Board of Education passes zero tax increase budget
The Bayonne Board of School Estimate on March 31 approved a $121.9 million school budget for the fiscal year beginning on July 1.
The budget contains no increase in school property taxes.
The budget does provide funds for a potential settlement of outstanding labor negotiations, according to board and city officials.
About 100 citizens attended the hearing, with three people speaking.
City to introduce parking zone around Bayonne Bridge to protect downtown residents
The city has announced that a plan for a residential permit parking zone around the Bayonne Bridge to protect downtown residents will soon be introduced.
“In recent weeks, Bergen Point residents have complained that Bayonne Bridge contractors’ vehicles have parked in their neighborhoods all day, taking away parking from the people who live there,” said Mayor Mark Smith. “Downtown residents have requested that we find ways to preserve their ability to park by their homes.”
“The best way to do so is to introduce a residential permit parking zone that would enable the residents to park around the clock, while limiting outside vehicles to a restricted amount of time for parking on designated streets,” Smith said. “We need to protect our downtown residents’ ability to park during the Bayonne Bridge construction.”
The proposed residential permit parking zone would run from 1st Street in the south up to North Street, and from Newark Bay in the west to Kennedy Boulevard in the east.
The Bayonne Bridge area zone would be added to the existing permit parking zones in other parts of the city. They were created in response to pressures on neighborhood parking created by the Light Rail system, commuter buses, and the Bayonne Medical Center. Under the procedures established by the permit parking ordinance, the city engineer will draft plans, and the mayor will review them and advise the council.
Bayonne mayoral candidate honored at county dinner
The Hudson County Republican Club (HCRC) on April 6 held its first Commitment to Conservativism Dinner at the Merchant in Jersey City and honored Bayonne mayoral candidate Anthony Zanowic for his support of conservative values.
“As a founding member of the HCRC, in his volunteerism, and his life in general, Mr. Zanowic has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to advocating for lower taxes and increased economic growth,” HCRC Chairman Roberto Cruz said.
Cruz also addressed the state of the Hudson County Republican Club.
“The HCRC is the home of conservatives and libertarians across Hudson County and has been the countywide voice for lower taxes and economic growth,” he said. “The organization is an inclusive party, with a ‘big-tent’ philosophy that has members of diverse backgrounds. United in the knowledge that Hudson County, from Bayonne to North Bergen, can be saved from the fiscal cliff which threatens our communities with higher taxes, higher rents, and a decreased quality of living, the HCRC is here to build a better Hudson.”
The dinner was attended by more than 30 people.
Former rival endorses Mayor Smith and team for re-election
Former municipal judge and mayoral candidate Patrick Conaghan announced his support for the re-election of former rival Mayor Mark Smith. Conaghan ran against Smith in 2008.
“I like what Mark is doing,” Conaghan said. “He’s paying down debt, and getting our city finances in order. He right-sized our municipal government, saving tax dollars. His progressive policies have attracted developers and now they are building all over Bayonne.”
Conaghan, who pushed hard for the redevelopment of the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, was pleased that redevelopment was imminent at the facility.
“The cruise port is expanding, PortsAmerica is looking to develop their land, and we’ve got some exciting proposals for the Harbor Station districts,” he said. “It’s clear that good things are happening.”
Smith thanked Conaghan for his endorsement.
“It is always gratifying when a former adversary offers his support,” the mayor said. “Judge Conaghan taught me a thing or two as we locked horns. His family has deep roots in Bayonne and I’m happy to have earned his endorsement.”
Conaghan extended his support to Smith’s entire team.
Bayonne resident honored for courage in fighting cancer
Danielle Lenardo of Bayonne, a former cancer patient and a current body builder, will be honored with the “Heart of a Champion” award at the New Jersey Golden Gloves Boxing card, on Friday, April 11, 65 West Century Rd., Paramus.
Proceeds from the event will go to the October Woman Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and fights begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets are: $100, V.I.P. Ringside; $40, Ringside; and $20, general admission.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, call Cassie Wordelman at (201) 265-7273, ext. 213, or Theresa Rolaf at (201) 265-1700, ext. 246.
Bird watching event at Meadowlands
On Sunday, April 13 at 1 p.m., “Birding for Beginners,” an optics and field guide program, will be offered at the Meadowlands Environment Center in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. The course will be followed by a nature walk in the park.
This free, two-hour class starts with a short session on field-guide basics and birding optics – from binoculars to spotting scopes.
The event is run by the Bergen County Audubon Society and hosted by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. To register, contact Don Torino of the BCAS at greatauk4@aol.com or (201) 230-4983.
Youth born with HIV possibly at risk for heart disease
The latest findings of a study by the National Institute of Health revealed a potential overall risk for heart disease, including stroke, in children and teens born with HIV.
The study suggests at-risk youth, those children and teens who have had HIV their entire life (born with it or exposed to it at birth), be closely monitored by their medical professional for risk factors for heart disease. This possible correlation potentially puts them at risk earlier than would be observed in the overall population.
Since it is early on in the research, no change in treatment regimens will result at this time. There is still much to be learned regarding this possible correlation. In the meantime, at-risk children and teens should be encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles by eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, exercising, and not smoking.
The health care professionals at the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline remind the public that anyone, regardless of race, ethnic group, or age, who is HIV positive to make sure they continue to see a medical professional on a regular basis to receive treatment.
“If you have never been tested for HIV, you should do so immediately,” a spokeswoman said. “You cannot rely on symptoms to know if you are HIV positive. Testing is the only way to know for sure. Many people who are HIV positive do not have any symptoms for years. Take control of your own health and help prevent illness of those around you by getting tested and knowing your HIV status.”
Call (800) 624-2377, text or email 8006242377@njpies.org, or chat via the group’s site at www.njhivstdline.org to find a free state-funded testing site near you. The hotline asks you to help spread the word to those you may know who are HIV positive and are no longer receiving treatment for their infections.