Man sentenced for conspiracy to commit fraud

October 5, 2020

10wnyfraud15 — The total loss exceeded $3.5 million.

A Hudson County, New Jersey, man, Luis G. Aguirre, 57, was sentenced on Oct. 5 to 12 months and one day in prison for his role in an automobile accident scheme, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

It’s not clear which Hudson County municipality Aguirre is from.

As part of the scheme, health care practitioners fabricated and exaggerated accident victims’ injuries to support fraudulent insurance claims to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance plans for medically unnecessary services.

U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler also sentenced Aguirre to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $53,710.

In March, Aguirre pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Chesler imposed the sentence on Oct. 1 by videoconference. Sentencing was scheduled for July 14 but was postponed due to COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Aguirre’s participation in the conspiracy caused an estimated loss to PIP insurance plans of more than $250,000. The total loss caused by the conspiracy exceeded $3.5 million.

Recruiting victims

Aguirre helped to orchestrate an automobile accident scheme in Bergen County and Hudson County by acting as a “runner” who identified and recruited accident victims to the scheme.

Aguirre subsequently introduced the victims to various chiropractors, medical imaging centers, and others, who billed PIP insurance plans for medically unnecessary services.

Aguirre and an employee from an auto body shop in West New York, Individual-1, identified and recruited individuals who had been in car accidents.

According to the U.S. Attorney, they found car accident victims through word of mouth in the community and through relationships with health care providers in northern New Jersey.

Aguirre paid Individual-1 for each accident victim whom Individual-1 helped identify and recruit to the scheme. Individual-1, in turn, paid accident victims for participating in the scheme.

As part of the scheme, Aguirre ensured that the victims had filed police reports to support subsequent insurance claims.

Aguirre directed the accident victims to visit specific health care providers to obtain medically unnecessary medical exams and services, such as X-rays and MRIs, for fake or exaggerated injuries that they supposedly suffered during the automobile accidents.

Quid-pro-quo

Aguirre was paid approximately $500 in cash by the health care providers for each accident victim he delivered. Health care providers submitted insurance claims to PIP insurance plans on behalf of the accident victims.

On Sept. 25, 2018, an individual from North Bergen, known as Individual-3, was involved in a vehicle accident in Elizabeth.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito stated that based on a police report of the incident, the accident was minor. Individual-3 was rear-ended by another car when both were stopped at a red light.

According to the police report, Individual-3 refused medical treatment at the scene, stating that Individual-3 would seek separate medical attention. At the time of the accident, Individual-3 had an automobile insurance policy through Auto Insurer-1, which included PIP coverage.

Aguirre learned from Individual-1, the WNY auto body shop employee, that Individual-3 was willing to participate in the scheme in exchange for cash payment. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Aguirre directed Individual-3 On Oct. 12, 2018, to visit the proprietor of an MRI Center in Rochelle Park, known as Individual-2.

Individual-3 agreed to the plan and visited the MRI Center, where Individual-3 underwent a series of medically unnecessary X-rays. On Oct. 16, 2018, the MRI Center billed Individual-3’s PIP insurance policy.

Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka, and special agents of the FBI under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the Health Care Fraud Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

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

In conversation with Hartz Mountain executive

Hudson Reporter

October 3, 2020

10weehartz08 — Lincoln Harbor photo courtesy of Hartz Mountain

Hartz Mountain Industries has been developing an area of Weehawken Township along the Hudson River waterfront for decades.

In an interview with the Hudson Reporter, COO and President of Hartz Mountain Gus Milano discussed the past and future of the company’s redevelopment at Lincoln Harbor.

Generations of development

Hartz Mountain has been active in developing Lincoln Harbor since it acquired the site in 1982 from SeaTrain, when it filed for bankruptcy, and Hartz has been there ever since, according to Milano.

When Hartz acquired the site, it was slated for commercial office space and hotels.

In the mid-1980s, the Union Bank of Switerzland leased office space on the site that kick-started commercial projects. Today there is one million square feet of office space at Lincoln Harbor.

Contemporary commercial projects on the site include the 350-bed Sheraton Hotel and Whole Foods, among other businesses.

As time went by, Milano said plans for Lincoln Harbor began to change. Residential projects reemerged.

Now the site is home to 1,300 residential units, with the construction of multi-family buildings beginning around five years ago.

Residential development

Hartz completed the 589-unit luxury apartment complex The Estuary around 2014. According to Milano, this was the start of the construction of more modern, multifamily residential projects.

After the Estuary came Harbor 1500, another multi-family residential development, opened in 2019 with 236 units. Following that was Hamilton Cove with 573 units.

More recently, Hartz Mountain received approval from the Weehawken Planning Board to build a residential mid-rise complex with two towers at Lincoln Harbor’s Atir site.

The board initially denied the application due to height issues. After multiple lawsuits, ordinances, resident complaints, and a plethora of planning board meetings, Hartz resubmitted an application for a shorter building that was eventually approved.

Milano said that the 14-story complex at the Atir site will break ground within the next nine months.

The future of Lincoln Harbor

According to Milano, the site is becoming “mature in terms of development opportunities.” However, Hartz does have a few more projects.

There are two sites that Hartz will develop, according to Milano. One includes 180 units as part of the Estuary project. The other is a site on the parking lot area of the Sheraton Hotel.

Hartz also capacity for another 230-bed hotel. Milano said that hinges on the market condition which “isn’t exactly great right now for a hotel.”

After that, Lincoln Harbor would be “built out,” Milano said. He estimates this to happen within the next three to five years.

The COVID factor

COVID-19 hasn’t put a damper on anything. Milano said Hartz is on schedule to complete all the projects onsite. Aside from lost occupancies due to COVID-19, the overall the market has been “pretty solid given the circumstances.”

Residents now take virtual video tours of units before leasing them.

Milano said the site has 15 acres of open space due in part to the Waterfront Walkway Hartz built. Milano said Hartz constructed an exercise park on the north side of the site, among other parks. He said Hartz intends to build another waterfront park on the eastern end of the Sheraton parking lot.

Milano said Hartz has no plans for residential developments besides those at Lincoln Harbor.

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].

“It’s BIGGER Than Me” explores the complexities of our present moment

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2020

Its-BIGGER-Than-Me1 — It's BIGGER Than Me Flyer

In a critical time for social justice, we need our spirits lifted more than ever. And for people of color living in this country, we need to see ourselves in every seat possible.

“It’s BIGGER Than Me” explores the complexities of our present moment and will present virtually October 15th through the 25th. This self produced, collaborative project involves all artists of color including actors, dancers, and vocalists.

We hope to create conversations, broaden perspectives, and open doors for collaborative engagement.

RSVP to our FREE presentation here!

Jersey City Art Walk October 1-4

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2020

Catalina Aranguren, founder of Walk-Bye by Argia Photography, will present an outdoor art exhibition in collaboration with the Jersey City Parks Coalition in ten Jersey City parks throughout the city’s six wards. The show will take place as part of the 30th anniversary of the Jersey City Arts and Studio Tour (JCAST) that runs Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4.

A follow-up to Aranguren’s June 2020 show, Walk-Bye includes several events. The first – Nature Walk and OcTREEber – takes place from Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4. The exhibitions will feature 100 original works by international artists and 39 by Jersey City children, focused on a celebration of nature in and around urban areas.

“Poetry at the Gazebo: A Walk-Bye Event” for ages 10 to 15 will then take place on Saturday, October 3rd at Hamilton Park Poetry at the Gazebo for adults will be held on Sunday, October 4th at Canco Park. OpenRoad Poetry will host both spoken events. All events will be held outdoors in Jersey City parks, respecting social distance requirements.

Motivated by the current pandemic lockdown, Aranguren sought a way to bring art to her friends and neighbors while also providing an outlet for artists to create during this time of isolation. The open call for Nature Walk and OcTREEber yielded over 300 submissions from 34 countries, 14 states, and 23 New Jersey cities, taking the form of fashion, collage, photography, painting, and sculpture.

“As an artist, this unprecedented moment of extreme isolation has been frustrating, limiting my options to create and see art,” said Aranguren. “I was sure that others felt the same, so I was inspired to build a sense of connectivity between artists and community members while also providing a break from the virtual world of video work calls and on-line learning.”

Lorenzo Pickett, a local artist who participated in the June 2020 Walk-Bye event said, “Jersey City is definitely a city that is culturally diverse, and we have a lot of beauty in it. We are philosophers and creators. We have the potential to change, rethink, reshape the way we think, act, and respond to things. Walk-Bye is a new way to be creative and to see art outside the traditional spaces that might not feel comfortable during the pandemic.”

Babacar Traore, a photographer from Senegal who submitted for this year’s Walk-Bye event, added: “I love the way the artwork will be distributed across the streets: a real disorder within the order. This will allow everyone to have access. For me, art should not be locked up in galleries or museums, reserved only for a part of the people. ”

For more information on locations, selected artists and Open Road Poetry events, please follow @Walk_Bye on Instagram.

About Walk-Bye:

WALK-BYE, founded in 2020 by Catalina Aranguren, is a collective outdoor art exhibition of original work, visible to the public from a distance. The installation strives to bring artists and community members together to create a sense of connectivity during the current pandemic.

About Jersey City Parks Coalition:

Founded in 2005, the Jersey City Parks Coalition is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that assists in the development and maintenance of Jersey City’s parks and public spaces.

WHAT: Walk-Bye outdoor art installation (Follow Walk_Bye on Instagram for more information)
WHERE: Jersey City parks throughout the city
Ward A Audubon Park – 1 Park Dr Jersey City, NJ 07305
Ward B Boyd McGuiness Park – 2555 JFK Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Ward C Canco Park – 47 Dey St, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Ward C Pershing Field – 201 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Ward D Riverview Park – 498 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Ward D Washington Park – 399 Webster Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Ward E Hamilton Park – 25 W Hamilton Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ward E Van Vorst Park – 257-287 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ward E Village Park – 2384-388 1st St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ward F Oak Street Park at – 2775 Ocean Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Christ the King Church
WHO: Catalina Aranguren, Walk-Bye; Jersey City Parks Coalition; OpenRoad Poetry; Multo; Trio W
FULL AGENDA:

SAT 10/3 12:00 – 2:00: “Poetry at the Gazebo: A Walk-Bye Event” – A spoken poetry event for ages 10 to 15 in Hamilton Park
SAT 10/3 6:30 – 9:00: “Projection at the Park: A Walk-Bye Event” – Video Art Projection at Lincoln Park
SUN 10/4 2:00 – 4:00: “Poetry at the Gazebo for Adults” – Spoken poetry at Canco Park
SUN 10/4 5:45 – 7:15: “Stroll-Bye Concert” – Trio W plays music at Hamilton Park

Gallery at the Park in Union City has re-opened

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2020

Figures-at-the-Parthenon-by-Cara-London-Oil-and-charcoal-on-canvas-48x60 — Figures at the Parthenon, by Cara London; Oil and charcoal on canvas, 48x60

The Gallery at the Park, a new art gallery at the newly renovated Park Theatre in Union City, re-opened on Sept. 30. It features an exhibition of paintings by New Jersey artist Cara London, which had opened in March, days before COVID-19 shut everything down.

The gallery is located at 560 32nd St in Union City, on the 2nd floor at the Park Theatre (also known as the Park Performing Arts Center).

Gallery hours during the first two weeks are as follows: Wed. Sept 30, 3-8 PM; Thurs. Oct. 1, 3-8 PM; Fri. Oct. 2, 12-5 PM, Wed. Oct 7, 3-8 PM; Thurs. Oct. 8, 3-8 PM; Fri. Oct. 9, 12-5 PM. For the time being, specific days and hours will be posted and updated on our website.

For everyone’s protection, entrance to the gallery is by appointment only, so please call ahead (201) 565-3630, or email [email protected]. Masks must be worn, and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Cara London earned a BA in Art History from Brandeis University and an MFA from Parsons School of Design. She studied sculpture at the New York Studio School and painting with John Adams Griefen, which profoundly shaped her direction as an artist. London has attended numerous international professional workshops, including Triangle Artists’ Workshop, Vermont Studio School, Emma Lake the Leighton Foundation and most recently Chateau Orquevaux, where she received the Diderot Artist-in-Residence grant.

She was a founding member of SOMI Fine Art Gallery in Flemington. She has exhibited her work regularly and is in numerous collections. She also teaches drawing and painting to students of all ages and levels of experience. Ms. London is known for her painterly representational work. (website: CaraLondon.com)

The Park Theatre, a 1400 seat house was built in 1931 and had been an active performing arts venue for many years. The space also once housed a museum highlighting the history of embroidery in northern NJ. In recent years the Park had fallen into disuse and in need of restoration.

Under the management of John Lant, the Park Theatre (Park Performing Arts Center) is currently being refurbished, and is again becoming an active arts center.

In March, the Park opened its doors with an open-house and art gallery opening reception, only to close a few days later due to COVID-19.

While performances in the theatre will have to wait until sometime in 2021 when it is safe to do so, the gallery is re-opening following COVID guidelines. If you are interested in future booking of the Park Theatre for a performance or event, please contact John Lant at [email protected].

Northern NJ Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund Announces Grants to Arts Organizations

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2020

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) has announced the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund awarded 39 grants to nonprofit arts agencies and nonprofits providing arts programs and services.

These nonprofit organizations provide services and programs in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union Counties, as well as multiple counties in New Jersey. The NNJCF, a not-for-profit organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, focuses on civic engagement, education, the environment, public health, philanthropy and the arts.

The arts agencies were supported for their work to build community engagement for people experiencing isolation. The grants, totaling $47,000, ranged from $250 to $2,000 to support interactive programming and the development of public art. The funding use is unrestricted and responds to an increased demand for services and/or decreased funding resulting from the coronavirus.

The Hudson County organizations include Art House Productions, Educational Arts Team, Jersey City Arts Council Inc., Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival, Mile Square Theatre, Nimbus Dance Works, Inc., Thomas A. Edison Media Arts Consortium (Black Maria Film Festival), UNION CITY MUSIC PROJECT, INC.

Residents in northern New Jersey continue to struggle from reduced or lost income, food and housing insecurity, health expenses and childcare needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

The NNJCF’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund second round of one time only grants supports urgent funding needs of vetted small 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, nonprofit arts organizations and nonprofit organizations providing arts programs and services. Funding in this round prioritized small nonprofit organizations providing direct services and support to marginalized communities.

This past spring, the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund was established to reach smaller grassroots organizations that might be overlooked by larger funds. In May, 54 grants totaling nearly $240,000 were awarded in the first round to nonprofit organizations serving Bergen County. Since its inception, the Fund has provided more than $550,000 in grants to 163 nonprofit organizations providing services in northern New Jersey.

As the community’s needs shifted from emergency PPE to ongoing longer-term necessities for food security and mental health supports, the focus of the grant awards changed. “Immediate action and long-term recovery took into account the disproportionate impact the pandemic has on communities of color.

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation focused on a racial justice lens for this second round of funding to address the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for ongoing civic dialogue to address the underlying causes of these disparities,” said Mary Blanusa, Executive Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.

Donations to the NNJCF’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund’s came from a range of contributors. Major funders included Sozosei Foundation, Parkway Toyota, and Valley National Bank, as well as small donors.

For further information about the NNJCF or the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, contact [email protected] or 201-568-5608.

About Northern New Jersey Community Foundation

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, focuses primarily on civic engagement, education, the environment, public health, philanthropy and the arts. NNJCF works with local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profit organizations, and citizen groups in Northern New Jersey to improve community life.

The Foundation’s partners identify and resolve regional problems and opportunities by talking and learning from each other, by sharing ideas, best practices, services, and resources. For more information, visit www.nnjcf.org, send an email to [email protected], or call 201-568-5608.

North Bergen police officers promoted

Hudson Reporter

September 29, 2020

10nbpolice08 — Seven officers got the nod.

Seven officers of the North Bergen Police Department received promotions on Sept. 23. Police Chief Peter Fasilis served as master of ceremonies for the Oath of Office Ceremony.

Promoted to sergeant were Constantinos Apostolakos, Kaylan Tarabocchia, and Yusef Yousef. Promoted to lieutenant were Edward Moyano and Anthony Caramucci. Promoted to deputy chief were David Corbisiero and Robert Farley, Jr.

Supporting cops

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual offered their congratulations to the officers. They spoke about the township’s commitment to funding and supporting the police department, before swearing in the officers.

“I would like to congratulate the North Bergen Police Department on the promotions,” Sacco said. “We are proud to see the continued growth of the NBPD under Chief Fasilis. We are grateful to these brave men and women who keep our town safe day in and day out.”

First time for everything

This was Chief Fasilis’s first time hosting a promotion ceremony after being sworn in on May 2, taking the helm through the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, among other major developments.

Fasilis spoke of the township’s commitment to community policing, and noted that the department would be hiring new officers next month.

Pastor Paul Haviland offered the invocation and benediction, with Lt. Victor Queiro providing the welcome address. Also attending were Commissioners Hugo Cabrera and Julio Marenco, Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, Township Commissioner Chris Pianese, and many other township and regional officials.

The ceremony took place in the North Bergen Recreation Center. Families, friends, and supporters sat comfortably, maintaining social distancing while expressing their support for the newly promoted officers.

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 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Hudson Reporter

September 23, 2020

10nbheritage01 — Virtual concerts are part of the planned festivities.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Township Commissioners wished all residents, neighbors, family, and friends a happy and healthy Hispanic Heritage Month.

National Hispanic Heritage Week was established in 1968 and expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988. The month includes the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile, Belize, and Mexico.

North Bergen hosts a robust Hispanic community comprising individuals from many countries who have made contributions to society by sharing their talents, culture, and traditions.

The township supports the celebration of the rich cultural traditions and significant achievements of the Hispanic and Latinx-American communities.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15.

Celebrating virtually

Normally the township schedules a wide variety of festivities during this time, including parades, dance performances, Spanish films, art programs, and cooking demonstrations. Due to the pandemic, the usual public festivities have been suspended.

Activities continue online, thanks to the North Bergen Free Public Library, which kicked off the month by hosting virtual classes and concerts.

Several live events will be held outdoors in the main library parking lot at 8411 Bergenline Ave., with social distancing.

The celebration of Hispanic heritage began on Sept. 19. The library held a Zoom concert featuring music of the Hispanic and Latin World, featuring Dr. Podles. Latin Grammy Award Winners 123 Andrés performed via Facebook Live on Sept. 21.

Upcoming events

Special Pre-K Prep Storytime will be held on Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. there will be a Mariachi Sol Mixteco Concert also in the library parking lot.

The Main Branch of the North Bergen Free Public Library is at 8411 Bergenline Avenue.

Special Toddler Times Storytime will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.

Latin Dance Class will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:10 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. the Main Branch library parking lot will host a Flamenco and Salsa performance from Oneida’s Dance Studio.

Disney Movie Trivia about the film “Coco” will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.

The TacoBite Experience: Taco Class will be held on Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7:15 p.m.

Celebrating all month

Special Bilingual Storytimes will be held on Zoom on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. These story times will run through Oct. 13.

Special Crafting Corner with Miss Marcia will be held on Zoom through Oct. 15. Crafts can be picked up on Wednesdays, The event is held Thursdays at 4 p.m.

Schools Superintendent Dr. George Solter has announced that Supervisor of Social Studies Mr. Brady has distributed many virtual activities to the teachers to use in their classrooms. Supervisor of World Languages Mr. Martinez has directed all world language teachers to complete projects highlighting Hispanic cultures.

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

North Bergen plans for outdoor dining this winter

Hudson Reporter

September 23, 2020

10nbdining01 — A heater used for outdoor dining, by Shutterstock.

As the fall weather moves in and temperatures cool off, the Township of North Bergen is working with restaurants, bars, and other eating and drinking establishments to assist them in serving customers safely.

Some local restaurant owners have been stumped while looking for solutions to maintain outdoor dining in winter. While indoor dining has resumed at 25 percent capacity, many small restaurants will still rely on outdoor dining to make end’s meet.

North Bergen restaurants will be allowed to use propane or electric heaters for outdoor dining.

The heaters must adhere to rules and regulations outlined by the North Bergen Department of Public Safety’s Fire Prevention Bureau.

The Township’s Fire Prevention Department will conduct inspections.

If a township investigator determines that a heating device does not meet requirements, and owners do not not comply, the township reserves the right to revoke the restaurant’s outdoor seating permit and ability to participate in street closure events.

Rules and regulations

Heaters can not be placed within five feet of any building or combustible material. This includes inside any tent, canopy, or membrane structure.

Heaters can not be located within five feet of exits.

Heaters must be equipped with a tilt or tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the flow of propane if the appliance is tilted more than 15 degrees from vertical. A tip drill must be performed prior to usage.

Restaurant personnel must understand how the heaters function. Patrons must not interact with the heaters.

A secured fire extinguisher shall be placed within 25 feet of heaters.

The maximum individual capacity of the propane containers in the heaters cannot exceed 20 pounds.

The propane container for the heater shall not be stored inside the structure or within five feet of any combustible construction. The container cannot be within five feet of an opening in a wall, vertically or horizontally.

The use of temporary wiring for electric heaters shall be limited to what is absolutely necessary. Extension cords need to be rated for outdoor use and must be powered by a protected outlet.

Permanent wiring installed requires a Uniform Construction Code permit.

Extension cords or wiring must be positioned sothat it doesn’t present a danger to those walking in the immediate area.

Helping local restaurants

Earlier this year, Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Township Commissioners adopted and updated resolutions and ordinances allowing food and drink establishments to use outdoor seating on sidewalks and during designated street closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Bergen has been holding “Eat and Shop Local” events during which streets are closed to allow outdoor dining in the street. The program is coming to a close for the season.

Bergenline will be closed to traffic between 70th and 76th Streets from 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 through 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.

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].

Classic cars on Bergenline

Hudson Reporter

September 22, 2020

10nbcarshow01 — Mayor Sacco admires a classic car.

North Bergen’s 5th Annual Classic Car and Bike Show took over the north end of Bergenline Avenue on Sept. 19. The crowd ranged from toddlers on tricycles to seniors reminiscing about their vintage rides.

Reinvented for the pandemic era, the event skipped the judges, speeches, and awards of past years and instead offered a simple day of viewing up close the impressive collection of beautiful vehicles.

An afternoon of fun

Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, who organized the event with the participation of the North Bergen Police Department, was on hand from morning ’til night to check out the cars and greet attendees.

On social media, Vainieri said the event was “just a nice afternoon to walk around and admire the cars.”

Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Commissioners Julio Cabrera and Allen Pascual, and many township officials and employees were also onsite.

Originally held as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics, this year’s event skipped the fees and fundraising.

Instead, it was a fun, social day to get out of the house, enjoy the weather, and snap pictures of the 150 or so vehicles, while classic rock and roll tunes played in the background.

The show coincided with the township’s “Eat and Shop Local” event, which closed Bergenline Avenue to traffic from 76th to 85th Street for restaurants to expand into the street.

Some restaurants provided live music to enhance the experience as residents dined outdoors on delicious international cuisine.

‘Eat and Shop Local’ comes to a close

After two months of food, fun, and community support, the Eat and Shop Local event is closing for the season.

Bergenline will be closed to traffic between 70th and 76th Streets from 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 through 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.

The street will be transformed into a pedestrian mall for the last time this season, with restaurants branching out to offer outside dining with social distancing.

Participating restaurants include America Central Restaurant, Banana King, Brass Rail Pub, Charro Mexicano, El Carretero Restaurante and Panederia, Las Chicas Bakery and Cafe, Estelita Grill and Bar, Gandolfo Pizzeria and Restaurant, El Maizalito Colombiano, Noches Restaurant, The One and Only Bar & Restuarant, Sabor Criollo, Taqueria Mexicana, and Teri Teri Japanese Restaurant.

Mayor Sacco and the township commissioners invite all to come out for the end-of-season festivities and “enjoy a delicious meal, live entertainment, and show your support for our local small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.”

Attendees are reminded to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

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