Parking Authority offers free month of parking for permits renewed in December
It’s parking permit renewal season, and the West New York Parking Authority (WNYPA) is keeping its office open longer for the convenience of its residents. The Parking Authority is now open on:
• 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
• 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursdays
• 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays
As an added bonus, The Parking Authority will reward residential permits renewed in December with one extra month of parking for free.
A standard one-year residential parking permit costs $10, and payment is accepted in credit, debit or money order only. The permit purchasing and renewal process is quick and easy. Those looking to purchase or renew a residential parking permit are required to fill out the application and show three basic forms of verification:
1. A valid NJ driver’s license showing West New York residency
2. Valid vehicle registration showing West New York residency (or proof of insurance if lease or fleet vehicle)
3. Valid, recent secondary proof of West New York Residency, including vehicle insurance, utility bills, bank or tax statements, signed leases among others.
Anyone who purchases or renews their permit can purchase up to six extra months for $2 per month.
Also, in the spirit of the season and to encourage people to shop local, Mayor Felix Roque, the Board of Commissioners and the WNYPA will be offering two hours free holiday parking from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Bergenline between Dec 15 – Jan. 2.
West New York Cuban Lions will play Santa at school for the blind
The West New York Cuban Lions Club will visit the school of Saint Joseph for the Blind in Jersey City to bring them gifts, toys and clothing. For more than two months the club has been organizing this function, and will include a Christmas tree chosen and purchased by the members. The visit will take place Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. Gifts will be distributed by Manny Reyes (Santas Claus) Erlinda Rodriguez, Vivian González and Sandra Paz and there will be a special appearance by the Three Kings. The Lions members will be accompanied by students from high schools attended by members of the club. All are welcome to attend.
Saint Joseph School for the Blind, 761 Summit Ave., Jersey City in Jersey City now has more space for disabled children and the partially blind, is free to the community. There are only 70 students at the school.
Metropolitan Klezmer spreads the joy
The UBS Atrium Series will present a festive concert with Metropolitan Klezmer on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 12:30 p.m. in the Atrium at 1000 Harbor Boulevard in the Lincoln Harbor section of Weehawken. Hailed as “one of the finest American klezmer bands” by Songlines Magazine, Metropolitan Klezmer performs an exhilarating range of musical treasures with astonishing agility and refreshing depth.
The group recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary and has shared its joyous music in live concerts throughout the United States, broadcasts worldwide (on HBO, PRI, and NPR), and recordings. This fun and collaborative musical adventure, created by exceptional New York based musicians, combines the best of downtown, classical, and world music scenes. Metropolitan Klezmer bandmates bring together diverse stylistic backgrounds from the musical worlds of classical, Latin jazz, funk, folk, zydeco, baroque, and reggae. They will perform inspired neo-traditional interpretations and compositions exploring eclectic Yiddish repertoire including imaginatively-arranged Yiddish swing and tango and even Klezmer cumbia.
An hour spent at this concert will take the listener on a fascinating musical journey.
All performances for the UBS Atrium Series begin at 12:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
Free parking is available in the adjacent outdoor lot and public transportation options include NJ Transit Bus 158 as well as the Hudson Bergen Light Rail to Lincoln Harbor.
For directions and more info, please check the HRPAC website – www.hrpac.org – or call the concert hotline at (201) 716-4540.
Liberty Realty donates holiday apple pies
This past Thanksgiving, with the help of Liberty Realty’s agents and staff, the Liberty Board of Realtors was able to donate over 125 apple pies to Major Vanessa and Major Ernest at the Salvation Army on Bergen Avenue in Jersey City.“A special thank you to Joe Covello, president of Liberty Realty, for supporting the cause and allowing the LBR pie committee te a.m. to turn 525 Washington St. into ‘Pie Central.’ As always, I a.m. overwhelmed by the generosity of the Liberty f a.m.ily,” says Margaret Jager Watson, Liberty Board Member and 525 Washington St. office manager. The pies made a great addition to Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving dinner.
American Dream mall to feature three restaurants from Bellagio and Carpaccio owners
Representatives of the American Dream mall in East Rutherford announced on Dec. 3 the addition of three fine dining and signature restaurants in the property. Tom Billante, president of Carpaccio at the Bal Harbour Shops, along with partner Alex Kalas, will bring the restaurants to the mall and entertainment complex.
“We look forward to featuring multiple concepts from the Carpaccio f a.m.ily of restaurants in The Dining Terrace at American Dream,” said Don Ghermezian, president of Triple Five, the developers of American Dream. “The Dining Terrace will showcase fifteen full-service restaurants in an exciting dining destination complete with a park like setting and patio seating.”
The Dining Terrace is planned as a collection of fifteen full-service restaurants showcased in one location. To create a unique dining space, American Dream has engaged Manhattan-based iCrave, an award-winning industry leader in innovative design environments that engage visitors in trendy dining experiences.
“The international mix of incredible restaurants at American Dream will provide our guests with an exceptional place for exquisite dining. We are satisfying a real need in this market for a true dining destination by creating a place that will appeal to local residents, those visiting from Manhattan, as well as the millions of tourists visiting from across the nation and around the globe,” said Ghermezian.
The Triple Five Group of Companies own the two largest shopping and entertainment centers in North America: Mall of America and West Edmonton Mall. Their plan for the 3 million-square-foot American Dream includes over 450 retail, food and specialty shops, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and The Collections, a 460,000-square-foot luxury and fashion area.
American Dream is also slated to house North America’s largest fully-enclosed indoor DreamWorks Water Park, a.m.usement Park and a 16-story Big Snow Indoor Ski & Snow Park. Also planned for the property are a 1,500 seat live performing arts theater, a 285-foot tall observation wheel, luxury movie theatres by Cinemex, a 70,000-square-foot Sea Life Aquarium & Lego Discovery Center, a NHL-size Ice Rink, and two 18-hole miniature golf attractions.
Thanksgiving drunk/impaired driving crackdown nets arrests and citations
As part of a county wide crackdown on drunk and impaired driving during Thanksgiving weekend, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari reported six arrests and dozens of citations.
“I would like to commend my officers for their outstanding work in making roads in Hudson County safer for everyone during Thanksgiving weekend,” said Schillari. “The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office has a commitment to safety with the residents of Hudson County. My officers and I will continue to work relentlessly to guarantee everyone enjoys a safe Holiday Season.”
The county wide enforcement was carried out by extra roving patrols, which were made possible thanks to the Federal Drunk Driving Enforcement Grant.
During the crackdown, 64 traffic summonses were issued and seven vehicles were impounded for being unregistered.