Electrified public transportation went out of fashion late in the 20th century as gasoline-powered vehicles became prevalent. But activists on Feb. 6 held what they called a “Transit Equity Rally” in Jersey City, seeking to motivate state and local governments to encourage NJ Transit to convert its buses to electric vehicles again.
Local lore claims that the first trolley cars were created in a factory in Secaucus near the turn of the 19th century. Secaucus even named Trolley Park after the electrified trolley that passed through town on its way from Jersey City and Hoboken to inland towns.
The trolley became one of the central means of transportation for a general public that could not afford a car. Power companies like Public Service Gas & Electric purchased right-of-ways, just as NJ Transit has more recently purchased right-of-ways for its light rail system, and an infrastructure of trolley lines criss-crossed the state. From 1916 until World War II, Public Service trolleys transported about 450 million people.
Sounding like the power companies of a century ago, who had people knocking on doors to ask people to get their homes “electrified,” organizers of the Feb. 6 rally sought to return to a time when electric power operated the transportation system, saying with new technological innovations this could be done without the messy string of wires that accompanied the now-ancient technologies when Thomas Edison and other inventors first introduced it.
The rally, organized by Jersey Renews in partnership with the Amalgamated Transit Union, brought together a diverse assembly of speakers to address how electrified public transportation could reduce air pollution, promote healthier communities, create jobs, and address climate change.
“Jersey City stands with Jersey Renews and the Amalgamated Transit Union in their mission to promote the electrification of transportation,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “On a local level, we are actively finding ways to reduce pollution, and I am proud to announce that we are beginning the process of installing electric vehicle charging stations and transitioning our municipal fleet to electric power. Together, we will continue to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint and build cleaner, healthier communities throughout New Jersey.”
Making a point on a state level
The primary reason for the rally, said Nick Sifuentes, executive director for Tri-State Transportation Campaign, was to push NJ Transit to convert to electric vehicles. While many people associate NJ Transit with trains, he said, the agency runs more buses than trains.
“In New Jersey, buses carried almost 160 million passengers in 2016,” he said. “That’s 72 percent more passengers than rail. If you’re a commuter, taking a bus is always more environmentally sound than using a private car, but right now NJ Transit has an aging fleet of diesel buses in need of replacement.”
He said NJ Transit has already purchased a number of new buses, but intends to buy more and these should be electric.
“Electric buses are cost-competitive with traditional buses, thanks to lower maintenance costs and longer life spans,” he said. “If NJ Transit wants to be forward-looking and strive to meet our carbon goals, they’ll invest in electric bus replacements as diesel buses reach the end of their useful lives.”
New Jersey is one of the largest automobile markets in the country, rally organizers said. Light-duty automobiles, like a standard family car, are the dominant source of transportation pollution, but heavy-duty vehicles, typically diesel trucks for industrial or commercial use as well as buses, are also a significant source of emissions.
Local activists said that every traveled mile converted to electric is 70 percent cleaner than a gas-powered mile.
New Jersey has already taken steps to become a leader in electric vehicles, and is the first state to adopt a Clean Cars program through the legislature which includes a Zero Emissions Vehicle program, mandating aggressive growth.
But activists claim additional state investment in electric charging infrastructure and electrified mass transit, like the steps taken by Jersey City, is needed to push New Jersey to the front of the pack on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
“Gasoline-powered vehicles are harmful to our environment and our health, especially in dense urban areas like Jersey City,” said Analilia Mejia, director of New Jersey Working Families Alliance. “Dangerous levels of pollution from cars, trucks, and buses on busy roads and highways make thousands of New Jerseyans sick and cost us millions of dollars in avoidable healthcare expenses. Jersey City’s commitment to electrify their transportation system is a big step toward a cleaner environment , while promoting good paying green jobs for working families. We applaud Mayor Steve Fulop and the Jersey City Council for taking decisive action in promoting renewable energy and a cleaner environment,”
Dan Fatton, executive director of the New Jersey Work Environment Council, said emissions from the transportation sector account for more than 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey.
“So it’s critical that the state and other municipalities follow Jersey City’s lead by investing in alternative transportation, especially mass transit,” Fatton said. “The electrification of our bus fleets is just one common sense solution for confronting the climate crisis, with the added benefit of improving the health and safety of workers and community members.”
Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith executive director, Pamela Frank, CEO of ChargEVC, and Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, all said urban centers are particularly vulnerable to pollution from gasoline and diesel vehicles.
ATU NJ State Council chairman and State Business Agent Ray Greaves said the pollution affects those who work on these vehicles.
“Our drivers spend hours every day driving buses throughout New Jersey and we recognize that converting to electric buses can improve the air quality for them to breathe while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. “NJ Transit plans to add 2,500 new vehicles. Pollution puts our employees at risk.”
“Port-adjacent and environmental justice communities like Newark need relief from dirty diesel whether it’s from transit buses or the 14,000 trucks coming in and out of the port every day,” said Amy Goldsmith, New Jersey State Director for Clean Water Action. “Converting diesel powered fleets to electric will not only significantly reduce our carbon footprint, but also the number of children gasping for air while experiencing an asthma attack, emergency visits, and premature death for those most vulnerable to pollution and its harms.”
The group of activists wants to see 330,000 plug-in vehicles by 2025 and more electric charging stations. New Jersey is expected to have 300 such stations by 2020 and as many as 500 by 2025. The group wants building code regulations changed to provide for home charging stations as well. Key to advancement of private vehicles, however, is the state pushing NJ Transit to electrify its fleet as a model for the community.
A national disgrace
Sifuentes said the groups have not yet approached Gov. Phil Murphy with the proposal. But he believes the governor will be sympathetic.
“Gov. Murphy has already expressed support for environmental issues, and he’s committed to the upgrade of New Jersey Transit.”
This comes at a time when Murphy is revamping NJ Transit leadership and has assigned new people to be in charge.
Murphy has called NJ Transit a national disgrace.
“As our infrastructure goes, so goes the state,” he said in a media report in December. “Mass transit is not an option. It’s pass or fail.”
A 2016 report by advocacy group New Jersey for Transit showed serious problems with the agency, but also with the lack of funding under previous administrations.
“Since 2002, New Jersey’s annual investment in maintaining, repairing and expanding its core public transit assets dropped by an inflation-adjusted 19.4 percent, even as ridership as grown by 20.2 percent,” the report said. “The lack of investment in maintaining and improving trains, rails, buses and other transit assets have led to infamous delays and frequent system breakdowns.”
Because the state has failed to adequately fund the system, NJ Transit has been forced to use capital funds for repairs to cover operating costs.
“Since the first time NJ Transit employed this gimmick in 1990, the agency has raided more than $6.5 billion from capital fund,” the report said.
This could have paid for light rail expansion from Hudson County into Bergen County as well as expansion of the Camden system and other projects throughout the state – which have largely been neglected.
Electrified public transportation went out of fashion late in the 20th century as gasoline-powered vehicles became prevalent. But activists on Feb. 6 held what they called a “Transit Equity Rally” in Jersey City, seeking to motivate state and local governments to encourage NJ Transit to convert its buses to electric vehicles again.
Local lore claims that the first trolley cars were created in a factory in Secaucus near the turn of the 19th century. Secaucus even named Trolley Park after the electrified trolley that passed through town on its way from Jersey City and Hoboken to inland towns.
The trolley became one of the central means of transportation for a general public that could not afford a car. Power companies like Public Service Gas & Electric purchased right-of-ways, just as NJ Transit has more recently purchased right-of-ways for its light rail system, and an infrastructure of trolley lines criss-crossed the state. From 1916 until World War II, Public Service trolleys transported about 450 million people.
Sounding like the power companies of a century ago, who had people knocking on doors to ask people to get their homes “electrified,” organizers of the Feb. 6 rally sought to return to a time when electric power operated the transportation system, saying with new technological innovations this could be done without the messy string of wires that accompanied the now-ancient technologies when Thomas Edison and other inventors first introduced it.
The rally, organized by Jersey Renews in partnership with the Amalgamated Transit Union, brought together a diverse assembly of speakers to address how electrified public transportation could reduce air pollution, promote healthier communities, create jobs, and address climate change.
“Jersey City stands with Jersey Renews and the Amalgamated Transit Union in their mission to promote the electrification of transportation,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “On a local level, we are actively finding ways to reduce pollution, and I am proud to announce that we are beginning the process of installing electric vehicle charging stations and transitioning our municipal fleet to electric power. Together, we will continue to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint and build cleaner, healthier communities throughout New Jersey.”
Making a point on a state level
The primary reason for the rally, said Nick Sifuentes, executive director for Tri-State Transportation Campaign, was to push NJ Transit to convert to electric vehicles. While many people associate NJ Transit with trains, he said, the agency runs more buses than trains.
“In New Jersey, buses carried almost 160 million passengers in 2016,” he said. “That’s 72 percent more passengers than rail. If you’re a commuter, taking a bus is always more environmentally sound than using a private car, but right now NJ Transit has an aging fleet of diesel buses in need of replacement.”
He said NJ Transit has already purchased a number of new buses, but intends to buy more and these should be electric.
“Electric buses are cost-competitive with traditional buses, thanks to lower maintenance costs and longer life spans,” he said. “If NJ Transit wants to be forward-looking and strive to meet our carbon goals, they’ll invest in electric bus replacements as diesel buses reach the end of their useful lives.”
New Jersey is one of the largest automobile markets in the country, rally organizers said. Light-duty automobiles, like a standard family car, are the dominant source of transportation pollution, but heavy-duty vehicles, typically diesel trucks for industrial or commercial use as well as buses, are also a significant source of emissions.
Local activists said that every traveled mile converted to electric is 70 percent cleaner than a gas-powered mile.
New Jersey has already taken steps to become a leader in electric vehicles, and is the first state to adopt a Clean Cars program through the legislature which includes a Zero Emissions Vehicle program, mandating aggressive growth.
But activists claim additional state investment in electric charging infrastructure and electrified mass transit, like the steps taken by Jersey City, is needed to push New Jersey to the front of the pack on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
“Gasoline-powered vehicles are harmful to our environment and our health, especially in dense urban areas like Jersey City,” said Analilia Mejia, director of New Jersey Working Families Alliance. “Dangerous levels of pollution from cars, trucks, and buses on busy roads and highways make thousands of New Jerseyans sick and cost us millions of dollars in avoidable healthcare expenses. Jersey City’s commitment to electrify their transportation system is a big step toward a cleaner environment , while promoting good paying green jobs for working families. We applaud Mayor Steve Fulop and the Jersey City Council for taking decisive action in promoting renewable energy and a cleaner environment,”
Dan Fatton, executive director of the New Jersey Work Environment Council, said emissions from the transportation sector account for more than 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey.
“So it’s critical that the state and other municipalities follow Jersey City’s lead by investing in alternative transportation, especially mass transit,” Fatton said. “The electrification of our bus fleets is just one common sense solution for confronting the climate crisis, with the added benefit of improving the health and safety of workers and community members.”
Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith executive director, Pamela Frank, CEO of ChargEVC, and Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, all said urban centers are particularly vulnerable to pollution from gasoline and diesel vehicles.
ATU NJ State Council chairman and State Business Agent Ray Greaves said the pollution affects those who work on these vehicles.
“Our drivers spend hours every day driving buses throughout New Jersey and we recognize that converting to electric buses can improve the air quality for them to breathe while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. “NJ Transit plans to add 2,500 new vehicles. Pollution puts our employees at risk.”
“Port-adjacent and environmental justice communities like Newark need relief from dirty diesel whether it’s from transit buses or the 14,000 trucks coming in and out of the port every day,” said Amy Goldsmith, New Jersey State Director for Clean Water Action. “Converting diesel powered fleets to electric will not only significantly reduce our carbon footprint, but also the number of children gasping for air while experiencing an asthma attack, emergency visits, and premature death for those most vulnerable to pollution and its harms.”
The group of activists wants to see 330,000 plug-in vehicles by 2025 and more electric charging stations. New Jersey is expected to have 300 such stations by 2020 and as many as 500 by 2025. The group wants building code regulations changed to provide for home charging stations as well. Key to advancement of private vehicles, however, is the state pushing NJ Transit to electrify its fleet as a model for the community.
A national disgrace
Sifuentes said the groups have not yet approached Gov. Phil Murphy with the proposal. But he believes the governor will be sympathetic.
“Gov. Murphy has already expressed support for environmental issues, and he’s committed to the upgrade of New Jersey Transit.”
This comes at a time when Murphy is revamping NJ Transit leadership and has assigned new people to be in charge.
Murphy has called NJ Transit a national disgrace.
“As our infrastructure goes, so goes the state,” he said in a media report in December. “Mass transit is not an option. It’s pass or fail.”
A 2016 report by advocacy group New Jersey for Transit showed serious problems with the agency, but also with the lack of funding under previous administrations.
“Since 2002, New Jersey’s annual investment in maintaining, repairing and expanding its core public transit assets dropped by an inflation-adjusted 19.4 percent, even as ridership as grown by 20.2 percent,” the report said. “The lack of investment in maintaining and improving trains, rails, buses and other transit assets have led to infamous delays and frequent system breakdowns.”
Because the state has failed to adequately fund the system, NJ Transit has been forced to use capital funds for repairs to cover operating costs.
“Since the first time NJ Transit employed this gimmick in 1990, the agency has raided more than $6.5 billion from capital fund,” the report said.
This could have paid for light rail expansion from Hudson County into Bergen County as well as expansion of the Camden system and other projects throughout the state – which have largely been neglected.
Hoboken Vape Van owner arrested for drug possession
On July 6, 27-year-old Hoboken resident Joseph Ruggiero, the owner of the Hoboken “Vape Van” who was accused of hate speech in May, was arrested for drug possession.
Ruggiero was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, distribution of marijuana within 500 feet of a public park, and distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, according to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
The release says he was arrested “after a court authorized search of his residence on Garden Street in Hoboken led to the recovery of marijuana.”
Prosecutor Esther Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Task Force and the K-9 Unit of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office with the arrest.
Ruggiero did not return a message by press time.
City may reach new agreement with SUEZ Water
Mayor Dawn Zimmer announced on Wednesday, July 12 that Suez Water and her administration have agreed on terms of a renegotiated water service contract that would provide more than $31 million in infrastructure investments and $10 million in liability forgiveness for a total of over $40 million in benefits to the city through 2034.
The agreement requires City Council approval and is expected to be presented to the council on Aug. 2.
The agreement would extend the contract from 2024 to 2034.
If the new agreement is not approved, the city will remain under the terms of the existing agreement. Under those terms, Suez will be required to make only $350,000 per year in emergency repairs for the next seven years, while the city would continue to be responsible for all repair costs over $350,000. The city would receive no funds for the needed modernization of the water main system and the city would be responsible for the approximately $10 million that would be forgiven in the renegotiated agreement for excess bulk water and repair costs.
“Our aging water system is in need of expensive capital upgrades, yet the $350,000 provided annually by our existing water agreement from 1994 is not even enough for emergency repairs,” said Zimmer. “I am thrilled that our proposed agreement would provide on average over $1.8 million per year for capital investments. The city has already begun the process to invest $12 million in water main improvements, and this agreement will allow us to make the investments we need to modernize our water system.”
In addition to the investment capital for water main upgrades, the renegotiated agreement will forgive $10 million owed by the city to Suez under the terms of the existing agreement for excess repair and bulk water costs.
In a statement last week, mayoral hopeful and current Councilman Michael DeFusco said the agreement “deserves serious scrutiny.”
“Mayor Zimmer has had nine years in office to reach this agreement and announcing it now shortly before an election to succeed her as mayor is troubling, especially given that if approved this contact would be in effect for decades,” he said. “The proposed agreement deserves serious scrutiny from both the council and the community to ensure that it’s the best possible deal for the city. It’s particularly concerning that the contract would include an annual rate increase of at least 2 percent, which would amount to yet another hidden tax on Hoboken residents that many will struggle to afford.”
‘Summer of hell’ doesn’t look so hellish in local train stations
Various news outlets including Reuters dubbed this summer the “Summer of Hell” for New York City-area commuters, as repairs to the Amtrak tracks mean many will be rerouted, some through Hoboken. However, in the PATH stations in New York City, Hoboken, and Jersey City last Monday morning, as well as the rest of the Hoboken train station, the situation seemed crowded but calm.
Hoboken Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher emailed some observations out on Monday:
“I was at the Hoboken Terminal this morning from about 7:45 to about 9 just to see how things were going and to see if I could glean any information that may benefit Hoboken commuters. I think the single biggest takeaway is that there is a tidal wave of NJ Transit commuters that begins right at 8:00 and the wave continues until 8:45….Today may not be fully representative of what to expect for the next 45 days, as Monday mornings in the summer are often lighter due to people being away for long weekends. But…if you can get to the station either before 8:00 or after 8:45 I think your commute disruption will be less. Also, I would encourage you to buy your tickets/ refill your cards at a time other than the morning rush.”
Hoboken council people urge school board not to continue litigation against HOLA
According to a press release from the Hoboken Dual Language Charter School, several members of the council have released statements urging the Hoboken Board of Education not to continue litigation against the charter school. The board has already lost several court battles to try to take away the school’s new eighth grade class.
Last month the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court affirmed the decision of the state Commissioner of Education granting HoLa’s application to expand the school to include seventh and eighth grades. The eighth grade has already started this year.
One day after the ruling, a lawyer for the school board told the Wall Street Journal they “would discuss whether to seek a review from the state Supreme Court.”
The fight, many say, is really with a state funding formula that directs too many funds to the charter schools – but the Hoboken board has focused for now on trying to reverse the school’s expansion.
The town has three charter schools, one of which was founded by Tom Kluepfel, who nevertheless was among the school board supporters of the suit against HoLa.
In response to HoLa parent advocacy, seven members of the council released statements urging the Board of Education not to continue the suit.
“The division this lawsuit has caused in our community has thankfully come to a close. I am a strong supporter of our traditional public and charter schools equally,” said Councilman Peter Cunningham, as quoted in a HoLa press release. “I encourage both sides to demonstrate leadership and empathy to and among themselves, our children and their parents in an effort to heal our community so we can all move forward together.”
“I’m glad this lawsuit is finally over,” said Councilman Ruben Ramos. “Litigation is never how we should be spending precious educational resources. I hope that the Board of Ed can now move on and focus on student achievement for all kids in Hoboken.”
“It’s about time we end this senseless lawsuit and start worrying about educating our children as our top priority!,” said councilman Michael Russo. “I am calling for the superintendent of our schools, the school administrators throughout our district, the members of the BOE and the city of Hoboken as a whole to all move forward. Let’s focus on providing our teachers the tools to make our public school system, which include our charter schools, the best in the state.”
“As one who disagreed with the divisive nature of this lawsuit from day one, I firmly believe that the resolution of the litigation presents a real opportunity for all of Hoboken’s families and residents,” said Councilman David Mello. “It offers an opening to work together to uplift our entire array of K-8 school options; whether traditional public, charter public, parochial or private. It also presents an opportunity to shape and support Hoboken High School so that it will become an even more attractive option for all Hoboken based eighth graders.”
“What everyone involved wanted was good schools for all the children of Hoboken,” said Councilwoman Jen Giattino via Facebook. “This fight occurred because the state funding formula pits district schools and charter schools against each other. Now we must all move on. And if we must still fight, we should fight for a more equitable funding formula.”
“With the appellate court ruling, our community can begin to heal the divide that this two and a half year lawsuit created in our community,” said Councilman Michael DeFusco. “A major asset of Hoboken is the wide range of school options that we offer families. I look forward to working with both the district and HoLa to ensure we are working together collaboratively and avoid costly, contentious situations like these in the future.”
“Now is the time to focus our energy on making all of our schools even better, said Councilman Ravi Bhalla. “We should celebrate the parents and educators that work hard every day for our children. As a parent who has witnessed firsthand the excellence of both charter and traditional public schools, I appreciate the valuable contributions of all the schools in our community. While the issues raised in the lawsuit around school funding and demographics are important ones for us all to seriously consider, now that the Appellate Division has ruled on the merits, it’s time to move on. I look forward to working with all of our parents and educators in the years ahead.”
Councilman Jim Doyle and Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher did not provide the school with a statement as of press time.
Former Hudson Reporter building in Hoboken to get cycling gym and juice bar
There’s some juicy news to report. A plan was approved by the Hoboken Zoning Board recently that will allow a gym and a juice store to come into the former Hudson Reporter building at 14th and Washington streets in Hoboken, Jersey Digs reported.
The one-time bank building at the head of the city’s main thoroughfare will someday see a SoulCycle and a Juice Press. Both companies started in New York.
The two-story Beau-Arts building originally held the Hoboken Trust Company. From 1999 until last year, it was occupied by the Hudson Reporter chain of eight newspapers and three magazines, but the building was sold and the Hudson Reporter moved to renovated quarters on Broadway in Bayonne in May of 2016.
Hoboken mayoral candidate Ravi Bhalla unveils council slate
Hoboken mayoral candidate and Councilman Ravi Bhalla announced his slate of at-large council candidates on Wednesday July 12.
“Councilman Jim Doyle, Emily Ball Jabbour and John Allen are joining Bhalla in his fight to keep Hoboken moving forward,” stated the press release. “Together, [they] combine proven experience with new ideas and energy. That’s the right combination to keep Hoboken moving forward.”
Doyle was elected to the council in 2013. He serves as chair of the Masterplan/Zoning Ordinance Committee. He is an environmental attorney with more than 29 years of experience, working for both the US Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Jabbour is a senior social science research analyst for the Administration for Children and Families, part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. According to the press release, she also founded the Hudson County Chapter for the national grassroots organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. In this capacity, Jabbour has worked with local law enforcement to distribute gun safety materials across Hudson County and provide 200 gun locks to the Hoboken Police Department for distribution. Jabbour has also served as the HOPES Liaison for the Brandt Parent Consortium for the 2016 to 2017 school year.
Allen is an attorney at the law firm of Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP, where he specializes in the representation of governmental bodies, including boards of education and municipalities. He serves as a Hoboken Democratic Committeeman and is on the Board of Directors of Easter Seals New Jersey, a charitable organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities.
“Jim Doyle has been an outstanding and invaluable member of the City Council with an impressive record of accomplishment,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer in the press release. “Emily Jabbour and John Allen bring the skills, smarts and fresh approaches we need. They will be great additions to the council.”
After the slate was announced, mayoral candidate and Councilman DeFusco released a statement saying “It was difficult to contain my shock at hearing that Ravi Bhalla, a politically connected insider lawyer at one of New Jersey’s most powerful law firms, made the stunning choice to select a fellow political establishment attorney in John P. Allen for his council slate. Who could have ever guessed that a lawyer like Ravi, whose law firm was paid over $3.8 million in government contracts in 2016, would decide to run with a lawyer whose firm was also paid over $3.8 million in government contacts? A truly inspired, outside-the-box pick.”
State election finance reports confirmed the number.
Rob Horowitz, spokesperson for Bhalla and his slate responded via email stating “Once again Mike DeFusco is showing his true colors putting his naked ambition ahead of principle. DeFusco neglected to mention that two days ago he solicited the support of John Allen and his fiancée Tara Mullins for his campaign, asking them to host a meet and greet, and even going so far as dangling the prospect of a board appointment. Class is welcoming opponents into the race, not hypocritically attacking them on day one.”
DeFusco said he had not approached Allen for his slate.
“Neither myself or anyone from my campaign ever approached John Allen about running for council on our ticket,” wrote DeFusco in an email, “John’s fiancee, who is a personal friend, had contacted me several months ago about John’s interest in serving on a volunteer board. I inquired about potentially hosting a meet and greet event for our campaign. However once I became aware that John was running on Councilman Bhalla’s ticket I wished her well and ended the conversation. It’s disappointing to see false rumors like this being spread.”
DeFusco announces new slate-mate, answers questions
Councilman and mayoral candidate Michael DeFusco announced via his website last week that Andrew Impostato, who has lived in Hoboken for 10 years, will join him on his ticket for councilman-at-large. He had already announced his first slate-mate, Michael Flett, last month.
According to DeFusco’s website, Impostato resides in mid-town in Hoboken’s 3rd Ward with his wife Kristen and 1-year-old daughter Kiley.
Impostato worked for six years on Wall Street as a commodities futures and options salesman before he decided to follow his passion and pursue a career coaching basketball.
He has worked for the NBA coordinating community outreach and events, and coached varsity basketball at Hoboken High School and Pace University. He currently coaches at nationally-ranked Hudson Catholic High School.
In 2013, Impastato founded Next Basket Wins, an adult basketball league with more than 300 players and 200 youth participants.
DeFusco also answered some questions about his slate last week. Among them, some residents have voiced concerns because Flett voted for and donated money to the campaign of Donald Trump last year. Current Mayor Dawn Zimmer has fought aspects of Trump’s agenda that are harmful to area residents.
DeFusco responded to questions by email.
“Michael Flett has supported both Democrats, including Dawn Zimmer, and Republicans, who he believed would work to change the status quo and deliver better results on the issues he is most passionate about — like improving the economy and protecting our environment,” wrote DeFusco. “Anyone who knows Michael understands that he is a dedicated community leader and someone who is always working to give back to our city. As the first openly gay candidate for Mayor of Hoboken and a progressive Democrat, I know that just because Michael and I disagreed on a federal election that doesn’t change the fact that he would make an excellent council member and he is someone who I am excited to work closely with.”
DeFusco did not respond to a question of whether Flett still supports Trump, by press time.
Three at-large council seats are up for election in November along with the office of mayor.
“I’m very excited to announce Andrew Impastato as the latest addition to our council slate,” said DeFusco on Twitter July 6.
“Both Michael Flett and Andrew Impastato fit perfectly with our campaign’s mission of bringing new energy and new ideas to Hoboken,” DeFusco wrote. “They’re both deeply involved in our community and have shown the ability to create innovative solutions to challenging problems, from Michael Flett’s advocacy for renewable solar energy production to Andrew Impastato’s creation of a popular app that helps thousands of residents find parking.”
In 2016 Impastato created The Parking Dude LLC, a Hoboken based company and app that helps inform and notify residents and visitors to Hoboken of parking regulations to avoid tickets and help them park and maintain their car while in Hoboken.
DeFusco still has a third seat available on his ticket. Rumor was that seat may go to Councilman David Mello but DeFusco and Mello both denied this.
“We expect to announce our third council candidate in the coming weeks and Councilman Mello is not among the people being considered,” said DeFusco. “I believe that this election is about Hoboken’s future and I want our campaign to reflect that by advancing new leaders who will bring the energy and ideas our city needs, not the status quo approach that members of the current administration represent.”
Mello said last week that he plans to run for reelection but is still weighing his options.
He referenced his work for the southwest park and the open space amenities as part of the development at Seventh and Jackson streets.
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Hobokenites win medals after racing for a cause
Two Hoboken runners took home medals for the 5K USATF Timed Race at the 10th Annual Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure at Liberty State Park.
Lauren Bottitta, 28, finished in 21 minutes and 37 seconds to win First Place in the Women’s Division and Ben Dobson, 46, crossed the finish line with a time of 21:15.9, taking Third Place in the Men’s Division.
More than 2,000 people came out to Liberty State Park in Jersey City to attend the May 21 fundraiser, which raised more than $600,000 for the fight against breast cancer—an increase of $100,000 over the previous year.
Hob’art Gallery welcomes new exhibit
“Piece by Piece,” is a new exhibition by three artists which will open at the hob’art Gallery at 720 Monroe St on July 21.
The exhibit includes work from artists Lily Zane, France Garrido, and Steve Zane.
Lily Zane creates eerie and evocative collages and mixed media works of stitched silk organza and paper. Steve Zane uses a camera to piece together and illuminate the qualities of light, shade, and volume. Garrido executes mosaics that are rich in color, intention, and design using ceramic tile, glass, stone, and picassiette.
The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Sunday July 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For more information on the gallery, go to www.hob-art.org or email director@hobart.org.
Hoboken master tailor receives visit from county executive
Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise stopped by Genuardi Master Tailor in Hoboken following the closing of a $20,000 working capital loan to the company under the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation’s Million Dollar Challenge program.
Genuardi is a recent graduate of the Hudson County Entrepreneurship training program and winner of the Investors Bank/UCEDC quick pitch competition. His business is located on Observer Highway in Hoboken, and specializes in hand tailored, custom clothing.
Genuardi has dressed two U.S. presidents and a number of CEO’s in his career as a bespoke suit maker and master tailor. The HCEDC Million Dollar Challenge is designed to help small businesses flourish in Hudson County.
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.
