North Hudson honors fallen first responders

April 17, 2020

04nhdeaths23_1 — Union City Police Officer Alex Ruperto

As the COVID-19 pandemic death toll continues to rise across Hudson County, local communities have come together to honor those they have lost. While the elderly are the most at-risk to the virus, first responders treating patients on the frontline of the pandemic have also been hit hard.

Recently, two North Hudson first responders have died as a result of COVID-19.

The Union City Police Department announced the passing of Police Officer Alex Ruperto on April 16.

Officer Ruperto grew up in Union City and graduated from Emerson High School in 1986. In 1999, he graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy, Class #82. Officer Ruperto was one of the original members of the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) and was most recently assigned as a detective in the Training Division.

Officer Ruperto, 52, resided in Glen Ridge and leaves behind two adult children, Juliana and Alex, Jr. Juliana is currently employed by the Union City Police Department as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.

Chief of Police Nichelle Luster had only kind words to offer for her fallen officer.

“Alex was kind, patient, soft-spoken and genuine. My heart breaks for his family and his UCPD family, especially in ESU as they knew him best.” Chief Luster said. “It is devastating that his family and co-workers who could not be by his side when he passed. Alex was a good person and an exceptional officer and I know we will all remember him fondly.”

Mayor Brian Stack also offered his condolences for the loss of Officer Ruperto.

“My heart is heavy today after learning of Alex’s passing,” Mayor Stack said. “I have always known Alex to be a consummate professional who is competent and compassionate. My thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family, friends and his fellow officers in the police department. I ask at this time that all residents of Union City keep Alex’s family and the Union City Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.”

24-year-old EMT passes away

In North Bergen, a young EMT has also suffered an untimely fate fighting the war against COVID-19.

The Township of North Bergen announced on April 8 that 39 residents have died from COVID-19. Thirty of the residents who passed away belonged to nursing homes in the Township, including Hudson View, Hudson Hills, and the Harborage.

Among the other nine residents who died was first responder Kevin Leiva, an EMT in the township, who passed away from COVID-19 at age 24. Leiva was an EMT in North Bergen and at St. Claire’s Hospital. A Paterson native, he lived with his wife Marina in Pompton Lakes.

“Our hearts are heavy hearing about the loss of one of our North Bergen EMTs,” Mayor Nicholas Sacco said. “My condolences go out to his family, friends, and coworkers.”

Gov. Phil Murphy also offered his condolences to his family, honoring him in a post on social media.

“Kevin was only 24 years old,” Murphy tweeted on April 9. “We thank him for his service to our state and to our families. We will not forget him.”

While the elderly are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19, Leiva’s death is a tragic reminder that the virus can affect anyone regardless of age.

His passing is also a harrowing reminder of the huge risk that first responders, including EMTs, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers take in working on the front lines to keep residents safe during the stay-at-home order.

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].

Death toll jumps dramatically in WNY

Hudson Reporter

April 17, 2020

04nhhotspot23 — COVID-19 data from WNY on April 15.

The death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic has been increasing across Hudson County as the virus continues to spread, with North Hudson being hit the hardest. Recently, Gov. Phil Murphy declared the Town of West New York, along with the Township of North Bergen, as COVID-19 hotspots.

Under the hotspot designation, the two municipalities expect to see a sharp increase in the number of confirmed positive cases, and subsequent deaths from COVID-19.

Murphy released self-reported data from the state on April 6 showing the six municipalities, including West New York and North Bergen, which are likely to see more cases in the immediate future.

As of April 17, 996 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in West New York, with 56 deaths. In North Bergen, the number of sick residents is 1,420 with 39 deaths.

In West New York, this is 29 more deaths than reported the previous day by the state Department of Health and the town. The jump in reported deaths represents an increase of 107.41 percent from April 14 to April 15.

Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez lamented the loss of life, but also explained how the numbers don’t accurately portray the current situation in town.

“On behalf of our community, I want to express our sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of those we have lost during this difficult time,” said Mayor Rodriguez.

Previously, Rodriguez said that the increase in cases was anticipated. However, the massive jump in deaths and recent increase in cases in West New York were not part of the projections.

Town officials do not believe that this data represents an actual spike in the number of COVID-19 deaths, but rather that the data shows a lag in previously reported numbers from the day before due to the extraordinary amount of patients being tested.

A lag in statistics on the 14th could have been caused by the inclement weather on Monday, April 13 that shut down testing sites across the county due to high winds.

North Bergen reported the first deaths in the township from COVID-19 on April 8, totaling 39 residents who had passed away from the virus. However, there have been no updated numbers since then.

Nursing homes devastated

Of the 39 deaths in North Bergen, 30 have been confirmed by Health Department officials as residents of the township’s three long-term care facilities, Hudson View, Hudson Hills, and the Harborage.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco reiterated that measures would be put into place to protect nursing homes from being affected.

“This disease preys on the most vulnerable among us worst of all, and the results are nothing short of tragic,” he said. “Our Health Department is working with these facilities to put as many safeguards in place as possible, such as isolating residents and not allowing visitors to enter.”

Sacco continues to coordinate with the state and county and is working closely with township department heads to develop and implement plans to address COVID-19.

Sacco urged residents to adhere to the stay-at-home order and social distancing guidelines.

“Please stay safe, practice social distancing, good hygiene and hand washing,” Sacco said. “North Bergen is a family, and we are all in this together.”

Mayor Rodriguez also joined Sacco in thanking the first responders fighting on the front lines of the ongoing pandemic.

“I want to once again thank all of our healthcare professionals and all of our heroes on the front lines of this pandemic who are working tirelessly to keep us healthy and safe,” continued Mayor Rodriguez. “I continue to urge residents to stay home, to wear gloves and a mask or other face covering, and to always practice safe social distancing. Only by working together can we ensure that we get through this sooner than later.”

West New York has taken numerous actions at the direction of public health officials to limit the spread of the virus, all of which are accessible to residents on the town website’s dedicated COVID-19 Updates page. Residents are advised to follow the town’s official social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, which are updated multiple times per day with new information as it becomes available.

For more information or to ask a question, residents are advised to call the NJ COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or visit its dedicated website at covid19.nj.gov.

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

Guttenberg holds daily ‘clap-out’ to honor pandemic responders

Hudson Reporter

April 13, 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy has extended the State of Emergency and stay-at-home order. Residents have been left to their own devices to stay sane and entertained.

In North Hudson, municipalities have gotten creative in coping with life during social-distancing measures.

North Bergen has started the Bruin Bear Hunt to show township pride and to provide children with an activity. Residents are encouraged by Mayor Nicholas Sacco to place a teddy bear in their windows for others to find, like a live-action version of the game “I Spy.”

In Secaucus, the local fire department drove around town with the Easter Bunny, providing a parade for kids to watch from inside.

Now, neighboring Guttenberg is taking a similar approach.

Step up and ‘clap-out’

Mayor Wayne Zitt and the town council encourage Guttenberg residents to participate in a town wide “clap-out” in support of essential workers on the front lines.

It aims to build a sense of community and togetherness. The round of applause will honor the EMTs, nurses, doctors, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and others fighting on the front lines.

The clap-out can be part of a daily routine. Each evening at 7 p.m. residents are asked to open their windows or front doors and clap to show their support and thank all essential workers and their families.

Residents must remain indoors.

Zitt advised residents to continue to practice social distancing. No one should gather on the street, individuals should remain a minimum six feet apart, and masks and gloves should be worn at all times.

“Guttenberg is a strong and enduring community,” Zitt said. “We can, and will, get through this together.”

As of April 11, there were 120 residents who tested positive for COVID-19. Ten have died as a result of complications from the virus.

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 Bruin Bear Hunt is on!

Hudson Reporter

April 10, 2020

04nbbear16 — The Bruin Bear Hunt begins in North Bergen.

New Jersey residents have been ordered to stay at home by Gov. Phil Murphy to help curtail the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and many people have been left to their own devices to pass the time during this period of self-isolation.

While some ponder the best way to spend their free time between working from home or remote instruction for school, others struggle with never-ending boredom or cabin fever as a result of being laid off or unable to work.

A number of creative activities are keeping residents, especially children, busy during these trying times.

In North Bergen, the township is trying to entertain residents and show pride in the community. Mayor Nicholas Sacco is encouraging all residents to show their Bruin Bear Pride with a town-wide Bruin Bear Hunt.

Bear hugs

“During these trying times we need to be creative on how we share our North Bergen pride and put a smile on the faces of people all throughout our community,” Sacco said. “Please place a Teddy Bear in your window to allow kids and adults to go on a #bruinbearhunt while out for a much-needed walk or drive.”

To participate, residents have been asked to put a teddy bear in their window that is visible from the street. No interaction with others is needed, and the event abides by all social-distancing recommendations.

Residents can participate in the Bruin Bear Hunt and search for teddy bears while walking their dogs, and or going for a drive or a walk to spend time outside during the stay-at-home order.

Sacco reminded residents it’s vitally important to continue practicing social distancing, good hygiene, and hand washing at all times.

Participants are asked to share pictures of the teddy bears in their windows on social media to spread township pride. The event aims to create a sense of community despite the forced isolation and self-quarantine.

“Let’s all have some fun and share some positivity,” Sacco said. “Use these hashtags if you would like to share your pics #bruinbearhunt in #bearcountry.”

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].

Delivering hope … and pizza

Hudson Reporter

April 10, 2020

04nbkindergarten16 — Lincoln Annex Kindergarten donated pizza and a heartfelt video to staff at Palisades Medical Center.

As the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies, local communities across Hudson County have been doing what they can to support first responders working on the front lines.

While North Bergen and West New York have recently been declared COVID-19 hot spots by Gov. Murphy, that hasn’t stopped those communities from showing their unwavering support for the EMTs, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers who are fighting to keep township residents alive and healthy during the pandemic.

To show their appreciation for the medical staff at Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center, the teachers, staff, and students of Lincoln Annex Kindergarten in North Bergen pitched in to do something special.

Clips of kids and teachers sharing specially-created artwork and messages of love and support, created independently while exercising social distancing, were compiled into a video to express the students’ gratitude to those on the front lines.

The video sends a heartwarming message from students to healthcare workers at Palisades Medical Center who are fighting every day to stop the spread of COVID-19, letting these “superheroes” know how much their dedication means to those at home.

Healthcare workers wowed

The project was originally proposed as a simple thank-you meal for hospital staff under the name Kindergarten Kares. But the idea quickly blossomed into a much more personal message. The project became a heartfelt expression of appreciation under the guiding hand of teachers Kathleen Fonde and Rita Stampe and Kindergarten Director Esther Ortega.

The healthcare workers at Palisades Medical Center were surprised and deeply touched by the video and its uplifting message.

“This is so beautiful!” wrote Director of External Affairs Nikki Mederos. “Amazing. Thank you!!!!”

Given the long hours and dangerous conditions under which hospital employees continue to work tirelessly, the video provided a welcome expression of hope and compassion from the community and helped to raise staff spirits with its positive message, according to Mederos.

Recently, a recovery room nurse at Palisades Medical Center, Lorna “Mickie” Miquiabas, was honored by Gov. Murphy and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco for her outstanding service during the ongoing pandemic.

The video was delivered on April 8 along with a tall stack of pizzas purchased with donations from teachers and staff. Water was donated by Palermo Pizza. Barcian Printing donated a Kindergarten Kares banner.

The video was edited by Sabrina Stampe, a broadcast associate at MLB network. Other project supporters include Tom Stampe, School Superintendent Dr. George Solter, hospital Vice President Joseph Burt, and Executive Assistant Phyllis Capote.

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 Finance Director and Board of Ed President dies from COVID-19

Hudson Reporter

April 7, 2020

04weedeath16 — Weehawken BOE President Richard Barsa (right) overseeing students using blended learning technology in the classroom.

As the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies across Hudson County, the death toll continues to rise. In Weehawken, three residents have passed away from the virus as of April 7, including Richard Barsa, the township’s school board president and finance director.

Mayor Richard Turner confirmed Barsa’s passing in a joint statement with Superintendent of Schools Eric Crispo and Township Manager Giovanni Ahmad.

Barsa, 65, passed away at an area hospital due to complications of COVID-19 the morning of April 4.

Mayor Turner recalled how Barsa entered the public eye in Weehawken in 1991, after retiring from the corporate world. He sought to put his previous experience to use on the school system by running for the Board of Education.

Since being elected, Barsa was an active board member for 30 years and has been the board president for 25 years.

“Under Mr. Barsa’s leadership, the school district flourished, as course offerings were expanded, technology was infused and students were accepted to top-notch colleges and universities,” Superintendent Crispo stated in a heartfelt address to the Weehawken school district on April 5. “But more importantly, when students needed financial, emotional or academic help, he always found a way.”

Barsa was adored by the faculty, support staff, administration, fellow board trustees and the students, according to Superintendent Crispo, who said in addition to his family, Barsa’s legacy is and always has been the students. During his tenure on the Board of Eduction, he said Barsa has positively impacted the education and lives of thousands of students.

“He was relentless in his pursuits and made sure every student received what he or she needed, whether someone needed a prom dress, funding for a summer program, or tutoring. He always found a way,” Crispo continued.

In 1994, Barsa also became the finance director for the township and has overseen the finances of Weehawken ever since. Barsa was also a long-standing member of the planning board, chairman of the Waterfront Park Design Committee and was instrumental in the creation of the Weehawken Education Foundation.

Lifelong Weehawkenite

Outside of his work within the township, Barsa continued to dedicate his life to Weehawken.

“Rich was a lifelong resident of Weehawken,” Mayor Turner stated. “Even at a young age, he gave back to his community by serving as a football and little league coach.”

After graduating from Weehawken High School, Barsa studied locally, earning his B.S. in accounting and business administration at New Jersey City University (NJCU). With his degree, he began his career on Wall Street working for the ITT Corporation until his retirement.

According to Mayor Turner, Barsa was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor and friend. Barsa is survived by his wife of 41 years, Diane Barsa, his son Richard Jr., and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Jaimie, as well as his brothers George, Robert and Paul, his sister Adele, and his nieces and nephews.

“Rich dedicated his life to the Weehawken Community. We will miss him greatly, as will all of those who came in contact with him,” Mayor Turner lamented.

Barsa is the first Hudson County elected official to pass away as a result of COVID-19. On April 6, Jersey City councilman Michael Yun became the second Hudson County elected official to die from the virus.

As of April 7, there were 108 cases of COVID-19 in the Township of Weehawken. Of the 101 infected residents, 69 residents are considered active cases while 36 residents have recovered per CDC guidelines.

In total, three residents have passed away in Weehawken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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].

¡Hola North Bergen!

Hudson Reporter

March 31, 2020

04nbhola09 — ¡Hola North Bergen! provides COVID-19 updates to residents in Spanish.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month 2019, the Township of North Bergen has expanded its community outreach by launching ¡Hola North Bergen!, the first official Spanish-language Facebook page produced by a municipality in New Jersey.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the webpage has taken on a more serious role.

¡Hola North Bergen! has become a critical portal for distributing information in Spanish about the efforts the township is making to address the ongoing crisis. Important information is posted daily about school and municipal closures, parking regulations, Health Department updates, business and tenant resources, among other important updates.

North Bergen is home to a large Hispanic population. According to 2019 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, 70.9 percent of township residents were estimated to be Hispanic or Latino. Providing information to residents in a language that they are more likely to speak or understand is key during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Strong communication with our residents has always been a key objective of my administration, and ¡Hola North Bergen! is designed to strengthen the ties and transparency with our Hispanic community,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco.

“I’m pleased to have launched this initiative to provide timely news, resources, and information in a format that is easily accessible to our Spanish-speaking residents, providing for greater safety and well-being within our community.”

Minute-by-minute COVID-19 updates

Commissioner Julio Marenco echoed Mayor Sacco, noting how the webpage is vital during the current crisis in keeping all residents in the township informed.

“Everyone knows how social media is a vital way to keep connected to what is going on around us,” said Commissioner Marenco. “With this Spanish-language page, the lines of communication are greatly expanded and available 24/7 to keep everyone up to date on upcoming activities, policy issues, police and safety concerns, and much more.”

In this critical situation it’s vital for residents to be able to receive information quickly that they can also understand thoroughly. Through ¡Hola North Bergen!, the township is able to keep residents updated on a minute-by-minute basis.

On the webpage, residents can normally find photos and news on events in town, from job postings and road closures to social events like Winterfest or National Night Out. However, now the page is filled with lists of closures, a daily tally of infected residents and other measures the township is taking to curtail the further spread of the virus.

¡Hola North Bergen! joins the township’s existing social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as the website, Help Desk, and NB Connect, in ensuring that North Bergen residents are safe, well-informed, and have round-the-clock access to timely resources, news, and information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The webpage is updated frequently with detailed information about the township and its departments response to the virus, including Police, Health, Parking, Public Works, and Recreation among others.

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

Hudson County Community College ‘Out of the Box’ Podcast Spotlights Culinary Arts Institute Successes

Hudson Reporter

March 31, 2020

In the newest Hudson County Community College (HCCC) “Out of the Box” podcast, HCCC alumnus Rene Hewitt discusses how the nationally renowned HCCC Culinary Arts Institute (CAI) has impacted his life. He also demonstrates for viewers the how-to’s of creating an easy and delicious vegetable hors d’oeuvre.

Chef Hewitt, and one of the HCCC CAI founders and most knowledgeable and beloved Chef/Instructors, Kevin O’Malley, are the guests of HCCC President Dr. Chris Reber.

“The Chef/Instructors make our program special, personal and heartfelt. What’s beautiful about our program is that so many of our faculty chefs are alumni,” said Dr. Reber. “We have incredible kitchens with state-of-the-art equipment that specialize in every aspect of the cooking experience. Students are learning in an authentic, top-shelf culinary environment,” he added.

Leaving a lifetime of experience in business and IT to pursue his passion for cooking at the HCCC Culinary Arts Institute, Chef Rene Hewitt is now a graduate of the Fairleigh Dickinson Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality and Tourism program, which holds classes on the HCCC campus. He is also an adjunct professor in the HCCC Continuing Education program, a tester for “America’s Test Kitchen” on PBS, and the host of his own cooking program on local cable TV stations in northern New Jersey and Queens, NY.

“The first time I walked down these halls, put the chef coat on, unpacked my knives, and stepped into the kitchen, it was a whole new world. From there, I started doing videos and wanted to create these little shows and get sponsors. One of my biggest dreams was to come back here and teach,” Chef Hewitt said.

Chef Kevin O’Malley has been teaching in the HCCC Culinary Arts Program throughout its 40-year history, noting that graduates and the College’s alumni Chef/Instructors have worked in top restaurants worldwide. “Our Culinary Arts program is one of the best programs in the country. Everywhere I go I see our students’ successes, whether it’s as the chef of a favorite Italian restaurant in Rahway, or the owner of one of the best catering businesses in New Jersey,” he said.

The HCCC Culinary Arts Institute is nationally recognized for its award-winning curriculum and is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Accrediting Commission and the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation (ACFEF). CAI faculty take a unique approach to hands-on learning and guaranteeing personalized attention to each student. The 72,000 square-foot HCCC CAI/Conference Center includes state-of-the-art kitchens and classrooms including bakeries, hot-food and cold-food kitchens and classrooms, an ice-sculpting studio, a fish-and-butchery room, mock-hotel hospitality suite, and a library of more than 4,000 cookbooks. Its kitchens were featured in TLC’s “Cake Boss: Next Great Baker” and Progresso Soup’s “Ring-Ring” commercials.

The HCCC Culinary Arts Program podcast is part of the College’s monthly “Out of the Box” series that launched last year. Discussions featuring guest speakers focus on programs, events, issues, and solutions that affect the people of Hudson County. Links to all College podcasts may be found at https://www.hccc.edu/outofthebox.

Union City moves to place moratorium on rent increases

Hudson Reporter

March 25, 2020

04ucrent02 — Union City Mayor Brian Stack

Good news for Union City tenants amid the COVID-19 pandemic: city officials are seeking to place a moratorium on rent increases until the end of the crisis.

Recognizing the substantial financial loss many residents will face due to unemployment or closures of businesses, Mayor Brian Stack and the Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance on March 24 that places a moratorium on rent increases during the State of Emergency.

The ordinance includes a grace period on the moratorium for some time after the State of Emergency has been lifted.

Gov. Murphy declared a State of Emergency on March 9 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Murphy placed a moratorium on evictions during the ongoing crisis.

A public hearing on the ordinance will be help at the next Board of Commissioners meeting on April 14 at the Islamic Education Center at 4613 Cottage Place at 7 p.m.

Insult to injury

“Following the moratorium on evictions by the governor, we were concerned that residents who are unable to work due to the Coronavirus pandemic would face additional financial hardships by increased rent,” Stack said. “Residents are facing enough hardships with this virus; we do not need to add insult to injury by increasing their rent and creating more of a hardship for them to overcome.”

If adopted, the ordinance would prevent any rent increases and will remain in effect for no longer than two months following the end of the State of Emergency.

According to Stack, the moratorium shall apply retroactively to March 1.

“Housing security and stability are critical to the public health, and this ordinance is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare of Union City residents,” Stack stated. “We are facing unprecedented times, and residents need relief wherever possible.”

Union City is the first municipality in Hudson County to introduce an ordinance or similar measure to curb rent increases.

“I have always said that Union City is a close and resilient community,” Stack stated. “We are in this fight together, and we are not giving up.”

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 offers free parking to encourage residents to stay at home

Hudson Reporter

March 25, 2020

04nbparking02 — North Bergen gives residents free parking amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Bergen is removing one worry from residents’ shoulders amid the COVID-19 pandemic: the need to find parking.

In a March 25 COVID-19 update, all parking ticketing remains suspended throughout the township. No parking tickets will be issued until further notice.

While the township is not ticketing for the street sweeper, if residents are able to move their vehicles they are asked to do so to allow for the streets to remain clean.

To help encourage residents to stay home, Mayor Nicholas Sacco, the Board of Commissioners, the North Bergen School District and the Parking Authority have made hundreds of additional parking spaces available free to the public.

These expanding parking options are for North Bergen resident parking only and resident parking permits are required. No commercial vehicles are allowed.

Parking is permitted only in designated areas, and residents are asked to adhere to the posted signs.

The measures are designed to prevent residents from needing to leave their homes to move their cars for fear of getting tickets or to pay the meter, among other parking related reasons.

Parking locations

These locations are available for resident parking across the township: the Recreation Center parking lot at 6300 Meadowview Avenue, the Senior Center parking lot at 1441 45th Street, the 46th Street Field Recreation parking lot, the 74th Street and Broadway parking lot, 38th Street and Liberty Avenue parking lot, and the 39th Street and Liberty Avenue parking lot.

Schools are opening their parking lots to residents. The North Bergen High School parking lot at 7417 Kennedy Blvd. and the Robert Fulton Annex School parking lot at 7111 Polk St. will be free for residents only.

Spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are advised to be considerate of neighbors during this difficult time and do not take up spaces if there is space available elsewhere.

For more information, visit the Parking Authority website at http://www.northbergenparkingauthority.com. All email inquiries should be sent to [email protected].

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].