The township council received an Iraq war flag from a grateful soldier and local police officer, ordered two property owners to clean up their yards, and renewed a list of liquor licenses at their meeting last Wednesday.
Weehawken police Sgt. Rene Roa, Jr., 30, came back from a year-long tour in southern Iraq and presented the township with an award on behalf of the army. The award consisted of a flag that was flown over Iraqi territory during operation “Iraqi Freedom,” and a certificate of appreciation, neatly placed inside a plaque to be hung on a wall in the council chambers.
A flag of gratitude
“I flew it in appreciation for [the town] for all they did for me while I was away,” said Roa.
He is a first lieutenant infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, specializing in detention operations. “We took care of the largest detention operation in the world,” he said. He’s been in the Army National Guard since he turned 18 years old, and joined the Weehawken Police Department when he was 19.
Roa plans to remain in the army for a few more years, though he doesn’t expect to be deployed again anytime soon. “Hopefully, I have eight more years there [in the army] then I reach retirement age, then my wife will probably make me quit,” said Roa.
“It was hard, but he was able to keep in touch through emails and phone calls,” said Alison Roa, his wife. “Luckily my parents live nearby, so my parents and the rest of my family were a big help.”
The couple’s first daughter, Juliet, recently turned two years old.
“It’s great to have him back,” Deputy Police Chief Jeff Fulcher said.
Roa’s father was also a Weehawken police officer and was on the force with Fulcher.
“His father is now retired, but I have Rene Jr. to carry on the tradition,” said Fulcher, “and he’s every bit as good as his father.”
Property maintenance issues
A Union City man was given a warning and a deadline to clean up his property at 2304 Palisades Ave.
“We received a complaint on the property maintenance, we’ve received a complaint on the backyard,” said Mayor Richard Turner.
“As unfortunate as the circumstances may be, you have to clean and maintain the property.”—Mayor Richard Turner
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Frank Tattoli, construction code official for the township, testified under oath that he had been at the property many times and felt that the property owner wasn’t as responsive as he could have been.
“As unfortunate as the circumstances may be, you have to clean and maintain the property,” said the mayor.
The owner agreed to clean up the property by four o’clock Friday, otherwise a summons will be sent by the township. It was agreed that a tax lien with an interest rate of 18 percent will be placed on the property for the cost of township workers cleaning up the yard if it isn’t done by Friday.
A representative of the property owners of 14-50th St. agreed to speak to them about cleaning up their property. They were also given a four o’clock Friday deadline.
Liquor license renewals
During the meeting the township council acted as the local Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Tattoli and Weehawken Detective Ignacio Mitolo, advised the council on any issues they felt were important regarding the renewal of distribution, consumption, and club license renewals. All establishments received renewals.
Fourth of July announcements
The council members discussed issuing notices to residents regarding Fourth of July events and road closings. The three-page notice announces in bold type that vehicles parked on both sides of Boulevard East may be subject to damage from the large crowds expected. They asked the public to remove their cars, if possible.
For any questions regarding the Fourth of July event and road closings in Weehawken, please contact the mayors office at (201) 319-6005. For problems or questions that occur on July fourth, please contact the Weehawken police department at (201) 863-7800.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com