Port Authority to begin Bayonne Bridge traffic ‘holds’
Beginning in mid-November, periodic 20-minute Bayonne Bridge traffic holds are required for motorist safety during installation of pier segments above the roadway, according to the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Holds are when traffic is stopped briefly.
The work being performed is part of the multi-year “Raise the Roadway” project.
This part of the construction is being performed during daytime hours to minimize nighttime noise impacts to communities in Staten Island and Bayonne, and to allow the work to proceed more efficiently, according to a Port Authority statement.
The traffic holds, beginning at the top of the hour, may occur weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Traffic holds will vary in quantity and frequency as construction proceeds.
The authority has suggested that travelers use the Goethals Bridge as an alternate route during these times.
To receive real-time information regarding the bridge construction, register for e-alerts at www.paalerts.com. Sign up to receive updates via email at www.panynj.gov/bayonnebridge or follow on Twitter @BayonneBridge. The most current closure schedule can also be found at www.panynj.gov/alerts-advisories/advisories.html.
All construction will be suspended during major holidays and events. Visit www.panynj.gov/bayonnebridge for a complete listing of dates.
Avenue building on Broadway sells
The single-story, 25,000-square-foot retail building currently housing The Avenue woman’s shop on Broadway between 23rd and 24th streets, has been sold, according to an online report.
The deal, brokered by Ripco Real Estate of Lyndhurst, was reported on Nov. 10 on the NJBiz website.
Neither the buyer nor the purchase price was disclosed, according to the report.
The property sits on the block that the city has said may become a medical arts center in a redevelopment plan to revitalize the center of Broadway.
Kopacz takes District 1 freeholder seat
Kenneth Kopacz easily defeated Michael Alonso for the District 1 freeholder seat, by a four-to-one margin, on Nov. 4.
The freeholder-elect’s campaign posted the figures of 6,768 for Kopacz and 1,777 for Alonso on election night.
District 1 encompasses all of Bayonne and a portion of Jersey City.
Kopacz attributed his victory to sticking to the issues. On Jan. 1, he will fill the seat currently held by Freeholder Doreen DiDomenico, who did not seek reelection.
Bayonne residents voted down an effort to repeal vacancy decontrol that currently exists in the city by a 57 to 43 percent margin, according to county clerk figures.
Elks Lodge offering special dance
The Bayonne Elks Lodge 434 will host a free dance for people with special needs on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Those 18 and over are welcome to attend the event at the Bayonne Community Museum, 229 Broadway. A DJ, snacks, and chaperones will be provided by the Elks.
Those who know a person 18 or older with special needs who would like to attend should contact Tiffany at (201) 779-5213, Kathy at (551) 655-5286, or Ronnie at (201) 455-8581.
Farmers’ market will run until Nov. 25
The Bayonne Farmers’ Market, in the parking lot on Del Monte Drive between 23rd and 24th streets, will be open Tuesdays, Nov. 18 and 25, from 2 until 6 p.m., weather permitting.
BergenPAC announces arts access initiative
BergenPAC, at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, announces its Arts Access Initiative, offering up to 200 free tickets for every show on the bergenPAC main stage to qualified non-profit charitable organizations.
The program is set to start immediately and has no end date.
Over the last 10 years, bergenPAC has provided access to the arts for those in need by offering free tickets to performances, scholarships to its performing arts school programs, and arts education in schools where budget cuts have eliminated arts from the curriculum.
“The new Arts Access Program is a strategic initiative developed by bergenPAC to further its mission of making the live performing arts accessible to all,” said spokeswoman Nina Bachrach.
The Arts Access effort is the brainchild of Edmondo Schwartz, Chairman of the bergenPAC Board of Trustees.
“I believe we are the first organization to implement this kind of program on such a large scale,” Schwartz said.
To apply for the program, email chood@bergenpac.org or call (201) 816-8160, ext. 15.