Meadowlands hotel surcharge falls short of expectations
When tax sharing was eliminated earlier this year, the intention was for a new 3 percent surcharge on hotels in the Meadowlands to take up the slack. So far that hasn’t happened, with less than $1 million collected through May.
Six towns were due to receive a total of about $2.5 million on May 15. Instead Jersey City, Rutherford, East Rutherford, North Arlington, Ridgefield, and Kearny were each allocated pro-rated portions of the approximately $990,000 collected from the hotel surcharge.
Spring is traditionally a slower period for hotels in the region, but results are still significantly below expectations. Predictions were for the hotel surcharge to bring in about $7 million to $10 million per year. Total payments to the six towns was scheduled to total $7.4 million, due in installments on May 15, Aug. 15, and Nov. 15. Representatives from the six towns have expressed concern over the shortfall, since that income was included in their annual budgets.
In the past, Secaucus was one of several municipalities paying millions of dollars annually into the tax sharing fund, while other towns received payments from the fund. In February the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) were consolidated into one entity. As part of that change, the tax sharing program was eliminated, with the new hotel surcharge designed to allow the recipient municipalities to continue receiving funding annually.
According to a representative of the NJSEA, the state will be responsible for covering any shortfall in payments.
Meadowland Hospital fined $92K for not providing timely annual financial reports
Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center has been fined $92,000 by the state for failing to provide annual financial reports for 2012 and 2013 in a timely manner. The hospital was sold in 2010 to a for-profit investment group. The reports were required as a condition of the sale.
The 2012 annual financial report was submitted to the state more than a year late, and the 2013 report, which was due on June 30, 2014, still has not yet been submitted. The report for 2014 is also overdue.
The state is fining the hospital $52,000 for the late 2012 report and $40,000 for the 2013 report. The hospital already paid fines of $12,000 for submitting its 2011 report late.
Meadowlands has undergone numerous shifts in management since the change in ownership five years ago, as well as charges of unfair labor practices from the National Labor Relations board. The hospital has argued that problems with the computer system used by the previous owners required them to do their accounting manually. Due to mitigating circumstances, they asked that the state not impose the fine for 2013.
Nonetheless, the fines stand. According to northjersey.com, the state has offset its Medicaid reimbursements to the hospital to collect $12,000, and plans to collect $40,000 more that way. Another $40,000 in fines is still outstanding.
A spokesman for the hospital indicated that they intend to submit both the 2013 and 2014 financial statements by the end of the summer.
Hudson Bread opens European style café at Xchange
Hudson Bread Café Secaucus is open for business, serving their famous, freshly baked artisanal breads, signature salads, gourmet sandwiches, breakfast items, and more. The shop at 1001 Riverside Station Boulevard is designed like a European style café, where patrons can choose from Italian espresso beverages, soups, salads, smoothies, gelato and daily pastry offerings.
Already a hit with locals, they shop was visited by Mayor Michael Gonnelli, members of the town council, and other officials and administrators from town for the official ribbon cutting on July 22.
The café will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday through the summer. At the end of each night they donate whatever bread is left to the Knights of Columbus or the social services department in town, who distribute it to Hudson County shelters or other needy recipients. “We just want to be a part of the community,” said Ray Million, vice president of operations for the company.
Hudson Bread was established in Jersey City in 1994 before moving to West New York and then to the current location on Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen in 2004. The 60,000 square foot artisan bakery produces between 40,000 and 50,000 pounds of dough a day. The new Secaucus cafe will be followed later this year by a new cafe at Montgomery and Greene Streets in Jersey City, with other locations planned for Fort Lee, Ridgewood, Livingston, and Hoboken.
Vendor space available for Friends of the Library Mini-Fair/Book Sale
The Friends of the Secaucus Public Library’s 18th Annual Mini-Fair/Used Book Sale will take place on the library grounds on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Vendors planning to be part of the Mini-Fair need to sign up soon as space is quickly growing scarce,” said Library Director Jenifer May.
The cost for table space up to 8 feet is $25. Over 8 feet is $45. “Vendors must supply their own tables and chairs,” said May. “If you are unable to do this, there are a limited number of tables and chairs available at the library for a rental fee of $10. There is also limited access to electricity on the library grounds and accommodations for that must be approved well in advance. All arrangements for a table, tent or any other special accommodations must be made with and approved by the library director and reservations must be paid no later than Friday, Sept. 11.”
The most anticipated part of the mini-fair is probably the used book sale, where a “bag of books” can be purchased for $5. “That includes a re-usable tote bag,” said Friends of the Library president Karyn Lusskin. “Buyers will be given the bag and be able to fill it to capacity.”
The fair share raffle with three prizes and the table raffles are other highlights of the event. Prizes include two children’s bicycles, a large outdoor grill and numerous gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses. Also part of the mini-fair are chess tournaments, a pie-eating contest for kids, children’s crafts and games, and costumed mascots roaming the grounds.
The annual Friends of the Library Mini-Fair/Used Book Sale is the group’s main fundraiser and provides the means to maintain the library as the community’s informational, cultural, and educational hub. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held Sunday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more details or information call (201) 330-2083, ext. 4011 or email may@bccls.org.
Farmers market every Thursday evening
The Secaucus farmers market takes place every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wilson Avenue and First Avenue (near Charlie’s Corner). Available for purchase are farm fresh vegetables, honey, bread, and spices. Additional vendors include Just Dogs, Sweet & Flour, Trashy Bags, Doggy Treats, and the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center. Be sure to stop by on your way to the Thursday night concerts in Buchmuller Park.
ICC Feast will be Sept. 10-13
Immaculate Conception Church (ICC) has set the dates for its annual feast, which will be held in Buchmuller Park from Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 10 to 13. The feast will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
“ICC’s past carnivals were huge successes, with gaming booths, rides, food, and fun for all ages, and last year’s event, which added new dimensions of a feast, was an even bigger success,” said Fr. Victor Kennedy, pastor of ICC. “Adding to the enjoyment will be the sound of music from the bands performing each day. We will also have a Super Fair Share raffle that will be drawn on the final night. More details will be unveiled in the coming weeks, but for now, just mark your calendar so you don’t miss out on the fun.”
With the feast and carnival spread over four days, Fr. Kennedy noted that there is always a need for volunteers to run the gaming booths, cook the food, and do other chores associated with an event of this size and scope. “Volunteers do not have to commit to helping all four days; we appreciate any time you can give. If you can donate some time to this undertaking, please contact the church office at (201) 863-4840,” he said.
Fire in Kohl’s extinguished by sprinklers
All units from the Secaucus Fire Department were dispatched to Kohl’s Department Store at 3 Mill Creek Dr. for an automatic fire alarm at 2:19 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21. Upon arrival they found water rushing from the rear of the building. After forcing open a locked door, firefighters determined that a small fire in an employee area had been extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system.
It appeared the fire may have started accidentally in a box of 3 volt lithium cell batteries used to power the display signs on the store shelves. Damage was limited to the rear stock area and some minor water damage to the showroom floor. The store was able to open for business the same day without interruption.
An investigation was conducted by the Secaucus Fire Prevention Bureau.
‘Meet Me at the Park’ for kids this summer
The mayor and Town Council present “Meet Me at the Park” every weekday during the summer. Kids are invited to enjoy sprinklers, arts & crafts, and playtime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
Mondays at Invanoski Park, Charles Street; Tuesdays at Naters Park, Koelle Blvd.; Wednesdays at Eckel Park, 9th Street.; Thursdays at Smit Memorial Park, Valley Ct.; Fridays at Buchmuller Park, Plaza Center.
Also available is Totercise in the Park on Fridays. Exercise with Cristina at Buchmuller Park on Fridays from 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Veggie Fest returns to Meditation Garden on Sept. 13
The second annual Veggie Food Fest will take place at the Sadhu Vaswani Meditation Garden on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join with family, friends, relatives, and neighbors for a day packed with fun, food, entertainment, and adventure, featuring a wide variety of delicacies from India, Southeast Asia, and the west.
A marketplace will feature ethnic Indian jewelry, clothing, home décor, incense, and gift items. Live entertainment will feature vocal and dance performances by talented young artists. Rides and games will be available for children, and raffles and a silent auction for adults.
The Meditation Garden is located next to the Recreation Center at 1200 Koelle Blvd. For more information call (201) 768-7857 or visit sadhuvaswanicenter.us.
Advance tickets on sale for $100 or more tricky tray
Advance ticket sales are available for the $100 or more tricky tray on Saturday, Oct. 3. Each basket will be worth $100 or more. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. The event will take place at La Quinta, 350 Lighting Way. Doors open at noon. For more information call (201) 921-7678.
Municipal survey of waterfront parks and recreation available online
The environmental department in Secaucus has put together a survey to discuss waterfront parks and recreational facilities in town. To take the brief nine-question survey and provide your comments and feedback, visit the town website at secaucusnj.gov.
Show off your garden on the town website
Is your garden amazing? Do you have a serious green thumb? Is your garden the envy of your neighbors?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then show it off. Email a picture of your garden to anesheiwat@secaucus.net and see your garden featured on the town website and Facebook page. Pictures of this week’s featured garden can be found at secaucusnj.gov. For more information call (201) 86-GREEN (47336).