One dead, three families displaced after Harmon Cove fire
A 52-year-old Harmon Cove woman died April 3 when she caught fire and fell from her second story condo unit after a blaze broke out in her residence.
The cause of the fire is not known and is now under investigation by the Division of Fire Safety and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Three other families were also permanently displaced by the blaze that destroyed 199-202 Sandcastle Key, one condo buildings at the Harmon Cove development off of Meadowlands Parkway, Sunday at around 5:30 p.m.
“It will be several weeks before we know what caused the fire,” said Mayor Michael Gonnelli, a member of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department who was among those who responded to the scene. “At this point they don’t think it’s suspicious.”
Two firefighters received minor injuries fighting the blaze. A third was admitted to the hospital with a rapid heartbeat. He was kept overnight for observation and released the next day.
Hartz files appeal over Panasonic-to-Newark deal
Hartz Mountain Industries has filed an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey to vacate the New Jersey Economic Development Agency’s (EDA) award of millions of dollars in state tax credits to Panasonic if the company moves from Secaucus to Newark.
Earlier this year the EDA approved a package of tax incentives worth $102.4 million under the New Jersey Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program.
Panasonic currently leases 1 million square feet of space at 1 Meadowlands Parkway from Hartz. The location includes 300,000 square feet of office space, plus 700,000 square feet of warehouse space, and serves as Panasonic’s U.S. corporate headquarters.
But after 34 years in town Panasonic is contemplating a move elsewhere, and is considering relocating to Newark.
Ever since the EDA approved the tax package, Secaucus officials and Hartz have cried foul, arguing that the tax credits should not be used to lure a corporation from one New Jersey municipality to another. Hartz and Secaucus have both claimed the tax incentives offered to Panasonic are a misuse of the Urban Transit Hub Program.
In a March 31 release announcing Hartz’s appeal, the company stated: “The Hartz appeal is predicated on four main points highlighting significant deficiencies in the EDA’s approval process. The appeal claims that the Agency acted outside the scope of authority granted to it by the legislature because contrary to the requirements of the law, no new jobs are being created at the proposed Panasonic facility in Newark and that no consideration was given in the State’s analysis of this application to the loss of jobs and revenues to the Town of Secaucus, where the Panasonic’s corporate offices are now located.”
Weiner still public defender
On March 22 the Town Council awarded a professional service contract to attorney Peter Weiner for him to continue serving as the Secaucus Public Defender. The contract is not to exceed $20,000 over the next year.
Weiner has been the town Public Defender for several years.
Some political observers had speculated whether Weiner would lose the contract after he began looking into taxpayer funded car, gas, and EZ-Pass expenses for municipal officials, including Mayor Michael Gonnelli. As a Democrat who ran in the 2009 party primary for mayor against Dennis Elwell, Weiner might be gearing up for another mayoral bid race in 2013.
Weiner was among two bidders who responded to the town’s request for proposals for the public defender contract.
Quigley first casualty of redistricting, won’t seek re-election
Assemblywoman Joan Quigley (D-32nd Dist.) announced last week that she will not seek reelection in the upcoming primary and general election after redistricting shifted her from the 32nd legislative district into the 33rd.
Local Democratic leaders want someone else to run for the 33rd District seat instead.
Quigley’s current district includes Secaucus, East Newark, Fairview, Harrison, Jersey City, Kearny, and North Bergen.
The 33rd District includes Hoboken, Union City, part of Jersey City, Guttenberg, and Weehawken.
“It is with disappointment and a bit of relief that I tell you I will not seek the Assembly seat in District 33, Hudson County,” Quigley said in a statement issued last Wednesday. “Disappointment because I greatly enjoyed serving my constituents and think I did that well, but the Party Leaders of District 33 have selected another candidate. Relief because while I once thought I had all the answers, I have learned that no one does and I find the questions are getting tougher.”
Quigley said she harbors no bitterness about the outcome.
“I wish the new candidate not only success but also joy in its pursuit. During the 18 years I represented District 32 in the New Jersey Legislature, I had the great good fortune of working with the incomparable Senator Nicholas Sacco, who has been my ally, mentor and friend since the day we met, and with two excellent legislative partners Vincent Prieto and the late Tony Impreveduto,” she added. “I’ve worked with many wonderfully dedicated public servants and a few possibly not as dedicated as they seemed. I was able to help many people and I’ve met quite a few real characters. All of them will live forever in my memory – and maybe someday in a book. It was a wild ride in a rough arena, and I enjoyed every minute of it!”
State Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-32nd Dist.), who is a Secaucus resident who also represents the town in the state legislature, is up for re-election this year and is continuing his campaign for another term.