Tag Archives: Bayonne Mayor James Davis

FROM PUBLIC SERVICE TO NEW JERSEY TRANSIT

Mayor’s Corner- Bayonne Mayor James Davis

            When I was growing up in Bayonne, the Public Service Corporation owned the #14 Bus that ran from Avenue C in Bayonne to Exchange Place in Jersey City. The company operated numerous bus lines across New Jersey.  Each bus bore the company’s insignia, a circle that had a triangle inside it.  The same symbol was on the old Public Service building at 36th Street and Broadway in Bayonne.  (The Bayonne Adult Medical Day Care Center occupies that building now.)

            The Public Service Corporation began in 1903.  The original version of Public Service brought together an electric power business and four trolley companies.  The company added more enterprises to its holdings over the next two decades.  In 1928, the various Public Service operations were reorganized into two companies: the Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) and Public Service Coordinated Transport, which operated streetcars and buses.  Gradually, most of the streetcars were replaced by buses. The Newark Subway, which opened in 1935, was an exception.  It kept the streetcars until 2001, when they were replaced by modern light rail vehicles.  Today, the former Newark Subway is called the Newark Light Rail.

The 1970’s and 1980’s saw many changes in the transportation industry. In 1971, Public Service Coordinated Transport was renamed Transport of New Jersey.  At that time, many private railroads were going bankrupt.  In 1976, several rail companies combined into Conrail, which wanted to focus on the freight business.  In 1979, the New Jersey Department of Transportation formed New Jersey Transit, a government corporation, that began to buy out bus lines.  In 1980, New Jersey Transit acquired Transport of New Jersey from Public Service.  In 1983, New Jersey Transit took over Conrail’s commuter rail services in this state.

Long-time and retired commuters may remember that New Jersey Transit reorganized and renumbered the former Public Service bus routes in 1989.  For example, the #14 Bus in Bayonne and Jersey City became the #81 Bus, and the #9 Bus in Jersey City became the #80 Bus.

Today, New Jersey Transit owns and operates most commuter rail lines in the state, with some exceptions.  The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates the PATH trains.  Amtrak, a federal government corporation, runs trains through New Jersey along its Northeast Corridor.  SEPTA (the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), and PATCO (the Delaware River Port Authority Transit Corporation) have trains in Pennsylvania and South Jersey.

Although ownership and management have changed over the years, mass transportation remains vitally important in New Jersey. The City of Bayonne will continue working with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, New Jersey Transit, and private transportation companies to keep transit on track in the years to come.         

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.

New Police Officers Sworn in at Bayonne Ceremony

New police officers:  Twelve new Bayonne police officers were sworn in recently in the city Council Chambers.  They posed with Mayor Jimmy Davis, Public Safety Director Robert Kubert, and Police Chief Robert Geisler. Pictured left to right:  Director Kubert, Mayor Davis, Police Officers Alexander Kruczyk, Alexios Lambos, Matthew DeVera, Daniel Velez, Nancy Garcia, Brian Wehnert, Angelica Bran, Olivia Krasucki, Christopher Shaw, Andrew Michael, Joseph Gillen, and Jacklin Elbadry, and Chief Geisler.  

          Twelve new police officers were sworn in as new members of the Bayonne Police Department at a recent ceremony in the Dorothy Harrington Council Chambers.

          The new police officers include eight men and four women.

          The twelve officers are Jacklin Elbadry, Joseph Gillen, Andrew Michael, Christopher Shaw, Olivia Krasucki, Angelica Bran, Alexander Kruczyk, Matthew DeVera, Alexios Lambos, Daniel Veliz, Nancy Garcia, and Brian Wehnert.

          Officer Elbadry is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  She continued her education at Rutgers University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

          Officer Gillen is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at Rutgers University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

          Officer Michael is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at New Jersey City University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Officer Shaw is a graduate of St. Peter’s Prep.  He is currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science at New Jersey City University.  

Officer Olivia Krasucki is a graduate of Notre Dame Academy.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology at St. Peter’s University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration at Seton Hall University.

Officer Angelica Bran is a graduate of Hudson Catholic Regional High School.  She continued her education at Caldwell University, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. 

Officer Alexander Kruczyk is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at New Jersey City University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies. 

Officer Matthew DeVera is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at St. Peter’s University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. 

Officer Alexios Lambos is a graduate of Bayonne High School.  He continued his education at New Jersey City University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Officer Daniel Veliz is a graduate of County Prep High School.  He continued his education at Hudson County Community College, where he received as Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Officer Nancy Garcia is a graduate of Bayonne High School. 

Officer Brian Wehnert is a graduate of Wayne Valley High School.  He continued his education at Passaic County Community College, where he earned an Associate’s degree in Biology.

All of the new officers were appointed on March 24, 2022.

Food Truck Festival Set for Bayonne on Saturday, May 7

Photo River View Observer 2018- taken when event first began in early afternoon, by 2pm Festival goers were over 2000 people

If you are the type of person who loves Food Truck food, you are in for a treat next month, because Mayor Jimmy Davis recently announced that Bayonne is hosting its third food truck festival on Saturday, May 7, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m.  This year’s festival is the first since 2019.  The Coronavirus prevented the event from taking place in 2020 and 2021. Mayor Davis said, “We welcome the return of this popular community event. The food truck festival will offer people a day to try cuisine from the best food trucks in the region.  We look forward to seeing both Bayonne residents and out-of-town visitors as we bring the food trucks back to Avenue E.  The festival will welcome people to our community to celebrate the spring and to see how great Bayonne is.”  Mayor Davis continued, “The City of Bayonne encourages people to arrive by Light Rail at the 22nd Street Station.  It will be an easy way to come to the festival and see what Bayonne has to offer.”

Jersey City Project Eat
Photo 2018

City Covers Over Putin’s Name and Signature on Local September 11 Memorial and Ground-Breaking Marker

Covering Putin’s name and signature:
Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis (at ground level) watches Public Works Director Tom Cotter (on back of monument) covering Russian President Vladimir Putin’s signature on Bayonne’s September 11 memorial.

          Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the City of Bayonne has covered over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s name and signature on the September 11 memorial and ground-breaking marker at the former Military Ocean Terminal.  Mayor Davis said, “In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the enormous refugee crisis that he has caused, the City of Bayonne has covered President Putin’s name and signature until further notice.  We remain grateful to the Russian people for the memorial.  They did not start the war. Mr. Putin did.  The memorial will stay in place on our waterfront.  It is not going anywhere.” 

Mayor Davis added, “I would like to thank Public Works Director Tommy Cotter for finding a technique to cover Putin’s name and signature while still respecting those who perished on September 11, 2001.  The covering will cause no damage to the memorial, which is an outstanding landmark designed by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli.”  Director Cotter covered over Putin’s name and signature on Monday, March 14. 

The ground-breaking ceremony for the memorial took place in 2005, when Putin visited the memorial site in Bayonne.  Former U.S. President Bill Clinton participated in the memorial’s dedication ceremony in 2006.   

BAYONNE EARTH DAY CITY WIDE CLEANUP

Bayonne Earth Day 2022, .  The cleanup is citywide from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.   We will then have a celebration at 16th Street Park after the cleanup from 12:00 – 2:00 pm for all volunteers.  There will be a bounce house ride, food, and entertainment along with environmental awareness advocates promoting environmental education. If you would like to form a team and sponsor in any way, please let me know.  Please email me at [email protected] or call me at 201-858-6357.

 Every year in April people come together for Earth Day.  This year we will be holding a citywide cleanup event in Bayonne on Saturday, April 30, 2022.  It is a day when people show support on pressing environmental issues while also encouraging others to be more aware on how keeping Bayonne Clean is a community effort. The City Council members and I host this cleanup to implement measures to protect the environment in our community and our surrounding waterways as well as to bring a sense of ownership to the residents.  The people of Bayonne love this City and it shows through this event!  We need the whole community involved.

Last year we had over 800 volunteers who assisted in this effort.  The cleanup is citywide from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.   We will then have a celebration at 16th Street Park after the cleanup from 12:00 – 2:00 pm for all volunteers.  There will be a bounce house ride, food, and entertainment along with environmental awareness advocates promoting environmental education. mental education.-Bayonne Mayor James Davis

It is an extremely important event that many people willingly participate in.  We hope you can help us by being a sponsor for this event. Our success will be your success!

BAYONNE REVISED MASK RULE AT BAYONNE CITY HALL

          In a memo to City of Bayonne department directors that was issued on February 14, Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that “City employees are no longer required to wear protective masks within municipal buildings or within City vehicles,” subject to various conditions and certain exceptions.

          The new City policy states “it is highly recommended that our employees wear masks when interacting with members of the general public and it is also highly recommended that social distancing practices continue to be observed.”  The policy also says, “Employees who have tested positive, have been directly exposed and/or who have traveled outside the state are subject to mask and other requirements” established in the new advisory.

          Some mask requirements are still in effect at certain municipal offices. The new policy states, “All visitors to the City Hall Health Clinic and the Office On Aging are still required to wear a protective mask when entering those offices.”      City employees are no longer required to do daily temperature checks or to sign certifications about their health at the beginning of each work shift. 

          Visitors entering City Hall are no longer required to wear masks to enter the building.  

          Isolation periods are still required for City employees who test positive for the Coronavirus.  City employees who travel domestically or internationally must advise the City Nurse of their status prior to their return to work, so that any required quarantine, isolation, or testing protocols can be confirmed or ruled out.  

way to go staffing bayonne NEWEST LOCATION ribbon cutting

Photo Source: Bayonne Mayor Davis

Way to Go Staffing has been doing business for the last six years in the city of Bayonne, on Saturday, January 9th the opening of their new office location at 725 Broadway Bayonne became official with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony attended by Bayonne Mayor James Davis, and members of the Bayonne Municipal Council and Way to Go Staff.

Way to Go Staffing meets the needs of venues/banquet halls lacking in proper staffing, and/or find hassle in assigning shifts for events

Way To Go Staffing is a premium wait staff and bartending agency that provides professional service. Their servers are well-trained and knowledgeable in the various aspects that go into providing world class service at any event.

Way to go Staffing hires people with strong resumes and recommendations. Their r staff follows a strict set of principles that ensures world-class service.-

Way To Go Staffing sends staff captains; qualified, to oversee that all tasks are executed in a timely efficient manner and to enforce our principal set of rules. This differentiates them from other agencies who do not take the time to select only the highly qualified employees and assign appropriate staff captains.

Way to Go Staffing

State Awards Bayonne $100,000 for City Pool Improvements

          Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has awarded the City of Bayonne a recreation improvement grant of $100,000.  Mayor Davis said, “The City of Bayonne would like to thank Governor Murphy, Lt. Governor Oliver, and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for this generous grant.  The funding will be used to upgrade the DiDomenico Municipal Pool facility.”

The pool is located on West 16th Street between Avenue A and Newark Bay in DiDomenico-16th Street Park.  The original version of the facility was constructed in 1956 under the leadership of former Mayor G. Thomas DiDomenico, after whom the pool and the surrounding park are named.

          The grant to Bayonne, one of 162 announced by the Department of Community Affairs, is a Local Recreation Improvement Grant.  Counties, municipalities, and school districts were all eligible to apply for these grants, which are competitive.  DCA awarded a total of $10 million of funding in this round of grants.  Parks, recreation centers, and stadiums are among the facilities that will benefit across New Jersey. 

Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner, said, “DCA is proud to assist local governments in repairing and upgrading their parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities into spaces that promote people’s physical and mental well-being.”  Lt. Oliver continued, “A big part of what makes a community healthy and vibrant is giving residents the opportunity to take a walk, play a game, and participate in sports and other activities with friends and neighbors in a safe and accessible place.”

Jacquelyn Suarez, the Director of the New Jersey Division of Local Services, said, “The Division of local Government Services developed this program, in part, to provide quality outdoor recreational space for the residents of underserved communities.”  She continued, “This need has been especially heightened over the last couple of years as people searched for outdoor spaces to help alleviate the significant stress and anxiety brought on by the pandemic.”

BAYONNE MAYOR DAVIS ANNOUNCES STORM CLEAN-UP WITH DUMPSTERS AND EXTRA CURBSIDE PICK-UPS

          On the night of Wednesday, September 1, 2021, the remnants of Hurricane Ida dumped more than nine inches of rain on Bayonne, causing numerous basements to flood.  As a result, property owners have to dispose of water-damaged refuse throughout the City.  Mayor Jimmy Davis has announced two ways in which the City has arranged to help residents.

Working with the Bayonne Department of Public Works, A&L Disposal has set up dumpsters in various hard-hit parts of the community for the convenience of our residents.  Dumpsters have been placed or will be placed on 1st Street (just east of Kennedy Blvd.), Cottage Street and Hobart Avenue, 10th Street and Avenue A, at 14th Street and Avenue E, 22nd Street and Avenue F, 27th Street and Avenue E, near 33rd Street and Avenue A, 34th Street and Avenue E, 45th Street and Avenue C, and Sycamore Road and Colonial Drive.  The City has the authority to add other locations. This positioning of dumpsters will give neighborhood residents the opportunity to deposit storm-damaged refuse for removal.  Please do NOT use these dumpsters for regular household garbage, only for storm-damaged items.

On Saturday, September 4, A&L Disposal will send out trucks for curbside pick-ups of storm-damaged items that residents would like to get rid of.  If you have placed or will be placing items at curbside for pick-up, please inform the Department of Public Works at 201-858-6131 by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3.  Public Works will share that list with A&L. Due to the expected demand for this service, please understand that it may take the company a while to get to your property.