Former environmental services director files wrongful termination suit against city, mayor
Former Environmental Services Director Jennifer Maier has filed a lawsuit against the city of Hoboken and Mayor Dawn Zimmer that claims she was wrongfully terminated after a conversation she had at a dinner with former Public Safety Director Angel Alicea.
The suit also names another defendant in the complaint, a Hoboken resident and businessman who was apparently in attendance at the dinner. The complaint alleges that Zimmer sent the resident to the dinner to relay Alicea’s comments back to her.
The complaint says that during the dinner, Alicea discussed with Maier his feeling that he had been forced to resign from his office because of repeated complaints of alleged illegal activities by the city.
The complaint alleges that following the dinner, the plaintiff started to “have responsibilities removed by Zimmer.”
Maier, who is represented by Louis Zayas of North Bergen, seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
Maier was hired by the Zimmer administration in 2010. She had been working for the township of Plainfield at the time. She is a resident of Rahway, where she had previously served on the council.
Zayas also represents Alicea in his wrongful termination suit against the city. The suit is currently in the discovery phase, Zayas said.
City spokesperson Juan Melli declined to comment on the suit.
“We have not received it, but our policy is not to comment on ongoing litigation,” said Melli in an e-mail Thursday.
Stuiver appointed chairman of Hoboken Housing Authority
Jake Stuiver was appointed to chairman of the Hoboken Housing Authority in a 4-2 vote on Thursday night. Stuiver received votes from Commissioners Judith Burrell, David Mello, Greg Lincoln and himself. All of those who voted for him are allied with Mayor Dawn Zimmer.
Former Chairperson Jeanne Rodriguez and Commissioner Eduardo Gonzalez voted against the appointment. Commissioner Robert Davis, who was absent from the vote, will remain vice chairman, according to Stuiver.
The reorganization vote took place after it was discovered that Rodriguez’ appointment had been decided by a close vote that included an ineligible commissioner.
The city’s housing authority has been the center of controversy in recent months. Rodriguez said earlier this month that the board had undergone a shift in alignment toward the city’s administration.
“They’re trying to get me out,” said Rodriguez earlier this month.
For previous stories on this issue, see hudsonreporter.com or last week’s cover story in the print edition.
Union City and Secaucus pools open to Hoboken residents
The Union City Pool, at Ninth St. and Palisades Avenue, is open to Hoboken residents Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m. and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Residents can use the pool for free until Sept. 4.
Additionally, Hoboken residents may use the Secaucus municipal pool at a reduced rate by filling out an application. Visit www.hobokennj.org for more information.
Summerstage Pro presents Les Miserables
Hoboken Children’s Theater’s new summer program, SummerStage Pro, will present Les Miserable July 17 to July 21 at the Monroe Theatrespace at 720 Monroe St.
A student edition, the play is directed by stars of the Broadway production, including Lisa Capps, Don Brewer, and Randy Glass.
In its inaugural season, SummerStage Pro is a free program for teens and young adults from all over New Jersey and New York City.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. July 17 to July 20; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on July 21.
Tickets are $20 and are available through www.hobokenchildrenstheater.com.
Hoboken University Medical Center and others sponsor ‘Fight Night 2012’
Hoboken University Medical Center, Everlast, and LA Boxing are sponsors for “Fight Night 2012” at the W Hotel on Monday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a card of amateur fights sanctioned by the New Jersey Association of USA Boxing. Ticket packages range from general admission standing room tickets, priced at $25, to ringside seats with dinner at ZYLO for $165.
To purchase tickets in advance, call (201) 418-2124. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Visit www.hobokenumc.com for more information.
20th Annual National Night Out scheduled for Aug. 7
The 20th Annual National Night Out events will take place in Hoboken on Tuesday, Aug. 7
Hosted by Hoboken Police Chief Anthony P. Falco Sr., the event aims to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnership, and send a message to criminals to let them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
To participate, contact Sgt. Melissa Gigante at (201) 420-2100.