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Hudson County Executive Craig Guy Breaks Ground on Hudson Community Market Food Pantry in Bayonne

  

County Executive Guy launches first county-run consumer-choice food pantry in Hudson County, expanding access to nutritious food through a dignified, choice-based model 

Photo courtesy Hudson County Executive Craig Guy’s Office

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Bayonne Mayor Sharon Ashe Nadrowski with other dignitaries celebrated the groundbreaking of the Hudson County Community Market on Monday, July 27th, 2026

Photo by Steve Mack River View Observer

 Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Bayonne Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Hudson County Community Market, a new consumer choice food pantry that will expand food access for residents while providing a more dignified and accessible way for individuals and families to receive nutritious food. 

Located at 685 Broadway in Bayonne, the two-story facility represents a $6.3 million investment in addressing food insecurity across Hudson County. The project is funded through $5 million in State American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding and $1.3 million in Hudson County ARP funding and is being constructed using union labor, supporting both local workers and critical community infrastructure. 

“This project is the result of what can happen when every level of government works together to address critical needs in our communities,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “I am grateful to former Governor Murphy, Senate President Nick Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and our partners in the State Legislature for their support in securing the funding that made this investment possible. The Hudson County Community Market will transform how residents access food assistance by providing a dignified, consumer-choice experience that empowers families while ensuring they have access to fresh, nutritious food. This is an investment not only in fighting hunger, but in strengthening the health and well-being of Hudson County for years to come.” 

“The simple act of running to the grocery store each week is something many of us can easily take for granted. It is about more than just buying food; it is about having the ability to make choices, maintain a routine, and provide for your family,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “With the opening of the Hudson County Community Market, families facing food insecurity will have access to that same shopping experience and nutritious foods right in their own neighborhood. Paired with on-site social services, this new facility will serve as a holistic resource that helps keep food on the table while connecting residents with the support they need to build a more stable future.” 

“This new client-choice pantry represents such a meaningful investment in the people of Bayonne. I have long believed in the power of the choice model and what it does to the dignity of the people who are searching for a meal while facing some of life’s other great challenges,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “The decision to pair the pantry with a space for social services is one I can particularly appreciate and one that will bring new focus to matters our residents care about the most. We know that food insecurity isn’t just a question of access to food, it’s packaged along with a myriad of compounding challenges, so when we can meet people where they are and deliver them the help they need, when they need it, we’re all better off.” 

“This groundbreaking marks the beginning of an investment not only in a new facility, but in the people and families of Bayonne and Hudson County,” said Bayonne Mayor Sharon Nadrowski. “No one should have to face the uncertainty of where their next meal will come from, and this Community Market will help ensure that residents can access nutritious food with dignity, respect, and compassion. I want to thank County Executive Craig Guy, the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services, the Hudson County Improvement Authority, and everyone whose leadership and partnership made this project possible. Together, we are creating a resource that will address immediate needs while connecting residents to additional services that strengthen families and improve lives for years to come.” 

The first floor of the facility will house the consumer-choice pantry and will feature commercial-grade refrigeration and freezer units, dry storage shelving, point-of-service stations for inventory management, a dedicated loading dock for efficient food deliveries and a welcoming waiting area designed to promote comfort, privacy and accessibility.  

The Hudson County Community Market will operate by appointment to create a more organized and personalized experience and will include evening and weekend hours to better accommodate working individuals and families. Daily operations will be managed in partnership with a nonprofit organization selected through a fair and open process to ensure high-quality, community-centered service. 

Plans for the building’s second floor are currently being finalized, with the space intended to serve as offices where residents can connect with County social services and other supportive resources. The Hudson County Community Market will be staffed primarily by volunteers, with one full-time and two part-time County staff members supporting operations. 

The project reflects Hudson County’s continued commitment to expanding food security initiatives and increasing access to essential services for residents throughout the county. 

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Hudson County Executive Craig Guy to Host Press Conference Announcing Ground -Breaking of  New Consumer Choice Food Pantry in Bayonne

On Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Bayonne Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski will host a press conference to announce the groundbreaking of Hudson County’s new consumer choice food pantry. It is a major investment in expanding food access and supporting residents across the County. 

The new facility, located at 685 Broadway in Bayonne, will provide residents with a more dignified and accessible way to receive food assistance by allowing individuals and families to select items that best meet their household needs. The building is being constructed with union labor. 

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy

Bayonne Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski

Darice Toon, Director of the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services

Patrick Kelleher, Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council President 

Monday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m. 

(Press to arrive at 10:30 a.m.) 

685 Broadway 

Bayonne, NJ 07002

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Bayonne Police Department Holds Graduation Ceremony for Police Explorers

On Friday, July 24, the Bayonne Police Department held a graduation ceremony in the City Council Chambers for ten students, ages 16 to 20, who completed the Police Explorers Academy program. This was the first graduation ceremony in the history of the program.

The students trained from July 20 to 24. Classes and drills took place at Bayonne High School. Each day, they reported for line-up at 8:30 a.m. and trained until 4:30 p.m. They received instructions each day from officers in various aspects of policing, such as the Detective Bureau, the Traffic Division, SWAT, and Internal Affairs. The group also learned about writing police reports. The students were trained using hands-on scenarios from the Police Department. The students also received physical training and performed sit-ups and push-ups. Police officers led each of their classes.

In his remarks to the graduates, Police Chief Joseph Scerbo said to the graduates, “You should be proud of what you have accomplished. You earned this achievement through

your effort, your discipline, and your willingness to learn. You are now the first graduating class of the Bayonne Police Explorer Academy. That distinction can never be taken away from you.” Chief Scerbo added, “I encourage each of you to continue learning, continue serving, and continue leading by example. Your community needs young people who are willing to make a positive difference, and I hope this experience has inspired you to do exactly that.”

City Council President Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez saluted the graduates for their “character, leadership, and commitment.” She said the graduation ceremony was “a special milestone.”

The students will remain in the program and will receive higher-level education and additional hands-on training. The graduates are Luis Alvarez, Lourd Bantilan, Mohamed Elbaroudi, Zeyad Hendawy, Evelyn Martinez-Pena, Edwin Muniz, Carol Nosier, Benjamin Rosas, Melanne Soriano, and Philopater Zakahary.

The Bayonne Police Explorers program provides young people with the opportunity to learn about law enforcement through career-oriented training. Another goal of the program is to build better relations between young people and the Bayonne Police Department.

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Suit & Mai Tai to Perform in the Bayonne Summer Sounds Concert on Wednesday, July 22

Mayor Sharon Nadrowski announced that Suit & Mai Tai will perform in the Summer Sounds by the Bay concert on Wednesday, July 22, at 7:00 p.m.

Suit & Mai Tai truly captures the essence of the smooth sounds of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.  Their carefully-curated selection of classic tunes will have audiences dancing and singing along, creating an electric atmosphere that keeps everyone engaged with their impressive lineup of talented musicians and unmatched harmonic excellence, Suit & Mai Tai stands out as one of the premier bands in New Jersey.

The concert will take place at the amphitheater on the lower level of DiDomenico-16th Street Park.  The concert site is located below the foot of West 16th Street, between Avenue A and Newark Bay. The Recreation Division provides only a limited number of chairs.  It is recommended that you bring your own chairs. 

On music days during the summer concert season, in the event of inclement weather, please call 201-471-7590, or visit www.leaguelineup.com/bayonnerec, or view the City of Bayonne’s Facebook page to check on the status of that night’s performance.  For more information about the concerts, please contact Pete Amadeo at 201-858-6129, or email BAYONNEREC@AOL.COM.

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Bayonne PAL to Hold Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Day Camp on Thursday, July 23

          On Thursday, July 23, the Bayonne PAL will hold Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at its day camp, which is located at Shemin Midtown Community School at 23rd Street and Avenue A.  The program will last from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

          Several law enforcement agencies will take part in the event. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day will include presentations by the Bayonne Police Department’s K-9 program, the Police Explorers, and a question-and-answer session about the police.  The K-9 program features dogs who help the police with their work.  The Police Explorers introduce young people to law enforcement work. The New Jersey Transit Police, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Community Outreach, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bayonne Fire Department will also offer presentations on the work of those agencies.

          Police Chief Joseph Scerbo said, “The Bayonne Police Department is happy to join with the PAL for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  We look forward to speaking to the campers about police work and the services provided by the Bayonne Police Department.  It is great that we will be joined by representatives of other public safety agencies on July 23, so that the PAL kids can learn from all of us.” 

          The PAL Day Camp includes 100 children from ages 4 through 12. The PAL also offers daycare, after-school educational programs, and recreational activities to the Bayonne community.

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Mayor Nadrowski Discusses Policies for Local Planning and Business Growth in Bayonne

            In a recent speech to the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Bayonne Mayor Sharon Nadrowski presented her policies for local planning and business growth. She also provided her analysis of recent development in Bayonne. 

“Over the last decade, Bayonne has experienced a level of growth rivaling most other large communities in the state. We’ve seen growth in population, density, housing, and, of course, traffic,” Mayor Nadrowski stated.  She continued, “It is no secret that I believe some of the development initiated by the City over the last several years was irresponsible, lacked community input, and did not account for the challenges that lie ahead.”  However, Mayor Nadrowski maintained “that we can no longer look backward with blame.”  Instead, she said, “We must look forward, rise to the occasion, and meet the needs of the community – and that includes the needs of the business community.”

In her speech, Mayor Nadrowski announced that her administration has “already initiated steps to undertake a Master Plan Re-Examination – the first since 2017.”  A city’s master plan lays out policies and goals for planning, zoning, and economic development for a multi-year period.  A re-examination process determines what may need to be changed or updated in a city’s master plan.

As part of the Master Plan Re-Examination, Mayor Nadrowski pledged “to develop an Economic Plan Element focused specifically on Bayonne’s business community.”  She said to business leaders that formulating the Economic Plan Element of the Master Plan would mean “sitting down with business owners, identifying what’s working, understanding what’s holding you back, and creating a strategy that helps existing businesses grow while attracting new investment.”  She encouraged both business owners and the general public to provide input during the Master Plan Re-Examination process.

Mayor Nadrowski called for improving “how Bayonne’s streetscapes look and feel – whether that’s on Broadway, or Avenue C, or along some of the City’s other main thoroughfares.”  She cited “clean sidewalks, attractive streetscapes, reliable infrastructure, and well-maintained public spaces” as factors that “influence whether someone chooses to shop, dine, or invest in Bayonne.”  Mayor Nadrowski said to the business representatives, “We need to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for your patrons.”

The mayor promised to explore using funds from Bayonne’s Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) and the Broadway Special Improvement District (SID) to improve “the feel of our commercial centers without burdening local property taxpayers.”  She stated, “I’m committed to measurable progress in these areas, because the public demands it, and the business community needs it.”

In conclusion, Mayor Nadrowski said, “Bayonne’s future depends on a strong partnership between City Hall and the business community. My administration is committed to being accessible, collaborative, and responsive, and I look forward to working with all of you to make Bayonne an even better place to live, work, and invest.”

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

HRH, Mayor Nadrowski Celebrate Grand Opening of New Sleep Center at Bayonne University Hospital

Hudson Regional Health leadership, Bayonne Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski, Bayonne City Councilmembers, and members of the Bayonne community celebrating the grand opening of Bayonne University Hospital’s new Sleep Center

Additional photos and brief video of ribbon cutting available here via Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1To2jaxZ9LBwkbg73SluAtu-SC6fynklC?usp=drive_link

Today, Hudson Regional Health was joined by Bayonne Mayor Sharon-Ashe Nadrowski and members of the Bayonne City Council to celebrate the grand opening of Bayonne University Hospital’s new Sleep Center. The brand-new service line will expand access to comprehensive sleep diagnostic and treatment services for residents in Bayonne and throughout Hudson County with state-of-the-art, advanced sleep testing technology, and board-certified sleep medicine physicians and sleep technicians.

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Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski Pledges New Master Plan and Ordinance Against Data Centers

        A New Mayor: Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski takes the oath of office.  Pictured left to right:  Charlie Nadrowski (the mayor’s son) and Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski.

After being sworn into office on July 1, Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski said in her inaugural address that her mayoralty would bring “a new beginning, a fresh start, and a chance to make things right.”  Speaking in the swearing-in ceremony at Bayonne High School, Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski said that becoming the first female mayor “was not about me.”  Rather, she said, it is “about the future of Bayonne.” 

        Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski decried what she called “out-of-control development” and changes in the character of Bayonne’s neighborhoods.  In response to those trends, she pledged to begin a new master plan process to develop new zoning for Bayonne “with extensive public participation.”   Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski said that decisions should be made by “the people who live here” and not by “special interests.”  She called for a new master plan that would reflect “the wants, needs, and values of our community.”  In the coming weeks, she pledged to sponsor a new ordinance that would prohibit data centers in Bayonne.

        Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski promised improved litter removal and street maintenance, and asked for the public’s cooperation in achieving cleaner streets.  “All must do their part,” she said.  The new mayor said the City Administration plans to restore the enforcement of property maintenance codes.  Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski advocated having a city that “looks and feels cared for.” 

        The mayor called for “transparency and accountability” and for government that “listens and takes action.”

        The five City Council Members were also sworn into office.  Each one made brief remarks at the ceremony.

        First Ward Council Member Gene Perry thanked his mother for raising him with good values.  He thanked family members for coming to the event from New York and Virginia.

        Second Ward Council Member Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez thanked people for believing in her.  She expressed gratitude to her husband and son.  She called for “building a community where every child has an opportunity to thrive.”

        Third Ward Council Member Tommy Gillen expressed his feeling that, “Everyone present means the world to me.” He said that he was “honored and humbled” by his election to office.  Council Member Gillen added, “I hear you and I’m ready to serve.”

        Council Member At-Large Mariam Salama thanked her family, friends, and pastor.  She said that she was “ready to serve the city the way it deserves to be served.” 

        Council Member At-Large Mark Bottino said that he was “overwhelmed” by his election, and that he was “so glad that my whole team got here.”  In four years, he promised, Bayonne would be “a better town.”

        During the inaugural ceremony, the new City Council held its first meeting.  In that session, the Council Members elected Melissa Godesky-Rodriguez the new City Council President.  They approved Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski’s nominations of Andrew Casais for Business Administrator, James Ashe for Public Safety Director, J.P. Egan for Municipal Services Director, and Alicia Losonczy for Acting Director of Planning, Zoning, and Development.  The Council also voted to approve four nominations for members of the Planning Board: Steve Rhodes, Michael O’Connor, Brian Beebe, and Council Member Mariam Salama. 

        The Council Members voted to move the next City Council caucus from July 8 to July 15 at 6:00 p.m. They also voted to reschedule the next City Council meeting from July 15 to July 22 at 6:00 p.m.

        At the ceremony, City Clerk Madelene Medina administered the oaths of office to Mayor Ashe-Nadrowski and the City Council Members. Clerk Medina also presented each of them with certificates of election.

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Bayonne Police Department Holds Ceremony for Six New Officers

    Ceremony for new police officers: At their swearing-in ceremony, six new police officers posed with the department’s leadership.  Pictured left to right:  Mayor and Public Safety Director Kubert, Officer Justin Walker, Officer Roberto Bernardo, Officer Beshoy Nasrallah, Officer Nicholas Cerbone, Officer Anthony Lucia, Officer Xavier Hogan, Deputy Chief Drew Quinn, and Chief Joseph Scerbo.

The Bayonne Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for six new police officers in the City Council Chambers.  The new officers are Xavier Hogan, Anthony Lucia, Nicholas Cerbone, Justin Walker, Beshoy Nasrallah, and Roberto Bernardo.  City Clerk Madelene Medina administered the oath of office to the group. 

            Mayor and Public Safety Director Robert Kubert congratulated the new officers on completing their six months of training at the police academy.  He advised them that they would be learning now from practice on the street “day in and day out.”  Mayor Kubert pointed out that they would be making sacrifices by working on holidays and night shifts.  He promised them that each day would bring opportunities “to help people.”  At the same time, he called being a police officer “a challenging position.”  After calling the Bayonne Police Department “a very service-oriented organization,” Mayor Kubert said that people reach out to the Police Department and the Fire Department, “which are called out to solve their problems.”

Police Chief Joseph Scerbo said it was “a great day” for the Police Department and the citizens of Bayonne.  He told the new recruits that “honor, service, and duty” are “the core values” of the Bayonne Police Department.  He stated that community policing is a “key component” of the department.”  He promised the new officers “to lead  from the front, and to always have your back – as long as you are doing the right thing.” Chief Scerbo called on the new officers to embody integrity.  He said his goal is “to return them home safe.”

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