Former Council President Campos found guilty of fraud Thursday
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced in a press release that a federal jury had found former Hoboken Council President and attorney Christopher Campos, age 40, guilty of bank and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.
Campos was charged in 2016. “Campos and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in car loans by using at least 20 straw buyers to acquire more than 200 new automobiles based on false representations that, among other things, the straw buyers would use the cars for their personal use when, in truth and in fact Campos and his co-conspirators obtained the vehicles in order to lease as livery cabs,” sates the release.
Campos served on the Hoboken City Council from 2001 to 2007. Also, in 2014 he served as a $35,000-$40,000-per-year full-time aide to former Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia.
Campos is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 20 and could face up to 30 years in prison.
Campo’s co-defendant, Julio Alvarez, pleaded guilty to bank and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud on June 9 and he will be sentenced on Sept. 8.
“As a unanimous jury found, Christopher Campos, an attorney and former Hoboken City Council president, defrauded lenders out of millions of dollars,” said Kim. “He recruited straw buyers to obtain loans for cars supposedly for ‘personal use,’ when in fact they made up a fleet of over 200 vehicles Campos and his co-conspirators leased to livery drivers. Campos now awaits sentencing for this massive fraud.”
In total, the scheme carried out by Campos (a Hoboken native who now lives in Palisades Park), Alvarez, and others involved at least approximately 20 straw buyers, the purchase of more than approximately 200 new vehicles, and more than $7 million in fraudulently obtained loans from a variety of financial institutions.
Mother of Hoboken’s Cake Boss dies, age 69
Mary Valastro, mother of TLC’s “Cake Boss” star Buddy Valastro, died Thursday morning after a long battle with ALS at the age of 69.
ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gherig’s Disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that weakens muscles, impacts physical function, and is always fatal. There is no cure.
According to the ALS Association, a little over 6,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year and it is estimated that as many as 20,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.
Buddy Valastro, whose Hoboken bakery spawned a TV show and franchises, took to social media after her passing. “It’s with an extremely heavy heart that I must share the news of my mother’s passing. She left for heaven this morning, surrounded by the family. This is a difficult time for all of us and I do ask for your patience and respect while we let this sink in. Her battle with ALS has ended, she is no longer suffering and I hope she’s dancing to ‘I Will Survive” with my dad right now.’ he wrote on Instagram.
Buddy Valastro took over Carlo’s Bakery when his father died in 1994 and turned it into a popular tourist attraction and brand opening several more locations, a line of bakeware, cookbooks and of course a reality tv show.
His mother, who appeared in the early seasons of the show, retired after her diagnoses in 2012.
First class of eighth graders graduates Hoboken Dual Language Charter School
Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa) graduated its first class of eighth graders on Monday, June 19, an historic achievement for the school. The students started their journey with HoLa as second graders in 2010 when the school opened.
Charter schools are public schools that are founded by community members, teachers, and parents.
The school has been the subject of a lawsuit by the Hoboken Board of Education. In 2015, the school board sued the state to prevent HoLa’s expansion to eighth grade, the board majority arguing that the charter schools siphon too much money and resources from the other public schools.
So far, the outcome has favored HoLa, as the NJ Department of Education granted the schools’ expansion.
The case is currently awaiting a decision by the state’s Appellate Court, which heard oral arguments in May.
The ceremony attracted several politicians: Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Freeholder Anthony Romano, both of whom spoke at the ceremony, as well as council members Ruben Ramos, Michael DeFusco, and Ravi Bhalla. More than 50 percent of those are running for mayor.
The commencement speaker was Carlos Lejnieks, Hoboken resident and executive director of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union counties.
The New Jersey Department of Education designated the school a Model World Languages School for two terms in a row—a distinction our school still holds.
HoLa is also the first charter school in the state to implement a low-income preference in its lottery, a spokesperson said. Over 400 students apply for 44 kindergarten spots every year.
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 at Little City Books at 100 Bloomfield St., Hoboken, on Tuesday, June 27 at 7 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.
Hoboken Historical Museum hosts talk with Ramapough-Linape Indian Nation representatives
The Hoboken Historical Museum will welcome two representatives, Owl and Two Clouds, from the Ramapough-Lenape Indian Nation to speak about their history and the significance of their Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp in Mahwah, NJ. The talk will take place at the Museum, 1301 Hudson St., on Sunday, June 25, at 4 p.m., and admission is free.
The Ramapough are descendants of a nation of indigenous Lenape people whose ancestral lands included the western banks of the Hudson River where Hoboken now sits, and whose language gave rise to the city’s name, a Dutch interpretation of “Hopoghan Hackingh,” or “Land of the Tobacco Pipe.”
In October 2016, they formed the Split Rock Sweetwater Prayer Camp in Mahwah, formed in solidarity with the Standing Rock Indian Reservation out West, to educate the public on the impending crises of the oil and natural gas pipelines that threaten the water supply there.
Celebrate the historic game of baseball
On Saturday, June 24, at noon, the 1859 Hoboken Base Ball Club (formerly known as the Hoboken Nine) will commemorate the historic game of June 19, 1846, played by the New York Nine and Knickerbockers that is widely regarded as the birth of modern baseball. The Hoboken squad will play the Chesepeak 9 at Stevens Institute of Technology’s Dobbelaar field and admission is free. The game will be played using the original rules from 171 years ago. Visit https://hobokennine.jimdo.com/
PSE&G to begin electric reliability work
Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), will begin construction on new critical underground electrical infrastructure in Hoboken as part of the utility’s Madison Street Substation Project. This work is part of the overall plan for the station to ensure reliable electric service for residents and businesses in the area.
Construction is planned to begin on or around Monday, June 26, and will continue through December of 2017.
Construction will occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Work preparation may begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Road closures will not take place prior to 9 a.m.
For questions, call 1-800-901-5035 or visit pseg.com/hoboken.
Fundraiser for charity that helps needy with legal services
Over 150 people attended the Fourth Annual “Justice for All” Fundraiser in Jersey City on June 20 in support of The Waterfront Project, Inc., a nonprofit in Hudson County that provides free legal services to low-income residents. The signature event featured a tribute to its founder, Monsignor Robert Meyer, Pastor of the Catholic Community of Saints Peter and Paul in Hoboken.
The project started in Hoboken.
“In just the last 12 months, The Waterfront Project grew from a part-time staff of two to a full-time staff of five, serving close to 200 residents a month and more than doubling its operating and fundraising budgets,” stated Board President Isabel Chou. She said the growth “really speaks to an underserved need in Hudson County.”
Monsignor Meyer developed the idea of a free legal clinic when he observed the development of high-rises, brownstones and condos along the waterfront, in stark contrast with a growing homeless population.
Local Girl Scout troop urges residents to help save the bees
Hoboken Girl Scout Troop 12032 educated community members about the importance of bees and how to help sustain the bee population at Rummage and Ruffage last Saturday.
Part of their outreach efforts as they work to earn their Girl Scout Bronze Award, the girls researched the issue, wrote informational flyers, and produced and distributed seed bombs.
Seed bombs are hardy, pebble-sized nuggets of dirt, clay and organic seeds for local flowers that will attract bees and promote pollination.
On Saturday the girls also had children’s activities including seed planting.
“The bee population has been in decline in recent years. If this continues unchecked, crops including coffee and many fruits and vegetables would be negatively impacted,” according to the release.
A report issued by Human Rights First in late February highlighted continuing problems at the Hudson County Correctional Facility (HCCF) and other New Jersey jails that are holding federal immigration detainees.
Earlier in February, Human Rights First (HRF) researchers visited the three principal facilities that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) uses to detain noncitizens in New Jersey: Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility, the Essex County Correctional Facility, and the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
A team of legal and health professionals joined HRF staff on these visits, which included tours of the facilities, meetings with ICE and facility staff, and individual and group interviews with over one hundred detained immigrants. According to their report, HRF found at the Hudson facility several detained individuals working in the kitchens who complained that the food carts, trays, and dishes are frequently left unwashed, and when cleaned, dirty water is used to wash them. Also, garbage and food waste often remain on the plates and trays.
The report said that individuals at all three facilities reported that food, particularly meat and rice, is often raw, spoiled, or expired.
The report went on to say that detainees at the Hudson facility said that certain officers allow only English programs on the television, that most work positions are offered to English speakers, and that officers may restrict phone usage depending on the race of the detainee.
Women at the Hudson facility complained about one officer who verbally assaults certain women and even restricts certain women from using the phone to call their attorneys, something that all detainees should have unrestricted access to.
The report said that the Hudson facility has a high number of individuals with serious mental health concerns, as demonstrated by the three suicides that have occurred at the facility since January 2016 and 12 mental health hospitalizations in six months.
The Hudson facility utilizes medical isolation rooms to house detained individuals placed on suicide watch. While on suicide watch, a detainee remains in his or her cell for 23 hours per day and is not permitted to have personal items, books, or magazines in the cell. The facility implemented new policies in an effort to respond to the three suicides since 2016.
Hudson County has instituted a number of programs to address these issues, but the report appears to confirm that problems at the facility still exist.
Two more top JC officials leave
Among the many changes marking Mayor Steven Fulop’s second term, two more key city officials are leaving city government.
Business Administrator Bob Kakoleski has taken a job as Rutherford’s borough administrator. David Donnelly, director of the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, has returned to a family-owned business in Texas.
City officials said that assistants in both departments will do their work temporarily until their replacements can be found.
These are the latest in a series of changes that include the reassignment of Corporation Counsel Jeremy Farrell to the Municipal Utility Authority and the reassignment of two deputy mayors. The city has also recently named a new recreation director, new fire chief, new police chief as well as other position changes.
What happened at 111 First St.?
David Goodwin, author of “The Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 First Street,” will appear at Little City Books, 100 Bloomfield St. in Hoboken, on March 7 at 7 p.m.
The book embraces art, real estate, development, the life and culture of a city, and also lots of drama, as you might expect from Hudson County politicians.
In the late 1980s, a handful of artists priced out of Manhattan and desperately needing affordable studio space discovered 111 First St., a former P. Lorillard Tobacco Company warehouse. Over the next two decades, an eclectic collection of painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, and writers dreamt and toiled within the building’s labyrinthine halls. The local arts scene flourished, igniting hope that Jersey City would emerge as the next grassroots center of the art world.
However, a rising real estate market coupled with a provincial political establishment threatened the community at 111 First St. The artists found themselves entangled in a long, complicated, and vicious fight for their place in the building and for the physical survival of 111 First Street itself, a site that held so much potential, so much promise for Jersey City. “Left Bank of the Hudson” offers a window into the demographic, political, and socio-economic changes experienced by Jersey City during the last thirty years.
Goodwin’s book is seen as a well-documented narrative about the role artists play in economically improving cities.
JC to hold emissions audit
Mayor Steven M. Fulop signed a letter of commitment on Feb. 27 officially joining the City of Jersey City to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy. With this commitment, Jersey City joins thousands of other cities across the globe in committing to aggressive, measurable action to address global climate change. As part of the Global Covenant of Mayors, Jersey City will conduct a thorough, city-wide greenhouse gas inventory, set public emissions targets, and develop a comprehensive plan to meet those targets.
“Last year, I signed the Mayors Climate Commitment to uphold the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement, after President Trump announced the United States’ withdrawal. This year I am honoring that pledge by committing to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy as the next step in our mission to address climate change on a local level,” said Mayor Fulop. “At a time of federal inaction, it is up to city and local governments to fill the void. As a coastal city, Jersey City is threatened by climate change and it is time for us to take decisive action to improve our sustainability and protect our environment.”
This commitment coincides with the launch of the City’s new Office of Sustainability, which will be dedicated to finding ways to improve the sustainability of the City’s operations, raise public awareness of sustainable practices, and implement policies across areas such as water, energy, transit, and development. The Office will be tasked with leading the Global Covenant of Mayors process for Jersey City.
Little City presents ‘Read Across America’ Seuss-themed morning in the bookshop
On Sunday, March 4 at 11 a.m., Little City Books, 100 Bloomfield St. in Hoboken, presents free for kids of all ages the Garden Street School of the Performing Arts cast of “SEUSSICAL”.
They will perform selections from the show in the bookshop. The cast will be on hand to buddy up and read to the children after the performance. Seuss swag, activities, and photo props and opps are all included. Children of all ages are welcome!
For more information call (201) 626-7323 or visit littlecitybooks.com.
NAMI offers program for caregivers
NAMI Family-to-Family is a 12-week education program designed for caregivers having an adult family member living with a mental illness. The program fosters learning, healing and empowerment among caregivers and has been described by some as “a journey of hope” and by many others as “a life changing experience. Classes will meet April 5 through June 21 at Christ Hospital, 176 Palisade Ave., Jersey City, every Thursday evening 6:30 – 9 p.m. Participation is available on a first come basis and free parking is available.
To register please contact Carmen at (201) 310-5828 or email garciacarmen524@gmail.com, or
Dana at (347) 729-3966 or email at danayjohnson@aol.com.
Register early. Space is limited.
City complies with lawsuit settlement on West Street development
After taking its legal case to the New Jersey Supreme Court, the City Council voted on Feb. 28 to comply with a lower court that would vacate a portion of West Street to accommodate a new development project near Journal Square.
The city attempted to reverse a 2012 settlement agreement that would allow a portion of West Street off Magnolia Avenue to be used for the construction of 42-story tower.
Councilman Richard Boggiano spoke against the council move, vowing to continue the fight. He said the development had no place in a neighborhood that was largely made up of one and two family homes.
The vote comes after Hudson County Superior Court ordered the city to vacate the street. Although other council members said they were also opposed to the move, to not comply would put the city in contempt of court.
Jersey City Library March events
Jersey City Public Library will hold a number of events in the month of March.
Five Corners will present Sayantani DasGupta, author of “The Serpent’s Secret,” a new middle-grade novel that’s based on Bengali folktales on Saturday, March 3 at 1 p.m.
Test your knowledge of women’s history at West Bergen this month, and win prizes at our annual Women’s History Month Contest (Mon., Mar. 5 – Thurs., Mar. 29).
The Heights Branch will host local veterinarian Julie Jones who will present Pet First Aid on Thursday March 8, at 6 p.m.
Those living with or caring for those with hepatitis will have a chance to learn about different types of the disease and ask questions at a special Viral Hepatitis Learning Workshop presented by certified HCV educator Elena Bradshaw at the Miller Branch on Saturday, March. 10 at 11 a.m.
The Greenville Library will host Misty Copeland, who made history as the first African-American principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, on Saturday March 17 at 2 p.m.
Enjoy a special St. Patrick’s Day Celebration that’s all about Irish geography, culture, and food (Heights, Sat., March 17, 3 p.m.), and lots of St. Patrick’s Day Crafts (Bonetti, Cunningham, Greenville, Lafayette, Pavonia, West Bergen branches).
For more information and directions go to: www.jclibrary.org.
Student films
The HCCC Department of Cultural Affairs has a number of events coming up. Independent female filmmakers will also be celebrated in a series of films being presented from March 2 to April 28 by the Department of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with director Delaney Buffett.
This is an all-star lineup of short films by female filmmakers which will be screened at the Dineen Hull Gallery Atrium.
Film shorts include “First Match,” “Kid Warrior: The Xiuhtezcatl Martinez Story,” “New Deep South: Kayla,” “Run Mama Run” and “The Spring.” For more information email: gallery@hccc.edu
If 2020 was the year of the COVID-19 virus in Bayonne, then 2021 was the year of the vaccine.
The city honed in on vaccinations from the start of the year. Meanwhile, the city’s redevelopment boom continued unabated by the pandemic. And most prominently, the virus did not prevent local politics from dominating the talk of the town.
February marked the one year anniversary of COVID-19’s entrance into Bayonne, when a Royal Carribbean cruise ship docked in the city carrying passengers thought to be sick with the virus. While no one tested positive, the scare pushed Bayonne to begin preparing for when the virus actually showed up at its doorstep.
As the months went on, eligibility slowly expanded. In May, the city began vaccinating those age 12 and up. And by November, those 5 and up could get the jab. Coinciding with the expansion in eligibility in the fall, the city began administering booster shots to eligible residents.
Hospital executives, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff across the county repeatedly confirmed the validity of the vaccine, the lack of serious side effects, and its effectiveness across variants.
Medical personnel at Bayonne Medical Center got the vaccine first.
The main municipal point of distribution for vaccines was at the Bayonne Community Museum, but quickly shifted to the ice rink by April in preparation to vaccinate the general public. Meanwhile the museum continued to serve intermittently as a testing site.
Throughout the spring and summer, cases continued to fall and remained low. That is until the virus began to spike in late July and early August. However, cases didn’t climb back over 100 until December, and continued to rise through the end of the year.
By the time 2021 had ended, a total 133 residents have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. There were still over 222 active cases and hospitalizations were rising to 19.
Politics
The year was dominated by politics practically from the start.
Then, campaign season started early in May, with the rumor that Davis was allegedly looking to replace City Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski and Second Ward City Councilman Sal Gullace on his ticket in the May 2022 municipal election. Meanwhile, rumors that Ashe-Nadrowski would challenge Davis in that election also began to solidify.
Mayor James Davis and City Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski speak at the renaming of Edith Ferrell Way. Photo by Daniel Israel
In the interim, $500,000 secured by Chiaravalloti to complete a portion of the waterfront walkway on Newark Bay was removed from the state budget, allegedly as retaliation from the state against Davis. Less than a week later, the county announced it would provide the city with the necessary funds to complete the project.
Sampson sailed to victory in November, making the 31st Legislative District represented by a trio of African-American lawmakers for the first time. In December, Ashe-Nadrowski officially announced she was running for mayor, to which Davis also confirmed he would be seeking a third term. The race was now on.
The city received $39.2 million in American Rescue Plan funds from the federal government. So far, the city has spent a few million of the funds on small business grants, payroll for public health workers, public health expenses, stormwater management, and the hiring of police officers and firefighters.
The council approved an ordinance permitting recreational cannabis establishments, particularly two cannabis retailers and one grower and one processor. The council also awarded the animal control contract to the NJ Humane Society, opting not to remain with the Liberty Humane Society.
The city continued to deal with a garbage issue that predated COVID-19 but became inflamed by medical waste being improperly discarded during the pandemic and the new garbage collection contractor. This was in part helped by the annual Earth Day clean up across the city and a “clean sweeps” initiative by First Ward City Councilman Neil Carroll.
The city’s current water contract with Suez was also a common topic of discussion at council meetings, with many residents citing high water bills. The council approved a contract with A + L Disposal, an alleged political donor, however the city claimed the gift was returned.
The hospital saga at a standstill
The fight over Bayonne Medical Center was also front and center before the city council in 2021.
At the end of 2019, CarePoint announced the sale of its three Hudson County hospitals, including Bayonne Medical Center. Throughout the year, it became a never-ending saga.
As CarePoint Health dissolves and liquidates its assets, including Bayonne Medical Center, Hudson Regional Hospital has purchased the real estate of the hospital. Meanwhile, CarePoint has reached an agreement with BMC Hospital LLC to operate the hospital.
However, Hudson Regional Hospital wants to operate the hospital, not BMC Hospital LLC, sparking a war between the entities.
CarePoint and Hudson Regional Hospital continue to butt heads, with Hudson Regional Hospital starting off 2021 by terminating its lease agreement with CarePoint. The entities were further entangled in a number of lawsuits, and by April the fight had made its way to the Bayonne City Council.
The battle over Bayonne Medical Center continued throughout the year. Photo by Daniel Israel
The council introduced held a public hearing on two ordinances that would condemn the property of Bayonne Medical Center through eminent domain and allow BMC Hospital, LLC, CarePoint’s chosen successor which currently operates the hospital, to also own the land. However, the council has continuously postponed a vote pending approval of the state Local Finance Board, which has said it is waiting on the city and county. Regardless, the ordinances appear doomed to fail due to the opposition by Ashe-Nadrowski and the abstention of Gullace due to a conflict of interest since he sits on the hospital board.
In the midst of the battle, CarePoint announced it would be transitioning to a nonprofit, with its three hospitals will continue to operate in their current form and will be controlled by the new nonprofit organization, a spokesperson told the Bayonne Community News when asked if the hospitals were still up for sale. The move effectively brought the eminent domain process to a standstill, but the council still opts to postpone it monthly.
A public hearing before a state entity finally manifested in the form of a New Jersey Department of Health meeting in December. However, nothing has moved forward since and everything still remains per status quo.
With CarePoint and BMC Hospital, LLC on one side, and Hudson Regional Hospital on the other, sparring between the entities is bound to continue into 2022.
Dwayne Williams was named head football coach at Bayonne High School. After a 4-5 season, his contract was not renewed for unclear reasons according to his attorney, although it likely has to do with a brawl between Bayonne High School and Barringer High School after the last game of the season.
The first Black elected trustee to the Board of Education, David Watson was sworn in at the start of the year. However, by November, he resigned because he had to move for family reasons.
Three seats on the board were up for election in November, with a crowded race which resulted in the incumbents on the “Together We Can” slate sweeping. For the election, the city held early voting for the first time in history.
A rendering of what the center of the Bayview project will look like when completed.
A redevelopment plan for the Caschem site was approved, despite redeveloper objections to height limitations on part of the site. The plan was withdrawn before the city council as the redeveloper sought to submit an alternate redevelopment plan. When the original redevelopment plan was approved, the Gamal Group had claimed that its neighbor, Togus Urban Renewal, owner of the Texaco site seeking to construct a film studio, had not communicated its site plans for the site with them and that the height limitation was put in at Togus’s request. Meanwhile, resident Robert Archibald has filed a lawsuit to have a public hearing for the original Caschem redevelopment plan prior to the council taking any action on the new Gamal Group East redevelopment plan.
However, one former Catholic school was not as lucky. The former Marist High School is being eyed by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority as part of a project to construct a new Newark Bay Bridge. It is unclear how this will affect the current redevelopment plan for the property, which was approved by the Bayonne Planning Board in December and offers residential and industrial options. The re-developer assigned to the property, Peninsula Court, LLC, a subsidiary of the Alessi Organization, has not yet submitted final site plans for the board. Prior to the reassignment of the re-developer, the city in conjunction with the school district was looking to purchase the property for educational uses.
Other redevelopment continues across Bayonne, including the implosion of military buildings at MOTBY, the planned construction of a ferry terminal, ongoing library renovations, and other construction slated. Additionally, the Building Department moved out of City Hall, and into one of the parcels of the former Frank Theatres to better serve the public.
Co-founder of Black in Bayonne Camille High led the “Power in the City” parade down Avenue C. Photo by Daniel Israel
Activism prominent in the peninsula
Black in Bayonne, founded in 2020 following the police killing of George Floyd, kicked off the year celebrating Black History Month, emphasizing its importance all year long. Meanwhile, the Bayonne Branch of the NAACP regained local prominence with new President Donald Byrd at the helm. The local organization’s various committees working with the city on various issues.
Co-founder of Black in Bayonne Camille High held an annual vigil for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in April. Following the guilty verdict of former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, Black in Bayonne’s Clarice High said there was still work to be done.
The group helped get out the vote to people of color ahead of the June primaries, as the city hired its first Black women police officers. For Juneteenth, Black in Bayonne held a march for the second year in a row, this year expanding from a flag raising to a parade down Avenue C to City Hall known as “Power in the City.”
The Bayonne Interfaith Clergy Association in conjunction with the NAACP Health Committee held a series of mental health events in 16th Street Park and online. In July, Black in Bayonne called for a better police response to mental health and substance abuse crises following a recent fatal officer-involved shooting in Bayonne.
The group closed out the year with holiday festivities meant to support the culture including giving away meals for Thanksgiving, hosting a Black Business Crawl for Black Friday, a toy giveaway throughout December, and an opportunity for children to take pictures with a Black Santa.
Lawsuits, legal letters, and food distribution
Business Administrator Melissa Mathews filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the city and a number of Bayonne officials in April, alleging a toxic culture at City Hall. However, in August, a Hudson County Superior Court judge dismissed three main defendants from the lawsuit, including former Assistant Business Administrator Mark Bonamo, former Municipal Services Director Tim Boyle, and Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Eduardo Ferrante. Mathews has filed an amended suit seeking to reinstate them.
From left to right: City Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski, Business Administrator Melissa Mathews, and Law Director Jay Coffey. Photo by Daniel Israel
Boyle later resigned following an incident in which he allegedly illegally recorded a conversation he was not part of, which involved Mathews. The council appointed Gary Chmielewskito fill the position left empty by Boyle.
An appellate court panel also reinstated the “sexting” lawsuit filed by former deputy register Stacie Percella in 2018. And in December, a judge ruled that Davis alongside other Bayonne officials can be deposed in the case.
A Bayonne police officer has filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation after being accused of reporting a superior’s drinking and driving. While the officer has denied filing the report, he allegedly still faced pushback as if he did.
Bayonne Food Bank funding is in limbo, pending a letter of no conflict of interest for co-founder Melissa Mathews from the city of Bayonne Law Department. However, a rift became evident between Law Director Jay Coffey and Business Administrator Melissa Mathews.
By July, it was announced the matter had been handed off to outside counsel. While no movement had occurred for some months, the matter is being handled “administratively,” officials said in December.
Meanwhile, in August, Hunger Free Unity in the Community asked the city for help in finding a permanent location to distribute food from in Bayonne. By November, the council was exploring a few options, however, there had been no solid leads.
Hurricane Ida, stormwater management, park upgrades, and street renaming
The remnants of Hurricane Ida dumped more than nine inches of rain on Bayonne on the night of Sept. 1, causing numerous floods across the city. By Sept. 7, FEMA teams had surveyed Bayonne with canvass teams arriving on Sept. 15 to help residents eligible for federal assistance.
Cars were strewn about, left abandoned following flooding by Hurricane Ida. Photo by Victor M. Rodriguez
In August, the city council passed a resolution asking for federal help in financing its Long Term Control Plan to address combined sewer overflows (CSOs). City officials say the city is working on a number of stormwater projects, including one at Cottage Street and Hobart Avenue, to continue to address the flooding problem in Bayonne.
The year started off with two incidents of racism. The first was when a Black woman filmed herself being the subject of racial slurs. In March, another video went viral showing a woman hurling racial slurs at a person of color. Both women from the viral videos were later charged with bias intimidation.
The CMA CGM Marco Polo sails under the Bayonne Bridge.
Cruises by Royal Carribbean, which had ceased since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, began work to resume operations over the summer, and cruises set sail again in September. And in November, it amended its agreement with Royal Carribbean to mandate all passenegers age 12 and up need to be vaccinated to board a cruise. And speaking of ships, the biggest cargo vessel to ever dock on the East Coast, the CMA CGM Marco Polo, passed under the Bayonne Bridge in May.
While it was announced in late April that the annual Memorial Day Parade in the city would not be held due to the state of the committee and its veterans. Then the city stepped in to take over, with a new committee appointed by the mayor set to organize the parade again in 2022. Veterans were honored throughout the year, including the unveiling of a statue of war hero Stephen Gregg in the Bayonne county park that bears his name.
While Bayonne has paid a toll due to COVID-19, the city continues to charge forward. However, it will not forgot those it lost in 2021, such as Zoning Board Chairman Mark Urban passed away after a battle with cancer, or Maria Ambrocio, the Bayonne nurse who died after she was assaulted in Times Square.
As the city continues to strive towards normalcy in 2022, the challenges of 2021 will not be forgotten, as many are still present and growing worse.
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.
Chelsea Market’s Buon’Italia expands operations to Jersey City
Buon’Italia, which has a 3,000-square-foot shop in New York City’s Chelsea Market, has cut the ribbon on a 27,500-square-foot warehouse on Port Jersey Blvd. in Jersey City.
In 2015, Buon’Italia’s founder, Domenico “Mimmo” Magliulo, and his family embarked on a plan to expand the company’s wholesale distribution capabilities, When Magliulo made the strategic decision to locate Buon’Italia’s wholesale operations in Jersey City, he turned to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (EDA’s) Premier Lender Program for support. A Fulton Bank loan with a nearly 26 percent EDA participation helped the company acquire its new facility. Fulton Bank is one of EDA’s approximately two dozen Premier Lender partners.
“Jersey City offers many logistical advantages, including access to major ports, highways, and Hudson River crossings, while still remaining close to the heart of our existing customer base,” said Magliulo. “The support provided by Fulton Bank and the EDA has truly helped to facilitate our expansion.”
EDA Chief Executive Officer Melissa Orsen visited Buon’Italia to raise awareness of the Premier Lender Program and the range of other low-cost financing solutions offered by the EDA to support the growth of small businesses in New Jersey. She was joined by Angelica Lyons, commercial lender, Fulton Bank.
“We welcome Buon’Italia to the state and encourage all companies looking to expand or invest in their operations to look to the EDA first so they can be informed of all financing options available to support their growth in New Jersey,” said Orsen. “Our highly skilled labor pool, perfect location, and world-class infrastructure have attracted scores of distribution and warehouse centers to the state. Together with a booming food and agriculture industry, New Jersey is an ideal home for Buon’Italia as it continues to grow.”
Executive order restricting funds to sanctuary cities blocked by federal judge
A federal judge in San Francisco permanently blocked the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s executive order on Monday, Nov. 20 that called for restricting federal grant money from so-called “sanctuary cities.”
U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick ruled the order unconstitutional for violating separation of powers and due process of law because the president does not have the authority to deprive local jurisdictions of funds allocated by Congress.
A “sanctuary city” is not legally defined, but is generally considered to be a local jurisdiction that does not comply with requests from federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in detaining undocumented persons unless they are involved in a serious crime. Over 200 localities refused to cooperate in 2015, according to congressional testimony from the Director of ICE.
Jersey City and Union City adopted sanctuary city ordinances in 2017, while other Hudson County leaders have voiced opposition to the president’s rhetoric and actions.
Mayor Steven Fulop said in January, “Jersey City was founded as a city of immigrants and we are unwilling to be part of orders that break families apart or harm immigrants who are in this country.”
When Union City passed on ordinance declaring sanctuary city status in February, Mayor Brian Stack said “I don’t believe that the president of the United States could make local police enforce immigration laws that are supposed to be federally enforced. Second, I don’t believe the court system will allow it. I think that common sense will prevail, and they won’t allow it.”
The litigation over the executive order will continue in federal appellate court, and possibly the Supreme Court, if either case makes it that far.
Should the PATH run to Newark Airport? Let the Port Authority know
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will hold two public hearings regarding a possible PATH extension near Newark Airport.
The first hearing will take place Nov. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Weequahic Park Sports Authority Community Center in Newark. The center is located at 92 Carmichael Dr.
The second hearing will happen Nov. 30, also from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Hilton Newark Penn Station’s Garden State Ballroom. The hotel is located at 1048 Raymond Blvd.
If everything goes as planned, the new station will be located on off-airport property east of Frelinghuysen Avenue (at Noble Street), per the Port Authority website. It would also be near the Newark Liberty International Airport New Jersey Transit station and PANYNJ monorail station in Newark.
“The purpose of the proposed project is to improve transit access to employment centers in Newark, Jersey City, and New York City for New Jersey commuters and increase transit options to EWR for air travelers and airport employees,” the expansion website says.
For more information, contact the project team at 917-933-7440, or email PATHextension@panynj.gov.
CarePoint Health-Christ Hospital is holding a free Colorectal Cancer Awareness Event on Monday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The event will include a panel discussion, question-and-answer period and free dinner. A free take-home stool kit for screening will also be distributed.
To register, email holly.goroff@carepointhealth.org or call (201) 795-8034. Registrants may also email Nancy.aleman@carepointhealth.org or call (201) 341-1310.
The program will be held in Staff Rooms A & B at the hospital, 176 Palisade Ave.
Central Avenue’s reusable tote bags are back for 2017
The Central Avenue S.I.D. Management Corporation announced that thirty-six of its local businesses have again sponsored the distribution of 2,000 reusable tote bags which are now being spread to customers throughout the holidays. Central Avenue businesses have distributed 6,000 reusable tote bags during the last three holiday seasons combined.
“Local Jersey City businesses are doing their part to reduce the dependence on plastic bags,” said Sanford Fishman, CASID President and pharmacist at Bond Drugs. “We want our city to be more sustainable and help reduce the amount of litter that is often seen floating around the city. This is also serves as a reminder that shopping local is the gift that keeps on giving,”
Many participating businesses will hand out the tote bags on Small Business Saturday which falls on Nov. 25. This year’s stylish Central Avenue/ The Heights tote bags come in two colors: green and yellow. Sponsors are listed by business name, address, and telephone number on the bags. A list of sponsors is available on CASID’s website, JCHeights.com. Anyone who would like a reusable bag should request one during his or her next Central Avenue visit. The bags will be given away while supplies last.
Shoppers and visitors will also be treated to our annual holiday decorations which include over 130 lighting pieces and forty festive banners spread throughout the district. The City of Jersey City has announced free two-hour parking in municipal lots between Black Friday (Nov. 24) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1). Shoppers will save half the sales tax on retail purchases at registered UEZ businesses. Additionally, the CASID as joined the citywide effort to encourage “Shop Jersey City, Buy Local.” Many local businesses are proudly displaying a “Shop Jersey City” decal on their front doors in support.
Jackson Hill Main Street in Jersey City featured in annual ‘Main Streets Across America’
National Life Group has announced its annual list of Main Streets Across America, a celebration of streets in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia that embrace a strong sense of community and a commitment to creating an environment where people want to live, work and play. New Jersey is represented this year by Jackson Hill Main Street, a Special Improvement District (SID) in Jersey City.
“Jackson Hill Main Street is a great example of a vibrant place at the heart of its community,” said Richard Reyes of Federal Employee Benefit Counselors, an affiliate of National Life Group. “I am thrilled that it’s featured this year and that we get to share Jersey City’s community pride and unique stories with a broader audience.”
A trip through the Main Streets Across America interactive map reveals many interesting features and facts about these streets and their communities, both current and historical.
The Main Streets Across America website notes, “Today’s Jackson Hill District reflects the multicultural energy that has helped make Jersey City attractive to a growing number of young professionals. The local community of the district has deep roots and is home to a very culturally rich and diverse population. You can literally taste that richness along King and Monticello Avenues, whose restaurants feature Jamaican, Greek, Caribbean, Latin and American soul food.”
The streets featured in Main Streets Across America were selected based on four primary categories of community attributes that reflect strong ‘main street’ values: a strong local business presence, community gathering spots and scenic vistas, celebrations of history and traditions and reflections of civic pride and diverse social and cultural events and activities
The Jackson Hill Main Street Special Improvement District (JHMSSID), parallels Manhattan running south to north along Martin Luther King Drive, reaching east and west as it crosses Communipaw and continues north along Monticello Avenue.
“As a company, a corporate citizen and a community partner, we at National Life Group believe that main street values still exist and that a handshake, a friendly smile and a personal greeting still mean something in business and in life,” said Mehran Assadi, Chairman, CEO and President, National Life Group. “We strive to live by those main street values every day.”
To view the map of this year’s Main Streets Across America, show support for your favorite street by sharing via social media or to suggest a street for next year’s list, go to: https://blog.nationallife.com/main-streets/ .
Hudson County Community College hosts holiday marketplace Dec. 17
Hudson County Community College (HCCC) invites the entire community to take part in a holiday afternoon at the 2017 Holiday Marketplace on Sunday, Dec. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. This second annual event is being hosted by the College’s Department of Community Education, and will be held in the HCCC Culinary Conference Center at 161 Newkirk St., just two blocks from the Journal Square PATH Transportation Center in Jersey City. There is no charge for admission.
Once again this year, the college is transforming the HCCC Culinary Conference Center into a winter wonderland especially for the Holiday Marketplace. Local vendors will be present with a wide variety of gifts for children, women, and men that will be available for purchase.
A number of activities are planned to keep children entertained while parents and caregivers shop. There will be: holiday-themed story book readings by members of the Speranza Theater Company; a magic and puppet show; holiday crafts; face paintings; balloon animals; and opportunities for “selfies” with Santa Claus.
Hudson County CASA 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 Little City Books at 100 Bloomfield St, Hoboken, NJ on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7 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.
NJCU Announces December 2017 Arts Events
New Jersey City University (NJCU) Center for the Arts is the creative umbrella for the university’s performing, visual, film, and literary arts activities. The Center, at 2039 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, has announced its arts and culture events for December.
Highlights for December include a Holiday Concert for Peace by the NJCU Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers (Dec. 3) and the NJCU Jazz Ensemble in A Portrait of Duke Ellington (Dec. 4). Barbara London, a curator and writer who started the video collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), talks about her work (Dec. 5). In the galleries, Eileen Ferara curates On a Different Page, a group exhibition that creatively employs books in all their forms (on view thru Dec. 14).
For the full Fall 2017 Calendar of Events for NJCU performing, visual, and literary arts visit www.njcu.edu/arts. For additional information call (201) 200-3426. NJCU’s spring performing arts programs will be announced in January 2018.
All of NJCU’s performances and events in December are free, and reservations may be made in advance online.
For more information, group sales and reservations, please contact the box office directly: boxoffice@njcu.edu.
A North Bergen woman is seeking assistance in finding her missing 16-year-old cockatiel, who escaped from her home Saturday, July 15. According to Ivelisse Diaz, who resides on 45th Street, the bird escaped from his cage on the house’s second floor that morning, flew through the first floor, and then out the back door.
There, according to Diaz, her greyish cockatiel (who has no name) hovered around her backyard for some time as she tried calling him with bird whistles.
Eventually, the bird perched himself on a tree before taking off in the “general direction” of Secaucus, Diaz said. Since then, she has placed numerous flyers around about the bird, whom she views as a family member.
“The death of his mate two weeks ago may have set him off, she said. “He had less to entertain himself with.”
She noticed that shortly before escaping, he was staying near her more often and observing her going out through the back door.
The cockatiel has a distinctive body appearance, per Diaz. He has no feathers from his chest, all the way to his belly button, she said. Anyone with any information is urged to call Diaz at 212-606-1977.
North Bergen man receives 20 years behind bars for beating WNY girlfriend to death
A judge last Monday sentenced a North Bergen man to 20 years behind bars for his West New York girlfriend’s death, according to NJ.com. The victim leaves behind her now-5-year-old daughter.
Jose B. Ayala, 46, pleaded guilty in April to aggravated manslaughter of Zaray Montenegro, 32, NJ.com reports. Hudson County Superior Court Judge Patrick Arre handed down Ayala’s sentence, the outlet said.
According to the story, Montenegro was found in the back of 6109 Adams St. on Oct 9, 2015, around 6:30 p.m.
Officials reportedly pronounced her dead two and a half hours later. She had sustained massive head injuries and was assaulted with an unknown object, NJ.com said. Officers apprehended Ayala in connection on April 22, 2016.
In court, Ayala apologized to Montenegro’s family, the outlet said.
Ayala must serve 17 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, per the article. The judge also sentenced him to 18 months in prison on another charge. He is said to have 450 days jail credit, which will be applied to his sentence.
Free screenings, food, and giveaways at Health Fair on July 29
Everyone is invited to the free 2017 Health Awareness Fair and barbecue on July 29. Come get free health screenings, including cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, breast exams, dental screenings, and certificates for mammograms, pap tests, and prostate exams.
Free hot dogs, hamburgers, and sodas will be available. Giveaways for kids include supplies for back-to-school. There will also be games, face painting, cotton candy, balloons, and more.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 at the Gospel Tabernacle, 5029 Kennedy Blvd. For more information call (201) 863-1000 or visit www.gospeltab.org.
Guttenberg to hold Night Out Against Crime
Neighborhoods throughout the Town of Guttenberg are invited to join over 38 million people in 16+ thousand communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.
On Tuesday Aug. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m., neighbors throughout Guttenberg and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on their front porch lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and law enforcement.
Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most cities and towns celebrate National Night Out by hosting block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other various community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits.
National Night Out is co-sponsored locally by Mayor Gerald R. Drasheff, Guttenberg Town Council, Guttenberg Police Department, GSL Savings Bank and Guttenberg Arts.
National Project Coordinator Matt Peskin said, “This is a night for our nation to stand together and promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity. National Night Out showcases the vital importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement. When law enforcement and the community work closely together, some amazing things can happen.”
Junior Police spend a week learning about Law Enforcement
The largest class ever to participate in North Bergen’s Junior Police Academy – 32 cadets in total – spent a week learning the ins and outs of fighting crime. The cadets, all entering seventh or eighth grade, went through a crash course in law enforcement from July 10 to 14, experiencing everything from fingerprinting to polygraphs to processing a crime scene. Along the way they met and learned from representatives from the North Bergen P.D., the Port Authority P.D., the Hudson County Corrections Department and Sheriff’s Department. They even spent some time with four-footed officers of the K9 division.
The Junior Police Academy is an intensive five-day course designed to operate like an actual police academy. The goal is to educate select North Bergen students in various police procedures and give them a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in the profession of law enforcement. Cadets have to apply to participate, and include an essay plus a letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal, or vice principal.
The program places strong emphasis on self-respect, respect of others, teamwork, and commitment to goals. This is accomplished through structured events offered in a fun, informative, and interactive manner. The curriculum consists of educational exercises as well as physical training activities. This is the fifth year that North Bergen has held a Junior Police Academy during the summer.
As part of their training this year’s cadets attended a live fire demonstration at the North Bergen firing range and visited the Hudson County Correctional Center, the NBPD headquarters and evidence locker, the municipal court, the 9/11 memorial in New York, and more. Plus they underwent exhausting “boot camp” physical training and drills, and learned defensive tactics.
The week ended with a celebratory day at the municipal pool, where the cadets were congratulated by Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Commissioners Julio Marenco and Hugo Cabrera, and Freeholder Anthony Vainieri. “Officer Joe” Sitty has coordinated and overseen the JPA since 2013, when Police Chief Robert Dowd instituted the program in North Bergen. Student mentors for this year’s class were Samantha Venagas and Noor Attalah from NBHS, Isabella Shibli from High Tech High, and Joseph Gagliardi from County Prep.
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 at Little City Books at 100 Bloomfield St., Hoboken on Tuesday, July 25 at 7 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.
New school funding formula passed with state budget
The state legislature and Gov. Chris Christie agreed on a state budget this month that includes a new school funding formula. Christie signed the budget into law early on the morning of July 4, ending the government shutdown that closed state parks and beaches over the holiday and moved Jersey City’s festival from Liberty State Park to Exchange Place.
Statewide, the new formula would increase school funding by $181 million, with $25 million allocated to expand pre-k and kindergarten. Total state aid to public school districts totals over $9 billion, nearly a third of the overall state budget.
The new budget brings funding to more than 300 of New Jersey’s 584 school districts that have been perpetually underfunded since Christie signed the last funding formula law in 2008. Still, despite the additional funding an estimated $2 billion gap remains between what the law required and the amount that was actually allocated.
Despite many Hudson County politicians’ urge for more funding for urban school districts, not all municipalities in the county will benefit. Jersey City would suffer a two percent reduction, or about $8.4 million.
Hoboken would also lose out to the tune of a 7.7 percent decrease, or about $825,000. Weehawken funding would decrease by about the same percentage.
Meanwhile, Bayonne will receive six percent more than Christie’s “Fairness Formula,” which he introduced earlier this year, much to the chagrin of many urban school districts. Bayonne’s total increase amounts to $3.2 million, a partial but much-needed reprieve from the district’s $6 million budget deficit unearthed in November of 2016.
Union City will get a 1.2 percent increase, or $2.1 million. Secaucus will receive a 13.1 percent increase, or $131,132. Guttenberg will also receive a roughly 13 percent increase for roughly $688,000. North Bergen will receive 2.2 percent, or $1.2 million. West New York will receive a 1.2 percent increase, for about $1.5 million.
The annual Sinatra Idol Contest will occur on Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Sinatra Park.
This year 15 people from all over the world including England, New Jersey, and Indiana will compete in front of five judges and numerous residents in the contest in hopes to win prizes awarded to the best Sinatra Style Singers. The event is free and all are welcome.
Watch for coverage in the Reporter and on hudsonreporter.com.
World’s largest free-flying flag to fly June 14
On June 14 the world’s largest free flying flag, a balloon, will rise at Stevens Institute of Technology in the Castle Point area of Hoboken. It will fly from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the 225th Anniversary of the first hot air balloon flight in America.
The flag is 5 stories tall and will be inflated over the DeBaun Athletic Field.
The American flag balloon was created following the attacks of 9/11 by pilot Barry DiLibero of Chester Springs, Pa. and has flown in the New York City area every year since then, courtesy of the QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Association with PNC Bank.
Hoboken student allegedly involved in school sex assault to be sentenced Thursday
One of the four students charged in connection to last November’s alleged sexual assault at Hoboken High School is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, June 14.
Hoboken resident Amir Goodwin, age 18, pleaded guilty to the accusation for Invasion of Privacy in violation of N.J.S. 2C:14-9(b) on April 11, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s spokesperson Ray Worrall.
Four teens were charged on Nov. 30 for involvement in an incident that day in which some or all of them allegedly forced a 17-year-old girl into a room at the school, and allegedly forced her to perform a sex act. The incident was reportedly caught on school videotape and on a student’s cell phone.
Investigators did not release the names of the other students because they are under 18. A 17-year-old juvenile was charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact and kidnapping.
The two 16-year-old juveniles were charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit aggravated sexual assault, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and aggravated criminal sexual contact.
Last week, Superintendent of Schools Christine Johnson said she could not comment on the case or the students allegedly involved. When asked if the students are still receiving home instruction, including the victim, Johnson said, “Because they are students, the district cannot violate their privacy by discussing their educational program.”
At the time of the incident in November, a source close to the administration said the students were receiving home instruction.
Hoboken resident Artie Lange sentenced to probation
According to multiple news reports, resident and comedian Artie Lange was sentenced to four-year probation on Friday, June 1 in State Superior Court.
Multiple news outlets also reported that Lange pleaded guilty to possession of heroin in December after he was arrested the previous May in his parking garage in Hoboken.
According to the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, the former Howard Stern regular was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6:45 p.m. for failing to appear in Essex County Superior Court after he was charged in May with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The comedian has written about drug use before and was hospitalized in 2010 after apparently attempting to commit suicide in his condo at the Shipyard complex in Hoboken.
High school students win community service scholarship
Hoboken High School students Hannah Mack and Ivelisse Lorenzo were each awarded $2,000 Community Service Merit Scholarships from Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center.
The students earned the scholarships as part of the hospital’s Community Service Merit Scholarship Program that recognizes and rewards high school seniors from eight local high schools who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in community service while maintaining academic success. The online application process was conducted in February and March. Recommendations were made by high school guidance counselors and scholarship applications were reviewed by a committee of community volunteers.
Hoboken development wins smart growth award
New Jersey Future, a statewide planning and smart growth advocacy group, has awarded top honors to Hoboken’s 700 Jackson St. development.
The project was a collaboration between the developer, Bijou Properties, and Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects. They worked with the City of Hoboken’s Director of Community Development Brandy Forbes to create a community-based plan that includes two new parks, a gymnasium, and an underground stormwater management system to reduce flooding in western Hoboken.
The plan calls for a new 14-story mixed-use residential building with 26,000 sqft of retail space on the ground floor. There are 424 residential units of which 10 percent will be affordable. The building will front onto one of the new parks. The building will have a green planted roof to collect and hold water that will minimize flooding during rain events. The 1-acre park in front of the building includes a large, programmable plaza designed to accommodate vendors and seasonal markets, tiered seating, and a tilted lawn.
DeGise announces $6.83M in Trust Fund recommendations
Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise has announced $6.83 million in recommendations from the Hudson County Open Space trust to increase and improve parks and open space and preserve historic sites throughout the county.
His recommendations, based on the annual evaluation of applications conducted by the Open Space & Historic Preservation Trust Advisory Board, will now go to the Board of Freeholders for a public hearing and eventual vote, likely to be held in September.
The grants, if approved by the freeholders, will finance enhancements to sites in Bayonne, Guttenberg, Hoboken, Jersey City, North Bergen, Union City, Secaucus, West New York, county parks in Mercer Hill and Laurel Hill, and the Weehawken Recreational Pier B in the Hudson River.
Pier B is a recreational pier just north of the Chart House pier that stretches nearly 500 feet into the Hudson River,.
The Trust’s funding is drawn from a 1 cent per $100 of assessed value micro-tax of all property throughout the county. DeGise recommend a total of $6,830,488.45 in funding awards to the freeholders for the following projects: Bayonne, $500,000 for Neil A. DeSena Park; Guttenberg, $335,463.45 for Veterans Park (Phase II); Hoboken, $500,000 for Madison Street Park Playground; Jersey City, $500,000 for Berry Lane Park Skate Park, $500,000 for Riverview Fisk Park rehabilitation, and $100,000 for Old Bergen Church Cemetery Open Space Project; North Bergen, $500,000 for Policemen’s Memorial Park; Secaucus, $500,000 for Meadowlands Parkways Indoor Sports Facility; Union City, $187,025 for 38th Street Playground and $308,000 for Washington Park Improvements; Weehawken, $500,000 for Weehawken Pier B; West New York, $500,000 for Patricia McEldowney Field; Hudson County Division of Parks, $500,000 for Mercer Park and $450,000 for Laurel Hill Park Shoreline Improvements
The freeholders will host the annual open public hearing on the recommendations later this summer. At that time the public will have a right to comment.
Fundraiser for art camp scholarships announced
On June 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art Is Love & Action will host a fundraiser at CycleBar in the Monroe Center which will provide scholarships for 20 camp participants.
Art Is Love & Action summer camp begins in August and brings professional artists to teach young people to express themselves through poetry, acting, movement, mixed media, photography and holistic wellness.
This year, the camp is partnering again with Hoboken Housing Authority as well as other community institutions like the Hoboken Public Library and the Mason Civic League. The camp is for children age 12-16 years old.
Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased online at https://hoboken.cyclebar.com/class-detail/?apptid=7939159.
Summer Solstice event announced
On Saturday, June 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Green Pear Cafe at 93 Grand St will host an Annual Summer Solstice Block Party.
The party is intended to “give back to the community and spread the positive vibe beyond its four walls.” It will allow residents and other community members to sell or trade goods. To reserve a selling spot message the Green Pear Cafe on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greenpearcafe/.
8th Annual New Jersey One-Minute Play Festival coming to Hoboken
The New Jersey One-Minute Play Festival (#1MPF) is the country’s largest and longest continually running community-engaged theatre project, aimed at exploring local topics, ideas, trends, and seeding conversations for, by, and about artists and citizens of New Jersey. The marathon evening of one-minute plays by some of New Jersey’s established and emerging playwrights and directors will have three performances: Saturday, June 30 at 8 p.m., Sunday, July 1 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. All Performances at Mile Square Theatre (1400 Clinton St., Hoboken).
For Tickets Visit www.milesquaretheatre.org.
City announces inaugural Waterfront Arts Gala
Mayor Ravi Bhalla on Wednesday announced Hoboken’s inaugural Waterfront Arts Gala to benefit the city’s Cultural Affairs trust and support the arts community in Hoboken.
The gala will take place on Monday, June 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. along the waterfront walkway on Sinatra Drive between 11th and 12th streets.
“I am personally excited about this event and look forward to it taking place year after year,” said Bhalla. “Art is sadly not given the support it deserves, considering the role it plays in enriching our lives. I’m especially glad that this event will show off our beautiful waterfront while supporting public arts initiatives.”
Tickets to the gala are $100 and can be purchased at www.hobokennj.gov/register.
Each ticket comes with a VIP seat to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s concert in Maxwell Place Park on June 28.
The first 100 tickets sold also come with a voucher for two free tickets to a New Jersey Symphony Orchestra concert for the 2018/2019 season.
The event includes a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.
Cultural Affairs is not funded through the city budget and depends on events like the Gala to finance events like the annual Harvest Festival and Movies Under the Stars.
The Gala will be cocktail-style, with various sponsors providing food and beer, wine, and liquor tastings and art from local galleries will also be on display.
Movie based on Reporter editor’s novel to debut in Japan
“Carrie Pilby,” a comedy movie starring Nathan Lane that can currently be seen on Netflix, will open in theaters in Japan in October. It’s based on the humorous 2002 novel of the same name written by Hoboken novelist and Reporter newspaper group Editor-in-Chief Caren Lissner.
The novel and movie center on Carrie, a 19-year-old nerdy genius who graduates from college three years early and moves to New York City, unsure how to make friends and date in the real world. She buries herself in books until her wryt therapist (played by Lane) gives her a list of tasks to force her to meet people. Which tradeoffs should she make to fit in?
In Japan, the movie will be called “My Precious List.”
The novel is available on Amazon and more information is available at carenlissner.com.
The indie film premiered in North America as a special presentation at the Toronto Film Festival in 2016 and began its current run on Netflix starting last September. It also stars Bel Powley, Gabriel Byrne, Vanessa Bayer, Colin O’Donoghue, Jason Ritter, and William Moseley.
The film was directed by Susan Johnson, who also directs the forthcoming film adaptation of the novel “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” to premiere in August.
The movie has local color in another way — Lane grew up in Jersey City and graduated from St. Peter’s Prep.
Mana Contemporary is pleased to sponsor the creation of Endangered Rivers paintings by Montana-based artist Ben Miller from September 10 through September 13, 2022. This four-day residency will allow Miller to create and exhibit work in response to the ecological terrain that inspires him throughout Jersey City’s natural habitats.
Participating organizations will include Liberty Science Center, “Friends of Lincoln Park”, “Hackensack Riverkeepers” and “Friends of Liberty State Park.” A portion of the proceeds of sales of the artworks will benefit these organizations.
Ben Miller is a highly recognized Montana-based painter best known for his Endangered Rivers series. Six years ago, Miller began his Endangered Rivers series out of his deep passion for raising the awareness and importance of river preservation. The Endangered Rivers paintings, like the rivers themselves, are complex layers of color and transparency. Each work is created in reverse, with marks made on the back of a plexiglass panel. When turned around, the first strikes of paint represent surface reflections and whitewater rills. These highlights are then backed by successive color layers of deeper and darker forms. While his preparation is calculated, the execution must be spontaneous. He must first find the right spot, then read the river and the day. Miller’s stated goal for these works is to mark down the truth of a river, not his interpretation of it.
Miller received a BFA in art from WSU in Seattle and spent 12 years teaching art before moving to Bozeman, Montana in 2016. Miller is the subject of a recent documentary short film by Manabu Inada, titled The Rhythms of the River, which can be seen on his website, www.benmillerartist.com Earlier this year, Miller was a featured artist in the “Profile” section of Expo Chicago. In Chicago, Miller painted the Chicago River to support the Friends of the Chicago River and was featured on network television.
Events at the Parks and at Mana Contemporary are free and open to the public. Schedule of events for Ben Miller’s residency at Mana Contemporary Jersey City :
– Saturday, September 10th: Miller will kick off his residency painting at Liberty Science Center – 10:00am – 2:00pm. Entrance Fee to LSC will be required for participation.
– Sunday, September 11th: Miller will paint the Hackensack River in Lincoln Park in Jersey City from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
– Monday, September 12th: Miller will paint the Hudson River at Liberty State Park from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
This series will culminate with a reception for Ben Miller at Mana Contemporary on Tuesday, September 13th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Guests are welcome to observe Ben finish his painting until the Reception begins at 6:00pm with an unveiling of Miller’s works from his Jersey City residency. In 2021, Mana Contemporary mounted an exhibition “Implied Scale: Confronting the Enormity of Climate Change” focused on motivating mobilization toward reversing the climate crisis. The Ben Miller residency is another in the series of initiatives by Mana Contemporary that confronts environmental concerns.
Ben Miller is represented by Gary Snyder Fine Arts, an authority in modern Americanart. For further information on Ben Miller, and to see the film, go to: www.benmillerartist.com
# # #
Anchored by cultural centers in Jersey City, Chicago, and Miami, Mana Contemporary is a distributed institution, dedicated to celebrating the creative process, supporting artists, and serving as a bridge between creative hubs worldwide. Through a global community committed to mutual support and progressive thought, Mana Contemporary offers world class exhibitions, residencies, career development, and conversation in person and online. Practitioners specializing in a variety of disciplines work alongside each other in forward-thinking environments that foster experimentation, collaboration, and mutual inspiration, building a profound and personal approach to contemporary art. https://www.manacontemporary.com/
Gary Snyder Fine Art MT, was established by 30-year art veteran Gary Snyder, whose art galleries in New York City and Montana received critical recognition for their focus on historically rooted modern American art.
Liberty Science Center (LSC.org) is a 300,000-square-foot, not-for-profit learning center located in Liberty State Park on the Jersey City bank of the Hudson near the Statue of Liberty. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers and bringing the power, promise, and pure fun of science and technology to learners of all ages, Liberty Science Center houses the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater, live simulcast surgeries, a tornado-force wind simulator, K-12 classrooms and labs, and teacher- development programs. Before COVID-19, more than 250,000 students visited the Science Center each year, and tens of thousands more participated in the Center’s off-site and online programs. Welcoming more than 750,000visitors annually, LSC is the largest interactive science center in the NYC-NJ metropolitan area.
Friends of Lincoln Park (FOLP) is a citizens group devoted to the conservation, preservation and renewal of Lincoln Park. FOLP supports a clean, safe, and welcoming park atmosphere that the entire community and their pets may enjoy through every season.
Hackensack Riverkeeper defends the Public Trust resources of the Hackensack River Watershed through a fourfold strategy of environmental action, advocacy, education and litigation. The organization that employs that strategy on behalf of the people and wildlife that depend on the river and its watershed for life.
The Friends of Liberty State Park (FOLSP), incorporated in 1988, is an all-volunteer, non- profit, 501(c) (3) organization. FOLSP is dedicated to the preservation of open space and the continued improvement of Liberty State Park (LSP). It is an Officially Recognized Friends Organization of the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry. FOLSP is dedicated to the goal of a beautiful, free and green park behind Lady Liberty. Our Mission is to preserve, protect, conserve and promote Liberty State Park. It encourages public participation in park decision-making and in volunteer activities.
Man arrested after allegedly trying to rob Secaucus gas station twice
Police arrested a man who allegedly tried to rob the same gas station twice within six days, according to the Secaucus Police Department.
On Jan. 21, officers received a call of an armed robbery at a Mobil gas station at 445 Route 3 East. The robber allegedly displayed a kitchen knife and escaped with over $200 on foot, a police report said.
Shortly afterwards, a police detective located the suspect on Cedar Avenue, which is near the gas station. The detective arrested Kareem Abdelaal, 28. He was allegedly found with a folding knife during his arrest.
Officials have also identified Abdelaal as the alleged suspect in another robbery at the same Mobil station on Jan. 15.
He is also a suspect in a Jan. 17 alleged burglary at the Extended Stay Hotel at 1 Plaza Dr, and a Jan. 19 robbery at the Extended Stay America Hotel on Meadowlands Parkway. Each robbery was allegedly at knife point.
Abdelaal is charged with three counts of armed robbery, three counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, three counts of terroristic threats, three counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, and two counts of hindering prosecution, burglary, and theft. He was lodged at the Hudson County Jail.
U.S. senators ask FCC to hold Secaucus-based TV station accountable
U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker have urged the FCC to consider WWOR-TV’s shortcomings in serving New Jersey in its decision to renew or deny the station’s license. Based in Secaucus, FOX-owned WWOR-TV is the state’s only commercial, high-power broadcast TV station.
“WWOR-TV’s failure to provide local news coverage goes back several years,” the senators wrote in a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
“The WWOR-TV license makes clear – and the FCC has confirmed on multiple occasions – that WWOR has special obligations to serve North Jersey,” the letter added. “Yet despite these requirements, concerns about WWOR-TV’s failure to live up to its broadcasting obligations in New Jersey have endured for over a decade.”
A 1982 federal law mandates that any license holder for WWOR-TV “devote itself to meeting the special needs of its new community (and the needs of the Northern New Jersey area in general).”
But according to the senators, “In 2009, WWOR-TV reduced its news coverage by more than half. At that time WWOR-TV broadcast 8.8 percent as much news programming as its peer group.”
The Fox-owned station also closed down its New Jersey news operation in 2013. The move forced layoffs and absorbed staff from affiliate WNWY-TV in New York City.
It soon replaced its live newscasts with “Chasing New Jersey”— now called “Chasing News”— a half-hour, TMZ-style program produced by an outside company.
WWOR-TV now only offers three hours of weekly news programming, compared to the 56 hour average by other nearby broadcast stations, the letter claims.
“The FCC’s refusal to hold WWOR-TV accountable is unacceptable. For years, WWOR-TV has flouted its responsibility, and yet the commission does nothing,” the letter said.
“We feel strongly that WWOR-TV’s refusal to abide by its legal obligations should factor heavily in your review of its license renewal application.”
Menendez previously requested a “prompt and thorough” review of WWOR’s license renewal application in 2013.
Affordable housing units application deadline is Feb. 28
The Town of Secaucus has announced that 38-1 bedroom affordable housing units will be available for rent at the XChange at Secaucus Junction, 3000-5000 Riverside Station (building K), Secaucus, New Jersey.
The housing is under development by Fraternity Meadows, LLC and is available for low- and moderate-income households. Fraternity Meadows of Secaucus is located off the New County Road Extension next to the railway transfer station at the 15X exit of the New Jersey Turnpike.
The affordable housing available includes affordable rents, from $431 to $827 and includes 38-1 bedroom units, which are age-restricted. Age-restricted housing is limited to those families where the head of household is 55 or older.
Heat, cooking, hot water, and electricity are paid by the tenant.
Interested households will be required to submit an application and income documentation, and pass a credit check in order to qualify. The maximum household incomes permitted are $48,217 for a one-person household and $55,105 for a two-person household. Once certified, households will be matched to affordable units through a lottery system.
All successful applicants will be required to demonstrate the ability to pay a security deposit (one and one half months rent) and first month’s rent and agree to maintain the units as the family’s primary residence.
Applications are available at the Secaucus Housing Authority, the Secaucus Library, Municipal Building, and Hudson County Dept. of Human Services.
Applications can also be requested via mail by calling the leased Housing Corporation at (201) 867-5902.
Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, Feb. 28, and there is a $50.00 fee (money order/bank check, no personal checks) for a police and credit background check. Applications must be post-marked and mailed by 2/28/2018 to Affordable Housing Board, 700 County Ave., Secaucus, NJ 07094. No drop-offs.
Visit www.njhousing.gov or call 1-877-428-8844 for more affordable housing opportunities. Although any income eligible households may apply, residents and workers of Hudson, Bergen, Passaic and Sussex Counties will be selected before residents of other counties or states.
When residents became alarmed after several mature trees had been removed from Jackson and Madison streets due to PSE&G Utility pole installation as part of the substation project construction, the city met with the company to discuss the rationale for tree removal and replacement as well as the upcoming schedule for tree planting.
According to an alert from the city, the trees scheduled for removal would have either died after pruning, were identified as hazards, were already in a state of poor health, dying or dead, or were in direct conflict with utility infrastructure.
The rationale to determine removal included tree location, existing tree health, tree species such as whether or not it was considered utility friendly, maturity, height, and survival likelihood after pruning.
All recommendations for removal or pruning were made by a certified arborist and New Jersey licensed tree care expert.
PSE&G will conduct tree planting operations from May 28 to June 8, which will include removing existing stumps, expanding tree pits, and tree planting.
According to an alert from the city, the new trees planted by PSE&G will be utility friendly trees that increase biodiversity, improve the urban tree canopy, and reduce heat-islands on sidewalks.
In every case where a tree has been removed, a tree will be replanted this spring, unless in direct conflict with utility infrastructure.
For areas with utility conflicts, new trees will be planted in close proximity.
As part of a demonstration project for utility-friendly trees, PSE&G will partner with the city to plant additional trees this fall in new tree pits along Newark, Madison, Jackson, and Monroe streets.
Utility-friendly trees will help to improve electric service, safety, and reliability. PSE&G will distribute letters regarding new tree maintenance to property owners adjacent to newly planted trees. For additional information on new tree care visit www.hobokennj.gov/trees.
On Sunday June 2, The Hoboken Historical Museum will host its annual fundraiser, The Secret Gardens Tour, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date is June 9.)
Past tours have featured English cottage gardens, Japanese Zen gardens, and even a Moroccan courtyard. Others are more like outdoor rooms, equipped with grills, wet bars, recreation equipment, and comfy lounges.
The tour is self-guided so that attendees can visit gardens in any order, at their own pace. Tour stops are secret until the day of the tour and can be found in the tour booklet the day of. Booklets can be picked up at the Museum at 1301 Hudson St. or the Fire Department Museum at 213 Bloomfield St. between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The booklet will have a map and descriptions of each of the gardens, as well as some suggestions for brunch, lunch, and tea options. Garden owners, Hoboken Garden Club members, and museum volunteers will greet attendees at each of the homes.
Tour-goers should allow at least two to two-and-a-half hours to visit all the stops. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are advised.
Tickets are $25 for museum members and Hoboken Garden Club members. For tickets purchased in advance (a small booking fee applies).
On the day of the tour, tickets are $35 for nonmembers.
You may also stop by 1301 Hudson St., or call the museum at 201-656-2240 for more information.
Second annual Hoboken Waterfront Arts Gala June 3
Hoboken’s second annual Waterfront Arts Gala to benefit the city’s Cultural Affairs trust and support the arts community in Hoboken will be Monday, June 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sinatra Drive North between 11th and 12th streets.
“Last year’s inaugural Waterfront Arts Gala was a huge success, and I’m pleased to invite our community to once again support the arts in Hoboken,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla in a community alert. “Thank you to the vendors and artists who are once again partnering with the city for this annual event.”
Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www.hobokennj.gov/register. The first 100 people to purchase tickets will also receive two tickets to a classical concert by The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, a NJSO CD, and VIP Seating at the Maxwell Place Concert in Hoboken on June 24 at 7:30 p.m.
The activities sponsored through the city’s Cultural Affairs Office are not funded through the city but are dependent on events like the gala to finance events such as the annual Harvest Festival and summer Movies Under the Stars.
The gala will be cocktail-style, with various sponsors providing food, beer, wine, and liquor tastings. They include Anthony Davids, Antique Bar and Bakery, Bin 14, Court Street, Cucharamama, Halifax, Karma Kafe, Leo’s Grandevous, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Chart House, The Madison, and Zafra.
Attendees will enjoy art displays from several local galleries, including Barsky Gallery, Field Colony, Issyra Gallery, hob’art co-operative gallery, Proto Gallery, and the Roig Collection.
For more information, call 201-420-2000 ext. 5100
High School students awarded community service merit scholarships
Hoboken High School students Angelene Veloce and Denise Peguero were each awarded $2,000 Community Service Merit Scholarships from Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center.
The students earned the scholarships as part of Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center’s Community Service Merit Scholarship Program that provides $32,000 in scholarship funding for students at eight local high schools in the hospital’s primary service area.
The scholarships recognize and reward high school seniors who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in community service while maintaining academic success.
The online application process was conducted in February and March.
Recommendations were made by high school guidance counselors. Scholarship applications were reviewed by a committee of community volunteers.
Hoboken High School Hispanic Culture Club hosts Hall of Fame induction
On Thursday, May 30, the Hoboken High School Hispanic Culture Club will host its 5th annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Hispanic Heritage Celebration.
The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the High School auditorium.
The public celebration will feature performances from students and guests, swearing in of new officers, and the induction of new members to the Hall of Fame. This year, educators Geidy Delarosa and Ivan Ramos as well as Fire Department Captain Maria “Peggy” Diaz will be inducted.
Under the leadership of Christopher Munoz, the Hispanic Culture Club delves into history to help create an intimate knowledge of the role that Hispanics have played in the history and psyche of the United States and Hoboken.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact in the Hispanic and Hoboken community.
The event is free and open to the public.
Summer Green Teen Employment Program applications available
Hoboken is looking for high school students ages 16 to 18 for its Summer Green Teen Employment Program.
The program seeks to recruit young Hoboken residents who are committed to improving city parks, streets, and public places.
Those in the program will undergo an orientation and an initial 10 hours of paid training in green infrastructure maintenance, urban forestry, and parks maintenance/beautification. After that, they will become city employees providing seasonal part-time assistance to the Department of Environmental Services.
According to the city, trainees will learn valuable skills that may lead to future employment opportunities in the field of green infrastructure, including the use of trees and plants to absorb rainfall, reduce flooding, and improve water quality and public health. Trainees will be responsible for shade tree maintenance, park cleanup, and green infrastructure installation and maintenance.
Interested participants are invited to apply at a recruitment workshop from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, at the ground floor conference room at city hall, 94 Washington St.
For those unable to attend the workshop, applications are available at the Division of Personnel in city hall on the third floor. Applications are due June 10. Interviews will take place from June 17 to June 24.
The six-week employment program begins July 8 and ends August 19. The hours will be Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This summer Hoboken will again host its Movies Under the Stars series.
Almost every Wednesday from June 12 through Aug. 21 at Pier A Park the city will screen movies for the public, free of charge.
All movies start at 9 p.m. in June and July, and between 8 and 8:30 p.m. in August.
Movies this year include “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Greatest Showman” sing-along version, “Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” sing-along version, “A Star is Born,” “Green Book,” “Mary Poppins Returns,” “Incredibles 2,” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet.”
Subtitles will be projected on the movie screen upon request. Assisted-listening devices are available with three weeks advance notice.
The city will also offer a special screening of “Black Panther” at Mama Johnson Field on Fourth and Jackson streets on Wednesday, July 31.
Residents are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-back chair.
Screenings may be canceled due to inclement weather.
Man arrested after allegedly trying to rob Secaucus gas station twice
Police arrested a man who allegedly tried to rob the same gas station twice within six days, according to the Secaucus Police Department.
On Jan. 21, officers received a call of an armed robbery at a Mobil gas station at 445 Route 3 East. The robber allegedly displayed a kitchen knife and escaped with over $200 on foot, a police report said.
Shortly afterwards, a police detective located the suspect on Cedar Avenue, which is near the gas station. The detective arrested Kareem Abdelaal, 28. He was allegedly found with a folding knife during his arrest.
Officials have also identified Abdelaal as the alleged suspect in another robbery at the same Mobil station on Jan. 15.
He is also a suspect in a Jan. 17 alleged burglary at the Extended Stay Hotel at 1 Plaza Dr, and a Jan. 19 robbery at the Extended Stay America Hotel on Meadowlands Parkway. Each robbery was allegedly at knife point.
Abdelaal is charged with three counts of armed robbery, three counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, three counts of terroristic threats, three counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, and two counts of hindering prosecution, burglary, and theft. He was lodged at the Hudson County Jail.
U.S. senators ask FCC to hold Secaucus-based TV station accountable
U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker have urged the FCC to consider WWOR-TV’s shortcomings in serving New Jersey in its decision to renew or deny the station’s license. Based in Secaucus, FOX-owned WWOR-TV is the state’s only commercial, high-power broadcast TV station.
“WWOR-TV’s failure to provide local news coverage goes back several years,” the senators wrote in a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
“The WWOR-TV license makes clear – and the FCC has confirmed on multiple occasions – that WWOR has special obligations to serve North Jersey,” the letter added. “Yet despite these requirements, concerns about WWOR-TV’s failure to live up to its broadcasting obligations in New Jersey have endured for over a decade.”
A 1982 federal law mandates that any license holder for WWOR-TV “devote itself to meeting the special needs of its new community (and the needs of the Northern New Jersey area in general).”
But according to the senators, “In 2009, WWOR-TV reduced its news coverage by more than half. At that time WWOR-TV broadcast 8.8 percent as much news programming as its peer group.”
The Fox-owned station also closed down its New Jersey news operation in 2013. The move forced layoffs and absorbed staff from affiliate WNWY-TV in New York City.
It soon replaced its live newscasts with “Chasing New Jersey”— now called “Chasing News”— a half-hour, TMZ-style program produced by an outside company.
WWOR-TV now only offers three hours of weekly news programming, compared to the 56 hour average by other nearby broadcast stations, the letter claims.
“The FCC’s refusal to hold WWOR-TV accountable is unacceptable. For years, WWOR-TV has flouted its responsibility, and yet the commission does nothing,” the letter said.
“We feel strongly that WWOR-TV’s refusal to abide by its legal obligations should factor heavily in your review of its license renewal application.”
Menendez previously requested a “prompt and thorough” review of WWOR’s license renewal application in 2013.
Affordable housing units application deadline is Feb. 28
The Town of Secaucus has announced that 38-1 bedroom affordable housing units will be available for rent at the XChange at Secaucus Junction, 3000-5000 Riverside Station (building K), Secaucus, New Jersey.
The housing is under development by Fraternity Meadows, LLC and is available for low- and moderate-income households. Fraternity Meadows of Secaucus is located off the New County Road Extension next to the railway transfer station at the 15X exit of the New Jersey Turnpike.
The affordable housing available includes affordable rents, from $431 to $827 and includes 38-1 bedroom units, which are age-restricted. Age-restricted housing is limited to those families where the head of household is 55 or older.
Heat, cooking, hot water, and electricity are paid by the tenant.
Interested households will be required to submit an application and income documentation, and pass a credit check in order to qualify. The maximum household incomes permitted are $48,217 for a one-person household and $55,105 for a two-person household. Once certified, households will be matched to affordable units through a lottery system.
All successful applicants will be required to demonstrate the ability to pay a security deposit (one and one half months rent) and first month’s rent and agree to maintain the units as the family’s primary residence.
Applications are available at the Secaucus Housing Authority, the Secaucus Library, Municipal Building, and Hudson County Dept. of Human Services.
Applications can also be requested via mail by calling the leased Housing Corporation at (201) 867-5902.
Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, Feb. 28, and there is a $50.00 fee (money order/bank check, no personal checks) for a police and credit background check. Applications must be post-marked and mailed by 2/28/2018 to Affordable Housing Board, 700 County Ave., Secaucus, NJ 07094. No drop-offs.
Visit www.njhousing.gov or call 1-877-428-8844 for more affordable housing opportunities. Although any income eligible households may apply, residents and workers of Hudson, Bergen, Passaic and Sussex Counties will be selected before residents of other counties or states.
