Putting off a vote on the American Dream
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority did not discuss the American Dream project at their board’s monthly meeting on Thursday, although they were due to vote on the approval of a revised master plan, according to news reports. While a number of individuals from the region have indicated that the project will move forward soon and at least have some elements ready in time for the Super Bowl 2014, which is just a short year away, the absence of a vote on the master plan adds further delay to a project that has already stalled repeatedly since its inception.
The $3.7 billion American Dream project, previously known as Xanadu, includes a Dreamworks Animation theme park, attractions, retail and other venues. The retail and entertainment venue will also have a water park, ice skating rink, indoor ski park, and theaters along with nearly 1.7 million square feet of retail space and 150,000 square feet of fine dining and restaurants.
The American Dream project has faced serious financial hurdles that threatened to shut it down until Developer Triple Five came forward to take over its completion in 2009, and until Gov. Chris Christie said the state would take a more active role. Triple Five is currently in the process of seeking final approvals for the revised master plan, which includes the proposed indoor amusement and water parks expansion.
The revised plans received a number of approvals last year, including from the Environmental Protection Agency, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
A few financial and legal obstacles remain. A superior court judge dismissed a lawsuit to halt the expansion plans sought by NFL professional football teams the Giants and Jets. However, the NFL teams may sue again once the master plan is approved.
Donation to local school from Bob’s
Clarendon Elementary School was one among seven schools to receive $1,000 from Bob’s Discount Furniture. The donation was presented on Jan. 15 at Bob’s Totowa store, located at 50 Route 46. Bob’s Discount Furniture donated funds to seven schools in New Jersey in support of arts and education programs. These funds are made possible by customer donations to collection jars located in the cafes found in every Bob’s store.
Workshop on budget-conscious, healthy-eating
A free workshop on budget-conscious, healthy-eating habits, “New Year, New You: How to Eat Healthy on Any Budget” will be held on Jan. 17 at 10:30 a.m. by Metropolitan Family Health Network (MFHN) in conjunction with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey at Metropolitan Family Health Network’s primary site, 935 Garfield Ave. in Jersey City.
Attendees are asked to register in advance.
The workshop will feature Horizon New Jersey Health’s Alminda D’Agostino, MPH, a certified health education specialist and Metropolitan’s Nutritionist Marilyn Quintana, a registered dietitian. The presentation will include tips on shopping, and will introduce foods, ingredients and meal ideas that are nutritious, tasty and affordable. Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with D’Agostino and Quintana about any specific questions they may have.
To register, contact Carolina Dellepiane at (201) 478-5836 or email cdellepiane@metrofhn.org. Healthy, light refreshments will be served.
Ladies’ Auxiliary breakfast fundraiser scheduled
The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Secaucus Exempt Firemen’s Association is hosting a Breakfast Fundraiser at Washington Hook and Ladder Firehouse on County Avenue from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10. The funds raised will support retired firemen in the Boonton Home and the organization’s social endeavors. The firefighters from Washington Hook and Ladder do all the cooking. Donations will be accepted such as eggs, pancake mix, Taylor Ham, breakfast sausage, bacon, home fries, bread, butter, milk, cake, cookies, milk, tea, juice, paper goods, etc. To donate items to offset the cost of the breakfast, contact Ex-Chief Raymond Cieciuch at (201) 376-6819. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children and seniors. To purchase tickets, contact President Jane Olsen at (201) 330-9147.
Library offers free crocheting instruction
The Secaucus Public Library offers free crocheting instruction classes for adult beginners who start in January. The classes will be taught by Mary Ellen Aluotto, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on six consecutive Thursdays beginning Jan. 24. Individuals attending the class must bring a crocheting needle and yarn for instruction. Aluotto also facilitates the “Needlework Round Table” that meets at 6:30 p.m. at the library on the second Tuesday of each month.
“In contrast to the crocheting classes, The Needlework Round Table is not an instructional workshop,” said Aluotto. “At the Round Table, anyone working on a project in knitting, crocheting, embroidering, quilting, needlepoint, or any other handwork, is invited to attend and share their projects, ideas and just good conversation. I welcome newcomers.” Registration is required. To register, call (201) 330-2083.