June 20, 2018 • www.theobserver.com • Vol. CXXXI, No. 6
HIGHLIGHTS Kearny Farmer’s Market opening for business later this week. Page 6
COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
Pulaski Skyway is truly reopening July 2
Date marks first time since 2014 that roadway will be available in both directions By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com
KEARNY — This is not a joke. Nor is it fake news. The Pulaski Skyway rehabilitation project is coming to a close in just a few days. The New Jersey Department of
Transportation (NJDOT) announced last week that northbound lanes on the Skyway are scheduled to reopen Monday, July 2, returning two-way traffic to the iconic span for the first time since 2014 and as such, marking a major milestone in a $1 billion rehabilitation project.
See SKYWAY, Page 26
PLEASING PICNIC Rainy weather doesn’t dampen spirits of partying senior citizens By Ryan Ribeiro ryan@theobserver.com
T Photo by Barbara B. Goldberg
It may have rained, but that didn’t stop scores of Kearny’s senior citizens from having a blast at the town’s annual picnic last week at the Doyle Pavilion at Riverbank Park.
HE 28TH ANNUAL picnic for senior citizen residents in Kearny took place at Riverside Park on Passaic Avenue on Wednesday, June 13. A town favorite for nearly three decades, the seniors did not let the poor weather affect their chance to dance to music, enter to win the many raffle prizes, or enjoy some free food. Most enjoy that, but every senior had the same answer when it came to why they attend the picnic.
See PICNIC, Page 25
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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018
DeGise recommends Open Space grants for West Hudson
Freeholder approval likely to come sometime in September By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com
B
oth Harrison and Kearny will receive a big chunk of $6.8 million in recommendations from the Hudson County Open Space trust to increase and improve parks and open space and preserve historic sites throughout the county, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise announced last week. If the Board of Chosen Freeholders approves DeGise’s recommendations — that could happen in September — Kearny will receive $500,000 to use toward improvements to the Gunnel Oval.
Harrison would receive $450,000 for the Cape May Street Waterfront Park & Walkway project.
COUNTY NEWS
DeGise’s recommendations, based on the annual evaluation of applications conducted by the Open Space & Historic Preservation Trust Advisory Board, will now go to the Board of Chosen Freeholders for a public hearing and eventual vote in the fall.
space and restore our history from Bayonne to North Bergen, Hoboken to Harrison and everywhere in between. This year, we build on that success with a set of excellent funding candidates that will help improve the quality of life for residents for years to come.”
“At the start of this administration, Hudson County was the only one of New Jersey’s 21 counties that did not have an Open Space Trust,” DeGise said. “Today, 14 years later, the trust has helped build parks, secure open
The trust’s funding is drawn from a 1¢ per $100 of assessed value of all property throughout the county. That openspace levy is authorized each year by a vote of
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The advisory committee, comprised of members from throughout Hudson County, evaluates each application filed with the Hudson County Division of Planning for funding from the trust. Non-profits, with the approval of their municipal governing bodies, municipalities and the county itself, all can apply for grants from the trust. The county executive says he is grateful for the efforts of the advisory committee. “I want to thank the advisory board members for their continued diligence and professional conduct in evaluating applications for funding consideration to the Hudson County Open Space
DeGise
Trust Fund,” DeGise said. “Your dedication and freely volunteered time spent on this difficult task is truly appreciated.” Several more awards will be given to other municipalities outside West Hudson should the freeholders approve DeGise’s recommendations.
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Some 20 eighth-graders graduated from St. Peter’s School, Belleville, Friday, June 8. Here, Joel Alcantara (left) walks out of the church after the ceremony with Eva Reese, of Kearny, the school’s eighth-grade teacher and Joseph Bico.
Inside this edition ... Opinion....................................................................8 Food & Dining Directory.............................................12
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Real Estate..............................................................18 Real Estate Directory................................................20 Obituaries...............................................................21 Classifieds..............................................................22 Business Directory....................................................24
THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018
03
Kearny annual Farmer’s Market kicks off June 21 It’s time to get your fruits and veggies on! The Kearny Farmer’s Market opens for the season Thursday, June 21, on Garfield Avenue between Kearny Avenue and Chestnut Street, adjacent to the Kearny Public Library, from noon to 6 p.m. Shoppers may enjoy “Jersey Fresh” produce, such as just-picked strawberries and blueberries, honey, specialty cookies, breads, herbs and flowers. Also during the market year, shoppers will receive a free, earth-friendly reusable canvas shopping bag — while supplies last — with a purchase of $10 or more at any individual vendor. In July and August, a $1 discount coupon will be available to customers who spend $10 or more at any individual vendor. (The coupons will be distributed through an insert in The Observer.) All of the giveaways are courtesy of the Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone. Senior citizen vouchers are available at the Kearny Health Department, 645 Kearny Ave. Seniors who often live on tight budgets are enjoying fresh produce through the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program with $20 vouchers provided by NJWIC over the course of the season. Most Thursdays during the farmer’s market season, the Kearny Public Library will host Garden Thursdays, featuring live musical entertainment in the library garden. On opening day,
where neighbors meet and stop to chat. The market manager, meanwhile, uses the afternoons to distribute information from the Kearny Health and Recreation departments and the Department of Public Works. Mayor Alberto G. Santos urged residents to support the farmer’s market. “There’s such a great variety and freshness of fruits and vegetables, as well as breads and cheeses. You will not be disappointed,” Santos said. The farmer’s market takes place every Thursday from June 21 through October, noon to 6 p.m. — Kevin Canessa the library will feature an outdoor concert. “We are really proud of the popularity of the Kearny Farmers Market. We expect that this 13th season will be even better than before,” said Fourth Ward Councilwoman Susan McCurrie, who was instrumental in bringing the farmer’s market to Kearny more than a decade ago. “Where else can you shop Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, receive a free canvas bag and listen to wonderful live music?” The market has already proven to be a plus for Kearny’s business district, KUEZ John Peneda says. It attracts residents and local employees to the downtown area where they not only shop at the farm stands, but also patronize other local businesses and eateries. It is also a social center,
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