Happy Father's Day & Twitter

June 21, 2009 (Kearny NJ).  KOTW wishes every Father a Happy Father's Day.  The rain has stopped at least temporarily for today for a very sunny Father's Day.  Enjoy!

This weeks events in Iran and the use of Twitter as a means of communication inspired KOTW to join Twitter.  We are not exactly sure what the craze is all about truthfully but it apparently works.  See our twitter page at www.twitter.com/kearnyontheweb .  KOTW will twit every time their is an update to our main page or to our Discussion Board.  KOTW will also try to keep you informed on the nature of new posts and on hot topics.  If you already Twit, please sign in and follow us.

 

Kuehne Chemical Update

Source: AP/Mike Derer

June 19, 2009 (Kearny NJ)  This week the Center for American Progress reported on proposed Federal Legislation, The Chemical Facility Antiterrorism Act of 2009, which would push chemical companies to convert to safer alternative chemicals and processes.  The Center for American Progress featured the Kuehne Chemical plant in Kearny as an example of a facility that could be converted into a safer facility.  KOTW has long advocated this change.

Read the Center for American Progress article by clicking here.

 

Matthew LaClair to Host Radio Show

June 5, 2009 (Kearny, NJ) Matthew LaClair will be hosting this week's segment of Equal Time for Freethought,  (ETF), to be broadcast this Sunday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m. on WBAI radio, 99.5 FM.

This will be the third program that Matthew LaClair has hosted for ETF. The others (shows 297 and 301) can be heard at www.EqualTimeForFreethought.org , where the upcoming program will also be posted shortly after it is aired.

This weekend the Kearny High School Christian Club with its adviser David Paszkiewicz will be taking a road trip to the Creation Museum in Kentucky.  There has been a discussion on the propriety of such a trip on our Discussion Board.  Matthew LaClair's broadcast should be interesting. Paszkiewicz recently wrote a book entitled Hope for Heavy Hearts: Surviving Life's Trials.

Join the Discussion on our Discussion Board.  Can you believe that this story broke wide open in December of 2006 when the New York Times published a story on the controversy generated by Mathew LaClair's audio tapes of teacher David Paszkiewicz statements in his history class entitled Talk in Class Turns to God, Setting Off Public Debate on Rights'. The Discussion however had been going on for some time here on KOTW. In addition, then editor of the Observer, Kevin Canessa had written a couple of articles on the controversy.

Christie v. Corzine

Leadbeater v. Santos

June 3, 2009 (Kearny NJ).  There were not a lot of surprises locally on Primary Election Day.  Chris Christie won the Republican Primary for Governor and will face incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine in the November General Election.  In Kearny, John Leadbeater won the Republican Primary for Mayor and will face incumbent Democrat Alberto Santos.  Santos has a full slate of council candidates running with him.  Leadbeater has no council candidates on the ballot with him.  Apparently nobody submitted to run in the Republican primary for council.  Someone should have written themselves in and accepted the nomination and they would have been a candidate in November.

There have been some rumblings on KOTW's Discussion Board with respect to Leadbeater's challenge to Mayor Santos.  Given the Mayor's popularity, his organization and his resources, it is going to be tough job to unseat him.  Given the current state of Governor Corzine's popularity, it is ironic that one of the biggest detriments to Mayor Santos' campaign is that Corzine's running on his line. Chris Christie is sure to swing some votes for Republicans throughout the state including a few for Kearny's John Leadbeater.

KOTW welcomes Press Releases from candidates.

Join the Discussion on our Discussion Board.

 

Primary Election Day

 June 2, 2009 (Kearny NJ).  Do not forget to Vote Today.  It's Primary Election Day today.  The polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Memorial Day

 

Marines march in Kearny's Memorial Day Parade.  Photo by Connor Jay/Jersey Journal

Photo courtesy of Jersey Journal

For more photographs click here.

 

Elm Dodge on CBS Evening News

May 23, 2009 (Kearny NJ)  Elm Dodge has made the national news with a feature story on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.  Elm Dodge has been a fixture on Kearny Avenue for over 60 years and its owner Greg Signore is understandably upset that his dealership is being closed down by Chrysler.  Elm Dodge is one of eight hundred Chrysler dealers being closed. 

Can someone explain how closing 800 dealerships is going to save Chrysler?  Doesn't the dealer purchase vehicles from Chrysler and then sell them?  Why would you want 800 less purchasers?  Maybe Signore could argue to the very bright Chrysler executives that they can't close his dealership because he isn't a Chrysler dealership, he's a Dodge dealership.  Watch the newscast below and then join the discussion.

 

Red Bulls 0 Harrison's Trees -2

 

May 10, 2009 (Harrison NJ)  This week the Red Bulls's project  continued along South Frank E. Rodgers.   Contractor's struggled along Rodger's Boulevard to connect water and sewer lines for the Red Bull's stadium.  The water pumps ran at times 24 hours a day pumping what appeared to be a endless supply of water because of the low water line in front of the Red Bull Stadium.  Sewer and water pipes that had not been exposed for years revealed what appears to be some soil which contained the remnants of Harrison's industrial past.  The soil was very black and appeared to be soaked with oil.  Hopefully, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has been vigilant insuring that any polluted soil is removed and cleaned before being reused or dumped in our landfills.  Progress in Harrison has not come without a cost.

The Redevelopers have been assisted by the McDonough Administration at every turn.  Recently, the Mayor and Council  modified the town's Financial Agreement with Advance, who is the designated redeveloper for area in front of the Red Bull's stadium, to insure that the redevelopers do not pay any real property taxes (or more accurately Payments in Lieu of Taxes) by granting them the privilege of not getting taxed until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.  In effect, the Mayor and Council have circumvented, to the benefit of the redevelopers, the New Jersey tax law which requires a tax assessor to impose a partial tax on improvements made to a property.  Without this added assessment, Advance could stop construction at any point and not have to pay any property taxes until they decide to finish the project and actually sell the unit.  This privilege is not afforded to others in town, the county or state in similar circumstances. (Watch the video of the  April 7, 2009 meeting where the financial agreement was modified courtesy of Joe Wood's website www.HarrisonMeetings.com )

The Redevelopers placed some months back a mural on the fence in front of the Red Bull Stadium suggesting that the project will bring a "green" Harrison.  A distance from the "green" mural stood two mature trees which no doubt were planted over 100 years ago by some forward thinking individuals who hoped to bring some "green" to then industrial Harrison.  The trees have seen a steady stream of workers leaving the former Crucible Steel Factory, the Hartz Mountain plant, the Driver Harris plant, the Otis Elevator plant and its successors throughout the years.  The trees have endured the pollution generated by foundry and a pipe fitting operation and a constant stream of passenger vehicles and trucks along Rodgers Boulevard.  This week however traffic was stopped.  Crowds were kept away.  No ceremony was announced by Town officials, County Officials, Red Bulls officials, or the Advanced Group.  The two mature trees were severed at their base and their life cut short by a large chain saw.  There was no ceremony, no press release, no video on the Red Bulls' or town's website. Why?  Because the "green" mural is just an empty promise.  The Red Bulls and the redevelopers haven't provided for any green space in Harrison's redevelopment project.  The only green place in the Red Bulls stadium in the grass playing field that will be "off sides" and "out of bounds" for the average Harrisonian.  The developers have been granted every tax break imaginable (although we are sure they may be creative enough to come up with some more).  The Harrison taxpayers have bonded for every aspect of the project (including the infrastructure which was suppose to be built and paid for by the developers under their original agreement).  The cutting down of these two trees demonstrates the lack of respect the redevelopers have for the history of Harrison and its residents.  There is no respect for old Harrison.  The redevelopers have respect only for Harrison when they are asking for a handout.  Once they have received their handout they immediately loose all respect for Harrison.  In fact, they must be laughing at how easily they take advantage of Harrison's residents with the assistance of Harrison's Mayor Raymond McDonough and his administration.  What other town would have allowed these two mature healthy trees to be cut down?  What other town would have bonded for infrastructure which the developer agreed to pay for?  What other town would change a standing financial agreement that allows a redeveloper to take their sweet time in completing their project to the detriment of Harrison's average taxpayer at a time the town needs more tax revenue not less?

What do you think?  Join the Discussion on our Discussion Board.

 

Kearny Mourns

May 3, 2009 (Kearny NJ)  As we gather today like many Sundays with our families and friends one story reminds us how precious these moments in time are.   Yesterday, family, friends, the St. Stephen's Church community, and Kearny paid their last respects to five members of one family:  siblings Anna Kane,76, Rose Kane, 75, Francis Kane, 78, of Kearny and their sister Jeanette Urbano, 72 and her husband, Salvatore Urbano, 74 of Passaic.  On April 25, a tractor trailer accident on the New Jersey Turnpike in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey turned a joyful trip to a wedding into a tragic event that claimed their lives.  Our condolences to their family and friends. 

The Star Ledger ran a story highlighting the contributions made by the Kanes and Urbanos.  Truly a tragic story.  Of comfort, the knowledge that wonderful people still exist in our community working behind the scenes to help those in need.  May their goodness continue in the acts of those who they have helped throughout the years. 

Moving photographs of the funeral are also available courtesy of the Star Ledger.

 

School Board Election Results

April 23, 2009 (Kearny NJ)  The Kearny School Board election results are as follows:

- James Doran, Jr. 886 (23.16%)

- Paul Castelli 771 (20.16%)

-Lisa Anne Schalago 759 (19.84%)

- Jean C. McKeown 720 (18.82%)

- Rosemary Martins-Marks 683 (17.86%)

-Personal Choice 6     (0.16%)

The School Budget passed by a vote of  732 votes (54.67%) to 607 (45.33%).

As  usual there was a  low voter turnout for the School Board election.  Less than 1500 individuals  turned out to vote.  There is a discussion on our discussion board regarding the low voter turnout.  New Member I Know started off the discussion with the following post:

Out of 38,394 registered Kearny voters, only 1,561 actually took the time to vote in the Board of Education election. That is 4% of the total registered voters. All 38,294 registered voters were sent a sample ballot by the County Board of Elections so its not as though those that didn't vote didn't know there was an election. Even more pathetic is that out of those who voted, only 1,299 cast a vote on the Bd. of Ed. budget. That works out to 3.4%. So this means 1,299 registered voters approved a budget of over $47,000.000. The Bd. of Ed. budget is over 47% of the total tax doller in Kearny and despite all of the wailing over tax bills, the reality is that only a tiny percentage of people actually will take the few minutes it takes to go to the polls and vote.

Although I Know's numbers on registered voters is incorrect, the idea that a very small percentage of voters exercise their right to vote in school board elections is something that has been pointed out on KearnyOnTheWeb before.  Many residents don't exercise their right to vote for a variety of reasons.  First, people generally do not vote even in primary and general elections unless its a Presidential Election. Secondly, there is very little publicity generated by a school board election.  Thirdly, the election is held in April.  Fourthly, the polls are only open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (not the traditional 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Ironically, the School Board election is probably more important to Kearny's property taxpayers than is the Primary or General Election.  Over forty percent of the town's budget goes to education.  A small group of voters, many with special interests to continue the status quo, decide who sits on the board of education.  An incumbent who steps out of line, or out of favor, can be defeated by an organized group of individuals interested in maintaining an even expanding the school budget.  The solution: move School Board elections to November and the voter turnout will be greater and you can save the expense of paying poll workers twice.

What do you think? Join the Discussion on our Discussion Board.

 

Schools Closed

March 2, 2009 (West Hudson) Due to the snow storm, the Harrison, Kearny and East Newark public schools are closed.

The Harrison Weather Station is forecasting 6 to 10 inches of snow with blowing winds before the snow tapers off this evening.  The Temperature is expected to be around 19 degrees throughout the day. For more detailed and updated information visit the Harrison Weather Station hosted by the WeatherBug.

 

Update:

Harrison's New Website &

More Bending Over (Backwards?)

March 1, 2009 (Harrison NJ) It's official.  The www.HarrisonNJonline.com website uncovered by one of our readers is the town's new official website.  The town's official web address hasn't changed ( www.TownofHarrison.com ) but the content has been updated.  KOTW notes that there is no link to prior or future meeting agendas but what can one expect from the McDonough administration that is proud of a  record number of last minute Special Meetings to pass substantial ordinances.  The most recent Special Meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 was centered around allowing the Town of Harrison to bond an additional $8,500,000.00 for Infrastructure Improvements for developer Harrison Commons, LLC and CJUF II Harrison Phase I Urban Renewal, LLC, a subsidiary of Canyon Johnson Urban Fund.  The developer is constructing two mixed use buildings consisting of approximately 477 residential units and 35,000 square feet of street level retail space.  Under the current economic crisis, it is not clear whether there is a need for any further housing but so long as the developers are using taxpayer money they will continue to spend.

The special meeting also passed a resolution dealing with a revised financial agreement between the Town of Harrison and developer Advance at Harrison Urban Renewal I, LLC. which dealt with prior tax abatements given to the developer and the priority of the town's lien on the property.  Advance is suppose to build 583 residential rental apartments, 300 room hotel, 595 residential condo and 457,100 square fee of commercial space.  The special meeting also allowed the developer to put in temporary blacktop sidewalks, temporary lights rather than the required permanent sidewalks and lighting previously required by the planning board and mayor and council.  Temporary usually becomes permanent.  Why should the developers be allowed to put in temporary sidewalks and lighting.  Would a regular property owner get the right to put in a temporary blacktop sidewalk?  We think not.  The McDonough Administration continues to bend over (backwards?) for the developers while taxpayers continue to see increased property taxes while the developers get tax abatements.

The town's new website has an Announcement section but there is no information in the section as of today.  Along South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd., electronic and regular signage announced that there will be no metered parking effective March 9, 2009 for street improvements.  There is no information on the town's website.  How long will the town not receive revenue from the meters along Rodgers Blvd?  When will construction be conducted?  At night? During the day?  During rush hour?  How much will it cost the Town of Harrison in terms of police overtime?  Whose paying for the overtime? How long will the construction project last?  PSE&G is also installing new utility poles from Rodgers Blvd towards the new Red Bull stadium.  With such a modern stadium you would think that they would have run underground cable.  Another detail that the McDonough Administration forgot to ask for in their negotiations with the MetroStar owners predecessors to the Red Bulls?

For those interested in reading the February 24, 2009 Town of Harrison's meeting agenda you can do so by clicking here. You need an updated version of Acrobat Reader to download the file. 

  New Official Website?

February 15, 2009 (Harrison NJ).  One of our readers sent us an email with what appears to be the new Town of Harrison official website.  The website www.HarrisonNJonline.com is a fancier version of the Town's current website.  The design is more user friendly.  We are unsure whether the website is actually going to be the town's official website since there has been no announcement from town hall that there was a new website in the works.  KOTW hopes that the new website will link to KearnyOnTheWeb. Open government is in style so we hold out hope but won't hold our breath. 

Another website www.DailyHarrison.com has sprouted up.  The website's design is very cool.  The content is borrowed from other websites.  The sites About page states that:

Dailyharrison.com is the leading destination on the Web for everything you need to know about the Town of Harrison. Whether you are a resident, a student, a business friend or just a visitor, our goal is to provide you with up-to-date information on: Town news, town meetings, current and upcoming events, recreational activities, local sports, businesses information and much more.

Well, KOTW thought we were the leading destination on the Web for everything you need to know about the Town of Harrison.  But I guess that KOTW is the leading destination of the Web for everything that do not want you to know about Harrison.

The About page goes on to quote Thomas Jefferson:

"An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will.. . . The People cannot be safe without information. When the press is free, and every man is able to read, all is safe."

We welcome DailyHarrison.com to the internet community.  We look forward to getting a link soon.

 

Barnes and Noble Valentine Gift Specials

Pre-Valentine Clearance Sale - Up to 75% OFF Retail

 

To Link or Not to Link:

A Dilemma for Kearny's Official Town Website

January 20, 2009 (Kearny, NJ).  This week our member Town Tec, the webmaster for Kearny's Official Town Website, announced that the official Kearny Town Website would not contain a link to Kearny On The Web.  The rationale for not linking KOTW was set forth by the town's website as follows:

"The KOTW shouldn’t be in the town website, anyone can say anything here good or bad though mostly bad. The town web site is a place where one can get information about the town and should put a positive light on the town. In the KOTW anyone can say anything without any fact check. I posted an article about my friend / coworker that died and underneath my post it still say’s “Reason for edit: KOTW Note: The above information has not been confirmed. “ It was posted in the Observer and anyone can call the town itself to get it verified yet it still has the statement. If companies really believe half the stuff they post in here no one will ever want to come to Kearny let alone live here. My job is to help the town and employees, do you think it would be wise to post a website were anyone can say anything without any fact checking. There one article here in the forum about the town getting sue for 25 million dollars, but for some reason it miss all the papers.
KOTW link is posted in the library website because the library is for community discussion good or bad."

Our response posted on our Discussion Board to the above statement:

"I am disappointed that Kearny's official website will not have a link to KOTW. I'm glad that Google thinks that KOTW has relevant information on Kearny NJ. Do a search on Google for Kearny NJ and KOTW is number four. Obviously, people are finding KOTW without a link from the Town of Kearny's official town website.

KOTW has always been about allowing individuals to discuss issues without censorship. There have been and will continue to be some excellent discussions on KOTW. Most (if not all) of the information posted on KOTW is accurate. KOTW continues to play an important role in our community.

Please state the guidelines (requirements) necessary to get a link on the town's website. Please state who decides whether one has met those guidelines (requirements)."

As of today, Town Tec has not responded to what the guidelines are for getting a coveted link on the Town of Kearny's official website.

Let us know what you think the guidelines should be for getting a link on the town's website. Join the Discussion.
 

Happy New Year

January 1, 2009. (Harrison, NJ).  KOTW wishes everyone a Happy New Year.

 

Happy Hanukkah

&

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2008. (Kearny, NJ)  KOTW wishes everyone a Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas.  I especially want to give thanks for those who have supported KOTW throughout the years.  Some have supported KOTW by taking time to express their opinion on our Discussion Board.  Others have purchased some of the KOTW merchandise or made purchases by clicking on our advertisers.  Every purchase insures the future success of KearnyOnTheWeb.  I hope that everyone enjoys this Holiday Season.  Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones this year, the holiday season is especially tough.  Remember to reach out to a neighbor or friend to share some of the holiday spirit.  We give thanks for all that we have.

 

Kuehne Chemical:

Still One of Most Dangerous Plants in U.S.A.

December 6, 2008 (Kearny NJ).  The Kuehne Chemical plant in South Kearny is once again in the news.  The Center for American Progress released a report entitled Chemical Security 101: What You Don’t Have Can’t Leak, or Be Blown Up by Terrorists.  Kuehne Chemical is one of the companies on the list of 101 most dangerous chemical plants in the United States.  Readers of KOTW have long been aware of the potential for a disaster.  It is disturbing that little has been done to ensure the safety of the public from a terrorist attack on the Kuehne Chemical plant.  KOTW has long advocated for a public-private partnership with the owners of Kuehne to convert their chemical plant to a facility which does not house large quantities of chlorine gas on site.  The Center for American Progress report agrees with KOTW's recommendation: the Kuehne plant should be retrofit to produce bleach by using salt and electricity rather than from chlorine gas which would eliminate a terrorist target-- the storage and transportation of large quantities of chlorine gas in and around the plant.  The Center for American Progress also recommends the phasing out of the distribution of chlorine gas.  Both Senator Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez have attempted to make the plant safer but progress has been slow.  It seems that America is reactive rather than proactive.  Being reactive especially with a chemical plant that has the potential of effecting 12,000,000 lives is simply irresponsible on the verge of being criminal. 

For those who continue to think that there is no need for governmental intervention in the chemical industry,  read the December 4, 2008 Jersey Journal article entitled Chlorine Plant tries to Head Off Fines.  Kuehne was cited and fined by OSHA for thirty three worker safety and health violations.  One of the more disturbing violations was the failure to secure one-ton containers of liquid chlorine on forklift trucks to prevent them from falling off.  The spokesman for Kuehne stated that the violations were mostly "paperwork violations".    

KOTW hopes that the Obama Administration will work closely with Senators Lautenberg and Menendez to secure the Kuehne Chemical plant.  The lives of at least 12 million people depend upon it.

For more information on the Kuehne Chemical plant visit our Environment page and let us know what you are thinking at our Discussion Board.

Obama Wins

November 5, 2008 (Kearny, NJ).  Barack Obama has won the election for President of the United States.  In a very heartfelt speech, Senator John McCain conceded the election late last night to Obama.  It is truly an historic moment.  The first black President of the United States.  More historic then that is that many of us do not measure him by the color of his skin but how eloquently he speaks and inspires us to believe in the promise of America.  Both John McCain and Barack Obama were excellent candidates.  Obama will undoubtedly reach out to McCain for help in dealing with the challenges facing our nation and the world.  Obama's character is exactly what our nation needs.  His demeanor is soothing.  His intelligence refreshing.  His humble beginnings inspiring.   Tonight, our nation proved that we are still the greatest democracy in the world.  That in itself has jumped started the world's moral and economic recovery.

What do you think?  Join us on our Discussion Board.

 

Election Day:

Heavy Turnout Expected

 

November 4, 2008 (Kearny, NJ).  A heavy turnout is expected today in the Presidential Election.  For months, our Discussion Board has been alive with discussions, sometimes heated discussions, on the merits of voting for Barack Obama or John McCain for President.  No matter who wins, this Presidential Election will be historic.  What makes America great is the freedom to have an opinion and the ability to express it freely.  As one enters the voting booth today let us not forget how important our right to vote is and how many individuals died or suffered greatly to secure the right to cast their vote.  If you haven't voted yet, don't wait because there are a lot of first time voters casting their votes in record numbers which is expected to create long lines.  Vote during the middle of the afternoon before five o'clock if possible as a morning and evening rush is expected.

If you are not sure where to vote both Barack Obama's and John McCain's websites have a section where you can put in your address and it will tell you the location of your polling place.  Obama's does not require you to put in your last name to get the voting location only your address.

Please use our Discussion Board to tell us your experience and thoughts about the election and voter turnout in your polling location.

 

Last Minute Agenda Publication

 

October 18, 2008 (Harrison, NJ).  Mayor Raymond McDonough continues business as usual in Harrison.  Yesterday's Special Council Meeting included the required Public Hearing on the Town Budget.  The only problem was that most of the Town's residents were unaware of the Special Top Secret Council Meeting.  With the exception of 2nd Ward Councilmembers Steve and Maria McCormick, Mayor McDonough has no opposition on the council and continues to skirt the requirements of the State's Sunshine Law.  Notification of and the Agenda for Friday's Special Meeting was not posted on the Town's website until late Friday afternoon just in time for residents to read it on Saturday morning.  Open Government is not a word Mayor McDonough wants to understand.  The town's website has yet to publish a copy of the actual town budget.  If you want to read the actual town budget, you can go to the Town Library and the staff there will allow you to read it in the library.  Most town's publish the Town Budget weeks in advance on their town websites. 

Click here to read the Agenda for the Friday October 17th Special 5 p.m. Meeting.  Hurry as the Agenda will be deleted as soon as possible for the Town's website.

 

Special Top Secret

Council Meeting

 

October 16, 2008 (Harrison, NJ).  Mayor Raymond McDonough and the Harrison Town Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow Friday, October 17, 2008 at 5 p.m. in Town Hall.  The exact nature of the meeting is unknown because as of the close of business today, Thursday October 16th, the Town Clerk had not published the Agenda on the Town's website.  The Town's website also failed to mention the Special Meeting in its Town Calendar or Meeting Date section.

It is not unusual for the McDonough Administration to hold Special Friday meetings.  In fact this year, the Mayor and Council have held five special meetings.  Tomorrow's meeting with be the sixth Special Meeting this year.  Critics of McDonough Administration point out that the Special Meetings are held on Fridays at 5 or 6 p.m. purposely to reduce attendance by town residents.  It works.  Important issues including redevelopment, bonding and the town's budget have been the content of the special meetings.  Despite the state requirement that the town announce its meetings on the Town's website, the town webmaster fails to do so.  Agendas from past meetings are not archived and immediately removed once the meeting is held.  The Webmaster apparently has no problem with deleting informational items.  It is adding informative and timely items that he has a problem with.  Obviously, the Webmaster reports to the administration whose interests he is upholding.

If an Agenda is published, KOTW will publish the agenda.  Until then we can only imagine what important item of town business will be discussed (or not discussed) and passed at the unannounced Special Friday evening meeting.

 

Star Ledger Owes

McDonough Administration An Apology

October 15, 2008 (Harrison, NJ).  In an article published last year in the Star Ledger entitled "Little town a big target in hunt for corruption" reporters Jeff Whelan, Rick Hepp, and John P. Martin wrote that investigators were eyeing the McDonough administration for corruption.  Mayor Raymond McDonough denied in an Observer article that there was any investigation.  Almost a year later it appears that Mayor McDonough was correct.  There has been no news since the Star Ledger article was published on October 22, 2007.  Mayor McDonough's Administration has made no changes and business as usual continues.  The Star Ledger reporters stated in their article that "federal and state investigators have recently trained their sights" on Harrison.  If there is a federal or state investigation, there has been no indictments.

Many supporters of Mayor McDonough were upset with the Star Ledger article.  Since it has been almost a year since the article and there have been no indictments, the Star Ledger reporters owe the McDonough administration an apology.  Since the article was published, there have been no follow up articles.  Indeed the Star Ledger has not reported on Harrison since the article.  No reporter from the Star Ledger attends town council or redevelopment meetings.  It appears that the article that appeared last year was a cheap shot at the McDonough administration just before the November General Election.  The Star Ledger has for years ignored Harrison.  One wonders what source the Star Ledger used for its article.  Apparently not a good one.  The article appears to have been politically motivated.

What do you think?  Join us at our Discussion Board.

 

Harrison Settlements

September 25, 2008 (Harrison, NJ)  As promised here are the settlement amounts for Anthony DeRose, Manny Amaral and Steven Adler.  DeRose will receive 1.4 million for his property on Sixth Street.  Amaral will receive 4.5 million for his property along South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd.   Steven Adler will receive an initial 5 million to settle the "blight" count of his complaint.  In addition, Adler and the Harrison Redevelopment Agency will submit to arbitration two issues: 1. the value of Adler's buildings which have been demolished. 2. The contribution (if any) that Adler must make to the cost of removing contaminated soil from his properties. 

Adler has contended that his building were worth an additional 14 million dollars and that the cost of removing contaminated soil is limited  to what would have been necessary if he continued to utilize his properties for parking and light industrial uses.  The remediation that has been done is more costly since the properties will be used for residential purposes.  It is estimated that Adler may be awarded another 10 million dollars or so after arbitration is completed.  It is not clear whether the designated redevelopers will be solely responsible for the payment of the settlements or whether taxpayer dollars will be used.

The Observer ran a very comprehensive story in this week's edition entitled Harrison Commons Lawsuit settled  The Observer has not always gotten both sides of the Harrison Redevelopment story.  This week's article is balanced.

Beth Higgins

September 25,2008 (Harrison, NJ).  KOTW has received information from a reliable source that Harrison's Chief Financial Officer, Beth Higgins, will be vacating her position before the end of the year.  The official reason being given is that Higgins is vacating the position for personal reasons. 

Beth Higgins is the sister of Peter Higgins who is the Chairman of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency.   Peter Higgins and Mayor Raymond McDonough were the subject of a Star Ledger article almost a year ago which suggested that there was an ongoing Federal investigation in Harrison.  Mayor McDonough denied that there was an ongoing investigation or any wrongdoing.  Since then the Star Ledger has not followed up with any additional articles and it appears that Mayor McDonough was correct in his assertion that his administration was not under investigation.

 

DeRose, Amaral & Adler Settle:

Challenge to Harrison Redevelopment Ends

 

September 13, 2008 (Harrison, NJ).  A reliable source has informed KOTW that Anthony De Rose, Manny Amaral, and Steven Adler have settled their litigation against the Harrison Redevelopment Agency and Harrison Commons Inc and Harrison Commons LLC.  The settlements provide for substantial increases in the amount of money being paid for the properties located adjacent to the Harrison Path Station.  The Harrison Redevelopment Agency and Harrison Commons had come under increased pressure to move the redevelopment project forward to meet the town's commitment to the Red Bulls to provide a parking garage for its fans.  In addition, there were several recent decisions including a decision dealing with redevelopment in Long Branch which aided landowners in their battle to keep their properties.  The settlement assures that the construction of the parking garage and additional housing will be built alongside the Harrison Path station.  KOTW will publish the exact terms of the settlements as soon as they are made public.

Rendering from Applied Development on Harrison Commons Development

Harrison Commons is a joint venture between the principals Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, LP, Pegasus, Endeavour, LLC, Applied Harrison, LLC and Harrison Commons, LLC

There was an article in the Jersey Journal entitled Harrison, property owner end eminent domain fight about the Amaral settlement.

 

Harrison  & East Newark

September 11 Memorial Ceremony

 

September 9, 2008 (Harrison, NJ).  Councilwoman Carol Mandaglio announced that the Mayor and Council will hold a memorial candlelight vigil on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in front of the 9/11 Memorial located on Harrison Avenue at the Library Park Green.

The memorial event will be held rain or shine and all are welcome to attend.  The vigil will be dedicated to the all who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Mayor Joseph Smith announced that the  East Newark Mayor and Borough Council will hold a special ceremony  for the seventh anniversary of September 11th at the East Newark Borough Hall on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.

Robert B. Knapp will be Master of Ceremony. Guest speakers will be Mayor Joseph R. Smith and reverent clergy and officials from various veterans groups. Mayor Joseph R. Smith, Shirley F. Becker and Charles Bubenas of Post #36 will place wreaths.
 

Students and staff from the East Newark Public School will attend and participate in this remembrance ceremony. The public is invited to attend this ceremony.

At this time it is unclear whether Mayor Alberto Santos and the Kearny Council will also be holding a memorial ceremony.  Kearny's town website did not have any information on their town calendar.  If anyone knows, please email us.

 

Track Tropical Storm Hanna

September 6, 2008 (Kearny, NJ)  Tropical Storm Hanna is suppose to produce 40 mph winds and dump 4 to 6 inches of rain in the West Hudson Area.  You can track the storm by visiting the Harrison Weather Center on the web.

KOTW will also attempt to post member and guest storm reports on our Discussion Board.

 

COAH Gives Swift Kick to Red Bulls

September 5, 2008 (Harrison, NJ)  According to Senator Steven Oroho of the 24th Legislative District, the recent COAH regulations would impose a 2.5% tax on the Red Bulls stadium in Harrison.  The Senator estimates that the 2.5% tax will add another 5 million dollars to the cost of building the stadium. 

Senator Oroho stated that “Piling new taxes on the Red Bull Park project only serves to undermine the $39.4 million in taxpayer-financed bonds that have already been invested to acquire the stadium site. These bonds are secured by future in-lieu-of-tax payments from the stadium and the larger Harrison Metrocentre public/private development project. Instead of talking about urban redevelopment and smart growth projects, maybe the politicians in Trenton should stop taxing them".

Senator Oroho is a Republican from Sussex County.  The Senator is referring to a provision in the proposed COAH regulations which would require the building of additional affordable housing units based upon the value of commercial improvements in addition to units already required because of new residential units being built.  At the September 2, 2008 Harrison Mayor and Council meeting, Mayor Raymond  McDonough stated, when asked by Councilman Steven McCormick how the town was going to meeting the requirements of COAH given all the additional housing being purposed in the redevelopment area,  that Harrison was not going to have to comply with the COAH regulations.  Mayor McDonough did not elaborate on why Harrison would be exempted.

The Observer ran an article this week on the effect of the new COAH regulations on the proposed housing redevelopment project in East Newark.  Mayor Joseph Smith stated, "This isn’t a case of economics because the community here is a poor community if you look at the census,” he said. “How can these taxpayers subsidize the affordable units?”  Mayor Smith may want to take Mayor McDonough's position.  Move forward blindly and ignore COAH entirely in hopes that either the COAH regulations do not take effect or you are retired by the time the taxpayers figure out that you have gotten them in expensive lawsuit and vote you out of office.
 

To visit Senator Oroho's blog click here.

 

Lester M. Entin Associates v. Red Bulls

 

September 3, 2008 (Harrison, NJ)  At the end of August 2008, the Red Bulls held a ceremonial laying of the first beam on the Red Bulls Stadium site  in Harrison.  The Star Ledger ran an article entitled Soccer Team takes a Step Towards its Goal by Maura McDermott. At yesterday's council meeting, a resolution was passed for an operating agreement between the Town of Harrison and the owners of the Red Bulls.  Attached to the town's resolution was a detailed planning board resolution which revealed some interesting facts about the redesigned Red Bull's stadium.

It is clear that despite the Red Bulls moving forward with the stadium a challenge by its neighbor Lester M. Entin Associates (Entin) may derail the project.  Entin has raised several issues which challenge the stadium.  Among those issues are the following:

That off-tract parking facilities approved for use by Stadium patrons were allegedly "unaccounted for."

That the approved plans for off-tract parking constituted nothing but a promise.

That, by approving the off-tract parking plan, the Board was "forcing blighted areas designed for redevelopment to remain 'as is'.

That, by approving a plan for off-tract parking for Stadium use outside the Stadium District, the Board effectively granted a use variance.

That the Board improperly excluded evidence that the Stadium will allegedly be unsafe because it is too close to a Public Service Electric & Gas Company ("PSE&G") gas storage facility.

That the Board improperly excluded evidence as to whether the interior of the Stadium complies with the Uniform Construction Code ("UCC").

The Harrison Planning Board dismisses the challenges but it is unclear whether a Superior Court judge will likewise dismiss them.

The Harrison Planning Board resolution makes for interesting reading.  The two major issues raised by Entin is that if the taking by eminent domain of the Adler and Amaral properties is overturned by Judge Maurice Gallipoli because the town fails to prove the area was blighted, the planned parking garage to be utilized by the Red Bulls will not be built. In addition, and more troubling that trying to find a parking spot during a soccer game is that the stadium is located next to a PSEG natural gas facility which poses a high security risk to stadium attendees.

The DeRose/ Adler/ Amaral trial is scheduled to start next week before Judge Gallipoli.  At issue is whether the Town of Harrison's Redevelopment Agency can prove that the properties taken by eminent domain were blighted. 

A trivia question:  How many parking spaces are the Red Bulls providing next to their stadium?  The answer is in the Harrison Planning Board resolution.  You will be surprised on how little on site parking there will be.

 

Harrison Meeting Has Full Agenda

September 2, 2008 (Harrison, NJ)  After a two month hiatus, the Harrison Mayor and Council return to a full agenda for their September 2, 2008 meeting. 

Of particular interest is the proposed acceptance of a Development Agreement between the Town of Harrison and the Red Bulls.  The Red Bulls began construction of a 25,000 seat stadium on the former Guyon Steel property at the intersection of South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd and Cape May Street.  Shouldn't the Red Bulls have had approval of the Development Agreement before they started construction?  The development agreement is suppose to set forth who will be responsible for infrastructure improvements necessary for the project.  Since the redevelopment agreement was mentioned but not posted on the town's website there are no details to report at this time.  Hopefully the town clerk will post the redevelopment agreement on the town's website before tonight's meeting.

Another interesting item on the Agenda is the settlement of litigation between the owners of the Hampton Inn and the Town for overbilling of water and sewer charges.  It appears that the hotel has been overbilled to the tune of $122,510.  Quite a piece of change that needs to be made up by Harrison's taxpayers.  What other water meters in town are not working correctly?  Luckily in another resolution the town is moving funds from several capital improvement accounts dating back to 1990 totaling $197,217.96.  It makes you wonder who is auditing the books that would allow money not used for its original purpose to just sit for over 18 years in an account.  Let's hope it was an interest bearing account. 

Another item of interest is the granting of a 50 year right of way to Fiber Technology Networks (FiberTech) a New York Company for the purposes of running fiber optic cable through out the Town of Harrison.  The Right of Way agreement (unlike the Red Bulls Agreement) was attached to the meeting agenda posted on the Town's website.   

Several companies including CJUF II Harrison Holdings LLC, US Title Solutions, J&J Real Estate Development LLC are receiving refunds of overpayment of real estate taxes.  The most substantial being US Title Solutions who overpaid $31,105.80 to the town for the 2008 3rd Quarter.  The auditors at US Title Solutions are a little quicker at finding accounting errors than the town auditors.

A last item of note, is the increase in the cost of resurfacing of Cross and William Streets.  The town replaced entire sidewalks along Cross and William Streets last month.  Many residents were surprised by the town replacement of perfectly good sidewalks by A & J Contractors Group, Inc.  Some of the residents have even questioned the quality of the work.  A & J Contractors Group, Inc. is seeking an additional $58,630.76 on top of the $219, 864.00 it received already.  In a town that is supposedly financially strapped why would you spend money destroying perfectly good sidewalks to replace them with sidewalks of questionable quality.  Why would you even consider paying the contractor more money?  Some of the questions hopefully the taxpayers will get answers to at the Mayor and Council meeting.

To view of Agenda for the September 2, 2008 Harrison Mayor and Council meeting click here.

 

Private Schools Cost Less

August 14, 2008 (Harrison, NJ)  The Department of Education released budget information for school districts throughout New Jersey.  In Harrison, the cost per student has risen to $16,898 per student compared to Kearny which is $11,725 and East Newark which is $9,705.  Harrison is an Abbott District while Kearny and East Newark are not.

The Department of Education has also published administrative salaries. The following are Harrison's administrative salaries.

Anthony Comprelli	Superintendent	$        173,960
Fred Confessore	Asst Superintendent	$        158,794
Christine Griffin	Business Administrator	$        138,000
Michael Pichowicz	Asst Business Administrator	$        128,960
Michael Dolaghan	Supervisor of maintenance	$         82,740
Gloria Confessore	Secretary	$         91,518

Please note that not included above is the salary of former Business Administrator Peter Higgins.  Higgins retired and was hired back as a consultant on the district's school projects.  It is not clear whether he continues in that role to date.

In Kearny, the administrative salaries are as follows:

Robert Mooney	Superintendent	$        165,397
Dr. Ingrid Kiss	Assistant Superintendent	$        153,971
Karen Yeamans	Business Administrator/Board	$        123,600
Mark Bruscino	Director of Plant Operations	$         81,698

In East Newark, the administrative salaries are as follows:

Salvatore Montagna	Interim Supt	$         65,000
Anthony Dachille	Interim BA	$         37,500
Richard Corbett	Missing Title	$         75,000

One has to question given the cost per student whether it would make more sense to close down the public schools and simply give parents vouchers to send their kids to the best private schools in New Jersey.  In Harrison, it is particularly troubling to see that the district needs two superintendents and two business administrators making over six figures.

In addition, Councilman Michael Dolaghan is now the Supervisor of Maintenance.  What prior job experience did Michael Dolaghan have to qualify for the position?  If the position is needed why wasn't someone hired from within the school district to fill the position?  We all know why.  In Harrison, it isn't what you know but who you know.

Harrison is an Abbott District.  In an Abbott District it pays to fail.  If you improve your test scores, you could be stripped of your Abbott District designation and thus your funding.  In School Board politics, it is better not to educate so that you can maintain your six figure salary.  If Administrators were paid on the basis of how well their students learned, more emphasis would be put on educating students.  Our current education system is flawed.  The ideal expressed in the Abbott case was laudable.  But politics has turned it into a cash cow for the select few in the inner political circles.  Think about this:  If the Abbott funding was taken from Harrison, how much would the average taxpayer's bill rise? Remember in Harrison, Kearny and East Newark, the taxes include expenses from the school district.  A large portion of Harrison's school budget is paid through Abbott funding and thus not included in the property tax bill.

What do you think? Join us in our Discussion Board.

 

What's Mike Rodgers Thinking?

 

August 10, 2008 (Harrison NJ).  Harrison Garden's Executive Director and former Councilmember Mike Rodgers this week has continued to enforce the prohibition apparently in the public housing lease agreement that prohibits tenants from flying flags outside their apartments.  Harrison Garden's resident Marie O'Brien wanted to fly the American Flag outside her apartment in honor of her daughter, Jennifer, who will be serving in the armed forces starting next month.  In any other neighborhood, the American flag would be welcomed.  Not in the Harrison Garden's neighborhood.  Here is where a rule needs to be broken.  Let Rodgers or any Harrison Public Housing official and/or worker take down Marie O'Brien's American flag.  In this turbulent time of war, how can Mike Rodgers deny a mother the right to fly the American Flag in honor of her daughter.  Rodgers should be ashamed of himself and should immediately apologize and change the Housing Agency's policy.  What is Mike Rodgers thinking?  Can such a rule be enforceable in a court of law?  What judge is going to tell Marie O'Brien that she has to vacate her apartment because she flew an American flag outside her apartment.  How un-American would that be?  Mike Rodgers is simply wrong.  Harrison needs more American flags being flown in honor of individuals like Jennifer O'Brien who are serving our country.  Prohibiting her mother from flying the American flag just makes no sense. 

Links to Jersey Journal Article & Editorial, click below:

Can't Fly Old Glory

Let the Flags Fly

What do you think?  Join the Discussion on KOTW's Discussion Board.

 

Fundraisers for Victor Muniz

Yes We Can

July 13, 2008 (Kearny NJ).  A fundraiser has been scheduled for July 25, 2008 for Victor Muniz.  Muniz, a Kearny Resident , was struck and paralyzed by a tree while in West Hudson Park after a sudden thunderstorm.  Muniz has vowed to walk again and is undergoing intensive physical therapy at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange.  Muniz's words are inspirational.  In a NJ.com video entitled Hope for a Man Paralyzed by Storm, Victor Muniz states, "Everything happens for a reason.  I think I am going to get better and I am going to learn how to grow during the whole process.  I want to be a ... motivational speaker.  Yes, I am definitely walking."  Watch the short picture video (below). Visit Victor Muniz's MySpace page.

There is an opportunity presented to the West Hudson community in Victor Muniz's tragic circumstances.  Victor's life changed suddenly.  Victor's immediate reaction upon learning that he was paralyzed was to fight to walk again.  Victor is fortunate to have close family and friends.  Victor is also fortunate to be close to one of the top rehabilitation facilities in the nation, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.  Actor Christopher Reeves performed his rehabilitation at Kessler.  The staff at Kessler is top notch.  Kessler exists because New Jersey's auto insurance paid for expensive surgical and rehabilitative services.  Victor however has no such coverage.  He needs the community's help in making sure that he receives the best care possible.  It is time for the KOTW community to step up and participate in raising the necessary funds that will give Victor the best chance of walking.  Victor is doing his part.  Victor's part is much more difficult then ours.  KOTW calls on our readers to attend the fundraiser scheduled for July 25th and donate as much as possible.

KOTW also calls upon the politicians of West Hudson to schedule a fundraiser for September whose goal should be to raise $250,000 towards Victor's medical bills.  Possibly, our local politicians could use their contacts in neighboring Essex County to have the event held in the Prudential Center Arena.  What better venue to symbolize doing the impossible.  How many people doubted that the Rock would be built?  It stands today as a symbol of what can be done when men and women of courage say, "Yes, we can."  Victor Muniz's fundraiser can be held simply in the public areas of the arena with local restaurants providing refreshments and food.  The goal of raising $250,000 is realistic.  Harrison's Democratic Party last year raised over $200,000 in contributions which it turned over to the Hudson County Democratic Party.  The political connections that exist in West Hudson can surely raise $250,000 for this great cause.  To the politicians who are saying "why should we do a fundraiser", "it's not possible", "people won't come", just simply watch the NJ.com video (below) and say "Yes, we can.  Yes, we will raise $250,000 for Victor Muniz to walk again."

Hope for Man Paralyzed by Storm

 

WABC-TV News Story video on Victor Muniz.

 

Another Harrison Special Meeting:

June 30th at Noon

June 25, 2008 (Harrison NJ).  Mayor Raymond McDonough has scheduled another Special Council Meeting.  The latest Special Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2008 at 12 noon.  According to the Agenda posted on the town's website, the meeting will be for the sole purpose of voting on an Ordinance establishing Guyon Drive, Metrocentre Plaza, Crucible Drive and new portions of South Fifth and South Sixth streets.

Special Meeting:

Friday at 6 p.m.

June 12, 2008. (Harrison NJ)  In our story entitled Oh get with it, will ya? we stated that there was no regular Harrison Council meeting until September 2008 unless the Mayor scheduled a Friday at 5 p.m. meeting.  Well we were off by an hour.  Mayor Raymond McDonough has scheduled a meeting for tomorrow June 13th at 6 p.m.  The Agenda which includes several Bonding Ordinances is available by clicking here. 

The Kearny Journal published a story on the June 5th meeting entitled  Harrison meeting ends in pandemonium.  The Star Ledger and the Observer failed to cover the meeting.  Joe Wood has sent a letter to the editor to Kevin Canessa's Hudsonline.com

Oh get with it, will ya?

 

June 7, 2008 (Harrison NJ).  Harrison Mayor Raymond McDonough urged Councilman Steve McCormick to "Oh get with it, will ya?" at Thursday's Mayor and Council meeting.  McDonough was frustrated with being questioned by Councilman McCormick about the use of the Mayor's town hall phone number and the town hall address on the Harrison Democratic Committee's letterhead and the manner in which fundraiser tickets are distributed to town employees.   McDonough then proceeded to move to adjourn the town meeting.  McCormick stated "I'm not finished".  McDonough's response was to get up as he stated "I'm finished."  McDonough then stood for four minutes despite a suggestion by Councilman McCormick that he retake his seat.  McDonough appeared to be waiting for other councilman to join him in walking out of the meeting.  He eventually was joined by Councilmen James Doran, Francisco Nascimento, Mike Dolaghan and Councilwoman Carol Mandaglio.    As Councilman Doran was just about to exit the council chamber, he returned to the public podium to grab the public microphone and state  "Steve, you're full of it!  You care about Steve McCormick and that's all you care about."  Doran went on to make other comments about why McCormick had not paid fines imposed by the building department to which Councilman McCormick stated that the fines were being contested in court.  Doran was eventually pulled away by Councilwoman Carol Mandaglio who stated "You're playing into his hands, Let him talk."  At the same time, Councilman Francisco Nascimento waiving his finger as if admonishing a child picked a fight with former First Ward Council Candidate Maria Camano arguing over whether all the new housing proposed by the redevelopers was going to overcrowd the town's schools.

It is hard to believe that Mayor McDonough would find it necessary to walk out of a council meeting to avoid answering questions about the Harrison Democratic Committee fundraiser.  McDonough is the committee's chairman.  McDonough's statement that Councilman McCormick "Oh get with it, will ya?" says it all.  McDonough is used to winning over Council members.  Other councilmembers' loyalty to McDonough was evident as they followed his lead and walked out of the council meeting.  McCormick has shown that he will be independent. Thursday's council meetings will undoubtedly go down as a "classic" Harrison Mayor and Council meeting including McDonough putting up his vanilla file folder to shield his face from being filmed by Joseph Wood as he walked out of the council chambers.  If Mayor McDonough had taken Councilman McCormick's suggestion that he retake his seat, McDonough might have had to answer some tough questions but  he would not embarrassed himself.  It is clear that McCormick was onto something why else would a career politician immediately call to adjourn a council meeting. 

What's next?  There isn't a scheduled council meeting until September so the public is left with reruns of past Mayor and Council meetings courtesy of Joseph Wood's website www.HarrisonMeetings.com.  Script writers could not have written a better cliffhanger for the final episode of a television series.  The junior independent Councilmember manages, with a couple of questions, to have the career politician Mayor walk out of a council meeting followed by two loyal council members chastising and making personal attacks against the junior independent councilmember and a former councilmember candidate.  What will happen on the next episode in September?  Or will the Mayor call a special Friday at 5 p.m. council meeting?  Stay tuned.

It will also be interesting to see if the New Jersey Election Commission (ELEC) will bring a complaint against Mayor McDonough for a clear violation of election law: use of public funds to run a political campaign.  Clearly, town employees are opening mail and answering phone calls made to town hall.  McDonough admitted that the Harrison Democratic Committee was using the town hall address and phone number on the committee's correspondence and that the practice had been ongoing for a number of years.

More interesting will be whether the New Jersey State Attorney General Anne Milgram public corruption unit will investigate the allegation that Mayor McDonough distributes fundraising tickets to town employees with their pay checks.  The clear implication being that one is expected to purchase a ticket.  Mayor McDonough did not admit to the practice but it would be fairly easy to establish whether the allegation is true by interviewing under oath a sampling of town employees. McDonough did admit that he gives tickets to friends who are town employees for them to distribute and he mails the rest.

Joseph Wood must be commended on his continued efforts to video tape Harrison's Town Meetings.  Wood is using the power of new technology to further the democratic process.  If you don't believe the above article, watch it for yourself by visiting Joseph Wood's website.   Kevin Canessa has also written an excellent article on Thursday's meeting on his website www.thehudsonline.com   Let us see whether the Star Ledger,  Kearny Journal and /or the Observer cover the meeting in next weeks newspapers.

 

Memorial Day 2008

May 25, 2008.   The Memorial Day weekend is upon us.  The Memorial Day weekend for many simply means an extended weekend.  To others it means an opportunity to be with family and friends down the shore or in the backyard with a barbecue and family fun.  To others, Memorial Day takes on a more solemn tone.  Some say that the "memorial" in Memorial Day is being ignored.  To quote one author, "Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice."  This same author suggests that on Memorial Day that we do one or more of the following:

• by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

   

• by visiting memorials.

   

• by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

   

• by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

   

• by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

   

• by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans. (Source: www. usamemorialday. org)

 

Most combat soldiers rarely volunteer their "war stories".  If asked on occasion they will talk about their experiences.  KOTW suggests that if you have the opportunity and honor to ask a loved one who served our country for one of their "war stories" maybe that too could be a way of recognizing the men and women who sacrificed so much on our behalf.   If you have a video camera handy, maybe you could with their consent record a loved ones "war stories" so that years from now you can share that story with family members who are yet to be born.  Let us not forget that Memorial Day means more than a trip to the Jersey Shore or a barbecue with family and friends.  Memorial Day is just that,  a day for us to stop and thank all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the United States of America.  Doing one or more the above observances with your family members will make the time spent with family and friends even more meaningful.

 

Mother's Day 2008

May 11, 2008.  KOTW wishes every Mother, a Very Joyous Mother's Day.  Happy Mother's Day.

Help Wanted:

Community Calendar Events

May 11, 2008.  KOTW is seeking your help in updating its Community Calendar.  A new feature allows registered members to post Calendar Events much like posting to the Discussion Board.  Give it a try.  Visit the Community Calendar and click on the Add New Single Event located at the bottom right of the page.  Your event will be reviewed by the moderator and then added to calendar.  The Calendar Events appear at the bottom of the Discussion Board in the upcoming events section.

Coalition Against Heliplex Update

April 29, 2008.  The Coalition Against the Newark Heliplex is scheduled to meet on Monday, May 5th at 6 p.m. in the Board of Health Building at 645 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ.  The meeting is open to the public and those interested in joining the group are encouraged to attend.  For more information you can email Steve Ceragno at stopnewarkheliport@hotmail.com

 

McDonough Denies He Was Involved

April 29, 2008.  Mayor Raymond McDonough denied again that he was involved in anyway with the theft of quarters by former Superintendent of Public Works William Tanski.  This was the second time that McDonough denied any involvement with the theft.  The Mayor seemed agitated by the questioning from Councilman Steven McCormick during the April 11th Special Council Meeting.  William Tanski was a close friend of Mayor McDonough.  McDonough was known to visit Tanski early in the morning at the Public Works garage to discuss town business.  Rumors have been circulating for years that Tanski could not have stolen  $100,000.00 in quarters by himself without the knowledge of town officials and/or town employees.  One speaker at the Special Council meeting queried on how it was possible to move so many quarters, an admitted $100,000, without anyone noticing.

At a prior meeting of the Mayor and Council, Mayor McDonough went out of his way to state that he was instrumental in getting Tanski to make detrimental admissions about the theft which resulted in Tanski's guilty plea and sentencing.  The Town of Harrison is still waiting to be reimbursed the proceeds taken by Tanski.  Councilman Steven McCormick has also questioned the method the town uses to collect and account for parking revenues.  McCormick has suggested that the town invest in centralized parking meters which provide accounting safeguards to insure that parking revenues are not diverted.  To date, the Mayor and Council have not moved toward such a system but rather have opted to maintain the current system of separate parking meters.

 

Heliplex:

Making Noise Even Before It's Built

 

April 19, 2008.  Most of the residents in vicinity of Midland Avenue in Kearny awoke this morning to a  bright Saturday morning.  The sun is out, the wind is calm and for those lucky enough to have someone already brewing the coffee, the smell of coffee arouses the senses.  Local volunteer residents are conducting their annual Passaic River Cleanup.  Kearny is a relatively quiet today but that may change soon.  According to published reports, the Air Pegasus Helicopters LLC plans to construct a Helicopter Heliplex in Newark alongside Route 21 (McCarter Highway) directly across from Midland Avenue in Kearny. 

According to Steven Trenk,  Managing Director of Air Pegasus Helicopters, “This is an important project to bolster Newark’s plan to increase public safety and to help reinvigorate economic development in this community. I am proud that we are able to take the lead in a project that I know is right for the community, right for the Newark Police Department, and right for the City of Newark.”  Trenk's statement did not comment upon the noise impact on the local community including the residents of North Newark or Kearny.  A group of local residents however have organized in an attempt to stop the construction of the Heliplex.  The relative quiet of their Saturday morning, the values of their homes, and their safety is at stake.   So far the group has gotten the support of Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos and Congressman Steven Rothman.  Both have stated their objection to the project and the need for further public hearings.

Air Pegasus's Heliplex is much more than a helicopter landing strip.  The complex will include conventional aircraft storage/hangar facilities adequate to accommodate growth of the successful Police Aviation Unit as well as corporate and charter aircraft from the surrounding area. The heliplex will provide space for maintenance personnel and parts storage, pilot-briefing areas with direct access to the hangar including direct visual oversight, office space, locker room(s), a pilots lounge, sleep room, exercise room, bathroom and shower facilities, weather/flight planning facilities, kitchen, conference area and training area.  The City of Newark currently operates two Police helicopters.  Although Steven Trenk states that the Heliplex will benefit the City of Newark's public safety, the Heliplex will not increase public safety.  The Newark Police already have helicopter operations.  Residents can justify increased noise pollution caused by the Newark Police Department's helicopters.  However, increased noise pollution from a private commercial enterprise is a lot harder to swallow.  The area immediately surrounding the planned Heliplex are primarily residential in nature both in North Newark and Kearny.  In addition, the Heliplex will be constructed next to a new Newark Police Station and Community Center.  It is surprising to see such an ill conceived plan getting any support of Newark Mayor Cory Booker or the North Ward Center's Executive Director Stephen Adubato.  There has not been much press on their official position with respect to the Heliplex.  According to Kearny's Mayor, Newark's Northward Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr. has expressed his objection to the Heliplex.  It would be interested to see what Stephen Adubato's position is on the project.

A Heliplex is not a terrible idea.  Its placement adjacent to a new Police station and community center and in a predominately residential area is a terrible idea.  A better location would be to place the Heliplex in South Kearny.  Air Pegasus should explore the purchase of property in South Kearny.  The current planned location of the Heliplex is approximately 3 miles from downtown Newark.  Placing the Heliplex in South Kearny would enable passengers to be approximately the same distance from downtown Newark and neighboring Jersey City and New York City.

A group of local residents have started the circulation of a Petition to Stop the Heliplex which contains a signature sheet.  The residents have also put together a flyer objecting to the Heliplex.  The organizers currently do not have a website but are working to put one together.  You can join the discussion on the KOTW Discussion Board.

The following are some links to articles and postings on the Heliplex:

Contract Awarded for Newark Heliport

Rendering of Proposed Heliplex

We Fly High: Newark Heliport/Heliplex

Friends Against Newark Heliplex
 

Heliport Coming to NPD

Relatives of Mayor Booker's Former Law Partner to Open Newark Heliport

Other Related Articles:

West Side Heliport Must Go, Park Advocacy Says

Heliport Floats Barge Idea,  But Critics Not Aboard

Different Spin on Copters

Angry Buzz Grows About Illegal Heliport in Hudson River Park

 

Santos, Stevenson & Campbell

Win Kearny School Board Election

April 16,2008.  Virginia Santos, David J. Stevenson,Jr. and John J. Campbell won seats on the Kearny Board of Education last night.  Santos and Campbell were incumbents* and Stevenson previously sat on the school board from 1993-2005 when he was defeated at the polls.  Santos received the most votes at 741, Stevenson received 659 votes, and Campbell received 612 votes.  The vote count does not take into account Absentee Votes.  Paul Castelli received 573 votes.  It is possible if there were over 40 Absentee Votes in favor of Castelli that he could overtake Campbell.  John Frasca, who ran on the Santos & Stevenson slate, received the least amount of votes at 513.

As usual a very small percentage of voters decided who will sit on the Kearny School Board.  The School Board budget makes up over 50 percent of the property tax bill in Kearny.  There has been a call to move School Board Elections to the Primary Election Day or the General Election Day to save election expenses and increase voter turnout.  Both the Primary and General Election historically have larger voter turnout.

*(Corrrection of 4/19/2008.  As pointed out by one of readers, John Campbell was not an incumbent as we reported.  John Campbell had previously served on the Kearny School Board before being defeated and was re-elected to the Board.  Thanks to our reader for pointing that out.)

 

Harrison Special Meeting:

Will There Be Fireworks?

April 11, 2008.  Mayor McDonough and the Harrison council are making it a routine to cancel regularly scheduled council meetings and replacing them with Special Council meetings.  The latest Regular meeting of Tuesday, April 1, 2008 was cancelled and replaced by a meeting for today Friday, April 11, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.  For those who had plans for Friday night, cancel them and come to the Harrison Council meeting.  Don't spend the money you've saved because rumor has it that your going to need it to  pay increased property taxes and rent.

If your attending the meeting, be sure to arrive early as to not miss the meeting.  Harrison's meetings are infamously short and this meeting's Agenda is short on content.  Mayor McDonough is under pressure from town workers including Police and Fire as rumors circulate that each department has been asked to cut personnel in anticipation of a large town budget deficit.  In addition, the Mayor has come under fire as redevelopment efforts have been stayed by the courts.  The Mayor stated at the last special council meeting that the redevelopment would move ahead at full steam.  The steam however escaped out a large hole created by three long-time property owners, Anthony DeRose, Steven Adler and Manny Amaral, who are  challenging the taking of their properties.

It should be interesting to see who comes out to the meeting and who gets up to ask questions.  For more information on Harrison's Mayor and Council meetings, visit Joe Wood's website HarrisonMeetings.com 

 

Supreme Court to Weigh

In On Harrison

April 08, 2008.  The New Jersey Supreme Court is expected to weigh in this week on the ongoing litigation between the Harrison Redevelopment Agency and Steven Adler.  Adler is seeking the Supreme Court's intervention in clarifying the Appellate Division's ruling in his company's favor.  Adler is not appealing the Appellate court's decision to allow continued environmental remediation but is seeking to have the Supreme Court order that Hudson County Superior Court Judge Maurice Gallipoli apply a stricter standard on when a stay is given in redevelopment cases.  The Appellate Division instructed Judge Gallipoli to apply a far less stringent standard in its recent order allowing for environmental remediation in the redevelopment zone but otherwise upholding Judge Gallipoli's stay of all construction activity.

 

The H

April 4, 2008.  The one square mile Town of Harrison (The H) has been in the news of late.  There have been several stories in the Star Ledger, Jersey Journal and Observer regarding the continued battle over who should have the right to own and redevelop a large portion of Harrison.  KOTW came across a music video on YouTube by a musician who calls himself verbal Phantom.  The H is a musical video which tours around Harrison fondly describing a changing Harrison.  The tour includes almost all  of Harrison including parts of the Redevelopment Zone.. "Yeh, the H, a little town, big story."  It sure is a little town with a big story.  Enjoy.

 

Harrison Redevelopment:

Stay In Effect Except for Environmental Work

April 3, 2007.  The Harrison Redevelopment Agency (HRA) and the developer of the former Adler properties urged a three Judge Appellate panel to lift a stay of construction within the Harrison Redevelopment Zone. In support of their request, a Certification of Richard Miller set forth a list of various toxic contaminates within the Redevelopment Zone including PCBs which needed  remediation.  The Appellate judges modified the stay imposed by trial court Judge Maurice Gallipoli by allowing the Agency to continue environmental remediation activities on or related to the property.  The Appellate Judges stated that they were partially modifying the stay because of "the unique procedural history of this litigation, [HRA's] prior entries upon the premises to conduct environmental testing and remediation and demolition, the previous denials of stays in this case and in related matters, and considerations of public health and safety."  The Appellate judge however stated that despite its decision it was not sure that it would not have upheld the trial judge's staying of all construction under different circumstances.

What does this all mean?  Bottomline it means that remediation can continue but all other aspects of construction must stop.  Both Mayor Raymond McDonough and HRA's Chairman Peter Higgins had stated that the construction would continue to meet deadlines imposed both by the manufacturer of the parking garage concrete slaps and the HRA's contractual obligations to provide parking for the Red Bulls Stadium.  With the current stay, it is unlikely that the parking garage will be constructed in time for the scheduled Red Bulls stadium opening.  The HRA's partial victory may actually be a hollow one.  Clearly, the remediation is a necessary step in the construction but the remediation work is only a small fraction of the construction project.

 

Harrison Redevelopment:

Pile Drivers Silenced

March 29, 2008. The Kearny Journal reported this week that the Town of Harrison, the County of Hudson, and the redevelopers were steaming ahead with their plans to build a 1440 parking space garage near the Harrison Path Station.  In fact, a pile driver was bounding away this week in preparation for concrete slabs.  The construction was proceeding despite an Appellate Court ruling which invalidated the taking of the property upon which the proposed parking garage will stand and remanded the cases challenging the redevelopment back to the trial court.  The pile drivers however were silenced on Friday as the trial court judge, Maurice Gallipoli, issued an order stopping all work in Harrison's Redevelopment Zone until he makes a  final decision in the case.  The Town of Harrison is appealing the decision but it is unlikely that the Appellate Division will reverse the trial judge.

The property owners, Anthony De Rose, Steven Adler and Manny Amaral, had sought a stay prior to the demolition of their buildings both from the trial court, Appellate Division and the Supreme Court, but had been denied.  The Appellate Division in its opinions overturning the taking of properties and remanding the case back to the trial court lamented that at each level the stay had not been previously granted.  For this reason, the likelihood that the Appellate Division will overturn the trial court's decision is very slim.   Opponents to the redevelopment have argued that the Harrison Redevelopment Agency should not be using public funds to build upon property whose title is not settled.  Harrison Redevelopment Agency Chairman Peter Higgins has stated publicly that so long as the town held title to the property it would continue with its redevelopment plans.  At the last council meeting, Councilman Steve McCormick suggested waiting until all appeals were exhausted before proceeding with the parking garage.  With the exception of his wife Councilwoman Marie McCormick, all other councilmembers remained silent during the discussion.  Mayor McDonough stated that he "wanted to move things forward and get things done".

How the parking garage is being funded is also a mystery.  The bond counsel for the town stated that the 40 million dollar and the 13 million dollar supplemental bond offerings had not been issued.  How is the Harrison Redevelopment Agency paying for construction costs?  The supplemental 13 million dollar bond offering was added to cover anticipated cost overruns due to the movement of a PSEG 30 inch gas main which must be relocated to accomodate the parking garage.  Opponents have stated that the 13 million dollar figure to move the gas main is a fraction of the actual cost. 

With the current trial court stay, continued litigation, a faltering economy, and the tightening of the state's aid to municipalities, it is unclear how Harrison will be able to proceed with its redevelopment plan.  The stay however may give the Harrison Redevelopment Agency and the developers an opportunity to reexamine the redevelopment plan, its placement of the parking garage, and settling its disputes with the original property owners.

Tanski Sentence:

Three Years

March 29, 2008.  This week there were several articles  on the sentencing of William Tanski.  The sentencing actually happened on March 7, 2008.  Tanski who pled guilty to stealing a reported $100,000 in quarters received a three year state sentence.  At the last special town meeting, Councilman Steve McCormick asked Mayor McDonough whether he thought Tanski acted alone.  McDonough stated that Tanski, a close friend of his, had acted alone and that he was instrumental in providing the Hudson County Prosecutor's office with detrimental admissions made by William Tanski which resulted in his prosecution and plea.  McDonough went on to state that he personally was not involved with the misappropriation of parking meter quarters.  McDonough congratulated the Harrison Police Department in their investigation of the crime.

Despite his admission that he took $100,000, the Hudson County Prosecutor's office did not make the repayment of the funds to the town a condition of Tanski's plea.  According to town officials, the Prosecutor's office is seeking to recover the money in a civil proceeding.  Stay tuned for further developments.

Article links:

Observer Article: Former Harrison DPW superintendent goes to state prison

Jersey Journal Article: 3 years for Harrison parking coin skimmer

News 12 Video

 

 

Kearny's Youth Shine:

Gypsy

March 9, 2008.  This week Kearny High School students will put the final touches on their set designs, check the lighting, make sure their costumes fit perfectly and draw upon the hours of rehearsal experience to put on this year's Spring Musical, Gypsy. 

Gypsy is a 1959 musical about the ultimate show biz mother.  It follows the efforts of the show biz mother to raise two daughters to perform onstage and chronicles the hardships of show business life.  Gypsy will open on Tuesday, March 11th, for a preview show for Kearny Seniors followed by three shows on Friday, March 14th, Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th at 7:30 p.m.  Check KOTW's Community Calendar for more information.

For more detailed information on the musical itself and its history, click here.

KOTW is soliciting reviews, pictures, videos of the play and backstage to be published here on KOTW.  Submit your reviews, pictures, videos by emailing KOTW .

 

United Irish

Fundraiser Tomorrow

March 7, 2008.  The United Irish Association of West Hudson will hold its annual dinner Fundraiser tomorrow, Saturday, March 8, 2008.  The Association's annual Fundraiser marks the beginning of the celebrations leading up to the annual United Irish West Hudson St. Patrick's Day Parade.  A Who's Who of local politicians, community leaders, and clergy attend the annual dinner.  The Association was founded in 1973 with membership from the following groups: The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 7, The Irish American Club, The Four Provinces, and The Friends of Erin.

For those interested in attending the dinner Fundraiser, tickets are available by calling (201) 920-9328 or (201) 998-0515.  The dinner fundraiser will be held at the Holy Cross School on South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd in Harrison.

On March 14, 2008, the United Irish Association of West Hudson will also participate in the longest running St. Patrick's Day Parade in New Jersey by marching in the Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade.  The Association's honorees, trustees, and members will be marching. An antique fire engine courtesy of the East Newark Volunteer Fire Department will accompany the United Irish contingency.

If your going to be watching the parade, you may want to print out a line of march guide available by clicking here.

 

Harrison Property Owners

Win Appeal

February 25, 2008.  The Appellate Division in a published decision has overturned the taking of the Adler, Amaral, and DeRose properties in Harrison.

The decision is available online from the Appellate Division's website.

 

Appellate Decision Due Today

On Harrison Redevelopment

February 25, 2008.  The Appellate Decision is scheduled to release an opinion on the challenged filed by Steven Adler, Manny Amaral, and Anthony DeRose to the taking of their properties by eminent domain.  If the questions being asked during Oral Argument of the cases a couple of weeks back are an indicator of where the three judge panel was headed, the Appellate Division is likely to overturn the decision of the lower court.

School Closings

February 22, 2008.  Harrison Schools are closed due to the snow.  Kearny is on a delayed opening Elementary Schools report at 10:00 a.m.  High School Students report at 9:15 a.m.; PreK A.M. 10:15 a.m to 12:35 p.m.; PreK P.M. 12:35 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.  For the Kearny School System Call 201-991-4141 for more information.  We have no official information on the East Newark school system.  North Arlington public schools are closed.

The above information is as of 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Feburary 22, 2008.

 

Business as Usual in Harrison

 

February 9, 2008.  Thursday's Harrison Council meeting demonstrated that despite efforts by Councilman Steve McCormick, his wife Councilwoman Maria McCormick and a handful of their supporters business as usual continues in Harrison.  A News 12 Channel reporter and cameraman were surprised at how quick Harrison's Mayor and Council conduct the town's business.  In a span of less than fifteen minutes, the Mayor and Council agreed to apply for loans on behalf of developers and ran through an agenda which included the honoring of three former or current Harrison residents who were designated Grand Marshall and Deputy Grand Marshals of the United Irish St. Patrick Day's parade.  There was no explanation for the benefit of the public as to why the Town rather than the Developer was applying for loans.  Mayor Raymond McDonough did not bother offering an explanation nor did any councilmember question why the town was incurring further debt on behalf of developers.  Business as usual occurs behind closed doors.  Council members either receive private briefings on agenda items or they simply follow Mayor McDonough's lead.   For months, 4th Ward resident Joe Wood has been vocal at council meetings leading to some interesting exchanges especially with Mayor McDonough.  At this week's meeting, Mayor McDonough couldn't adjourn the meeting fast enough.  Under the pressure of a reporter and cameraman from News 12, the Mayor's plan was to move quickly in hopes that no member of the audience would voice an opinion or question on items on the agenda.  It worked.  With the exception of one speaker, no one moved fast enough to the public podium before the meeting was adjourned.  The News 12 Channel cameraman was caught off guard and had to rush to get his camera out of the way as the Mayor and Councilmembers exited the Council chambers.

It should be noted that the Town's website did not contain a copy of Thursday's meeting nor that of January 15, 2007.   The agenda of January 1st meeting remains while all other meeting agendas have been removed from the town's website.  Fourth ward resident Joe Wood has both agendas on his website www.HarrisonMeetings.com 

On Monday, the Appellate Division heard oral argument on the challenges by  former property owners Steven Adler, Manny Amaral and Anthony DeRose to have their properties returned to them.  From all indications, the Appellate Judges appeared to have a grasp of the facts and were asking some pointed questions about the notice requirements of the Redevelopment Law and the composition of the Harrison Redevelopment Board.  The property owners have long argued that they were not given an opportunity to challenge the blight designation of their properties and that the membership of the Harrison Redevelopment Board violates both the state statute and local ordinance allowing for its formation as well as failing to abide by representations made to the Local Finance Board with respect to its membership.

The tide appears to be turning in Harrison.  A year ago it appeared that the Redevelopers had the upper hand.  A year later, the lone property owners whose businesses were uprooted and their buildings razed have managed to get their cases consolidated, a favorable decision from the New Jersey Supreme Court, and the New Jersey Public Advocate to join their ranks.  The Appellate Division appeared to be sending a sign as to where the challenge to Harrison's taking of private property was going when it released on Monday an opinion on a similar challenge to a blight designation in a Belmar case (BMIA LLC v. Planning Board of Borough of Belmar).  The court ruled in favor of the landowner and against the town and redeveloper.

The Appellate Division is not scheduled to render an opinion for weeks.  In the interim, the Mayor and Council continue to vote to expend additional funds on behalf of the developers without public input or discussion among council members.  And thus Business as Usual in Harrison.

Listen to this Article: Click Here.

 

With 98% of the Vote Counted:

Clinton 54%, Obama 44%

McCain 55%, Romney 28%

February 5, 2008.  With Ninety eighty percent of the vote counted, Hillary Clinton has Fifty Four percent of the vote to Barak Obama's Forty Four Percent of the vote statewide.  On the Republican side, John McCain has 55% to Mitt Romney's 28% of the vote statewide.

According to the Hudson County Clerk's office, Clinton has defeated Obama in Hudson County.  While John McCain has won Hudson County on the Republican side. The Clerk's office has not broken down the numbers into each town in West Hudson.

 

Election Results

February 5, 2008.  The polls have just closed in New Jersey.  From the looks of it, there has been a heavy turnout in West Hudson.  Election Results are available online from the Hudson County Clerk's office.

Kevin Canessa is also posting updates on his blog.

You can also obtain election results from NJ.com.

After checking the results, you can join the discussion on KOTW's Discussion Board.

 

Super Tuesday:

Presidential Primary Election Today

February 5, 2008.  Today is Super Tuesday, for the first time New Jersey Voters have an opportunity to influence the Presidential Election by casting their votes for either a Democratic or a Republican Candidate.  Non-affiliated voters can also vote by designating either that they are a Democrat or Republican at the poll location.  However, a voter who previously designated a party cannot switch parties today.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Public Advocate Files Brief in Support of

Harrison Property Owners

January 26, 2008.  The New Jersey Public Advocate,  Ronald K. Chen, has filed an amicus curiae brief in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court that argues that a key section of the state's redevelopment law is unconstitutional.

According to a press release from the Public Advocate's office:

Chen said state law does not give property owners any meaningful opportunity to challenge a town’s plans to take their property because they may not know whether their property is actually targeted for condemnation until years after deadlines under the statute have expired for them to take legal action.

“Under our current law New Jersey residents can lose their property without adequate notice that their property will be taken and without a hearing,” Chen said. “This case demonstrates why the current law fails to satisfy the due process requirements of the federal and state constitutions.”

The brief was filed in eminent domain appeals brought by three Harrison business owners, Steven Adler, Manny Amaral and Anthony DeRose.

The case is set for Oral Argument in Trenton on February 4th before a three judge panel.

The Public Advocate's Brief is available online.

 

KOTW Withdrawal

January 22, 2008.  This weekend you may have experienced KOTW withdrawal.  Our Discussion Board was down and life was not exactly the same.  Now that the Discussion Board has been restored and improved, it is time to log back in, sit back with that cup of coffee and join the discussion.  As this weekend proved, KOTW is a community.  That is very clear because as soon as the Discussion Board was restored, Members and Guests began posting as if the Board had never been down.  What better way to enjoy your coffee while logged in to KOTW than in a KOTW coffee mug.  Order yours today by clicking here.  Your purchase will help support KOTW.

Discussion Board Back Online

January 21, 2008.  KOTW's Discussion Board was offline this weekend as a result of a hacker.  The Board has been restored with no loss of prior posts.  The Board has also been updated to the newest version and several security enhancements have been selected.  KOTW will be  working to restore the Board's look and feel.  Thanks to the guys in technical support for their assistance in making sure that KOTW got back up and running.  To our members and guest, thank you for your patience. 

 

Discussion Board Update

January 20, 2008.  KOTW's Discussion Board is still down due to a hacker.  We are attempting to restore the Board as soon as possible along with installing an update at the explicit recommendation of the hacker who has made his point loud and clear.

Our Discussion Board is Down

January 19, 2008.  KOTW's Discussion Board is currently down.  We are working to restore the board. 

Happy New Year

January 1, 2008.  KOTW wishes its members and guests a Happy New Year.

 

What Council Wouldn't Wood Would

December 26, 2007. Several weeks ago, the Mayor and Council of Harrison defeated a resolution proposed by Councilman Steve McCormick to install videotaping equipment in the council chambers which would have allowed town meetings to be broadcast on the town’s local access channel. Mayor McDonough stated during the public portion of the town meeting that the town could not afford spending $60,000 for video equipment. When it was suggested that Harrison High School students could use a basic video camera to videotape meetings as a class project at no cost to the town, Mayor Raymond McDonough stated that he did not want video cameras because he did not want "a circus" atmosphere at town meetings. KOTW agrees that $60,000 for video equipment to broadcast town meetings is a little bit much. However, Mayor McDonough’s explanation of why he does not want to videotape town meetings is just a excuse. Harrison has the distinction of being the only West Hudson town to not audio or videotape its meetings. Mayor McDonough simply put does not want anyone to see how Harrison’s government is run. One persistent resident is about to change the status quo.

Former Harrison 4^th Ward council candidate, Jim Wood, announced both in a Letter to the Editor in the Observer and on KOTW that he has established a website which will broadcast town meetings. The site, www.HarrisonMeetings.com, is Joe Wood’s response to the Mayor and Council’s refusal to broadcast town meetings. As Joe Wood put it in his letter to the Editor published in the Observer, "Since the town council feels it’s unnecessary to have a public record of what goes on at council meetings, I will do it for them, free of charge, and post it online for the residents to see." KOTW applauds Joe Wood’s efforts to make a public record of Harrison’s town meetings. Harrison needs more individuals like Joe Wood who take the initiative to do what they feel is best for their community.

Listen to Above Article: Click Here

 

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2007.  KOTW wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas.  

 

Santa Claus in Kearny

December 8, 2007.  The Kearny Fire Department has been escorting Santa Claus around town.  Be on the look out for Santa.  Traditionally Santa Claus makes a stop in Kearny to greet residents, children and adults alike. 

Anyone who has a picture or video of Santa can email it to Kearny On The Web for publication.

Happy Chanukah

December 4, 2007.  The eight day festival of Chanukah began tonight.  To learn more about Chanukah click here.

 

Red Bulls: Good Neighbors?

November 25, 2007. In an article that appeared in the New York Times last week, writer Jack Bell wrote that "Legal problems and construction delays prompted the Red Bulls to consider scuttling the project. The club met with officials from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority last summer and was offered a tract of land near Continental Arena (now the Izod Center), but decided to push ahead in Harrison." It is nice to know that the Red Bulls would consider "scuttling the project". Harrison officials have bent over backwards to accommodate the Red Bulls even going as far as bonding 40 million dollars guaranteed by the taxpayers of Harrison.

It is time that Harrison officials start treating the Red Bulls like any other business owner in town. The sidewalk area alongside Frank E. Rodgers Blvd in front of the future Red Bulls continues unpaved and complete with an assortment of weeds. Pedestrians including commuters utilizing the parking meters adjacent to the sidewalk continue to navigate a dangerous condition and subject themselves to the risky proposition of having to walk along the roadway on a very busy street or traverse the sidewalk area which is uneven and filled with weeds. As KOTW has previously stated: Would any other property owner be allowed to keep their sidewalk in the condition that the Red Bulls sidewalk is in? Why do the Red Bulls get special privileges? Red Bulls management has no valid excuse for not addressing the sidewalk’s condition.  The Red Bulls are now 100% owners of their destiny in Harrison having bought out the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). The first priority should be to get the project back on schedule. The delay in construction may have more to do with the former partners dispute rather than the condition of the remediation on the former Crucible Steel / Guyon Property. It is time to get back to work and the first priority should be to hire a curb guy to remove the weeds and lay a sidewalk along Frank E. Rodgers Blvd.

You may have also noticed that the Red Bull Stadium website has been taken down including the construction webcam (link to the left). 

Listen to the above article: click here for audio.

 

Black Friday on KOTW

November 23, 2007.  Today is Black Friday, the busiest shopping day for retailers.  KOTW has its own Shopping page set up for our readers who prefer to shop on the web.  Between now and the end of the year, KOTW will be updating the Shopping page to bring you some great deals. 

Special Savings at Circuit City.  Shop online, pick up in North Bergen (3.5% v. 7% sales tax) and save an additional 10% with this coupon.
 

Happy Thanksgiving

November 22, 2007.  KOTW wishes all its Members, Guests and their families a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Great Idea: $100 Million For Kuehne Chemical

November 19, 2007. In an article entitled Activists fight chemical lobby on security, Donal F. Nicolai, president and CEO of Kuehne Chemical stated "Let’s face reality. Sitting where we are sitting, it’s a legitimate concern. So is there a benefit to reducing or eliminating that? Absolutely." Nicolai is referring to the option of retrofitting its South Kearny chemical plant to produce chlorine on site rather than transporting liquid chlorine to the plant by railcar. In August, KOTW suggested that Governor Jon Corzine spend the money he was earmarking for repairs to the Pulaski Skyway to the Kuehne Chemical plant. Our exact words were, "If the State of New Jersey is thinking of spending $1 billion dollars to secure the Pulaski Skyway it should divert that money to help Kuehne Chemical retrofit its South Kearny plant to make it as safe as its Delaware plant".  It appears that it won’t take $1 billion dollars but $111 million dollars to accomplish the task. There should be no greater priority for Governor Jon Corzine than accomplish the task of securing the funds necessary from the federal and/or state (New Jersey and New York) government to accomplish the task.. As we previously stated in our opinion piece, the Kuehne Chemical plant is far more dangerous to the public than a collapse of the entire Pulaski Skyway. KOTW urges Mayor Alberto Santos and council members to lobby Governor Jon Corzine to insure that Kuehne Chemical obtains the necessary funding to retrofit its plant so that a potential disaster is avoided.

What do you think? Join us at KOTW’s Discussion Board

Listen to the above article: click here for audio

 

Veterans Day

November 11, 2007.  On this Veterans Day, take the time to remember the sacrifices made by our veterans.  On behalf of the KOTW community, thank you veterans for your service.

Please visit our the Significance of Veterans Day page.

 

McCormicks:

First Husband and Wife Councilmembers

November 6, 2007.  Maria McCormick, Council candidate in the 2nd Ward in Harrison will join her husband Steven McCormick on the Council after her victory tonight.  All other McDonough candidates won their elections.  McDonough's third ward candidate, Fransisco Nascimento won by 149 votes but lost the Gardens district with write in candidate Michele Scrimo receiving a reported 141 write-in votes.

The results were as follows:

1st Ward:

Carol Mandaglio 194

Maria Camano 143

Vote Difference 51

2nd Ward:

Victor Villalta 197

Maria McCormick 256

Vote Difference 59

3rd Ward:

Francisco Nascimento 290

Michele Scrimo 141*

Vote Difference 149

*Assumed that all write-in votes were for Michele Scrimo.

4th Ward:

Michael Dolaghan 279

Joseph Wood 133

Vote Difference 146

Harrison Election: A Lot At Stake

November 4, 2007. Election Day is less than two days away. Tuesday, November 6, 2007 will be one year since Steven McCormick won his 2^nd Ward Council seat in Harrison beating incumbent and regular Democratic candidate, Arthur Pettigrew. Pettigrew displayed his lucky duck to the press last year. It is not clear whether Pettigrew plans to bring out the lucky duck this year.

Steven McCormick last year ran on the former Councilman Anselmo Millan’s ticket. McCormick has taken over Millan’s role in being the lone voice on the council that raises issues publically and refuses to go along with Mayor Raymond McDonough on various issues. McCormick seeks on Tuesday to get some help on the council by electing his wife Maria McCormick (2^nd Ward Candidate);, Maria Camano (1^st Ward); Michelle Scrimo (3^rd Ward) and Joseph Wood (4^th Ward). Both Camano and Wood ran unsuccessfully last year with McCormick on the Millan Team Ticket (see election results by scrolling down). Scrimo is a write-in candidate. Scrimo entered the race less than two weeks ago but has strong ties in the 3^rd Ward.

What are McCormick’s chances? From the looks of it, McCormick’s Team has picked up steam since the October 22, 2007 front page publication of a Star Ledger article entitled "Little Town a Big Target in hunt for corruption". McDonough denied any wrong doing in an Observer article of October 24, 2007 entitled "Star Ledger reports are false". McDonough stated that there were no subpoenas served on Harrison and no one was interviewed by authorities. Mayor McDonough continues to walk door to door with candidates on his ticket: Carol Mandaglio (1^st Ward), Victor Villalta (2^nd Ward), Francisco Nascimento (3^rd Ward) and Michael Dolaghan (4th Ward). With the exception of Nascimento, all the other council candidates are incumbents.

McCormick’s team have also been actively campaigning door to door. McCormick has also mailed out a DVD video in which each candidate on the McCormick slate sets out why they are running. In addition, Councilman McCormick expresses his frustration with the McDonough administration and its lack of transparency and conflicts of interest on the Town Council. The video also provides video footage of two town meetings where the Mayor and Council walk out of the council chambers prior to the meetings being adjourned and while Councilman McCormick is reading a prepared statement. McCormick’s team has a website with the text of the statements made by Councilman McCormick at the meetings. ( www.ChangeforHarrison.com)

What can you expect on Election Day in Harrison? A lot. The Harrison Regular Democratic machine faces some bad press and some fearless candidates. The Star Ledger and the Asbury Park Press have brought to light some illegal and unethical activities. Harrison is not used to getting such attention from some major newspapers. The Harrison Regular Democratic machine however has a lot a stake and it will undoubtedly mobilize its forces in its attempt to insure that its slate of council members get elected. In past years, there have been poll monitors brought in from the Hudson County Board of Elections. Even these monitors have been ineffective at times in assuring a fair election. There currently is ongoing litigation to determine whether the electronic voting machines are tamper proof. There have been rumors of voters being intimidated into voting for the incumbent candidates for fear of losing housing or township jobs. The Harrison Regular Democratic machine has strong ties to various officials in Hudson County and its influence goes beyond town officials and into county government. During past elections there have been complaints that poll workers have been going into voting machines with voters in an attempt to steer voters. Despite the presence of Hudson County Election officials this activity has not ceased. If there is ever a need for State and Federal election monitors to work a particular town on the ground and not from their offices, it is Tuesday, November 6, 2007 in Harrison.

Listen to the above story: Audio Click here.

Click here for Observer Candidate Profiles.

 

Corruption: It Takes Many Forms

October 22, 2007. Today the Newark Star-Ledger ran a front page story entitled "Little town a big target in hunt for corruption". Reporters Jeff Whelan, Rick Hepp and John P. Martin detail various illegal and unethical acts from various town officials. On June 25, 2007, KOTW ran a story on the lack of a sidewalk in front of the Red Bulls stadium. The Red Bulls removed the century old slate sidewalk on Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. South and failed to replace it. Currently there are weeds growing where there once was a sidewalk. Those pedestrian who are adventurous continue to use the uneven weeded area that used to be a sidewalk. Those less adventurous have taken to walking in the street. The Star Ledger "Little Town corruption" article points out some unethical and corrupt acts by Harrison town officials. When a construction official selectively performs his job duties, is that also corruption? The Harrison Construction official has failed to cite or fine the Red Bull owners for failure to maintain their sidewalk. The Harrison Construction official has allowed a dangerous condition to exist. Pedestrians and commuters are forced to either use the street or transverse an uneven surface filled with overgrown weeds which used to be a sidewalk. A pedestrian could be seriously injured because of the Construction officials failure to act. Is the Harrison Construction official guilty of being corrupt? Corrupt is a strong word but if you think about it he is selectively enforcing the law. What motivation exists for him not to enforce the law? Is he seeking present or future benefits for looking the other way? Could any other property owner in Harrison get away with taking their sidewalk out and not replacing it? We think not. They would receive a violation notice accompanied by a daily fine until the condition was corrected. Why should the Red Bull owners be any different? Why should the Harrison Building inspector give them special treatment? Corruption takes on various forms. It may seem like a little thing – overlooking a failure to replace a sidewalk – but if a pedestrian is hit by a car or truck while walking the street because a sidewalk is not available will that change your opinion? It just might.

New Feature Listen to the above article: click here

 

Tanski Sentencing Postponed

October 22, 2007.  According to a report in the Star Ledger, William "Billy" Tanski's sentencing was postponed for the third time.

No News on Tanski

September 28, 2007.  Harrison's former Superintendent of Public Works William "Billy" Tanski was suppose to be sentenced this past Monday, September 24th.  There has been no news from any of the local newspapers.  Back in June, Tanski pled guilty to taking over $100,000 in quarters from the town's parking meters for his own use.  This is the second adjournment of the sentencing date.  Hopefully the local media will provide a report in the near future. As previously reported by the Observer, the Hudson County Prosecutor's office had not made return to Harrison's taxpayers of the $100,000 reportedly taken by Tanski part of the plea agreement.  Possibly, the adjournment was necessary because of recent legislation proposed by Governor Jon Corzine requiring the return of proceeds of public corruption.  It is not clear whether Tanski's taking of parking meter quarters amounts to public corruption as defined by the new legislation.

 

Joseph Supor Jr.

September 25, 2007.  For many the words Joseph Supor brings to mind his signature bright yellow and black trucks and the various wide loads which would make their way through Harrison in route to various destinations in the northeast.  Joseph Supor Jr. was much more than a successful businessman.  Supor had a bigger than life personality and was generous to his community.  Just recently, there was a discussion of the Harrison Halloween Parade on KOTW's Discussion Board.  One of our guests recalled how Supor donated his trucks (and drivers) for years for the annual Halloween Parade.  Of course, Supor made other charitable donations to various community groups throughout the years.  His personality, good nature and generosity will be missed.

 Obituary in Jersey Journal

Supor Guest Book

J Supor & Son History

 

Tanski: Heart of Gold

September 3, 2007. The Observer ran a story last week entitled "Tanski’s sentencing postponed until Sept. 24". The article written by Observer Assistant Editor Celeste Regal covered both the human interest side of the story and the facts surrounding the plea and impending sentencing. The Observer quoted Mayor Raymond McDonough who said in part that Tanski "had a heart of gold and was there for everybody, ask anyone ... "

The Observer article revealed for the first time that the payment of restitution is not part of the current plea agreement. Tanski pled guilty on June 20^th to official  misconduct for the theft of a reported $100,000 in quarters from the town’s parking meters. Under the current plea agreement there is no provision for Tanski to return the proceeds of his theft. Coincidentally, Governor Jon Corzine will be signing legislation that will allow prosecutors to seek monetary penalties from those convicted of public corruption crimes to reimburse defrauded public entities. It is not clear whether Tanski’s appropriation of parking meter quarters for his own use will fall into the definition of public corruption in the new legislation. It would make sense that as part of his plea agreement the Hudson County Prosecutor’s office should require that Tanski repay the taxpayers of Harrison the proceeds taken by him. Harrison’s taxpayers could use the tax relief. Tanski is suppose to receive a two year sentence. If he is not required to return the proceeds of his theft, Tanski will in effect be making $50,000 per year while the taxpayers pay for his room and board.

 

Spend $1 Billion on the Kuehne Chemical Plant

August 11, 2007.  On Thursday, Governor Jon Corzine held a press conference in South Kearny using the Pulaski Skyway as a backdrop.  Corzine stated that it might make sense to spend $1 billion to replace the bridge than to spend $100 million to maintain it over the next 10 years.  U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez vowed to lobby Congress and the Bush administration for increased transportation funding.

Earlier in the week there was a story which received very little press coverage.  There was a chlorine leak on a railroad container which injured a CSX employee in South Kearny.  The leak was contained to the area immediately surrounding the container.  The Kearny Fire Department and a HazMat team crew responded and found that a valve on the container had leaked allowing chlorine gas to escape.

Governor Corzine missed a great opportunity to hold a press conference to cover both the safety of New Jersey's bridges and its chemical plants.  When Corzine was a United States Senator, he lobbied for increased chemical plant security and specifically for the Kuehne Chemical plant in South Kearny.   If the State of New Jersey is thinking of spending $1 billion dollars to secure the Pulaski Skyway it should divert that money to help Kuehne Chemical retrofit its South Kearny plant to make it as safe as its Delaware plant. (See our Environment Page for various articles on the topic).  A major chlorine leak at the Kuehne Chemical plant will, reportedly, cause more deaths than if you lined the Pulaski Skyway with cars bumper to bumper from beginning to end and it collapsed completely.  The Pulaski Skyway may be in need of maintenance but it is not on the verge of collapse.  It is our opinion that it is far more important to secure the Kuehne Chemical plant than it is to rebuild the Pulaski Skyway. The State should be spending $1 billion to retrofit  the Kuehne Chemical plant.  There is very little that the Kearny Fire Department and/or the Hazmat team will be able to do if there is a major leak at the Kuehne Chemical plant.  If the Pulaski Skyway was on the verge of collapse, we would close it down.  The Kuehne Chemical plant is always on the verge of collapse but the State continues to allow it to remain open despite technology that would make its operation safer.  The $1 billion dollars would be better spent on the Kuehne Chemical plant than on the Pulaski Skyway. 

 

Kevin Canessa Takes A Shot At KOTW

 

August 7, 2007. Kevin Canessa, the Editor of the Observer, lamented last week in his blog that KearnyOnTheWeb has taken "another step into the abyss". KOTW can assure our members and guests that we have no intention of going "into the abyss". Our goal is actually the exact opposite.

Canessa is upset because KOTW pointed out that the Observer failed to publish a story on William "Billy" Tanski’s plea to stealing more than $100,000 in quarters from the Town of Harrison’s parking meters. In addition, that one of KOTW’s anonymous guests stated in our Discussion Board that the publisher of the Observer was "illiterate".(My Brain Hurts, Lisa Pezzolla's Rambings

Canessa’s critique of KOTW has some basis. KOTW did misspell William "Billy" Tanski’s name incorrectly (i.e. Tansky instead of Tanski). KOTW also allowed a fairly harsh comment about the publisher of the Observer through its moderator review process.

KOTW takes solace in the fact that Canessa tempered his critique of KOTW by saying "Usually, when something untrue is posted, it’s stripped from the board or edited. Not this time." The harsh comment about the publisher of the Observer was on its face untrue and therefore did not need to be edited. The Observer’s Publisher, Lisa Pezzolla, is obviously not "illiterate". The comment was (we think) trying to make the point that Pezzolla tends to ramble on in her commentary pieces published in the Observer. The post made that point all be it in an "over the top" manner. Nobody reading the post would take the comment literally. Obviously, Lisa Pezzolla can read and write. The Discussion Board poster simply was trying to dramatically make his/her point: her commentary tends to ramble on (now, KOTW is rambling on).

It is KOTW’s policy to foster open discussion of issues affecting our community. Last year, KOTW allowed an open discussion of the LaClair/ Paszkiewicz controversy. For a long time, the anti-Mathew LaClair posts outnumbered the pro-Matthew LaClair posts. Some of the posts were highly critical of Matthew LaClair’s motives and the manner in which he had brought the matter to the attention of the Kearny school’s administration.

After the publication of a New York Times article about the controversy, the tide turned and pro-LaClair supporters overwhelmed the anti posters. It is KOTW’s belief that in part the New York Times decided to run the LaClair story because of the intensity of the anti-Matthew LaClair comments expressed on KOTW. The New York Time’s editorial board was no doubt amazed at the intensity of the anti-Matthew LaClair comments on KOTW. KOTW’s policy to foster open discussions was instrumental in bringing the LaClair/Paszkiewicz matter to a head. KOTW does not intend to change its Discussion Board policy.

Turning to the failure of the Observer to publish a story on the Tanski plea, Canessa’s explanation for not running the story is," Had we known about the plea, we most certainly would have covered it. But we only learned of the deal three weeks after it happened. By then, it was old news." The Observer, the oldest newspaper in West Hudson, has an obligation to its readers to cover the news. Tanski’s plea to taking $100,000 in quarters while he headed Harrison’s Department of Public Works is news. A story about the stealing of the public’s money is never old news. The Observer’s staff should have never missed the Tanski story. Although it appears that the Hudson County Prosecutor’s office did not issue a press release, the Jersey Journal and its local paper the Kearny Journal published a story on the Tanski plea. It is hard to believe that nobody at the Observer reads the Jersey Journal or the Kearny Journal or that the Observer does not have its own sources to bring us relevant local news.

The Observer will have an opportunity to redeem itself when Tanski is sentenced. The Observer can cover both the plea, the sentence and the human story surrounding the plea. Some have suggested that Tanski did not act alone and there is some credibility to those rumors. For example, how does one person cart and cash $100,000 in quarters without raising any suspicions from co-workers and/or the administration. A $100,000 in quarters weighs over 1 ton. An Observer reporter in anticipation of the sentencing could prepare a story about William "Billy" Tanski. Tanski, a long time employee of the Town of Harrison, was apparently well liked by the Department of Public Works employees and town residents alike. Tanski was also a close friend of Mayor Raymond McDonough. How does the Mayor feel about Tanski’s plea? Is the Mayor attempting to have the Town reimbursed for the money admittedly stolen by Tanski? The Harrison taxpayers deserve such a story. If the Observer is to continue its legacy its staff must make it its business to cover the news.

KOTW has a great deal of respect for what it takes to publish on a weekly basis a local newspaper. KOTW hopes that Lisa Pezzolla, Kevin Canessa and the rest of the Observer staff takes comments made on our discussion board and our pointing out that they missed the Tanski story as constructive criticism. We all have room for improvement. Although calling KOTW’s Discussion Board an "atrocious joke" is on par with Lisa Pezzolla being called "illiterate". But KOTW does pride itself in welcoming all opinions.

 

Kearny Avenue Bridge Open

July 20,2007.  The Kearny Avenue Bridge which has been closed for two weeks has reopened to the relief of business owners and residents.  Repairs on the bridge continue by the J. Fletcher Creamer Construction Company.  

 

Observer Fails to Cover Tansky Story

July 20, 2007.  As we previously noted, the Observer did not publish a story on the Tansky plea.  It is not clear why the Observer failed to carry the story. 

Observer: The Tansky Story

July 7, 2007.  The Jersey Journal and its local West Hudson paper, the Kearny Journal, reported that former Harrison Superintendent of Public Works, William "Billy" Tansky pled guilty to taking over $100,000 in quarters from town parking meters.  KOTW reported the same story (see below).

West Hudson's oldest and widely read newspaper, the Observer, however has failed to publish a story on Tansky's plea.  Maybe there will be a story in next week's newspaper.  The plea occurred over two weeks ago so if the article isn't published this week the story may be a little dated.

Kearny Water Main Break

July 7, 2007.  The water main break which occurred on Thursday night may have claimed another victim.  The Kearny Avenue bridge over the old Arlington train tracks is closed to vehicle traffic.  It is unlikely that the bridge will be open for Monday morning traffic as structural engineers are waiting for settlement of soil around the bridge's embankment before making a decision whether the bridge is safe for vehicle traffic. 

According to Editor Kevin Canessa's blog providing updates for the Observer the bridge is likely not to be open for at least two weeks as the town will be reinforcing one of the bridge's embankments and modifying the manner in which the water main that caused the problem is incorporated into the new design.

Showers May Spoil

Kearny's 4th of July Fireworks

July 4, 2007.  Kearny's annual 4th of July celebration will start at 7 p.m. with the Garden State Concert Band at Veterans Field on Belgrove Drive.  You may want to consider walking to Veterans Field since streets surrounding the field will be closed to traffic.  In addition to the patriotic music by the Garden State Concert Band, there are clowns and cartoon characters to entertain children and adults. 

The Fireworks are scheduled to go off shortly after 9 p.m.  Showers may however spoil the fireworks.  Weather forecasters are unsure whether the showers and possible thunderstorm will arrive before 9 p.m.

Kearny Firework Sponsors:

Sponorship Level Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc. Bronze W. Armitage Funeral Home Hudson City Bank Brady & Brady, LLC Ferraioli, Wielkotz, Cerullo & Cuva P.A. Nu-Way Concessionaires, Inc. Bronze Kearny Federal Savings Bank Silver Tilcon New York Inc. Gold Apple Food Services N J - Doherty Enterprises Bronze Shop Rite of Kearny - Wakefern Food Corp Bronze Neglia Engineering Associates Gold Marvel Decorators Hatch Mott MacDonald Gold Brown & Brown Metro, Inc (Statfeld Ins) Bronze Clean Earth of North Jersey, Inc. Gold Cindy's Travel & MultiService, Inc. Neno-Rosa Agency American Strip Steel Silver Spectra Colors Corp. Bronze SpectraServ Bronze Russo Development, LLC Gold Comcast Cablevision Gold H D Smith   Donohue, Gironda & Doria, CPA's  Bronze Woman's Club of Arlington

 

Tansky Guilty

June 25, 2007.  Harrison's former Superintendent of Public Works William "Billy" Tanski pled guilty to thief and official misconduct last week.  Tanski admitted that he stole quarters from parking meters in town.  According to previous reports, Tansky stole over $100,000 in quarters just before his retirement.  It is not clear whether Tansky operated alone or whether he had accomplices.  Moving $100,000 in quarters by yourself is quite a feat.  Tansky was arrested in May of last year and there have been no other arrests or indictments.  According to a published report, Tansky is subject to three years in jail.  It is not clear whether Tansky has to return the money he stole as part of the terms of his plea agreement.

Yellow Card for Red Bulls

June 25, 2007.  Developers of the Red Bull Stadium continue to defy the law by failing to replace the slate sidewalk which existed along Frank E. Rodgers Blvd.  Pedestrians and commuters are forced to walk along the street because the developers removed the sidewalk and failed to replace it.  It is not clear why a perfectly good slate sidewalk was removed.  Maybe the developer needed the slate for one of its other projects or simply removed it to sell the slate which is expensive.  Commuter and pedestrians continue to pay the price of inaction by the Red Bulls.  How long will the town allow the Red Bulls to continue without a sidewalk?  One wonders, how long would a resident be allowed to maintain their property without a sidewalk?  Why should the Red Bulls be treated differently?

 Kearny Teacher Suspended

June 15,2007.  The Kearny Board of Education suspended English teacher Celeste Adamski with pay.  The suspension is the result of a student's allegation of inappropriate sexual activity.  According to a Jersey Journal newspaper article Superintendent Bob Mooney stated "We notified the police department immediately".

 

Central Parking Takes Over Amaral Parking Facility

June 15, 2007.  Manny Amaral was not yet settled in his new location in Lyndhurst when Central Parking began operating his former parking lot adjacent to the Path Station.  It didn't take the designated developer long to start to cash in on a prime parking location for commuters using the Path train.  The Harrison Redevelopment Agency opposed a stay of eviction pending appeal because the designated developer needed to move forward quickly with the town's redevelopment plan.  The developer apparently is not in such a rush. By renting the parking lot, the developer is cashing in on an asset (prime parking spaces).  It is not clear whether the operation by Central Parking is legal since the parking lot license issued by the Town of Harrison was for the Amaral Auto Group and not Central Parking.  The Mayor and Council have not met since Amaral vacated his property.

Commuters Walk the Street

June 15, 2007.  On the other side of the street, the Red Bulls construction continues.  Several weeks ago the Red Bulls removed the slate sidewalk along side Frank E. Rodgers Blvd.  To date, the sidewalk has not been replaced.  Commuters utilizing curbside parking meters have been forced to walk in the street because the sidewalk is missing.  Given the traffic levels along Frank E. Rodgers Blvd, walking in the street is a risky endeavor.  If a long time resident of Harrison removed their sidewalk and left only dirt would the Harrison Building Inspector fine that resident?  We believe so.  But if you are a connected developer, you can remove your entire sidewalk and simply get away with it.  

Supreme Court Decision:

Not Fully Productive Does Not Mean Blighted

June 13, 2007.  The New Jersey Supreme Court released its opinion in the matter of Gallenthin Realty Development v. Borough of Paulsboro  holding that the New Jersey Constitution authorizes government redevelopment of only "blighted" areas, the Legislature did not intend the Redevelopment Statute to apply in circumstances where the sole basis for redevelopment is that the property is "not fully productive."  Rather, subsection 5(e) applies only to areas that, as a whole, are stagnant and unproductive because of issues of title, diversity of ownership, or other similar conditions.  The court then goes on to invalidate Paulsboro's classification of Gallenthin's property as in need of redevelopment.

What does it mean?  Today marks the turning point on eminent domain abuse in New Jersey.  Last month Public Advocate Ronald Chen released a report highly critical of New Jersey's Redevelopment Law.  Today's New Jersey Supreme Court unanimous decision will aid property owners in their struggles to retain their properties.  In Harrison, Manny Amaral and his neighbor Steven Adler both have appeals pending in the Appellate Division.  The Supreme Court's decision is extremely helpful to both cases since both previously argued that their properties were not blighted.  Until the Appellate Division decides both cases, the properties will remain vacant and its highly unlikely that the Town of Harrison or the designated developer will move forward with their redevelopment plans. 

Amaral Auto Gone

Appeal Still Pending

June 11, 2007.  Saturday marked the last day of business at Amaral Auto Sales in Harrison.  Manny Amaral and his two sons loaded their BMW's, Audi's, Mercedes Benz's and other cars onto car transporters and headed out to their new location on River Road in Lyndhurst.

Amaral is trying to take some of his 25 years of good will with him to his new location.  Amaral Auto Sales announced its relocation on its website along with a Stop Eminent Domain Abuse advertisement.  The scars of having to uproot after 25 years of being in Harrison are evident.   What does the future hold?  According to our sources, It may be a return to Harrison. 

At the end of May, New Jersey Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen issued an updated report on Eminent Domain abuse in New Jersey.  Many of the issues raised in the Public Advocates report exist in Amaral's appeal which is currently pending in the Appellate Division.  Amaral lost the right to stay on his property because his stay was denied but his appeal (and that of his neighbor Steven Adler) are pending in the Appellate Division.  Given the Public Advocate's updated report and a renewed public awareness of cases such as Amaral's, the Appellate Division or the New Jersey Supreme Court may look more favorably upon property owners than they have in the past. The Public Advocate was critical of the judiciary's review of past eminent domain cases. 

The Harrison Redevelopment Agency (HRA) may have bigger problems than other municipal agencies because it appears to have violated the State statute that allowed for its creation and the local ordinance which mimicked the statute.  The issue which was touched upon by Superior Court Judge Maurice J. Gallipoli sitting in Jersey City was that no more than two of its members were elected officials or employees of the Town of Harrison.  Gallipoli refused to allow discovery in the case so not all the facts were before the court.

Amaral and Adler argued that Anthony Comprelli was an employee because he was a Town Historian as well as a Superintendent of Harrison's Public School.  The Harrison Redevelopment Agency agreed that Mayor Raymond McDonough and Thomas Powell were an elected official and a town employee respectively  they disagreed that Comprelli was an employee.  Judge Gallipoli sided with the HRA finding that Comprelli's role as Town Historian was ministerial and thus he was not an employee as contemplated by the statute.  The Adler Petition however sets forth other former and current employees of the Town which indicate a clear violation of the statute and/or  a violation of the spirit of the law.  The Amaral and Adler cases present compelling arguments that may be fertile ground for the New Jersey Judiciary to right some wrongs of its past.

Manny Amaral may ultimately have the last word.  A cloud now lingers over the Amaral property as it sits vacant..  One wonders will a Bank provide funding to a project when the former owners still has a pending appeal?  The other projects which are in Harrison's Redevelopment Zone were outright purchases under the threat of condemnation and/or property already owned by the Town.  The Hampton Inn hotel was property purchased from the Town of Harrison.  The Town also sold the John F. Kennedy stadium property to build the River Park Townhouses.  The Red Bull Stadium property was acquired as a private purchase under the threat of condemnation as was the former Hartz Mountain complex.  The Amaral and Adler cases will be the first time that the Appellate Division reviews the composition of the HRA.

Public Advocate:

Eminent Domain Abused

May 30, 2007.  The New Jersey Public Advocate, Ronald K. Chen, has issued an updated report on Eminent Domain abuse in New Jersey.  In a 34 page report the Public Advocate outlines abuses in a number of cases in New Jersey.  Although Chen does not specifically mention the Amaral and Adler matters both presently on Appeal from a decision of Superior Court Judge Maurice J. Gallipoli, the arguments raised by Amaral and Adler in their appeal including their complaint that their properties are not blighted and that the Superior Court is simply rubber stamping decisions made by the Harrison Redevelopment Board without allowing for discovery in the case are reviewed by Chen.  Chen also covers conflicts of interest in other cases.  Chen urges legislative changes to protect property owners including changing the definition of blighted and the burden of proof from the property owner to the municipality.

You can read the full report by following the link below:

In Need of Redevelopment: Abuses and Remedies 

You can join the discussion by visiting our Discussion Board

 

Memorial Day:

A Time To Reflect & Honor Our Soldiers

Present & Past

May 26, 2007.  The Memorial Day weekend is a time to reflect and honor our soldiers present and past.  On November 19, 2005, one of Kearny's residents serving in Iraq lost his life as a result of a road side bomb in Baiji, Iraq.  Army Staff Sgt. Edward Karolasz gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country.  On this Memorial Day weekend, we stop to reflect and give thanks for all that Army Staff Sgt. Edward Karolasz and others have done on behalf of our country.  Our thoughts also go out to the the Karolasz family and friends.

 

Article on Army Staff Sgt. Edward Karolasz

Memorial for Army Staff Sgt. Edward Karolasz

Soldier saw the world, kept home in his heart

Likable Hudson hero loved the Army, adventure

Kearny Fire Department Honors Army Staff Sgt. Edward Karolasz

 

Jorge DaSilva,

of Harrison is

Stevens’ 2007 Valedictorian