Improvements to Secaucus’s Laurel Hill Park underway

August 13, 2021

08secpark19 — Residents will use waterfront walkway at Laurel Hill Park, with the Portal North Bridge in the background.

Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus is undergoing major renovations. Located on the western end of New County Road, the county park is near Meadowlands Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike Exit 15X and County Avenue.

“Laurel Hill Park is getting many upgrades with new facilities and an expansion of offerings for different sports, thanks to Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise,” Mayor Michael Gonnelli said in the town’s August newsletter.

In recent years, the park has evolved from an unused open space to a well-outfitted outdoor area. Currently, there are fields for soccer, baseball and cricket, a boat launch, canoe and kayak rentals, boating tours, children’s playgrounds, fishing pier, dog park and well-maintained walking and bike trails. The park also offers amazing views across the Hackensack.

Work underway

Work has already begun, and upgrades to the largest park in Secaucus are on the way.

They include six new tennis courts, two volleyball courts, two basketball courts, a new parking lot with 50 more spaces and a new playground with aquatic features. The bike and walkway system, parking lots, existing playground, landscaping, gazebo, boat launch and shoreline will be refurbished.

“This is a huge gain for Secaucus. Our residents can enjoy state-of-the-art features, new playgrounds, and extensive pathways right here in Town,” Gonnelli said. “I am happy to see open spaces being upgraded for everyone to use, no matter what outdoor activity you may enjoy. I thank Hudson County Executive DeGise for making Laurel Hill Park a priority.”

Funds for these additions and upgrades have been procured through grants.

Cleaning up the Hackensack

“Additionally, there is a major push underway at both the state and federal levels to clean up contamination in the Hackensack River,” Gonnelli said.

There is state support for federal designation of the Lower Hackensack River as a Superfund site. The designation is the next step toward cleaning up the river.

“We will share updates as these projects progress,” Gonnelli said. “Both these efforts will improve the quality of life for Secaucus residents with more recreational opportunities and better use of our open space.”

According to Gonnelli, “open space builds communities by bringing people together. It is where we meet friends, play, exercise, enjoy music and dance, and take in the beauty of nature. Secaucus is blessed with plenty of open space, so go out and enjoy them this summer.”

Parkland for bridge?

While the park is getting an overhaul, it’s also losing some land. The county is diverting approximately 2.445 acres of a wetland area in the southern portion of the park for a bridge easement for the construction and operation of the planned Portal North Bridge.

Part of the planned Gateway Project, the Portal North Bridge would replace the current Portal Bridge which spans the Hackensack River from Kearny to Secaucus. The approximately 110-year-old, decrepit, swing-style Portal Bridge is notorious for breaking down and getting stuck in the open position for marine traffic, stranding commuters and bringing Amtrak and NJ Transit service to a halt.

The existing right-of-way is not sufficient to accommodate the construction of the new bridge while maintaining operations along the Northeast Corridor. The northern bridge approach structure and a construction and maintenance platform would be permanently located on and over the diverted land.

Compensated for unused wetlands

The area is a tiny sliver of wetlands with no amenities. It is not accessible to the public, except by water.

Prior to the diversion, a public hearing was held before the New Jersey Department of Environment Protection, because the park was partially purchased by NJDEP Green Acres funds.

The land being diverted is appraised at $13,700. As compensation for the land, $54,800 will be deposited into the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund.

NJ Transit has agreed to contribute $179,000 to Hudson County for the waterfront enhancements and trail improvements, among other park upgrades.

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].

Road extension provides new path to Liberty State Park

Hudson Reporter

August 13, 2021

08jcavenue19 — The Jersey Avenue extension to Liberty State Park opened on Aug. 4. Photo by Mark Koosau.

A new road extension to enter Liberty State Park has finally opened. The extension includes a new bridge that leads from downtown Jersey City in the Bergen-Lafayette area to the northwest side of the park, allowing easy access for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists

A week after the extension officially opened on Aug. 4, the road was busy. Cars headed in and out of Liberty State Park, cyclists pedalled along the new bike lanes on both sides of the bridge, and pedestrians used the sidewalks in the sweltering summer heat, strolling, jogging, or walking their dogs.

The project extends Jersey Avenue, formerly a dead end, over the canal to Phillips Street, and intersects with Johnston Avenue and Audrey Zapp Drive. The road opens a new direct route to the nearby Jersey City Medical Center. Stoplights control intersecting light rail trains.

“It’s nice, this doesn’t look like it’s causing too many problems,” said Masai Herrera, who was walking near the new extension. “It helped us get to downtown a lot easier.”

The extension connects to Phillips Street, and also has bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. Photo by Mark Koosau.

Madilynn Morris, another pedestrian, said it was needed. “It’s busy around here,” she said. “I don’t have a car, so I don’t know what it takes to go around. But obviously, it’s pretty hard for people to go around if they had to go that way, right? So I guess people appreciate it.”

Construction, which was planned in 2013, didn’t begin until in 2019. It’s a $13 million project, with $10 million being a grant from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Before the extension, the Ethel Pesin Liberty Footbridge was the only way for pedestrians to get to the park from Jersey Avenue. Vehicles would have to go from Phillips Street, to Johnston Avenue, Pacific Avenue, and Grand Street get to the intersection of Jersey and Grand.

Sam Pesin, President of the Friends at Liberty State Park, called the finished project a tremendous milestone for Jersey City. “The more ways that people can travel without a vehicle, such as bikers, runners, walkers and strollers, the better,” he said.

The bridge’s new bike lanes and pedestrian walkways on the sides of the road were much needed and already much used. They were not part of the original plan, but were added after organizations and Robert Rodriguez, superintendent of the state park, advocated for their addition.

Arnold B. Williams sees the new bike lanes as important. Photo by Mark Koosau.

Activist Arnold B. Williams was cycling across the bike lanes along with neighborhood kids, Lincoln and Jaylen, as part of Where Yo Bike At?, a community-based cycling club. He sees the new lanes as important. “I’m really excited about the bike lanes of today,” he said. “We’re riding most of them in this area, just to show them how it’s done.”

The state will transfer the roadway to Jersey City. “[This] will allow us to ensure the appropriate mechanisms are in place to solve any concerns over speeding, traffic, and any other potential safety issues,” said Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, a spokeswoman for Jersey City.

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

North Bergen gets $10 million toward purchasing former High Tech High School

Hudson Reporter

August 6, 2021

08nbschools12 — The former High Tech High School on Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, via Google Maps

North Bergen will receive millions from the state toward opening a new high school campus at the site of the former High Tech High School on Tonnelle Ave., according to Mayor Nicholas Sacco.

On July 29, Sacco and Gov. Phil Murphy announced there was $10 million in the state budget to supplement funds to build the new school.

“I can’t tell you how honored I am that we have in the budget to help build that new high school and to take this community to a place that is has never been before,” Murphy said.

In a statement the day after the announcement, Sacco reiterated the importance of the state funds: “This funding will help move this important project forward.”

School realignment

The project is part of the school district’s $65 million realignment, initiated in 2018.

It aims to alleviate the overcrowded district by moving seventh, eighth, and ninth grade classes into the new campus. Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders will be at North Bergen High School. This is designed to make room in the elementary schools for Pre-K students to move out of classrooms housed in permanent trailers in Braddock Park, near Bruin Stadium.

It will cost approximately $37 million to purchase and renovate the former High Tech High School, approximately $15 million to renovate the current North Bergen High School, and approximately $12 million for other upgrades.

On Dec. 11, 2018, North Bergen’s Board of Education held a special election in which voters approved the plan to use $60 million in long-term bonds to finance the project. The township will have to repay only $34 million. The NJ Department of Education will pay the rest.

The remainder will be financed by the state. This additional $10 million will go toward purchasing the former High Tech High School, officials said.

Legal wrangling

The project faced problems even before COVID-19.

“It was delayed by a frivolous lawsuit filed by our political opposition and by the pandemic, which affected much of the planning and construction process,” Sacco said.

Days before the Dec. 11 vote in 2018, Sacco’s electoral rival at the time, Larry Wainstein, filed a lawsuit alleging that the township violated the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as Sunshine Law, when distributing public notice of the vote.

That suit was thrown out of Hudson County Superior Court just days before the vote took place. Shortly after Wainstein’s charges were dismissed, Diana Ortiz filed a lawsuit to have Wainstein’s case heard in appeals court, challenging the judge’s verdict favoring the North Bergen Board of Education. Ortiz ran unsuccessfully for a commissioner slot in the May municipal elections that year on a slate with Wainstein.

Ortiz’s complaint was dismissed in Hudson County Superior Court. The New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division affirmed the lower court’s ruling in July of 2019.

Finally progressing?

While bonding was held up while the matter was in court, things began to move forward in February of 2020, when officials estimated the project would be complete by September of 2022.

A few months later COVID-19 hit, delaying things once more.

“Now we will be able to build this facility while limiting the impact on North Bergen taxpayers and giving our students the school they deserve,” Sacco said.

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].

Concrete for new courthouse

Hudson Reporter

August 5, 2021

08accourthouse12 — First the concrete, then the courts

The construction of the Hudson County Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex achieved a major milestone with the first substantial concrete pour of the project. The new complex will replace the outdated Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave.

Workers removed more than 31,384 cubic yards of soil and excavation and 17,720 cubic yards of rock to construct the courthouse basement.

“This major milestone underscores the County’s commitment to building a modern courthouse complex that will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of the neighborhood,” said Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise.

The new courthouse is named for former U.S. Congressman Frank Guarini, who donated a parcel of land for the project.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be part of the new Hudson County Courthouse project,” said former Congressman Frank Guarini. “Our great county will benefit from this historic moment and lead the way for generations to come.”

The pour of 2,055 cubic yards of concrete required more than 200 concrete truck deliveries and two concrete pump trucks. Approximately 125 tons of steel rebar was embedded in the concrete pour.

“We’re proud of the on-schedule progress we’re making and look forward to safely and efficiently completing this important project,” said Hudson County Improvement Authority CEO Norman Guerra.
The 18,500-square-foot area poured represents 36 percent of the 51,400-square-foot basement area. Subsequent pours are scheduled for this month and September.

Approximately 100 construction workers are currently working on the site, with a projected peak of 300 workers as the project advances.

Secaucus ordinance would bond millions for new senior center

Hudson Reporter

August 4, 2021

08seccouncil12 — The Secaucus Council meets in person, monthly, at Town Hall at 1203 Paterson Plank Rd.

The Secaucus Town Council has introduced an ordinance that would authorize the use of over $9 million in capital bonds for various public improvements. The $9,644,000 bond ordinance was introduced by the council at its July 27 meeting.

“This is our capital bond,” Mayor Michael Gonnelli said. “A lot of the money you’re going to see there is for the new senior center on Irving Street.”

A public hearing for the ordinance is scheduled for the council’s August meeting. For more information, go to secaucusnj.gov and click on the event on the calendar webpage.

New senior center

The most expensive item in the bond ordinance is for the construction of a new senior center, allotting $7,818,670 to cover the estimated cost.

“That number looks large, but the number is going to come down some,” Gonnelli said. “We got some grant money. And we got some money that we are going to be using from other areas.”

The ordinance allocates $510,000 for the estimated cost of storm sewer and flood mitigation control improvements at a number of locations and the installation of an automatic pump cleaner at the High School Storm Sewer Pump Station.

The ordinance also allots $308,550 for the resurfacing of various roads; $380,000 in supplemental funding for the construction of a passive park on Farm Road; and $189,080 for the estimated costs of other various improvements to public buildings and facilities.

New cars and equipment

The ordinance authorizes the purchase of new, additional, or replacement equipment and machinery; new information technology and telecommunications equipment and machinery; new communication and signal systems equipment; and new automotive vehicles, including original apparatus and equipment.

Replacement equipment for the DPW account will be an estimated $42,000. New information technology and communications equipment in Town departments, offices and agencies account for an estimated $17,700. The installation of fire alarm systems at various Fire houses is estimated at $18,000.

A total of $278,000 will account for the estimated cost of the purchase of an SUV, alcotest upgrade equipment, data switches and other equipment, computerized ticketing equipment for Parking Enforcement Officers for the Police Department; a dump truck for the Department of Public Works (DPW); a pickup truck for Buildings and Grounds; an SUV for the Construction Department; treadmills for the Recreation Department; and an SUV for the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

More dough for Fire Department

In late July, Rep. Bill Pascrell announced the Secaucus Fire Department would receive a $42k grant, on top of a $14k grant received earlier in the month.

Also at the July meeting, the council adopted an ordinance bonding $870,000 to cover the cost of a new pumper fire engine, including original apparatus and equipment.

A resolution was approved authorizing the execution of a contract with KME REV Group for the purchase of KME Fire Apparatus.

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].

Guttenberg Arts announces new exhibition

Hudson Reporter

August 3, 2021

Guttenberg Arts Gallery will present “Swallow,” an exhibition of work by Wendell Jeffrey, on view from August 12 — 29 at the Guttenberg Arts Gallery with an opening reception on Thursday August 12th, 7-9 p.m.

A print release will be held on Sunday August 22 in conjunction with the print fair “Print Riot 4”. The print by Jeffrey is a chine-collé lithograph editioned to 10 and will be available to purchase on the 22nd.

Guttenberg Arts Gallery is open by appointment only Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and virtually on their website. Patrons can schedule their visit or view the virtual gallery by going to www.guttenbergarts.org/exhibitions.

The installation of work includes drawings, paintings, sculptures and prints which were all loosely inspired by the wreck of the Swallow.

Artist Wendell Jeffrey explains: The “’Swallow” series traces the event of a shipwreck. I was taken by the idea of how an unscrupulous captain could possibly take a wager and recklessly race his ship in hopes of collecting the winnings, thinking nothing of risking the lives of his passengers and crew. Further exploring these dangers it lead me to the question of what is it that drives us to make these kind of judgements. When does chance cause actions beyond our control. What is it in that moment when the line is crossed regardless to others? It goes without saying that humans are good at causing problems and yet we also have wherewith into create a different story.”

In 1845 on April 7, The “Swallow” left Albany at 6 o’clock on Monday evening, with two or three other boats, to come directly through to New York. She had on board a large number of passengers, three hundred and fifty in all. Passing through the narrow channel at Athens, she ran upon a large rock. The bow ran up so high that it was impossible to stand upon the deck. In three minutes the cabins were full of water. The upper part of the boat soon took fire.

The “Swallow” wreck took place six years before the railroad was to reach Albany from New York. In the absence of a railroad, virtually all passengers, freight and mail moving between New York and Albany did so by steamboat. It was an era of fierce and unfettered competition. Steamboat racing was a frequent occurrence, the idea being that the first steamer to reach a landing would be the one to get the waiting passengers.

The wreck of the “Swallow” was one of the more spectacular disasters of the era and created a vivid impression all along the river. Occurring as it did before the age of photography, several artists scurried to the scene and soon their impressions of the wreck were immortalized for posterity in lithographs that quickly appeared on the market for sale.

Jeffrey has an MAT in Art Ed from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia and a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. Currently a teacher at Ridge High, Basking Ridge, NJ and previously at the Teachers College, Columbia University, NYC, Wendell has completed numerous residencies, including Guttenberg Arts, Vermont Studio Center and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Guttenberg Art Gallery is free and open to the public by appointment only. Guttenberg Arts programming is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas a. Degise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Schedule your visit by going to www.guttenbergarts.org/exhibitions.
For more information please contact [email protected] or 201-868-8585.

New Musical About Alzheimer’s Highlighted in Union City Concert

Hudson Reporter

August 2, 2021

Cast21 — The cast: Dylan Bivings, Daniel Robert Burns, Jay Chacon, Lauren Coccaro, Grace Juhe, Andrew Leonforte, Rebecca Monk & Devyn White.

An outdoor musical theatre concert, “A Good Day – Songs from Musicals by Eric B. Sirota, took place on Saturday July 24, ” at Ellsworth Park in Union City. “A Good Day” is also the name of Sirota’s newest original musical in development.

It’s a story of undying love. A widowed artist finds himself brought into the life of his childhood girlfriend, his first love, his muse, who spurned him over 50 years ago, and who now has Alzheimer’s.

The outdoor concert was a presentation of the Park Theatre, the historic 1300-seat performing arts center in Union City, and Write Act Repertory (John Lant & Tamra Pica), in association with the City of Union City and the Greater New Jersey chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The concert, featuring “A Good Day” included songs from three of Sirota’s other musicals: Frankenstein, Your Name on My Lips, and Go, My Child.

“A Good Day” was inspired by Sirota’s experience with his father, who had suffered from Alzheimer’s. In his last years the only way to reach him was through music, singing songs he knew earlier in life. Sirota wanted to write a musical touching on the power of music to rekindle memory and awaken the mind.

Then when making a condolence call to a friend who lost her mother to Alzheimer’s, he learned that she had been a cellist. In her last years when all other facilities were gone, if she heard cello music, she would hold and move her hands and fingers in perfect form, as though she was playing that music. He knew immediately who his characters would be. He had already created them in his earlier musical, “Your Name on My Lips,” which ends when they are only about 20 years old. The female character in “Your Name on My Lips” had been a cello player in her youth. While he makes use of these characters and their backstory, he wrote “A Good Day” to be entirely self-contained.

He describes it as “Music, memory, an old flame and Alzheimer’s – You just hope for a good day.” And while the subject matter is serious, the musical ends on a high note. (www.AGoodDayMusical.com)

Sirota wrote “A Good Day” in 2019, after receiving a Denis Diderot Artists-in-Residence grant to attend the Chateau Orquevaux residency in France. Revising drafts over the rest of that year, he had a complete script and score, as the pandemic hit. Having demo recordings of the songs done remotely early in the pandemic, he then had a series of virtual readings and workshops over the course of the following year. The July 24th concert was the first live performance of the material, and Sirota is hoping to gain interest in the work and further opportunities to develop it.

Another theme that runs throughout the show is the importance of arts education, something close to the writer’s heart. The music of the show is characteristic of Sirota’s work, using his classical inspiration melded with contemporary musical theatre styles, as it serves the story and characters.

The final segment of the July 24th concert featuring “A Good Day” began with the show’s opening number ‘Sundown.’ Sundowning is a condition often occurring in Alzheimer’s patients which makes the late day and night particularly difficult. But more than that, the song addresses all of the characters’ pains, losses and needs. With Alzheimer’s, it is not only the patient who is affected. It takes a major toll on their family/caregivers.

The concert was included as one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2021 “Longest Day” activities. The Longest Day is the day with the most light – the summer solstice. To shine a light on Alzheimer’s and dementia, people from across the world fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s by raising funds and awareness through an activity of their choice. Events need not take place exactly on the solstice. (http://act.alz.org/goto/AGoodDayMusical)

Eric B. Sirota is a composer/playwright, having written five full-length musicals which have appeared on New York stage. “Frankenstein” played Off-Broadway for three years and “Your Name on My Lips” had two productions at Theater for the New City, where Sirota was a resident playwright.

He studied musical composition at Brown University and is also a highly published research physicist with a PhD from Harvard. He was a recipient of the Denis Diderot Artists-in-Residence grant to attend the Chateau Orquevaux residency. As composer, he wrote the score for A Day at the White House, which was recently recorded as a radio podcast. Other works include The Flemington Oratorio and a dramatic musical setting of Unetane Tokef. He and his wife, artist Cara London, are also part of the group of dedicated volunteers and arts professionals who have worked to save and restore the Park Theatre.

For more information about A Good Day, or any of his musicals, you can contact Eric Sirota at [email protected]. To contact the Park Theatre, use [email protected].

$42K grant for Secaucus Fire Department

Hudson Reporter

July 30, 2021

08secgrant05 — The Secaucus Fire Department bought a fire rescue boat with previous federal funding.

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, has announced that $42,600 has been awarded to the Secaucus Fire Department as part of the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) program.

Pascrell represents the 9th Congressional District in New Jersey, which includes Secaucus.

Administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the AFG program provides direct support to eligible fire departments to help them meet the demands of their work.

The fire department will use this award to invest in training and purchase machines that will thoroughly decontaminate firefighters’ personal protective equipment. The machines will improve firefighter health and safety and reduce health risks.

Funding for this program is provided by Pascrell’s Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act, which was signed into law in 2000 by President Bill Clinton. Through the legislation, Pascrell helps procure hundreds of thousands in federal support for New Jersey firefighters each year.

“As we continue to beat back COVID-19, our nation’s firefighters are putting their lives on the line like never before,” Pascrell said. “This federal investment in Secaucus’s Bravest will help them continue their vital work of keeping our community safe.”

Second grant in recent months

Earlier in July, Pascrell secured a $14,058 grant to equip the department’s state-of-the-art fire rescue boat with an electronic communication system that will allow the department to streamline communications with the Coast Guard and other public safety agencies. Pascrell helped secure funding for the fire rescue boat in 2018, and joined Secaucus firefighters to unveil the vessel a year later.

“Working with President Biden, I am more confident than ever that these grants will continue to flow into our cities and towns here in North Jersey,” Pascrell said. “I am proud that we were able to bring this federal money home for our community, and I will continue to fight for every cent that supports New Jersey’s first responders.”

Pascrell is a longtime champion of public safety funding. Earlier this year he helped pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which provided an additional $200 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response grant program, which supports the hiring and retention of firefighters.

The relief package includes an additional $100 million for Pascrell’s AFG program, which helps departments invest in lifesaving equipment and resources, such as personal protective equipment, and provides training and mental health support.

Pascrell helped pass the CARES Act in March 2020, which included $100 million in emergency AFG funding.

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].

Terry B. Hill appointed new director of NJ’s largest municipal library system

Hudson Reporter

July 30, 2021

Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Board of Directors of the Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) have announced the appointment of Terry B. Hill to the role of Jersey City Library Director effective September 20.

Hill’s extensive library experience includes notable success in improving digital equity, especially for low-income youth within Durham, North Carolina, where he has served as Deputy Director of Library Services for the past decade.

“Terry Hill stood out amongst the impressive applicant pool for his 27 years of successful leadership within urban library systems and establishing strong relationships with the surrounding communities,” said Mayor Fulop, who serves on the JCFPL Board’s search committee. “His knowledge and understanding of issues, trends, and practices of urban library management will be a great asset as he oversees our 10 Library locations citywide, the largest municipal Library system in New Jersey.”

“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Hill as the Director of the Jersey City Free Public Library,” said Library Board President Al Anton. “He has a proven track record of effective organizational transformation and forging meaningful relationships with the community, and is enthusiastic to use his depth of skills and knowledge to help continue drive JCFPL forward. We are looking forward to seeing Mr. Hill solidify the Library’s role as a trusted community partner to improve the lives of Jersey City residents.”

As the new Library Director, Hill will oversee the entire Jersey City Free Public Library System, which includes 144 experienced and dedicated staff members within the Main Library location, 9 Library branches spanning the City, and a Bookmobile.

Hill most recently served as Deputy Director of Library Services at Durham County Library for nearly a decade. Throughout his 27-year career, he has gained substantial experience in the administration of libraries, shaping him into a thoughtful, innovative, and trusted leader.

“I look forward to building community partnerships to address issues such as the increasing digital divide,” said Terry Hill. “The past year has highlighted how critical libraries are and how our communities rely on our services. This is a challenging yet exciting time for libraries, and the JCFPL is well-positioned to meet and exceed our community’s needs and expectations.”

Hill has served on the Board of Directors for the Durham Literacy Center and the Digital Durham Collaborative, which is a group of community organizations and nonprofits dedicated to addressing the three pillars of digital equity: access to internet service, access to devices, and improving gateway literacy skills.

While at Durham County Library, Hill has focused on developing and implementing operations strategies to achieve the mission and vision of the Library. He has been able to bring resources into the Durham County Library via grants, such as a $100,000 grant from the National Institute of Health to provide health literacy and education in the community. Under his leadership, his staff received national recognition for expanding technology services to teens.

Teacher charged with sexual assaults faces new lawsuit

Hudson Reporter

July 28, 2021

08uclawsuit05 — Francisco Realpe. Photo via the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office

Francisco Realpe, a former teacher at Union City High School, has been accused of sexually assaulting a student in 2004, according to a lawsuit filed this month. This is the second sexual assault suit filed against him.

The new suit was filed in Hudson County Superior Court on July 8. The plaintiff, who was a student at the time and is identified only as Jane Doe, alleged that Realpe frequently engaged in “sexually explicit and flirtatious conversations with female students at the school.”

Realpe was a physical education and sex education teacher during this time, as well as a coach.

Alleged sexual assault at ‘Polls Night’

In the spring semester of 2004, Jane Doe attended “Polls Night,” an after school social event where students voted on titles to award to various students. This event was held in the gymnasium of the high school, and Realpe was one of the chaperones.

During this event, Realpe allegedly approached Jane Doe and told her to go into the boys’ locker room, giving her the keys, according to the lawsuit. Shortly thereafter, Jane Doe entered the boys’ locker room, where Realpe was already present.

Realpe allegedly pushed her against the lockers, pulled her dress up, and vaginally penetrated her with his penis while she cried. After ejaculating, Realpe instructed Jane Doe to make sure than no one saw her as she left the locker room, the lawsuit alleges.

According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe suffered assault, battery, negligence, gross negligence/recklessness from the school district, and was discriminated against due to her gender. She is also seeking to “pierce the corporate veil” and prevent Realpe’s finances from being handled by his private company, Pivotal Developments, LLC.

Also named in the suit is his company, Union City High School, and the Union City Board of Education. The board does not comment on ongoing litigation.

Earlier lawsuit

Another lawsuit against Realpe was filed by former student Jessica Garcia in April.

On or about 2004, Realpe was one of Garcia’s coaches. According to the lawsuit, at this time Realpe allegedly routinely and openly engaged in “sexually explicit and flirtatious conversations with female students at the school.”

One evening at school after a softball practice in the spring, Realpe allegedly engaged in another such conversation with Garcia. Afterward, Realpe allegedly began kissing Garcia, according to the lawsuit. He allegedly took her into his secluded office where he allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with her, which was extremely painful and caused her to bleed profusely, the lawsuit states.

In the Spring or Summer of 2004, Garcia and her friend M.C. were at Garcia’s family residence while her parents were away when Realpe came over to the residence. While the three were watching television, Realpe allegedly began to kiss and undress M.C., according to the lawsuit.

Later in the summer of 2004, a group of minors were at the residence of the Garcia family while her parents were away. Realpe arrived at Garcia’s residence with alcohol that he allegedly provided to the students there. According to the lawsuit, later that night, Realpe allegedly locked himself in a room with another minor, M.B.

In the lawsuit, Garcia alleges sexual abuse of a minor, negligence, gross negligence/recklessness, and gender discrimination.

The lawsuit also names the Union City Board of Education, as well as John Does 1-10, and John Does Inc. 1-10. According to the lawsuit, the John Does are described as “unidentified individuals who were negligent or otherwise responsible for the damages to plaintiff.” John Does Inc. is described as “unidentified corporate, municipal, charitable, or other legal entities who were negligent or otherwise responsible for the damages to plaintiff.”

Multiple charges

On Feb. 3, 2020, Realpe was arrested on charges he allegedly sexually assaulted a 17-year-old female student at Dickinson High School in Jersey City, where he taught health and physical education.

For his alleged involvement in the November 2019 incident, Realpe was charged with aggravated sexual assault, a second-degree crime; criminal sexual contact, a fourth-degree crime; and endangering the welfare of a child, a second-degree crime.

On Feb. 21, 2020, Realpe was arrested on charges he allegedly sexually assaulted another 17-year-old female student in 2004 when he taught at Union City High School, then Union Hill High School.

Realpe has been charged with sexual assault, a second-degree crime.

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].