Category Archives: Bayonne News

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Mayor’s Column-Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis

BAYONNE’S GREAT SUMMER CAMPS AND PROGRAMS

            Bayonne is getting ready for the summer.  The DiDomenico Municipal Pool at West 16th Street will open next month on June 21. From Friday, June 21, to Sunday, June 30, the pool will open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Beginning Monday, July 1, and ending August 9, the pool will open at 1:00. p.m. and close at 5:30 p.m.  From Saturday, August 10, to Monday, September 2, the pool will open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The pool will be closed in the event of inclement weather.

You must have a City of Bayonne ID card for admission to the pool.  City of Bayonne IDs are available at City Hall, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in City Hall Room #13 until Tuesday, June 18.  City IDs will be issued at the 16th Street Pool only beginning June 21, (10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).  Beginning Friday, June 21, you will be able to get a City ID Card at the pool, Sunday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ID card services will resume at City Hall on Thursday, September 4. The cost for a resident ID is $5.00.

            The Recreation Division offering nineteen summer camps and activities for children this year.  They include Washington School Camp; Mary J. Donohoe School Camp; Robinson School Camp; 16th Street Camp; Culinary Camp; Grassroots Basketball Camp; Skateboard Camp; Parent and Me Swimming Lessons (already full); Intermediate Chess; Carpentry; Graphic Design; Baseball Summer Clinic; Automotive and Mechanical; Ultimate Sports Camp; Ultimate Sports Camp (Kindergarten); Arts and Crafts Camp; Arts and Crafts Camp (Kindergarten); Fashion Design Camp; and Theater For Everyone (Special Needs).

            The summer camps and related activities shown above are for Bayonne residents only.  Fees and other Information for all of the programs listed above and other activities are available from the Recreation Division at 201-858-6127 or from its website, www.bayonnerec.com.  You must register online. Please go to https://register.capturepoint.com/CityofBayonne

We are very proud of the broad range of camps and activities that we offer Bayonne’s children each summer.  For a variety of practical reasons, each program has a maximum number of registrations.  As soon as the maximum is reached for a camp or activity, unfortunately, we have to close registration for that option.  Registration began on May 1.  The Recreation Division has already received more than 700 registrations for summer camps and programs, so I would urge parents to register their children for summer 2024 as soon as possible.  I would like to thank Recreation Superintendent Pete Amadeo and his staff for putting together a great list of summer activities for Bayonne’s kids in 2024.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne Library Announces Its Reopening on Wednesday, May 1


The Bayonne Public Library has announced that it will re-open its building at 31st Street and Avenue C. Library Director Melody Scagnelli-Townley said, “It’s time for the news you’ve all been waiting for! We have a reopening date for the library! Our building on Avenue C will reopen from its renovations on Wednesday, May 1!” She continued, “The temporary Story Court location (16 W 4th St) will be closed on Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30, so that we have time to move our books and technology back to the Avenue C building.” Mayor Jimmy Davis said, “I am very happy that the renovations are finally completed. On behalf of the City of Bayonne, I would like to thank Director Scagnelli-Townley and library staff for maintaining some important library services during the past year at Story Court. I look forward to seeing the restoration of all of our library’s great services in its newly renovated home at 31st Street and Avenue C.”
The main library has been closed for extensive renovations since early 2023. The renovations have included the installation of a new elevator and a new boiler, the reconstruction of the lobby, the circulation area, and the Children’s Room. In the Children’s Room, patrons will see a new ceiling, new lighting, and stadium-style seating for the Story Time area. Elsewhere in the library, new technology, computer carrels, and furniture have been installed.
On April 29 and April 30, both the Story Court and Avenue C locations will be closed to the public. Then, the library will reopen for normal business hours (Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at the Avenue C location on Wednesday, May 1. From May 1 onwards, the temporary Story Court library branch will be closed permanently. On Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30, the library staff asks that patrons only return books into the book drop on the 31st Street side of the Ave C building or wait until the reopening on Wednesday, May 1, to return them. Scagnelli-Townley said, “We don’t want returned items accidentally getting lost in the shuffle of moving hundreds of books!”
There will be an official grand reopening ceremony on a date that will be announced. Scagnelli-Townley concluded, “We appreciate your patience while we settle back into our new space. We can’t wait for you to see it!”

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Mayors Corner- Bayonne Mayor James Davis-New Jersey Has A Program For First-Time Homebuyers With Down Payment Assistance

          In the current housing market, many people are looking for financial assistance with purchasing their first home and making a down payment.  Fortunately, New Jersey’s Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) has a First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program with Down Payment Assistance.

Pages: 1 2
Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com, Events

MAYORS CORNER-BAYONNE MAYOR JAMES DAVIS-Hudson County Resource Fair Comes to Bayonne Saturday, March 16

            Hudson County Executive Craig Guy is bringing several county services to Bayonne for a resource fair on Saturday, March 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The event will take place at Nicholas Oresko School (School #14), which is located at 33 East 24th Street, by Avenue E. 

            Representatives of county departments and agencies will be on hand to help you obtain services and information that deal with economic relief, childcare, small business, transportation, rental and housing assistance, mental health, senior care, employment, veterans’ services, the Hudson County Schools of Technology, the Hudson Regional Health Commission, the Hudson County Improvement Authority, Hudson County Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Corrections, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, among others. 

At the resource fair, flu shots will be available. If you have not received your flu shot yet, please take advantage of this inoculation.

The fair will provide a great opportunity for Bayonne residents to learn about services that could help them and members of their families.  I urge our residents to stop by the resource fair to learn about county services.  You might discover something new and could meet people who would help you in a time of need.

            During 2024, there will be resource fairs in all twelve municipalities in Hudson County.  County Executive Guy is holding these fairs so that more people can learn about the services that the county has to offer them.  Last year, the State of New Jersey concluded that 30% of the state’s residents are not aware of the benefits that they are entitled to receive.  As a result, county governments and other agencies are improving their efforts to reach out to the public.  The City of Bayonne appreciates the efforts that Hudson County is making to assist and inform our residents.

            Other Hudson County resource fairs will be held or have taken place in Kearny – March 2; Union City-March 30; Jersey City-April 13; Hoboken-April 27; North Bergen-May 11; West New York-May 25; Secaucus- June 8; Harrison-June 22; Weehawken-July 6; Guttenberg-July 30; and East Newark-August 3.  Times and locations will be announced by our county government.

I would like to thank County Executive Craig Guy and all of the representatives of county departments and agencies for planning this series of resource fairs for the people of Hudson County. 

Bayonne News

Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall Of Honors Awards Banquet 2024

Grandmaster Austin Wright (far left) proudly displays his trophy from the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors Awards Banquet

Congratulations to Grandmaster Wright for his induction into the Action Martial Arts Hall Of Fame for over 50 years of dedication and contributions to the world of Martial Arts. 

Grand Master Wright nominated Sensei Joseph Bizarroque for Top Rated Sensei of The Year and Sempei Thomas Cushing for Outstanding Dedication to the Martial Arts.

The banquet was held at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. on January 27, 2024. 

Movie stars Michael Jai White, Benny The Jet , Don The Dragon Wilson and Cynthia Rothrock to name a few were in attendance and received awards at the Hall Of Honors Banquet along with Team Wright.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Universal Warrior Arts Team Wins Numerous First-Place Titles at the Battle of the Dragons National Championship in Atlantic City

Last month on January 28, 2024, Team Wright Won Numerous First Place Titles At The Battle Of the Dragons National Championships in AC, NJ.

The event sponsored competitors from NJ, NY, PA, MD, CA, and FL. Also, students came from international countries such as Russia, Trinidad, and Brazil to name a few. 

These are the following results:

Sempei Thomas Cushing Age 65, 2nd Dan Black Belt took 1st place in the Weapons, Forms and Sparring 65 and older Men’s division.

Abdul Haseeb Abdul Sameer Age 15,1st Dan Black Belt took 1st place in the Weapons, Forms and Sparring 14 and 15 year old Boys division. 

Jesus Ortiz Age 15, Green Belt took 1st place in the Forms and 1st Place in the Sparring 14 and 15 year old Boys division.

DJ Conyers Age 31, Green Belt took 1st place in the Forms and Sparring 30 to 39 year old Men’s division.

Lee Johnson Age 58, White Belt took 1st place in the Forms and Sparring 45 to 59 Beginners White and Yellow Belt division.

Maira Chugh Age 10, Green Belt took 2nd place in the Forms 10 to 12 year old Girls division.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

STATE ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS IN SENIOR FREEZE PROGRAM FOR PROPERTY TAXES

MAYOR’S CORNER –Bayonne Mayor James Davis’s Column

Mayor Davis 2018 Inaugural
Bayonne Mayor James Davis

In mid-February, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury began mailing applications for the 2023 Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Program. The state has announced good news for senior taxpayers. The program has increased the income limit so that more people are eligible to apply. The New Jersey Treasury Department also eased the residency requirement for first-time applicants.  I would like to thank our state leadership for making these welcome changes to the tax system in New Jersey.

According to the New Jersey Treasury Department, “Senior Freeze reimburses qualifying seniors and disabled residents for increases in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residences. A new law passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Murphy…expanded the program to increase the income limit for the program to $150,000 (previously $99,735 for the 2022 season), and to eliminate the requirements that an applicant must be a New Jersey resident for ten consecutive years.”  The reimbursement takes place after the year in which the property taxes were paid.  That is why the program just announced in 2024 is called the 2023 Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Program.

According to the New Jersey Treasury Department, “To qualify for the reimbursement, taxpayers must meet all the eligibility requirements for each year from the base year through the current application year. Eligibility must be continuous; otherwise, a new base year must be established.”

The state announced the following requirements for taxpayers to be eligible for the 2023 Senior Freeze:

  • Be age 65 or older on December 31, 2022, or receive Social Security disability payments on December 31, 2022, and also on December 31, 2023; and
  • Own and live in their home or lease a site in a mobile home park for a manufactured or mobile home that they owned since December 31, 2019, or earlier; and
  • Paid all 2022 property taxes by June 1, 2023, and all 2023 property taxes by June 1, 2024; and
  • Their annual income was $150,000 or less in 2022 and $163,050 or less in 2023. With some exceptions, all income must be taken into account, including Social Security, pension, etc.
Pages: 1 2
Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com, Events

Classic Car Show Returns to Bayonne on Saturday, September 30

Fun Family Event Returns

            The Bayonne Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) announced that its Classic Car Show will return on Saturday, September 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The event will take place on Broadway between 40th and 43rd Streets.  Returning for the first time since it was suspended due to COVID, this year’s event is expected to feature dozens of vehicles, music, and family fun.  Face-painting and balloon artistry will be among the attractions. The Classic Car Show is free of charge and open to the public. 

Mayor Jimmy Davis said, “I would like to thank the UEZ for reviving the Classic Car Show in Bayonne.  I would like to invite our residents and our friends from nearby communities to enjoy family fun and the display of great cars on Broadway.  While coming to Broadway for the Classic Car Show, please remember to patronize our stores, restaurants, and professional services in Bayonne.” 

Bayonne UEZ Coordinator Jackie Farber said, “The UEZ is very happy to bring back this popular event.  The Classic Car Show provides a great opportunity for the public to enjoy seeing automobiles from the 20th century.  We would especially welcome cars from the 1920s through the 1980’s.”  Ms. Farber continued, “The UEZ Classic Car Show helps draw attention to our great Broadway business district.  We urge businesses in the area from 40th Street to 43rd Street to set up tables and chairs in front of their storefronts to encourage shopping and dining on Broadway.” 

On Saturday, September 30, Broadway will be closed to all vehicular traffic, beginning at 11:00 a.m., between 40th Street and 43rd Street.  Broadway will remain closed in that area until all equipment and persons have been removed and the area cleaned after the Classic Car Show.

Signs will be posted announcing the impact of the car show on parking and traffic in the area between 40th and 43rd Streets.

The Bayonne UEZ invites owners of classic cars to participate in the show.  Please call 201-858-6357 or email [email protected] to express interest in the show or to ask any questions about the event.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne to Hold Health Fair on Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Rain Date is Thursday, October 5

            Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the City of Bayonne will hold a health fair on Wednesday, October 4, 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 health screenings, health information, and other services.

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

Mayor Davis said, “The 2023 health fair will provide our residents with a great opportunity to receive health services and information in one convenient location.  This will be the first municipal health fair in Bayonne since 2019.  The event did not take place during the Coronavirus pandemic. The City of Bayonne is very happy to bring back this important health fair for our residents.”  

In the event of rain on Wednesday, October 4, the health fair will take place on Thursday, October 5, at the same hours and location.

Mayor Davis concluded, “I would like to thank the Bayonne Health Division, our Clinic Nurses, 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 your health.”

For more information, please call the Health Division Clinic Nurses at 201-858-6140 or 201-858-6139.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Renovations Are Progressing at the Bayonne Public Library

Melody Scagnelli-Townley, Interim Director of the Bayonne Public Library, has issued an update concerning the multiple renovations that have been taking place this year in the library building at 31st Street and Avenue C. 

The library’s old boiler system has been dismantled and removed.  Scagnelli-Townley reported that the new boiler “is halfway through installation.”  The mechanicals and the cab have been removed from the library’s public elevator. Scagnelli-Townley reported that “the new elevator cab will be installed soon.”

The library’s main lobby (Circulation) and the dais, where new books were displayed, “were taken down to the studs,” Scagnelli-Townley said.  A new handicap-accessible ramp has been built to the dais. To accommodate the new ramp, the entrance from Circulation to the Popular Fiction Room was relocated.  The Circulation area has been moved to the center of the lobby.   A brand-new Circulation Desk, which incorporates a circulation desk from the 1950’s, is being custom-built.  Scagnelli-Townley stated, “Brand new tile flooring for the whole lobby is coming soon.” 

The Interim Director reported that the library’s Children’s Room “was taken down to the studs.”  She added, “Now, new lighting and a new ceiling have been installed.  A brand-new Story Time area with stadium seating and special lighting is starting to take shape.”

Workers have drilled holes through the floor of the Reference Room in preparation for “new, wired charging study tables and new computer carrels.”  Scagnelli-Townley said that the library staff is still waiting for “the arrival of brand-new, ADA-compliant furniture for the lobby, the Reference Room, and the Children’s Room.”  (ADA refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal law that provides for facilities that are compatible with the needs of handicapped people.)

Scagnelli-Townley commented, “So many exciting things are happening! Naturally, such big changes take time.  We are currently anticipating that we will be open to the public at our 31st Street building by the end of November.”  She continued, “To be sure, re-opening the library will depend on making steady progress for the next two months.  We will not announce a specific date for re-opening the library until we are certain that the time is right.”

She continued, “Until such time, we will continue to be available for you at our temporary Story Court branch (16 West 4th Street), where you can access many of the same features you love at our 31st Street building: computers, printing, copying, study space, device charging, and book-borrowing and returns.”

Scagnelli-Townley concluded, “Great things are coming!”