North Bergen recognizes former Township Administrator Chris Pianese

October 11, 2021

10nbhonor21 — Mayor Sacco and the Board of Commissioners presented the proclamation and plaque to Pianese on Oct. 6. Photos by Art Schwartz

The North Bergen Board of Commissioners has honored former Township Administrator Chris Pianese with a proclamation. Mayor Nicholas Sacco read the proclamation into the record at the Oct. 6 meeting, the first in-person meeting since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020.

Pianese retired after 32 years at the beginning of July, handing the reigns over to now-Township Administrator Janet Castro, who previously served as Health Officer for North Bergen and several other North Hudson municipalities.

While Pianese served as Township Administrator starting 2002, he starting working for North Bergen in 1989 as Assistant Comptroller. He became Chief Financial Officer in 1995 before becoming Township Administrator.

“He was responsible for the complete day-to-day oversight of the township,” Sacco said. “The commission form of government does not have a full-time mayor or commissioners. So we used to run the government by crisis. When I first took office, we would come here after work and spend hours trying to fix problems, going all night. Then we decided the best way to handle this simple to get a Township Administrator who would be able to run the day to day operations in Town Hall, coordinate it, and then report back in. The government then ran more smoothly.”

Pianese was the second town administrator in the township’s history.

“He’s done such an outstanding job,” Sacco said. “When he told me he was leaving, it was one of the terrible days of my life.”

A lasting legacy

Some of Pianese’s accomplishments mentioned in the resolution include: the designation of Tonnelle Avenue as a redevelopment zone, leading to a $250 million revitalization of the area; managing the building of the $5 million municipal court complex and $6 million municipal pool complex simultaneously; and improving the township’s bond rating from Moody’s Financial Services from Baa3 to Aa2.

“From Baa3 to Aa2, that means a great deal when you’re borrowing money,” Sacco said.

Pianese was also responsible for negotiating payments-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements leading to a resurgence of residential development; spearheading efforts to construct the new $18 million township library and community center; and initiating and continuing the redevelopment of the Paterson Plank Road downtown area.

“And of course, the new park that went in at the time,” Sacco said referencing the park that opened on Paterson Plank Road in 2020.

Other accomplishments highlighted by the resolution include overseeing the creation of the North Bergen Help Desk program to improve constituent services; helping guide the township through the COVID-19 pandemic; negotiating collective bargaining agreements for all labor unions; initiating shared services agreements with local municipalities; aiding in the regionalization of five North Hudson fire departments which resulted in the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue; and converting the Emergency Management Service from volunteers to paid employees.

As Township Administrator, Pianese was responsible for five departments with over 540 total employees.

“The agencies were out there on their own operating model, and Chris made sure they all fell into line and worked together,” Sacco said.

Pianese served in various roles throughout his tenure.

Deep roots in North Bergen

In addition to Township Administrator, Pianese also served as a Board Commissioner for the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, the Director of Special Projects for the North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority as well as the North Bergen Free Public Library, the North Bergen Parking Authority, and the North Bergen Board of Education.

Sacco presented Pianese with a framed copy of the proclamation and a plaque.

“I just want to take another opportunity to thank everyone,” Pianese said. “It was the opportunity the mayor gave to me 20 years ago, when he entrusted me to run the town as the manager.”

Pianese briefly reflected on his relationships with Sacco and the board: “It was just a great bond, as well as with other commissioners… It’s been a great time. It’s just been a great opportunity and I feel good about what I’ve done. As a resident, I’m proud to be here.”

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 appoints new Business Administrator

Hudson Reporter

October 8, 2021

10wnyboc14 — The WNY Board of Commissioners made the appointment via Zoom at its Oct. 6 meeting.

The West New York Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution appointing Assistant Business Administrator Luis Baez as Business Administrator.

Baez replaces Business Administrator Jonathan Castaneda, who will now serve as Special Projects Manager.

The board voted unanimously to appoint Baez to the position at the Oct. 6 meeting. Baez will serve for a term of one year, effective Oct. 7, 2021 until Oct. 6, 2022. He will earn a yearly salary of $125,000, up from his previous salary of approximately $94,000.

The resolution appointed Baez to the new role but did not specify Castaneda’s role. Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez confirmed that Castaneda would be Special Projects Manager.

‘Restructuring roles’

“This is a change that we’re doing to move the administration forward,” Rodriguez said. ”We’re restructuring our roles. Jonathan [Castaneda] will now be in charge exclusively of special projects, something that he is absolutely very good at, which is one of the reasons why we decided to do this.”

Castaneda has played a central role in many special projects in the town in the past, which prompted the move, according to Rodriguez.

“I appreciate the attention he gives a project,” Rodriguez said. “Now he has the ability to solely focus on our projects. I think this should be an absolute step in the right direction to address global projects that we have not yet done for many reasons. He is a driving force behind our special projects, which is why he’s been assigned to that.”

Rodriguez praised Baez as well.

“Luis [Baez] is obviously just as important, which is why we’ve assigned him to now be our Business Administrator, dealing with personnel and other issues,” Rodriguez said. “So now it’s basically a separation of duties for both of them. And I welcome Luis to his new role, a role that he’s already been doing. But now he’ll be much more easily able to do it.”

According to Rodriguez, there are no plans at this time to fill the now vacant position of Assistant Business Administrator.

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].

Will West New York oppose Newark power plant?

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2021

10wnyenergy07 — A rendering of the proposed Standby Power Generation Facility

The governing body of West New York is weighing the passage of a resolution that would condemn a proposed power plant in Newark.

The Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) is proposing to construct a gas fired power plant in the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark. The planned Standby Power Generation Facility (SPGF) was proposed as part of a resiliency project in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy to provide back-up power to the facility.

Mobilizing against the proposal

Residents and activists have been rallying municipal governments to oppose the plant, as they did with the proposed NJ TransitGrid fracked-gas power plant in Kearny.

In June, the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission announced that it plans to reevaluate its current proposal for the power plant at its sewage treatment facility in Newark after community members and environmental activists from across the region opposed the plan.

In Hudson County, Hoboken and Jersey City have passed a similar resolution against the proposed power plant, even after the announcement in June. North Bergen is still weighing the measure.

West New York could be next. Resident Brielle Jeffries proposed the resolution to the West New York Board of Commissioners at its September meeting.

“This seemingly goes against the environmental law that Governor [Phil] Murphy passed last summer,” Jeffries said. “They are looking to build a new gas-fired power plant in Newark. It would be mainly used for power outages.”

Renewable energy alternatives

“We believe they haven’t fully explored how they can use renewable energy for this, and we just want to make Governor Murphy aware,” Jeffries said. “We think the best way is by having as many municipalities sign on to this resolution as possible right now.”

Jeffries presented a resolution she would like to see the council pass at the next meeting.

Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez said he has been in touch with the town’s Sustainability Coordinator Rosemarie Suarez.

“I have been in communication with Rosemarie Suarez, who I know you keep in contact with,” Rodriguez said. “She has kept me abreast of everything. I appreciate you working with her. As you know, she is very gung ho on making or keeping West New York greener.”

Continuing the conversation

Rodriguez said that while she is the point person for the town on that, he was interested in continuing the conversation offline.

“I’d love to sit with you and see in what direction this is going,” Rodriguez said. “I have read up a little bit about it. Obviously no one, especially on this Board of Commissioners, is opposed to making our communities greener. I know Commissioner [Yoleisy] Yanez has done many things and has many proposals on making our community greener working with Rosemarie.”

Rodriguez added that he would “consider the conversation and then perhaps a resolution if it fits [West New York] well.” Jeffries agreed to the offline conversation.

If the board passes a resolution, it would be at the next Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held via Zoom; for more information go to westnewyork.org and click on the event on the calendar webpage.

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 man arrested after alleged sexual assault of juvenile

Hudson Reporter

September 30, 2021

10ucassault07 — Charles D. Rodriguez, 51, from Union City. Photo via Prosecutor's Office

A Union City man has been arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a juvenile, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.

On Sept. 29, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit arrested Charles D. Rodriguez, 51, from Union City. Rodriguez faces charges that he allegedly sexually assaulted a girl when she was between the ages of six and nine.

The victim, also a Union City resident, is now 13. Rodriguez has been charged with second-degree Sexual Assault and third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Rodriguez was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City without incident.

Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit for the investigation and arrest.

Anyone wishing to report a sex crime should call the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) at 201-915-1234.

The above charges are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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 Third Ward Councilman stepping down

Hudson Reporter

September 29, 2021

10weecouncil07 — Weehawken Third Ward Councilman Raul Gonzalez

Weehawken Third Ward Councilman Raul Gonzalez has announced his resignation from his seat on the Township Council. This is due to a new career opportunity, which requires him to move out of the township.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the citizens of Weehawken and a pleasure working with Mayor Turner, my Council colleagues, and the Administration,” Gonzalez said.

In his resignation letter, Gonzalez wrote, “I have been offered a new career opportunity that I feel I must accept. Sadly, this new career opportunity will require my family and me to relocate.”

Gonzalez was first elected to the council in 2018, alongside current council members Carmela Silvestri-Ehret, Rosemary Lavagnino, and David Curtis. Gonzalez replaced then-Third Ward Councilman and Deputy Mayor Robert Sosa who decided not to run after 34 years on the council. The Third Ward runs from Clifton Terrace and Park Avenue to 51st and Park Avenue.

“Please know that I am grateful for the trust and confidence that the residents of the Third Ward, the residents of the Township, and the Township Council have placed in me in the last three years as a Councilman,” Gonzalez said in the letter. “I am also thankful for the support I have had throughout my career with the Township of Weehawken for nearly 24 years.”

Long career in Weehawken

Gonzalez served in various roles throughout his career with the township. A Weehawken native, he has worked for the township for 24 years, including as a social worker there and at the North Hudson Community Action Center. He served as the township’s Director of Social Services from 1997 until his election to the council in 2018.

And while he will longer be in Weehawken, Gonzalez said he will still support the township.

“While I no longer serve in any official capacity on the Council, I look forward to continuing to be a resource for the Turner Administration,” Gonzalez said. “I will be available to help the Township and the administration to the best of my ability.”

Mayor Turner praised highly of Gonzalez.

“We wish Councilman Raul Gonzalez well as he pursues a new career opportunity,” Turner said. “His commitment to the residents of the Third Ward and the residents of the Township over the years has been tremendous. He has always been a dedicated public servant. We are sure he will be successful in his new endeavors.”

New council member inbound

The search for Gonzalez’s replacement is already on.

“The Township Council will begin the process of looking for a Council member replacement immediately,” Turner said. “In accordance with state statute, we have 30 days to appoint a successor to fill his unexpired term.”

The new council member will finish out the rest of Gonzalez’s term until the next municipal election in May of 2022. The position of councilman in Weehawken is considered part-time, accruing $8,000 annually.

More information may come at the next regular Township Council meeting on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. Meetings are usually held virtually; for more information, go to weehawken-nj.us.

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

Fewer parking spots in WNY?

Hudson Reporter

September 22, 2021

09wnyboc30 — The double painted lines can be seen on 63rd Street from Boulevard East in West New York, as of September 2021 via Google Maps

Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez insists that West New York is improving parking. But not everyone is buying it.

Resident Mark Bloomberg raised concerns at the Sept. 15 meeting of the West New York Board of Commissioners. Bloomberg took issue with changes to parking through ordinances in recent years.

Spots removed?

“On our block alone, on 63rd Street between Park Avenue and Boulevard East, the newly painted lines are not only confusing but have actually removed three parking spaces as a result of the way that they’re painted on,” Bloomberg said.

Parking is a problem in the densely populated urban region that is Hudson County, and West New York is no exception.

Bloomberg continued: “This administration ran on a platform of improved parking around here, and I need things explained to me as to why we’re losing spaces.”

According to Bloomberg, some of the parking-space lines on the block have been painted closer to the crosswalk on the corner of Park Avenue and 63rd Street on the east side, which he said is less safe.

“It’s not only a danger for pedestrians, but much more difficult for emergency services vehicles to turn the corners,” Bloomberg said. “It just doesn’t make sense the way they were painted.”

Mayor says ‘no’

“[Parking] is probably our number one issue,” Rodriguez said. “It is something that we have been dealing with before we ran. We are making significant strides to improve that, and one of the things we did was to do these lines.”

Rodriguez said it may appear that spots have been reduced, but that may not necessarily be the case.

“On the surface, it is easy to do the math and say on a block you may have lost spaces,” Rodriguez said. “But what we’re gaining is organization and structure.”

The repainting of the lines was intended to help reorganize parking.

“The problem was the people were putting cars, smaller cars, larger cars in spaces, taking up half a space here or two spaces there,” Rodriguez said. “This was causing disorganization. You had cars that were going over the crosswalk, going over hydrant yellow lines, going over drop-off zones in our schools. As you can imagine, we are trying to attempt to improve the parking situation in our community.”

Part of a larger plan

The first step in remedying the situation is to provide more structure, according to Rodriguez.

“This is being done to all of North Hudson because it’s hard to get a parking space, not only in the town of West New York but all of North Hudson,” Rodriguez said. “So while on the surface it looks like we’ve lost spaces, we’ve gained more organization.”

Rodriguez noted that the town has initiated a parking garage project: “We are well in the works of creating more garages for the community,” he said. Bloomberg reiterated that they lost three spots on his block and that there was already organization on the block.

“There were painted spots,” Bloomberg said. “The old painted spots are still visible, which is creating confusion for people when they’re parking right now.”

Bloomberg said there was disorganization before any lines were painted, but that stopped with the old lines. The new lines in conjunction with the visible old ones cause confusion.

“I don’t understand why the previous set of lines wasn’t erased or why we just didn’t use the exact same ones and maintain the order that was already there,” Bloomberg said. “Nothing new has been introduced, just confusion and less spaces… It may be better around the rest of the town, but on my block you haven’t done it right.”

Sticking with the experts

Rodriguez said the old parking lines will be painted over.

“The new lines, in terms of their measurement and location and painting are there as a result of an engineering study and traffic study,” Rodriguez said. “I could stand on your block with a tape measure, but I’m going to defer to an engineer as well as the traffic division and what they say… I’m not saying you didn’t lose spaces, but in a situation like this, I have to defer to the experts and what they suggest.”

According to Rodriguez, the repainted lines helped commercial vehicles.

“We have a significant issue in this community with many vehicles that are business vehicles,” Rodriguez said. “Many of those large vehicles park in the street, taking over one and half spaces and leaving you without half a space on your block.”

Some of the repainted spots are larger, aiming to provide a place for those vehicles to park.

“Now that we have these spaces, it is clear where those vehicles can park,” Rodriguez said. “More importantly, we can and will be monitoring any vehicle that is outside of those lines to correct that. Many people have had car damages or are unable to get out of their driveways because people park and have their entire bumper over the driveway.”

Rodriguez continued: “You counted lost spaces, and if the overall goal is to include spaces for our vehicles, on the surface it seems like we have stepped in the wrong direction. But if you ask a lot of people in this community, they’ll tell you this is much better… It’s an ongoing conversation, as we’re looking to improve parking, and it doesn’t end with these lines.”

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 hosts festivities for Hispanic Heritage Month

Hudson Reporter

September 21, 2021

09nbheritage30 — Marchers head down Bergenline during the Hispanic State Parade of New Jersey in North Bergen in 2019. Photo by Art Schwartz

North Bergen will host a slew of events for Hispanic Heritage Month, through Oct. 15, Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Township Commissioners have announced.

North Bergen’s robust Hispanic population has contributed to society through their talents, culture, and traditions. The township will support the celebration of rich cultural traditions and significant achievements of the Hispanic and Latin American communities through a number of events in September and October.

While COVID-19 prevented many in-person events for Hispanic Heritage Month last year, this year the township and library are hosting a wealth of activities online and in person, including dance classes and performances, concerts, crafts, and movies.

The month’s events are in full swing. A Special Adult Book Club via zoom for “Of Woman and Salt” by Gabriela Garcia was held on Sept. 15, and a Children’s Latin Dance Class by Oneida’s Dance Studio on Sept 18.

Upcoming events

On Sept. 21, the township hosted Taco Tuesday and an outdoor showing of the movie “Coco” at 6:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Branch Library parking lot at 2123 Kennedy Blvd.

Oneida’s Dance Studio will perform a Flamenco and Salsa Showcase on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Main Library parking lot at 8411 Bergenline Avenue.

The Museum of Latin American Art will hold a zoom event on Sept. 25 at 3 p.m.

A “Flamenco Flavor” outdoor concert will be held on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Main Library parking lot.

On Sept. 29, an Adult Latin Dance Class will be held at the Main Library parking lot at 6:30 p.m.

Another Taco Tuesday and an outdoor movie showing of “The Book of Life” will be held on Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library parking lot.

Among the highlights of the month is the annual Hispanic Parade of New Jersey, beginning at 1 p.m. on Oct. 3 at 80th Street in North Bergen and proceeding down Bergenline Avenue.

Wrapping up the month’s festivities is a family concert featuring 123 Andrés on Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. in the Main Library parking lot.

The final event will be a bilingual family concert featuring Baila Baila on Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. in the Main Library parking lot.

During the entire month, special take-home craft kits are available for free at any library branch. The crafts, themed for Hispanic Heritage Month, can be picked up on Mondays until Oct. 4 at the Main Library, the Kennedy Branch, and the Guttenberg Resource Center at the Galaxy Towers Mall at 7002 Blvd East.

For more information, go to nbpl.org/calendar or 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].

Secaucus reopens vaccine site at rec center

Hudson Reporter

September 17, 2021

09secvaccine23 — The Recreation Center at 1200 Koelle Boulevard

Secaucus has reopened its COVID-19 vaccine distribution site at the Recreation Center at 1200 Koelle Boulevard, according to Town Administrator Gary Jeffas. The town is shifting operations from Town Hall, where it had been administering vaccines on Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

One reason for the move was scheduling conflicts.

“We were starting to have conflicts with our municipal court sessions,” Jeffas said. “It was just getting more difficult in the weeks going forward to coordinate use of the space.”

The other was the increase in residents seeking vaccines.

“We were having some more people come in for the third shot,” Jeffas said. “We’ve been having an uptick in the immunocompromised people seeking the third dose, so we felt it was best to make sure we had adequate room.”

More space

The shift back to the Recreation Center from Town Hall ensures there is enough space for social distancing.

“This spreads people out and keeps the operation running smoothly without getting too clogged up,” Jeffas said.

To get a third dose, schedule an appointment with the Health Department at 201-330-2031. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available.

At this time, only those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are approved to receive a third dose. For a full list of eligible conditions, go to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html.

Expanding operations

The town is awaiting guidance for third doses for the public. When that happens, vaccine distribution operations at the Recreation Center will likely expand.

“If the government passes the booster shot for everybody who got the first two shots, then obviously we would analyze that and see if we need to then expand the hours like we did in the past to vaccinate more people,” Jeffas said.

For first and second doses, walk-ins are welcome, and no appointments are necessary. Pfizer vaccines are given.

For more information, go to secaucusnj.gov/vaccine.

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 bonds $1.4 million for solar panels at rec center

Hudson Reporter

September 17, 2021

09seccouncil23 — The Secaucus Town Council met in person on Sept. 14.

The Secaucus Town Council has adopted an ordinance bonding approximately $1.4 million for the purchase of solar panels to be installed at the Recreation Center at 1200 Koelle Boulevard. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance at its Sept. 14 meeting.

According to Town Administrator Gary Jeffas, the solar panel project is part of a cost-saving clean energy initiative known as the Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP). The ESIP is administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to allow for the improvement and retrofitting of public facilities by local governments and other entities by using the future value of energy savings to finance the upfront investment.

“It’s a dollar for dollar,” Mayor Michael Gonnelli said at the council meeting. “So whatever we are going to spend, we are going to get back in savings.”

“At least that or more,” Jeffas added.

Pre-qualified energy services companies provide the upfront financing, and are paid back from the savings that accrue to the public entity through reduced energy bills.

Cost savings analysis

“It’s an energy savings investment program,” Jeffas told the Hudson Reporter after the meeting. “So what we first had to do was appoint a company to analyze and make recommendations on the projects. One of the projects they recommended was the solar panels.”

As part of the analysis, it had to be guaranteed by the company, Schneider Electric, that the savings from the project will exceed the debt payment over 15 years.

“Then a second company we hire verifies all of their data and information,” Jeffas said.

The town is currently waiting for the second analysis to be completed. After the third party certifies that the program will save money, the BPU then reviews the program and gives it final approval if it meets the requirements.

“Everybody makes sure that the savings outweigh the costs,” Jeffas said. “So it should be zero cost to the town over the 20 year financing based on the savings from the energy.”

On the roof

The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the recreation center. But the town is debating putting additional solar panels over the parking lot.

“That is still being analyzed,” Jeffas said. “They have to analyze the parking area to make sure if they put it there, that all the subsurface drainage and everything won’t be disrupted.”

The analysis is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

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].

High Tech High School teacher reassigned after sexual assault lawsuit

Hudson Reporter

September 16, 2021

09nblawsuit23 — The current High Tech High School is in Secaucus, having moved from its old home in North Bergen. Photo by Art Schwartz

A High Tech High School Teacher accused of grooming, sexually assaulting, and impregnating a former student has been reassigned, according to Hudson County Schools of Technology Superintendent Amy Lin-Rodriguez.

“The District is aware of recent media publicity concerning allegations raised in litigation against one of the District’s teachers,” Lin-Rodriguez wrote in a letter to the community on Sept. 9. “The District has also received comments concerning such allegations from members of our community and is aware of related social media posts.”

The announcement came after a lawsuit was recently filed in Hudson County Superior Court by a woman only identified as E.P. against social studies teacher John Jefferson. The suit alleges E.P. was groomed, sexually assaulted, and impregnated by Jefferson, starting at age 14, while she attended High Tech High School.

The lawsuit also names, as defendants, Nancy and Leslie Jefferson, Joseph Giammarella, High Tech High School, Hudson County Schools of Technology, and “John Does 1-10” and “ABC Corporations A-Z.” The suit says these defendants were kept anonymous for the sake of E.P.’s privacy but may be revealed as the lawsuit progresses.

“While the district does not and will not comment on pending litigation, I want to assure our students, staff and our HCST community, that through administrative reassignment and other appropriate action, the concerns raised have been addressed, in order to protect the interests of all parties involved,” Lin-Rodriguez said. “Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students, employees, and our campus community, as well as the ability to teach and learn effectively without distraction, is of utmost importance to the District. I look forward to a positive, productive and successful school year for our entire HCST community.”

Years of alleged abuse

E.P. alleges the abuse began in the 2005 to 2006 school year, when she was 14 and a student of Jefferson.

During her freshman year, Jefferson allegedly often lectured E.P. on the importance of loyalty. According to the suit, “this was said only so that [Jefferson] could cloak his sexual desire and pursuit of E.P.”

During her sophomore year it allegedly grew more intense. According to the suit, Jefferson allegedly scheduled E.P. to be around him as much as possible, during free periods, after school, at extracurricular activities, and even making her his “intern.”

Jefferson allegedly began bringing her gifts at this point. He also allegedly began asking E.P. inappropriate questions about her and her boyfriend, telling her about his past sexual experiences in explicit detail, according to the suit.

During a prom she attended during sophomore year, the suit alleges that Jefferson forced E.P. to talk to him the whole time, only permitting her to dance once with her boyfriend she was there with. According to the suit, Jefferson constantly encouraged E.P. to break up with her boyfriend.

By junior year, the suit alleges that Jefferson’s “possessive behavior” over E.P. increased. She was allegedly transferred to his homeroom, and communicated with him over the weekend via email. The suit alleges that Jefferson eventually grew paranoid over the emails and supervised E.P. as she deleted them.

During senior year, E.P. allegedly began skipping classes to spend more time with Jefferson. The suit alleges that the school employee in charge of keeping attendance records, Vincent Nardiello, allegedly altered records to mark her present.

Alleged sexual assaults and relationship

In May of her senior year, Jefferson is accused of sexually assaulting her twice and “continued a regularly sexually abusive relationship.” E.P. was accepted and enrolled at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, but Jefferson allegedly encouraged her not to go and convinced her to stay with him and take online classes at the American Military University while working a retail job.

E.P. allegedly lived with Jefferson in North Bergen, even after E.P.’s parents found out. According to the suit, Jefferson allegedly ignored E.P.’s father, prompting him to reach out to Jefferson’s principal, Joseph Giammarella. Giammarella allegedly refused to do anything because E.P. was no longer a student.

In the suit, E.P. describes increasing alleged physical abuse at this time. Jefferson allegedly started referring to her as his fiancé and required she be by his side at all times, according to the suit.

After finding online courses unfulfilling, E.P. was able to transfer to Bergen County Community College and then Seton Hall. But Jefferson allegedly kept close tabs on her, memorizing her schedule and forbidding her from spending time with friends she met or attending parties.

Jefferson allegedly did not pay for her schooling, instead encouraging her to pay for it by working multiple retail jobs. According to the suit, E.P. allegedly spent most nights with Jefferson and his mother watching television. Jefferson would allegedly get upset at the suggestion of doing something else, such as studying.

Pregnancy and escape

In 2012, E.P became pregnant by Jefferson. But E.P. allegedly wasn’t able to tell her parents she was pregnant from the alleged sexual abuse for approximately six or seven months.

Determined to escape Jefferson at this point, E.P. was allegedly finally able to do so in August of 2012.

Jefferson later attempted to attend the birth of E.P.’s daughter and propose to E.P. in September of 2012, but was prevented by E.P.’s father. The suit states that Jefferson has since attempted to contact E.P. multiple times to convince her to get back him, “which she will never do.”

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].