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Industrial redevelopment plan includes waterfront walkway 

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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Industrial redevelopment plan includes waterfront walkway 

The Bayonne Planning Board has approved a redevelopment plan at an industrial site along the Kill van Kull that would require a developer contribution toward the waterfront walkway.

The plan was presented at the board’s March meeting by City Planner Suzanne Mack. The site was originally declared an area of redevelopment as 7 and 9 New Hook Road in December.

But separate redevelopment plans were drawn up for each site. The board approved the plan for 7 Lower Hook Road, formerly known as 7 New Hook Road, at its February meeting. The redevelopment area is the former site of PDQ Plastics.

This plan is for 9 New Hook Road, now known as Commerce Street and Hook Road. The redevelopment area is the former site of Atlantic Cement, totaling 5.4 acres of land along the Kill van Kull nestled between old petroleum tanks in the surrounding area.

Permitted uses

In the redevelopment plan, permitted principal uses include marine-based operations such as a boat ramp, ship chandler, or other service operations; barges, piers, platforms, fixed or floating docks, and mooring devices; green infrastructure; dock facilities including the operation of an intermodal container facility; recycling facilities such as a recycling drop-off facility; Flex Space for commercial and light industrial uses including office space and administration, logistics support, and distribution and assembly. 

Fully enclosed light manufacturing establishments are also permitted, including the manufacture, assembly, packing or treatment of merchandise from previously prepared materials, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, food processing, electrical and electronic equipment, woodworking, furniture, and upholstery, textiles and apparel, awnings and venetian blinds, machine tools and metal working.  

Other permitted uses include equipment sales, services and rentals including heavy equipment; seaport support services and operations including water dependent maritime uses that incorporate shipping, light industrial activity, offices, administration and services to the maritime industry; ship chandler; high-cube warehousing and short-term storage; cold storage warehousing; transportation support services and supply-chain logistics and distribution; renewable energy producing entities and their structures; green technology; wireless telecommunication towers, facilities and antennas; shore landing if there is offshore cables; silos or other existing structures; and agricultural growing operations. 

Permitted accessory uses include outdoor storage, business offices and administrative support space, off-street parking and loading, signage, solar arrays, and roadway barriers. All other existing uses at the site shall remain permitted uses.

Cannabis cultivation and green development

Included in the permitted use of agricultural growing operations are vertical farms, hydroponics, gardening, and the growing, cultivation and processing of cannabis. In the plan for 7 Lower Hook Road, the permitted use of cannabis establishments sparked discussion among planning board members over whether or not it should be included.

While a redeveloper could submit plans to build a cannabis establishment at these sites, the plans do not give the redevelopers the right to do so; the decision is subject to planning board and city council approvals.

A minimum of 10 percent of the redevelopment area must consist of open space and or green or sustainable features. This can be green wall, green roof or landscaping on site. Street trees will be required along public roads abutting the site.

The redeveloper must make a contribution to develop a portion of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway along their shoreline, including three dedicated parking spaces, according to Mack.

But Mack said it might be tricky considering its location in an industrial area. The plan allows for an alternative.

The redeveloper can provide a financial contribution to the city for construction of offsite waterfront access equivalent to the cost of constructing the walkway on the redevelopment area’s shoreline. The contribution amount and terms of payment will be incorporated into the agreement between the redeveloper and the city. 

The plan allows for both options, Mack said.

The plan requires design standards to make the site aesthetically pleasing from Hook Road. The redeveloper will be required to make public improvements, including repaving and paving roads, site remediation, installing lighting, and handling trash and recycling collection.

Rare opportunity

Mack said the plan was an exciting opportunity to bring in jobs and revitalize an industrial area along the waterfront with green space and design standards.

She said that the plan will allow the area, which has been underused for years, to become well developed with green infrastructure and a contribution to the waterfront walkway.

City Planner Mika Apte said that the plan aimed to allow permitted uses that would make underused properties in industrial areas economic contributors. He said the plan will require sidewalks.

Chairwoman Karen Fiermonte said it was not everyday the board votes on a waterfront redevelopment plan, especially for an industrial property. 

The board voted unanimously to approve the plan. The next meeting is on April 13 at 6 p.m. To attend, go to bayonnenj.org and click on the event on the calendar webpage.

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

Bayonne Briefs

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Bayonne Briefs

Bayonne Teachers Union agrees to four-year contract

The Bayonne Teachers Association and the Bayonne Board of Education reached a tentative agreement on a four-year union contract, setting the stage for the BTA to ratify the contract in the coming weeks.
The deal includes a 12.7 percent raise over four years, includinga 2.8 percent retroactive raise from the current school year,since the union signed a two-year retroactive agreement last year, and a 3.3 percent raise for the next three years.
“We’ve actually done two contracts in two and a half years,” said Board President Joseph Broderick.“This one, hopefully, should be for this year and the next three years. It’s good for us, because we know how much we have to deal with, and it gives the teachers stability, knowing what they will get next year and the year after. At the least, this way we know where we stand.”
“I’m ecstatic by it,” said Trustee Christopher Munoz, a teacher in Hoboken.“I think that it’s been a long and arduous road for the Bayonne teacher. They are by far the most underpaid teachers in the county. It’s about time we give them the respect they deserve, and respect starts with the contract.”
Total salaries make up 65 percent of the $130.7 million 2018-2019 school year budget passed by the BBOED on April 25, while salaries and benefits combine for 84 percent of the budget. Included in the budget is a 2.87 percent property tax increase and a $68.3 million property tax levy. Still, the district is allocating more money for teachers this time around than the last four-year contract.
In the 2016-2017 school year, the average Bayonne teacher had a salary of $67K and 11.8 years of experience. Teachers start at around $31K and can make up to $120. Compare that with Jersey City Public Schools, where the average teacher is paid $82K with 13 years of experience. The minimum salary there is $53.5K, and maximum is $121.5. A similar trend continues throughout Hudson County, with Bayonne remaining the lowest paid.
“I think teachers have been undervalued nationally and that’s no secret. That’s something we don’t want to do in Bayonne,” said Munoz. “The Bayonne teacher shouldn’t have to worry about their next paycheck and when they will settle their next contract.”
Not many teachers feel that their pay reflects their value to society, and a 2017 Education Next Poll shows that more than 6 in 10 Americans believe teachers should be paid more. After all, from 2000 to 2013, teacher salaries in NJ declined by more than 3 percent, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, which is not far off from the national one percent decline.
The district, as always, is keeping its fingers crossed for a more generous state school funding formula. Text of the proposed budget reads, “The additional State Aid, if received over the next few years, would go to Collective Bargaining Agreements, more educators and personnel, while at the same time keeping the tax increase to a reasonable level.”
President of the Bayonne Teachers Association,Alan D’Angelo, did not return a request for comment. The union has yet to officially ratify the contract.

Amy DeGise will seek HCDO chair

In a move that apparently hopes to capitalize on her hefty voter numbers in last year’s Board of Education election, Amy DeGise – daughter of County Executive Tom DeGise – announced on May 10 that she will seek the chairmanship of the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO.)
An elected member of the Jersey City Board of Education, lifelong Jersey City resident and educator, DeGise hopes to gain the support of the majority of the county’s mayors as well as many other Democratic leaders. A full list of endorsements will be announced soon.
DeGise will challenge state Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack in a committee vote in June to replace outgoing HCDO Chair Vincent Prieto.
The move is part of a fight for control of the HCDO and is reportedly designed to help rescue her father as county executive, whom Stack hopes to defeat with a candidate of his own in 2019.
Stack, along with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, West New York Mayor Felix Roque, and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, have said they would like to see a candidate other than Tom DeGise run for county executive in 2019.
The chair of HCDO would have a lot of influence in deciding which candidate will run on the official Democratic line on the primary ballot.
The campaign supporting Tom DeGise is promoting Amy DeGise as an example of Hudson County’s diversity.
“Hudson County is the most diverse, dynamic and exciting place in New Jersey and it’s time for our Democratic Party to reflect the energy and progressive values that our residents live every day,” said (Amy) DeGise. “I’m running to lead our county party into a unified, strong future that is open to everyone who cares about their community and wants to see progress in our county. I’m incredibly excited to begin this journey and look forward to working as hard as I can for each and every vote and for the future of our Hudson County Democratic Organization.”
But critics – even some supporters of Tom DeGise – are critical of the move, and believe Tom DeGise should run, not Amy.
The elected committee members of the Hudson County Democratic Organization will be voting on June 12.

Bayonne High School named in US News & World Report education rankings

Bayonne High School made the Top 80 of US News & World Report’s annual school rankings, which considers 2015-16 school year data and state and AP test scores, and other statistics. Bayonne High School came in at No. 77 in NJ, while also receiving national recognition, according to the report.
BHS students also rank in the 54th percentile in reading, which is above the state average, and ranks in the 19th percentile in mathematics, which is below the state average.
In AP test rankings, BHS ranks in the 40th percentile, but ranks in the 23rd percentile for AP students tested.
The school’s “college readiness proficiency” ranks in the 12.6 percentile. Meanwhile, 86 percent of the 2,405 Bayonne High School students graduate.
All public schools in the state and country are eligible to be ranked by U.S. News & World Report. However, to be analyzed, schools must have 15 or more 12th grade students or “sufficient enrollment in other high school grades during the 2015-2016 school year to be analyzed.”
The ranking system uses information from the Common Core of Data (provided by the U.S. Department of Education), the College Board (AP test results), the International Baccalaureate (IB test results) and each school’s state data on proficiency tests and graduation rates.

Uber Health partnering with RWJ Barnabas

RWJBarnabas Health announced a system-wide initiative with Uber, the ride-sharing platform, through Uber Health, a HIPAA-compliant dashboard that allows healthcare providers to provide safe, reliable, on-demand and pre-scheduled rides to patients traveling to and from medical appointments. The service is initially being implemented at Jersey City Medical Center and, in the coming months, will expand across the healthcare provider’s system. Uber Health will complement existing transportation services at each of the RWJBH hospitals.
The collaboration serves as a solution to transportation needs across the RWJBH hospital system for patients throughout the communities it serves. Through the new service, patients utilizing RWJBH facilities will have the convenience of transportation services provided by Uber.
“We know transportation can be a barrier in accessing necessary health services and we are pleased to partner with Uber Health to help address this need,” stated Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJBarnabas Health. “Our goal has always been to make health care more accessible and with Uber Health, we can reduce transportation barriers for patients traveling to primary care appointments and follow-up care visits, and provide a safe ride home after being discharged from the hospital.”

Kennedy Dancers Repertory Company opens Hispanic youth talent search

The Kennedy Dancers Inc., a nonprofit professional dance company, dance school, and educational cable television production company, is proud to announce they are the opening performance at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).The Kennedy Dancers Repertory Company (professional dancers) will open The Hispanic Youth Showcase with an homage to Josephine Baker, featuring Angelica Cassimiro, choreography and re-enactment by Diane Dragone, Artistic Director at the Kennedy Dancers, Inc.
In addition to the Kennedy Dancers Repertory Company performing, The Kennedy Dancers, Inc. will send four members of their Inner City Youth Junior Dancers Company (known as the“Dream Team”) to compete in the Hispanic Youth Showcase. This showcase supports Hispanic youth in their pursuit of dance and music with several scholarships.
The four-member team includes Joyce Najm, Ebony Greene, Leah Murphy, and Brianna Karioki. The four dancers of Hispanic decent are the chosen finalists for this talent competition. The Inner City Youth Junior Company will perform to Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” choreographed by Diane Dragone.
For more info, please call (201)-659-2190 or email kennedydancers@aol.com.

Whole Foods eyes new location in Jersey City

After changing plans to open a grocery store across Marin Boulevard from City Hall, Whole Foods has instead decided to open upone in one of Mack-Cali’s Harborside buildings, near the Hudson River waterfront and light rail access, according to NJ.com, which quotes a Whole Foods spokeswoman as saying that the company is “as committed as ever to bringing the highest-quality natural and organic foods to Jersey City.”
A Whole Foods 365 Market, which is smaller and less expensive than its full-sized store, is scheduled to open in Weehawken in the fall. The downtown Jersey City location is expected to be a full-fledged store.

NJ moving quickly to reap rewards of sports betting

Just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the federal government’s ban on sports betting was unconstitutional, State Senate President Stephen Sweeney introduced legislation to set an 8 percent tax rate on sports gambling in casinos and 12.5 percent online, according to NJ Spotlight. The new revenue would go to programs for senior citizens and the disabled. And, not surprisingly, operators of Atlantic City casinos welcomed the Supreme Court ruling, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Bayonne’s Winner’s Race Track could stand to benefit from the legislation.

Menendez says he’ll fight cuts to superstorm sandy aid

The Trump administration has proposed a $107 million cut to recovery aid for Superstorm Sandy, but Sen. Bob Menendez says he’ll fight it, WHYY reports. The proposed cut is part of the $15 billion recission budget, which is a request to cancel certain appropriations. A Trump administration official said the Sandy money had not been used. Menendez says it should be invested in improved resiliency.

Gov. Murphy approves financial aid for undocumented immigrants

Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law legislation that makes college students who are undocumented immigrants eligible for financial aid, according to NJ Spotlight. The financial aid could be available as soon as this fall. Students must apply to legalize their immigration status before they can receive the aid.

Legislation would make breastfeeding easier at airports

Four Democratic Assemblywomen have proposed legislation that would require airports operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to provide private places inside the secure areas of terminals for nursing mothers to breastfeed or pump their milk, according to NJ Spotlight. The lactation facilities would need to be separate from restrooms. The legislation is scheduled to be reviewed by the Assembly Women and Children Committee.

NJ communities moving to ban plastic bags

In effort to stem pollution, some coastal communities, including Long Beach Township and Harvey Cedars, have moved to ban plastic bags, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Meanwhile, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said last week that he expects the city council to vote on an ordinance within two months that would ban single-use plastic bags. Mayors in other Hudson County cities have alluded to the idea of cutting down on plastics, too. If Jersey City passes a plastics ban, other cities may follow. How the city will structure incentives to nudge residents off plastic bags is not yet decided. In Harvey Cedars, people who buy beach tags receive free reusable bags. Stafford Township in Ocean County is also considering a ban on single-use plastic bags.

NJ’s quick release of gun data acclaimed, criticized

Gov. Phil Murphy’s policy of quickly releasing data on firearms trafficking drew praise and criticism last week, according to the Associated Press. Gun control advocates praised the governor’s release of a report last week that uses federal data to show that 77 percent of guns used in crimes in New Jersey come from out of state. Second Amendment advocates say the state is using the report as a way around limits on the release of some federal data. The state says it will post monthly and quarterly data based on reports from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

NJ considers making beaches no-smoking zones

Smokers who light up on public beaches would be subject to $250 fines if the Legislature passes a measure that is currently making its way through the State Senate, the Courier-Post reports. The bill is intended to protect beach-goers from secondhand smoke and to reduce the amount of litter. The bill would still allow smoking in beach parking lots.

Bayonne Briefs

Rory Pasquariello, Staff Writer
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Bayonne Briefs

George R.R. Martin dives into Bayonne childhood in Rolling Stone interview

George R.R. Martin, the author of “A Song of Fire and Ice,” now adapted into the hit television series “Game of Thrones,” discusses his life growing up in Bayonne in the May 8 issue of Rolling Stone. Martin, 65, grew up with his great-grandmother on 31st Street and Broadway before moving to an apartment building on First Street, near the old Brady’s Dock.

“My mother was a Brady — Irish. I heard a lot from my mother about the heritage of the Bradys, who had been a pretty important family at certain points in Bayonne history,” Martin told Rolling Stone, according to NJ Advance Media.

“To get to my school, I had to walk past the house where my mother had been born, this house that had been our house once. I’ve looked back on that, of course, and in some of my stories there’s this sense of a lost golden age, where there were wonders and marvels undreamed of. Somehow what my mother told me set all that stuff into my imagination.”

Recycling grants awarded in Jersey City and Secaucus

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection awarded $14.3 million in grants to 24 municipalities across 13 counties to enhance recycling efforts based on 2016 recycling performance in those communities. Jersey City received $423,248 and Secaucus received $156,353.

In 2016, NJ generated 9.7 million tons of municipal solid waste, which includes standard household, vegetative and yard waste. The municipal solid waste rate in 2016 is 44 percent, up one percentage point from 2015. The statewide goal for municipal solid waste recycling is 50 percent.

NJ remains above the national average of municipal solid waste recycling rate of 34 percent and was the first state to require statewide recycling in 1987.

Man douses apartment stairway with lighter fluid; does not set fire

The Bayonne Police Department arrested a 32-year-old man in possession of butane lighter fluid after allegedly drenching an apartment hallway and stairway on Jan. 3. Residents of the building on 762 Broadway saw him allegedly writing on the walls in the hallway and called the police. The man was charged with attempted aggravated arson, burglary and criminal mischief, according to police.

Central Jersey child first to die from flu in 2019, state cautions high flu levels across state

The state health department has confirmed that a child in central Jersey has died from the flu. It’s the first fatality this season. The CDC says New Jersey and New York are experiencing high flu activity this year. Some hospitals like St. Mary’s in Passaic are imposing restrictions on anyone presenting flu symptoms. It’s still not too late to get a flu shot, officials say.

According to the state Health Department, NJ is one of only 15 states already reporting high levels of the flu virus this year.

To avoid spreading the virus to others, medical professionals advise staying home while you are sick and up to at least 24 hours after your fever is gone; not visiting people in the hospital; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; if you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow or shoulder; avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth; and washing your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing.

If your child is sick, do not send your child to school or after-school programs until at least 24 hours after fever and symptoms are gone.

3,163 overdose deaths in 2018 breaks record

The state reported recently that drug overdose deaths passed the 3,000-mark in 2018. At 3,163, it’s higher than it’s ever been, and 15 percent more than in 2017. The counties that experienced the worst (highest) rate of growth: Salem (60%, 32 deaths); Passaic (54%, 206 deaths); Cumberland (49%, 113 deaths); Mercer (40%, 148 deaths); and Monmouth (30%, 223 deaths). Hudson County had 187 suspected overdose deaths, its highest since recording 127 in 2016.

Two plaintiffs join Jersey City payroll tax lawsuit

The New Jersey Business & Industry Association and the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce have joined a lawsuit to fight a Jersey City payroll tax that was unanimously passed by the city council in November. The 1-percent tax was first proposed to cover the loss of $175 million in school funding.

“I reject the president’s fear mongering,” Sires says

President Trump “lied to the American people” about the border wall, Rep. Albio Sires tweeted after the president’s Tuesday night Oval Office speech. The recently re-elected Sires is a Cuban immigrant who represents the 8th District, which includes areas of Bayonne. Rep. Tom Malinowski of the 7th District said Trump was “recklessly dishonest.”

Jersey City prisoner re-entry program fires former Gov. Jim McGreevey

The Jersey City Employment and Training Program voted to fire its director, former Democratic Gov. Jim McGreevey. The prisoner re-entry nonprofit did so without comment or explanation. No one has “given me the courtesy of a detailed reason why I am being dismissed,” McGreevey said. McGreevey resigned as governor abruptly in 2004, after coming out as a “gay American.” He is the nation’s first openly gay governor.

More people move out of New Jersey than any other state

According to data collected by United Van Lines, in 2018, more people moved out of New Jersey than from any other state. Illinois was second, followed by Connecticut, New York, and Ohio. Reasons for leaving the Garden State were varied: job change and retirement tied at 34 percent. “Lifestyle” was cited by 17 percent of former New Jerseyans, and “health” was cited by 6 percent.

Law says schools must teach ‘financial literacy’

Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver signed into law a measure (A-1414) that requires all public middle schools (grades six to eight) to teach “financial literacy.” It was supported by lawmakers from both parties, and will go live in September, for the 2019 to 2020 school year. The state Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lamont Repollet, will provide the curriculum.

Farmer feeds Christmas trees to goats

A farmer in Burlington County has been collecting neighbors’ discarded Christmas trees to feed to the 12 goats that live on her farm, according to Philly.com. Last Christmas, the farmer took in 50 trees. One of her goats can gobble down a 14-foot tree in three hours.

Farms across the country use Christmas trees as goat food. A petting zoo in New Era, Michigan, has been requesting trees for years; the owner said blue spruce, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Scotch pine, and white pine are among the varieties, according to the Associated Press.

Smoking ban takes effect

Starting Jan. 16, New Jersey will begin one of the broadest anti-smoking laws in the country, according to NJ Spotlight. Smoking and vaping in public parks, forests, historic sites, and at any other state-owned property in New Jersey will be subject to fine. Fines could burn bigger holes in pockets that cigarettes; starting at $250 for a first offense, and then up to $1,000. It’s not yet clear who will enforce the ban.

Murphy, Sweeney agree on driver’s license bill

Undocumented immigrants can legally drive in 12 states and D.C., and up to half a million people in New Jersey could be next. According to a survey of 561 voters conducted by an advocacy group, 54 percent support the idea, 29 percent oppose it, and 17 percent are unsure, according to The Record. Gov. Phil Murphy and Senate Pres. Stephen Sweeney support a measure that would issue licenses to undocumented immigrants that are different from those issued to U.S. citizens. The complicated two-licenses measure is working its way through the legislature.

New Jersey doubles security funding for private schools

On Jan. 8, Gov. Phil Murphy signed two bills to increase funding to beef up security at private schools and religious nonprofits, according to The Record. One bill (A4597) will devote $11.3 million to double security funding at private schools, which serve about 150,000 students statewide. Another bill (A3906) expands a security grant program that enables religious nonprofits to buy equipment and hire guards.

Proposed law would allow lawyers to be legal advocates for mistreated and abused animals

We have pet doctors, but not pet lawyers yet. A new bill in the New Jersey State Assembly would allow lawyers and law school students to act as legal advocates for mistreated pets and abused animals in New Jersey. The advocates would monitor cruelty cases, attend court hearings, and make recommendations to judges. The bill sponsor, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, says her proposal could ensure “animals that are abused get justice,” noting that “far too many animal cruelty cases in New Jersey … end without trial or conviction,” according to The Record.

NJDOT announces Winter Weather Congestion Alert communications campaign

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has announced a new communications campaign to help the public make better traveling decisions during winter weather events to improve safety and the department’s ability to clear snow.

New Jersey is the most congested state in the nation; a relatively routine winter weather system can wreak havoc in New Jersey when it occurs between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“In order for NJDOT to clear highways of snow and ice, we need roads free from traffic so our trucks can get through and do their job,” Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Our Winter Weather Congestion Alert plan is designed to alert the media and public when forecasted weather may cause congestion, and provide tips on what to do so our crews can get through to keep the roads clear, open, and safe.”

The alerts may provide general tips such as to consider telecommuting if possible or more specific recommendations to avoid certain highways with inclines that are often problematic during a storm, such as I-280 or parts of I-78 in western New Jersey. The media and public will be alerted through press releases, the NJDOT Facebook page, Twitter @NJDOT_info, VMS boards, and www.511nj.org.

NJDOT will encourage people to telecommute, travel before the winter weather starts, and stay put while the winter weather is occurring. Wait a few hours for the storm to subside before heading out. If you are traveling during the winter weather, pull off somewhere safe and wait it out. Always stay clear of plowing and spreading trucks.  If they are behind you, let them pass. Do not pass between trucks that are in a plow formation.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

SCOREBOARD

Jim Hague, Sports Columnist
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SCOREBOARD

It was shaping up to be another season to remember for the St. Peter’s Prep basketball team.

The defending Hudson County Tournament champions appeared well on their way to another championship season, winning their first eight games of the truncated COVID-19 created season of 15 contests.

The undefeated Marauders were ranked No. 5 in the entire state by NJ.com. They had some signature victories over Hackensack and Montclair Immaculate, two highly regarded squads. The win over Immaculate, the state’s No. 7-ranked team at the time, came courtesy of a 3-point shot by Rayshawn Ford at the buzzer in overtime. The Marauders also defeated Marlboro, one of the top teams in the Shore Conference, by 14 points.

“We were lucky enough to get those games to fill out the schedule,” St. Peter’s Prep head coach Alex Mirabel said. “With this pandemic, you never know when you’re going to get shut down.”

Maybe that was foreshadowing.

Mirabel said that the Marauders were having a blast every day.

“We were having so much fun in the gym at practice,” Mirabel said. “We made sure every practice was competitive. The practices have been great. The kids get after it with each other every day. It’s great to see. We have 10 or 11 kids playing regularly.”

Last Monday, the Marauders faced Memorial and won 67-23. Every single Marauder who played found a way into the scorer’s book.

“Everyone played and everyone scored,” Mirabel said. “It was a great win.”
Mark Armstrong, who scored 11 points in the win, had scored the 1,000th point of his career earlier in the season, well on his way to a possible 2,000-point milestone, which would have made him the first St. Peter’s Prep player to ever get to 2,000 points in a career.

Ford, who has already signed his national letter of intent to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University in the fall to play for fellow Prep grad Greg Herenda with the Knights, scored nine points, as did Jackson Tindall.

Gavin O’Farrell, who has declared his intentions to play at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall, had eight points and eight rebounds.

“Mark and Ray complimented each other very well,” Mirabel said. “Gavin is our workhorse who embraces his role.”

It was a total team victory.

Less than 12 hours later, it all came crashing down, when it was learned that a handful of Marauders started to feel sick and were tested for the coronavirus.

“When you get two or three guys not feeling well, then they all have to get tested,” Mirabel said. “They had symptoms and the most important thing was everyone’s safety.”

And because of counter tracing, not only was St. Peter’s Prep shut down for two weeks, but so was Memorial, Hoboken, North Bergen and Union City. Five boys’ basketball teams all shut down because of the coronavirus in one fell swoop.

It’s the way of the world. And with it, so went the hopes of another county championship for the Marauders.

The HCIAL athletic directors met via a Zoom meeting after hearing of the Prep shutdown and determined that there would not be a league tournament at season’s end as previously discussed.

“It made more sense to decide to do this,” said HCIAL president Nick Marniello, the athletic director and head boys’ basketball coach at Hudson Catholic. “We’re all scrambling just to get games. We tried very hard to make it work. It’s been very difficult. We were discussing the tournament and the domino effect in play. I guess in hindsight we should have not said anything. But we have a certain number of days left, so we should try to find games and play games.”

Mirabel was still hopeful to have an HCIAL tournament, but that doesn’t seem possible now.

“Well, the coaches want it,” Mirabel said. “It’s only right to find a way to make it happen. We will try to convince the ADs [athletic directors] to let it happen. We’ll see what happens. If we don’t play again this year, then that would be rough. We want to finish it out.”

If the Marauders’ season is over, then Mirabel will have a tough time telling that to his team.

“It’s tough for the seniors,” Mirabel said. “We will miss them. We have a good sophomore group and a good group of juniors led by Mark. We want to close the year out and play for something meaningful. That’s what we want.”

Mariniello said that there was no true formula to finding a solution.

“There’s no perfect science to this,” Mariniello said. “We’ve all been working together. I’ve been talking to other ADs every day and moving games all over. It’s been a lot of work. There’s been a lot of emotional wear and tear. It’s been horrible.”

Mariniello said that it was a league-wide decision for both boys and girls, which angered some of the HCIAL girls’ coaches, because some of the top girls’ teams have not had their seasons interrupted.

Mirabel said that he was aware the season could end at any point.

“We always knew it could stop at any minute,” Mirabel said. “It was hard for me to go to sleep at night for fear I would get a call or a text from someone saying, ‘Coach, I’m not feeling well.’ Everyone was feeling healthy.”

For now, the Marauders have rescheduled games with Hudson Catholic and Union City.

“It’s fortunate that it’s happening now and not later,” Mirabel said. “At least we can finish off the year on a good note. Something like this was always in the back of my mind. We were prepared for it. What do we do now for two weeks? Well, that’s the bummer.”

Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at OGSMAR@aol.com. You can also read Jim’s blog at www.jimhaguesports.blogspot.com, follow Jim on Twitter @ogsmar and listen to the Hudson County Sports Podcast, brought to you weekly by Stan’s Sports Center, 528 Washington Street in Hoboken, on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Listen to this week’s guest, namely St. Dominic Academic track and field coach and athletic director John Nagel, whose career at the Jersey City school spans five decades.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jim Hague, Sports Columnist
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Maddie Branigan is an accomplished artist.

The St. Dominic Academy sophomore, who is also a highly respected member of the basketball team at the school, paints on canvas regularly, creating abstracts and portraits. She also makes her own jewelry – rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, the whole works. Branigan is doing so well as an artist that she is in the process of launching her own website, featuring her artwork and her handmade jewelry.

“I draw, paint, make jewelry, whatever I feel like,” Branigan said. “It comes in spurts. I won’t do anything at all for a few days, then I sink myself into my art. I have had people ask me to make gifts for friends.”

Branigan is also an excellent student at SDA.

“I guess I get A’s on my report card,” Branigan said. “I’m really not sure. I guess I got First Honors last time.”

But right now, Branigan is making her mark as a forward on the SDA basketball team.

Branigan doesn’t come from a line of basketball players in her family, but there were certainly some noteworthy athletes, in particular, Maddie’s father, Alan, who was a standout player at Nutley High School, Rutgers University and was a draft pick of the Dallas Burn in Major League Soccer in the 1990s.

Alan Branigan enjoyed a good professional soccer career with the Hampton Roads Mariners of the old United Soccer League.

When Maddie was a youngster, it was only natural that she should take to soccer.

“I was always running around, kicking at the ball,” Branigan said. “I played soccer through preschool.”

But when Maddie was just seven years old, she retired from soccer to concentrate on basketball. Imagine a second-grader making such a momentous decision?

Maddie and her older brother Maguire played basketball throughout grade school. Maguire Branigan also played basketball at Nutley High School before stepping away this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maguire Branigan is a senior at Nutley.

“We used to play basketball together a lot,” Maddie Branigan said. “We have a hoop in the yard and played there together.”

When Maddie was younger, she lacked confidence. She never thought she was going to be a good basketball player.

But then there was one game she enjoyed playing in the Nutley Recreation league. Branigan tossed in 18 points in just her second game of organized basketball.

“It was an instantaneous thing,” Maddie Branigan said. “When I scored 18, the coaches all said, ‘Who is this kid?’ That game gave me a lot of confidence.”

When the time came to choose a high school, Branigan decided to attend the school that her mother went to, not her hometown public school. Needless to say, it caused a little bit of an uproar in her native Nutley.

“I think we all thought St. Dominic was going to be a better fit for me,” Maddie Branigan said. “I wanted to try the private school thing. When I went to visit, I bonded with the girls there quickly.”

Needless to say, SDA head basketball coach John Hester was excited to have someone of Branigan’s talent and stature come into his program.

The 6-foot-1 Branigan averaged 14 points and eight rebounds last season as a freshman.

“I think the biggest challenge with her was for to understand her importance to the team,” Hester said. “She was trying to figure out how often she could shoot the ball. We needed her to find the right rhythm and be the focal point of our offense. I don’t think she understood that.”

Branigan said that she was her own toughest critic.

“I’m very critical of myself,” Branigan said. “I tend to focus on all the bad things I do. I watch film and tear things apart.”

Before the compacted season began three weeks ago, Branigan was poised to have an even bigger role this year with the Blue Devils than last year.

“I think I could have more success shooting the ball,” Branigan said. “I think I could be better with my ball handling. I had to sharpen those points of my game. I saw what I did as a freshman and I thought, ‘What could I do better as a sophomore?’ I was disappointed that it was only a 15-game season, but I was going to make the most of it.”

Hester knew that Branigan was poised for a better go round than last year when she was selected to Third Team All-Hudson County.

“From the first game, she has that feeling,” Hester said. “She’s making good decisions with the ball. We’re comfortable with her having the ball in her hands a lot. She’s understanding her role better. There’s not a spot on the floor where she’s not allowed to shoot it from. I told her, ‘If you’re open, shoot it. There are no restrictions. She’s an excellent shooter. Sure, there’s room for improvement, but there’s nothing stopping her.”

Branigan has enjoyed a sizzling start to the new season, averaging 21.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. She’s leading the Blue Devils to a stellar 4-1 record thus far. She scored 13 points against Ferris, had 27 against McNair Academic, had 24 each in games against Lincoln and Memorial and had 18 in a win over North Bergen.

For her efforts, Branigan has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week. Branigan is the first honoree of the winter scholastic sports season.

Hester loves Branigan’s attitude.

“She has no ego,” Hester said. “Maddie doesn’t know how good she is. I have to remind her that she has a gift here. She’s a really sweet girl. She’s very talented outside of basketball. She’s very interesting. I love talking to her.”

Branigan hopes to study pre-med in college one day. After all, who’s going to stop her?

Branigan was asked what she enjoys doing more – playing basketball or making jewelry?

“I really don’t have a favorite,” Branigan said. “I enjoy doing both equally.”

But as for her start of her sophomore season?

“Oh, I’m definitely happy about that,” Branigan said. “Last year, I wasn’t even close to where I am now.”

Hester knows he’s fortunate to have an All-County star for two full seasons after this one.

“If she stays healthy, we can’t put a cap on what she’s capable of doing,” Hester said. “She’s bound by nothing. She’s very gifted.”

In more ways than one. – Jim Hague

Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at OGSMAR@aol.com

The man they call ‘Father A’

Jim Hague, Sports Columnist
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The man they call ‘Father A’

If you have attended a St. Peter’s Prep sporting event over the last 40 years or so, chances are you’ve seen him.
He’s the guy with the dark-rimmed bifocals, the one wearing the maroon windbreaker when it was a tad on the chilly side, the omnipresent white collar tucked in somewhere under the uniformed black collared shirt. He’s the one who looked as if he needed a couple more healthy bites of a cheeseburger and some swigs on a chocolate milkshake.
But there’s little doubt of the fact that Rev. Anthony Azzarto, S.J. was there because he was always there.
It’s absolutely astounding how the man, who was more recognizable by the name of “Father A” than his full name, has the energy and the wherewithal and the dedication, determination and drive than most men 50, perhaps 60 years younger than him possesses, was able to attend so many events.
It’s hard to fathom the idea that Father A has been able to attend the countless funerals, wakes, prayer services, christenings, barbeques, birthday parties, you name it that he’s attended over the last 60 or so years that he’s been associated with since his arrival at Grand and Warren from his native Brooklyn.
It’s also incredible to think about the different roles that Father A has handled as a teacher at Prep. Not only has he served as the alumni chaplain and guidance counselor at the school, but he has also taught religion classes at the school for a span of over 50 years – and even had a stint teaching English classes to the junior class, teaching Chaucer’s famed “Canterbury Tales,” in the proper Olde English language, no less.
Father A also had the dubious task of teaching moody teenagers about Shakespeare and topics like Macbeth and King Lear, but also trying valiantly to teach those same adolescent men-to-be about poetry. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to instruct high school juniors about The Old Cumberland Beggar and try to make it sound interesting?
And among the many hats Father A wore during his tenure at Grand and Warren, he was the No. 1 fan of the Prep sports teams.
Father A attended practically every game and event imaginable – and at every level, from the freshman through junior varsity and then varsity. It didn’t matter what team. Father A attended swim meets and wrestling matches and tennis games, events where he was the lone representative from the school faculty in attendance.
It wasn’t just the major sports like football, basketball and baseball that kept Father A on the go. Nope, Father A had his finger on the pulse of every single team in the school. The school just recently added sports such as crew, rugby and lacrosse to its litany of athletic teams? Sure enough, guess who was there? That’s right, Father A.
Most people didn’t know where the crew team held its home races. But sure enough, Father A found his way to the Passaic River in North Arlington to watch the Marauders row their boats ashore, Hallelujah!
Again, it was just totally astounding to see Father A at practically every Prep sporting event imaginable. You would just have to stop and marvel at both the level of energy and the consistency to which he made it to every single event.
Father A also organized a baseball club for the students at Prep, where the students would convene during their free periods and talk about the National Pastime. Of course, as the diehard Dodgers fan that he is, Father A would readily gab about the exploits of Yasiel Puig – in honesty, he’s not a fan of Puig – but he also provided a place for Prepsters to get a midday snack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Rice Krispies treats.
It was recently learned that Father A has been reassigned to the Jesuit retirement home, the Murray-Weigel facility, on the campus of Fordham University, beginning in a few weeks. The incoming freshman class at Prep will not have the opportunity to get to know Father A the same way that I did when I was a freshman at Grand and Warren in the fall of 1975.
Father A is at ease with the decision to move him to Murray-Weigel. I am not. I’m angered by the decision. These current Prep students will be deprived of the golden opportunity I had when Father A was my religion teacher as a freshman, and was enriched to have him teach that now-historic English literature class when I was a junior.
Still to this day, some 40 years after the fact, I can recite the first eight lines of “The Canterbury Tales” in the best Olde English as I can muster. I can deliver the soliloquy from “Macbeth” without missing a syllable. We had to memorize those passages back then. They are ingrained into the deep corners of my now-damaged brain.
It’s understood that he will turn 80 years old next month. Age is an opponent that no one can seem to avoid. Even some opponents of the Dodgers get to pass by Clayton Kershaw during a three-game series, but age catches up to everyone. It’s inevitable.
Simply put, there was no sense whatsoever in farming Father A out to pasture before he was truly ready. None. He might have slowed down a step and might have needed to take better care of himself to avoid the dehydration that sent him to the Jersey City Medical Center for brief stays in two of the last three years.
But to ship him off to the Bronx? Heck, he’s a Brooklyn boy to begin with. Father A had so much more to give to Prep and its students. If he was sickly, frail, and unable to care for himself, then I would have applauded the move. But Father A is alive and vibrant and such a major part of what Prep is all about.
I say this to whoever is willing to listen or read, so here goes. Father Azzarto is as close as it comes to God personified on this planet. He may not want to read those words, but it’s true.
There’s a motto that the St. Peter’s Prep brethren live by, a creed so to speak. It’s “Prep Man For Others.” Well, there has never been a better Prep man for others than Father A. His entire life has been living for others. If he gets a gift, in true Jesuit standards, he’s giving that gift to someone who in his eyes might need it more.
When I fell seriously ill a little more than four years ago and thought I would not be able to walk ever again, sending me for an extended stint at the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in West Orange, who was the first person to pay me a visit, even before members of my own family? That’s right, that man for others, Father A.
Last year, after I had the gastric sleeve surgery in a final attempt to lose weight, I was home from the hospital two days, not wanting to see a single soul because of the pain and misery. But who showed up at my door? That’s right, Father A.
In the nearly 45 years since I arrived as a freshman at Grand and Warren and got to hear his voice during freshman orientation, wondering who he was, Father A has never once forgotten my birthday. Imagine that? Never once! You have to think that there have been thousands of young men who have paraded through the halls at Grand and Warren over the last five decades. Does Father A give birthday greetings to every single one?
Geez, I can’t keep up with the hundreds of so who wish me a Happy Birthday on Facebook. How does Father A do it to all the students he has taught over the years? Again, just astounding.
This column may read like an obituary and that was not the idea behind it. It was just written as a tribute to the finest man I’ve ever known outside of my own father. I can’t even begin to repay the kindness and concern I’ve received. I know he’s not going to be pleased that I wrote this. I know he’s going to be taken back a bit. But he deserved his moment in the sun before the sun set on him.
In writing for the hundreds of Prep athletes over the years, the thousands of alumni and parents of alumni, I can just say one word. Thanks. Thanks for being my teacher, my advisor, my counselor and more importantly, my friend. Nothing will ever change that, especially not a change of address, nor will the narrow-minded thinking of some so called powers-that-be.

Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com. You can also read Jim’s blog at www.jimhaguesports.blogspot.com and follow Jim on Twitter @ogsmar.

BHS Marking Period 4 Honor Roll

Submitted Content
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Principal’s Honor Roll

Grade 9 – Miriam Kolta ElKomos, Cathryn Kuczynski, Lisbeth Mejia De La Cruz, Karolin Rezk
Grade 10 – George Attia, Britanny Figueroa Leon, Morin Frieg
Grade 11 – Isabella Attisano, Arsh Banerjee, Bavly Halaka, Daria Kukhar, Wanqi Li
Grade 12 – Mariyah Fatima, Jessica Garcia, Nora LaVilla, Danielle Zimny

First Honor Roll

Grade 9 – Demiana Abdalla, Angel Abdelaziz, Joyce Abdelmissih, Gira Abdou, Elaria Abdy, Kiara Abreu, Hezekiah Adams, Youstina Adly, Kirollos Agaybe, Aliza Ahmed, Isabella Alvarez, Angel Alvarez San Inocencio, David Amin, Rozan Armanious, Mariam Ashmalla, Anas Baal, Mueez Baig, Brandon Barboza, Julianna Basily, Mark Basta, Melanie Bello Juarez, Richard Bukowski, Mikayla Carrillo, Samantha Castro, Paul Cedillo Carchi, Michelle Chen, Brayden Cotter, Mercedes Cruz, Blesson Daniel, Cris Daoud, Gianna Dobra, Khadejah Fatima, Minatallah Fattouh, Megan Feeley, Caitlin Feeley, Katarzyna Filipkowski, Dylan Follmer, Cathrine Gabrail, Aghaby Gallab, Illiana Garcia, Anthony Gebraeil, Robert Geisler, Abanoub Gendy, Ashley German Magallanes, Maria Ghaly, Marcel Gomes, Asiyah Hafeez, Antonio Hallenbeck, Sammy Hamze, Jessica Heaney, Juliana Henao Cordoba, Eric Huang, Peter Huaynate, Maura Hundley, Angelina Ignatenko, Giacomo Incannila, Daniel Jedrzejczyk, Katiya Jenkins, Sean Klores, Jacob Kowal, Ryan Kroun, Amanda Kruchkowski, Polina Kukhar, Faith Lapinski, Mikal Leighton, Ashley Lin, Hana Mohamed, Rebecca Mosquera, Cindy Mungroo, Edilly Nunez, Israel Olivas, Simon Orellana Cruz, Sohom Pal, Jennifer Palacios Flores, Cameron Pearson, Michael Pellegrino, Sebastian Posluszny, Sidrah Rafaqat, Sarah Rafie, Ariel Rankin, Marina Rezkalla, Jumana Rizk, Christian Rodriguez, Tiana Rosario, Karla Rosario, Natalia Rutkowska, Ashley Sandhu, Aneesa Santiago, Randell Sarrosa, Maria Seif, Sara Shaalan, Syed Shahid, Timothy Sim, Lesbia Steuth-Candalaria, Asmaa Taalba, Maximo Tiu Cua, Marcus Torres, Reese Trowbridge, Crystal Trujillo, Nebula Vidal, Youanna Wiesa, Amir Wissa, Daye Xue, Angela Youannas, Daryl Young, Madison Zabnicki, Mariam Zaki, Michelle Zimny

Grade 10 – Christeen Abdelshahied, Jovanna Abdou, Rashed Abousetta, Alexis Aiello, Grace Alfonso, Sandra Aniss, Yailin Arroyo, Hammad Ashraf, Samantha Baez, Maimouna Barry, Sandra Bishara, Aaiz Butt, Maggie Caley, Ione Casais, Lisbeth Cerda, David Collins, Jaezlene Cornielle, Kaela Costanzo, Loriebel Dalina, Liliana DeMoya, Alexander Diaz, Lylah Diaz, Jenna Downey, Maysoon Elzanfali, Sara Ferdji, Angelina Figueroa, Samantha Galano, Kyrillos Georgy, Eva Girgis, Eriny Girgis, Tae Hyun Gu, Marc Angelo Gumangan, Michael Hanley, Adham Hassan, Dylan Hedler, Gesselle Hernandez, Mary Kalds, Chowon Kim, Vilease King, Sandra Lawndy, Edwyn Lopez, Tuchau Ly, Ashanty Manzo Salas, Emily Martinez, Youssef Marzouk, Owen Morales, Kaitlyn Murphy, Kelly Murphy, Simon Nashed, Michael Nashed, Karen Ni, Savannah Nosal, Victoria Nowak, Caroline O’Rourke, Alexander Ogando, Jazlynn Olea, Maxine Onkoba, Yash Parikh, Denise Payumo, Herbert Paz-Bautista, Brianne Peralta, Cristal Perez, David Uriel Perez, Anisa Powell, Emilie Puja, Angela Ragheb, Victoria Ramkelawan, Emily Ramos, Christina Reid, Alissa Rivera, Jeyline Rodriguez, Alyssa Rozario, Thomas Saleh, Amanda Shi, Madison Stefaniak, Patryk Swierzbinski, Kaisha Tingman, Alysa Vega, Seif Youssef, Chu Ming Zheng

Grade 11 – Kevin Aguilar, Keyla Almonte Vasquez, Benyamin Anton, Yanibel Arias, Joseph Arrigo, Hareem Awan, Mariam Bawy, Ahmad Bhutta, Jatna Brito Arambulo, Lauren Burghardt, Jose Cabrera, Jessica Capitano, Alba Castillo, Leonardo Cieslik, Joshua Clifton, Brian Cotter, Tristram Dacayan, Habiba Desouky, Brandon Diaz, Greuly Diaz, Jonathon Drake, Dominique Egalite, Shehab Elbadawi, Iman Elfadaly, Yaheya Elsaid, Safa Elzanfali, Emily Enriquez Lopez, Skarlett Estevez, Caroline Estfanos, Anthony Figueroa Leon, George Gaber, Iris Garcia, Sophia Garcia, Joseph Garilao, Rhiza Gavino, Marina George, Julianna Giornalista, Cindy Gonzalez Munoz, Christina Hanna, Yiree Hernandez, Zuri Hines, Brianna Hoffmann, David Humen, Justin Hunt, Shady Kamel, Kristina Kuckailis, Ahmed Lack, Cindy Le, Victoria Legregin, Milton Machuca Chavez, Sofia Marino, Daniel McAuliffe, Maria Melendez, Eduarda Mendoza Galarraga, Carlos Miranda, Erin Murphy, Makayla Myers, Harris Naqvi, Sarah Nemiri, Jayde O’Neill, Xavier Oyola, Jaquan Pakeera, Kristina Patel, Cavan Perera, Jada Phillips, Altagracia Pimentel-Vasquez, Briana Prout, Jan Quimpo, Xenia Ramirez, Daniel Robinson, Francisco Rodas, Jada Rodriguez, Adam Sakowicz, Peter Samaan, Humza Sandhu, Diorys Savinon, Emily Schumann, Khadija Shahzad, Alexus Sims, Indarjeet Singh, Danny Thai, Stephanie Toruno, Pamela Valdez, Nicholas Valencia, Trang Van, Feliciana Vargas, Alexander Wu, Daniele Yohannan, Arianna Yurek

Grade 12 – Marielys Abraham Reyes, Frankely Acosta Mendoza, Yomna Ali, Zanab Aziz, Casey Baquero, Juan Miguel Belamide, Destiny Bowens, Landy Brito Valerio, Matthew Brown, Vincent Calderone, Alex Camacho, Deven Camacho, Wilson Castillo, Julien Castro, Maria Cavero Munoz, Talia Charles, Ashley Clark, Jose Clase Ruiz, Nicholas Crescenzo, Kassandra Cruz, Tyra Cruz, Mariekler Cruz-Nunez, Victoria Cuevas, Nada Daoud, Angel Davis, Arlinda Dervishaj, Ehrin Dix, Isabelle Egalite, Maria El Saker, Youssef Elsemein, Carolle Espinili, Anna Filipkowski, Haley Fiuza, Kira Flores Murillo, Cristina Garay, Michelle Garcia, Usstina Ghattas, Ana Guerra Martinez, Alexander Hicks, Catherine Hill, James Hodkinson, Kara Jozwiak, Andres Juarez, David Juarez, Jozaven Kalds, Meryvn Keronche, Amad Khan, Athena Lambos, Alexios Lambos, Frances LaVilla, Kevin Lazaro-Vazquez, Alyssa Lopez, Amaya Loyal-Benton, Julisa Luise, Julissa Machin, Patricia Maldonado Romero, Ethan Kyle Malinao, Sara Massoud, Ryan McNamara, Giancarlo Megale, Melissa Mena, Filip Milkowski, Arman Moazampour, Alice Montes, Destiny Morelli, Sarra Nasim, Sabrina Nezaj, Alisa Novembrino, Kaia Orange, Melissa Ouhocine, Nahim Oukpedjo, Betty Paniagua, Mia Pepe, Angel Perez, Alicia Powell, Shantal Proano, Franchesca Quinonez, Cindy Ramdat, Vito Rizzi, Jacob Rodriguez, Melanie Sagun, Bryan Sanchez, Evangelina Sandoval, Isabel Santiago, Maria Schirta, Cyril Shenouda, Christopher Silva, Katherine Silven Rodriguez, Carina Spanski, Vincent Squitieri, Rosalia Suzana Mejia, Christopher Torres, Melanie Uraga, Gina Vaccaro, Eiliana Vargas, Lixsi Vazquez, Casey White, Shelby Williams, Emma Wodzanowski

Second Honor Roll

Grade 9 – Sherif Abadir, Charles Acosta, Manal Ahmed, Ashley Alvarez, Christopher Arias, Taylor Arrigo, Maikel Ashmalla, Karletta Austin, Angel Barker, Martin Betances, Khadija Bibi, Abanob Boles, Allyson Bourdoin, Michelle Bravo, Lee Akxel Brito Rosario, Victoria Caal, Micaela Caballero, Angel Caceres Umanzor, Daniela Carriel Reinoso, Alex Casais, Nicholas Cazenave, Christopher Conyers, Leiny Cordero, Christine Dahshan, Joseph Demmy, Zephora Despi, Yousra Dridi, Leo Duran, Somaia Elokda, Miguel Escalona, Monica Eskander, Rawan Gad, Ashly Garcia Perez, Melina Garcia Santana, Glenisha George, Mrmr Gerges, Kiara German, Silvana Ghattas, Crystal Gonzalez, Ava Goralski, Amy Graziosi, Jonathan Gurgus, Kasper Hooks, Siarra Howell, Maria Ishak, Mirna Ishaq, Christine Iskander, Ryan Jacobs, AAsis Jaura, Julian Kelly-Valerio, Kevin Kimball, Brandon Kobryn, Kacey Lewis, Jayden Lopez Sanchez, Victor Manjarrez, Olivia Marcano, Esmeralda Martinez, Gabriella Megale, Juliana Mendoza, Steven Mendoza-Rodriguez, Jerimayah Motino, Olivia Moussa, Muhammad Mustafa, Jia Ni, Charlotte O’Hare, Arnold Ongiri, Bryan Ortiz, Julian Pagan, Gabriella Pagan, Evan Perea, Welikadage Perera, Julian Perez, Sean Samuel Pessinaba, Issak Rivera, Liyah Rodriguez, Itzel Rojas Veyta, Christian Rosalsky, Alyson Santiago, Mawa Sarr, Anthony Scifo, Aysheh Seif, Youstina Semaan, Joshua Singer, Rita Snaky, Isis Sookram, Genesis Torres, Alex Vazquez, Sara Vidal, Savanna Vitale, Hailey Walters, Jason Wiley, Sean Williams, Natalie Winters, Pavly Youssef, Ivan Zhu

Grade 10 – Lesly Abarua Bastista, Christina Agaybe, Mahima Aktar, Ibrahim Al-Nassir, Kaitlyn Anthony, Rachael Araujo, Mina Asaad, Abanoub Awad, Melania Awad, David Ayead, Mariam Aziz, Alexandra Baburov, Gorge Badros, Marina Bawy, Kiarrah Bishop, Kyrollos Boktor, Mario Boles, Olivia Cardona, Marvin Charles, Saad Chohan, Alanna Ciarlandini, Katelynn Cruz, Mina Dawood, Elisabeth Diaz Segura, Fernanda Dubon Suyen, Myranda Freire, Danielly Garcia, Mira Gendy, Gabriel George, Juliana Ghaly, Petra Ghaly, Gianna Giocoli, Aixa Gonzalez, Lori Graziosi, Thomas Grossi, Domenica Guaman Freire, Tashu Gupta, Abbas Hamze, Jenifer Hernandez, Jeninya Holley, Damon Lin, Dariel Lopez, Yandry Macias, Michael Malloy, Stacy Martinez, Jacqueline Mauricio, Quadirah Mc Daniel, Michael Meadows, Logan Mele, Carlos Melendez, Marina Milk, Alexander Montalvo, Katelyn Moody, Michael Nargi, Zeeshan Naveed, Kiara Opoku, Joshua Ozuna, Justin Padron, Izabella Pagan, Tamia Phillips, Richely Pujols Cadet, Mya Ramos, Ashley Ramos, Amber Rodriguez, Hailey Rodriguez, Sarah Roesinger, Kareem Saad, Ahmed Saed, Simral Sajid, Sabrina Santana, Fatimah Shaikh, Aaliyah Silva, Nicole Sosa Juarez, Xavier Sylvers, Melissa Tlatelpa, Christopher Treadwell, Chi Ho Tung, Raymond Urbanski, Dominick Velez, Isabella Vera, Natalie Villegas, Jacob Wachulec, Rylee Waldron, Destiny Walker, Sydney Weber, Dylan William, Brandon Wright, Rhianna Yagual Johnson, Maryam Yousaf, Sara Youssef, Maryam Zaky

Grade 11 – Ramy Abdellatif, Gina Ahmed, Samantha Alamo, Brianna Albuja Suarez, Muhammad Ali, Rafael Alvarez, Janaaron Aquino, Naya Arroyo, Abdel Awad, Fajr Baig, Starla Bamba, Brian Baranok, Mariam Beashay, Isabella Bilotta, Gracey Boutrus, Sophia Burns, Jason Castano, Alexa Castillo, Erin Cleary, Brianna Cruz, Haili D’Angelo, Makoye Diawara, Alyssa Domingues, Isabella Dominguez, Klara Eid, Nisrine Elidrissi, Mohamed Elsayed, Kermina Eskandar, Domenico Esposito, Jamila Fogoe, Amareese Forty, Michel Gaid, Zachary Gamboa, Ada Gamez Umanzor, Amy Ghaly, Krismely Gomera, Kellie Gonzalez, Amanda Guirguis, Tynea Hardy, James Henkel, Alexia Hernandez, Joustina Ibrahim, Hamza Iqbal, Martina Ishaq, Sara Kaldas Gerges, Maria Kamel, Job Khakula, Abdul Moueed Khan, Damaris Laureano, Francis LiButti, Michelle Lopez, Alejandra Lopez, Charlotte Lowery, Taina Luna, Jason Lyons, Affan Mahmood, Claudia Mendez, James Merrick, Amanda Morales, David Morkos, David Mossad, Sydney Murillo, Jennifer Nakhla, Nicholas Nolan, Mahnoor Nooman, Katlyn O’Donnell, Khristyna Osenenko, Sotiris Papakyriakou, Yesha Parikh, Sahil Parmar, Rhemie Beatrix Patiak, Sara Petrowski, Dylon Podlinski, Melanie Reyes, Jonathan Rivera, Katherine Rodriguez, Jeraldine Rodriguez Blanco, Gianella Rosado, Anthony Salaverria, Fayez Saleh, Alexander Sandoval, Elaine Santos, Donald Savo, Gia Simmons, Maksim Sokolov, Fagr Soliman, Samantha Soto, Gisi Tarabolsi, Gianna Thomas, Alexandra Toczynski, Tah’ Shaun Townes, Andrea Urruchurto, Betsy Valencia, Tysona White, Jousiph Yakoub, Dylan Yeung

Grade 12 – Anthony Abdelmessih, Lauretta Alicea-Wohltman, Justin Almanzar, Erick Alvarado, Youanna Amir, Iman Ashraf, Joseph Astalos, Alejandra Avendano, Zachary Balint, Matthew Baron, Kevin Bautista, Christiana Bayot, Rickhraj Boadnarine, Dylan Bourdoin, Jasmine Calder, Natalia Carchidi, Amy Castellon, Catherine Castellon, Gabriela Cruz, Ivan Dayle Cua, Gina Daddio, Emily Diaz, Rahnasia Dutton, Gianna Ferrari, Martina Hanna, Troy Hollingsworth, Eleni Houston, Alya Kamnaksh, Sarah Khalifeh, Sheyla Leonardini, Jenna Lozinak, Nathan Mazak-Rivera, Ermia Melika, Meghann Mock, Maria Moro, Amanda Munoz, Jessica Nilsen, Gebrielle Nono, Larisa Oldano, Giana Orlando, Christina Pallitto, Keesha Parikh, William Parsley, Paige Pfleger, Destinee Pitt, Dylan Porcelli, Alexander Preciado, Edson Quiroga Vera, Izabella Rodriguez, Helynn Rodriguez, Samantha Rozario, Alexie Marie Sabado, Kirolous Shenouda, Kermena Shenouda, Kameela Shoaib, Stanley Siminsky, Sonia Suarez Torres, Ashley Suthammanont, Austyn Torres, Jennifer Torres Ochoa, Joseph Vasallo, Andee Vidal, Kerolos Zakher

The year in review

Rory Pasquariello, Staff Writer
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The year in review

2018 has been a year of transition in Bayonne, when local events sometimes reflected national concerns, like danger from guns and the rights of Muslims to worship, while others like traffic and road improvements and saying goodbye to revered local officials were strictly local.

Two elections brought many incumbents back to City Hall and the Board of Education. Mayor James Davis emerged from a contentious municipal election to win a second term that ends in 2022. Development was another big story; most undeveloped properties now have buildings under construction.

Bon Voyage!

Bayonne received a $650,000 federal grant in May for construction of a ferry terminal on the southern shore of the former Military Ocean Terminal Base. In October, the city announced the ferry operator would SeaStreak, based in Atlantic Highlands. Fares, routes, schedules, and when the ferry will begin operation are yet to be determined. SeaStreak runs a ferry from Highlands and Atlantic Highlands in Monmouth County to Wall Street and 34th Street in Manhattan. Bayonne may be an added stop along the route. SeaStreak may also provide seasonal ferry service for Jersey Shore day trippers. The Bayonne terminal would be SeaStreak’s first in Hudson County. The rest are operated by NY Waterway.

Traffic and road improvements

The $310 million 14A Interchange Project, which was completed in May, increased toll plaza capacity from 11 to 13 lanes, extended the ramp from Interchange 14A westbound, expanded the Hudson County Extension to two lanes, and replaced the two-lane connector bridge with a new four-lane structure to Routes 440, Route 185, and Port Jersey Blvd.

A new flyover ramp was also constructed from the interchange and Port Jersey Blvd. to Route 440 south. The traffic signal at East 53rd Street was removed, and the new roundabout will provide permanent access to the 14A Interchange.

The project will increase access not only for truckers, but for motorists coming to and from the former Military Ocean Terminal Base, where thousands of units of residential housing and a commuter ferry are due in the coming years.

Animal control

The Bayonne City Council chose not to renew NJ Animal Control and Rescue’s contract in favor of the Jersey City-based Liberty Humane Society.

Muslim community center

Bayonne’s Muslim community successfully challenged the Bayonne Zoning Board’s March 2017 decision to deny the group a parking variance in its effort to convert an old warehouse on East 24th Street to a Muslim community center. The group was awarded $400,000 in February of 2018 as part of an agreement with the City of Bayonne, which was required to approve the group’s planned community center.

Bayonne Muslims challenged the Zoning Board’s decision based on the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and Municipal Land Use laws, which give places of worship special consideration in zoning decisions.

The damages, Davis said, will come from the city’s insurance fund and mostly consist of attorney’s fees.

Board of Education  

In April, the BBOED adopted a $130.7 million budget to fund the 2018-2019 school year. The school district, which is funded by the state and from 40 percent of Bayonne’s property tax bills, levies additional taxes when the cost of running the district increases. Bayonne experienced a 13.2 percent rate increase to the state’s health insurance plan as of January; increased spending on school security; curriculum updates to math and science programs; upgrading of aging facilities (the average building is 83 years old); a growing student population; and a low reserve of funds from the previous year.

The NJ Department of Education released its annual report cards in January, which assign a grade to every school district based on PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). Bayonne falls in the 21st percentile. High rates of absenteeism and math readiness are two of the district’s main concerns.

Unsafe at any speed

Five people have died in four years on Route 440, including Christian Rodriguez, 22, killed on Nov. 7 by a driver who fled the scene and was later arrested. The stretch of road between 22nd and 34th streets is particularly dangerous. Businesses at South Cove Commons continue to tempt people to cross. The fatality comes after upgrades to the 22nd Street intersection improved crossing signals and allowed more time for pedestrians to cross. City officials have long considered constructing a pedestrian bridge that would extend from the current bridge that takes pedestrians over the light rail tracks and into a parking lot. The city council requested design bids and has applied for federal grants.

Shooting scares

Soon after the Feb. 14 Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, students and administrators organized the district’s participation in “National School Walkout” on March 14 on Avenue A. Students, parents, and faculty walked out of school for 17 minutes, one minute for each person killed in the Feb. 14 shooting. Some Bayonne students attended the national “March for Our Lives” protest in Washington D.C. the following week.

On Feb. 23, Bayonne High School went on lockdown after a message circulated through social media threatening a school shooting at “BHS,” an acronym for the New Mexico high school, Belan High School that was confused with Bayonne. Later in the day, police were called to Henry E. Harris Community School after a child told her parent that a student said a shooting would take place at the school. Police quickly determined the threat not credible.

A social media post on March 4 that threatened to “shoot up all Bayonne public schools” caused the Bayonne School District to close on Monday, March 5. Other threatening posts followed before the account was suspended.

The school district increased the number of security guards from nine last year to 12 this year, allowed some of those guards to be armed, and purchased metal detectors and more security wands. Security aid from the state was increased from $700,000 last year to $3 million this year.

Gun incident

A Bayonne hockey coach and social studies teacher, David McKenna, 38, resigned his position after allegedly pointing a State Trooper’s semiautomatic handgun at two people in the coach’s locker room at Bayonne High School on November 30, 2017 during hockey practice. The fallout from the incident was felt in 2018.The gun, which was holstered and hanging in the coach’s office, belonged to an off-duty NJ State Trooper and assistant hockey coach, Richard Korpi Jr. (The school’s ice rink was named for his father in 1986.)

McKenna allegedly removed the gun from its holster and walked into the hallway with the weapon. He then walked back into the office and allegedly pointed the weapon in the direction of a student and a teacher.

McKenna, who led the state in scoring as a Bayonne High School hockey player, was suspended from his position with pay. Korpi is no longer in his coaching position.

McKenna was replaced by Harvey Boehm, the former hockey varsity coach and current high school history teacher.

PLA ordinance

Project labor agreements (PLAs) are now required for all private development projects of more than $15 million that sign payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreements with the City of Bayonne. The city council passed the ordinance in February after it offered PILOT agreements to most of the major developers. A PLA is a collective bargaining agreement signed by one or more labor unions and a developer that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a construction project.

Bayonne is now one of only a few cities in the state to have passed such an ordinance, modeled after Jersey City’s.

Union workers support the ordinance, citing safety, fair pay, youth career building, the benefits of hiring local workers, and gender inclusion.

Curtains for old MOTBY

Most young people in Bayonne have no memory of the former Military Ocean Terminal Base (MOTBY), unlike older residents who worked there. Now, landmarks of MOTBY’s industrial past are gone. The iconic water tower was demolished in December to make room for 1.6 million square feet of industrial warehouse space slated for construction by 2021. Lincoln Equities Group (LEG) completed its acquisition of a 153-acre site on MOTBY, called the Bayonne Logistics Center, in June.

The existing World War II-era warehouses once stored missiles, tanks, and cargo to ship abroad to support war efforts from 1967, when the peninsula became a military base, to 1999, when the base closed. In 2007, Ports of America purchased the land and buildings. The old warehouses will be demolished, and the land raised by six feet, which will require two million tons of fill.

R.I.P.

Former Bayonne Police Chief Jim Sisk died in September at the age of 79. Cornelius (Neil) Carroll, a former Hudson County Freeholder, athlete, and Navy vet, died at the age of 91. His grandson, Neil Carroll III was appointed in November to replace former councilman Thomas Cotter on the Bayonne City Council. On October 15, former U.S. Representative Neil Gallagher died at the age of 97.

Hoboken Briefs

Marilyn Baer, Staff Writer
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Hoboken Briefs

New school proposal in exchange for increased density is a ‘non-starter’ for Mayor Ravi Bhalla

According to a Friday, Jan. 11 community message from Mayor Ravi Bhalla to the city council, he will not support a new project in the Southwest Redevelopment Area proposed by Academy Bus that would include a new middle school, and would require “major changes to the existing Southwest Redevelopment Plan.”

The proposal includes office space for Academy Bus, a new Hoboken Middle School, 439 residential units, and public open space.

Bhalla said he supports the original southwest redevelopment plan, passed unanimously by the council in 2017, and he has concerns about the increased density of the Academy Bus proposal.

At press time, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson had not answered requests for comment on Bhalla’s message. In the past, Johnson and Board of Education members have said they may need more seats for students in the coming years.

“If enrollment continues to grow at the rate we’re seeing recently, we will surely face the need for additional space or buildings,” said then-school board president Thomas Kluepfel a year and a half ago at a school board meeting.

Bhalla said since learning about the project he has received several inquiries from residents of Southwest Hoboken, “who are rightfully concerned that the proposed dramatic increase in building heights and residential density would be harmful to their neighborhood and make the already existing traffic problem worse.”

One of the main gateways to the city for vehicles is in southwest Hoboken, which is regularly gridlocked during peak travel periods. City administrations and the council have tried to relieve the congestion with the Southwest Traffic Circulation Plan.

The Southwest Redevelopment Plan was created after several community meetings, surveys, and property owner meetings.

“The plan that was passed unanimously was a result of substantial collaboration between Mayor Zimmer’s administration and the city council, and incorporated substantial resident feedback,” said Bhalla noting that the feedback from residents often included a request for limited residential density.

“Residents of the Southwest (and throughout the city) are rightfully concerned about over development that poses a threat to our quality of life and to the charm and character of our city,” wrote Bhalla. “In addition, particularly in the Southwest, which is the southern gateway into and out of our city, traffic is an enormous problem. With these concerns in mind, the plan that was adopted provides for residential density additions consistent with the density levels in most of the other residential neighborhoods of our city, while also keeping the plan financially feasible for property owners.”

“To be clear – I remain 100 percent supportive of the scale of residential density permitted in the existing Southwest Redevelopment Plan, and I will not consider any developer proposals inconsistent with the Plan’s scale and vision…,” he wrote.  “For all the above reasons, the Academy Proposal (which includes massive increases in density on the Academy property – 439 units versus the 192 units -19 affordable permitted under the current plan) is a non-starter for me.”

For more information go to hudsonreporter.com.

Hoboken man indicted in alleged 2015 vote-by-mail scheme

Hoboken resident William Rojas, 68, was indicted on the charge of promoting a voter bribery scheme by use of the U.S. mail in 2015  according to a Jan. 11 press release from U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.

During the 2015 election, six ward council seats and three Hoboken Board of Education seats were up for election.

Rojas is charged with violation of the federal Travel Act for causing the mails to be used in aid of voter bribery contrary to New Jersey state law, according to the release. He was scheduled to have his initial appearance Jan. 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.

Under New Jersey law, registered voters are permitted to cast a ballot by mail rather than in person.

To receive a mail-in ballot, voters must complete and submit to their county clerk’s office an Application for Vote by Mail Ballot. After the application is processed by the county clerk’s office, voters receive a mail-in ballot.

According to the press release, from September 2015 through November 2015, Rojas allegedly agreed to pay certain Hoboken voters $50 if those voters applied for and cast mail-in ballots for the November 2015 Hoboken municipal election.

Rojas allegedly provided these voters with VBM Applications, allegedly told the voters that they would get paid $50 for casting mail-in ballots for the 2015 Hoboken municipal election, and then allegedly delivered the completed VBM applications to the Hudson County Clerk’s office.

After the mail-in ballots were delivered to the voters, Rojas allegedly went to the voters’ residences to collect the mail-in ballots and mailed the completed mail-in ballots to the Hudson County Clerk’s Office.

After the election, Rojas allegedly delivered checks to these voters.

According to the release, bank records show that voters living in Hoboken allegedly received $50 checks from an entity associated with the campaign that employed Rojas.

Rojas faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This is the latest in a string of indictments for vote-by-mail schemes in Hoboken. The first three indictments occurred in September and October of 2018. They were against local political player Frank Raia and campaign workers Lizaida Camis and Dio Braxton for their alleged involvement in a vote-by-mail scheme during the 2013 election.

Raia and Braxton pleaded not guilty while Camis pleaded guilty to Count 2 of an indictment charging her with conspiracy to use the mail to promote a voter bribery scheme during the 2013 municipal election.

Summonses issued to 10 liquor stores for allegedly selling to underage patrons

According to a press release from the Hoboken Police Department, on Jan. 5, the Hoboken Police Department’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Unit conducted a citywide operation to find establishments allegedly serving underage patrons, after the department received multiple complaints about liquor stores in the city. These complaints were for alleged disorderly groups, loud music, and the selling of alcohol to people under the age of 21.

This operation, the first of more to come, was led by Sergeant Charles Kucz and Detective Anthony Caruso with the assistance of two undercover Jersey City police officers who are under the legal drinking age.

Throughout the evening 12 establishments were entered and 10 were issued administrative charges for alleged sale to someone under the legal age to purchase alcohol, according to the release.

Although summonses were issued, each establishment has the right to dispute the charges at a hearing to be held at a later time.

According to the release, the following are the 10 establishments issued summonses: Village Market at 702 Washington St., Cork Wine & Spirits at 1450 Washington St., Blue Ribbon at 450 1st St., Daniel Liquors at 87 Garden St., Ottomanellis at 422 Monroe St., Hoboken Discount Liquors at 98 Willow Ave., Augie’s Liquors at 419 Adams St., Sasso’s Deli at 1038 Garden St., Hoboken Vine at 400 Newark St., and Yash Liquors at 1004 Washington St.

Two establishments were in compliance: Washington Liquors at 211 Washington St. and Willow Liquors and Grocery at 841 Willow Ave.

“Hoboken’s Chief of Police Ken Ferrante would like to thank the citizens who brought this situation to light as well as the ABC Unit and its detectives for their dedication and hard work that made this operation a success,” the release states. “Chief Ferrante would also like to thank Jersey City’s Chief of Police Michael Kelly for his cooperation and use of two of his officers, as well as those two officers for their work and professionalism during this operation.”

Former Hoboken police officer sentenced to 5 years in prison

According to a Jan. 7 press release from New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal’s office, a former Hoboken police officer was sentenced to prison on Jan. 7 after being convicted in October of stealing $187,000 by filing fraudulent applications for federal relief funds related to Superstorm Sandy.

Nikola Lulaj, 45, of Seaside Heights, and his wife Majlinda Lulaj, 32, were convicted on Oct. 25 by an Ocean County jury of second-degree conspiracy, second-degree theft by deception, and six counts of fourth-degree unsworn falsification, according to the press release.

On Jan.7, Nikola Lulaj, who left his job as an officer with the Hoboken Police Department as a result of his conviction, was sentenced to five years in state prison; his wife Majlinda Lulaj was sentenced to three years of probation, conditioned upon completion of 50 hours of community service. They were also ordered to pay full restitution.

Deputy Attorneys General Thomas Clark and Jamie Picard tried the case and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau. They were assisted at trial by Detective Mark Byrnes, Detective Franco Cignarella and Analyst Rita Gillis.

According to the release, the state presented testimony and evidence at trial that Nikola and Majlinda Lulaj filed fraudulent applications following Superstorm Sandy for FEMA assistance, a low-interest SBA disaster-relief loan, and state grants under the Homeowner Resettlement Program (RSP), the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program, and the Sandy Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program (SHRAP) funded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. As a result, they received approximately $187,074 in relief funds; $2,820 from FEMA, $90,200 in SBA loan proceeds, a $69,054 RREM grant, a $10,000 RSP grant, and a $15,000 SHRAP grant.

The release states that the couple falsely claimed in their applications that a home they own on Webster Avenue in Seaside Heights, which was damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, was their primary residence at the time. In fact, their primary residence was in Dumont, N.J. and at the time of the storm, it was a vacation and rental property.

“For a police officer to commit this type of fraud is particularly egregious, because officers take an oath to uphold the law and we rightly hold them to the highest standards,” said Attorney General Grewal. “When disaster strikes, we cannot allow dishonest applicants to divert disaster relief funds from the intended recipients – namely, those victims whose primary homes were destroyed or damaged.”

The Attorney General’s Office has charged more than 120 defendants with fraud related to Sandy relief programs. Most of the cases involve “primary residence fraud.”

The 120-plus defendants allegedly were responsible for diverting more than $8 million in relief funds.

The office is continuing its aggressive efforts to investigate fraud in Sandy relief programs, working jointly with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and the Offices of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Also assisting the taskforce is the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller, New Jersey Department of the Treasury Office of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the nonprofit National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

 Mile Square Theatre to perform “I and You”

Mile Square Theatre will present Lauren Gunderson’s drama “I and You” starting Jan. 30.

Winner of the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award Winner and finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Playwrighting Prize, “I and You” is a haunting play about the strange and transcendent connections between us all

In the play, Caroline, ill and homebound, is visited by her high school classmate Anthony to complete a project about Walt Whitman. As they let their guards down and reveal their secrets, the mundane poetry project unlocks the deeper mysteries between the two.

“I’ve rarely been effected by an initial reading of a play as I was with this one,” said director Chris O’Connor. “I find this play funny, heartbreaking, and deeply moving. Lauren Gunderson beautifully captures the voice of the post-millennial generation and renders a play that contains a relatable truth that cuts through all generations. I think this production will strongly resonate with the MST audience.”

“I and You” stars Roland Lane (Scraps at The Flea) and Simone Grossman (Arcade Amerikana at Industry City), both making their MST debuts.

The creative team includes many of MST resident designers; scenic designer Jennifer Price Fick (The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi), costume designer Peter Fogel (The 39 Steps), lighting designer Jason Flamos (It’s a Wonderful Life), and sound designer Sean Hagerty (The Net Will Appear).

“I and You” begins performances on Wednesday, Jan. 30 and runs until Sunday, Feb. 24.

Opening night and MST’s Season Opener Party is February 1.

For more information or to purchase a ticket go to www.milesquaretheatre.org, or call 201-683-7014.

Group sales are available and requests can be sent to abaldwin@milesquaretheatre.org.

Mile Square Theatre is at 1400 Clinton Street.

St Francis Holy Name Society Awards dinner announced

St Francis Holy Name Society will host its 2019 Awards Dinner on Sunday, April 28.

The dinner will Honor Michael Cannarozzi for his service as well as celebrate his 60th birthday.

The dinner will take place at 2 p.m. at Bistro Cucina Italiana, at 107 Moonachie Rd. in Moonachie.

Ticket donations are $50 which includes a family-style cocktail hour, full sit-down dinner with choice of entrée, coffee, teas, soda, and dessert.

There will also be a cash bar, DJ, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle.

For a ticket or for more information call (201)707-6841. Space is limited.

NJDOT announces Winter Weather Congestion Alert communications campaign

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has announced a new communications campaign to help the public make better traveling decisions during winter weather events to improve safety and the department’s ability to clear snow.

New Jersey is the most congested state in the nation; a relatively routine winter weather system can wreak havoc in New Jersey when it occurs between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“In order for NJDOT to clear highways of snow and ice, we need roads free from traffic so our trucks can get through and do their job,” Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Our Winter Weather Congestion Alert plan is designed to alert the media and public when forecasted weather may cause congestion, and provide tips on what to do so our crews can get through to keep the roads clear, open, and safe.”

The alerts may provide general tips such as to consider telecommuting if possible or more specific recommendations to avoid certain highways with inclines that are often problematic during a storm, such as I-280 or parts of I-78 in western New Jersey. The media and public will be alerted through press releases, the NJDOT Facebook page, Twitter @NJDOT_info, VMS boards, and www.511nj.org.

NJDOT will encourage people to telecommute, travel before the winter weather starts, and stay put while the winter weather is occurring. Wait a few hours for the storm to subside before heading out. If you are traveling during the winter weather, pull off somewhere safe and wait it out. Always stay clear of plowing and spreading trucks.  If they are behind you, let them pass. Do not pass between trucks that are in a plow formation.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.

Flu at high levels in New Jersey

According to the state Health Department, New Jersey is currently one of only 15 states already reporting high levels of the flu virus this year. State officials have confirmed the first pediatric fatality associated with the flu in New Jersey this season.
It is not too late to get a flu shot.

To avoid spreading the virus to others, medical professionals advise staying home while you are sick and up to at least 24 hours after your fever is gone; not visiting people in the hospital; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; if you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow or shoulder; avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth; and washing your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing.

If your child is sick, do not send your child to school or afterschool programs until at least 24 hours after fever and symptoms are gone.

SCOREBOARD

Jim Hague, Sports Columnist
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SCOREBOARD

When Ayir Asante was a youngster, he played two sports, namely football and soccer.

However, when Asante got older, he was forced to realize one key fact. The two sports are played during the same season in the fall.

Asante also played baseball as a grade school student.

“I played all three until eighth grade,” Asante said. “But then I had to decide on just one.”

So with that in mind, Asante elected to play football as he decided to attend St. Peter’s Prep.

“I enjoyed playing football more,” Asante said. “I was pretty good in soccer. I played the midfield and a little defense, too. It was probably one of the toughest decisions I ever had to make. I loved playing both sports. My parents told me that whatever sport I put my mind to, I had to stick with. At the end of the day, I knew I made the right decision. I knew I had to embrace it.”

Asante wanted to attend St. Peter’s Prep because his cousin, standout All-State lineman Khalil Wilkes, who went on to play at Stanford and had a brief stay with the San Diego Chargers of the NFL, played there.

“It felt like my family all believed in Prep,” Asante said. “I remember watching [former Prep great] Will Hill and I was amazed at what he could do.”

Asante played a little bit of everything on the Marauders’ freshman team.

“I played running back, wide receiver, safety, a little bit of quarterback,” Asante said. “I felt like I was going to give them all a try. I think that’s all I could ask for.”
After his freshman year, Asante realized where his future would lie.

“I settled into being a wide receiver and safety,” Asante said. “I felt comfortable there. By the time I was a junior, I was pretty much just a receiver. We had so many safeties on the team. I felt it was better for me to settle on just one position. I felt like I could be a pretty good receiver.”

Prep head football coach and athletic director Rich Hansen agreed.

“I knew he had a chance to be a good receiver,” Hansen said. “He was athletically gifted. He just had to learn the intricacies of being a receiver. He worked really hard at becoming an impact player. He showed some flashes of being a great player and by the time he was a junior, he made some great strides.”

Toward the end of his junior year, Asante had firmly entrenched himself as being one of the top receivers in Hudson County. He earned Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week on Nov. 3, 2017 for his six-reception, two-touchdown performance against Don Bosco Prep.

“He started to put it all together,” Hansen said. “He was harnessing all that athleticism. It takes time and tremendous amounts of hard work. Ayir also matured so much as a person.”

Asante said that he spent a lot of his junior season watching and learning from another standout Prep receiver, namely Shayne Simon, who would go on to receive the 2017-2018 Hudson Reporter Male Athlete of the Year before heading off to play at Notre Dame.

“I took my seat behind Shayne and learned a lot,” Asante said. “I was still finding my way. But when senior year began, I had to take ownership of the position. It was my time to carry the team.”

Last year, Asante was also introduced to track and field.

“I talked to [Prep head track] Coach [Chris] Caulfield and he told me to come out for the team,” Asante said. “I wasn’t worried about fitting in, but I definitely didn’t understand what I was doing. I just went out and tried to do the best I could to help the team. My goal was to make the team a little better any way I could. I definitely had no form of reference or anything.”

“He came out and with no training was doing 20 feet in the long jump and 6.8 [seconds] in the 55 [meter dash],” Caulfield said. “I knew then we had a tremendous athlete on our hands. He had that competitive drive and when he was really pushed, he really responded. It was great to see. I can honestly say he made us better right away. He was a great addition.”

St. Peter’s Prep assistant track coach Russell Jenkins agreed.

“He was awesome,” Jenkins said. “He was not only a good athlete, but he was a very good leader. His leadership was huge to the sport. He was just raw and doing things right away that we never saw before. It was hard to realize that it was Ayir’s first year with track, that it was his first time doing the triple jump. It was amazing to watch.”

Caulfield said that he’s been fortunate to have several football players come out for his track team.

“I think there’s a natural correlation between football and track,” Caulfield said. “It’s a great combination. The football players help our track program and I think running track helps the football team. We benefitted from Ayir having the quickness and the speed.”

Asante put everything together to have a sensational senior year in football and track. In football, Asante caught 50 passes for 808 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. He also added 78 yards on six carries.

At the Hudson County Track Coaches Association championships in May, Asante finished second in the triple jump, third in the 100-meter dash and fourth in the 200-meter dash. He then was third in the triple jump and fourth in the 100 at the Non-Public A North state sectionals and was fourth in the 100 and sixth in the triple jump at the overall Non-Public A state championships.

For his efforts, Asante has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Male Athlete of the Year for the 2018-2019 scholastic sports year. It marks the third straight year that a Marauder athlete has captured the award, joining Jorge Portorreal in 2017-2018 and Simon last year and the fourth Marauder in the last five years. Corey Caddle received the award in 2014-2015.

Asante becomes the sixth Marauder to ever receive the honor, the most in the 29-year history of the year-end award. Mike Brown (2004-2005) and Kevin Innis (2009-2010) were also prior recipients.

“I never thought this was possible,” Asante said. “I never would have expected this. I’m aware of what Prep alumni have done with this award. It’s a great accomplishment and a great honor. I’m just glad I kept it [the award] in the family.”

“I think it speaks volumes to the kind of kids we’ve been able to produce,” Hansen said. “Ayir matured tremendously and that’s what I’m most proud of. He matured so much as a person and became a leader.”

Asante will now go on to The College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he will continue his football career, joining former Athlete of the Year recipients Caddle (Fordham), Portorreal (Lehigh) and Simon (Notre Dame) as top college football players.

Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at OGSMAR@aol.com. You can also read Jim’s blog at www.jimhaguesports.blogspot.com and follow Jim on Twitter @ogsmar.

HUDSON REPORTER MALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

1991-1992-Jason Casessa, Hoboken

1992-1993-Alex Rodriguez, Secaucus

1993-1994-Eduardo Gomez, Hoboken

1995-1996-Rashard Casey, Hoboken

1996-1997-Czar Wiley, North Bergen

1997-1998-Koz Perez, North Bergen

1998-1999-Mike Forcum, Hoboken

1999-2000-Jonathan Robinson, Memorial

2001-2002-Bryan Durango, Memorial

2002-2003-Jason Blanks, Hoboken

2003-2004-Danny Lopez, Weehawken

2004-2005-Mike Brown, St. Peter’s Prep

2005-2006-Garrett Askew, Hudson Catholic

2006-2007-Evan Rodriguez, North Bergen

2007-2008-Chris Jones, Lincoln

2008-2009-Michael Kuzirian, Memorial

2009-2010-Kevin Innis, St. Peter’s Prep

2010-2011-Jose Veras, Dickinson

2011-2012-Jason Pineda, Weehawken

2012-2013-Damian Corredor, Weehawken

2013-2014-Tyrik Darby, Lincoln

2014-2015-Corey Caddle, St. Peter’s Prep

2015-2016-Royaal Jones, Hudson Catholic

2016-2017-Jorge Portorreal, St. Peter’s Prep

2017-2018-Shayne Simon, St. Peter’s Prep

2018-2019-Ayir Asante, St. Peter’s Prep

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