In today's Chronicle article City Manager says that residents weren't really using the parking spaces on Prospect. Really? So the 2 handicapped women who were at the meeting and told you that they use those spots were lying? Come on Mr. LoIacono, you can't really mean that.
How about the FACT that the Developer's Agreement with the hospital was never once mentioned by the Council or City Manager at the meeting when this was voted upon?
Or this quote from Mr. LoIacono -"This is a decision that is entirely based on safety and traffic". That would be untrue, in my opinion, when the genesis for this decision was a Developer's Agreement, not a traffic study.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
2nd Ward Town Hall Meeting
There were nice presentations from Health Dept (get your flu shot), Boys' & Girls' Club (programs for kids), Recreation Dept (expanding adult/senior programs), Police Dept (volunteer for programs), about rehab of Polifly Park and USDA rep about goose problems.
Questions were varied - briefly, they were:
Illegal (basement) apartments - call building department
Stony Hill hotel - no details yet. Owner is negotiating with chains. Nothing to report.
Recycling electronics - senior citizens should call DPW to pick up for free.
Traffic coming off Summit onto side streets - hopefully will be looked into.
Waive permit fee for sidewalk repair violations - probably not
Will mayor's chair rotate again - probably
Commercial vehicles parked in residential area - call Chief if police don't respond
Taxes - "economy of scales" (can someone tell me what that means?)
No comment on Fox 5 report except - lawsuits are without merit & "vigourously defending", there is no policy regarding civilians in police vehicles - it is not discouraged, suing police department is growing trend
Parking on Prospect between Essex & Atlantic - residents can register to get a parking sticker (didn't Mayor say no stickers at last council meeting - it's on the tape) to park for free from 6pm to 8am in the garage. If you're home during any other hours, guess you're out of luck. If you want a dedicated space 24/7, you can get a monthly spot for $25/mo. Residents should be getting a letter in the mail.
Did I miss anything?
Questions were varied - briefly, they were:
Illegal (basement) apartments - call building department
Stony Hill hotel - no details yet. Owner is negotiating with chains. Nothing to report.
Recycling electronics - senior citizens should call DPW to pick up for free.
Traffic coming off Summit onto side streets - hopefully will be looked into.
Waive permit fee for sidewalk repair violations - probably not
Will mayor's chair rotate again - probably
Commercial vehicles parked in residential area - call Chief if police don't respond
Taxes - "economy of scales" (can someone tell me what that means?)
No comment on Fox 5 report except - lawsuits are without merit & "vigourously defending", there is no policy regarding civilians in police vehicles - it is not discouraged, suing police department is growing trend
Parking on Prospect between Essex & Atlantic - residents can register to get a parking sticker (didn't Mayor say no stickers at last council meeting - it's on the tape) to park for free from 6pm to 8am in the garage. If you're home during any other hours, guess you're out of luck. If you want a dedicated space 24/7, you can get a monthly spot for $25/mo. Residents should be getting a letter in the mail.
Did I miss anything?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Fox 5 Report
This week Fox 5 aired an investigative report on Hackensack Police Department. The tape that was played was really disturbing to most people. Makes you wonder how many times things like this happen and the conversation was not recorded.
Police get suspended for things like using the wrong radio and other minor infractions. If there is not action taken regarding the Captain using a city vehicle to transport his child (in the front seat) and being dressed like he's going to play softball while driving the vehicle, then point proven regarding favoritism and retaliation. Let's see what, if anything, happens.
The video can be viewed here:
http://www.myfoxny.com/subindex/news/investigative Hackensack Shakedown?
Police get suspended for things like using the wrong radio and other minor infractions. If there is not action taken regarding the Captain using a city vehicle to transport his child (in the front seat) and being dressed like he's going to play softball while driving the vehicle, then point proven regarding favoritism and retaliation. Let's see what, if anything, happens.
The video can be viewed here:
http://www.myfoxny.com/subindex/news/investigative Hackensack Shakedown?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
League of Municipalities is this week
So, if you notice little less activity around City Hall and other sites, that's why.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/more_than_20k_nj_lawmakers_exp.html
I think administration should give a full report on any workshops they attended and I hope that a few of them attended open government, public meetings or public records workshops if they were offered.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/more_than_20k_nj_lawmakers_exp.html
I think administration should give a full report on any workshops they attended and I hope that a few of them attended open government, public meetings or public records workshops if they were offered.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
November 10 Council Meeting
Because of the lenght of this week's meeting (2 1/2 hours) the video is in 5 posts. Read posts from bottom to top - use menu on the left to read in order. The video is in order from top to bottom within each post.
The video has to be cut & compressed to fit on this site. If someone has another site to post this on, please leave the info as a comment.
The video has to be cut & compressed to fit on this site. If someone has another site to post this on, please leave the info as a comment.
November 10 Council Meeting Part IV
Consent Agenda Items (Res 396-09 thru 418-09)
396 Use of North Arlington Pistol Range
397 St Paul's Lodge Club License
398 Public Health Priority Funding
399 Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Grant
400 2010 State Health Services Grant
401 & 402 Edward Byrne Memorial Grants from Paramus
403 Community Dev Block Grant - Foschini Park
404 Tax Refunds
405 Green Acres Grant - 2nd Ward Park
406 NJ Transit Rail Line (opposition to current Passaic Bergen Light Rail Plan)
407 2007 Recycling Tonnage Grant
408 Esplanade Park Improvements (from HUMC $1mil)
409 Administrative Officers Contract - HPD
410 Lease of 155 Hudson St for satellite police station
411 Developer's Agreement - Denholtz 30 Woodridge Ave child care center
412 Sale at auction of 163 Liberty St
413 Agreement with MICCOM EMS Call Screening
414 No Further Action Letter Green Acres Johnson Park Riverwalk
415 Comm Dev Block Grant Applications
416 Individual Tax Interest Refund
417 Authorization for Issuance of Alcoholic Beverage Card
418 Area in need of Redevelopment 414 Hackensack Ave
Consent Agenda & Public Comments Part I
396 Use of North Arlington Pistol Range
397 St Paul's Lodge Club License
398 Public Health Priority Funding
399 Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Grant
400 2010 State Health Services Grant
401 & 402 Edward Byrne Memorial Grants from Paramus
403 Community Dev Block Grant - Foschini Park
404 Tax Refunds
405 Green Acres Grant - 2nd Ward Park
406 NJ Transit Rail Line (opposition to current Passaic Bergen Light Rail Plan)
407 2007 Recycling Tonnage Grant
408 Esplanade Park Improvements (from HUMC $1mil)
409 Administrative Officers Contract - HPD
410 Lease of 155 Hudson St for satellite police station
411 Developer's Agreement - Denholtz 30 Woodridge Ave child care center
412 Sale at auction of 163 Liberty St
413 Agreement with MICCOM EMS Call Screening
414 No Further Action Letter Green Acres Johnson Park Riverwalk
415 Comm Dev Block Grant Applications
416 Individual Tax Interest Refund
417 Authorization for Issuance of Alcoholic Beverage Card
418 Area in need of Redevelopment 414 Hackensack Ave
Consent Agenda & Public Comments Part I
Public Comments & Air Rights
Public Comments & Air Rights
Public Comments & Air Rights
The rest of the public comments will be on the next post
November 10 Council Meeting Part III
No Parking on Prospect continued
There is a technical issue with the next part of the video. It will be posted when the issue is resolved. (It has been posted - last video on Part II) Video continues after that section.
At this part a grad student spoke but it was not on the parking ordinance
No Parking Comments continued
Last section with regard to Prospect parking
First Readings to be voted on 12/8
Resolutions 387 & 388
387 - Permit required for Storage Containers
388 - Parking Meter Change to uniform amounts
Resolutions 389 thru 395
389 - Air Rights HUMC bridges
390 - $2,000,000 Sewer Repairs
$1,900,000 Bond
391 - Public Defender App Fee to $200
392 - Handicapped Parking Space 475 Colonial
393 - Handicapped Parking Space 230 Polifly
394 - Handicapped Parking Space 12 Frederick
395 - Payment of Bills
Current Fund $16,442,926.58
Grants 157.86
Payroll 266,684.76
Self Insurance 157,353.94
Public Parking 20,484.98
Capital 454,456.41
Trust Account 53,309.59
Saturday, November 14, 2009
November 10 Council Meeting Part II
More No Parking on Prospect - this is in several parts
Total for this ordinance was about an hour
Total for this ordinance was about an hour
continued on next post
November 10 Hackensack City Council Part I
This was a long meeting (2 1/2 hours) and I can't fit all the video on one post. The rest of the video will be posted tomorrow.
Meeting Opening
No Parking on Prospect
Meeting Opening
Arcadia Road Improvements
Arcadia Road comments
No Parking on Prospect
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Parking on Prospect
SEE CORRECTION*
Last night the City approved eliminating all parking on Prospect between Atlantic & Essex (vote was 4 to 1). This is despite the fact that the City has made no provisions for handicapped parking for the residents of the apartments and that they have not finalized the arrangements for resident parking. Are residents who live in those apartments going to have to pay to park at their own homes?
The reason given for this decision was "safety issues", although nobody presented a single shred of evidence as to what those safety issues might be - even when asked. And the council was asked many questions, for about an hour, and did not come up with satisfactory answers and sometimes the only response was just blank stares.
What was not said by the Mayor or City Manager is that last night they were merely putting a rubber stamp on the decision that was made over a year and half ago to eliminate the parking upon the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Cancer Center parking garage. It is in the Developer's Agreement that was signed in February 2008.
Further, there are going to be turn restrictions at the garage - right turn only. So the residents on Prospect will have to come from First or Second to turn into the garage. I believe, since the wording in the agreement is "provide for ingress and egress to the Parking Garage by right turn only" that all traffic leaving the garage will then be funnelled out onto Prospect. Yup, that's going to relieve traffic on that street.
It appears that all of this is only going to make it more difficult for the residents of those apartments. Why are they doing this?
This could be why. Also in the Developer's Agreement (page 3, paragraph 5 and page 4, paragraph 6) is wording that clearly states the City's intention to acquire 64 Prospect "(i)n order to accomplish the improvements at and in the vicinity of the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Atlantic Street". Basically it says that HUMC will try to acquire this property on its own. If it cannot do that, "the City agrees to issue an offer letter pursuant to the Eminent Domain Act and thereafter to utilize its power to acquire". At paragraph 6 it states "If the parcel is acquired by HUMC without the need for condemnation, the parcel shall be conveyed to the City for nominal consideration"
* CORRECTION - ONLY PART OF THE PROPERTY IS COVETED BY THE CITY, BUT WHICH PART? AGREEMENT DOES NOT SPECIFY.
Clearly, the reason for eliminating the parking is not as simple as a "safety issue". I guess it could be stretched to make that argument because all of the development by the hospital has created an unsafe residential environment. The real reason seems to be because the City entered into this agreement with HUMC and must abide by it - tenants be damned. Since the City provided no proof of any other reason, the wording of the Developer's Agreement is all I have to go on.
The fact that neither the Mayor nor City Manager (the only 2 permitted to speak according to Mayor's rules) mentioned this agreement as the reason for the ordinance makes me wonder if they even know this. If they do know it and did not state that when asked about it, well, in my opinion, that would be a lie of omission. Shame on you, Mr. Mayor & City Manager.
This is going to make it difficult for people who live there to find free parking and, as of right now, there is no provision for handicapped parking. But that seems to be the least of their problems because now the bigger question is, are the residents of 64 Prospect going to be forced out of their homes?
Last night the City approved eliminating all parking on Prospect between Atlantic & Essex (vote was 4 to 1). This is despite the fact that the City has made no provisions for handicapped parking for the residents of the apartments and that they have not finalized the arrangements for resident parking. Are residents who live in those apartments going to have to pay to park at their own homes?
The reason given for this decision was "safety issues", although nobody presented a single shred of evidence as to what those safety issues might be - even when asked. And the council was asked many questions, for about an hour, and did not come up with satisfactory answers and sometimes the only response was just blank stares.
What was not said by the Mayor or City Manager is that last night they were merely putting a rubber stamp on the decision that was made over a year and half ago to eliminate the parking upon the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Cancer Center parking garage. It is in the Developer's Agreement that was signed in February 2008.
Further, there are going to be turn restrictions at the garage - right turn only. So the residents on Prospect will have to come from First or Second to turn into the garage. I believe, since the wording in the agreement is "provide for ingress and egress to the Parking Garage by right turn only" that all traffic leaving the garage will then be funnelled out onto Prospect. Yup, that's going to relieve traffic on that street.
It appears that all of this is only going to make it more difficult for the residents of those apartments. Why are they doing this?
This could be why. Also in the Developer's Agreement (page 3, paragraph 5 and page 4, paragraph 6) is wording that clearly states the City's intention to acquire 64 Prospect "(i)n order to accomplish the improvements at and in the vicinity of the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Atlantic Street". Basically it says that HUMC will try to acquire this property on its own. If it cannot do that, "the City agrees to issue an offer letter pursuant to the Eminent Domain Act and thereafter to utilize its power to acquire". At paragraph 6 it states "If the parcel is acquired by HUMC without the need for condemnation, the parcel shall be conveyed to the City for nominal consideration"
* CORRECTION - ONLY PART OF THE PROPERTY IS COVETED BY THE CITY, BUT WHICH PART? AGREEMENT DOES NOT SPECIFY.
Clearly, the reason for eliminating the parking is not as simple as a "safety issue". I guess it could be stretched to make that argument because all of the development by the hospital has created an unsafe residential environment. The real reason seems to be because the City entered into this agreement with HUMC and must abide by it - tenants be damned. Since the City provided no proof of any other reason, the wording of the Developer's Agreement is all I have to go on.
The fact that neither the Mayor nor City Manager (the only 2 permitted to speak according to Mayor's rules) mentioned this agreement as the reason for the ordinance makes me wonder if they even know this. If they do know it and did not state that when asked about it, well, in my opinion, that would be a lie of omission. Shame on you, Mr. Mayor & City Manager.
This is going to make it difficult for people who live there to find free parking and, as of right now, there is no provision for handicapped parking. But that seems to be the least of their problems because now the bigger question is, are the residents of 64 Prospect going to be forced out of their homes?
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Meeting Reminders
Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting Monday November 9th
Council Meeting Tuesday November 10th - check the previous (Oct 20) meeting minutes to see if there are any proposed ordinances of interest to you. Even if there aren't come and speak for your 5 minutes at the public session.
These are the only meetings this month - be there if you can
ALSO - 2nd Ward meeting @ Hillers on 11/23
Council Meeting Tuesday November 10th - check the previous (Oct 20) meeting minutes to see if there are any proposed ordinances of interest to you. Even if there aren't come and speak for your 5 minutes at the public session.
These are the only meetings this month - be there if you can
ALSO - 2nd Ward meeting @ Hillers on 11/23
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The seeds of change have been planted
Now let's see who Christie appoints to key posts. Any idea who is being considered for Attorney General?
http://www.northjersey.com/news/governorsrace2009.html
And closer to home, Hackensack City officials should be thinking twice now that the Dem Freeholders were defeated. Congrats to John & Rob.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/governorsrace2009.html
And closer to home, Hackensack City officials should be thinking twice now that the Dem Freeholders were defeated. Congrats to John & Rob.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Aloia replaced in special services district
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
BY MICHAEL GARTLAND
The Record
STAFF WRITER
Embattled schools superintendent Robert Aloia will no longer serve as head of the Bergen County Special Services School District, according to Charles Grillo, president of the district’s board.
Howard Lerner, an assistant superintendent with both the county’s special services and technical districts, will replace Aloia as special services’ interim superintendent. Grillo said the special services board will vote formally to replace Aloia at its meeting Nov. 12.
“We can’t fire him, because we don’t have a contract with him,” Grillo said.
Aloia’s employment agreement is with the technical district, which has an inter-local agreement with the special services district, allowing them to share administrative costs.
One administration oversees both districts, but Aloia continues to act as the head of the technical district, which has hired an attorney to handle the termination of his employment there.
Aloia has been a subject of criticism since April for his handling of both districts’ finances, excessive travel and meal expenses and the purchase of two electron microscopes. Both school boards, the unions that represent teachers in the districts and County Executive Dennis McNerney all have called on him to resign. The state Department of Education is investigating the districts’ finances.
Aloia did not return a request for comment Tuesday.
Elyse Schifrien, co-president of the union that represents teachers in the special services district, said she did not have a problem with Lerner serving on an interim basis.
Lerner previously served as director of special services for Wayne schools. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
“I’m thrilled that they’ve replaced Robert with someone else,” Schifrien said.
E-mail: gartland@northjersey.com
Embattled schools superintendent Robert Aloia will no longer serve as head of the Bergen County Special Services School District, according to Charles Grillo, president of the district’s board.
Howard Lerner, an assistant superintendent with both the county’s special services and technical districts, will replace Aloia as special services’ interim superintendent. Grillo said the special services board will vote formally to replace Aloia at its meeting Nov. 12.
“We can’t fire him, because we don’t have a contract with him,” Grillo said.
Aloia’s employment agreement is with the technical district, which has an inter-local agreement with the special services district, allowing them to share administrative costs.
One administration oversees both districts, but Aloia continues to act as the head of the technical district, which has hired an attorney to handle the termination of his employment there.
Aloia has been a subject of criticism since April for his handling of both districts’ finances, excessive travel and meal expenses and the purchase of two electron microscopes. Both school boards, the unions that represent teachers in the districts and County Executive Dennis McNerney all have called on him to resign. The state Department of Education is investigating the districts’ finances.
Aloia did not return a request for comment Tuesday.
Elyse Schifrien, co-president of the union that represents teachers in the special services district, said she did not have a problem with Lerner serving on an interim basis.
Lerner previously served as director of special services for Wayne schools. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
“I’m thrilled that they’ve replaced Robert with someone else,” Schifrien said.
E-mail: gartland@northjersey.com
BY MICHAEL GARTLAND
The Record
STAFF WRITER
Embattled schools superintendent Robert Aloia will no longer serve as head of the Bergen County Special Services School District, according to Charles Grillo, president of the district’s board.
Howard Lerner, an assistant superintendent with both the county’s special services and technical districts, will replace Aloia as special services’ interim superintendent. Grillo said the special services board will vote formally to replace Aloia at its meeting Nov. 12.
“We can’t fire him, because we don’t have a contract with him,” Grillo said.
Aloia’s employment agreement is with the technical district, which has an inter-local agreement with the special services district, allowing them to share administrative costs.
One administration oversees both districts, but Aloia continues to act as the head of the technical district, which has hired an attorney to handle the termination of his employment there.
Aloia has been a subject of criticism since April for his handling of both districts’ finances, excessive travel and meal expenses and the purchase of two electron microscopes. Both school boards, the unions that represent teachers in the districts and County Executive Dennis McNerney all have called on him to resign. The state Department of Education is investigating the districts’ finances.
Aloia did not return a request for comment Tuesday.
Elyse Schifrien, co-president of the union that represents teachers in the special services district, said she did not have a problem with Lerner serving on an interim basis.
Lerner previously served as director of special services for Wayne schools. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
“I’m thrilled that they’ve replaced Robert with someone else,” Schifrien said.
E-mail: gartland@northjersey.com
Embattled schools superintendent Robert Aloia will no longer serve as head of the Bergen County Special Services School District, according to Charles Grillo, president of the district’s board.
Howard Lerner, an assistant superintendent with both the county’s special services and technical districts, will replace Aloia as special services’ interim superintendent. Grillo said the special services board will vote formally to replace Aloia at its meeting Nov. 12.
“We can’t fire him, because we don’t have a contract with him,” Grillo said.
Aloia’s employment agreement is with the technical district, which has an inter-local agreement with the special services district, allowing them to share administrative costs.
One administration oversees both districts, but Aloia continues to act as the head of the technical district, which has hired an attorney to handle the termination of his employment there.
Aloia has been a subject of criticism since April for his handling of both districts’ finances, excessive travel and meal expenses and the purchase of two electron microscopes. Both school boards, the unions that represent teachers in the districts and County Executive Dennis McNerney all have called on him to resign. The state Department of Education is investigating the districts’ finances.
Aloia did not return a request for comment Tuesday.
Elyse Schifrien, co-president of the union that represents teachers in the special services district, said she did not have a problem with Lerner serving on an interim basis.
Lerner previously served as director of special services for Wayne schools. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
“I’m thrilled that they’ve replaced Robert with someone else,” Schifrien said.
E-mail: gartland@northjersey.com
Monday, November 2, 2009
2nd Ward Meeting
Second Ward Neighbors Invited
The Hackensack City Council will host a town hall-style meeting of the city’s Second Ward at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 23 at the Fanny Hillers School, 56 Longview Avenue. All community concerns will be discussed and ample time will be devoted to citizens’ questions.
In addition to elected officials, the city manager as well as officials from the police, recreation and health department will be available to provide information. Representatives from the newly-established Boys and Girls Club of Lodi and Hackensack will attend. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact the city manager’s office, 201-646-3900.
The Hackensack City Council will host a town hall-style meeting of the city’s Second Ward at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 23 at the Fanny Hillers School, 56 Longview Avenue. All community concerns will be discussed and ample time will be devoted to citizens’ questions.
In addition to elected officials, the city manager as well as officials from the police, recreation and health department will be available to provide information. Representatives from the newly-established Boys and Girls Club of Lodi and Hackensack will attend. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact the city manager’s office, 201-646-3900.
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