrastructure.”

“All the money we put in, and all they do is create street problems for us,” Sacco said.

Repairs

Milling began on Nov. 5. Work is scheduled to continue until Nov. 20. All dates are weather permitting.

Paving will occur on Bergenwood Avenue from 91st Street to just north of 92nd Street.

82nd Street will be repaved from JFK Boulevard to 5th Street, then again from 5th Street to Bergenline Avenue. 85th Street will be repaved from JFK Boulevard to 5th Street, then from 5th Street to 4th Street, followed by 5th Street to Bergenline Avenue.

87th Street will be repaved from JFK Boulevard to Bergenline Avenue. 88th Street will be repaved from JFK to 4th Street. 89th Street will be repaved from JFK to 3rd Street. 90th Street will be repaved from JFK to Bergenline.

2nd Avenue will be repaved incrementally from JFK to 85th Street, then 85th Street to 82nd Street, followed by 82nd Street to 80th Street.

3rd Avenue will be repaved from 87th Street to 80th Street. 4th Avenue will be repaved from 89th Street to 88th Street.

5th Avenue will be repaved in increments from 90th to 88th Street, then 88th Street to 79th Street, followed by 79th Street to 76th Street.

Bergenline will be repaved from JFK to 81st Street.

For a full schedule of when streets will be paved, visit northbergen.org.

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

Sparking debate

Hudson Reporter

October 29, 2020

11weecouncil05 — Wood burns in a fire pit, by Shutterstock.

Weehawken has moved to ban wood-burning fires in outdoor fire pits, following numerous complaints.

The Weehawken Township Council introduced an ordinance banning the practice at the virtual council meeting on Oct. 29. According to Mayor Richard Turner, residents can still have outdoor fires using gas or propane.

Embers and smoke

Turner said some residents had complained about the smoke, many of them with lung conditions such as asthma. Embers have also raised concerns about spreading fire.

“Given the density we have, we feel very strongly in favor of this ordinance,” said Turner who noted that complaints have been on the rise.

Resident Roger Desmond asked if the ordinance banned indoor wood burning fires, too, considering they create smoke just like those in outdoor fire pits.

Turner responded that only fires burning in outdoor pits are prohibited under the proposed ordinance.

Fireplaces and cigarettes?

According to Desmond, indoor burning in indoor fireplaces and cigarettes create embers, and the ordinance should ban those as well.

Turner said that they’ve never had complaints about embers from chimneys and that many fireplaces have protective devices to prevent the spread of embers. Turner noted that the council does not have the authority to ban cigarette smoking.

Desmond noted that currently, if a neighbor complains about a wood- burning fire in a pit, the fire department arrives and asks that the fire be put out. He questioned how that differs from the ordinance.

Turner said the township is passing the ordinance, so the fire department doesn’t have to deal with the issue on a case-by-case basis.

When Desmond said that charcoal grills created embers and smoke and should be banned, too, Turner told him to save it for the public hearing for the ordinance in November.

Years of complaints

Another resident said his neighbor had frequently burned anything and everything in a fire pit, which caused frequent issues with embers.

Whenever the man complained, the fire department told him that it was the neighbor’s right to have a fire in his backyard.

Turner said that prior to the proposed ordinance, residents were allowed to burn wood in a fire pit in their backyards, but that they needed to be responsible. Since many residents were not being responsible, the township took action.

According to Turner, Weehawken has been trying to control the problem for years.

Turner said the township is looking to initiate eminent domain on that man’s neighbor, due to the neighbor’s reckless behavior; his house had apparently burned down numerous times.

A public hearing on the ordinance may be held at the next council meeting on Nov. 5. For more information, visit 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].

West New York bonds for improvements

Hudson Reporter

October 29, 2020

11wnyboc05 — West New York Town Hall via Google Maps

At the West New York Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 15, two bond ordinances were adopted that finance various improvements, including to the parking utility. The ordinances authorize the issuance of bonds to finance the costs not covered by grant funding.

Commissioners Victor Barrera, Cosmo Cirillo, Margarita Guzman, Yoleisy Yanez, and Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez voted unanimously to approve the renovations.

Bankrolling the upgrades

The capital improvements total $6,825,000.

The ordinance bonded $4,527,880 to cover part of the estimated cost. The rest will be financed by various grants totaling $2,297,120.

A total of $514,500 in Green Acres grant funding is expected to be received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Garden State Preservation Trust.

Funds are expected to include $757,980 from fiscal year 2019, and $828,390 from fiscal year 2020 Municipal Aid Grants expected to be received from the Department of Transportation.

The town will put several down payments from the Capital Improvement Fund to finance the improvements for a total of $196,250. For bond ordinances, a down payment of no less than five percent must be appropriated to help finance the total cost.

A better Bergenline

The ordinance primarily finances streetscape improvements to Bergenline Avenue from 57th Street to the Guttenberg border for an estimated $1,7000,000. The town bonded $1,615,000 for the improvements with an $85,000 down payment from the Capital Improvement Fund.

In August, West New York announced its Bergenline Avenue Revitalization Project, including street and sidewalk resurfacing from Bergenline Avenue and 49th Street to Bergenline Avenue and 56th Street. This ordinance finances improvements for the rest of Bergenline Avenue in West New York, from 57th Street to 67th Street.

A major expense is $2,000,000 for reconstruction and resurfacing of various streets and roads. A total of $1,586,370 in federal grants will go toward the cost of the resurfacing. The town bonded $413,630 to finance the remainder of the cost.

Town-wide improvements

The ordinance finances improvements to the Port Imperial walkway for an estimated $900,000. The Green Acres grant will fund $514,500 of the cost. The town bonded $385,500 to finance the rest.

Also financed is the acquisition of motor vehicles, other than passenger cars and station wagons, including SUVs for Department of Public Works and other municipal services for an estimated $550,000. The town bonded $522,500 to finance the acquisition, with a down payment of $27,500 from the Capital Improvement Fund.

The ordinance bonds $470,000 for improvements to various streets including road markings, sidewalk repair, and tree removal. The town bonded $446,500 and put a down payment of $23,500 from the Capital Improvement Fund to cover the cost.

Improvements to municipal buildings, including EMS roof replacement, Police Department facility enhancement, and court repairs will cost an estimated $450,000. The town bonded $427,500 to finance the improvements, putting a down payment of $22,500 from the Capital Improvement Fund.

Ongoing parks renovations

The bond ordinance allots $420,000 for improvements to parks. The town bonded $399,000 and put a down payment of $21,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to cover the estimated cost.

The new improvements will accompany park renovations already underway at Miller Stadium and Patricia McEldowney Field. Centennial Field recently reopened after being refurbished under Mayor Rodriguez’s plan.

The ordinance finances the acquisition of information technology and telecommunications equipment, including items with a unit cost less than $5,000. This includes enhancements to municipal operations, servers, and associated computer equipment for an estimated cost of $160,000. The town bonded $152,000 to cover the cost in addition to an $8,000 down payment from the Capital Improvement Fund.

Site remediation at the Department of Public Works Building will cost $100,000. The town bonded $95,000 and put a down payment of $5,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to finance the cost.

The ordinance covers a fuel system upgrade at a cost of $75,000. The town bonded $71,250 to cover the estimated cost, as well as a $3,750 down payment from the Capital Improvement Fund.

Parking utility rehabilitation

The second ordinance adopted bonded $750,000 to cover the estimated cost of parking utility improvements. No down payments are required because the improvements are considered self-liquidating, or will earn back the cost over time.

The rehabilitation the 62nd Street Garage includes repairs to the stairwell, power inverter, camera infrastructure, sealing, including all work and materials. The rehabilitation will cost an estimated $475,000.

The ordinance financed the acquisition of license plate readers for an estimated $165,000, and online permitting software for an estimated $30,000.

The ordinance financed the acquisition of motor vehicles, other than passenger cars and station wagons, for the parking utility without limitation. This includes SUVs and other vehicles for an estimated cost of $80,000.

The next Mayor and Board of Commissioners meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 via Zoom. For more information, visit westnewyorknj.org and click on the event on the calendar.

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].

The Park Theatre was originally named after the Passion Play

Hudson Reporter

October 28, 2020

Original floor mat, which is still at the main entrance of the Park Theatre.

The Park Theatre, a 1300+ seat house was built in 1931 by the Archdiocese of Newark, and originally named for the famous Passion Play that was performed there annually. For many years it had been an active performing arts venue but then had fallen into disuse and disrepair.

Signage and murals on the original floor and main entrance of the newly restored Park still identify it as the Passion Play Auditorium.

Starting almost exactly a year ago, a group of passionate volunteers/donors and art professionals have worked tirelessly, turning the Park back again into a viable arts venue. Cleaning, repairing, repainting, replacing carpeting, upgrading lighting, restored the theatre, while its operators lined up many performances and events to make the Park a financially self-sustaining venue, looking towards the future, and honoring its past.

On March 7, a ribbon cutting was held with Union City commissioners and blessed by Rev. John Docherty of the Holy Family Parish, with a grand opening of the refurbished art gallery (Gallery at the Park), and tours of the theatre and performances in a restored mezzanine lounge area.

The main theatre was scheduled to have opened a month later and exciting performances were slated through the Spring. Part of the historic marquee that long-time residents remember from outside the theatre was restored and displayed in the refurbished lobby.

But everyone knows what happened a few days later…. The pandemic put a hold on everything.

However, once it was feasible, the volunteers returned, and working now with masks and distancing, continue preparing and improving the theatre, for eventual re-opening, while lining up many productions, performances and events.

The Passion Play’s costumes and props have been preserved and organized with the possibility to resume its annual performance. Many other performances, acts and events are lined up to make it a self-sustaining arts venue, once it is safe to do so for the performers and audience.

While at this time, performances in the theatre will have to wait, the Gallery at the Park finally re-opened in October, with COVID guidelines being followed. The gallery features the exhibition which opened in March, of paintings by New Jersey artist Cara London.

Future exhibitions are planned, including work from artists from the local community. Check the website for hours. www.ParkTheatreNJ.org

North Bergen hires more police officers

Hudson Reporter

October 27, 2020

11nbpolice05 — New police officers were hired on Oct. 23.

North Bergen has hired seven new police officers, making the current force the largest in the township’s history.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Police Chief Peter Fasilis, and Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual presided over an oath-of-office ceremony in the Recreation Center on Oct. 23, officially hiring the seven new full-time officers to the NBPD.

The new officers are Paul Alvaredo, Anthony C. DeOrio, Michael A. Derin, Nicholas Garcia, John P. Nunez, and Al-Abed Taha. Three were already serving as part-time special officers. The other four will attend a rigorous police training academy in the coming weeks.

This brings the total number of police officers to about 140, the highest number in NBPD history. Both Mayor Sacco and Chief Fasilis stressed that the safety of the community is paramount in maintaining a high quality of life.

Reflecting the township

The township’s policy of hiring only local residents has led to a force that reflects the ethnicity of the town. According to the NBPD, four of the new officers are Latino, two are Caucasian, and one is Arabic-Caucasian.

“Our police department is part of the community, and the community is part of our department,” Fasilis said, pointing out that police officers who grew up in the township are more invested in it, understand it better, and are more motivated and engaged. “It just doesn’t work any other way.”

According to federal data, since 2007, many departments are becoming more white compared to their communities. North Bergen topped the list of local police departments that bucked the trend and became more diverse.

Sacco has touted the data, analyzed by the NYTimes, showing that the North Bergen Police Department became more diverse and less white in comparison to the community from 2007 to 2016.

“One of the ways we have acted to improve police-community relations is by making the North Bergen Police Department more diverse by exclusively hiring North Bergen residents for new positions,” Sacco said. “Hiring local residents means that our officers have a deeper connection to our community and stronger relationships with residents, and we will continue to invest in our NBPD by providing opportunities for local residents to become a part of it.”

The township promoted seven officers in September, announcing intentions to hire more officers in the future.

Also attending the ceremony were Commissioner Julio Marenco, County Commisioner Anthony Vainieri, Township Administrator Christopher Pianese, EMS Chief David Prina, NHRFR Executive Director Michael DeOrio, Township Attorney Thomas Kobin, and many other township officials, along with police and family members. Everyone in attendance wore masks and observed social distancing.

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].

WNY park renovations continue with reopening of Centennial Field

Hudson Reporter

October 14, 2020

10wnyrec22 — Mayor Rodriguez kicks a soccer ball with local children.

Park renovations continue in West New York with the reopening of Centennial Field.

WNY Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez and the Board of Commissioners cut the ribbon on the newly renovated field on Oct. 2.

On the waterfront, the field features new turf and drainage improvements. The renovations are part of continuing plans to renovate three major parks.

Recreation soccer has grown substantially over the years. The field was upgraded to support the program’s growth. It’s hoped that by investing in needed repairs, youth enrollment will increase further.

A three-park plan

Other parks undergoing renovations include Miller Stadium and Patricia McEldowney Field.

On Feb. 8, ground broke for renovations at Miller Stadium, a field more than 100 years old where Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig once played. Renovations include a new drainage system and turf surface at Miller Stadium, which will now be used as a multipurpose field for football, baseball, and soccer.

Patricia McEldowney Field will be completely refurbished and equipped with security cameras to enhance public safety.

Revitalizing parks

In June of 2019, Rodriguez and the commissioners took the first steps toward revitaliziing three of West New York’s parks, voting unanimously to introduce three bond ordinances for renovations at Miller Stadium, Patricia McEldowney Field, and Centennial Field.

According to Rodriguez, there will be no cost to taxpayers because the renovations will be funded by county and state grants.

“Our parks have been severely neglected in recent years, denying our children and all residents the open space and recreational opportunities they deserve,” Rodriguez said in February. “We had an opportunity to right that wrong earlier this year, but unfortunately politics got in the way, and the former mayor blocked these much-needed improvements. I’m proud that one of our new administration’s first acts is investing in our community and our youth while fixing that profound mistake.”

Righting past wrongs

Similar bond ordinances were considered by the Board of Commissioners in January of 2019, when Rodriguez was a commissioner. However, the pleas of local parents and children who packed the meeting calling for park improvements fell on deaf ears at the time. The ordinance failed to achieve the required four votes.

Then-Mayor Dr. Felix Roque was the abstaining vote, who went on to lose to Rodriguez. The newly sworn-in Board of Commissioners passed the introduced ordinance unanimously on June 5.

“Our children are our community’s future, and I can’t wait to see these parks be rebuilt to suit their needs and give all of them places to play, learn, and grow,” said Parks and Public Property Commissioner Victor Barrera. “West New York residents deserve these kinds of community amenities, and our entire team is committed to delivering on our promise to move our town forward with actions like this.”

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