Funeral services were performed April 23 for Lawrance Kenny, 67, of Jersey City. He passed away April 13. Born in Jersey City, he was a lifelong resident. He was employed at Roosevelt Lanes Bowling Alley for over 40 years as the mechanic in charge of operations retiring in 2017. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Mary Ann (Bayus) Kenny. He was the father of Michael and his wife Kathy Kenny, Steven Kenny, Michele Kenny, Carrie Ann Kenny and her husband Ira Brown, and Lawrance Kenny Jr.; brother of Dee Martiak, Debbie Newman, and the late Cassie Deeble, and Billy Kenny; grandfather of 10; great-grandfather of 3. Close extended family of Sandra Rosado, Denise Bajkowski, Rachid Madour, and Brian Terpak. Services arranged by the Greenville Memorial Home, Jersey City.
Jersey City man charged with lewdness in Bayonne
A Jersey City man was charged with lewdness after allegedly exposing himself to a woman in Bayonne, according to the Bayonne Police Department.
Azeez Powell, 40, was taken into custody at approximately 5:40 p.m. from the area of 5th Street and Avenue C., under the authority of a warrant issued for his arrest stemming from an incident reported on Oct. 2, police said.
On Oct. 2 at 6:35 a.m., a female reported that a male, later identified as Powell, approached her from behind while she was walking her dogs in the area of 5th Street and Newman Avenue.
As the male passed her, he stopped and faced the victim. He allegedly proceeded to expose himself to her, according to authorities.
The actor allegedly fled the scene. An investigation conducted by the Bayonne Police Detective Bureau led to Powell being positively identified as the actor, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
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.
Co-working returns to Mission 50 after pandemic
Mission 50, a Hoboken co-working space that hosts a number of businesses and entrepreneurs, made plans to renovate in January of 2020, expanding from a fourth floor penthouse in the Hoboken Business Center to the second floor.
What it wasn’t expecting just two months later was the COVID-19 pandemic. Mission 50 was a place for people to get together. But meeting in person was no longer a safe option as the virus spread, and many moved to work from home.
Mission 50 was created in 2011 by JDA Group, a real estate firm in town that owns the business center building. A 20 minute walk away from Hoboken Terminal, the building was originally home to Cut-Rite Wax Paper before being repurposed by JDA in 2003.
Despite the pandemic, the company continued with its renovations, reopening in June of this year, with the entire building now rebranded as Mission 50. The reopening came just as New Jersey was on track to reopen with more people vaccinated, slowly returning to in-person work.
For Mission 50, the main question was whether workers would want to come back, stay home, or do a bit of both.
Gregory Dell’Aquila, CEO of JDA Group, noticed over the years that there were a lot of small office tenants, as well as the demand for small offices. A phone call sparked the idea of co-working.
“Somebody called, and I tried to sell them on a one person private office, and they said ‘No, I want to sit at a table and work in an open area.’” Dell’Aquila said. “That’s what got me into co-working. He explained it to me on the phone, and I invited him down, and we started a co-working business.”
Coworking spaces are where individuals or teams can rent office space. After its renovations, Mission 50 had a number of options, including privacy pods, office suites, and conference rooms. It also has amenities such as kitchens, a coffee bar, and a new game room on the second floor.
“We decided to renovate those offices that were smaller, and they provided the level of space for small companies of six people, or one person who wanted an executive office,” said Tim Connell, associate vice president of JDA Group. “It was great for what people wanted.” They gave the place a facelift, such as a new colorful mural on the exterior of the building, and an interior design created in collaboration with Hoboken-based companies.
The pandemic actually made Mission 50 invest more than originally intended on renovations.
“What ended up happening was that people didn’t feel comfortable because they were more comfortable in their homes,” Dell’Aquila said. “So what we ended up doing was creating spaces and amenities that would attract people, tenants and their employees to come back to work.”
The old plans were updated to add an amenity lounge, patio, and phone booths.
When the vaccines were distributed in 2021, more people started coming back to work.
Joel Newman, who does business development for the Google Play Store, started coming to Mission 50 about a month ago, having worked in Google’s Manhattan office before the pandemic.
“Because of the pandemic, it was really tough working from home, especially since we have a one-year-old,” Newman said. “So [because of] the lack of separation, I needed someplace to get out of the house.”
“It’s been lovely having the separation of work and home,” he said.
The pandemic brought working from home into the mainstream, where many worked virtually and held countless Zoom meetings. The new work style has brought a debate as to how work should continue in the future. Some want to return to the office, others prefer the comfort of home, while others might take a more hybrid approach.
Dell’Aquila believes that working from home will continue and that the hybrid scenario won’t be permanent. “Once you step back in the office, and people demand it because of the productivity changes, we’ll be back to where we were,” he said. “I don’t know how long that’s gonna take, but we will be back there.” For the future, Dell’Aquila wants to continue providing more flexibility by offering shorter terms for companies.
Newman plans to leave Google to pursue his job as a commercial theater producer full time. He says he was likely going to use a co-working space, but being at Mission 50 reaffirmed that it works. “Going to a co-working space is an effective way to be productive and have privacy.”
Mark Koosau can be emailed at mkoosau@hudsonreporter.com
Bayonne announces street paving and striping
Mayor James Davis has announced that contractors will start street paving and striping in mid-April.
“Maintaining streets is one of the most important responsibilities of local government,” Davis said. “The City of Bayonne has put a lot of effort into financing and planning street paving for the spring and summer of 2021. We have also planned the re-striping, or line painting, of most of Avenue C. Our residents should notice significant improvements on many streets throughout the community during 2021.”
Repaving the city
4 Cleanup, the paving company, will be resurfacing numerous streets from April into the summer of 2021.
Those streets include West 1st Street from Kennedy Boulevard to Humphreys Avenue; Dodge Street from Broadway to Orient Street; Newman Avenue from West 2nd Street to West 7th Street; West 7th Street from Kennedy Boulevard to Avenue C; North Street from Kennedy Boulevard to Avenue C; Linden Street from Kennedy Boulevard to North Street; West 8th Street from Kennedy Boulevard to Avenue C; Avenue A from O’Brien Court to West 16th Street; Avenue A from West 18th Street to West 23rd Street; West 18th Street from West Shore Drive to Avenue A; East 16th Street from Broadway to Avenue E; East 19th Street from Broadway to Avenue E; and East 27th Street from Broadway to Avenue E.
Additional streets include Prospect Avenue from East 25th Street to East 30th Street; West and East 38th Street from Avenue B to Avenue E; West 39th Street from Avenue B to Avenue C; East 39th Street from Broadway to Avenue E; West 40th Street from Avenue B to Avenue C; West 42nd Street from Avenue B to Broadway; West and East 46th Street from Avenue C to Avenue E; West and East 47th Street from Avenue C to Avenue E; West 51st Street from Avenue B to Broadway; and West 52nd Street from Avenue C to Broadway.
The street paving will be financed by municipal capital improvement bonds. More streets may be paved later in 2021 with funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).
Additional paving for this calendar year will be announced. Signs will be posted on streets in advance of paving and related work.
Before paving, the old street surfaces will be milled and removed. Concrete work will also be completed.
Davis announced that striping will take place on Avenue C from 8th Street northward to the City Line. Statewide Striping, the contractor, will paint new crosswalks, lane lines, and other striping on Avenue C.
Filling potholes
The city is also working to address potholes, which are a constant problem. They develop each year as a result of the stresses that changing weather causes in street surfaces. So far this year, Bayonne has experienced both severe snowstorms and warmer weather.
Department of Public Works employees drive around and look for potholes, but it’s impossible for them to see every one. Residents can call the potholes in to the DPW at 201-858-6070 or e-mail publicworks@baynj.org. Residents should leave messages with a specific location and address for each pothole.
All potholes reported by the public will be worked on within 48 hours, weather permitting, according to Davis. Potholes reported on a Friday or over a weekend, will be addressed after the weekend.
When the DPW finds numerous potholes in a concentrated area, they will close the street to fill the potholes. As of early March, the Department of Public Works had filled over 1,000 potholes, Davis said.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
BAYONNE BRIEFS
Italian Flag-raising ceremony
At City Hall, public officials joined members of Bayonne’s Italian-American community for an Italian flag-raising ceremony at the start of Columbus Day weekend.
Food distribution
The Day By Day Christian Ministries and Messiah Vision of New Jersey will offer free food every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.
The next distribution will be on October 24 at 11 a.m. at DBDNJ Worship Center, 182 Ave. E.
‘Coffee with a Cop’ cancelled
Coffee with a Cop events have been cancelled. Police Chief Robert Geisler said he “looks forward to a time when we can all meet again without the threat of contracting COVID-19.”
Mayor visits businesses
Mayor James Davis has been visiting local businesses that make the city “#BayonneStrong” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including Henry’s Repeating Rifles on 59 East 1st Street and Hendrickson’s Corner at 671 Broadway.
Get your flu shot
Hudson County Covid Testing Site offers flu shots when getting Covid-19 tests at Hudson Regional Hospital, 55 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus. Call 201-388-1097.
Man charged with alleged lewdness
Azeez Powell, 40, of Jersey City was charged with lewdness after allegedly exposing himself to a woman near 5th Street and Newman Ave. in early October, according to the BPD.
He is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Dine Out Shop Out
Outdoor dining and entertainment events on Broadway will take place October 15 from 5 to 10 p.m. from 33rd to 38th Streets. Rain date October 16. Live music by Doc Watson and Lisel Cox.
Masks must be worn, and social distancing must be observed.
Man dies in accident at Bayonne Dry Dock
On Oct. 4 first responders found a worker with traumatic injuries at Bayonne Dry Dock, according to Fire Chief Keith Weaver.
The man later died. The Port Authority Police Department is handling the investigation.
Here, Strobe!
On June 3, 2021, at 2:41 P.M., a Secaucus resident reported that a male forced his way into her apartment on County Avenue, stole an item, and fled. While committing this burglary, the resident was pushed into a wall causing some minor injuries to her hand and arm, authorities said.
The burglar, later identified as George Maztek, fled the apartment complex toward Windsor Drive, according to police. Secaucus Police Units broadcast a description of Maztek, and witnesses informed officers he fled to a warehouse on Windsor Drive.
According to police, in an attempt to evade capture, Maztek forced entry into the second floor of the warehouse. Police Units from the Patrol and Detective Divisions, Traffic Bureau, and Anti-Crime Unit established a perimeter around the warehouse.
Strobe, a 19-month-old German Shepherd in the Canine Unit and his handler, Officer Vince DeFazio, were called in.
Strobe located Maztek hiding in a darkened office on the second floor, where he surrendered, without resistance, and was placed under arrest, police said.
Four-legged rookie rocks!
Strobe is the the newest addition to the Secaucus Police Department. Chief Dennis Miller introduced Strobe and his handler, Officer DeFazio, at the Town Council Meeting on May 11.
The first ever canine unit at SPD was formed in October, 2020, with a generous financial donation from the Steven Strobert Foundation, according to the town. Strobe is named for Secaucus resident Steven Strobert, who died on 9/11, 2001.
Strobe came from Connecticut Canine Services. He and Officer DeFazio went through 29 weeks of rigorous training at the Bergen County Sheriff ’s Canine Academy.
Dogs are trained in agility, obedience, evidence searches, scent work, criminal apprehension, handler protection, and detection of controlled substances.
The Canine Unit is assigned to the Operations Section and will assist the SPD in furthering proactive policing. Strobe will be used for community demonstrations to enhance community policing efforts.
The Secaucus Animal Shelter will provide veterinary services. In 2020, the SPD brought on a Golden Retriever named Oakley to work with Police Officer Taylor Ensmann for the force’s Therapy Dog Program.
“Adding canines to our police force is something I have always dreamed about,” Mayor Michael Gonnelli said. “Strobe will be an addition to the police department’s proactive policing efforts and will simultaneously serve as a remembrance of one of our beloved residents.”
“I truly hope Strobe brings the Strobert family some solace knowing that Steven’s memory will continue to live on,” Chief Miller said. “When questioned about the meaning behind Strobe’s name, Steven’s story and sacrifice will be told, thereby keeping his memory and spirit very much alive. I also thank Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton for the opportunity to attend his Canine Academy.”
Canine cop
At the time of George Maztek’s arrest, evidence from the apartment burglary was recovered. Maztek was charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Theft of Moveable Property, and Criminal Mischief. He was taken in the Hudson County Jail and released later that day.
These charges are merely accusations. Maztek is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“I am proud of how officers from the different facets of my department come together and work in unison to apprehend criminals,” Miller said. “This use of K-9 Strobe in this arrest demonstrates the need for such animals in this line of work. Using a K-9 as a constructive tool alleviates the use of force in most situations, but also gives an alternative force option, which protects the safety of both the public and police.”
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
Dan Ward, BHS educator, to run for at-large city council seat
Daniel Ward, Director of the Social Studies and Library/Media Science Programs at the Bayonne School District, announced that he will run for the at-large Bayonne City Council seat in the May election on mayoral candidate Jason O’Donnell’s slate.
Ward has been a public school educator for 26 years. The current at-large City Council members are Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski and Juan Perez. Both ran and won on Mayor James Davis’ ticket in June of 2015. Both have yet to announce a run for re-election.
In a press release announcing his candidacy, Ward said, “We must put an end to the 30-year tax breaks for wealthy developers and the mortgaging of our children’s future or we will all be paying for the Davis Administration’s corporate give-aways for generations. And we need strong leadership that will work with the City’s Board of Education to look for solutions to the current budget crisis rather than the Davis Administration’s baseless finger pointing and empty grandstanding that have still left 74 school employees without their jobs and all of us, young and old, with an almost 6- percent school tax increase. Simply put, we need new leadership, and I am looking forward to working with Jason, a man of integrity, and the rest of our team to get the city we all love back working for all taxpayers.”
“I am proud to run on the same ticket with Dan Ward,” said Jason O’Donnell in the press release. “Dan is a huge part of the foundation of our community, and his dedication to all of our friends and neighbors in Bayonne is unmatched. He has spent decades trying to enrich the lives of so many with his work in our school system and volunteering his time in our community, and we are both anxious to begin the fight to get Bayonne back on track.”
In 2016, Ward was named Irish-American Educator of the Year by the Irish American League. He has served on Hudson County Community College’s Academic Advisory Board and has been a member of the Anthony K. Podbielski Memorial Essay Committee. Dan has coached the BYSA’s recreation and travel soccer programs. He is also one of the founders of the former Centerville Civic Club and has been a member of various Irish organizations throughout Bayonne. Dan and his wife, Caroline Ulivella, also an educator, are raising their two sons in Bayonne’s public schools.
Menendez, charging anti-Latino bias, still defiant in wake of mistrial
The 11-week trial of U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez ended when Judge William Walls declared the mistrial after the jury said they could not come to a verdict.
Prosecutors have not yet said whether they would re-file charges that were the result of a five-year investigation.
Menendez was charged with conspiracy, bribery, and honest services fraud in his duties as U.S. Senator, and for accepting more than $600,000 in political contributions and gifts from a long time friend Dr. Salomon Melgen. Prosecutors attempted to prove Menendez took these things in exchange for political favors to Melgen, who was convicted of unrelated charges earlier this year.
This decision by the court to declare a mistrial also came after a juror was excused and told the press about some of the discussions going on in the jury room.
Menendez grew up in Union City and served as its mayor before going to Congress.
He said, “Certain elements of the FBI and of our state cannot understand, or even worse, accept that the Latino kid from Union City and Hudson County can grow up to be a United States senator and be honest.”
Carl “The Bayonne Elvis” Senior dies at 75
Carl Charles “The Bayonne Elvis” Anderson Sr., a lifelong resident and community fixture of Bayonne passed away on Monday, November 13, 2017. Residents remember him as “the Bayonne Elvis” for driving up and down Broadway in a Chevy Astro with a supercharger protruding from the hood and yellow flames emblazoned on the side, along with musical notes, Elvis’s face, and the words, “Blast From The Past,” and “Remembering Our Favorite Oldies.”
Carl Anderson was the devoted husband to the late Nancy (nee: DeMelio) and father to Carl Jr. and Wayne Anderson.
In Carl’s memory, you can make a donation to the MFL Foundation for Cancer Prevention, found at the link for the funeral home at www.MigliaccioFuneralHome.com.
Bayonne Life on the Peninsula wrote a feature story on Carl Anderson in its Spring 2017 issue where he talked about his life, the Elvis Era, and the gratitude he received from the community.
All Saints Catholic Academy celebrates National Blue Ribbon award
Officials at All Saints Catholic Academy accepted the National Blue Ribbon Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 7. Principal of All Saints, Sister Rita Marie Fritzen, who accepted the award, said, “Our school has a ‘wow’ factor. The things that we do here make students perform to their academic level.” Sister Rita Marie is a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, and is in her third year as principal of All Saints. She previously served as associate director of catechesis for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Newark.
All Saints was one of 342 schools and 50 private schools recognized from across the country and 17 in the state. National Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for their overall academic performance or advancement in closing achievement gaps amid student subgroups. The school ranked among the highest performing schools as measured by nationally normed tests: The Archdiocese of Newark administers standardized testing in the form of Terra Nova, Third Edition. All Saints was founded in 2008 when four Catholic schools in Bayonne combined into one.
Manhattan commuters to face another round of delays
Penn Station will undergo another phase of track repairs in the first part of 2018, but rail officials are saying the disruptions to commuters will not reach the level of “the summer of hell” last August, according to NJ Spotlight. NJ Transit officials announced that there will be changes in the morning and evening schedules for the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines.
Governor-elect Murphy announces chief of staff and chief counsel
Gov.-elect Phil Murphy announced Tuesday that his chief of staff will be Mayor Pete Cammarano of Metuchen, according to The Record. Murphy has also selected Matt Platkin as chief counsel. Cammarano previously served as chief of staff for Richard Codey when Codey was acting governor from 2004 to 2006. Platkin, of Montclair, worked on Murphy’s campaign, coordinating major policy positions.
Murphy also named more than 500 people across 15 committees that will submit reports and recommendations that will inform the new administration’s legislative and regulatory agenda.
Mike Embrich, a Navy veteran from Bayonne, will sit on the Military and Veteran Affairs committee. Michael Cranston, President of Bayonne Dry Dock, will sit on the Labor and Workforce Development committee.
BPD arrests local teenager for allegedly burglarizing cars, man for allegedly burglarizing neighbor
A 19-year-old from Bayonne was recently charged with two counts of burglary for allegedly breaking into cars in late October, according to the Bayonne Police Department (BPD). Abanoub Guirges allegedly stole $10 from a Jeep Wrangler parked on West 7th Street and tried unsuccessfully to enter a Ford Escape in the same area, according to a statement from the BPD. The next day, Guirges allegedly stole credit cards from a parked Honda Accord in the area of Trask Avenue. Guirges was charged with two counts of burglary and criminal attempted burglary, according to the BPD.
Meanwhile, a 45-year-old Bayonne man was arrested for allegedly stealing $3,500 worth of tools and home fixtures from the basement of a 41st Street residence on October 15, according to the BPD. Robert Connelly, of Avenue C, was charged with burglary and theft.
Will lawmakers extend caps on police and firefighter raises?
A state law that limits the pay raises police officers and firefighters can receive in binding arbitration to two percent is set to expire on December 31 unless the State Legislature acts to extend it, according to NJ Spotlight. Local officials across the state say the cap has been instrumental in keeping property taxes down.Police and firefighterunions oppose an extension.
Polls show Menendez an early favorite in 2018 Senate race
Despite recent legal problems and low voter approval ratings, Sen. Bob Menendez is “a clear favorite” for re-election in 2018, according to Harry Enten of FiveThirtyEight, a digital news site that focuses on poll analysis. Although Menendez could face a retrial after a jury was unable to reach a verdict in his corruption trial, many legal experts say that is unlikely. Meanwhile, the Republicans who have emerged as potential opponents have each raised no more than $4,000, compared with the $4 million Menendez has on hand.
NAACP honors five in Bayonne
The Bayonne branch of the NAACP hosted its 90th annual Freedom Fund dinner on November 5 at the Chandelier Restaurant, where the organization honored five community members. The theme of the dinner was “Where Do We Go From Here.”
Joseph Barbero, local teacher and business owner, was honored in the Education category. Deon Golfphin, police officer, business owner, and Iraq War veteran, was honored in the Entrepreneurship category. Rev. Gary Grindeland, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Bayonne and the vice pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jersey City, was honored in the Church Service category. Helene J. Lee, a social worker and discharge planner at Bayonne Medical Center’s Care Point Health System, was honored for the Community Service category. David Watson, a well-known local musician and music teacher, who has worked with Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, India Arie, The O’Jays, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Police and the Sugar Hill Gang, was honored in the Humanitarian category.
6,000 Rabbis visit Bayonne
The International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Shluchim (Kinus Hashluchim), which draws Hasidic rabbis from around the world, brought 6,000 rabbis to Bayonne’s Harbor Pointe on Sunday, November 19 for a banquet that went from the early afternoon until midnight. Motorists may have been affected around the area of Route 440 as many buses and taxis transported rabbis from Brooklyn.
HOBOKEN BRIEFS
City may try eminent domain to turn Union Dry Dock into waterfront park
According to a press release from the city, Mayor Dawn Zimmer would like to use the Union Dry Dock property on the northern waterfront for a park.
An attorney for Union Dry Dock, a long-time business, has sent a letter (viewable with the link below) to the city stating that it is not legally able to discuss the sale of the property to Hoboken at this time.
The letter from attorney James Burke states that he does not represent Union Dry Dock in regards to parties interested in purchasing the property, but that he contacted the law firm that does, and they advised that Union Dry Dock can not engage in negotiations for the sale at this time.
As a result, the City Council will be asked to authorize the use of eminent domain at their meeting next week in order to provide the city with “tools necessary to facilitate negotiations.”
“In my experience with acquiring Block 12 for the Southwest Park and the 6-acre BASF property in Northwest Hoboken, it is not possible to acquire property without the City Council’s authorization for eminent domain,” said Zimmer.
Mayoral candidate and Councilman Michael DeFusco released a statement after Zimmer’s announcement condemning the use of eminent domain saying it “would plunge us into yet another costly litigation with a city property owner.”
DeFusco said, “A negotiation of this magnitude shouldn’t be rushed into by a mayor who already has one foot out the door.”
Earlier this year, DeFusco announced his own concept plan for the property, including an urban beach and community pool as part of his campaign.
The letter from Union Dry Dock can be viewed at: www.hobokennj.gov/docs/Union-Dry-Dock-Maraziti-9-22-17.pdf .
What’s the fate of Blimpie?
Hoboken Blimpie, the first Blimpie store, was opened in 1964. The 110 Washington St. store recently closed and was supposed to move to a new location on Fourteenth Street, but a note in their window on Washington Street speaks of problems. The sign says the store may still move to Fourteenth and Willow if they “can cut through red tape in town and work something out with the Blimpie brand owned Kahala conglomerate in Arizona that has been targeting me for product violations… such as using the Thumanns brand—that they do not recognize and want me to use.”
Kahala did not return one phone call and email by press time.
Carmelo Garcia appointed acting director of housing agency in Newark
Carmelo Garcia, Hoboken resident and former executive director of the Hoboken Housing Authority, has been appointed acting director of the Newark Department of Economic Development.
Garcia has replaced Baye Adofo-Wilson, who according to reports handed in his letter of resignation a few weeks ago.
Garcia has been serving as the chief real estate officer and executive vice president of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation and joined the NCEDC in 2015. He previously served as a New Jersey State Assemblyman before recently stepping down.
Garcia was terminated as the executive director of Hoboken’s federally funded Hoboken Housing Authority in 2014 after a vote by the HHA’s board of commissioners and Hoboken City Council. The HHA sued Garcia in the Hudson County Superior Court, alleging that Garcia violated U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and broke “good faith and faith dealing” by allegedly approving or rejecting procurement contracts without the board’s consent in April 2016.
But Garcia has filed a lawsuit that claimed that Zimmer, her husband Stan Grossbard, and members of the HHA conspired to have him removed from his position because he did not support the mayor’s agenda. He also said he was discriminated against because of his race.
Garcia did not return a call for further confirmation or questions by press time. For past articles on Garcia and related subjects, see hudsonreporter.com.
Former first lady of Hoboken dies
Dorothy Cappiello passed away at Hoboken University Medical Center on Wednesday Sept. 27 at age 88. She was the wife of former Mayor Steve Cappiello for 62 years.
Steve Cappiello served as mayor from 1973 to 1985.He passed away in 2013.
Visitation will be held on Sunday Oct. 1 at Falia-McKnight Memorial Home at 533 Willow Ave from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Ann’s Church on Monday Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. She will be entombed with her late husband at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum in North Arlington N.J.
Hudson County CASA is seeking volunteers
Learn how to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer and help foster children find safe and permanent homes. The next information session will be held at the Hudson County Courthouse, 595 Newark Ave. Rm. 901 on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA works through trained community volunteers to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes. Hudson County CASA volunteers are everyday people who make a direct impact in foster children’s lives. They are trusted, dedicated adults who seek to improve children’s well-being. CASA volunteers get to know their assigned child and his or her circumstances and provide valuable information to the court. Judges rely on the volunteers’ recommendations to make the best decisions about the children’s futures.
For further information, visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.
Local students raise money for Harvey relief
Lucia Mayendia, an 11-year-old student at Stevens Cooperative School, raised funds for Hurricane Harvey victims recently. Over the course of three days, Lucia and her friends organized three lemonade stands and collected $686 to send to the American Red Cross.
Lucia recruited HoLa students Catrina Kellaghan and Amanda Garen, and Stevens Cooperative students Ian and Julian Romo. The total proceeds were matched by S&P Global and a check for $1,372 was sent to the American Red Cross.
“People were just giving us money and sometimes didn’t even take a glass of lemonade,” said Mavendia. “Several people gave $10, $20, and even $50 to help Texas”.
She added the most humbling donation was from a homeless man that gave $1 from his own cup that he was collecting from.
Free ESL program at library announced
On Wednesday, Oct. 4 the Hoboken Public Library will host its first evening weekly English as a Second Language Conversation class. The free class will meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. until Dec. 13.
The program is open for advanced beginners and intermediate level English speakers.
The library is located at 500 Park Ave and registration takes place in class.
Hoboken Comedy Festival animal charity event is Oct. 1
The Hoboken Comedy Festival’s all day block party held in the park outside Taphaus at 800 Jackson St. near the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Station. The event will benefit the Liberty Humane Society, which is the Hudson County Animal Shelter whose services include low cost veterinary clinics, fostering of animals, and of course adoption services.
LHS will be on hand with adoptable dogs and cats, and patrons are encouraged to bring their dogs, cats, and children to the event.
A 12 p.m. kid-friendly show will take place in which children can tell jokes. Comedy festival comedians will also perform later on including Dan Frigolette.
Outdoor show has a suggested donation of $5 that goes to the Liberty Humane Society, or used purse for Purses for Nurses. For more information go to www.Hobokencomedyfestival.org.
October is breast cancer awareness month
The Urban League of Hudson County and Hoboken family planning are offering free breast exams and on-site mammograms for uninsured and under-insured women. The exams will be conducted at 253 MLK Drive, Jersey City, on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required, so call (201) 963-0300. There are age and financial restrictions.
Call for submissions for Adams Street mural project
The Hoboken Mural Arts Council is announcing a call for submissions for a mural project located at 1312 Adams St. with the theme “diversity, inclusion, and community.” The Arts Council, which includes Geri Fallo (Hoboken Cultural Affairs), Albert Barsky (Barsky Gallery), Elizabeth Ndoye (hob’art co-operative gallery), and Justine Uva (Urban Arts), was recently established by Mayor Zimmer to provide guidance and art expertise for a mural project approved by the Planning Board.
The project, which is a requirement of a Planning Board approval for the property, includes a $25,000 honorarium to the selected artist or arts group as well as paint, supplies, and scaffolding.
Three artists will be selected from all the submissions and awarded $500 each to develop a design based on the theme “diversity, inclusion, and community.” Provide submissions by Sept 30. For more information, contact the city.
Community workshop for Master Plan Reexamination
The city of Hoboken will host the first public workshop as part of its Master Plan Reexamination process on Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Multi-Service Center, at 124 Grand St.
The Master Plan serves as the guiding document for Hoboken’s land-use decisions. Municipalities in New Jersey are required to go through a process of reexamining their Master Plans at least every 10 years. For more information go to www.hobokennj.gov/masterplan.
Stack urges contributions to hurricane victims
State Sen. Brian Stack has issued a call for donations to the Red Cross to aid victims of the devastating hurricanes in Puerto Rico and Mexico.
Stack, who is also mayor of Union City, called the Red Cross a “reputable organization” and said he has witnessed their “honorable” work at the local level. He said, “Our region has many residents with both friends and family in these nations.” To donate to the Red Cross, check www.Redcross.org or call (1-800-733-2767).
Gov candidates voice support for Puerto Rico hurricane relief
The two leading gubernatorial candidates have come together to voice support of a statewide charity designed to raise funds for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico.
“New Jersey for Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief” is sponsored and spearheaded by the Puerto Rican Congress of New Jersey and leaders of New Jersey’s half-million-strong Puerto Rican community to rally behind friends and family on the island suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and former Ambassador Phil Murphy both urged New Jerseyans to support the relief fund. Visit nj4pr.org. Donations are now being accepted through the site. Supporters can also call 1-833-NJ-HELPS.
Got a story to tell? One-shot writing class Nov. 2
Do you have a piece of writing, or an idea for a memoir, novel, or script, and you need feedback on it or ideas on how to get published? Now you can learn how without crossing the river. Local novelist (and Reporter editor) Caren Lissner, whose book was made into the Netflix movie Carrie Pilby, is running a one-shot writing and publishing class at Little City Books in Hoboken, Nov. 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It’s open to all stages, ages, and genres.
Participants can bring up to five pages, or just sit in. But space is limited, so register using http://www.littlecitybooks.com/get-it-out-reader. There’s a nominal fee.
Lissner has published essays and satire in the New York Times, The Atlantic, McSweeney’s, and National Lampoon, and has run seminars for adults and teens at local libraries and as part of a Scholastic Inc. program. She can be contacted via carenlissner.com.
Keeping an eye on spending
Facing a multi-million dollar budget gap this year, the Hoboken City Council has taken an ax to more than 20 resolutions, slashing proposed spending and pulling some resolutions that awarded contracts to various companies.
It also adopted an ordinance to increase parking meter rates in the city’s business district from $1 an hour to $2 an hour to increase both revenue and on-street-parking turnover.
Budget gap
The city faces an estimated $7.4 million budget gap due to anticipated increases in personnel costs, among other expenses. This does not include a projected decrease in the city’s surplus account from $21 million to $15 million.
This means the city was facing a budget gap of about $14 million, but according to Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, who is on the council’s finance subcommittee, this gap has now shrunk by approximately $1 million to just under $13 million, with the inclusion of increased PILOT payments that the administration previously hadn’t accounted for in its estimates.
The majority of these payments come from the recently opened development, 7Seventy House at 770 Jackson St.
Slashing spending
Before the council voted on the resolutions, Councilman Michael Russo pulled 21 of the 32 resolutions to be discussed because they all pertained to city spending in the form of contracts and change orders.
“For all of these, I have three questions: What is it? Why is it important? Can we hold off on it?,” said Russo to which Fisher added a fourth question “Can we reduce the amount?”
He noted that in light of the projected budget gap that the city was facing it was important to curtail spending before the council adopts a budget for the 2020 fiscal year.
The total of all the resolutions was approximately $643,000. The largest individual contracts included a $102,550 contract for Lou’s Landscaping for landscape maintenance of Hoboken’s parks and green infrastructure, a $60,000 contract to Maraziti Falcon LLP for redevelopment litigation matters, and a $60,000 contract to McManimon, Scotland & Baumann LLC for public utilities counsel.
Some of these contracts were for the full year, several of which were “not to exceed amounts,” meaning that they were a conservative estimate, and some would be paid for through special trusts like the city’s Open Space Trust Fund.
Of the 21 resolutions, six were pulled from the agenda. The majority of the rest were reduced after city department directors gave the council explanations for each of the resolutions as to what the contracts entailed and if the money was needed before the council convenes again in March.
Considering these reductions, the total amount of spending approved by the council was about $410,000.
Offer for park land
At the end of the same meeting, the council introduced an ordinance with a 7-2 vote, which would allow the city to make an offer for a portion of Academy Bus’s property to expand the Southwest Park.
If approved on second reading, the city would be permitted to make Academy Bus an offer of about $8.5 million for the land.
This is based on the city’s recent appraisal of the property prepared by Federal Appraisal LLC, submitted to the city at the end of January.
Last September, the city began eminent domain proceedings to acquire the property through condemnation and offered Academy Bus $5.3 million.
In November, a judge ordered the parties to renegotiate, after lambasting the city for its “faulty appraisal” and the city’s rezoning of the area.
More parking fee increases
The council also adopted an ordinance to increase meter rates in the city’s business district from $1 an hour to $2 an hour.
Councilman Michael DeFusco called the move a “cash grab,” saying, “This again is curiously timed to the administration’s cleanup program of trying to find money to plug a $7-to-$14 million-dollar budget deficit.”
According to Fisher, the ordinance will generate revenue for the city, but it’s also good policy because it seeks to incentivize turnover of on-street parking, which will bring more shoppers to the business district.
“I wouldn’t call it a cash grab,” Fisher said. “Is it a revenue-generating activity? Yes. Is it time-driven now because we have sensitivities around the budget? Yes. As I said last week, we have a giant budget gap that we have to fill, and we have to look for a lot of different ways to fill it. Potentially jobs are at stake, we have taxes potentially getting increased.”
Councilman Phil Cohen said he supported the meter increases, noting that the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce also supported them.
“I agree … that charging $2 an hour for metered parking on Washington Street, instead of $1 an hour, will create more turnover of parking spots, giving customers more available spots in desirable locations where they want to shop,” Cohen said. “Good for business. Good for customers. Too often, store employees take these prime Washington Street spots. It is my hope that this price increase will encourage employees to use our underutilized municipal lots, rather than Washington Street.”
Russo said that the city provided no data relevant to Hoboken that indicated that the increase in meter fares would increase turnover.
The ordinance passed 5-4. Council members Ruben Ramos, Michael DeFusco, Michal Russo, and Vanessa Falco voted against it.
For updates on this and other stories check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Marilyn Baer can be reached at Marilynb@hudsonreporter.com.
Police Beat
Man spots alleged burglar while monitoring security camera
Fernando Rosario, 42, of Hoboken was arrested on Friday, March 2 at 4:28 p.m. and charged with burglary, theft of movable property, burglary tools, criminal mischief, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers William Bullock, David DiMartino and Lieutenant Corrado Allegretta responded to the 300 block of Willow Avenue on the report of burglary in progress. According to the caller he was viewing the security camera in his apartment from a remote location and saw an unknown man in his home. He emailed a still photograph to the Police Department.
Officers arrived on the scene and set up a building perimeter and Allegretta, Bullock, and DiMartino entered the building. They saw minor pry marks on the door frame of a first floor apartment. They checked the building and found pry marks on another door frame. The officers heard someone in the third floor stairwell and found Rosario sweating profusely. DiMartino knew Rosario from a previous burglary investigation and knew he didn’t live in the building. Rosario matched the description from the caller and he was placed under arrest.
The officers searched Rosario and found him to allegedly have a flathead screwdriver and a bent Hudson Share customer access card that was worn on both sides. He also allegedly had pieces of jewelry, two ziplock bags of marijuana, and four glass cartridges containing suspected marijuana oil. Rosario was transported back to police headquarters for processing.
A tenant from one of the burglarized apartments was able to identify some of the pieces of jewelry that belonged to them at police headquarters.
Rosario was also found to allegedly have conducted other burglaries in town and was charged for those as well.
Rosario was transported to the Hudson County Correctional and Rehabilitation Center pending a detention hearing.
Officer’s vigilance results in DWI arrest
Paterson resident Mara Ruiz, 46, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI in a school zone, reckless driving, failure to stop, and disregarding a traffic control device on Tuesday, March 13, at 3:07 a.m.
Officer Brandon Fitzgibbons was driving south on Hudson Street when he saw a white 2012 Mercedes Benz allegedly fail to stop at a stop sign and disregard a traffic signal. Fitzgibbons stopped the car near Third and Hudson streets and when the driver rolled down the window the officer smelled alcohol from inside the car. The driver’s eyes were allegedly glassy and bloodshot. She was asked to step outside the vehicle for a field sobriety test which she allegedly “failed to complete properly.”
She was transported to Weehawken Police Department in order for Sergeant Ed Sellick to conduct a breathalyzer test which allegedly confirmed Ruiz to be under the influence of alcohol.
Alleged marijuana possession while driving
Anthony Graffeo, 29, of West Caldwell, and Ahmad Rahin, 35 of Ponte Verdra, Fla. were both issued summonses on Sunday, March 11 at 1:29 a.m..
Graffeo was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and Rahin was charged with possession of drugs in a motor vehicle, driving while suspended, and obstructing traffic.
Officers Ryan Houghton and Dennis Figueroa, Jr. heard horns from several cars while on patrol near 80 River St. They saw a 2017 Ford obstructing traffic and Houghton approached the driver. According to the police press release, the officers smelled marijuana coming from inside the car. He saw the passenger, Graffeo, allegedly holding a brown lit cigar. The passenger allegedly refused to keep his hands visible. After eventually complying, he allegedly gave the officers a plastic container with suspected marijuana from his pocket.
The passenger was placed under arrest for the possession and given a summons to appear in court while the driver received several motor vehicle summonses on scene.
Two arrested for alleged PCP
27 year old Alexandra Mendoza of Jersey City and 26 year old Jessica Reyes of North Bergen were charged with defiant trespass and being under the influence of PCP on Saturday March 10 at 8:11 p.m..
Reyes was also charged with possession of PCP, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers William Bullock and David DiMartino were sent to 310 Marshall Dr. on a report of a group hanging out in the building. When the officers entered the stairwell they smelled PCP. The officers found two women and requested an ambulance due to the women’s alleged PCP use and one was allegedly unable to stand on her own. They were placed under arrest and searched. Reyes allegedly had a cigarette laced with PCP. Reyes was transported to Hoboken University Medical Center while Mendoza was transported to headquarters for processing. Both received summonses to appear in court.
Weekend DWI
On Sunday, March 4, East Brunswick resident Carlye Falco, 24, was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to exhibit documents, and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer at 2:49 a.m.
Officer Bianca Arroyo and Special Police Officer Christopher Soto were on patrol when they saw a car accident near 32 Newark St. According to a police press release, they saw a Honda Civic strike the rear of a Ford Escalade.
Arroyo approached the car and saw a passenger asleep and a driver with glassy eyes and she smelled alcohol allegedly coming from the vehicle.
Officer Brandon Fitzgibbons arrived on scene to administer the field sobriety test which the driver was allegedly unable to complete. An ambulance was also on scene to check on all parties involved. Falco was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters for processing. At headquarters she was charged with the added motor vehicle offense of refusal to submit breath samples. A total of five motor vehicle summonses were given to the driver. No parties involved in the accident were injured. She was later released to a responsible party.
South Bound Brook man allegedly jumps in river
South Bound Brook resident Christopher Conner, 25, was summonsed for disorderly conduct and swimming in water adjoining a park on Saturday March 3 at 4:41 p.m.
Officers were dispatched to 401 Sinatra Dr. on the report of a man who jumped into the river. The officers found the man allegedly in the water swimming towards shore. After speaking with the man who explained he jumped into the water on a dare from his friends he was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Three charged in disturbance
Hoboken resident Jacob Maldonado, 25, was arrested on Feb. 25 at 2:54 a.m. along with Jersey City resident Angel Roman, 23, and West Orange resident Jeanette Abreu, 27.
Maldonado was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, Roman was charged with obstructing, and Abreu was charged with disorderly conduct.
Officer John Hermann arrived in the area of 81 River St. on the call of a disturbance. He found Maldonado allegedly over a man who was on the ground. Maldonado was pulled off by officers Michael Aviles and Ricky Truppner. As they attempted to separate the men Roman allegedly came towards the officers while cursing and yelling. Maldonado allegedly continued to charge at the man and he was handcuffed. Abreu, Maldonado’s girlfriend, was told to leave the area but she allegedly refused and began to yell and curse. She was placed under arrest after several failed attempts to calm her down, according to the release. At this point Roman allegedly began to interfere with the arrest of Abreu and was arrested.
All parties were transported to headquarters for processing where they all received a summons to appear in court. The male who was on the ground left the area prior to the officers getting his identification.
Man charged after allegedly breaking shelter window
Jersey City homeless man Kareem Mumford, 24, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief based on an incident on Feb. 26 at 12:40 p.m.
The Police Department got a call from the Hoboken Shelter regarding one of their guests allegedly damaging a window. Mumford was allegedly angry over property lost and began to argue with the staff. When he was asked to leave, he allegedly punched the window, shattering the glass and injuring his hand. A description was given to all officers along with his direction. Detectives Vito Gigante and Arturo Gonzalez stopped a man fitting the description near Second and Hudson streets. The officers confirmed his identity and placed him under arrest for the damage. The cost to replace the window was over $500, the police press release said. The man was also treated for his hand injury. A summons complaint was generated and he was released with a court appearance.
