WNY mayor responds to news of aide’s fines
A newspaper report this past week revealed that Silvio Acosta, who is West New York’s deputy mayor and chief of staff to new Mayor Felix Roque, owes more than $500,000 in fines for allegedly not having the proper permits for additions made to his home. The fines date back to July 2009.
Roque said he believes the matter was political retribution from the former mayor’s administration because Acosta has supported Roque politically. In 2009, Acosta was fired as a West New York housing inspector, which some believed was retaliation for supporting a recall of Mayor Sal Vega by Roque.
However, Roque was still upset that he didn’t know about the fines. He said he had asked all departments to keep him updated on important issues.
“I will sit down with Acosta and his attorney to discuss this matter,” Roque said. “I’m not a lawyer, but there was a lot of negligence on both sides.”
According to Acosta’s attorney, Luis Alum, “We had the proper permits.”
Currently, Acosta is one of Mayor Roque’s prospective appointees to the school board, but the appointment is on hold due to Mayor Roque challenging the previous administration’s appointments of Janet Passante and Alex Locatelli.
Free supplies, screenings for the needy
Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. is Community Outreach Day at Dvine Konektion, 5516 Jefferson St. in West New York. The day will include distribution of groceries, baby items such as diapers and wipes, school supplies, new and gently used clothing, free diabetes, cholesterol, blood, and glaucoma screenings, and more.
Participants must be residents of West New York, Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City and Weehawken. Photo ID and proof of address is required. For more information, please call (201) 617-4484 or go to www.dvinek.org
WNY Farmers Market summer schedule
The West New York Farmers Market continues on Sunday, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. The hours are from noon to 5 p.m., at the corner of 60th Street and Boulevard East. Come and enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables and more!
Union City sponsors events
Bring your youngsters to ‘A Show for the Kids at the Park’ from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 16, courtesy of the City of Union City. The event, at Juan Pablo Duarte Park on New York Avenue and 33rd Street, and will feature fun and games for the kids.
Also, City Hall will host a display of artwork on Aug. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Union City Art Gallery in City Hall, 3715 Palisade Ave., first floor.