Correction
An outdated press release about Stevens Cooperative School inadvertently ran on page 25 of our Dec. 30, 2012 countywide edition. The release made reference to Nationally Bullying Prevention Month and a Mile Square Theater production, but the release was from 2011. The Reporter regrets the error and any confusion it may have caused.
Pulaski Skyway to close for two years, starting in 2014
The Pulaski Skyway in Jersey City will be closed to New York-bound motorists for two years beginning in 2014 after Super Bowl XLVIII, according to a report by NBC 4 New York. The bridge serves as a major thoroughfare for drivers heading to Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel.
Unnamed sources were quoted as saying that the 80-year-old structure is, “massively used, massively worn out.” NBC 4 New York did not identify the sources for this report.
The $1 billion restoration project could take several years to complete. According to the news report, two of the bridge’s four lanes will be “redecked” one at a time.
Hudson County executive Tom DeGise was quoted as saying the closure would present a “horrible, horrible predicament,” and that there are no good alternatives to repair a bridge that was built with the same truss construction as an interstate highway span that collapsed in Minnesota several years ago, killing several motorists.
Commuters will likely face challenges finding alternate routes.
The work will not begin until after the Super Bowl-related tourism and traffic are over, since the game will be held nearby in the Meadowlands.
Fulop scheduled to open campaign headquarters
At press time Friday, Jersey City Councilman and 2013 mayoral candidate Steven Fulop was scheduled to open his new campaign headquarters at 2175 Kennedy Blvd. on Saturday, Jan. 12. Located at Morton Avenue, close to where wards A, B, and F meet, the address will serve as the hub of the Fulop for Mayor 2013 campaign.
The opening was also expected to be the first time Fulop would officially introduce many of the candidates running for the City Council on his slate. Last week, Fulop added several new candidates – realtor Joyce Waterman (at-large); Roberto Clemente Little League President Daniel Rivera (at-large); South Hudson Civic Association Chairman Khemraj “Chico” Ramchal (Ward B); and Ward F Councilwoman Diane Coleman – to his ticket.
Waterman, Rivera, Ramchal, and Coleman join previously announced candidates Frank Gajewski (Ward A), Candice Osborne (Ward E), Sean Connors (Ward D), and Councilman Rolando Lavarro Jr. (at-large).
At press time, Fulop had announced all of his City Council candidates, with the exception of his Ward C pick.
Temple Beth-El to host Marcia Lyles for annual MLK Jr. commemoration
On Friday, Jan. 18 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jersey City’s Temple Beth-El will host featured speaker Dr. Marcia Lyles, Jersey City’s new superintendent of schools.
Lyles began her position on Aug. 31, 2012, overseeing 29,000 students in 39 schools. Prior to Jersey City, Lyles was superintendent of Delaware’s largest school district after spending over 30 years in the New York City public school system.
The King commemoration at Temple Beth-El is an annual tradition that is now in its 28th year. This year’s event is expected to draw many Jersey City religious, civic, and elected leaders. Rabbi Debra R. Hachen and Cantor Lauren Furman will conduct the service, which is open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the service. The service and remarks from Dr. Lyles will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the Temple office at (201) 333-4229.
150 residential units may be built near Hamilton Park
Prime Realty Co. has sold a development site at 360-364 Ninth St. in Jersey City to 360 9 LLC. The all-cash transaction is valued at $5.3 million. The buyer was represented by Janie Spataro of Robert De Ruggiero Inc. Massey Knakal of Kobi Leifer represented the seller.
Located on the corners of Ninth and 10th Streets, the property is a 1.8-acre development site totaling over 78,000 square feet. There is currently a one-story 80,000 square foot industrial building at the site. Approximately 150 residential units can be built on the property, which is located in the Hamilton Park section of Jersey City.