Category Archives: Bayonne News

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com, Best Picks of the Week

Mayor’s Corner- Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis-The Film Industry is Growing in New Jersey

Mayor's Corner-Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis

          Last week, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities held an important seminar on getting cities and towns ready for the motion picture business.  The City of Bayonne was represented at the event because the 1888 Studios will play a very important role in our community’s future. 

          According to Jon Crowley, Executive Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, New Jersey “has gone from being the nation’s eighth largest production hub to the fourth busiest domestic location for film and television production.”  From 2023 to 2024, qualified spending on television and film production in New Jersey rose from $592 million to $833 million.  Jon Crowley called that “a phenomenal 41% rise in production.”  In his presentation, Mr. Crowley explained that film crews can find a variety of locations in New Jersey, going from the shore to the mountains in 90 minutes. 

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Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com, Local Travel

NJ Transit to Take Over Bayonne Broadway Bus

Route Effective December 1, 2025

        

    NJ Transit has advised the City of Bayonne that it will assume operation of the Broadway Bus route in Bayonne effective Monday, December 1, 2025.  Earlier this month, Emil Massa, President of Broadway Bus, advised the community that the private bus company would cease operations.  His company will operate the Broadway Bus route through Sunday, November 30. 

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis said, “I would like to thank Emil Massa and his predecessors for their long service to the community with the Broadway Bus.  I would also like to thank NJ Transit for taking over the route, so that bus service will continue for the senior citizens, shoppers, students, workers, and others who use the Broadway Bus.”  

According to information provided by NJ Transit, after it assumes management of the Broadway Bus route on December 1, the hours of operation will be weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and weekends from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Service will be every thirty minutes during those hours of operation.

 Mayor Davis concluded, “Bayonne has a long tradition of being a convenient community with several transportation options.  I am glad that tradition will continue. NJ Transit will now be providing bus service on Broadway, Avenue C, and Kennedy Boulevard, in addition to its Light Rail service with four Bayonne stations.  Soon, New York Waterway will offer ferry service between Bayonne and Manhattan.  The return of ferry service to Bayonne will make our community an even more convenient place in the heart of the metropolitan area.”

NJ Transit is a public transportation corporation that was established by the State of New Jersey in 1979.  NJ Transit began by managing bus lines that had been operated previously by the Public Service Enterprise Group, the parent company of PSE&G.  In 1983, NJ Transit took over several passenger rail lines in the Garden State from Conrail, which wanted to focus on operating freight trains. 

Today, NJ Transit operates bus, commuter rail, and light rail services.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com, General

Bayonne Sicilian Citzens Club Honors Dr. Neil J. Carroll III Man of the Year 2025

Neil J. Carroll, Ed. D. is a second-generation American of proud Italian heritage. He comes from a family deeply rooted in public service and civic leadership. That legacy of dedication to community has guided his path—as a lifelong educator, two-term city Councilman, and tireless
advocate for Bayonne’s future.

With over a decade of experience as a public-school teacher,
Dr. Carroll has been a cornerstone of educational excellence in Bayonne. His passion for empowering students and fostering a love for learning has been evident in his dynamic approach to teaching, earning him the admiration of colleagues, students, and parents alike.

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Bayonne News, Local Happenings

Grandmaster Austin Wright Sr. Celebrates 40 Years of Martial Arts Excellence in Hudson County

On September 26, 2025, at the Chandelier Catering Hall in Bayonne, New Jersey, UWA Team Wright hosted a grand banquet honoring Grandmaster Austin Wright for his 40th year of dedication and achievement in the martial arts. The celebration brought together city officials, community leaders, and martial arts practitioners from across Hudson County. Grandmaster Wright received numerous commendations from local organizations, including the Bayonne Branch VFW Post 226, presented by Commander Glenn Flora Sr., Councilman Juan Perez, Loyad Booker, and Waterfront Montessori from Jersey City, represented by Karen Westman. Official proclamations were read by Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker on behalf of Mayor Jimmy Davis, recognizing Grandmaster Wright for his four decades of contributions to the development, discipline, and giving back to the community of youth, teens, and adults. Mayor Davis proclaimed that September 26, 2025, is now to be observed as “Martial Arts Honorees’ Day.” We had the honor of receiving a tournament scholarship from Mr. Robert “Bob” Knapp, who is the director of the Hudson County Welfare Department as well.

During the ceremony, Grandmaster Wright presented honorary black belts to Councilman Juan Perez and Loyad Booker for their 25-plus years of service in law enforcement and public service to Hudson County. Special awards were also given to Head Grandmaster Dennis Wright for his 70 years of worldwide martial arts dedication, as well as to Master Eulices Mateo and Sensei Joseph Bizarrouque for their outstanding achievements and leadership. The evening further highlighted U.S. National Martial Arts Team member champions under the direction of Grandmaster Wright Sr., who serves as the U.S. National and New Jersey State Martial Arts Director.

Administrative Assistant; Benazir Sheikh served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing each distinguished guest and guiding the evening’s program. Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker delivered eloquent remarks praising Grandmaster Austin Wright’s lifelong commitment to excellence and community service. Sensei Priscilla Wright gave a heartfelt introduction for her father under the theme of “Legacy,” reflecting on his spiritual faith, resilience, and his warrior indomitable spirit in building a martial arts institution from the ground up. The event concluded with awards for Team Member Champions, student Rising Stars, and new black belt recipients—an inspiring celebration of honor for a man whose four decades of leadership have shaped generations of martial artists and community members alike.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne Police Department Holds Swearing-in Ceremony for Chief Joseph Scerbo, Deputy Chief Andrew Quinn, and Six Sergeants

Bayonne Police Promotions: The Bayonne Police Department held a promotional ceremony for its new Chief, Deputy Chief, and Sergeants.  Pictured left to right: Public Safety Director Robert Kubert, Mayor Jimmy Davis, Police Chief Joseph Scerbo, Deputy Chief Andrew Quinn, and Sergeants Kyle Y. Davis, Damon A. Galano, Deana Mendez, Joseph McDonough, Nicholas Lawson, and Sean Crowley.  

     Police Chief Geisler’s Walk-Out Ceremony:  On the occasion of his retirement, the Bayonne Police Department held a walk-out ceremony to honor Chief Robert Geisler as he left the department.  Pictured left to right:  Former Police Chief Robert Geisler, Captain James Donovan, and new Police Chief Joseph Scerbo.  

    On Wednesday, October 1, in the City Council Chambers, the Bayonne Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for its new Chief, Joseph Scerbo, its new Deputy Chief, Andrew Quinn, and six sergeants: Kyle Y. Davis, Damon A. Galano, Deana Mendez, Joseph McDonough, Nicholas Lawson, and Sean Crowley.  

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Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne to Hold Health Fair on Thursday, October 16; Rain Date Friday, October 17

Bayonne holds Health Fair

          Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the City of Bayonne will hold a health fair on Thursday, October 16, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., in Fitzpatrick Park, which is located on Avenue C, between 26th and 27th Streets. 

          The fair will offer Bayonne residents the opportunity to receive free senior services, health screenings, health information, and other services. The Hudson Regional Health Commission will be offering flu and COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccines, as well as health education.

          Participating organizations include healthcare-related entities, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations.  Up to thirty groups are expected to participate. Participation is subject to municipal approval.

Mayor Davis said, “The 2025 health fair will provide our residents with a great opportunity to receive health services and information in one convenient location.  The City of Bayonne is very happy to offer this important health fair for our residents.”  

In the event of rain on Thursday, October 16, the health fair would take place on Friday, October 17, at the same hours and location.

Mayor Davis concluded, “I would like to thank the Division of Public Health, the Clinic Nurses, the Office on Aging, and all of the participating organizations, agencies, and services for coming together for this event.  I urge Bayonne residents to drop by the health fair and take advantage of this great opportunity to improve their health.”

For more information, please call the Public Health Division at 201-858-6100.

Bayonne News, Real Estate

Linda J.Hockstein Real Estate Attorney Joins Mandelbaum Barrett PC, Attorneys at Law, as Partner

Linda J. Hockstein has joined Mandelbaum Barrett PC, Attorneys at Law, as a Partner in their Real Estate Practice, where she will be practicing out of our Bayonne, NJ office!

Before joining the firm, Linda founded The Law Office of Linda J. Hockstein in January 1996, a highly regarded real estate law firm in Hudson County.

Linda’s practice covers both commercial and residential real estate transactions. She handles hundreds of residential closings each year, including condominium units, single- and multi-family homes, and rental and investment properties, approaching each with professionalism and careful due diligence. On the commercial side, she assists clients with the acquisition and sale of investment properties, mixed-use developments, industrial sites, and warehouse buildings. She is frequently retained to manage complex transactions, including construction loans and refinancing.

Linda earned her J.D. with honors from Rutgers School of Law – Camden and her B.A. from Rutgers University. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Mandelbaum Barrett PC noted, ‘We’re thrilled to have Linda join hashtag#TeamMandelbaum and expand into Hudson County!”

Linda will be working from their Bayonne, NJ office located at: 660 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002

Find out more about Linda here: http://bit.ly/4nxrcEZ

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne Division of Recreation Buddy Baseball to Participate in the Guinness World Records and Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge!

Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the athletes of Bayonne’s Buddy Baseball will have an opportunity to break a sports record.  They will join with other ballplayers in an attempt to break the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record for the Largest Game of Catch (baseball/softball).  This effort will require a minimum of 973 pairs – or 1,946 participants – playing catch simultaneously for five minutes.

How will it work?

On Sunday, September 21, the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt will take place in Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair, New Jersey, with pairs organized on the ballfield and concourse in assigned positions, three meters (9’ 10”) apart from one another.  The stadium is named for the late Yogi Berra, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Berra was a star catcher for the New York Yankees and a manager for both the Yankees and the Mets.   He was a longtime Montclair resident.   

Athletes from Buddy Baseball will have an opportunity to play catch with their teammate or a Buddy, or they can be spectators for the event.

Pete Amadeo, Bayonne’s Superintendent of Recreation, stated, “We are very excited for this opportunity for our athletes to participate in a record-breaking event.  They will be part of something special, together, that will be in the record books!”

For anyone interested in being a Buddy for Buddy Baseball athletes, please contact Pete Amadeo at 201-858-6129 or email BAYONNEREC@AOL.COM.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Mayor’s Corner-Bayonne Mayor James Davis -The Bayonne Role in the Tunnel to Towers Run

Bayonne Mayor James Davis Column Mayor's Corner on role Bayonne played in the Tunnel to Tower Run each September

Each year, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation sponsors a five-kilometer run to honor the sacrifice of Firefighter Stephen Siller on September 11, 2001. On that day, following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Stephen Siller strapped on sixty pounds of equipment and rushed on foot through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the twin towers of the World Trade Center.  It was there that he gave his life while helping others.  He was one of 343 firefighters who perished after responding to the World Trade Center alongside 72 police officers.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the organization formed in Stephen Siller’s name, began by serving widows and orphans from the September 11 attacks.  Later, the foundation expanded its charitable aims to the survivors of military service members and first responders killed in the line of duty.  Tunnel to Towers also assists those who have been injured catastrophically.

The foundation covered the mortgage of Jersey City detective and former Bayonne resident Joseph Seals following his death in 2019. 

Four years ago, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation sponsored a walk across America.  On September 8, 2021, we were proud to welcome Frank Siller, Stephen’s brother, as he walked down the west side of Bayonne on his way to Staten Island in the run-up to September 11. 

For over a decade, Bayonne Fire Captain Michael Pelliccio has led a joint Public Safety team of runners from the Bayonne Fire Department and the Bayonne Police Department that has raised over $100,000 for Tunnel to Towers.  This year, the team will run the route of Firefighter Siller in honor of recently deceased Bayonne Firefighter Joe Coughlin Jr. Joe leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to the City of Bayonne and his unexpected death is mourned by family and comrades alike. The event is scheduled for the morning of Sunday, September 28, 2025.

To support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and America’s heroes, you can make a donation, become a team member, become a team sponsor, walk or run with the team.  To show your support for the Bayonne Police and Fire Team in the run on September 28, please go online to https://nycrun.t2t.org/bayonnepdfd

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Mayor’s Corner -Bayonne Mayor James Davis-

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis Mayor's Corner

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

On Thursday, September 11, we are commemorating the twenty-fourth anniversary of one of the worst days in our nation’s history. On that day in 2001, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center burned and ultimately crumbled to the ground.  We also saw the Pentagon in flames and an airplane go down in Pennsylvania. Terrorists commandeered flights and took nearly 3,000 innocent lives. Here in Bayonne, twelve of our residents were taken from their families. The images from that day, the emotions we felt, and the pain that was inflicted on us will stay with us forever.

 I was still a police officer in 2001. I used to work from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., and I was sleeping when the initial plane hit.  Then the second plane hit and that’s when a friend called me. My cell phone was ringing next to me. I picked it up and my friend told me what happened.

On September 11, 2001, there was an atmosphere of chaos and shock throughout the region. After the terrorist attacks, I worked all night, and then in the morning I went to Jersey City, signed in to join the emergency operations in New York, and got on a tugboat. I spent the next four days at Ground Zero. 

Before my police career, I worked on Wall Street, so Lower Manhattan was familiar to me. When I got off the tugboat that Wednesday, walking toward the World Trade Center, I had no sense of direction, because the buildings weren’t there anymore. Those buildings were so big, that no matter where you were in Lower Manhattan, you knew where you were.  When I got there the morning after, it was almost surreal. There was rubble like I had never seen before.

In the years since, the new World Trade Center has risen from the rubble.  It stands proudly today. We think about the sweat and toil that so many workers put in on that site to move past the dark days, and put in its place a towering structure that stands as a beacon of the strength and ingenuity of our workers, and our great nation. The neighboring memorials on the site of the original World Trade Center will always remind us of the people we lost on September 11, 2001. The new tower is a sign that we are determined to overcome that terrible day.