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HCDO announces endorsements for legislature and county executive

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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HCDO announces endorsements for legislature and county executive

Numerous Hudson County Democratic leaders and hundreds of supporters showed up on Saturday, January 7 for the official announcement of the party’s endorsements for the new 32nd and 33rd Legislative District seats post-legislative redistricting and for County Executive in the June Democratic Primary.

Hudson County Democratic Organization Chairman (HCDO) Anthony Vainieri was joined by Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, as well as Senate President Nick Scutari, among others at the press conference.

Due to legislative redistricting at the state level, there has been a bit of a leadership shuffle in Hudson County. On the legislative map, the 32nd and 33rd Legislative Districts essentially swapped.

The 32nd shifted from North Hudson to Hoboken and parts of Jersey City. Meanwhile, the 33rd shifted from Hoboken and parts of Jersey City to North Hudson.

This left state Sen. and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco in the same district as fellow Democratic state Sen. and Union City Mayor Brian Stack. Instead of rehashing an old beef, Sacco opted to retire and focus on running for re-election for mayor, endorsing Stack for the new 33rd Legislative District in the process.

However, Sacco cut a deal to choose one of the new assembly members with West New York keeping the other choice. That has since materialized with the announcements of the endorsements across the county.

The 32nd Legislative District

The HCDO had endorsed Raj Mukherji for State Senate, and Jessica Ramirez and John Allen for State Assembly in District 32.

Mukherji has served in the State Assembly since 2013 representing the 33rd District. He is an attorney and serial entrepreneur with healthcare, real estate, technology, and regulated cannabis holdings who joined the U.S. Marine Corps following 9/11 and later entered public service as a Deputy Mayor in Jersey City.

Ramirez is a Jersey City resident and partner at the law firm D’Arcy Johnson Day, where she specializes in serious personal injury, sexual abuse, medical device and product liability litigation. She has served on the State Ethics Committee and as an Eminent Domain Commissioner.

The announcement of her candidacy means a Latina will continue to represent the District. This was a concern of outgoing State Assemblywomen Angelica Jimenez and Annette Chaparro, which appears to have been qualmed.

Allen of Hoboken is the former Chief of Staff to Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and his predecessor Dawn Zimmer. He’s an attorney with the firm Schenck Price and also serves on a number of public bodies, including the Hudson County Planning Board and the Garden State Joint Insurance Fund.

Both Ramirez and Allen were already known as candidates since December of last year. And Mukherji announced he was running for the State Senate seat back in February of 2022.

The 33rd Legislative District and County Executive

In District 33, the HCDO backs Brian Stack for State Senate, and Gabriel Rodriguez and Julio Marenco for State Assembly. Rodriguez is not running for re-election for mayor and Marenco is leaving his post as Commissioner of Revenue and Finance in North Bergen.

Stack has served as a State Senator representing the 33rd Legislative District since 2007 and previously was elected to the State Assembly. He is the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has responsibility for approving nominations to a variety of state and judicial positions.

Rodriguez is currently in his first term as mayor of West New York and has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2015. He formerly served as Field Representative and Campaign Director for Congressman Albio Sires, and he works as an Accounts Manager for the West New York Board of Education.

Marenco was elected to the North Bergen Board of Commissioners in 2015 and previously served as a member of the local Board of Education. A U.S. Navy veteran who served in the submarine service, he is an attorney, adjunct professor and an associate member of the State Parole Board.

After Stack and Sacco worked out a deal, Rodriguez was rumored to be West New York’s candidate for Assembly since Sires announced he was going to retire and run for West New York mayor. And Marenco was speculated to be North Bergen’s choice since Sacco announced he would retire from the State Senate.

In addition, the HCDO also formally endorsed Craig Guy for County Executive. Guy announced his campaign in September, already with full support of the HCDO, to replace retiring County Executive Tom DeGise.

Guy is the longtime Chief of Staff to Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and a career public servant. He is a retired Jersey City police officer, a member of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education and the Treasurer of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.

The HCDO touted the numerous supporters and officials in attendance for their announcement.

Democrats support selected candidates

“This is an exciting day for Hudson County as we officially begin the Primary Election by endorsing seven truly outstanding candidates, all of whom have long records of public service and varied experiences that will enable them to become the excellent representatives that the people of our county deserve,” said Vainieri. “With two talented, seasoned legislators in Brian Stack and Raj Mukherji running for Senate, four dynamic new candidates for State Assembly and a candidate for County Executive in Craig Guy who could not be more prepared to hit the ground running on day one, I’m very proud of the group of leaders we have assembled today, and of the unity that exists right now in the Hudson County Democratic Organization.”

The event was held outside the historic Brennan Courthouse at 583 Newark Avenue in Jersey City and was also attended by 8th District Congressman Rob Menendez, former 8th District Congressman Albio Sires, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Bayonne Mayor James Davis, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, County Sheriff Frank Schillari, County Clerk Junior Maldonado, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, Assemblyman William Sampson, Kearny Mayor Al Santos, Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt, County Commissioners Bill O’Dea, Jerry Walker, Ken Kopacz and Anthony Romano, as well as numerous local council members, union leaders, community members and more.

“I commend Chairman Vainieri, Senator Stack, Assemblyman Mukherji, and Hudson Democratic leaders on selecting an experienced, talented team of candidates who are ready to deliver for Hudson County,” said Murphy. “The people of Hudson County deserve elected officials who will work every day to deliver for New Jersey’s middle class and working families and I look forward to working alongside Craig Guy and the legislators from Hudson County to do just that.”

The legislative candidates will be running in newly created districts that were selected by the Legislative Redistricting Commission last year. District 32 now includes parts of Jersey City as well as Hoboken. District 33 now includes Union City, North Bergen, West New York, Weehawken, Secaucus and Guttenberg.

“Hudson County will always be a place that is close to my heart, so I am proud to be a part of today’s announcement of this new day for the Hudson County Democratic Organization under the leadership of Chairman Vainieri,” said Sen. Menendez. “Each of these candidates represents the best of Hudson County and I know they will work hard between now and Election Day, so they each have my full support and endorsement. I look forward to partnering with them to fight for our shared Democratic values here in Hudson County, in Trenton and in Washington.”

What’s next for the 31st Legislative District?

Meanwhile State Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, much like Pedro Mejia and Jimenez, is left off the “county line.” It is not clear yet what Mejia, and also Chaparro for that matter, will do in terms of running against the HCDO-backed candidates.

Amid the announcements, questions are also swirling around state Sen. Sandra Cunningham resigning in the 31st Legislative District, encompassing parts of Jersey City and Bayonne. While replacement candidates have ranged from Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea to the 31st Legislative District’s own state Assemblywoman McKnight, activists have called for the candidate to remain a woman of color.

The district’s seats are currently occupied by a trifecta of Black lawmakers, in what is thought to be the first time that has occurred in history. In addition to Cunningham’s woes, the 31st Legislative District’s Sampson has also faced recent controversy over his removal by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor from his position as a longshoreman which he is appealing.

However, amid rumors Cunningham would resign, and the Sampson issue, the HCDO has not made any endorsements for the 31st Legislative District. It has made it clear it will announce its endorsements in the District and for the County Commission at a later date.

“As one of our economic, cultural and political powerhouses, Hudson County is critical to New Jersey’s future, and I am glad to see Chairman Vainieri endorse this exciting team of leaders to keep the county and our state moving forward,” said Booker. “I’ve seen the hard work, dedication, and leadership these candidates bring to their communities. I’m confident they will continue to bring people together and fight for policies that empower New Jersey families.”

The HCDO-backed candidates will likely prevail in the establishment Democrat-leaning Hudson County. Republicans may run their own tickets challenging the Democrats in power in the 31st, 32nd and 33rd Legislative Districts, but local voters lean overwhelmingly Democratic, and when the HCDO determines the candidates, it means their choices are shoo-ins to win.

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

Judge temporarily blocks part of N.J.’s new gun law over constitutional concerns

NJ MONITOR
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Judge temporarily blocks part of N.J.’s new gun law over constitutional concerns
By: , NJ MONITOR

Parts of New Jersey’s newly implemented gun control law were blocked Monday by a federal judge who said barring people from carrying firearms in certain places could lead to “considerable constitutional problems.” 

The temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Court Judge Renee Marie Bumb blocks the section of the law that prohibits guns from being carried into public libraries, museums, bars, restaurants that serve alcohol, and entertainment facilities like stadiums, concerts, and theaters.

Bumb also barred the state from enforcing the law’s ban on guns on private property without the property owner’s consent and its prohibition on firearms in vehicles.

In the 60-page decision, Bumb said the law “essentially renders the entire state of New Jersey a ‘sensitive place’ where firearms are prohibited.”

“The deprivation of plaintiffs’ Second Amendment rights, as the holders of valid permits from the state to conceal carry handguns, constitutes irreparable injury, and neither the state nor the public has an interest in enforcing unconstitutional laws,” said Bumb, an appointee of former President George W. Bush.

Attorney General Matt Platkin said in a statement he is “disappointed by the court’s ruling, which is inconsistent with the Second Amendment and will make New Jerseyans considerably less safe. But this temporary order is just that: temporary.”

Platkin said he plans to appeal as the case continues.

Gov. Phil Murphy’s office is working closely with the Attorney General’s Office to “correct this errant decision,” said Murphy spokesman Tyler Jones.

“While we are pleased that most of our concealed carry law remains in effect, we are disappointed that a right-wing federal judge, without any serious justification, has chosen to invalidate common sense restrictions around the right to carry a firearm in certain public spaces,” Jones said in a statement.

Democrats fast-tracked the new gun law last year after a Supreme Court ruling in June overturned a New York law that placed restrictions on who can obtain concealed carry permits. Murphy signed the bill into law in December.

Previously, New Jerseyans who wanted to carry a gun in public needed to provide a justifiable need before they could obtain a permit.

The Supreme Court’s decision said governments can bar firearms in “sensitive places,” though it declined to define them. New Jersey’s law bans firearms in a wide swath of public and private property, including polling places, beaches, casinos, movie theaters, government buildings, courthouses, day care centers and schools, and hospitals.

New Jersey lawmakers have said they believed the law would face legal challenges, but they said they worked with Murphy administration attorneys when crafting the bill. 

Bumb suggests the administration “should have been better prepared to defend the legislation’s constitutionality,” considering they anticipated these challenges. During an oral argument, the state could not produce evidence showing that concealed carry permit holders are responsible for an increase in gun crimes, Bumb’s decision says.

“Defendants must do more than promise they will justify the constitutional basis for its legislation later,” she wrote.

The suit was filed by Ronald Koons, Nicholas Gaudio, and Jeffrey Muller — along with groups including the New Jersey Second Amendment Society and the Firearms Policy Coalition Inc. — the same day the bill was signed into law. 

The gun rights advocates who filed the lawsuit say they were no longer able to carry their firearms in places they could before the law was signed — in supermarkets, at church services, or while driving their cars.

“For example, because Mr. Koons regularly meets for breakfast at restaurants that occasionally have liquor licenses, he now leaves his firearm at home,” Monday’s decision says.

Another legal challenge filed by the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs is still pending.

Republicans in the Legislature commended the judge’s decision, with one mocking Democrats by saying, “I told you so.”

“We knew the law was likely unconstitutional since it copied major portions of a New York law that has already suffered serious setbacks in federal court,” said Sen. Tony Bucco (R-Morris) in a statement. “Despite all of our warnings, Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats plowed ahead and enacted an obviously flawed proposal. Yet again, the Legislature will have to revisit one of their bad laws to fix the mess they created.”

Sen. Steve Oroho (R-Sussex) added that he looks forward to “offending provisions of the law being permanently struck down.”

“The federal judge’s ruling, which validates what we have been saying, is a victory for the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves both in public and in private.”

This report is reprinted with permission from NJ Monitor under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. 

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Union votes to spend $50k to assist embattled assemblyman

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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Union votes to spend $50k to assist embattled assemblyman

The International Longshoreman’s Association Local 1588 has voted to help their member, State Assemblyman for the 31st Legislative District William Sampson, get his job on the waterfront back.

Sampson was removed from the workplace and his crane operator license was revoked for failing to meet the work and work availability requirements in January to June of 2022.

Sampson, a 33-year-old legislator first sworn in back in 2022 to the applause of local Democrats, represents the district encompassing Bayonne and parts of Jersey City as part of the trio of African-American lawmakers including State Senator Sandra Cunningham and State Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.

He is the first African-American person from Bayonne to hold the position and replaced then-Assembly Whip Nicholas Chiaravalloti, who had an unspecified falling out with Mayor James Davis, who has final say over the official Hudson County Democratic Organization endorsement for that Assembly seat.

Regardless, Sampson vowed to keep his job as longshoreman while working in the legislature, he told the Bayonne Community News during a phone interview from the cockpit of the crane he was operating at the time in 2021. It appears that may no longer be possible, but his local union is trying to help him do so.

The union voted to spend $50,000 to help him get his crane operator license back after the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor revoked it and removed him from his longshoreman position on the waterfront. Citing “excessive absenteeism,” the Waterfront Commission argued that there was no excuse for Sampson’s repeated absences in 2022 and made their decision in December of last year.

Meanwhile Sampson first argued in a statement to BCN that the Waterfront Commission was taking its anger out on Sampson over issues that are above his pay grade. New Jersey, under Governor Phil Murphy, has sought to withdraw from the Waterfront Commission, founded in the 1950s to combat organized crime at the ports. 

However, New York has sued to stop the withdrawal, sending the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court, and a support brief from the United States has been filed in support of New Jersey’s decision. Sampson said that he was getting caught in the crossfire over the Commission’s dissatisfaction with the situation.

Following that, Sampson put out another statement to BCN that he was appealing to the Waterfront Commission to change their minds and that his work as a State Assemblyman justified his absenteeism. On January 4, Sampson’s attorney Robert Flagella further argued that Sampson’s duties in the General Assembly are also part of serving his union, according to a PoliticoPro subscriber exclusive story.

The argument comes after the Waterfront Commission wrote in their initial ruling revoking Sampson’s license that his duties as a state legislator did not meet “good cause” for repeated absences for his job as a crane operator at Global Container Terminals. He apparently could not rectify the absences and other issues raised by the Waterfront Commission in 2022, leading to the action.

In the wake of the appeal before the Waterfront Commission, Sampson’s union voted to approve a resolution on January 4 to spend $50,000 to help Sampson out. Anonymous sources told the Hudson County View the union approved the resolution at an emergency meeting at The Chandelier restaurant and catering at 1081 Broadway.

According to the sources, the resolution was not put in writing. However, it indicated that the $50,000 would be spent on legal expenses for Sampson’s appeal and or public relation services related to the incident.

Sources told HCV Sampson’s lawyer Fagella is also the counsel for the ILA and membership, raising questions over if Sampson or the union was paying him. Amid the embroiled Assemblyman’s pleas for a reversal, the Waterfront Commission is set to decide the matter by the end of the month.

“I along with the ILA International will be working to appeal this decision to allow me to continue working in the industry as I have my whole life,” Sampson previously said in a statement. “I believe that this decision is not only legally incorrect but contains numerous factual errors.”

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

Hoboken school board fields questions to start the year

Jordan Coll, Staff Writer
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Hoboken school board fields questions to start the year

The rejected $241 million new high school, masking policy, and school district procedures in emergencies were some of the questions addressed to the Hoboken Board of Education during its first meeting of the year.

The meeting started off by recognizing students who were nominated for academic and school performance based awards such as Student of the Month for December of last year, followed by a report of some of the activities and student led events from the Hoboken Middle and High School Student Government Representative groups.

Newly elected members from the “Leadership That Listens” slate who won in the midterm elections last year took their seats for the first time. The team consists of Leslie Norwood, Antonio Graña, and Alex de la Torre Jr, who is a current trustee of the board.

A grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Recreational Improvement of “up to $100,000” according to Superintendent Dr. Christine Johnson, is intended for “pool upgrades” for the Hoboken High School, if approved.

She said new equipment would be installed throughout the district’s building complying with the standards of a state statute called “Alyssa’s Law.” She said, “I am happy to say that our maintenance department and our technology staff members worked diligently over the winter break with a vendor to install equipment necessary for our district to comply with this law.”

According to the law, all primary and secondary schools within the State of New Jersey to install a “Panic Alarm” device that can silently and directly notify law enforcement of a life-threatening or emergency situation requiring their response.

The superintendent assured members of the public the installation of these devices were meant towards potential security breaches or active shooting scenarios and said the system would be “running no later than early February.”

Under curriculum items, the state of New Jersey completed the final instruction and program section of the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC), which is the Department of Education’s monitoring and district self-evaluation system for public school districts, under a three year performance review of school districts conducted by the state.

A question on masking was brought up in the meeting, in which Board President Sharyn Angley responded, “The board does not see a need to institute a masking policy at this time.” Angley added, “The district continues to operate on the basis of letting our families choose what is best for their child from a masking perspective.

Additionally, a question submitted online by the public on live streaming meetings was raised. Angley said the board would plan on “revisiting this,” but would continue publishing the recorded sessions on their YouTube page.

A question arose about the $241 million 30-year bond issue to create the new high school that failed by a large voting margin.

“The board has said before and will say this again, we will not be making any decisions about a new plan until the public is engaged and their input is taken,” said Angley. “While there is no plan for a new school to be up for referendum at this time the district continues to explore space for our early childhood classrooms.”

Patricia Waiters, who lost running as an independent for a seat on the board, asked clarification on whether the Action Policies approved by the board, listing regulations such as bomb threats, lockdown procedures and active shooters within the school district, would fall under policies or drills.

Angley said the policies are “recognized as regulations.” Waiters asked if the information on Fire and Safety Drill reports were public record.

“What has happened with those regulations is the overall state policy manual organization has moved school districts away from putting process for those safety drills out to the public,” said Superintendent Johnson, “And basically what they’ve said is those processes need to be housed in a district’s safety plan. Meaning that a district is no longer putting in a policy manual or regulations. What steps would be taken if by some chance there were …basically said it goes into a confidential safety and security plan that is reviewed with the police department.”

Waiters expressed her concerns to the board when it came to honoring Martin Luther King Day, on Jan.16.

“You are here to represent all the people and this is when my job get hard. When I got to stand up here and ask you to please reach out to the black and brown people to live in this community for years. Let us know that a day like this that means so much to us count,” said Waiters.

The flag demonstration will take place this Friday at 11 a.m. in front of Hoboken City hall.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at jcoll@hudsonreporter.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sampson appeals to Waterfront Commission after removal as longeshoreman

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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Sampson appeals to Waterfront Commission after removal as longeshoreman

Democrat William V. Sampson, the State Assemblyman for the 31st Legislative District, is asking the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor to reconsider their recent decision to remove him as a longshoreman and revoke his crane operator license on December 21.

According to the Waterfront Commission, Sampson was removed over “excessive absenteeism” throughout parts of 2022 after taking office that year.

In an initial statement following the decision, Sampson previously blamed the matter on the Waterfront Commission taking out its frustration on him over a spat between the commission, New York, and New Jersey. While New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has tried to withdraw the state from the Commission, which was created in the ’50s to curb mob influence at the ports, New York has sued to halt the move.

The case is on its way to being heard in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, although the U.S. has filed a brief in support of New Jersey’s withdrawal. In a statement on December 29 to the Bayonne Community News, Sampson began by expressing his pride in serving the 31st Legislative District encompassing Bayonne and parts of Jersey City.

“It is a privilege and an honor to serve as the Assemblyman for the 31st Legislative District,” Sampson said. “Representative democracy works best when persons are fully involved in the life of the community.”

Sampson is the first African-American from Bayonne to hold the position of state Assemblyman. His election also saw the 31st Legislative District be represented entirely by a trio of African-American lawmakers for the first time in its history, including state Sen. Sandra Cunningham and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.

The move to endorse Sampson, which was applauded by officials across the county, followed Mayor James Davis and the Hudson County Democratic Organization dropping then-incumbent Assemblyman and Majority Whip Nicholas Chiaravalloti from the ticket. Sampson had never had a political position prior and Davis has never explained the reasoning behind the maneuver.

Regardless, Sampson vowed to keep his job as longshoreman while working in the legislature, he told BCN during a phone interview from the cockpit of the crane he was operating at the time in 2021. It appears that may no longer be possible, despite what Sampson described as steadfast support from his employer and the union he is part of.

According to Sampson, he received approval from the Global Container Terminals of Bayonne and the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1588 before running for state Assembly. He said that they both supported him in his endeavor.

“Prior to my candidacy for General Assembly, I had asked for the approval of my employer, Global Container Terminals of Bayonne, as well as the International Longshoremen’s Association, of which I am a member. In both cases, Global and the ILA understood this legislative opportunity as a way to “give back” to the local community through service and to work to provide better training, and to increase the potential of investment in challenged neighborhoods.”

Sampson said this support has continued up until this day. He said they never asked him to reduce any of his responsibilities at the State House to work more on the waterfront.

“I consistently enjoyed the support of both Global Container Terminals and the ILA,” Sampson said. “At no point did either Global or the ILA request that I reduce my obligations to the State Legislature or to the community.”

According to Sampson, he is upset with the Waterfront Commission’s decision. He said they are already revisiting the issue.

“I am disappointed that the Waterfront Commission took this action,” Sampson said. “Respectfully, we have asked the Waterfront Commission to revisit this issue, which to my understanding, it is now so doing.”

Sampson said he takes both jobs seriously. He also formally appealed to the Waterfront Commission to rethink their decision.

“I have respect for the rule of law, for the responsibilities of the Waterfront Commission, and for my employers,” Sampson said. “I take my responsibilities seriously. I look forward to continue working for Global Containers Terminals, which candidly sets a standard of excellence in the industry, as well as the International Longshoremen’s Association, whose leadership in American labor stands as a benchmark of quality. I respectfully request the Waterfront Commission to reconsider its decision. Thank you.”

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

CarePoint Health and Alaris Health settle all outstanding litigation

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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CarePoint Health and Alaris Health settle all outstanding litigation

CarePoint Health System has reached a settlement agreement with Alaris Health and its owner Avery Eisenreich and the two entities have agreed to settle all outstanding differences.

In a press release, CarePoint said the move “will support the nonprofit’s mission of providing high quality, patient-focused health care to Hudson County.”

CarePoint officials said the settlement will allow the company to “move forward without further distractions and unnecessary legal costs,” and continue its quest to determine its successor as it has completed its transition from for-profit to non-profit status to the praise of Hudson County officials.

“Settling this matter with Alaris Health has been a top priority since I arrived at CarePoint Health,” said President and CEO of CarePoint Health Achintya Moulick, “and I am proud that we can now put this situation behind us and move forward with our goal of bringing the highest quality health care services to Hudson County, especially to vulnerable populations that need it the most.”

“Clearing away these types of distractions supports our mission of making CarePoint Health a national model for providing patient-centric healthcare in a community driven, non-profit setting,” Moulick added. “With the support of our local, county and state officials, there is no limit to the advances in health care delivery that we can bring to Hudson County.”

Terms of the settlement agreement involving CarePoint Health and Alaris Health cannot be divulged due to confidentiality agreements between the parties. In 2020, CarePoint sued Alaris in the Delaware Chancery Court over claims that Eisenreich attempted to thwart negotiations to maintain Bayonne Medical Center’s operation as a hospital by discouraging potential buyers.

The suit alleged Eisenreich intentionally disrupted the negotiations between CarePoint and an unnamed potential bidder who would have continued to operate Bayonne Medical Center as a hospital. The lawsuit claimed Eisenreich wanted to turn the facility into a nursing home like others that Alaris operates across Hudson County.

Eisenreich had previously purchased the land under CarePoint’s Hoboken University Medical Center and Bayonne Medical Center and was eyeing the land of Christ Hospital. However, the land would be purchased from Eisenreich by Secaucus-based Hudson Regional Hospital, prompting more legal maneuvers by CarePoint and its hand-picked successor BMC Hospital, LLC consisting of the principals of surgery center chain Surgicore.

The lawsuit also claimed that Eisenreich engaged in discussions with Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health concerning a new lease between RWJBarnabas and Hudson Propco, the entity that owns Christ Hospital’s real estate, without involvement of the other members of Hudson Propco. The suit alleged that Eisenreich interfered with its ability to negotiate definitive documents with RWJBarnabas, which may have prevented CarePoint from finalizing the deal with them to operate both Christ Hospital and Hoboken University Medical Center.

Additionally, the suit alleged Eisenreich purchased the membership interest of MPT of Hoboken in HUMC Opco, the Hoboken real estate, and the Bayonne real estate from MPT of Hoboken TRS without HUMC Holdco’s knowledge or consent. Instead of informing HUMC Holdco as required per their agreement, the lawsuit alleged MPT of Hoboken allegedly conspired with Eisenreich to conceal the offer and executed a confidentiality agreement.

In a counterclaim, Eisenreich denied that he was trying to turn Bayonne Medical Center into a nursing home, as well as allegations that he has interfered in CarePoint’s negotiations with RWJBarnabas to operate Christ Hospital. Eisenreich also alleged that the deal to purchase Hoboken University Medical Center was approved by CarePoint.

Eisenreich also pointed out that the owners of CarePoint at the time, Vivek Garipalli, James Lawler, and Jeffrey Mandler, allegedly used duplicate agreements with two shell management companies to allegedly embezzle millions of dollars from CarePoint. The counterclaim cited the NJ State Commission of Investigation report that initially uncovered the alleged scheme involving CarePoint’s owners, although it only condemned their actions and did not recommend a criminal investigation.

However, all that is behind the two entities now as they have settled in court. In a statement, Eisenreich echoed the CarePoint officials regarding the resolution of the litigation.

“Ensuring quality healthcare in Hudson County has always been a top priority of ours,” said Eisenreich. “Resolution of this dispute allows the focus of everyone to be solely on providing the residents of Hudson County with the healthcare they deserve.”

CarePoint officials highlighted the major strides it said it has made in bringing quality healthcare to Hudson County since its announcement that it would convert to a non-profit organization with new leadership. In the past two years, CarePoint pointed to national recognition as the No. 1 ranked hospital for equitable care in the US by the Lown Institute and 4th ranked safety net hospital by Washington Journal.

CarePoint has also announced partnerships with “national leaders in healthcare delivery” like Rothman Orthopaedics and Columbia University, with several new agreements with healthcare providers in the pipeline.

Despite this settlement, CarePoint is still involved in litigation with Hudson Regional Hospital as well as other entities, while it still owns and operates Christ Hospital and only operates Bayonne Medical Center and Hoboken University Medical Center, which are now owned by Hudson Regional Hospital. A spokeswoman for Hudson Regional Hospital said it had no comment at this time.

CarePoint Health sues RWJBarnabas Health

One of the other entities CarePoint is involved in active litigation against is RWJBarnabas. The legal action was filed back in September of 2022.

A 69-page antitrust lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court alleges that RWJBarnabas Health sought to eliminate CarePoint as a competitor by attempting to force it to close two hospitals and sell the third. The suit was filed back in September of 2022, and paints a picture of RWJBarnabas working to overtake CarePoint and drive it out of business as opposed to competing fairly with it.

The suit alleges RWJBarnabas had ambulances strategically redirected to Jersey City Medical Center to gain more affluent and insured patients. Allegedly, other patients that did not fit that profile were sent to CarePoint hospitals, causing a loss of $227 million, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit also claims that RWJBarnabas signed an intent to purchase Christ Hospital only to get insider information and to spread rumors that the hospital may close. The suit alleges the rumors caused employees of not only Christ Hospital but Hoboken University Medical Center to leave their jobs and CarePoint had to hire and pay nurses at triple the normal rate, totaling $20.1 million this year.

The suit also claims the Hoboken Municipal Hospital Authority, with whom CarePoint is also engaged in separate litigation and with whom it tried to replace CarePoint as operator of the hospital in 2022, conspired with RWJBarnabas in their endeavors. The lawsuit claims that RWJBarnabas engaged with the Hospital Authority and its contractor Raymond James before a Request for Indications was placed for replacement hospital operators was sent out.

In addition, the lawsuit also claims that RWJBarnabas lobbied state lawmakers to ensure CarePoint did not receive any of the federal American Rescue Plan funds awarded to New Jersey hospitals, an overall total of $293 million. The suit does not name them as plaintiffs, but also alleges that Eisenreich as well as Hudson Regional Hospital officials also conspired against CarePoint. However, that was before the settlement with settlement with Eisenreich in January of 2023.

Spokesperson for CarePoint Health, Phil Swibinski, said in a statement that September that the lawsuit was filed to address “long term, systematic and insidious attempts” to undermine CarePoint Health System and drive it out of business. He said that outcome that would “have a catastrophic effect on Hudson County residents especially the many uninsured and under-insured patients that CarePoint serves through its neighborhood clinics and inpatient acute care facilities.”

“CarePoint’s new physician-led leadership team is making tremendous strides in stabilizing its hospitals in the aftermath of COVID-19 and providing outstanding health care services to Hudson County residents, exemplified by its hospitals being named the most equitable in the country and among the leanest and most well-run in the state, as well as the many exciting partnerships and initiatives it has entered into with leading institutions like Columbia University, Rothman Orthopaedics, and another major oncology partner soon to be announced,” Swibinski said.

“Despite these significant strides, CarePoint’s competitors have continued to engage in selfish, coordinated, antagonistic attacks designed to further their goals of unfair domination of the county’s health care and real estate markets.”

He continued: “CarePoint has earned the trust of Hudson County’s elected leaders and the community by starting its transition to a non-profit organization and becoming in-network with all major insurance carriers, and now it simply asks to be treated fairly with support for the community that needs these hospitals and without interference from vested interests that would leave residents without immediate access to care.”

RWJBarnabas denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the company called the lawsuit’s claims unfounded.

“This is yet another in a series of baseless complaints filed by CarePoint, an organization whose leadership apparently prefers to assign blame to others rather than accept responsibility for the unsatisfactory results of their own poor business decisions and actions over the years,” a spokesperson said. “RWJBarnabas Health has a longstanding commitment to serve the residents of Hudson County and is proud of the significant investments we have made in technology, facilities and clinical teams as we advance our mission.”

Regardless of the recent settlement, CarePoint’s legal actions will undoubtedly continue to unfold in 2023.

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

HUDSON REPORTER BRIEFS

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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HUDSON REPORTER BRIEFS

Pre-trial hearing in DeGise hit-and-run case set for Januray

Jersey City Councilwoman At-Large Amy DeGise has a pre-trial hearing scheduled for January 10 at the Veterans Courthouse, located at 470 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Newark. This is in regards to her hit-and-run of cyclist Andrew Black on July 19 near the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Forrest Avenue.

‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ in North Bergen

North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Township Commissioners issued a proclamation during the commission meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 21 supporting New Jersey’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2022 Year End Holiday Statewide Crackdown” safe driving campaign.

Approximately one-third of all fatal traffic crashes in the United States involve impaired drivers. In 2020, impaired driving crashes killed 11,650 people in the United States. During the past five years New Jersey’s roadways experienced 33,797 crashes and 662 fatalities involving impaired drivers.

To raise public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving during the year-end holiday season, traditionally a time for social gatherings which include alcohol, the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign combines high-visibility enforcement with public education. As part of the campaign, local and state law enforcement officers are conducting saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 to look for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

Earn $$$ shoveling snow in West New York

West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez, Commissioner Yoleisy Yanez and the Board of Commissioners invite residents to sign up and earn some money shoveling snow this winter season. They’re looking to hire shovelers ages 14 and up with working papers. Sign up at Town Hall at 428 60th Street, Room 31. Call 201-295-5225 with any questions.

North Bergen Library hosts General Consulate of El Salvador

The North Bergen Free Public Library, in collaboration with the General Consulate of El Salvador, hosted a mobile consulate at the downtown Recreation Center and Library on Saturday, Dec. 17. Over a hundred Salvadorian residents gained opportunities with this mobile consulate, which provided them with ID card (DUI) and passport services on the spot.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Assemblyman Pedro Mejia attended the program to meet with General Consul Ariel Valle, Vice Consul Karen Perez, and Consul Miguel Barrientos and support the many local residents benefiting from this program.

NHSA to hold rate hearing in January

The North Hudson Sewerage Authority  located at 1600 Adams Street, Hoboken will conduct a Public Hearing on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 5 p.m., prevailing time, via video conference at zoom.us/join.

Meeting ID: 509 658 4744
Passcode: 352157

Or join via phone at 1-646-558-8656. This Public Hearing will be held regarding the adoption of the sewer fee and charges schedule.

Jersey City swears in new firefighters

Mayor Steven Fulop welcomed 21 new firefighters in the chambers of City Hall during a fire department graduation ceremony, adding to the over 300 firefighters hired under Fulop’s administration since 2013. The newest firefighters will be spread throughout the City’s 28 fire companies located citywide.

Read the full story at hudsonreporter.com.

Nutley Volunteer Fire Chief charged with luring

A volunteer fire chief from Nutley has been arrested for attempting to have sex with a minor in North Bergen, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced.

On Friday, December 16, members of the North Bergen Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, and the Nutley Police Department arrested a Nutley Volunteer Fire Chief after being notified of a luring incident. Henry Meola, a 33-year-old of Nutley, is charged with one count of second-degree and one count of third-degree Attempted Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Meola was caught admitting his intentions on camera by a sexual predator watchdog group known as OBL Nation. In an Instagram video by the group, Meola is pictured admitting he wanted to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex to member of OBL Nation filming and confronting him.

Read the full story at hudsonreporter.com.

West New York to host Indoor Volleyball Clinic

West New York has announced that registrations for the Division of Recreation’s Winter Volleyball Clinics are now being accepted. This free program is open to West New Yorkers only, ages 10 to 17.

Activities will take place at the Public School #1 Gymnasium on Fridays, from 6 to 9 p.m. starting January 6, 2023. An original Birth Certificate or valid U.S. Passport and two proofs of WNY residency are required to register, including at least one piece of mail received within the past 30 days.

All registrations are being accepted at the Town Hall Recreation Office at 28 60th Street, Suite 7 on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 201-295-5120 for all recreation information.

Sacco gives away thousands of toys

Mayor Nicholas Sacco’s annual NB C.A.R.E.S. Toy Giveaway took place on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 at the North Bergen Recreation Center. Many hundreds of kids and their family members paraded through the aisles, ogling the vast variety of free gifts available to them. Items were separated by age appropriateness for ease of selection.

Children did not have to be present, so parents could select gifts to place under the tree on Christmas. The township also gave out free frozen chicken and pernil to everyone who attended.

Mayor Sacco was on site to greet families at this 10th anniversary edition of the giveaway, along with Commissioners Julio Marenco and Allen Pascual, Township Administrator Janet Castro, EMS Director David Prina, NHRFR Executive Director Michael DiOrio, County Commissioner Anthony Vainieri, and other local officials. Some items were collected in the township’s toy drive and at the schools, with extra effort from the NBHS Key Club.

Also generously donating to the drive were Eye Contact Vision Center, the Police Officers and Supervisors Unions, the family of Officer Julio Noriega in his memory, the Town of Secaucus, and the Sacco Foundation. Aimee Focaraccio of NB C.A.R.E.S. organized and coordinated the event.

North Bergen also held holiday parties at its senior buildings, resuming after a break due to COVID-19, including Cullum Tower, Terrace Apartments, the Lawler Towers, and at the Senior Center. There was also the township’s first Holiday Vendor Fair at the Recreation Center and Santa delivering gifts to kids at the Meadowview Village, as well as a Holiday Party at the Library. Suffice to say, North Bergen takes Christmas seriously.

North Bergen lights Menorah at Town Hall

Mayor Nicholas Sacco was joined by Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Frank Gargiulo, Julio Marenco, and Allen Pascual to light a menorah in honor of Hannukah on Wednesday, Dec. 21. Taking place at North Bergen Town Hall, Rabbi Dovid Wilanski of Bris Avrohom in Hillside began the ceremony by explaining the significance of the menorah lighting, alongside Moshe Schwartz and Hirsch Friedlander.

The event continued with the mayor and commissioners lighting the first four candles of the menorah, representing the fourth night of the holiday. Township Administrator Janet Castro, Police Chief Peter Fasilis, and County Commissioner Anthony Vainieri also took part in this tribute, with other township employees and residents in attendance.

Hoboken warns of charity scams

The Hoboken Police Department has issued a warning to residents about charity scams involving Zelle or Venmo, noting that they are already investigating several incidents. According to Police Det. Lt. Jonathan Mecka, men seeking donations approach victims stating they are only accepting contributions through Zelle or Venmo.

If the victim agrees to donate, the scammer then requests their phone so he can enter his account information. He then completes a fraudulent transaction and within seconds transfers a large sum of money to their preferred destination.

The Hoboken Police Department is working with New Jersey Transit Police Department in an effort to identify and apprehend the suspects. Anyone who is approached in this manner is urged to contact the Hoboken Police Department at 201-420-2100 and or the New Jersey Transit Police Department at 973-378-6565.

North Bergen EMS hiring

North Bergen EMS is hiring Emergency Medical Technicians. Per Diem at $26 per hour and full-time opportunities are available with competitive salary. To apply email Chief David Prina at dprina@northbergen.org or call 201-403-3405. Those interested can also apply in person at 6222 Granton Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bayonne First Lady to be new Deputy Hudson County Clerk

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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Bayonne First Lady to be new Deputy Hudson County Clerk

Jamie Davis, the wife of Bayonne Mayor James Davis, will be the new Deputy Hudson County Clerk, according to the Hudson County Clerk’s Office.

The New Jersey Globe first reported the move on Dec. 28, following a report the day prior that the former holder of the position was not going to be reappointed.

Diane Ashe Liming, the sister of former City Council President and mayoral candidate Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski, will not be reappointed. It is not clear why, although Liming did help Ashe-Nadrowski’s challenge against Davis as her campaign treasurer for the May municipal election.

According to her LinkedIn, Liming worked at Maidenform in the city for 18 years until 2014. After that, she briefly worked as a consultant at Delta Galil USA in 2015 before eventually becoming Deputy Hudson County Clerk.

It is not clear how long Liming has been in the position, but records show she was on payroll with the county since at least 2019. This would coordinate with her having been appointed that year in the wake of the 2018 municipal election, similar to what appears to be happening now.

Meanwhile, Jamie Davis worked as a 9-1-1 dispatcher in the city for over 30 years. Prior to that, she worked the same job but in Jersey City for 2 years.

The matter is set to be approved by the Hudson County Commissioners in 2023. The appointment is officially made by Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, although the candidate is typically chosen by the Bayonne mayor.

As to why, InsiderNJ reported that “those close to Davis” claim the move to replace Liming was not in response to Ashe-Nadrowski’s mayoral run. However, the report also alluded to the Hudson County Democratic Organization being tentative to reappoint a relative of a Davis political opponent.

In the past this has happened, where a Hudson County Deputy Clerk from Bayonne is not reappointed. Trustee-elect Mary Jane Desmond, who had been serving as acting Hudson County Clerk since former Clerk Javier Inclan accepted an appointment in the Corzine administration, was not reappointed in 2008 after being in the role since 2004 following her unsuccessful run for County Clerk against Barbara Netchert that year. 

Deputy Hudson County Clerk Diane Liming. Photo courtesy of the Clerk’s Office.

Desmond recently went on to run for the Bayonne Board of Education this past November on a slate with backing from Ashe-Nadrowski. She along with two other running mates won three out of four seats against a ticket officially endorsed by Davis, and she unsuccessfully challenged Davis for chair of the Bayonne City Regular Democratic Organization, too, ahead of the municipal election.

Davis did not respond to requests for comment.

In a statement to Bayonne Community News by Assistant to the County Clerk Bong Dizon, the Clerk’s Office confirmed that the Deputy Clerk is an appointed position serving concurrently with the term of the County Clerk. He noted the Deputy Clerk is an at-will employee who serves at the pleasure of the County Clerk, and that the Clerk’s Office has decided to appoint Jamie Davis instead.

“Though Diane Liming (Bayonne) has served the office capably and amicably, the Clerk has decided to go in a different direction,” Dizon said. “On January 1st Jamie Davis (Bayonne) will be appointed to said position. County Clerk E. Junior Maldonado would like to thank Diane Liming for her tireless and unfaltering work on behalf of our office and wishes her nothing but good will and best wishes in all her future endeavors.”

While insiders may claim that it’s not political, it may be hard for some to see it that way. There has been some instances in Bayonne where those who previously supported Ashe-Nadrowski alleged some form of political retaliation.

The move follows previous allegations by former Ashe-Nadrowski running mate “KT” Kim Torello of political retribution in September. He is the executive director of the Police Athletic League and Day Care Center and alleged funding cuts to the nonprofit organization were political. Davis and other officials denied this was the case and said the cuts were due to overall Community Development Block Grant funds due to the city’s economic growth, which equated to the PAL and other nonprofits to lose funding. Torello insisted it was still “fishy,” although the PAL eventually applied for and was awarded extra grant funding for the teachers it needed.

Another political maneuver done in the wake of the municipal election involved the non-reappointment in July of former Business Administrator Melissa Mathews, who supported Ashe-Nadrowski in the election. She resigned before she was set to lose the position, and was replaced by now-Business Administrator Donna Russo. The move in regard to Mathews also occurred amid her ongoing current gender discrimination lawsuit against Davis and other city officials.

Regardless of the reason, the political realignment in Bayonne, and in this case by extension county positions chosen by Bayonne, continues as Davis solidifies his grip on the city in his third term. This continues as his wife will soon occupy an approximately $107,000 a year position come 2023.

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

Sampson removed as longshoreman by Waterfront Commission over ‘excessive absenteeism’

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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Sampson removed as longshoreman by Waterfront Commission over ‘excessive absenteeism’

Longshoreman and state Assemblyman for the 31st Legislative District William Sampson IV was removed from the waterfront by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor on Dec. 21 over what they say was excessive absenteeism. Sampson, who is from Bayonne, represents the district encompassing all of the city as well as parts of Jersey City.

In a statement, the Commission removed the 33-year-old longshoreman from the waterfront for failing to meet the work and work availability requirements in January to June of 2022. Sampson had been employed as a port worker operating cranes at Global Container Terminals in Bayonne.

According to the Commission, Sampson claimed that his attendance at particular meetings or events in his capacity as a state Assemblyman was “good cause” for his absences. The Commission rejected Sampson’s claim of good cause for a number of reasons.

The Commission stated that commitments to outside employment, which prevent a longshoreman from meeting the work requirements at the pier, are inconsistent with the Commission’s mandate to eliminate casual workers from the register. Sampson’s employment as a New Jersey assemblyman does not insulate him from his responsibilities as a longshoreman, according to the Commission.

Sampson failed to present any evidence to justify his absences in February 2022, the Commission stated. Sampson testified that he had “no particular reason” for not working or making himself available for work on Saturdays, according to the Commission.

The Commission stated that Sampson failed to present sufficient evidence that attendance at particular events was mandatory to serve as a New Jersey assemblyman. Sampson acknowledged a possibility that, on certain dates, he could have attended the events and still worked later on those days as a longshoreman, according to the Commission.

Sampson also misstated his role as a speaker at one event, the Commission stated. For all of those reasons and others, the Commission unanimously denied Sampson’s request to be retained on the longshoremen’s register in the Port of New York-New Jersey.

In January of this year, Sampson was sworn in as the new assemblyman for the 31st Legislative District from Bayonne, the first African-American to do so. His election also saw the 31st Legislative District be represented entirely by a trio of African-American lawmakers for the first time in its history, including state Sen. Sandra Cunningham and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.

The move to endorse Sampson, which was applauded by officials across the county, followed Mayor James Davis and the Hudson County Democratic Organization dropping then-incumbent Assemblyman and Majority Whip Nicholas Chiaravalloti from the ticket. Sampson had never had a political position prior and Davis has never explained the reasoning behind the maneuver.

Regardless, Sampson vowed to keep his job as longshoreman while working in the legislature, he told the Bayonne Community News during a phone interview from the cockpit of the crane he was operating at the time in 2021. It appears that may no longer be possible.

Earlier in the year, Sampson filed a request with the Port of New York-New Jersey to remain on the longshoreman’s register and keep his crane operator license. This decision by the Commission denies that request.

Following the announcement, Sampson said in a statement to BCN this was a result of an ongoing feud between the state of New Jersey and the Waterfront Commission. While New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has tried to withdraw the state from the Commission, which was created in the ’50s to curb mob influence at the ports, New York has sued to halt the move.

The case is on its way to being heard in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, although the U.S. has filed a brief in support of New Jersey’s withdrawal. Sampson said this is an example of the Commission expressing its frustration with the situation on Sampson.

“It is unfortunate that the Waterfront Commission has decided to take out its frustrations over the State of New Jersey’s efforts to remove itself from its jurisdiction on me, but I will not let this unfortunate action deter me from fighting for working families in Hudson County and throughout our state,” Sampson said. “I’m proud to be a blue-collar union worker and I will always fight for my brothers and sisters in labor.”

Sampson and the local longshoreman’s union plan to appeal the decision. He recently held a Thanksgiving food giveaway at his union headquarters, the International Longshoreman’s Association Local 1588 at 550 Kennedy Blvd., back in November.

“I along with the ILA International will be working to appeal this decision to allow me to continue working in the industry as I have my whole life,” Sampson said. “I believe that this decision is not only legally incorrect but contains numerous factual errors.”

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

Secaucus cannabis board discusses new retail application

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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Secaucus cannabis board discusses new retail application

Will Harmony Dispensary have some competition when it comes to adult-use recreational cannabis sales in Secaucus? That’s what officials are discussing.

The town’s Local Cannabis Control Board held a special meeting on Dec. 20 to discuss the application of Floro Secaucus LLC. The applicant is seeking a Class V retail license to sell recreational cannabis at 900 Castle Road, which is a warehouse-type industrial building currently home to NJ Casket Company and Pet Rest in Peace Memorial Center and Crematorium.

That address is adjacent to the location where Harmony Dispensary currently sells medical cannabis out of. After initially banning the establishments ahead of a state deadline to make a decision, Secaucus shifted gears, ironed out the details of the local industry regulations, and lifted the prohibition but limited the operation of cannabis establishments to five lots that make up a light industrial area defined by warehouses, including the one that Harmony is in.

Amid Harmony’s quest to expand from medical sales to recreational, which it succeeded in earlier this month, the town began preparing the license application process for other cannabis entities. Officials said there had been some inquiries about businesses seeking to open in town in one of the permitted warehouse lots on Castle Road, which appears to include Floro.

The board met in person at the chambers on the second floor of the municipal building, with the option to watch via Zoom. After the meeting, Town Administrator Gary Jeffas told the Hudson Reporter that no formal action was taken by the board.

“A meeting was held but no decisions were made,” Jeffas said.

Jeffas said the meeting was informational in nature. The board asked various questions of the applicant, some of which they are circling back on with the town.

“It was a meeting on the one application we had, Floro Secaucus, LLC,” Jeffas said. “The meeting was mainly an informational session. They had their attorney, the managing member of their LLC and somebody from the group that helped put together the application.”

Informational meeting

“We used it as an informational meeting to ask questions and gather more information about the company, their background, what their plan is, what their thought is for the process, and how they would operate back there if they did get a license,” Jeffas said. “But there was no action or decision made.”

According to Jeffas, the board may have another meeting to discuss Floro’s applications. The applicant is gathering more information for the board based on some of the line of questioning at the December meeting of the board, which appears to be its first gathering.

“We just advised them that the board would discuss further and have a potentially another meeting to discuss further,” Jeffas said. “They also need to collect some more information for us on some of the questions just to fill in some of the gaps on some of the questions we had.”

Jeffas said most of the questions were around the business and the level expertise that the principals had in the business. He said that the consulting group working with Floro on the application is helping them through the process.

“The consulting group would help them with their human resources, their regulatory requirements on their day-to-day operations, so just kind of understanding how they would lean on the consulting company to assist in their business,” Jeffas said. “I think the consulting company operates about 20 or so recreational cannabis facilities in the United States and Canada. So they were the ones with a bit more experience on the recreational side of it. It was a decent amount of questioning just to understand the relationship and how they would assist in their functioning and operating at Secaucus and a business plan that would work.”

Applicant returning with more information?

According to Jeffas, there were also questions raised by Police Chief Dennis Miller as to security at the proposed dispensary. He said that is another topic they are working to iron out details on.

“Then the police chief asked some stuff about their security plan that they’re going to circle back. It seems they would have an outside company handle and set up security for it,” Jeffas said. “So we agreed that if there’s more questions on security, they would have a representative from that company who could better explain how they would handle things like security, the cameras, the people they would hire and those things.”

At another potential meeting on the application that could be held in the future, Jeffas said the board can consider furthering the application. That would entail the passage of a resolution of support by the board, as well as by Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council, before the applicant seeks state approval to proceed further.

“If the board decides to consider their application, we would give them a letter of support saying that the town supports their application so that when they go to the state, the state knows they have the support of the town and probably what we did with Harmony,” Jeffas said. “Then we would have the council pass a resolution saying that the mayor and Town Council are in support of the application moving forward so that the state knows they have the full backing of the town. That’s the decision-making process we’re kind of in right now.”

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

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