Save Our Secaucus

SOS is a signal of distress in code used internationally in wireless telegraph used by ships. The code was invented in the 1920s and is in operation today.

Here in Secaucus, SOS is a acronym for “Save Our Secaucus.” SOS is a volunteer organization composed of residents of Secaucus that are dedicated to protecting and defending the suburban character of the town.

Since the first notification of the Baker/Riverwalk Townhouse development (a 212 unit townhouse proposed on the Shiptank property) on February 19, 2002, the mayor and council have retracted into a protective shell. They have turned a deaf ear to our voices and assumed the role of invincible and irresponsible. It is inconceivable and exasperating to the people of Secaucus that the mayor and council have succumbed to the zoning laws under the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s jurisdiction without any opposition. Certainly the people are entitled to legal representation, a public hearing, an impact study, a professional planner and a alternative viable solution in this matter. To be denied these rights is unconstitutional and unconscionable.

In approximately 1978, the town of Secaucus was challenged by the Hackensack Meadowlands Commission (now the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission) to building 4,400 units of high rise construction. Various heights of high rises of up to 38 stories would be built, east of the Conrail tracks, running North behind Meadowlands Hospital to the Route 3 bridge. Thus, the high-rise buildings silhouetting and casting an ominous gloom in the skies over our western borders, giving evidence to what the future of Secaucus would be, a drastic transformation from a suburban community to an urban community.

Such a misguided and illogical concept would have doubled the population of Secaucus and immeasurably altered our quality of life and destroyed the suburban character of Secaucus. All of our town services would have been severely impacted, police and fire protection, traffic and transportation, sewage and street maintenance, etc. Our entire school district would have decimated.

This misconceived irrational and bold attempt was thwarted by former Mayor Paul Amico, council people and the Secaucus Citizens Opposing High Rises (SCOHR). The SCOHR organization consisted of people from all walks of life and income levels, united together in common bond to preserve our small town image, quality of life and the preservation of our Secaucus. Notably, Emily Cattuna, a chief activist and Jersey Journal Woman of Achievement recipient, dedicated a great amount of time to this worthy cause.

Throughout the concerted and cooperative effort by the town officials, and the SCOHR organization, the best legal counselors and professional planning consultants were hired. Together they challenged the entire high-rise proposal as to legality, the impact study for its veracity and feasibility and the impact on every aspect of the Town of Secaucus’ services.

In a statement regarding the high-rise situation, Mayor Amico said, “The residences of Secaucus can rest assured that my administration will continue to vigorously oppose the erection of high-rises and will use every legal means available in doing so.”

Fortunately, for our Secaucus, the result was only 1400 units of high-rise buildings adjacent to the commuter rail center. A genuine debt of gratitude is certainly owed to the then town officials and the SCOHR organization for their sincere efforts, time and dedication. Today we enjoy the fruits of their labor without any questions or rebuttal.

A public office is a public trust. A trust the embodies firm belief or confidence in the honesty, integrity, reliability and justice of another person or thing. And, every private and public official sworn into office with this trust. Any violation of this trust can result in serious consequences.

Sam Maffei