Issuu

Wednesday, 8 December 2021

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Vol. CXXXIV, No. 31

ON THE INSIDE W.H.A.T.’s ‘Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus,’ debuts Friday at East Newark Rec Center

See Page 8

ABSOLUTE $H!T BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY

Tennessee co. wants to create facility to burn feces in South Kearny; Santos says no way! By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

fter years and years of fighting with countless businesses, government agencies and other organizations who have treated the Town of Kearny as a dumping ground, it appears one company that tried to do the same in Newark is preparing to try to “shit” on Kearny — proverbially and literally. Here’s what we know so far. Earlier this year, a company called Aries Clean Energy attempted to open a plant in an industrial area of Newark — on Doremus Avenue — that would have been used to process “biosolids,” or in simpler terms, “human feces.” It

would have treated up to 430 tons of waste (we believe per month) that originated from parts of Jersey and New York. Reports indicate the “crap” is heated to 1,500º Fahrenheit and then turned into “biochar,” which is sold to area construction companies and then used to thicken concrete. But, the people of Newark fought against its approval. The NJ Department of Environmental “Protection” must grant permission for such a facility to operate. That approval never came. So now, just two years later, the Tennessee-based company wants to create such a facility, you guessed it, in Industrial Kearny, a part of the town that See POO, Page 18

Melham will seek 2nd term as Belleville Mayor By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

elleville Mayor Michael Melham declared his intention to seek a second, fouryear term for Mayor in May at a rally Tuesday night, Nov. 30. Municipal elections are non-parti-

san in the township. Because of the unexpected crowd of supporters, the Melham campaign made the last-minute decision to move the event from the “library” at Nanina’s in the Park to the grand ballroom. Supporters even filled an adjoining bridal suite. Attendees included township

residents and volunteers, as well as a bi-partisan group of mayors and other public officials from surrounding towns who have worked closely with Melham since he took office in 2018. Notable among the eclectic group was Paterson Mayor Andre See MELHAM, Page 19

You may publish a holiday greeting in The Observer, once again, to your clients, friends and loved ones n They’ll appear in the Dec. 22 edition Call (201) 991-1600 for details

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Wednesdawy, December 8, 2021

Long-awaited Passaic River bike path & walkway should be ready by Nov. 2022

By Ron Leir For The Observer

long-awaited step toward the “greening” of Kearny was achieved recently when the

state Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the town a $1.82 million grant to develop a pedestrian pathway through Riverbank Park along the Passaic River. But just getting to this point has been no walk in the park,

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so to speak. “It’s been almost 20 years in the making,” said Stephen Marks, the town’s business administrator. “Getting the permits (from the DEP) took a lot longer than anyone anticipated.”

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‘It’s been almost 20 years in the making. Getting the permits (from the DEP) took a lot longer than anyone anticipated.’

— Kearny Business Admin. Stephen Marks Mayor Alberto G. Santos, whose administration has long advocated for the project, concurred, adding, “It’s been a very long design phase. This segment is limited to a portion of Riverbank Park north of Laurel Avenue and is intended to be primarily a walking path. Because of its location near the river, there was a lengthy process in obtaining permits from the state DEP.” Aside from those considerations, Santos and Marks noted, the state DOT – the agency that’s actually providing the funding – imposed additional conditions requiring multiple design revisions to better accommodate the needs of the disabled and wheelchair mobility along the path. Amplifying, Jason Harkins, senior project landscape architect for Mott MacDonald, a global firm that prepared designs, said the 3,100-foot-long trail – which will consist of a 10-foot-wide asphalt pathway with seating areas with decorative benches and site lighting – will follow the existing grade of the park. He said the path will be primarily laid out along the river, “except where it shifts west in front of the animal hospital and a switchback area further south.” With those shifts in mind, Marks noted, “the path’s topography will be higher near Laurel Avenue as opposed to Ross Lane and West Bennett Avenue with

some incline as you go south.” “To minimize excavation/ fill,” Harkins said, “soil will have to be excavated to install the path and decorative site lighting.” No fencing is planned alongside the trail, he said, “except where the path is located along Passaic Avenue – adjacent to the animal hospital and the switchback area.” Kearny’s governing body is due to host a public hearing Dec. 7 on a proposed 10year bond issue totaling $2.6 million, including the DOT grant of $1.82 million, for the trail project to cover the cost of “installation of fencing, construction of a driveway, installation of concrete sidewalks, tree removal and the installation of traffic markings and a decorative rail.” Kearny resident Joann Carratura, who takes extended walks around town as a daily ritual, said the trail project “sounds great, but I don’t know how it’s going to work out. My concern is who’s going to maintain it. It’s going to take a ton of work just to get it to look nice.” And, she added, security needs to be addressed as well. Marks, a dedicated biker who pedals to and from Town Hall between April and November, said he plans to talk to Police Chief George King about installing closedcircuit cameras around the Continued on the next page

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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Continued from previous page trail site. “Safety of our residents is of paramount interest to the town,” he said. Within the next month or so, Marks said the town should be ready to bid out the trail project and award the construction contract within two months. Completion is projected by November 2022.

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IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION Opinion....................................................................................Online Sports......................................................................................Page 9 Health & Wellness Directory...............................................Page 10

Obituaries...............................................................................Page 13 Business Directory..............................................................Page 16 Classifieds �� Pages 16-17

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

PAIRING TROOPERS WITH MENTAL-HEALTH PROS

Pilot program kicking off in South Jersey and may expand elsewhere in state

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

pilot program that would pair a New Jersey State Trooper with a certified mental health screener to respond together to 911 calls for behavioral health crises is ready to deploy, Attorney Andrew J. Bruck and New Jersey State Police Colonel

Patrick J. Callahan said. The initiative, known as ARRIVE Together (“Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence & Escalation”) will operate out of the State Police’s Cumberland County stations in Bridgeton and Port Norris. Across Jersey, two of every three uses of force by law enforcement involve a civilian identified as either suffering

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from mental illness or who is under the influence. Over half of all fatal police encounters occur in similar circumstances. The ARRIVE Together Initiative is a recognition these numbers are unacceptable, and a step toward improving those outcomes, Bruck and Callahan said. Certified mental-health screeners are state-funded roles that operate in all New Jersey

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counties. The Cumberland County Guidance Center runs the crisis intervention and psychiatric screening program that is partnering with State Police in the ARRIVE Together Initiative. A guidance center screener will travel with a trooper in the trooper’s radio car to respond to 911 calls for service relating to mental, emotional or behavioral crises during the pilot shifts. Such calls for service will include mental health incidents, confused or disoriented persons, welfare checks and suicide watch. The Rutgers School of Public Health will perform an assessment, led by Perry N. Halkitis, of the pilot program in order to identify strengths and weaknesses. In the course of the assessment, Rutgers will interview both participating troopers and screeners after their shifts responding to behavioral health emergencies, as well as review data relating to the qualifying calls for service. After gathering and reviewing the data, Rutgers will provide an objective and independent evaluation of the pilot that will help determine subsequent phases of the ARRIVE Together Initiative. “In modern times, we ask law enforcement officers to undertake roles they never expected when choosing to serve — marriage counselor, addiction specialist, social worker. And increasingly, officers are asked to act like doctors and psychiatrists, determining what drug a person may have taken, or what mental health condition they may be experiencing,” Bruck said. “We need to respond to our community members

in crisis with clinicians and compassion, and we need to divert individuals with mental illness away from the criminal justice system. Today’s announcement is yet another step in our effort to implement Gov. Murphy’s vision for public safety in New Jersey.” “What makes this program unique is that ARRIVE Together immediately connects a mental health professional to the person in crisis from the onset of the call for service,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “With this partnership, our strategies for response and treatment are significantly augmented, and gives us more options to assist the individual in need, based on the assessment of the mental health professional. The specialist on scene can recommend an array of resources as the situation unfolds, which is an amazing advantage to de-escalate and resolve the problem. The New Jersey State Police is committed to developing innovative thinking and strategies to better serve the communities we have sworn to protect.” It appears many within the NJSP are on board with the program, as well. Capt. Frank Serratore, president of the State Troopers Superior Officers Association, spoke of a directive made a century ago that still applies today when he said: “In 1921, Col. Schwarzkopf issued the New Jersey State Police General Order No. 1 emphasizing that members of See NJSP, Page 14

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Wife replaces hubby in County Jail: KPD

By Capt. Tim Wagner Kearny Police Department On Nov. 25 at 9 a.m., Officers Alan Stickno, Kevin Carvalho and Sgt. Joe Vulcano were dispatched to a private residence on an allegation of a domestic violence restraining-order violation. They arrived to find a 29-year-old Kearny man who was restrained from the residence by a judge’s order, except to exchange custody of his child with his wife. However, it was alleged the defendant showed up hours earlier than the scheduled exchange, without the child, and attempted to view the wife’s phone to see if she has been talking to other men. Officers arrested the man without incident on a charge of contempt. He was placed into the county jail — but not for very long, it seems. That’s because on Nov. 26 at 6:28 p.m., the same man, now released from the county, appeared at police headquarters. He reported he, too, had a domestic violence restraining order against his wife. He alleged on Nov. 23, his wife violated the order by calling and texting him several times and friendrequesting him on Instagram.

Officers contacted the wife, who came to police headquarters with their child, so she could turn the custody over to her husband and take his place in the county jail. She too was charged with contempt. On Nov. 24 at 5:49 p.m., Dets. Dave Bush and Mike Andrews observed a man acting suspiciously at Kearny Avenue and Patterson Street. They surveilled the man who then walked down Patterson and got into the passenger seat of an idling Saab 9-3 with illegally tinted windows that was parked blocking a driveway. The detectives walked up to the Saab and shined their flashlights inside to see the man, Giovane Rodrigues, 44, of Kearny, in the passenger seat allegedly holding a bag of cocaine. The detectives removed Rodrigues and driver Endy A. Sime, 38, of Perth Amboy, from the car. While retrieving the cocaine, the detectives found a can with a false bottom in the driver’s side door panel. Twentyseven clear plastic bags of cocaine were concealed inside the fake can. Next to the can, the detectives also found an envelope containing $520. They found a second false-bottom can inside the glove box.

Rodrigues was charged with possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia and later released. Sime was charged with possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, intent to distribute over a half-ounce of cocaine, intent to distribute in a school zone, possession of drugs in a vehicle, illegally tinted windows and parking blocking a driveway. He was remanded to the Hudson County Jail in South Kearny. On Nov. 24 at 6:41 p.m., Officer Paul Duran and Sgt. Angelo Palagano located a 27-year-old Kearny man seated in his vehicle at Seeley Avenue and Morgan Place, who was wanted on a domestic violence-related arrest warrant issued earlier that day. The defendant’s wife appeared earlier at police headquarters and filed a report that the defendant had put a butter knife to her neck Nov. 23 while she was cleaning their apartment. Later the same day, she alleged the defendant jabbed a dinner knife toward her abdomen while she was making dinner. The victim dodged the knife and was not hurt. The defendant, whose name is withheld to protect the identity of the victim, was charged with aggravated assault

Police Beat and weapons-possession offenses. He was held at the county jail. On Nov. 30 at 8:01 p.m., Officer Michael Ore was dispatched to Wawa on Harrison Avenue where Lavinia D. Curry, 33, of Vauxhall (Newark), reported she left her Audi running in the parking lot and someone had stolen it. Curry allegedly told police she had been storing a Beretta .40 caliber handgun in the trunk of her car for about a month and the gun was stolen with the Audi. After consultation with the county prosecutor’s office, police charged Curry with unlawful possession of a weapon. She was remanded to the Hudson County Jail. On Dec. 2, Newark police notified the Kearny PD they recovered Curry’s stolen handgun in the course of arresting two people. Further information about the Newark arrest was not available. The whereabouts of the Audi remains a mystery.

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New soccer pitch in Belleville built by RWJBarnabas Health/Clara Maass

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

elleville has a new, smaller-sized soccer turf pitch (field) at Planseson Playground, thanks to the folks at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health. The PDA Urban initiative, a collaboration between RWJBarnabas and the Players Development Academy, has now opened five such pitches in traditionally underserved communities in Jersey. On Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, Clara Maass Medical Center Community Field, at Planseson Playground on Stephens Street, officially opened, with sixth-graders from the Belleville public schools participating in the grand opening celebration and ceremonial first kick. The surface is a 40 x 70 foot small-sided turf soccer pitch. “Building a turf soccer field in the Township of Belleville aligns with our community investment priorities beyond the walls of Clara Maass Medica Center, while reinforcing our commitment to create healthier communities,” Mary Ellen Clyne, president & CEO of Clara Maass Medical Center, said. Exercise is a crucial component to living a healthy lifestyle and is also a great way to improve one’s mental and physical health. Clara Maass Medical Center Community Field offers a new and exciting space to keep boys and girls in

the area active and away from other potential distractions and negative influences. Gerry McKeown, the Players Development Academy’s boys’ coaching director; Santi Formoso, a former player for Kearny High School, the New York Cosmos and the US National Team; Michael Melham, Belleville’s mayor and Clyne discussed the importance of the project and the opportunities the new turf soccer field will offer for Belleville youngsters. “Belleville has invested heavily in the past three years in upgrading and expanding our recreational spaces, and we will continue to do so,” Melham said. “This partnership with Clara Maass is another superb addition to our inventory, creating another quality turf soccer field for people of all ages in Belleville to enjoy. We very much appreciate our ongoing collaboration with our community hospital, and look forward to many more initiatives to better serve our residents.”

RWJBarnabas photos

TOP PHOTO: Youngsters took to the new soccer pitch to test it out when it was officially opened last week. BOTTOM: Officials from RWJBarnabas/Clara Maass Medical Center take part in a ceremonial ‘First Kick’ at the new Clara Maass Medical Center Community Field.

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

‘Yes, Virginia’ kicks off Friday for twoweekend run

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com

hen the West Hudson Arts & Theater

Company kicks off the holiday season with a familyfriendly production of the classic “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” a play inspired by a letter 8-yearold Virginia O’Hanlon wrote The New York Sun in 1897 to ask if Santa Claus really existed, a West Hudson mayor and three councilmembers will join the cast to play the parent of one of the characters. The newspaper’s touching reply became one of the most reprinted editorial of all

time. “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy,” the editorial read, in part. Directed by Alyssa Schirm, the cast features Jayla Mirassol as Virginia O’Hanlon; Joshua Belchior as Samuel O’Hanlon; Clint Vinacco as Father O’Hanlon; Audrey Shapiro as Mother O’Hanlon; David Mach as Francis Church; George Rex as Walter Gibson; Brooke Lynn Pulcine as Mary Lou Parker; Genevieve Lambo as Wendy Parker; John Patrick Munley appearing as the Post-Person and Soup

performance, children and Line Worker; Michelle along with (Dec. 17); and East Newark advertising@theobserver.com 201-991-1600 ensemble members Sarah Mayor Dina Grilo (Dec. 18). families from the audience Newspaper: Client: are invited to take their own Hill, Victoria Gonzalez and Performances are Dec. 10, photos during the theater’s Riley Bennett. 11, 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m. and no-touch socially distanced Mary Lou’s parent will Dec. 11 & 18 at 2 p.m. at the East Newark Recreation visit with Santa. be played by four local W.H.A.T. follows all current Center, 44 Central Ave., East politicians — Kearny state and federal health Newark. Councilwoman Eileen guidelines. Facemasks and Tickets are $15 for adults, Eckel (Dec. 10); Harrison temperature checks willof beJarlynn Hyd $12 Here for students and senior Councilman Larry Bennett Advertising: is the updated template with a new photo required for all audience citizens, and are on sale now (Dec. 11); Kearny Council members at all performances President Carol Jean Doyle at www.whatco.org. Tickets and during the meet and greet may be available at the door. with Santa. Following each

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Sports & Recreation WITH

Jim Hague

Golden Bears display a ton of promise

ogsmar@aol.com

Maroon Raiders look to veteran group to lead the way NUTLEY – Bob Harbison,

the veteran Nutley High School boys’ basketball coach, tried to take some positives out of the truncated COVID-19 season of a year ago. “I think the year did some good,” Harbison said. “We played basically all juniors last year and they got good experience.” The Maroon Raiders did manage to play all 15 games mandated by the NJSIAA among the pandemic restrictions. With that in mind, Harbison likes the character of the Maroon Raiders. “I like my kids,” Harbison said. “I like my guys. We have such great kids. There’s not a bad kid among the bunch. I also think we’re a pretty deep team. There are a lot of kids that I can run out on the floor. The kids have to learn their roles, but if they accept their roles, put the ball in the basket, well then I think we’ll be okay. If we don’t lose the ball and the kids make shots, we’ll be fine.” Harbison likes the way the Maroon Raiders have meshed in the first week of practice. “Our kids are ahead of themselves defensively already,” Harbison said. “I’m really excited about that. I think these kids want to

win more than anything else. The theme thus far is that we have pretty good kids who will accept their roles. We’re already doing things in our transition offense. We want them to feel fine about what they’re doing. We don’t want them to hesitate to shoot the ball. We want them to just play.” The top returnee is 6-foot-2 senior shooting forward Nick Schroeder, who averaged 12 points per game last year. “I expect him to be a coach on the floor for me,” Harbison said of Schroeder, who has already committed to attend and play at York College in Pennsylvania next year. “He’s the one guy we’ll look to score some points and he has the ability to do it. He’s a versatile kid. There are times he might have to bring the ball up the court. He can do it all.” The power forward is 6-foot-4 senior Jake O’Connor. “He will play either the four (power forward) or five (center),” Harbison said. “He can really shoot it and when that happens, he can really shoot it. He’s also a very good shot blocker and helps out a lot defensively. He’s surprising, but not imposing. But he’s very See VIEW, Page 11

Photo by Jim Hague

The Lyndhurst boys’ basketball team will count on a solid senior class to compete this season. Front row, from left, are Isaiah Delgado, John Lembo, Anthony Maldonado and Ricky Rainey. Back row, from left, are head coach Tom McGuire, Vin Auteri, Ben Nowinski, Anthony “T.J.” Jimenez and Carson Rodriguez.

By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

LYNDHURST – Tom McGuire begins his seventh season as the head boys’ basketball coach at Lyndhurst High School and the 11th season all totaled, when you add his years at his now-defunct alma mater Queen of Peace, where he was a standout football and basketball player. And McGuire feels that this year’s version of the Golden Bears already has a distinction in his coaching career. “This is probably the deepest team I’ve ever had in my 11 years of coaching,” McGuire said. “We have a really good mix of leadership and youth. We had a lot of juniors from last year who got a lot of seasoning last year under their belts. I am very optimistic about this team. I think our depth will really help if we

have an injury or two.” The Golden Bears were 6-9 last season in the COVID-19 truncated schedule, but they did manage to get all of their games in despite the major pandemic restrictions. “It was a really difficult year,” McGuire said. “We had lost a lot of guys from the year before, so we had juniors that had to play a lot of minutes right away.” But those juniors are now seniors, guys like 5-foot-10 point guard John Lembo. The football standout, known as “Johnny Football,” by Golden Bear grid followers, is also a fine basketball player. “I think he’s a matchup problem for everyone,” McGuire said of the All-North Jersey Interscholastic Conference selection last year who averaged close to 16 points a game last year. “His frame is thicker than most point

guards, so he’s stronger than most of the guys who try to cover him. He’s a decent shooter and a crafty driver who gets to the rim. He’s very tough getting into the lane.” Senior Anthony Maldonado is the 5-foot-10 shooting guard. “He’s a defense first and a defense second kind of player,” McGuire said. “But he’s a pretty good scorer. He could get about eight (points) a game for us. But as a defensive player, he’s annoying. I know I wouldn’t want him covering me if I were playing. He’s a smart player, a heady player. He’s really worked on his outside shot. He put a lot of work in with his outside shot.” Senior Anthony “T.J.” Jimenez is the team’s 6-foot swingman. “He’s a slasher,” McGuire See BEARS, Page 10

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

BEARS

Continued from Page 9 said. “He’s working so hard on his outside shot. He was like our sixth or seventh man last year. He would play a lot one game and not a lot the next. But he’s

developing into a player who could score a little for us, about 10 a game. He may have the best outside shot on the team.” The power forward is 6-foot-1 Ricky Rainey. “He’s a really good athlete,” McGuire said of the excellent football player, a receiver and defensive

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back like what McGuire was when he was at QP. “He has great speed. He’s an unconventional player. You don’t think he’s doing much, but then you look in the scorebook and he has 12 points and eight rebounds and four steals. He does so many things. He’s a gamer and a tough kid.” Ben Nowinski is a 6-foot2 senior and another post presence for the Golden Bears. “He does everything for us,” McGuire said. “He’s a gritty player. He’s our best off-the-ball defender. He really helps with the weakside defense. He’s one of the best defenders either I played with or coached. He is constantly taking charges. He also does good work around the rim. He’s a very smart player who can shoot it pretty well.” Senior Vin Auteri has enjoyed a major growth spurt, going all the way to 6-foot-3 now as a senior. “He forgets he’s 6-3 now,” McGuire said of the forward. “He thinks like he’s

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

still 5-10. He’s grown about eight or nine inches the last two years.” Senior Carson Rodriguez is a 6-foot guard. “He’s a good shooter,” McGuire said. “He’s worked his tail off working on his shot. He also plays defense. He’s always working.” Anthony Pizzuti is a 6-foot-2 sophomore, who McGuire called a good “inside/outside” player. “He’s really fast and great off the break,” McGuire said. “He is also very tough. I’m really high on him. He’s starting to prove himself. He’s someone I think I can trust.” Jake Mayer is a 6-foot-1 sophomore guard who steps into the varsity role vacated by the graduation of older brother Sean. “He’s a different player than Sean,” McGuire said. “I think he’s still getting used to the speed on the varsity level. But I think he’s going to be a nice player. He can shoot and distribute.” Matt Slaby is a 6-foot-3 sophomore guard. “I love this sophomore class,” McGuire said. “I’m

very excited about him. He has some of the best talent in the gym. He sees the floor better than anyone else other than Lembo. He just needs to get used to the speed and physicality of the varsity game.” Junior Gabe Gomez is a 6-foot forward. “He’s a jack of all trades,” McGuire said. “He has a nice outside shot. He plays pretty good defense. He reminds me a lot of (former Lyndhurst soccer and basketball standout) Vinnie DiTonto. He does everything right.” The Golden Bears open their season against NJIC rival Dwight-Englewood on Friday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. The Golden Bears will then face Becton Regional at the South Bergen Classic that weekend. Nothing is going to deter McGuire’s optimism. “I really am optimistic,” McGuire said. “I like this team. I like the way the kids work. It’s really a good mix. The young guys are learning a lot and they’re going to play. We have a lot of talent in the room.”

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That smoking is bad for a person’s general health is common knowledge, but many people are unaware of its effects on vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can happen to anyone, but people who smoke are between three and six times more likely to develop AMD and often experience faster deterioration of vision, blind spots in their central vision, or complete vision loss. The chance of a smoker developing cataracts is doubled as is the probability of developing a serious eye disease called uveitis, which can result in total vision loss. Children who live with smokers are also at an increased risk for allergic conjunctivitis or enflamed conjunctiva due to the effects of second-hand smoke. Long-term studies have suggest-

ed that quitting cigarettes allows cells in your eyes to slowly repair themselves, so risks of certain eye diseases go down over time. Although cigarettes are known to be the most harmful, vaping or using e-cigarettes with nicotine oils and smoking marijuana also appear to damage your vision. To schedule an appointment, please call 201-896-0096. You can reach our optical shop at 201-896-0007. For over 25 years, we have been a leader in New York/New Jersey Ophthalmology, treating all eye conditions. We accept most insurance. Address: 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. P.S. The only good news about the effects of smoking on eye health is that quitting can immediately reduce the risk of smoking-related eye disease.

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Continued from Page 9 effective.” The center is 6-foot-3 junior Anthony Pinal, straight off the football field. “He’s a tough kid,” Harbison said of wide body Pinal, who spent the fall blocking for Harbison’s son Matthew, the Maroon Raiders’ quarterback on the gridiron. “He’s a good rebounder. His offense has improved tremendously. He’s a strong kid who will not be pushed around.” The shooting guard is 5-foot-11 junior Donte CarterDubose. “He started last year as a sophomore,” Harbison said. “He’s a tough kid. He handles the ball well. We need him to shoot more.” The point guard is 6-foot senior Matt Pergola, the

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the game.” Jake Cirminiello is a 6-foot senior guard who can fill either guard slot. “He had COVID last year and when he came back, he really couldn’t play,” Harbison said. “He was practically lost. But he’s really been able to control himself more. No question, he can play.” Karam Youssef is a 6-foot senior who is a shooting guard. “He’s athletically strong,” Photo by Jim Hague Harbison said. “He’s a versaThe Nutley High School boys’ basketball team has high hopes for the sea- tile kid, a vocal kid.” Senior Peter Riad is a 5-footson that begins shortly. Front row, from left, are Matt Pergola, Frankie 11 guard who is earning his Contella and Peter Riad. Back row, from left, are head coach Bob Harbiplaying time. son, Jake Cirminiello, Nick Schroeder, Jake O’Connor and Karam Youssef. “He busts his tail every day lacrosse standout who is goattacking the rim. He’s as in practice,” Harbison said. ing to Stevens Tech to play athletic minded as anyone “He’s very aggressive defenlacrosse next fall. But Pergola I’ve ever coached. He knows sively. When he’s working, I is making a mark as a basketthe game. He’s obviously very can’t take him off the floor.” ball player. smart. He’s the kind of kid Junior Richard Nguyen is a “He’s really improved his who shows up for practice 5-foot-11 backup center who early and doesn’t want to game,” Harbison said. “He’s also plays power forward deleave. He’ll direct the speed of a tough kid who has been spite his lack of height.

“He’s an effective heady kid,” Harbison said. “He knows where he should be. He can make open shots and gives us solid minutes.” Senior Frankie Contella is a 5-foot-10 forward. “We can put him at any spot up front, the three, four or five,” Harbison said. “He’s the perfect role player who defends very well. He takes good shots and passes the ball well.” Morgan O’Brien is a 5-foot-9 junior guard who has a nice shooting touch. The Maroon Raiders open their season on Friday, Dec. 17 at home against Technology and face Memorial of West New York the following day on Saturday at noon. “I’m excited about these kids,” Harbison said. “I’m challenging these kids. It has the making of being a team that can stay on the court with any team we play.” Sounds promising.

Young Kardinals ready to totally come of age By Jim Hague ogsmar@aol.com

KEARNY – The Kearny High School girls’ basketball team only have 11 players on their varsity roster and only one of those is a senior. But that’s not a concern for veteran head coach Jody Hill. The Hudson County Sports Hall of Famer for her 2,000-point career at nearby Harrison High and then Pace University is poised to have

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a great season after posting an 8-5 record last year in the truncated COVID-19 schedule. “We were just happy to have something last year,” Hill said. “We didn’t know whether we would get a season in. It was important for us to keep the sport going and keep their minds in it.” Hill’s current junior class has to be considered the strength of her team. “It would have been dev-

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condition, disrupting our sleep and distracting us from our daily activities. When the condition becomes chronic, it can wreak any amount of havoc on our lives. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to lesson or even eliminate the symptoms. Smoking may not seem like something that would affect the stomach, but smoking slows the body’s production of saliva, the substance that helps control the levels of acid in the stomach. Cigarettes can also be the cause of increased production of acid in the digestive system as well as be responsible for relaxing the muscles at the base of the esophagus that keep the contents of the stomach from rising. If you’re overweight, losing a

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astating for them to lose the “We never had just one sening only one player and have whole year as sophomores,” ior. We also only have 11 playHill said. “But we were able ers, but since we’re graduatSee KARDINALS, Page 12 to get them some experience and it really paid off. We joined the Lyndhurst summer league and played there twice a week. We had my camp in July and most of the girls were there. So we got through the summer well.” Dr. Prakash Dr. Hector Hill is not concerned at all J. Doshi Aguilar that the team has only one THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR CHRONIC HEARTBURN senior in Victoria Vinon. Heartburn can be a frustrating few pounds may help ease your “It’s a first for us,” Hill said.

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

(shooting guard). But she’s very versatile.” And Hyams will cause a host Continued from Page 11 of problems as a post-up player. “She can jump as well,” Hill 10 returning next year, if we said of Hyams. “I’m very happy held too many and didn’t get with the way she’s improved them any playing time, that her defense. It’s evident how would not be beneficial. We’ve she’s worked on every aspect of also had efficient practices from her game.” the start and that’s a help. Drills Hyams has hopes of being an don’t get slowed down. EveNCAA Division 1 scholarship ryone participates in practice. player after her senior year. We’re getting through things With the height and the talent quickly. The practices have been and the grades, it’s hard to see intense. We also have a very in- how she couldn’t reach that telligent team. Nine of them are dream. on the high honor roll. So we’re “She’s really going to have a going through things faster productive season,” Hill said. than we ever did. We have great “She has everything going for listeners and I think that carries her. The colleges will come over from the classroom. I think calling.” we’re going to do well because Although she’s also a standof their intelligence.” out soccer and softball player, Vinon has the distinction junior Maci Covello is also a fine of being the lone senior. The basketball player. She’s a 5-foot5-foot-7 swing guard does so 11 power forward who has a much for the Kardinals. diverse basketball game. “She’s our defensive stopper,” “She’s a defensive force,” Hill Hill said of Vinon. “She gives said. “She’s one of our captains her heart and soul every day. (along with Hyams), so she disShe hustles all the time. She’s plays a lot of leadership, which also developed her offensive is one of her biggest strengths. game, where she now has three- She is a great rebounder, an point range. We need her to intense player close to the take those shots. She’s put in the basket. She hustles all the time time to become a good shooter.” and she’s so strong. Now, she’s The team’s best player is developed a 15-foot perimeter junior guard Ava Hyams, who game. She’s very versatile. She’s has grown at least five inches also a great passer and makes from last year to reach 5-foot-10 the no-look pass. She really has this year. the ability to be a point guard if “That’s definitely our biggest needed because she can handle surprise,” Hill said of Hyams’ the ball.” growth spurt. The center is 5-foot-11 Julia But Hyams’ talent surprises Araujo, who has also developed no one. her game. “She plays basketball all year “She didn’t play varsity long,” Hill said of Hyams, who last year until the JV (junior averaged 15 points per game varsity) season was over,” Hill last year. “She’s legitimately in said. “But she’s come full circle the gym all the time working on and become a solid basketball her game. She has the quickplayer. She has a nice little shot. est release I’ve seen, but she’s She takes the jab step and goes. improved in every aspect of the game. Our plan this year is to See KARDINALS, Page 13 have her play more at the two

KARDINALS

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The Kearny girls’ basketball team will be a young team, but an exciting one this season. From left are Ava Hyams, Victoria Vinon, head coach Jody Hill and Maci Covello.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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Obituaries was in charge. Born in Irvington, Larry Larry W. Fondi, 79, of lived in Orange and Montclair North Arlington, died Nov. 29, before moving to North 2021. Arlington 50 years ago. He A funeral Mass was celewas a house painter, owning brated at St. Stephen’s Church and operating Larry Fondi in Kearny. Cremation was Painting for many years. Larry private. The Armitage & Wigwas a proud teacher of CCD gins Funeral Home, Kearny, for sixth-graders at Queen of

LARRY W. FONDI

KARDINALS Continued from Page 12 She has made huge strides. She’s fast and athletic. The basketball skills gradually had to come and they have finally come to her. She’s going to surprise a lot of people.” The point guard duties will be shared by 5-foot-1 sophomore Jocelyn Huancaya, the younger sister of former Kardinal standout Eliana, currently playing at Rutgers-Newark, and 5-foot-6 freshman Olivia Covello, the younger sister of Maci. “They both have so many great qualities,” Hill said. “It’s a great problem to have to have two point guards. Right now, it’s a hard decision as to who is going to start. But they both will play. What I love is that the two encourage each other and help each other. It’s just great to have two.” Junior forward Alex Colon was set to be part of the regular rotation, but she suffered a high ankle sprain. The 5-foot10 Colon will play considerable minutes when she returns. “She’s so strong,” Hill said. “She’s probably the strongest girl on the team. She can also shoot the three (point shot). We have to get her healthy and A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Never Known to Fail) O Most Beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here. You my Mother, O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in my necessity: (make request) There are non that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 Times). Say this prayer 3 consecutive days then you must publish and it will be granted to you. B

back into the mix.” Aracely Vazquez, the 5-foot-7 sophomore who was the standout goalkeeper on the Kearny girls’ soccer team, is a favorite of Hill. “She’s one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever had,” Hill said. “She does all the little things and loves to play as a big (forward). She has all the fundamentals.” Junior Natalie Osorio, the younger sister of 2020 Observer Female Athlete of the Year Samantha Osorio, is a 5-foot-8 junior who can play either for-

Miracle Prayer

Dear Sacred Heart Of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours, this time I ask you this special one favour. Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it in your own broken heart where our Father sees it, then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine. AMEN. Say this prayer for 3 days and promise publication and favor will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. B.S.

Peace Church for 15 years and was also a dedicated Eucharistic Minister at Hackensack Hospital. Larry was outgoing and personable, making friends wherever he went. A good handyman, he enjoyed repairing things that needed attention, often fixing up old

All obituaries must be submitted by email by 10 a.m., Mondays, to obituaries@ theobserver.com. Payment is due at submission.

bicycles and cars. Always creative, Larry was sure to find a way to keep things around. He treasured days spent going out for a relaxing drive in his 1966 Impala. Above all, Larry was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Larry was the beloved husband of Christine (nee

Fliedner) Fondi; loving father of Tara Krug and the late Michael Jon Fondi; and dear brother of Joy Vanarelli (Chaz), Joan Baskwell (Pat), and the late Doreen Porzig. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Lena Krug, and by his niece, nephews, and many cousins.

Much like the way her coach years that Hill was there. ward slot. Freshmen Johanna “We should be a fun team to mEscalante, a 5-foot-5 athletic and mentor Jack Rodgers had his Harrison teams doing for watch,” Hill said. guard, and Jazlyn Villanueva, year after year, including the Sure looks that way. another 5-foot-5 guard, round out the roster. “Their skill levels are different than the average freshmen,” Hill said. The Kardinals open their season on Friday, Dec. 17 against rival Bayonne. But Hill Mario Teixeria, IV, Manager, NJ Lic. #3757 Mario Teixeira, Jr. Director, NJ Lic. #2542 • Monique Teixeira, Director, NJ Lic. #4048 likes the character of her team. “In my mind, we’re going to Newly renovated family owned and operated funeral home with multiple locations. be one of those teams that can Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Handicapped Accessible. turn good defense into offense,” 138 DAVIS AVE. • KEARNY, NJ 07032 Hill said. “We want to get our (201) 991-2265 www.buyusfuneralhome.com share of fast breaks.”

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May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Please grant my request. Say this prayer 9 times a day. By the 9th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you Saint Jude. N.D.P.

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Observer Classifieds

The Obsever is not responsible for typographical errors. Error credits will not be granted. Minimal changes for multiple-week ads are $10 per instance. Refunds are not granted under any circumstances. Help-wanted ad deadline is 2 p.m., Monday, and all ads must be sent by email to classified@theobserver.com. All other classifieds are due by 3 p.m. Monday. All classifieds are pre-paid — no billing. Call 201-991-1600 to place an ad. The Observer cannot accept legal advertising.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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Observer Classifieds

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

N.NEWARK

HARRISON

KEARNY

NUTLEY

E.NEWARK 3rd floor. HARRISON 3 BR. LR. Kitchen.Bath. 2nd floor, 3 BR, 1 master $1500 + 1 Months secu- bedroom, 2 bathrooms. rity. Available January 1st $1850 + 1.5 months security. Call (201)988-7536 30W03 Utilities separate. AC & Laundry room. No Pets/Smoking Available January 1st, BLOOMFIELD Background check. Call for appointment (973)986-2904 31W03

BLOOMFIELD Newley renovated 1 Bedroom Studio. Kitchen. Small LR. $850 +1 month security. Utilities included. No Pets. Available January 1st (862) 215-7039 31W03

BELLEVILLE BELLEVILLE 2ND Fl, Newly renovated. 2 BR Apt. HT/HW Included. 1 months security. No Pets/Smoking. AVL.Now. Call Maria (973) 7597077 29W03

HARRISON 3rd floor 4 bedrooms, LR, Kitchen and bathroom. $1,700/ mth plus 1 mth security. Utilities Seperate. Background check. (973)4852982 30W03

KEARNY KEARNY 1st floor 2 bedroom $1,450 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No pets/ Smoking. Leave a detailed message (973) 951-7385 30W03

BELLEVILLE Howard Place. off Washington Avenue. 3 rooms. 1 BR. $1050 + 1.5 Months security. HT/HW included. N0 Pets. Near Family Dollar Store. Available Now (973) 801-5900 31W01

HARRISON HARRISON 2nd floor, 2 BR, LR, DR, Modern Kitchen. $1,800/month. 1 month security. 1 off street parking space included Walking distance to PATH. No pets. No smoking. Avl. Now (973) 420-0139 29W03

NUTLEY 1BR duplex apartment available Jan. 1, $1,950/mo + 1 month security. Has balcony & 1 bathroom. Tenant pays own utilities. Background/criminal check required. Call Sammy at 201-341-2620 31W03

KEARNY 3rd fl. 2 BR’s, LR, EIK. $1,500 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets Avl. Now. (201) 424-7995

ROOM FOR RENT

HARRISON Room for rent Available Immediately $650/mth plus 1.5 mth security deposit. Call KEARNY Arlington Sec- for viewing and leave tion. 1 BR, H/W Floors. message (570)656-5850 Walking distance to 29W03 schools & Supermarket, all public transportation and NY bus. Avl. Jan 1st HARRISON 1 attic room 2022. (201) 657-2119. for rent. $500 + 1 month 31W03 security, everything included cable & internet. (973) 525- 3860 30W03

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N.NEWARK Room for rent, Forest Hill section. $500/month. Shared Bath, No Kitchen. Utilities included. 1 month security. No smoking (973) 752-6877 29W03

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KEARNY 2nd fl. 3 BR’s, 2 bath, Large LR, Kitchen, Central A/C, Washer/ Dryer room. No pets. No smoking. 2,200/month. 1 1/2 months security. Avl. Dec 1st. (718) 913-6118. Belgrove Dr Kearny NJ 07032 29W03

KEARNY 2nd floor, 2 BR, LR, EIK, $1300 + 1 month security, No pets, smoke free. Available Now (201)232-5329 30W03

KEARNY 1st fl. 3 BR’s, DR, EIK, Bathroom.3 closets + 1 Pantry closet. $2100 + 1.5 months security. Utilities included. no pets/ smoking. Avl. January 1st (551)209-6954 30W03

KEARNY 2 BR. LR.EIK. $1,800 + 1 Months security. Utilities separate. No pets/smoking. 1 parking spot. Available January 1st Text only 917-3620212 30W03

Brand new Samsung Washer and Dryer for sale. In plastic, white color. Asking $1,300 or OBO. (201)247-2916 31W01

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BUILDING FOR SALE BELLEVILLE Commercial investment opportunity in developing area. 9 apartments, 2 stores, principles only. Call (201)628-4071

NORTH ARLINGTON Luxury apartment. 1 BR with Den/Office options. 31W03 $1,950 + 1 Months security. Utilities Seperate All New Stainless steel appliances OFFICE/RETAIL Modern Kitchen. Parking FOR RENT for 1 car per unit. Laundry on premise. No pets/Smoking Close KEARNY to transportation. Credit Great location on Kearny Ave. $1200 + 1 Check. Call for further details! (201)997-2341 months security. Call for details (201)997-2341 Call between 10am-7pm Between 10AM - 7PM 31W06

N.ARLINGTON Newly Renovated. 1st Floor. 2 BR, LR, Kitchen & Bath. H/W floors. Stainless steel Appliances , Close to schools & Trans. No pets/ smoking. $1,600 + 1.5 Months Security. Avl. Jan 1 2022 (201)600-1211. 31W01

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ESTATE SALE KEARNY Furniture, Dishes, Tools, Fridge, 50” TV, 2 washers and 1 dryer. Everything for great price! Call (201)997-6222 for appointment 31W02

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CAR FOR SALE 2018 Black Dodge Grand Caravan GT 32,700 miIes, Fits 7 passengers, loaded with remote start $23.500 or best offer (973)202-1292 29W03

PAINTING & DECORATING Kevin’s Affordable Painting * Plastering * Sheetrocking * Carpentry and more. Our service and prices will be the best. Our customers come first. Very neat and clean. Don’t miss out! Senior Discount. Fully insured (201) 565-6393

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LYNDHURST 4 Room First FL apartment 1 block from train & bus $1800 +1 1/2 months Security. Available now. Call 201438-1987 Ask for Nathan

BELLEVILLE Silver Lake area. 2nd floor. 3 BR’s. LR.EIK. & 1 Bath. $1800 + 1.5 months security. Utilities separate. No Pets/ smoking. Available Now (973)886-4742 31W03

BELLEVILLE 2 Bedrooms, LR, Kitchen, Modern renovations, 2nd floor. Access to Laundry room, Parking spot for 1 car. Located in Belleville Available Now. Call 973536-6559 31W01

KEARNY 1BR 3 room Apt in great location. $1400 + 1 month security. Utilities Seperate. Parking available. No Pets. Available Dec 15th. Credit Check. Single or couple prferred. Call between 10 am and 7 pm. (201)997-2341

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THE OBSERVER is not responsible for typographical errors. Credit for errors will not be granted after the next week’s publication. $10 for minimal changes. No refunds once ad is taken and C.C charged. ALL A CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PRE-PAID Deadline for Classifieds Employment /Business Monday 12:00 PM All others Monday by 3:00 PM. E-mail Ads to classified@theobserver.com

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The Observer | www.theobserver.com

POO

Continued from Page 1 has seen an incredibly positive renaissance over the past decade, in ways once thought impossible. Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos says he and the town are staunchly against the plan — which will have an

NJDEP-sponsored public hearing Monday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Scots-American Club, 40 Patterson St. The DEP announced the hearing in public notices in other newspapers and will do so, also, in The Observer on Dec. 8, just five days before the scheduled hearing. Santos hopes for a “good turnout,” in solidarity, against this proposal, but he fears that

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

might not happen because he and others only just this week learned about the public hearing and since it’s happening just 12 days before Christmas, it may be difficult for many to attend. (It will be livestreamed — more on that later.) “This use of property in South Kearny would be tremendously negative,” Santos told The Observer in

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to NJDEP Administrative Order 2021-25 TAKE NOTICE that Aries Kearny, LLC will hold a Public Hearing pursuant to Administrative Order No 2021-25 to receive comments from interested members of the public concerning its proposal to construct a Biochar Manufacturing Facility located at 75 Jacobus Avenue, South Kearny, NJ 07032. Aries Kearny, LLC will be seeking various permits from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection including permits under the New Jersey Air Pollution Act (N.J.S.A. 26:2C-1 et seq), the New Jersey Water Pollution Control Act (N.J.S.A. 58:10A-1 et seq), the Waterfront Development Law, and the Flood Hazard Area Control Act. Regarding property within the TOWN OF KEARNY for a project known as the ARIES KEARNY BIOCHAR PRODUCTION FACILITY in the following New Jersey Municipalities: Town of Kearny, Hudson County. Paragraph 2a of NJDEP Administrative Order No. 2021-25 requires a party proposing to develop a project in an overburdened community to hold a public hearing in the community to maximize public participation of interested individuals. If approved, the above permits will authorize Aries to develop a biosolids reduction facility to process biosolids to manufacture biochar, which is an ingredient in concrete manufacturing. The facility will utilize the Aries Fluidized Bed Gasifier to process up to 470 wet tons of domestic biosolids daily. The gasification process will convert the solids into inert biochar and a producer gas that is reused in the process to produce heat that dries the dewatered treated biosolids. Aries is applying for a NJDEP Treatment Works Approval Permit under N.J.A.C. 7:14a-23 et seq, a NJPDES permit under N.J.S.A. 58:10A-1 et seq, a minor source permit under N.J.S.A. 26:2C-1 et seq, a New Jersey Natural Resources Conservation Program Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan under N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq, and a Waterfront Development and Flood Hazard Permit for the work associated with the construction of the biochar manufacturing facility, including: biosolids storage, dryers, a fluidized bed gasification unit, producer gas combustion and heat recovery system, emissions control system, aqueous ammonia unloading and storage, hydrated lime unloading and storage, and truck loadout facilities. Aries invites the public to attend the Public Hearing either in person or virtually to ask questions and present written or oral comments on the project.

Hearing Date: December 13, 2021 Hearing Time: 7:00 PM Location: THE SCOTS AMERICAN CLUB 40 Patterson Street Kearny, NJ 07032 (201) 991-9816 www.scotsamericanclub.com Zoom Attendee Information PC, Mac, iOS, or Android: http://transperfect.remotecounsel.com/meetings/GjhCuKD5n1o/join Password: 715197 Phone Dial-In: 646-568-7788 Meeting ID: 973-966-38908 The information about the project, including complete permit application package can be reviewed at either the above municipal clerk’s office or by appointment at the DEP’s Trenton office. Information about the project and the regulatory applications are also available online at: https//ariescleantech.com. Aries also invites the public to submit written comments on the abovereferenced permit application within thirty (30) days following the public hearing to: Chris. Kidd@AriesCleanTech.com and Joel.Thornton@AriesCleanTech.com.

— Mayor Al Santos an interview Dec. 3. Santos says despite what the company says — that it would not be harmful to Kearny — it would be harmful, actually, based on numerous factors. There would be dioxide emissions, truck traffic and pollution, odors that would form regardless of what the company says, ammonia emissions. And, not all of the human waste, he says, will be reusable. “That waste would have to be disposed of in landfills,” Santos said. He says the company is using a tactic called “Green Washing,” which is where a company that says it’s clean technologically works to “confuse” residents into believing its operations are all copasetic, when in reality, they’re not. Santos points to years of progress in South Kearny — including the Kearny Pointe project at an old shipyard — that has brought with it a tremendous ratable to keep taxes stable. “Property is selling for $5 million an acre in South Kearny. This is two times what it was selling for just two years ago,” Santos said. “We’ve turned the corner in a location that hadn’t seen progress like this for over half a century. There were many reasons why Newark fought this — and we will, too.” Santos says he plans to attend the Dec. 13 public hearing, along with an environmental attorney and Town Administrator Steve Marks, to establish, for the town, its opposition to the proposal.

‘Property is selling for $5 million an acre in South Kearny. This is two times what it was selling for just two years ago. We’ve turned the corner in a location that hadn’t seen progress like this for over half a century. There were many reasons why Newark fought this — and we will, too.’ Meanwhile, the company would, at some point, need to bring its building plans before the town Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment. Ultimately, however, the decision whether to grant approval rests in the hands of the NJDEP. “Recently, NJDEP finally got it as we saw with the Keegan Landfill,” the mayor said. “We are hoping they understand the role they’re supposed to play in 2021.” Now, Santos noted something else — if the NJDEP approves this plan, allowing Aries to build in Industrial Kearny, it likely wouldn’t cause a health issue for uptown residents, but it would certainly hurt every taxpayer and renter’s wallets. “We’ve made such great progress, more than we’ve seen in half a century,” Santos said. “An operation like this could deter others from coming here and hurt the public’s perception of Kearny. nnn Here’s where you all come in. We need residents to be as vocal about this as with the Keegan crisis. If you can’t make the public meeting, it will be livestreamed at https://www.transperfect. remotecounsel.com/ meetings/GjhCuKD5n1o/join. The password is 715197. The Observer plans to restream the meeting broadcast for those who might not be able to access the Zoom-based broadcast on all its online platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Twitch.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The Observer | www.theobserver.com

MELHAM

Continued from Page 1 and former GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. “What makes our township truly unique is that fact that we tend not to care about political affiliation,” Melham said. “If you care, like we do, about ways in which to make Belleville even better, we want you on our team. We aren’t interested in politics or posturing. We just want to do right for the people of Belleville, in any way we can.” The announcement was made during a party atmosphere, filled with a DJ, dance music, photographers, videographers, a Melham-branded 3D photo booth and plenty of great food. Public officials from surrounding communities mingled with Belleville residents, all excited about the possibilities of the Melham team at the helm for four more years. In his speech, Melham touted a number of major redevelopment projects that have come to Belleville since he was elected, as well as the number of developers who regularly come knocking on his door to pitch

their vision for underused properties. “There was once a time, not too long ago, when no outsider wanted to invest in Belleville,” Melham told the crowd. “Well, that has certainly changed. Now, developers are asking us what we want and are eager to share a new vision for Belleville. This is certainly an exciting time to be here.” There are even plans for a Star-

bucks, the mayor noted, showing how far Belleville has evolved under his leadership. Melham is seeking re-election based on what he says is his strong record of accomplishment, noting he continues to have a “superb working relationship with his two initial running mates, Deputy Mayor Naomy De Peña and Councilman-at-large Thomas Graziano”, both of whom

were in attendance and will soon follow with their own announcements for re-election. The mayor says he has amassed a war chest for his re-election campaign, currently at six times the amount he spent in his victorious 2018 election. It stands, currently, at $180,000. Photo: Melham at the podium, center, with DePena and Graziano.

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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