Tag: featured
Community Center with field rooftop coming to downtown North Bergen
Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners introduced a bond ordinance on Jan. 9, 2019 to build a new North Bergen Community Center and Library at 13th Street and Kennedy Boulevard.
The new five-story building will replace the current Kennedy Branch Library with a much larger facility containing more space for books, services, and activities. There will be a computer lab and classrooms, quiet study areas, and multi-purpose community rooms.
In addition, the building will house extensive recreation space for children, including an indoor basketball court with six hoops, fitness classrooms, locker rooms, plus an outdoor fitness area and a securely enclosed recreational field on the rooftop. Two levels of indoor parking will be available.
Plans call for construction to begin within the next six months.
Once completed the new Community Center and Library will provide downtown residents with easy and convenient access to even more sports, entertainment, education, and training opportunities right in their neighborhood.
HudPost's 3rd Annual Power List
HudPost’s 2019 North Bergen Power List focuses on the pending transition of power within the North Bergen political machine. “Power” is defined by influence, popularity, and leverage.
This is HudPost’s third annual North Bergen Power List.
1. Nicholas Sacco, Senator & Mayor
What can be written about Sacco that already hasn’t? He’ll more than likely keep his mayoral seat after the votes are counted in May. After that, it’s his choice as to when he will retire- if ever.
2. Anthony Vainieri, Hudson County Freeholder
Right Hand man to Sacco – Vainieri continues to build on the brand as the logical next-of-kin to the throne.
As a Freeholder, Vainieri continues to bring value to North Bergen with park renovations, annual festivities, national landmarks, and coordinating the purchase of a new high school.
3. Julio Marenco, Commissioner
Admittedly, our very own Eva Deras’s favorite public figure, Julio Marenco continues to advocate for his downtown neighborhood and brings a youthful, diverse outlook to the local government.
While Julio has not been willing to share future ambitions- we suspect that his future is bright.
4. North Bergen Federation of Teachers
The teachers union proved they could have a public debate without being hijacked with political rhetoric.
With over 600 teachers represented by the Teachers’ Union – their influence is fundamental in any changes made in North Bergen.
5. Robert Dowd, North Bergen Police Chief
High-profile crime in the area rarely goes unsolved; whether it’s a hit-and-run, street shootings, or a stolen vehicle.
Chief Dowd represents a highly diverse force of over 120 officers and his leadership of the department has lead to many in & out-of-town accomplishments.
6. Phil Swibinski, Township Spokesmen/VP of Vision Media
Phil Swibinski has earned his own spot on our list. New to fatherhood, Swibinski steps into a bigger role in business and personal life. Paul Swibinski (father to Phil), who started Vision Media over 30 years ago, retired and regularly spends time in his Florida home.
Phil is the barrier between the public and Sacco over any outrage. He has held his own against the various hit-pieces from the iTeam, and will have plenty of work during the upcoming election.
7. Local, independent Media; HudPost (of course), Hudson County View, Talk on the Hudson
First it was print, then TV, but now it’s the age of the internet. These companies bring value to each other and in return to its viewers.
Whether its ‘Talk on the Hudson’ getting both state Senators Stack and Sacco on the record on their stance on marijuana or ‘Hudson County View’ getting a heated exchange between Wainstein/Vainieri over a development in the area- the “larger local” medias such as Jersey Journal or News 12 can’t compete with the relevant content, or simply ignore “NoHu” issues.
HudPost exclusively focuses on North Bergen (with a pinch of Guttenberg) so you can expect relevant and reliable content in 2019.
8. Aimee Focaraccio, Community Organizer
Aimee has a heart of gold and it shows in her work. Focaraccio continues to build the NB CARES program while becoming a leader within the Young Democrats of Hudson County party.
During our interview with her earlier this year, she has not ruled out a career in politics, but her current commitment is to helping families in need.
9. John Bender, Committee-person
Although a committee seat only represents a small portion of the town, Bender has used his political muscle to be the front of the anti-Larry effort.
He once ran a protest in front of Wainstein’s North Bergen home back in 2015.
Now he is addressing the “litter-ture issue” caused by elections with a clever widespread ’NO LARRY LITERATURE ACCEPTED’ window sign campaign. You’ll be sure to see (and hear) John at any anti-Larry event this year.
10. Larry Wainstein, Business Owner & 2019 Mayoral Candidate
So 2019 is finally here and everything Wainstein has been working for is coming to a conclusion; does his years of “community organizing,” and Sacco bashing win him a seat? Or will history repeat itself with another 3 to 1 or 2 to 1 loss.
Throughout the years Wainstein has fought against building a new Kindergarten school and acquiring High Tech High School. He has also fought against several residential buildings such as the projects on 56th and Kennedy, 48th and Tonnelle, and 78th and Bergenline Ave.
While it’s clear what he is against – he hasn’t done a great job of telling us what he is for.
He’ll be receiving help from West New York Mayor Roque and possibly some South Jersey politicians most of our readers probably wouldn’t recognize. He just makes our list but another loss in May definitely kicks him off.
Honorable Mentions;
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NB BOE Superintendent Dr. George Solter
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Retired Lt. Henry Marrero
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Commissioner Hugo Cabrera
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North Bergen…Now, Then, & Memories Administer Denis Jaslow
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Esq. Mario Blanch
North Bergen resident receives heartfelt letter from a stranger
A week before the beginning of the holiday season North Bergen resident, Mrs. Toni Ann Rodriguez of 75th Street, received a heartfelt letter from an anonymous person. The letter thanks Mrs. Rodriguez for a bench she built in front of her house.
The letter is from a person who says they have had over 30 major operations and was left with the inability to walk for 9 and half years. The person says the bench is“a blessing” and “kind and thoughtful” gesture.
To: Homeowner –
I know you do not know me but I have a paper and pen on me, in my tote bag. I just want to say that this/these “2 benches” you have here, is such a very kind & thoughtful thing to do here, next to the sidewalk on your property. What a blessing it just was for me!!! A place to site down and rest my legs. I’ve had 32 major operations and have not walked at all for 9 1/2 years and then 7 more years “no weight bearing” – “hopping” on one leg, on crutches. The pain is execrating when I walk.
Thank you for providing this seat so I can give my legs (& pain) a little rest.
“[My mother] built this bench, it has never been vandalized, her décor has never been stolen or tampered with…All types of people sit here; students, teachers, elderly, parents with children, people of all races, all ages, all religions, sexualities & genders have found rest on these benches.” says Desarae Rodriguez, daughter of Toni Ann. “In our home, we don’t build walls, we don’t push people away and look at the magic it brought forward.”
North Bergen veteran launches fitness business
North Bergen High alumni and United States Air Force Veteran, Grovert Fuentes, has announced the launch of “The Fit Lifestyle box,” a subscription business.
The Fit Lifestyle Box will offer a monthly door service subscription for $20 which will include a full-size product aside from samples and protein bars, cookies, and chips.
“I’ve been working for several months on a subscription business in the fitness industry. I will admit, I’m not the first one, but as a customer of a few, I wasn’t satisfied.” says owner Grovert Fuentes.
“If I wanted a full size product in the box, I had to spend over $30 monthly and when I did, I got a cheap see-through shirt. If I spent $15, I only got samples and that is all. I felt like I got robbed. I decided this was my call-to-action.”
By partnering with over 150 companies, Fit Lifestyle Box, is able to reduce the cost of a subscription box to roughly the price of a gym membership. The company personalizes each box according to the subscriber’s need. Subscribers can expect to find a full-size fitness product, at least one protein bar and several sample size goodies. These products may be items such as apparel, jump ropes, stretch bands, etc. Also, you will receive workout routines, recipes, fitness tips, and the following month’s discount code to the online store.
The company promises to provide the best items with a volume discount, pack them up according to your goal, and ship them to your doorstep.
Read more at FitLifestyleBox.com
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