Hudson Reporter Archive

HOBOKEN BRIEFS

2015 Business Award Finalists

From over 130 companies and business people in the mile square city were nominated, the Hoboken Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the fourth annual business award.
The awards, which attract over 200 attendees each year, honor businesses in 13 categories including “Hoboken Business of the Year” and “Hoboken Chamber Member of the Year.”
“Our members at the Hoboken Chamber nominated a wide range of companies who contribute in many significant ways to Hoboken’s vitality and our local economy,” said Hoboken Chamber President Richard W. Mackiewicz, Jr. in a statement.
This year’s finalists include the Mile Square Theatre and Chris O’Connor; Elizabeth Caraballo, Esq./The Waterfront Project, Inc. and The Jubilee Center of Hoboken (Community Service Provider of the Year), Benny Tudino’s, Augustinos Restaurant, Eugene and Joyce Flinn (People’s Choice Award); La Isla Restaurant, David and Wanda Jacey Black Bear, Arthur’s, Mill Tavern, Anthony Pino/Anthony Davids (Restaurant/ Restaurateur of the Year).
“We’re excited that this year’s nomination process was our best ever and that members of the business community will be able to celebrate the achievements of their peers at the Business Awards Dinner,” added Mackiewicz, Jr.
The winners in each category will be announced at the dinner on Nov. 12 at the Elks Club at 1005 Washington St. from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Individual tickets cost $125 and tickets for a group of eight cost $950. To purchase a ticket and see the full list of nominees, visit www.hobokenchamber.com.

Help Cinderella find her glass slipper at upcoming Hoboken matinees

The classic story of the princess who lost her glass slipper at the ball will get a comical spin with the Hudson Theatre Ensemble’s rendition, “Cinderella! Cinderella!” with shows Oct. 25, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
“Cinderella! Cinderella! and its all-adult cast will delight children ages 3 to 10 while entertaining their families in the 16th season of the Hudson Theatre Ensemble Children’s Series Silly on Sixth,” said organizers in the event’s announcement.
“Our new musical version of this old favorite loved by generations of children is wonderful for kids and adults alike both for its engaging and zany fun and its gentle story of the value of kindness, encouragement, good deeds, and courage.”
The show, which runs about 40 minutes, will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct. 25, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. All tickets cost $10 and children are encouraged to dress up for Halloween.
The cast for the show includes Vincent Bivona, Laura DiCerto, Nicole D’Onofrio, Richard Dwyer, Nannette Matos, Florence Pape, Howard Richman, and Leah Sayad. To purchase tickets visit reservations@hudsontheatreensemble.com or (201) 377-7014.

‘Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwood’ at Little City Books

Just in time for the spooky season, Hal Johnson (author of “Immortal Lycanthropes”) will visit Hoboken for a reading and signing of his latest novel.
His newest book, “Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwood” was originally published in 1910 by William Thomas Cox and is now being retold with glow-in-the-dark illustrations. Throughout the novel, readers will explore the world of chilling creatures and maniacal monsters of all shapes and sizes, deriving from folklore.
The book singing, which includes free sketches, will be held Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. at Little City Books, 100 Bloomfield St.

Clarification

Bonnie Murray, who was profiled in last week’s first part of the “Who deserves your vote in the municipal race?” article series, has clarified a statement. Murray said that in working to secure traffic cops at 11th Street and Sinatra Dr. and 11th and Hudson streets, she worked with various “sides.” In that initiative, she said, she worked with Council President Ravi Bhalla and Carmelo Garcia, who are on different political sides.

CarePoint receives $350K award for quality and safety

CarePoint Health, a fully integrated healthcare system that provides quality, patient-focused healthcare to Hudson County, received the second half of its quality achievement award from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s (BCBSNJ) Hospital Recognition Program, and was awarded nearly $350,000.
Under the program initiated by Horizon BCBSNJ in 2006, which distinguishes hospital excellence based on quality scores earned from the nationally renowned Leapfrog Hospital Recognition Program, CarePoint-Bayonne Medical and CarePoint-Hoboken University Medical Center were cited by Horizon for quality based upon their “A” safety scores as part of the 2014 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. The recognition and financial reward acknowledges Horizon BCBSNJ network hospitals that perform well against key national measures for care quality, patient outcomes, safety, and transparency in reporting.
“We are honored by the recognition of Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the high marks received by our CarePoint Hospitals in their quality and safety rankings from among the many hospitals in their insurance network,” said CarePoint Health Chief Executive Officer Dennis Kelly. “We will continue to invest in and focus on these vital aspects of healthcare delivery and look forward to maintaining our standing as the region’s premier health care provider.”
“This recognition underscores CarePoint Health’s commitment to high quality of care and patient safety,” said CarePoint Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nizar Kifaieh. “Acknowledgement from such esteemed colleagues is yet another confirmation that our clinicians are among the best when it comes to excellence in patient care.”

Friends of Liberty State Park to hold privatization protest

The Friends of Liberty State Park invite park supporters to join the BIKE RIDE & BANDS against Liberty State Park’s privatization protest on Sunday, Nov. 1.
Park supporters fear the commercialization of the park and privatization by the governor’s office.
The event will be held at the Liberty State Park Historic Train Terminal concourse at 1 Audrey Zapp Dr. in Jersey City.
Attendees will have a chance to bike ride around the park and hear brief remarks about the battle to maintain the park as a public space.
The event will feature The Milwaukees, Karyn Kuhl Band, DEVI, and the Sensational Country Blues Wonders, as well as face painting and food trucks.
For information visit http://bit.ly/BIKERIDEBANDS, www.folsp.com, or call 201-792-1993. Those who attend the event are encouraged to #SaveLSP on social media.

Seminar offers secrets and strategies for selecting the perfect high school

In Hudson County, high school students are routinely traveling out of the area and even out of state to find the very best education that will prepare them for college and beyond.
But without a trusted advisor, how can you discover what your high school options really are?
At Stevens Cooperative School’s “High School Admissions 101: Finding the Perfect Match,” you can expect to learn about the many options available. Learn how to prepare your child for the competitive high school market, about the application procedures and requirements at public, parochial and private institutions and how to develop your list of schools. Discover why top tier private schools can be more affordable than you think and how the financial aid process works.
Learn from the experts and hear from parents who have successfully navigated the process. “Whether you are the parent of a young child or ready to start looking at high schools, we want you to walk out of our meeting with the steps you can take today that can have an impact on choosing the right high school for your son or daughter,” says Nancy Rossi, director of high school placement at Stevens Cooperative School for 15 years.
“High School Admissions 101: Finding the Perfect Match,” will be held Monday, Nov. 2 at Stevens Cooperative School’s Newport campus at 100 River Drive South in Jersey City. The school is within a few minutes walk of both the Hoboken and Newport PATH and light rail stations, and there is ample parking across the street at the Morton Williams market. The event is free and open to the public, and parents of all age children are encouraged to attend.
To RSVP for the event, email admissions@stevenscoop.org or call (201) 792.3688 ext. 406.

Council president ejects two residents during public meeting after Grossbard comments

Two Hoboken residents were ordered physically removed from the City Council meeting on Wednesday Oct. 21 by City Council President Ravi Bhalla after making comments about Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s husband, Stan Grossbard.
Grossbard, the residents alleged, referencing an article on PolitickerNJ, had exchanged emails with Hoboken Housing Authority members in regard to the termination of the former HHA executive director, Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia.
“Since I have been involved in politics there has been a raging question: What is the extent to which a sitting mayor can intrude on a sovereign function of an independent body or board?” said long-time Hoboken resident Perry Belfiore.
The exchange can be viewed on a video on the City Council website.
“Detractors of the mayor would say ‘None.’ Fans of the mayor would say ‘As far as she could go or he could go, and then some.’ The question has never been posed ‘What of the mayor’s spouse?’ What rights does the mayor’s spouse have?” Belfiore continued, before being cut off by Bhalla for making comments about a private citizen.
Garcia alleged in a 2013 lawsuit (which is still in litigation) illegal interference in the HHA in addition to accusing Zimmer of pursuing a campaign of “ethnic cleansing.”
Following Belfiore’s comments and removal by police officers, David Liebler – a sometime Zimmer critic – also brought up Grossbard’s alleged involvement in the HHA.
“Just like I expected, just like we all knew. Stan Grossbard is the unofficial mayor of Hoboken.
He has never been elected,” said Liebler.
Bhalla immediately interjected. He said: “No, no, no, no. You can speak, but there are parameters.”
As Leibler was escorted out by three police officers, he questioned why he was being ejected.
“Why? Because you’re a disgrace!” said Bhalla. “It is very shameful that people come to this dais and need to disparage private citizens.”

Property damaged by fire in 2011 to become new park

In 2011, a fire at a two-story wooden structure in southwest Hoboken displaced five residents, sending out plumes of smoke throughout the neighborhood. Although a tragedy for some, the City Council has turned the situation into a positive by authorizing the city to enter into a 20-year open space easement with the owners of property at 1st and Jackson streets for a new park.
“For the last several years I have been advocating on behalf of our neighborhood for a solution to the quality of life issue regarding the properties at 1st Street and Jackson Street,” said 4th Ward Councilman Tim Occhipinti. “I’m thankful to Mayor [Dawn] Zimmer and my council colleagues for working with me in finding an amicable resolution which adds much-needed open space in our neighborhood.”
The agreement comes a year into litigation with the owners in addition to a $67,000 tax lien (imposed by law upon a property to secure the payment of taxes) when the owner failed to maintain the site, according to city officials.
City spokesman Juan Melli said the city is now doing its legal due diligence before the official execution of the agreement.
“These neglected properties have been a nuisance and drag on the neighborhood for too long,” said Mayor Zimmer.
As part of the agreement the city will pay to remediate and build a park, with a percentage of which will be reimbursable to the city if the owner of the property disrupts the easement at any point in time during the 20 year term.
According to the city’s release, following full execution of the easement agreement, the city will schedule a community meeting to flesh out ideas for the park. In addition, the agreement requires the property owner to demolish 605-615 1st St. (formerly Nardine’s Restaurant) and if not demolished by April 2016, the city will be authorized to demolish the property itself.
“Through this agreement, we will finally clean up this eyesore and bring some green space to the area. I look forward to working with residents and hearing their ideas for how to develop this neighborhood park,” added Zimmer.

Stevens Institute of Technology’s hurricane-resilient house wins top honors in Solar Decathlon

A team of over 60 students and around a dozen faculty members at Steven’s Institute of Technology won top honors in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 this past week.
The competition, run by the U.S Department of Energy, included teams from five countries across two continents including the United States, Germany, Honduras, Italy and Panama.
“This competition challenges the best and brightest minds from around the world to create innovative, highly energy-efficient homes that will change how we build,” said U.S. Energy Secretary, Ernest Moniz.
Due to the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Hoboken’s team decided to make their zero-energy house a hurricane-proof structure suitable for the Jersey Shore (‘SURE House’ doubles as a pun on ‘shore house’ and is a portmanteau of the dual goals of sustainability and resilience).
“This is a monumental feat and our students have much to be proud of,” said John Nastasi, lead faculty advisor on SURE HOUSE after the winners were announced.
The panel scored the SURE HOUSE, which was designed for a waterfront plot in the shore community of Seaside Park, a 950.685 – outshining over a dozen other student teams from universities around the world, ranking highest in architecture, market appeal, communications, appliances, engineering, commuting and home life. The Stevens team, who began to build the SURE HOUSE in spring 2014, was commended for overall design, energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
“On behalf of the City of Hoboken, I congratulate the students and faculty of the SURE House team on their tremendous accomplishment,” said Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “Flooding is a century-old challenge for Hoboken, and this project is further demonstration of Stevens’ commitment to our community.”
The competition was held at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif.
The Stevens’ house was built with fiber-composite materials repurposed from the boat building industry and designed as armor against extreme weather with a minimal carbon footprint. Ultimately, the house uses 90 percent less energy than a conventional home.
The exterior of the house has bi-fold storm shutters made with composite foam core and wrapped with fiberglass “installed to shade the home throughout the year and act as the primary defensive barrier to block debris and water during inclement weather.”
“This incredible victory is the culmination of a two-year journey and a testament to the hard work, commitment and ingenuity of the Stevens Solar Decathlon team,” said Stevens President Nariman.

City drafts plan to turn old leather factory into local artist hot spot

The city has drafted a plan to preserve and rehabilitate the Neumann Leathers Industrial complex to create a hub for the city’s arts community. The plan will be introduced for first reading at the Nov. 4 City Council meeting.
The plan for the old leather factor, located at Newark Street and Willow Avenue, includes new retail spaces and affordable housing, public open spaces, a reduction in localized flooding, and extension of the street grid at Grand Street.
“Just a few years ago, this historic property faced the threat of demolition and the artist community within it lived in fear of an uncertain future,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer in a press release. “This plan would restore an important part of our industrial past, protect the artists and industrial uses that enrich our community, and create a vibrant mixed-use block with street level retail and plazas activated by artists and musicians.”
Residents can access the plan at www.hobokennj.org/docs/communitydev/Neumann-Leathers-Redevelopment-Plan-Draft-10-15-15.pdf.
The draft incorporates the historic buildings at the site and will shape its design around the factory’s smoke stack, cobbled drives, exposed steel, oversized doorways and loading portals.

Tour to give a snapshot of flood protection projects in place since Sandy

In light of the third anniversary of Hurricane Sandy causing massive flooding in the Mile Square City in October 2012, residents are invited to a guided bus tour that will shed light on what the city has done to protect itself from future storm surges.
The bus tour, which is led by the Rebuild by Design Citizens Advisory Group co-chair Carter Craft, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
“Whether it’s new parks that provide open space while soaking up stormwater, coastal protection that also improves access to the river, or a microgrid that will keep the lights on during all kinds of emergencies, we are creating a Hoboken that is not only more flood-resilient, but also a better place to live,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. In the announcement city officials boast of a number of actions taken by the city since 2012, including starting to build a new flood pump (set for completion in 2016), resiliency parks, and a $230 million flood resiliency plan.
“I’m proud of how far we’ve come since Sandy, and I thank the City Council and our team [for] working on these efforts [and] moving these projects forward,” added Zimmer.
The bus tour, which will rendezvous at the Hoboken terminal’s main waiting room, will also feature various experts. Space on the tour is limited and attendees must RSVP in order to attend at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2412006.
This weekend, the mayor will also join over 30 mayors and local officials at the Rising Tides Summit in New Hampshire from Oct. 23 to 25. The summit is designed to raise awareness about the considerable impact of climate change on coastal flooding and sea level rise. This past week, Hoboken was awarded the 2015 Outstanding Floodplain Management Award (the first of its kind in Hoboken) for the design guidelines by the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management.

All Saints Episcopal Day School launches composting program

In partnership with the Community Composting Company, which serviced Hoboken this past spring, All Saints Episcopal Day School has kicked off a school-wide composting program.
As part of the program, classroom compost bins are emptied into an outdoor location each week for pick-up by the Community Composting Company. The company, which is based in New Paltz, N.Y. then provides the compost to farms.
“Composting at school is a very concrete and meaningful way for our students to live into the environmental aspect of our mission,” said the head of the school, Jill Singleton. “We were able to launch our program right in the middle of our school-wide study of interdependence, so the timing was perfect. Students were able to truly appreciate that by taking care of the Earth we are also taking care of ourselves and each other.”
All Saints began composting in the lower grades around 2010 and is excited to expand to all grades.
“Composting makes the Earth a better place because it eliminates bad gases from the landfills,” said fourth-grader Mike Seaton.

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