Nine PA police officers fired, three suspended as result of Hoboken bar incident
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced on Nov. 7 that its Office of Inspector General (OIG) has concluded a previously-announced investigation of an Aug. 23 graduation party of its 113th police recruit class and an ensuing gathering at a bar in Hoboken that evening.
The authority’s OIG interviewed more than 100 police officers, customers and staff of the bar, local police officials and others, as well as reviewing relevant videotapes, social media communications, and other electronic messages.
As a result, nine probationary police officers are being terminated, and three additional probationary police officers are suspended for 30 days without pay and will have their probationary status extended for an additional year, according to the PA’s announcement.
In addition, three members of the Port Authority Police Academy staff who attended the events in question and two additional officers not on the academy staff will be subject to disciplinary proceedings; three of those five officers are supervisors.
Media accounts of the launch of the investigation quoted sources as saying the officers were allegedly drunk and rowdy, and that the bar staff called the Hoboken police who in turn notified the Port Authority police.
“This is a sad day for the Port Authority Police Department,” said Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority. “We are extremely disappointed by the conduct of the probationary officers involved and appalled by the poor judgment of the academy staff members in attendance. The Port Authority is justly proud of the history and dedication of its police department and views the conduct in question as deeply troubling.”
In light of these developments and other concerns, the Port Authority said it is examining the entire candidate selection and training process to ensure that every stage is fair, focused and effective in producing officers with the skills and character necessary to carry out the critical mission of the Port Authority Police Department.
The disciplinary actions announced on Friday were recommended by Superintendent Michael Fedorko and Chief Security Officer Joseph Dunne. Commenting on the action announced today, Port Authority Chairman John Degnan said: “Let the message be clear. Sworn police officers will be held to a high standard of conduct befitting their roles. The individuals who faced discipline today represent a very small percentage of a department that has otherwise distinguished itself for competence and valor.”
Van smashes into Hoboken store in alleged attempt to steal ATM
A local police investigation is ongoing after an attempted robbery took place at a deli in southwest Hoboken early on Sunday morning, said Sgt. Ed Drishti.
According to Drishti, two suspects drove a white van into the storefront of Delight Deli & Grocery at the corner of Newark Street and Observer Highway. Drishti said the suspects tried to take an automated teller machine, but found that it was bolted down, so they fled on foot.
Drishti described the suspects as two black males. According to Hoboken police, the van had been reported stolen in Irvington, N.J.
Looking for Ol’ Blue Eyes at the Hoboken Historical Museum
Do you have a signed autograph by Frank Sinatra? A photograph taken with the Chairman of the Board? A ticket stub from a concert by Ol’ Blue Eyes? The Hoboken Historical Museum is planning an exhibit in celebration of Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday, to open in 2015. The exhibit will feature tributes by long-time fans. The Museum is currently seeking memorabilia to display in the exhibit. If you have something of interest that can be used for the exhibit, or a memory of Hoboken’s legendary native, please contact the museum’s executive director, Bob Foster, at rfoster@hobokenmuseum.org or 201-656-2240. All items for display will be returned at the close of the exhibit.
Preceding the opening of the exhibit, a gala to honor Sinatra’s 100th birthday, “My Way,” will take place on April 25, 2015, at the Elks in Hoboken. The Elks Club will be transformed into a glamorous nightclub circa 1960, and, of course, will feature the iconic music of Sinatra. In addition to live entertainment, elegant food prepared by award-winning Chef Anthony Pino will be served. The annual live auction, which has become a traditional highlight of the annual gala, will be hosted by Hoboken restaurateur, Eugene Flinn.
A portion of the proceeds from the exhibit and gala will go towards refurbishing and remounting the star in front of Sinatra’s former childhood home on Monroe Street.
Waltz through movements and mediums at the Hoboken Artists’ Studio Tour Nov. 9
On Sun. Nov. 9 from noon until 6 p.m., the city of Hoboken will host a free city-wide self-guided walking tour of artists’ studios, galleries and group exhibitions featuring the work of over 100 local artists. Free tour maps will be available at City Hall at 94 Washington St. on Sunday. Even though there are many locations, the tour is designed so that you can easily walk from studio to studio, gallery to gallery. The tour will display the work of artists from both inside Hoboken and farther afield. Visitors will see art in many forms, representing a large variety of mediums. They will have a chance to meet the artists, photographers, sculptors and artisans and witness the creative process at work.
For example, at City Hall on Sunday, visitors can meet Austin-based artist George Sabra and discuss his artwork “Plastic Storm,” a 14-feet-high storm funnel made of reclaimed plastic bottles, cups, jars, and caps which is currently on display on the first floor.
For further information about the Artists’ Studio Tour or to see digital copies of the tour maps, navigate to http://www.hobokennj.org/artists-studio-tour.
Veterans Day ceremony to be held in Hoboken Nov. 11
A Veterans Day ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the World War II memorial located near the intersection of Fourth Street and Sinatra Drive. The brief service honors Hoboken’s veterans and those presently serving our nation in the armed forces.
Demarest High School Class of 1944 alumnus seeks classmates
Frank Romano, an 89-year-old alumnus of Demarest High School, is trying to find any and all of his classmates from the Class of 1944. Romano says he used to be close with many of his fellow graduates but lost track out them during his 44 years living outside of Hoboken, most recently in Fairlawn. Anyone with information should contact him at 201-796-0859 or email his daughter Michele at micheleromano61960@gmail.com.
Hoboken boasts highest paid charter school teachers in state
Hoboken’s Elysian Charter School has the highest average teacher salary of any charter school in the state of New Jersey during the 2013-2014 school year at $70,292, according to a NJ Spotlight report. Notably, although Elysian tops all 90 charter schools in New Jersey, it still has a lower average teacher salary than Hoboken Public Schools, which rests at $75,047.
As NJ Spotlight points out, charter school teachers typically make less than their colleagues in traditional public school because they are not unionized. In addition, charter school teachers typically have less tenure because the schools themselves are younger.
Elysian opened their doors in 1997, and its teachers have comparable average experience to Hoboken Public Schools teachers, according to NJ Spotlight. However, Elysian leaders told NJ Spotlight that they were unable to keep up with Hoboken’s salary as state funding for traditional schools increased.
Secaucus and Hoboken among five ‘Happiest Cities in NJ’
A recent study from the website CreditDonkey listed the “20 Happiest Cities in New Jersey.” Near the top of the list were Hoboken at number five and Secaucus at number four.
Statistics used to determine the happiness quota included the number of restaurants per capita, the crime rate, income, divorce rate, percentage of income spent on housing, and average commute time.
Secaucus, the study determined, “has an excellent reputation for being a safe and well-to-do town. The violent crime rate is the third lowest in our study, and residents earn a very healthy median income of around $86,000. Keeping a roof over your head won’t break the bank, although you’ll be spending a little more time on the trip to work. If you’re hungry for Italian, Secaucus is a smorgasbord of pizza joints and high-end restaurants.”
Hoboken, meanwhile, is “just a hop, skip and a jump from lower Manhattan. It’s one of New Jersey’s more upscale communities, with workers earning a median income of almost $109,000. Its 52,000 residents face the longest commute, but it’s a small price to pay to live in such a desirable area. Not only does Hoboken rank first in the housing category, it also ties with another of our cities for the lowest combined divorce rate.”
The top three Happiest Cities in New Jersey, according to the study, are Summit, Hammonton, and Westfield.
Fourth annual Taste of Hoboken returns with food and fun
This coming Tuesday, Nov. 11, A Taste of Hoboken returns for the fourth straight year, offering residents the chance to sample food from numerous restaurants that populate the Mile Square City while helping to raise money for the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA. The event will be held at the Schaefer Center on the Stevens Institute of Technology campus.
Featured restaurants include Amanda’s, Elysian Cafe, Bin 14, Anthony David’s, and Jack’s Cabin. In addition, this year’s event will feature an expanded selection of quality wines, beer and spirits from all over the world. Guests will be able to sample beer and wines from around the world. Music will be provided by “little big band” Swingadelic.
Tickets are available online at http://atasteofhoboken.bpt.me until midnight on Nov. 9.
General admission at 7 p.m. is $60, but special $80 tickets also include a Champagne Preview from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets at the door on Nov. 11 are $100.00 for the Champagne Preview and $80 for general admission. All tickets are fully tax deductible. All entrants are required to have tickets. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers.
More information can be found at http://atasteofhoboken.com.
Correction
The Sunday, Oct. 26 print version of The Hoboken Reporter incorrectly stated that State Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia was the campaign manager of the Parents for Change school board slate. The campaign manager was in fact Joseph Branco. The online version of the article was and remains correct.