Nightmare on Elm Street

Dear Editor:
Even though there is still garbage scattered nearby long wild weeds that grow where a weed wacker is sorely needed; for as long as I can remember, there stood an old abandoned gas station and/or garage that sat at the top of Observer Highway 139 and Kennedy Boulevard. To say that it was a terrible eye sore would be an understatement. The street it was actually located at is Elm Street which inspired me to nickname it Nightmare on Elm Street. This ugly structure was littered with old political signage, infested with rats and other rodents. For those commuting through the Holland Tunnel on their way to other whereabouts, it was the last impression they had of Jersey City. To neighbors, it was that nasty place that separated the Journal Square section from The Heights.
For years, I brought it up to county, city and even state officials. No action was ever taken. This summer I mentioned it to mayoral hopeful, frontrunner and favorite Steve Fulop and Freeholder Bill O’dea. Within months it was demolished and the lot was cleaned up. Fulop and O’Dea are the real deal. They not only care about Jersey City and Hudson County but show concern for what the people think. They impressed the hell out of this tax payer regarding the quality of life issue. Freddy Kruger might still be in the movies but thanks to Steve Fulop and Bill O’Dea, the nightmare on Elm Street is no more.

James Francis Waddleton

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