Clifton Merchant Magazine - July 2003

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Clifton Merchant Magazine • Volume 9 • issue 7 • July 4, 2003

NJ

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On May 20, the Clifton CityCouncilsaid until Governor McGreevey puts some legislative

mus cle into his

Smart Growthproposals, they are

Which Is It?

Does the Council want to slow down Development or speed it up?

build to allow K. Hovnanian to votedto fast—track a study On June 4, Council members Kolodziej, Kowal, Welsh and Mayor Anzaldi

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2003

inside…

6 Condos at 272 Grove St? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 17 Condos or 8 Homes at 76 Grove St . . . . . .18 Master Plan Meeting on July 24 . . . . . . . . . .22

Did four members of the Clifton City Council flip-flop on their position on residential development? Since the June 4 meeting where Mayor Anzaldi and Council members Kolodziej, Kowal and Welsh supported the study of the K. Hovnanian project on River Rd., things have evolved. Page 34.

250 Buses a Day from Kuller Rd . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lakeview’s Civic Advocate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

82

94 Townhomes on River Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Building A New Middle School? . . . . . . . . . .36 Summer Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-49 Business Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50-51 Mustang’s Boys of Summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Clifton’s Mr. Baseball, Bob Potts . . . . . . . . . .64 Father Jerome’s Sacred Place . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Patriot’s Day in Downtown Clifton . . . . . . . .72 Photo Essay: ‘03 Sands of Time . . . . . . . . . . .81

Go To Pizza Hut on July 9 & bring pg. 82 with you!

Tug of War by Sassoon. Page 46

Clifton Merchant Magazine is published monthly at 1288 Main Ave., Downtown Clifton • 973-253-4400

Silent Protest

At the June 17 City Council meeting in which the city’s Master Plan was introduced, the above residents staged a silent protest.

Top from left, Denise Kashey, Walter Hrycykowian, Joe Mathias, Dawn Kaiser, Beverly Cholewczynski, Mike Gimon, Lois Weinbrock, Leslie Kashey and Irene Jarosewich. Bottom from left, Fabian Calvo, Bill and Lisa Fisbeck, Bob DeLiberto, John DeGraff and Bill Sichel. Missing from photo is Tom Hawrylko.

1,300 voices not heard? Over the last few months, this magazine collected and published some 1,300 signatures—the list which we have repeated on the following pages—of those who shared our concerns and put their signatures to the following statement: We, the residents of the City of Clifton, are concerned that the con-

struction of any additional new residential buildings will over-burden our existing schools, roadways and city services, and have a negative impact on our quality of life. This petition, made by Clifton residents, requests an immediate moratorium on the construction of any new residential buildings within the City.

16,000 MagazineS are distributed to hundreds of Clifton Merchants the first Friday of Every Month.

HoMe Delivery available $15/year in Clifton $25/year out of town See page 80 to subscribe entire contents copyright 2003 © tomahawk promotions

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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eDitor & PubliSHer Tom Hawrylko buSineSS Manager Cheryl Hawrylko art Director Fabian M. Calvo WriterS Jack DeVries, Joe Torelli, Kevin Grasha, Christopher Sadowski, Devon McKnight, Paula Zecca

d

the call for a moratorium is not legally possible, the Council said when I presented them the 1,300 signatures on May 20. In a half hour meeting with the Mayor and Council, we discussed the petition and ways to slow or stop residential development in Clifton. In short, the Council said until Governor McGreevey puts some muscle into the Smart Growth proposals, the city in many ways is powerless to slow or stop development.

Why not Just Say no? At the next Council meeting on June 4, the “The City Council (in a 4-2 split) voted to pursue a study to build townhouses straddling the Passaic-Clifton border, despite months of anti-development outcry in the community,” the Herald & News reported on June 6, continuing: “In a presentation Wednesday night that did not appear on the presentation schedule and was not in the municipal agenda, representatives of the developer K. Hovnanian proposed a 6.4-acre development between Route 21 and the Passaic River... The study approval comes on the heels of a contrary presentation two weeks ago.”

What confounds me and others in our city, including those who attended a June 17 Council meeting to stage a silent protest in reaction to the four members who voted to do the study, is this: Didn’t the Mayor and Council hear us? Wouldn’t it have been more appropriate to Just Say No to K. Hovnanian? They could have instructed the developer to ‘come back in a year...we’re still working on our Master Plan and maybe right now is not the best time to rezone yet another industrial tract to accommodate residential development.’

What no More Housing means: It does not mean we want to stop sales of existing homes. Instead, it asks city officials to take a year to analyze the impact of our city’s current growth spurt. Clifton does not need a moratorium to slow high density residential development. It needs political leaders to enforce current zoning laws and to say no to developers who want to change them.

Talking to K. Hovnanian today about rezoning more commercial land to build high density residential housing is not the right thing to do. Over 1,000 townhomes and condos have recently been added to our city. At Cambridge Crossings, 657 condos are currently being constructed, some at 20 units per acre. What will it be like when those new residents and their 1,300 cars (no kids, we’re told) are driving onto Colfax Ave. to go to work? More homes equals more people. More people will add to the congestion of our already overburdened schools, neighborhoods, roads and services. No More Housing means just say, no thanks developers, not now.

Clifton will call you when we’re ready.

Opinion Editor and Publisher Tom Hawrylko

the board of ed owns Latteri Park and it would cost nothing to use that property to build a new school. Loss of green space? The city owns the 35 acres of undeveloped land on the former Athenia Steel tract. See page 36.

Don’t give up on the democratic process. Despite the fact that some politicians just don’t listen, I want to take this inch or so of paper and ink to say hey, this is a great country where we can celebrate and practice freedom of speech. God Bless America! corrections: June’s story on St. Paul School incorrectly stated that principal Kathryn Ross and vice principal Diana Shagawat were grads of CHS. Also, Woodrow Wilson Middle School was the actual location of the veteran’s photo on page 85 in June’s magazine. about clifton Merchant Magazine: Our goal is to be a positive, fair and frank voice for our town We will continue to be an advocate for good schools and efficient and fair government. Clifton Merchant Magazine will speak out against overdevelopment and be an advocate for Smart Growth. Our opinion page will always be lively. The rest of our magazine will feature topics, stories and photos no other publication could possibly cover. It is our honor and pleasure to call Clifton home.

These pages are open to you so send us your opinions, whether pro or con. Anonymous letters are never published. Be sure to include your name and phone. thank you for your support and trust. Tom Hawrylko Clifton Merchant • July 2003

5

Now it’s your turn to let the Council and the Planning Board know what you think about how to plan the city’s growth. You have a right to be a part of the process. Good planning is about making choices and learning to live with the consequences. If you don’t have an opportunity to help your elected representatives make those choices, should you be forced to live with the consequences? The Master Plan will be available for public review at the Planning Board workshop on July 24, 6:30 to 8 pm. in Clifton City Hall.

Call 973-470-5263 with questions.

Judith Abate Gabriele Abdelhady Joseph Aboushadab Leonora Addabbo Patricia Aftowicz Charles Alexander Diane Alexander Jennifer Alexander Grace Alfieri Ross N. Alfieri Josephine Alfonzo Mario Alfonzo Tom Alverso Yoln Alverso Carol Amoruso Mary Anderson George Andrikanich George E. Andrikanich Madia Andrikanich Linda Anema N. Anikonow Joseph Angello Marie Angello Susan Angello Kathleen Annichiarico Alfred Apelian David Apelian Katherine Aquino Nanette Armenta Hatem M. Asfour Lorgia Asfour Joseph Ashey Maria Ashey Dennis Aste Rosalie Aste Adelle Autos Romerita Ayala Patricia Azevedo Peter S. Babits Jay Baker Joyce Baker Florin Balan

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Maria Balan Michael Barbone Terry Barbone Susan Barchuk Carmello T. Barcia Krystle Barcia Dennis Barraco Judith Bassford Keith Bassford Lisa Bate Robert Bate Roger Bauers Arlene Bayeux Mary Bazar Ann Beagan Lynn D. Becker Loretta Beirne C. A. Bell Cheryl Bell Rita A. Bell Jean Belski Eileen Beltran Cheryl Bender Barbara Bendlin Eva K. Bendlin Robert R. Bendlin Marie Benfante Joanne Bennett Ray Bennett Thomas Bennion Claudia Bergen Kevin Bergen Helen Berkenbush Eric Bernat Pam Bielen Steve Bielen Al Bisco Debra Bisco A. Bizub Frank Bizub John Bladek Krystyna Bladek

Francine Block Christopher Bloetjes Joan Bloetjes Robert Bloetjes Linda Boesz Lorraine L. Boesz Richard Boesz Margaret Bolcar Amna Bouraoui Moez Bouraoui Kevin Brady Sherry Brand Crystal Brannen Donald Brown Naryse Brunett Betty Bsarany Joseph G. Bsarany Helen Bua Mildred Bucco Robin Buchan Ellen Buchner Frances Buongiorno John Buongiorno Angel Burgos Carmen Burgos Blanche Burke Cathy Burke Ed Bush Robert F. Busha Charles Butman Phyllis Butman Alfred Byrouty Laura Byrouty Terry Byrouty Amparo Caamano Mary Caldo Fabian Calvo Anthony Campanile Carol Campanile Lillian P. Cantor Beverly Carey Lillian Carey Russell Carey James Carlin Maria Carparelli Jeanette Casiello Nick Casiello Jeffrey S. Cenko Erik Cerame Lon Cerame Janet Cerullo Mariesa Cerullo Doris Champy Joan Cheini Maureen Christie Christopher Cinek Carmela Citero Samuel Citero Abigail Clavijo

George Coates Tracy Coates Kevin Colavitti John Colise Rose Collesano Annmarie Collins Gene Collins John Collins Dawn Collo Lydia Collo Dorothy Constantin George Contreras Ellen Corbo Stephen Corbo Dolores Coremin Janeth Burgos-Corredor Lee Corritore Diane Coyle Dorothy Cox John F. Cox, Jr. Tim Cross Paula Cruz Chris Cullen Margaret Currain Edward Curtin Florence Curtin Linda D’Alessio Kathy D’Amato Kathleen Damian Linda Dandorf William Dandorf Richard Davala Frances De Blaise Peter De Blaise Gertrude De Bonte Mario De Chellis Melinda De Chellis Lorraine DeFeo Latife Defti Angie Degen Scott Degen Celina De Graaf John De Graaf Maria J. DeGraaf Laura De Grande Alice A. DeLiberto Robert DeLiberto Robert DeLillo Ellen De Losh Rich De Lotto Jim Del Papa Lois Del Papa Patricia DelTerzo Irene DeLuca Jean De Luccia Harry De Muth Mary De Muth Dorothy De Peri Mary A. DeRobertis

David Duffy Lisa Duffy Matthew J. Duffy Dorothy Dutko Alice J. Dymek Vincent S. W. Dymek Beth Egyed Doris Engelbrecht Elizabeth Ercolino Louis Ercolino Josephine Errico E. K. Eisenmenger Felina C. Evangelista Donna Falsetta Donna Falsetta Ruth Faria Louise Fasano Faye Fazio Ida Fazio Mary Fego Andrea Fenelon Genevieve Ferment Steve Ferrara JoAnn Ferry Patrick Ferry M. Fienman Jim Filippone John Filippone Michelle Filippone Rose Marie Filippone Marilee Fine

Marvin Fine Mary Ann Finn Melva Finn Florence E. Fisher Joseph Fisher Michael Fisher Ramona Fisher Tom Fisher Sean Fitzsimons Sue Fitzsimons Eleanor Florian Ann E. Fourre Conni Freeman D. Freewick Allen Freschi Rich Friedhoff Ellen Friedman

Greg Fruhman Frank C. Fusco Joseph P. Gabel Carmella Galafaro Carmelo Galafaro John Galanti Mary Galanti Anthony Galizio Doris Galofaro Elsie Gamarekian Haig Gamarekian Miriam Gamarekian Andrew R. Garcia Lisa Garruto Ardell Gaudreau Arthur Gaudreau Dottie Gaydos

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Emma Gaydosti Genevieve Generalli Robert Generalli Keri Gerlach Jules Gesco Mary Giacobbe Mary Giannetti Bob Gibson Dorothy Gibson Violet Gil Marie Giunta Mario Giunta Dorothy Glinkin Howard Glinkin Josephine Gnozzio Mary Godri Francesco Gomez L. Gomez Thomas Gordon Virginia Gorman Judith M. Gorny Pauline M. Gostyla Charlotte Grabler Matt Grabowski John Grace Marion Grace Donna Gradzki Michael Grasso Mark D. Green Florence Grenci Debra Gretina Tony Gretina Rob Grigale Clementine Gulla Frank Gulli Patrick Gulli Evelyn Gulywasz John Gulywasz Nancy Gunatilaka Dorothy H. Hageman Estelle Hallick Ramona Hallick Josephine Hamer Raymond Hamer Denise Hammer Faye Hanrahan Jackie Hanrahan Joseph Hanrahan Harry Haring MaryAnn Haring Gus P. Haritos Katherine Harlak Hildegard Hartung Luisa P. Hatem Madeline Hatem Cheryl Hawrylko Thomas Hawrylko Fred Hemsey Robyn Hemsey

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Marcelle Herlan James D. Hewitt Joan Hewitt Norma Hewitt Diane Dunn-Heykoop Henry N. Heykoop Virginia Hilaire Darin Hirst Jessie Hladik George J. Hlat Rose Hobler William Hobler Phyllis R. Holm Sharon L. Holm Janice Hoogmoed Robert Hoogmoed

Joy M. Jaspar Catherine Jeszenszky Rita Jonas Sally Junclaya Michael Kalincsak Toni Karaginnis Angela Kashey Denise Kashey Leslie Kashey Leslie Kashey Anne Kasni Frank W. Kasper Irmgard Kasper Ralph Kasper Ann Kattwinkel Karen Kattwinkel

Now that Clifton’s Master Plan is written and officials are asking for community input, the document should be readily available. We citizens need to review this plan before we have a chance to comment on it. Since it is 60 or more pages, one cost effective way this can be done is by creating it into a PDF file. The City could post it on a website for any Clifton resident to read or download and print. The City could also make the PDF file available to residents on a disc or CD. The State of NJ has made its Master Plan available to the public in the same way. If the Council wants us to comment on this important document, take the time to spread the word.

—Joe Mathias Karen Hooyer William Hotz Karen Hrina Mike Hrina Ronald Huber Rosemarie Hutchison Doris Iannicelli Thomas Iannicelli Irene Ignay Debra Iler Robert Iler Tatiana Indira Gregg Infante Antoinette P. Jacobus Clifford Jacobus Lillian Jacobus Thomas R. Jacobus John A. James Julie James Joseph Jandura Irene Jaremkof

Abraham Kaufman Dawn Keiser Charles Keller Anne Kellman Evelyn Kemp Esther Kenney Nicole Kerns Cynthia Kester Robert Kester Lynn Kilinski Alvin Kipnis Albert F. Kircher Eileen Kirchner Lawrence Kirchner A. J. Kiviecinaki Edward A. Klingler Helen Klingler Leslie Klingler Michael Klingler Mary D. Kluth Barbara Koehler

Robert Koehler Val Kopetz Kathleen Korczynski Alicia Kosechi Donna Kosnatowski Arnold Kostomaj Ernestine Kostomaj Tiffany Kostomaj Andrea Kothleitner Christa Kothleitner Rosa Koulovits Janemarie Kovarcik Paul Kovarcik Jean Koziar Michael Kranych Anna Krauze Marion Krieger Rob Krieger Helen Kubik Norma Kuruc K. Kurnath Bernadette Kutch David Lacki Gregory Lacki Robin La Femina JoAnn LaGala Lillian La Gala Philip La Gala Jeanette Laky Bernice Laugel Louis Laugel Ruth Lay Anthony Lazaro James Leeshock Lucille Lehmkuhl Marguerite Lehmkuhl LouAnn Lesenko Sherry Lesch Elaine Le Ster Eleanor Le Ster Peggy Le Ster Mary Letterese Anthony Lewis Gladus Lewis Frances Liddell Angela Ligos Florence Lieber Michael Likston Glenn Liszner Karen Liszner Susan Loikth Domenic LoMarro Rosemarie LoMarro John Lopez Robyn Sue Lord Joseph Lorenzo Lisa Lorenzo Janina Lukas Rose Marie Lyons

Lillian McElwee Barbara McMahon John J. McNamara Carmela Meglio Joseph F. Meglio Laura Meltz Steven Meltz Lisa Meltzer Rosetta Mendoza John Mendyk, Jr. John G. Mendyk III Lisa Mendyk Henry R. Menegus Ken Meyers Wm. H. Middleton Dorothy Mikalovic Stephen Mikalovic Michael Minaides Sandra Minaides Mary Miskevich Pam Mitthauer Martha Moczula Michael Moczula Olga Moczula Ida Moissinac Anastasia Molaris Basil Molaris David Molaris Angela Montague Ed Montague Doris Monteita Brian Moore

Kathy Moore Paula Moore Bernardo Morello Maryann Morgenfruh Michael Morgenfruh Robert Morgenfruh Carmine Morisco Connie Morisco Kim Morisco Scott Morisco Gregory R. Motta Robert Motta Zita L. Motta Alicia Munoz June Muska D. Mycek Steve Mysak Meena Naik Carolyn Neubauer John Neubauer Kathleen Neubauer Michael Neubauer Tony Newton Scott Nibbling Dolores Nichols John Niejadlik Julia Niejadlik Robyn Niejadlik Sigmund Niejadlik Helen Niemos Lottie Nieradka Peg Nilan

Barbara Noonan Barry Nunno Ellen Nunno Michael Nunno Robert Nunno Keith Oakley Marilyn Oakley Pat Obolsky Josephine Obser Robert Obser Regina O’Neill Kathy Opthof Mary Oresido Mary Orlando Karen Osellame Sarah Otto Desirree Palumbo Joseph Palumbo Charles Papademetriou Sheryl Parent Marie Pargraile Pauline Pater Walter Pater Joseph C. Patti Joseph M. Patti Joseph N. Patti Marie Patti Tom Patti Patty Pavick Tess Pellegrino Daniel V. Peralta Sherry Peralta 1123

Thomas Lyons Sr. Mary Macejka Michael Madrigal John Mankewicz Rosemarie Mankewicz Pat Marek Beverley Mariso Richard Mariso Cynthia Marositz Gina Marra M. J. Martinique Amy Martino John Martino Dawn Mascelli Hanna Masse Leonard Masse Agnes Matarazzo Felix Matarazzo Rachel Matarazzo Fred Mattheiss Lydia Mattheiss Julia Maurer John Maxwell Judy Maxwell Artie Maydel Bill Mc Nellis Janice Marinaro Michael Marinaro Irene Marschalk Grace McEwin F. A. McGuire Gladys McGuire

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R. Perehine Q. Perehine Hector Perez Marilyn Perez Michele Perez Emily V. Perovic Edward J. Petersen Pat Petrasek Samantha Petritis Scott M. Petritis Alex Phillips Nancy Phillips Allyson Piccolo Rich Pinksaw Mira Piszczalko Thaddeus Piszczalko Betty Pizzulo Geralyn Plaskon Greg Plaskon Janice Platt Helen Podmokly Stephen Podmokly Henry H. Poller Miriam Poller Daniel Polyniak Evelyn H. Post Roxann Prato Bob Prendergast Jean L. Pressner Patie A. Pressner Frank Puglise Michele Puglise Susan Puglise Angela F. Puleo Domenic B. Puleo Emilia Puzio Barbara R. Quinlan Jere Quinlan Patrick Quinlan Rose Rabkin Carol Ragnoni Dolores Randall Harry Rater Julia L. Rater

Claus I. Raven Rahel Raven Bob Rawley Karen Rawley Peggy Recchia Ann Redmond Denise Regalado Joann Reitz Tanya Ressetar Allie L. Reynolds Mark V. Ricciardi Karen A. Rice Michael D. Rice Robert Riggi Valerie Riggi Rob Rigolosi Terry Rivera Diane Robinson Patricia Rodio Jocelyn Rodriguez Judith A. Roe Mary Rogers Alvaro Rojas Carol Roscoe Henry Roscoe Peter Rosolen Agnes Ross Rachael Rossnagel

Mary Routsis Gladys Rowens Patricia Fitz-Roy Daria Rudakewycz Lydia Rudakewycz Walter Rudakewycz Albert Runo Bennie Runo Michael Runo Florinda Russell Paul Russell Robin Russell Anna Russo Carmen Russo Devito Russo Michael Russo Genevieve A. Russo Morris Russo Pat Russo Peter Rymut Gary M. Sabak John Sabak Marie Sabak John Saccoman Mary Saccoman Eileen Sagui Ellen Sagui John Sagui Peter Sagui Mary Salensky Mary Salerno C. Salvador Catherine Samarati Joanne Samarati Robert Samarati Christina SanAngelo Sandra SanAngelo Eunice Sanfilippo Pat Santiago Florri Santosuosso Anthony Scangarello Terry Scartelli Helen Scelba Andrew Schimpf

Ellie Schimpf Robert Schimpf Mathilda Schmitz Ann Schnakenberg Dorothy Schneider Kristi Schneider Tom Schneider B. Scholock Raymond Schulle Edward F. Schweighardt Margaret Schweighardt Mary Scilla Stephen Scilla Elisabeth Scolamieri Michael Scolamieri Regina E. Scott Joe Scotto Susan Scotto Amalia Scribner John Scribner Diane Seabeck Donald E. Seabeck Al Seldney Ann Semchak Debra Sepko Edward Sepko Theresa Serafin Mary Serino Joe Serk Alice Seyka John Seyka Kristin Seyka Helen Sgambat Marguerite Shackil Herman Shapiro Ruth Shapiro Caroline Shaw Walter Shaw Louise Shoemaker Margaret Sichel William C. Sichel William H. Sichel Bella Sidoti Bob Sidoti

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Put my name on that petition.

I understand the dollars and cents of ratables but I question if our leaders understand the quality of life issues.

Look at Colfax Ave. The mayor said there will be no kids in the 637 condos of Towne and County. Where is that written in law? There is no smart growth in our city. Our leaders, from the Planning Board to the elected officials, are not really intersted in our quality of life.

—Mary Rogers Donna Sidoti Jeff Sidoti Karen Sidoti Tom Sidoti Elsie Siems Nikki Sinko Mary Skelly Cindy Skiba Gregory Skiba Marie Skowronski

John Slivinsky Beatrice H. Smith H. Smith Steve Smith Victor H. Smith Alicia Snyder Frank Snyder Veronica M. Sokerka Daniel M. Sony Anthony Sorbello

Damaso Soto Eleanor Sovich Mathew Sroka Allan Stadtmauer Chaim Stadtmauer Esther Stadtmauer Bonnie Stambuli Joe Stambuli Kristina BaronStambuli Bryan Muvillo-Stasiak Christina Stefanelli Lillian Stockerl Joanne Stolarz Helena Strzeszewska Edyta Stypula Ashley Stys Anne Sullivan Joyce P. Sunshine Ed Suscreba Mary Sutak Al Swan Danielle Swede Ron Swede Dennis Sylvester Marlene Szchack Johanna Szerencsits John Szerencsits

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On June 14, City Council members ceremoniously broke ground for a 125 unit senior citizens complex on the site of the former Athenia Steel property. Located on Clifton Ave. near the intersection of Paulison Ave., the project takes a small portion of the 35 acre complex. While ideas have been floated to develop another 125 units of senior housing and various recreational fields on the remaining acreage, no definite plans have been announced. The first 125 units of housing are expected to be ready for occupancy by next fall.

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Maryann Szerencsits Marianne Szurko Alice Talamini John Talamini Margaret Tardif Barbara Tarzillo Joanne Telep Christianne Tempio Diane Tempio Kathy Terza Sandra Thieme Debbie Thomas W. Thomas Steve Tobias Helen Tokar Eugenia Tomasinski Zozislaw Tomasinski Emma Topps John Topps Joseph R. Torelli Mario Toro Patricia Toro Diane Toth William Toth Jr. Lee Traina Ann Trivolo Donika Troller Mark Troller Karen Trujillo Josephine Tufano Joanellen Turba Walter Turba Kathryn Urciuoli Mary Valentino Charlene Valles Patricia Van Beveren Rosemary Van Blarcom Simon Van Bochoven Robert Vanderhoof William Van Eck Rosemary Van Laere Dian Van Nortwick Michael Van Nortwick Marie A. Van Walleghem Diane Vasilenko Albert Vaxmonsky

Directly in front of where ground was broken for the senior citizens housing complex on the former Athenia Steel tract, this vacant land is privately owned by a bank. No plans have been introduced as of yet but the property is zoned for commercial use. If it becomes developed, it may add to the traffic congestion and cut down on visibility as seniors exit from the complex.

Betty Vaxmonsky Amparo Velasco Asterio Velasco Barbara J. Venezia Rocco Venezia June E. Verhulst Morton A. Verhulst Gib Vianter Vincenza Vinci Cheryl Vinciguerra Jennifer Vinciguerra Michael Vinciguerra Concetta Vitale Leo Viviano Pearl Vozzellla Nellie Vrogindewey Denise Wahad Diane Walker Susan Walker Victoria Walker Beverly Wardell

Jon Wardell Claire Wasdyke Mary Weckesser B. Welsh Stacey Welyezko Marylou White Robert White Mary Wiles Janet Willard Joanne Wilson Ruth Wilson Heather Withers Lydia Wojcik Walter Wojcik, Jr. Okhui Wong Pearl Worob Nancy Wrigley Joseph Wrobel Rosemary Wrobel Edgar Wurch Francine Wurch Eleanor Yanics

Eve Yaros Raymond Yaros, Sr. Joseph Yeamans Karen Yeamans Jean Youlios Marie Zabchin Wanda Zajac Elizabeth Zakopcsan Eric Zakrzewski Helen Zaleski Lina Zanzonico Peter Zanzonico Helen Zapusek Dianne Zecchino Eileen Ziegler Katie T. Zinsmeister Constance Zito Carrie Zon Catherine Zon Marlene Zschack Robert Zschack

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More Condos on Grove St? –––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe –––––––––––

L

isa and Bill Fisbeck’s next-door neighbor hasn’t mowed his lawn in weeks. In fact, the lawn is the only thing on the property that hasn’t been cut down.

“They ripped the house down May 20, the day after Kiara was born,” Bill said. On a recent afternoon, Lisa stood next to him, holding their infant daughter as they looked into the pit that was once 272 Grove St. and remembered how this happened.

“At about 7, I left for work. There was a dumpster there,” he said. “I came home around 4:30. The house and the dumpster were gone. They came back the next day and took the foundation out.”

“An older woman had lived there,” Lisa recalled.

“She used to garden in the back yard. She grew all these vegetables. She passed away and her son sold it.”

The property was originally purchased by three individuals but is now owned solely by Joe Coan, a developer who does not live in town but has worked in Clifton for 42 years. For instance, he recently converted a single family property on Sade St. into three condo units.

Lisa, Kiara and Bill Fisbeck at the recently leveled lot.

While Coan said he considers himself 90 percent, he got involved with 272 Grove St. because he thought it was another nice project. “I think it’s a beautiful piece of property,” Coan said. Now that the house is demolished, Coan plans to build townhouses for six families in its place. In order for this to happen, the property needs a zoning variance. So far, no application has been filed so no construction has begun.

Coming down from Montclair into Clifton, the residences along Grove St. are large, single-family homes.

At the corner of Van Houten and Grove, right next to 272 Grove St., this changes; Coan’s property is surrounded on two sides by existing townhouses and an apartment complex. He reasoned that he can continue the high density housing without much fuss.

*

From 1 to 6 Families...

Now you see it... now you don’t... In early May, a developer purchased 272 Grove St., a 100-by-179-foot property and razed the single family home (left) which was on it. His intent is to put six townhomes on the land. While the property is adjacent to a condo village at the corner of Van Houten and Grove (right), 272 Grove is zoned for residential single-family homes.

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

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On a recent afternoon, residents from the neighborhood disagreed. “It’s an eyesore and it’s dangerous,” Bill Fisbeck said, looking into the pit from the edge of his property at 280 Grove St. Pat Matano came out to talk to Lisa about what might be built on 272 Grove St. Matano has lived at 286 Grove St., on the opposite side of the Fisbecks’ house, for around 35 years.

“He (Coan) wants to do a six-unit condo,” Lisa explained. “They (the city will) have to change the zoning and everything. They’re not going to do it.”

“He’ll put up a house instead,” Matano predicted.

“That’s what I hope,” Lisa said.

“This is all A-1 residential,” Matano said.

“Which is all one-family housing,” Lisa noted.

“That lot’ll be empty for a long time,” Matano concluded. “And then he’ll get tired of it being empty and he’ll put up a house.”

Coan hasn’t given up on getting the zoning variance.

He still plans to build a six-unit housing structure, but he won’t abandon the property if it isn’t possible. “I gotta do something with this property,” Coan said. “I can’t leave it like this.”

While he can’t build on it yet, Coan still plans to maintain it, which did happen once the weather cleared.

The Fisbecks have been meeting with neighbors to share information they hear about the plans for 272 Grove St., and for the corner it sits near. These meetings are informal but they allow the Fisbecks to keep themselves informed about the ways their corner is changing.

Another issue is the traffic at the nearby intersection of Grove St. and Van Houten Ave. If Coan’s six-family structure is erected, five more families than present will share the already bottlenecked intersection. For Bill Fisbeck, the future construction projects are just that— the future. Even if a one-family residence is built to replace the one torn down at 272 Grove St., he said he’s

—CORNER REDUX?— 272 Grove St. sits near the corner of Grove Street and Van Houten Avenue, an intersection the state might soon give a makeover.

The project would improve the bottleneck at that intersection by adding acceleration and deceleration lanes, according to David Behrend, public affairs manager at the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

“A technical study has shown the need for it,” Behrend said, and resident Bill Fisbeck agreed that a problem exists.

“Between the school down the hill,” Fisbeck said, standing at the corner and looking to the center of Clifton, “and the school over there,” he said, turning around to look uphill towards Christopher Columbus Middle School, “it takes me 15 minutes during the school year.”

Traffic has gotten lighter over the summer, he said, but keeping the traffic light presents a new complication for his neighbors.

The new lanes will likely cut into the properties located at that intersection, moving the street closer to those residences. “The traffic will be right under their windows,” Fisbeck said.

The added road space would only affect properties near the corner; Grove Street and Van Houten Avenue will not be getting entire new lanes because of this project.

The project could start as early as Fall 2003, when funds are made available.

already been inconvenienced. “I have no privacy in my backyard anymore,” he said, now that the trees and the home on the property are gone. “No privacy at all.”

Added Lisa Fisbeck: “If it’s a one-family area, the city should make him leave it one-family. That’s why people want to live here.”

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The Master Plan

Make Voices Heard Before It’s Too Late A

re current plans for new commercial and residential development threatening the quality of life presently being enjoyed by Clifton residents? Irene Jarosewich thinks so. About 15 months ago, she and her husband, Alex Burakovsky, moved to Clifton to find a community which offered a slower pace. Ten-year residents of New York’s Staten Island, the couple wanted to escape high density housing and overcrowding.

Unfortunately, Jarosewich believes that the clouds of unplanned development are again hanging over her head here in Clifton The difference, she said, is that the introduction of the city’s Master Plan gives residents a chance to have a voice in deciding Clifton’s future.

“It is so important for all of us to get involved in the planning process,” said the Lenox Ave. resident. “No Master Plan for development should be accepted without serious public debate, including public hearings, meetings with community groups and discussion in the local media—none of which has yet happened,” said Jarosewich.

And she feels that the best way of becoming involved is to demand that city officials schedule as many Master Plan hearings as needed.

Focusing on her Rosemawr neighborhood, Jarosewich said the following developments are underway despite an inadequate planning process: an Acme supermarket near Allwood Circle, a new business and

Irene Jarosewich and Alex Burakovsky on the day they moved to Clifton.

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Alex Burakovsky and Irene

office hotel/complex at the former Brogan Cadillac dealership at Allwood Rd. and Passaic Ave., a hotel/conference center along Route 3 at Allwood Road and Main Ave. on the Anderson Tract and the second phase II of Clifton Commons.

Developers have a right to make money by constructing new buildings, she said. “But taxpaying residents have rights too,” she added.

“Among these are the right to help shape their city’s development, establish its priorities and reasonably limit future growth.”

And it is just these rights that are being ignored during the planning process, leaving the city without a well-defined Master Plan and increasingly vulnerable to new and unchecked development.

Clifton residents should consider the effects of unplanned development on their neighborhood’s noise and congestion levels, tax rates, demands for public services and overall aesthetics.

Sadly, Jarosewich predicted that current commercial and residential projects will result in overcrowded schools, increased traffic and accidents and a higher proportion of non-homeowner residents with no

‘developers... prefer towns that lack a sound planning process— it’s easier for them.’

—Irene Jarosewich

ties to the local community.

“The reasons you wanted to live in Clifton—open spaces, quiet neighborhoods and greenery within a stable community—will begin to disappear,” Jarosewich warned.

It’s an unfortunate process she’s seen before.

On Staten Island, Jarosewich remembered experiencing “a boom of piecemeal development, both residential and commercial, that seriously lowered the quality of life for most residents.”

As Clifton’s population, congestion and tax rates continue to rise, Jarosewich said she fears that many residents may decide that “the joy is slipping out of life here... let’s move.” As more and more families reach a similar conclusion, local businesses will suffer through the loss of customers and employees.

Jarosewich said she believes developers “naturally seek the path of least resistance and prefer to do business with cities that lack a sound planning process—it’s easier for them.” Taking such a path is probably not in the best interests of local residents.

Although Jarosewich said that the goals of developers and residents need not be at odds, she also feels that “residents have to clearly understand their options” if an intelligent development plan is to succeed.

“Our political leaders have to reach out to the residents and gauge what their wants and needs are,” said Jarosewich. “I have not seen that happen as of yet.”

Increasing the tax base is the reason most often cited for favoring development of any type, and no city, including Clifton, can exist without increasing ratables.

“I am a realist. I know growth is inevitable,” but, as Jarosewich pointed out, “Clifton residents should examine who is getting what and at what price”.

What she questions is the lack of a strategy for the city’s growth. That’s where having a series of community discussions about the Master Plan comes in.

By demanding genuine Smart Growth before it’s too late, Jarosewich said Clifton residents can help shape the future of their hometown for years to come.

The Master Plan will be available for public review at the Planning Board workshop on July 24, 6:30 to 8 pm. in Clifton City Hall. Call 973-470-5263 with questions.

Lyon?s Den

By Murray Blumenfeld Since I last spoke to you I went to Las Vegas for the jewelry show.

The show gets bigger and bigger every year and I can assure you my feet will attest to that.

I did some Christmas shopping and you’ll be able to see my purchases in September. Points of interest at the show: Watches are bigger in size than ever before, earrings are longer and a lot of colored stones are being shown in all types of jewelry. I stayed at Caesar’s Palace and that hotel has doubled in size. They now have 4 swimming pools, all king sized and they are still adding on. I was lucky to see the Celine Dion show and it was everything they said it was and more. They built a special auditorium for her that seats a few thousand people and the place is sold out every night. I also had a good time at the tables. That’s right, I won some money for a change!

I saw something at the jewelry show that I am really excited about. I saw diamonds that were cut differently from all the others. This diamond cut is called ‘The Crown of Light.’ According to the diamond cutter it has 90 facets instead of the usual 58.This new cut is immediately recognizable because of its unusual brilliance and scintillation.

The Crown of Light diamond is reminiscent of the antique cut and it combines the glamour of the old world look with modern day brilliance. Well, you can gather from my excitement I went for the deal and what’s even better, I will be the sole distributor in this area for the Crown of Light Diamond. All of this is being worked on now and we’ll be able to show you these diamond pieces by September 1st.

July’s birthstone is ruby. The ideal ruby is as red as anything you have ever seen without any other tones tainting it’s purity of color. It has long been believed that to own a ruby insures one a healthy, safe, peaceful and content life.

Have a good month of July and I’ll talk to you in my next column. www.morrelyons.com

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Clifton Merchant • July 2003

23

Kuller Road

A Busload of Trouble ––––––––– Story by Joseph R. Torelli –––––––––

I

f NJ Transit goes ahead with plans to build a state-of-the-art bus maintenance facility on Kuller Rd., Walter Hryckowian says he may never be able to get out of his driveway again. Hryckowian, who lives in a house directly across from Kuller Rd. at the heavily traveled intersection of Hazel St., Rollins Ave., and Rte. 46, said, “It’s dangerous backing out of my driveway now. I can’t imagine doing it with a bus depot here.

Forget it, I’d get killed!”

The proposed 313,000 square foot facility at 99 Kuller Rd will service as many as 250 buses. It will also house administrative offices and provide onsite parking for employees and visitors. The

majority of buses will arrive in the evening for servicing and cleaning and leave in the morning, adding to what many say is an already dangerous traffic problem.

But it’s not only danger from the buses that concerns Hryckowian and his neighbors. Jeffrey Zdanewicz, who lives with his asthmatic mother on Jerome Dr. near the site of the proposed terminal, said he worries about a potential rise in incidents of asthma, emphysema, and other chronic diseases from the concentration of diesel emissions spewing from the buses. “It’s not only kids and the elderly who are affected,” said Zdanewicz. “People who try to live healthy lives will be in jeopardy as

Residents Jeff Zdanewicz and his mother Hilda, Ed MacDonald, Ruth Affuso and Walter Hryckowian after the June 25 meeting.

24

July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

well.”

Gathering Support Hryckowian and Zdanewicz are not alone in resisting the bus terminal. After learning of NJ Transit’s plans for the facility, the Clifton City Council passed a formal resolution opposing it and hired an attorney to help fight construction.

“Our main concern is traffic congestion and exhaust fumes,” said Mayor James Anzaldi. ” It’s a quality of life issue and an intrusion on an already bad intersection.”

Clifton’s acting City Manager, Al Greco said, “Besides being just plain bad for the city, this project will cost us a lot of money in lost ratables.” Clifton Tax Assessor Jack Whiting confirmed Greco’s assessment. He said that the Kuller Rd. property is appraised at more than $2.9 million and that property taxes were expected to be nearly $95,000 for the current fiscal year.

As an agency of state government, NJ Transit would be exempt from paying those taxes.

Local property taxes may not be all that the city stands to lose if the bus depot becomes a reality.

The Rempac Foam Corporation, which occupies an 80,000 square foot factory on Kuller Rd. immediately adjacent to the

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Bel Vedere is cozy and intimate... crisp and clean... and while the distinctive facade of this restaurant is well known, the interior is all about sophisticated charm.

Since 1980, owner Vincent Arcangelo has continued to invest in both the exterior and interior of the Bel Vedere, making it a Downtown Clifton landmark, located at the intersection of Main and Piaget Aves.

The entry and main dining room have experienced a recent restoration, introducing soothing tones of colors, allowing in more light and making the restaurant a little more spacious and airy.

With this soothing atmosphere comes some of the best classic Italian cuisine in northern New Jersey.

Patrons for both lunch and dinner select from a menu which features a harvest of fresh fish and seafood from mainland and international waters.

Chef’s creations range from Chilean sea bass with a maple glazing set on arugula to jumbo shrimp and stuffed lemon sole with crabmeat in a cream champagne sauce.

Lunch can be as hearty or light as one feels.

Begin with a glass of wine or a cocktail and get ready to do business.

A variety of salads–classic Caesar or arugula in a vinaigrette with slices of parmesan, for instance—and antipasta—smoked Scottish salmon,

trout, peppered mackerel served with red onion, capers, pepper and lemon—will allow patrons to go back to work content but not tired.

Bel Vedere’s selection of meat entrees—veal, lamb, beef and pollo—are equally diverse and offer some clever and creative surprises, such as filet of ostrich with wild mushrooms in a reduced pinot noir sauce.

Over his two-plus decades of ownership, Vincent Arcangelo has also created a fine wine collection and offers bottles of his diverse reserves at a fair price, adding to the always pleasant and sophisticated Downtown Clifton dining experience at Bel Vedere Restaurant. A private party room which can accommodate 60 is available on the second floor. Bel Vedere is a restaurant Cliftonites come back to time and again and it a place out of town guests will certainly enjoy.

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site of the proposed terminal, may be forced to leave Clifton, taking 80-100 jobs with it, if NJ Transit has its way.

According to Rempac attorney, Fred Whitmer, trucks entering and exiting the factory need to use about 75 feet of property on the adjacent site in order to execute the tight turns into and out of the company’s loading docks. Whitmer said that trucks have been using the neighboring property without complaint from the previous owners ever since Rempac first occupied the plant in the mid-1980s.

“So far, NJ Transit has not responded to our questions about continuing the practice,” said Whitmer. “If we can’t reach an agreement, we will have little choice but to relocate outside of Clifton.”

Rempac also owns a 125,000 square foot factory in North Carolina.

Greco said the city has contacted its state legislators, as well as New

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Interim City Manager Al Greco and Mayor James Anzaldi addressing residents at the June 25 special informational meeting on the proposed NJ Transit bus terminal.

Jersey Governor James McGreevey, to solicit their support in the battle against the terminal. He added that he hopes the state will realize such a large facility is not appropriate for the area and that the Governor or legislature will intervene on behalf

of the city and its residents.

Such intervention would not be without precedent. Mayor Anzaldi recalled former Governor James Florio issuing an executive order halting construction of a large incinerator in Passaic several

*

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

—Citizens Riled at Special Meeting— The Clifton City Council held a special meeting at the Daughters of Miriam complex on Hazel St. on June 25 to inform the public about NJ Transit’s plans to build a bus maintenance facility at 99 Kuller Rd. Six of the seven council members—Tatarenko, Gaccione, Kolodziej, Hatala, Welsh and Anzaldi— attended, as did approximately 75 area residents.

None seemed to leave satisfied. Most were disturbed because NJ Transit representatives refused to answer their questions during the meeting.

Interim City Manager Al Greco told the group that the ‘no questions’ policy was a concession made by the city in order to ensure NJ Transit’s participation.

He added, however, that NJ Transit did promise to answer all of their questions in writing, and he said that the city administration would ensure that the questions were forwarded to agency officials.

NJ Transit representatives provided a summary outline of the project plan for the proposed terminal along with their assessments of its impact on the community. Company spokesman Jim McKenna said that the project would cost $56 million and that construction was scheduled to begin in early 2004 and be completed by late 2007.

Many residents asked for details from the air quality, noise, and traffic studies. Others expressed their frustration at the entire process, with several proclaiming that, “it makes no difference how we feel.

They’re going to shove this down our throats just like they did with other projects.” Following are comments and questions from some of the area residents who attended the meeting: Barbara Martyn went door-to-door on Hazel St. to deliver flyers announcing the meeting. Noting the convergence of traffic at Paulison Ave., Hazel St.

and Kuller Rd, she said that the area has more than enough traffic already and that that 250 more buses a day would add to an already high accident rate.

Her husband, Ben, said that “the city was continuing to be split apart by the state and that Clifton had truly lost its neighborhood feel.”

Jim Webber noted how a former neighbor who lived on the corner of Hazel and Grant sold his home 10 years ago after it was run into by cars on three separate occasions. “What makes them think that it will be any better now?” he asked.

Ed MacDonald was disturbed by NJ Transit’s plans to install traffic signals at either end of Hazel St. He said “more lights will stall traffic and back it up even worse than it is now. People will never be able to get out of their driveways!”

Keith Krebs, a resident who is a candidate for the state assembly in the upcoming November elections, said that NJ Transit “failed to perform a traffic study as required by law.” He contended that, “there’s no way the intersection of Hazel St. and Kuller Rd. will be certified as safe by the NJ Department of Transportation. That means we’ll need to spend more money to bus kids through that dangerous intersection.”

Rollins Ave resident Pamela Creo: “I didn’t buy my house 30 years ago to have a filthy bus terminal as my neighbor.”

Clifton Police Lieutenant Les Goldstein said that the police department is concerned that traffic studies did not extend to the eastbound Rte. 46 interchange with Paulison Ave. “Accidents are already a major problem there. Adding buses to the already small queuing area on eastbound 46 will worsen the problem.”

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years ago. “Projects that are bad for a community can be stopped,” said the mayor. “We need to come together as a community and join forces with our county, state, and federal legislators the way we did when we fought the incinerator.”

So far, the city’s appeals to Trenton have generated little response. Greco said the only acknowledgement he has received came when the governor’s office declined to attend a special project-related City Council meeting that was held at the Daughters of Miriam complex on June 25. “The reason they gave,” said Greco, “was that they were still working on the state budget which was due before July 1.”

But help may soon be on the way.. State Assemblyman and Passaic County Freeholder, Peter Eagler, a Clifton resident, attended the June 25 meeting and said that he is “definitely opposed” to the bus terminal. He signed the council’s resolution to show his support for the city’s position and he promised to bring the issue to the attention of the governor, state legislators, and the county freeholders.

Environmental Impact One of the prerequisites to building a facility such as the bus maintenance terminal is the filing of a formal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). NJ Transit submitted the required document in Sept., 2002.

In Dec., 2002, Steven Singer, the environmental attorney hired by the council, challenged several critical conclusions in the EIS and identified “significant data gaps” in the document. Singer’s letter was supported by documentation from the two environmental engineering companies, Wilbur Smith Associates of Iselin, NJ, and LFR of Branchburg, NJ, hired by the city to review the EIS. The LFR consultants found a number of deficiencies in the EIS. They argued that NJ Transit failed to follow specific DEP and federal EPA guidelines for determining the full impact of bus terminal operations on air emissions. Their report also charged that specifications for measuring ambient noise levels were not followed, and that an analysis of anticipated future

‘Projects that are bad for a community can be stopped’ —Mayor Anzaldi

28

July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

A view of 99 Kuller Rd., at left, and at right, the Rempac Foam Corp. which will also be affected by the NJ Transit project.

noise levels was not performed as required by law.

In their assessment of the EIS traffic analysis, Wilbur Smith engineers found 14 separate problems with NJ Transit’s data. Among the more significant concerns was the fact that the Paulison Ave./Hazel St./Rollins Rd. intersection and the Paulison Ave./Route 46 interchanges were not included in NJ Transit’s analysis.

The consultants noted that, “…the relative additional traffic (generated) by the Facility may have significant negative impacts.”

In a May, 2003 response to Singer’s letter, Patrick O’Connor, NJ Transit Senior Director of Government and Community Relations, pointed out that the DEP approved the EIS in Sept. 2002 and that the document, “is therefore completed as of that date.”

However, he did provide additional traffic analysis data and further explanation of the company’s position that the proposed terminal would not cause adverse impacts to the natural environment or public health.

Singer said the consulting engineers are now analyzing and assessing O’Connor’s responses. He also said that he was disturbed because of the NJ Transit executive’s failure to respond to questions about possible alternative sites for the proposed project.

In his letter to the DEP, Singer charged that the alternative analysis required by law was “hidden…in the EIS,” and that most of NJ Transit’s discussion on alternatives was “spent rationalizing why a new facility cannot be located in either Paterson or Bergen County.”

He said the company provided no explanation as to why the Kuller Rd. site was not disqualified, as other sites were, because of its close proximity to city neigh-

borhoods. O’Connor did not return telephone calls asking for a response to Singer’s comments.

Next Steps With the battle lines now clearly drawn, it remains to be seen what involvement the county, state, and federal governments will have in the increasingly heated dispute over the terminal.

“A lot depends on where funding for the project will come from,” said Councilwoman Gloria Kolodziej at the June 25 meeting.

“NJ Transit has not revealed the source of its funding, so we don’t know if the money is coming from state or federal sources,” she added.

“We need to know that so we can determine which levels of government can help the most.”

Walter Hryckowian doesn’t care where the money’s coming from: he just wants the project stopped. He’s thought about selling his home and moving because of the bus terminal, but realized that moving is not a viable alternative.

“My mom, who lives with me, is 89 years old,” he said. “She’s too old to move. She would say, ‘Where 1415

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Lakeview

Helping To Create A Stronger Neighborhood

Some members of the Lakeview Civic Association before a recent meeting include Vinnie Colli, Dawn Kaiser, Steve Christopher, Flo Gado, Elianor Triolo, Fran Warren, Catherine Jeszenszky, Anne Roback, Kathy Pavan, Joan Murphy, Rich Pavan, Dot Sendak, Lou Gado, Frank Latarocca and Gene Murphy.

N

eighborhoods are what build a city and Clifton has always been a city of neighborhoods. From Delawanna to Albion and many in between, each has its own unique characteristics and many have social and civic organizations to help promote the district. Once group which has been on the scene for a while is the Lakeview Civic Association. Serving the area bounded

by Crooks, Wabash, Lexington and Clifton Avenues, the Association was incorporated as a not-for profit organization in September of 1990.

Dawn Kaiser, who has served as the Association’s President for nearly 10 years, is a firm believer in the value of community activism. As she puts it, “Our motto

32

July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

is ‘Caring About Lakeview’s Tomorrow Today’ and that’s exactly what we try to accomplish.” Whether neighborhood residents are concerned about a graffiticovered underpass or a street subject to severe flooding, the Association is one of the first organizations to which residents and business owners should turn.

That’s because the Association is committed to examining all concerns affecting the Lakeview section.

As Kaiser puts it: “We look into all issues that affect the Lakeview area and try to find answers or direct people to the proper city or county department to help them.”

The Association is open to all residents who live or own a business in the Lakeview area and Kaiser

d r

‘I like to think of us as a group of dooers–often silent, but always working to get the job done’ —Dawn Kaiser

As Kaiser recalls, “we’ve also engaged in more cleaning and clearing projects than I can remember”.

And, before too long, neighborhood residents will be able to enjoy the flower garden that the Association plans to add to the Municipal Parking Lot at the corner of Lakeview and Merselis Aves.

Kaiser is justifiably proud of the way in which the Association worked with County Freeholders to help solve a serious flooding problem affecting Wabash Ave. Because Kaiser believes that “we can only serve our neighborhood if we know what matters to them,” the Association is developing a Quality of Life Survey to be mailed to all Lakeview residents later this summer. Designed to better address the current thoughts and concerns of area residents, the survey will include a membership form.

Lakeview, like many other sections of the city, has seen its fair share of demographic changes over the years. But, whether you’re a long-time resident or business owner or are relatively new to the area, Kaiser encourages residents and business owners to be involved in local community issues and concerns.

Those interested in becoming a member of the Lakeview Civic Association can mail a check in the amount of $6, payable to Treasurer, ClCA, Inc., c/o Steve Christopher, 13 East Ninth St., Clifton, NJ 07011. Remember to include your name and address and phone number. The Association does not sell or share its membership lists.

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encourages anyone with an interest in community affairs to join. “I like to think of us as a group of dooers–often silent, but always working to get the job done”, she said.

For a modest yearly $6 fee, Lakeview Civic Association members receive a monthly newsletter and can exercise voting rights within the organization.

Meetings, which begin at 7:30 p.m., are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month (except July, August and December) in the basement of the First Reformed Church Fountain of Salvation (formerly the Lakeview Heights Reformed Church), located at the corner of Vernon Ave. and East 7th St. A police officer from the Community Patrol and a representative from the city’s Housing & Community Development Department often attend meetings. Their presence helps the Association better serve its constituency. For, as Kaiser points out, “sometimes residents have questions, which can easily and accurately be discussed with these representatives in attendance”.

In addition, two or three meetings per year also feature guest speakers who discuss issues of interest to Association members.

Every year Lakeview Civic participates in a number of worthwhile activities, such as the Clean Clifton Communities program, a Christmas tree lighting (complete with Santa Claus) that’s open to all residents and a toy collection for children in the Catherine A. Rowe Houses on Trenton Avenue. It also makes a yearly donation to Clifton’s Marching Mustang Band and supports the high school’s “Project Graduation”.

Other projects vary from year to year, depending on the concerns being voiced by the community at the time. A snapshot of past events would show such worthwhile causes as raising money for a hand-held radar detector used by Clifton’s bicycle police, holding a poster contest for School #11 students and donating clothing to needy families. The list goes on.

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Delawanna

18 in Clifton & 76 in Passaic ––––––––––––––––––––––– Story by Daniel Wolfe –––––––––––––––––––––––

J

oseph Marrone sat in the front row of the meeting room at the Clifton Public Library’s Allwood branch, listening to a presentation by the man who wanted to tear down Marrone’s business, All-Aire Conditioning, to build 18 townhouses in its place.

Randy Brosseau, land acquisition manager at K. Hovnanian, said the project was still very preliminary. At this point, on June 25, nothing had been approved, and everything was subject to change.

The two parties and others at the meeting were there as a result of a June 4 action by the City Council which directed the office of Economic Development to schedule a formal project review.

Still, the fresh plan did not seem to go over well with most of the crowd of about 20, several of

whom wore the increasingly visible “No More Housing” t-shirts favored by opponents of new residential development projects.

Among the reasons for their opposition is that the plan requires a zoning variance in which the current commercial property will be changed to accomodate housing.

The city’s Director of Economic Development, Harry Swanson, showed on a map how K. Hovnanian’s project plans to straddle the border of Clifton and Passaic on old River Rd. in the Delawanna section, filling 2.33 acres with 18 townhouses.

If the zone change is approved in Clifton, the housing development will continue into Passaic, where it will displace a second series of businesses and employees with another 76 townhomes.

Residents and business owners reviewing K. Hovnanian’s plans for the Clifton portion of about 100 townhomes on old River Rd.

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

In total, Hovnanian’s plan will bring close to 100 new units of housing to old River Rd. The genesis of the project is a bit confusing.

On June 4, K. Hovnanian presented its original plan for 34 townhomes to the City Council. Though the item was not on the Council’s agenda, the Council, in a 4-2 decision—with Council members Tatarenko and Gaccione dissenting, and Steve Hatala absent—voted for a formal project review by residents of the Delawanna area.

Prior to the June 25 review meeting, city officials met with K. Hovnanian and directed them to scale back the per acre density in the Clifton portion of the project because of pending legislation.

Answering questions to the impact on municipal services at the June 25 meeting was Lester Nebenzahl of THP, Inc., a Hovnanian consultant who conducted a fiscal impact study.

After breaking down his calculations in excruciating detail, Nebenzahl summarized by saying that the tax revenue gained with the construction of the project would outweigh their burden on municipal and educational services. Brosseau predicted that the townhouse community would have two children altogether, a number that drew skepticism from the crowd but was supported by observations from earlier K. Hovnanian projects.

“Probably the next step is a traf-

‘ t

—

fic study,” Brossaeau added.

“That’s a must,” Marrone replied. His main argument, besides his personal interest in having his business displaced, was that the area was potentially dangerous for new families. Thick foliage obscures visibility for trucks using the Route 21 overpass. “It’s a hazard,” Marrone said. “It’s a definite hazard.”

Seated next to Marrone was Rados Milojkovic of North Electric, whose business would also need to move if this project goes ahead. “I would rather see you leave this part of the town alone,” Milojkovic told Brosseau.

Despite objections, Brosseau argued that the housing development would benefit its location. “The market has shown they are very much in demand,” he said of the proposed townhouses.

In taking over that property, which offers access to the Passaic River, Brosseau said K. Hovnanian would improve and beautify it. “I would say its current condition is less than ideal,” he said, referring to the mix of businesses on the tract. Any improvements would only

‘I would rather see you leave this part of the town alone.’

—Rodos Milojkovic

Pending legislation on the Council’s agenda has scaled back the proposed number of units K. Hovnanian’s tries to build on old River Rd. The ordinance, expected to be enacted in July, lowers the density on new residential developments to eight units per acre. In comparison, another K. Hovananian development, Riverwalk I, also in Delawanna, has a density of 15.6 units per acres.

Across town, Cambridge Crossings, a 657 unit townhome project under construction on the former Shulton industrial tract on Colfax Ave., has portions in which the density is 20 units per acre.

be enjoyed by residents of the future townhouse community, as it would be private property. In K. Hovnanian’s nearby Riverwalk I community, the river walkway is a beautiful—yet ultimately private—addition.

Despite the louder voices at the meeting which opposed the project, Kathy Vasilenko, a Delawanna resident, disagreed: “I live there, and I am not opposed to this project,” she said.

Even if more like Vasilenko attended, it might not have helped Brosseau convince his audience of the project’s merit. “What about the businesses that have been there for 18 years,” Marrone asked, “like mine?”

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Free + Construction Costs

The Question is When?

–––––––––––––––– Story by Tom Hawrylko ––––––––––––––––

N

o one—especially those who have kids going to Clifton Schools—seems to disagree with the fact that CHS and our two middle schools are overcrowded. With limited funding and a lack of available space, the question is how and when will these problems be solved?

Over the past year—and for some members, a year or more prior to that—the Board of Educationappointed Community Advisory Committee has been meeting to offer solutions to the problems.

Committee members included residents Andre Alston, Linda Bandurski, Richard DeLotto, Nick P. Genchi, Joseph Holmes, Thomas Lyons, Ellen Nunno Corbo, Margaret Sichel, Ethel Stein, Fred Torres and Frank Varano.

Public officials included Bill Cannici, Bill Hahn, Dr. Robert Valente, Marie Hakim, Steve Hatala, Ed Welsh, Al Greco, Karen Perkins, Anthony Barbary, Harry Swanson and Dr. Michael Rice.

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Among the issues they considered: finding realistic locations where another school could be built and restructuring grades to ease the overcrowding. Focusing first on the physical locations where a new school could fit, the committee met with city officials and Economic

Development Director Harry Swanson. He presented about a dozen sites for consideration (some are displayed on these pages with comments) and that figure was whittled down to five before the group actually focussed on Latteri Park and 290 Brighton Rd.

$4 Million + Retrofitting Costs

Not Available

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Swanson, the district's architects and the committee tried to factor in every possible social, fiscal and civic element before coming to a conclusion.

Committee members noted they are aware of the tough economic times, the need to keep passing school budgets even as Clifton builds or renovates new facilities, and the impact of all of this on property taxpayers.

“Heck, we’re property taxpayers ourselves,” said committee member Ellen Nunno Corbo, who lives in Albion. “We wanted to find a solution that would make our children safer, would improve the quality of education in Clifton and still be as affordable as possible.”

The most costly proposals were in the $65 to $70 million range, because they required eminent domain legal fees, property purchases and environmental cleanup.

“These were immediately discarded,” Corbo continued. “There is no way we could ask taxpayers for that kind of money, even if the State funds 30 percent or so.”

The problem in Clifton is that there is almost no ‘clean’ property available large enough for a school.

“We simply cannot afford to wait another 6, 8, or 10 years to go through environmental studies and cleanup before we have a place to properly and safely educate our 8th and 9th graders,” said Corbo. “No one can seriously argue that the high school in particular can safely absorb hundreds of more students over the coming years.”

‘Band-aid’-type fixes are not an option for the committee as it tries to offer the most economical and practical long range solution to overcrowding.

“Quick fixes seem less expensive at first but end up costing taxpayers more in the long run,” said Corbo.

“The ‘band-aid’ approach involves spending mil-

If you’re like most people, you’ll start by seeking assistance from a professional. A local real estate sales associate, who knows your neighborhood, is the best place to start. The sales associate can help you to determine a fair market price and should also recommend enhancements that will help to make the sale.

Determining fair market value is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the homeselling process. “Your sales associate can help you set a fair market price based on the most current sales, location, condition, room count and square footage” said Vincent Bernarducci, pictured below. Your sales associate will also assist in all the steps necessary to complete the sale, including inspections, the mortgage application process, obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy, liaison between attorneys and much more.

Careful planning and sound advice from a professional Realtor can make selling your home a very satisfying and less stressful experience.

For further information, please contact Vincent Bernarducci of CENTURY 21 A CV Real Estate at 931 Clifton Ave, Clifton at 973-365-2122.

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Sites considered, from left, Latteri Park, which the school district owns, an industrial site at 290 Brighton Rd. on the market for $4 million, the former Paul VI School (above) on Valley Rd., and (next page) the Board of Ed’s Administration building.

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lions of dollars and does not solve Clifton’s long range problem.”

As an example, she cited spending $4 to $6 million to renovate School 6 to bring it up to code, when it can only house, at most, 350 students.

“That doesn’t even cover half of the 9th grade class,” Corbo added.

“Between the 8th and 9th grades, we need to find new space for 1,700 to 2,000 students.”

Among the group’s recommendations, which will be presented to the Board of Ed later this month: •CHS principal Bill Cannici recommended removing the 9th grade from the high school. He advised against new construction at CHS. •Middle school principals Valente and Hahn expressed concern about one central school for 1,500 to 2,000 8th and 9th grade students.

•1,663 surveys regarding proposed grade changes were conducted; the majority of respondents preferred a central 8th and 9th grade school.

$4-6 Million without addition

The former School 6, now the Board of Education building, was also considered.

•A new school for 800 students could run about $20 million; for 1,700 students around $43 million.

•To build a school would take four years, exclusive of legal issues.

For perspective, construction is underway on Clifton’s first new public school since the 1950’s. The Board, in cooperation with the City and County, obtained the 3.6 acre

ancy, Dear Roy & N ere are few .

Thankfully, th note like this a te ri w to s n occasio how you and d se a le p so f We were the funeral o d le d n a h ff your sta a. our Mom Juli al so profession d e e d in re a You to our approach y in d ie if n ig and d ank you from th e W . rs e rn ing all mou earts for mak h r u o f o m o d the bott emorable an m re u rt a p e Julia’s d gful. very meanin u sincerely, Thanking yo e Orlowsky is n e D & n h o J 1269

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

property in little Weasel Brook Park for $1. When ‘School 17’ opens in Sept., 2004, about 36 elementary classrooms will be added in the city’s most densely populated neighborhood. Funding for construction of that project came when Clifton voters approved an $8 million bond issue in Dec. 2001 and the state provided $12 million in matching funds.

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Clif ton Has Changed The city we patrol today is nothing like the Clifton of the 1950’s or even Clifton, 1990.

The city has grown drastically over the last 10 years, yet our police resources are still deployed like it is 1953. New shopping centers, more housing, people and cars have changed how we need to patrol our community.

We Need More Cops On The Street Clifton PBA Local 36 has proposed an improved police work schedule that is modern, safe and efficient. It puts more cops on the streets in peak hours and two cops in a car when trends show there is an increase in crime and police calls. Our plan cost nothing to implement and it is currently used in over 125 NJ Police Departments.

The PBA, City & Citizens All Benefit We seek a schedule change to work four consecutive 10 hour and 45 minute shifts followed by four days off. Currently, we work two cycles of five consecutive eight hour days, followed by two days off, followed by five days on and three days off.

Our proposal results in 4,000 fewer shift changes a year. It adds no new personnel nor vehicles. The PBA has never denied there are benefits to our members under our proposal. But our plan benefits everyone—the PBA members, the city government and Clifton citizens—fairly and equally.

$100,000 in Court Overtime Savings There are new ways to do things: With the shift change we propose, Clifton Cops will attend court while on-duty. Currently, officers attend court while on overtime. The PBA projects upwards of a 45% reduction in court overtime—well over $100,000 per year.

Ask The Mayor & Council...

If there is a solution to Clifton police work to make it safer and more cost efficient, does it not deserve a second look? That is all we are asking for: that the Mayor & Council honestly consider the PBA proposal so that we can help make the best police department in the state even better. To this point—some 3 years into the so-called negotiations— they have not. The Mayor & Council have thus far wasted $544,015 of your tax dollars fighting work schedule arbitrations. And with every month we don’t settle, more tax dollars are being spent on high priced lawyers and police overtime. Let’s Settle Now!

PBA Local 36 asks the Mayor & Council to give our proposal for modern manpower deployment a one year trial.

Give Us One Year Paid for by Clifton PBA Local 36 Clifton Merchant • July 2003

39

Realtors

Seeking Solutions

H

S

uppose you’re ready to buy or sell a house in Clifton. You’ll contact a realtor, make (or accept) a reasonable offer and start to prepare for the closing. Whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll want the sale to go through as smoothly as possible. That way you can start enjoying your new place right away.

Now suppose you dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s, only to find out at the last minute that a dwelling certificate or certificate of occupancy can’t be issued because of a finished basement or attic expansion installed a decade or two ago. Sound strange? Well it isn’t.

That’s been the recent experience of a number of local realtors, who claim that Clifton officials have been inconsistently enforcing the city’s housing code and unnecessarily delaying the sale of many homes—bad news not only for buyers and sellers, but for the local economy as well.

Clifton realtors met June 27 to seek solutions regarding transactions here in the city.

Pictured from left: David C. Anthony, Jr. of Coldwell Banker; Carol Van Savage of Van Der Wende Associates; Wafa Othman of Re/Max Realty Professionals; Gina Yarrish of La Corte Agency; Diana Bustamante of Keller Willliams and President of the Passaic County Board of Realtors; Doreen Delancy-Williams of DeMattiaO’Brien Inc.; and Vincent Bernarducci of ACV Real Estates Associates, Inc.

According to Diana Bustamante, broker/owner at Keller Williams, on Piaget Ave., and President of the Passaic County Board of Realtors, there’s been a real lack of communication on this issue. “We want the city to work with us to come up with solutions to the problems we both know exist,” she said.

For example, years can go by without an open permit being checked by city officials. Then suddenly, a crackdown begins.

Closings are delayed, sellers are

required to dismantle basements or attics and transactions fall apart.

Bustamante said it is especially unfair to hold current owners responsible for alterations made by their predecessors.

Carol Van Savage of Van Der Wende Associates concluded: “We’re not interested in having the things that are wrong perpetuated but we need to make the city aware that these tactics are not productive.

We need to fix this dilemma and keep the economy moving.”

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things to do Botany Blues: The Botany Village Merchants Association, along with the United Jersey Blues Network and Drumsticks Bar and Grille, present the Botany Village Blues Festival—a free afternoon of blues in the village square—on July 19. Musical guests include an opening act appearance by Elvis.

Featured bands will include some of the best blues and rhythm and blues performers New Jersey has to offer...

Supreme Court—if New Jersey has a ‘superstar’ blues band this might just be it. Featuring blues harmonica legend, Nancy Swarbrick; guitar master Bernie Brausewetter; and the vocals of Ms . Yolanda Briggs The Shades—Get the dance floor ready because this band will be tearin’ it up! Take a trip back to the glory days of Stax in Memphis, this band is a rhythm and blues dynamo and a crowd pleasing favorite throughout the area.

Jeanne Lozier Blues Band—This Blues Diva is creating thunder across the Tri-State area with a fresh and exciting band. They were just picked to perform at the upcoming “Blues 2000 and 3” festival lin New York State, September, 2003.

Shoot from the Hip—Scott Patire, harmonica ace Mark Swanek and their band will get things going as the opening band of the Botany Blues Family Festival.

Vendors/Sponsors…to become a sponsor for this festival, call Joe Nikischer of the Botany Village Merchants Association at 973-546-8787. For musical info, call John Muller of the UJBN at 973-340-9405 for details.

clifton’s city Picnic & Fireworks is July 5. The picnic is in Main Memorial Park from noon to 6 pm.

Vendors, non-profit groups and others fill the trail around the pond with rides, crafts and exhibits, as well as plenty of food and fun. The fireworks explode in the pm, rain or shine. Call Mayor Anzaldi at 973-470-5757. the Music Matador: Bob Obser, offers the 12th annual directory of free concerts happening in Northern New Jersey from June through August. The schedule has grown from about 50 listings in 1992 to over 450 for the upcoming June edition. To receive via mail, send a donation of $3 or more to Bob Obser, 6 Grant Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011. Call 973-772-5291.

Supreme Court holds session in Botany Village on July 19.

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clifton Music’s ronni I and the Black Top Cruisers, presents a Downtown Clifton Doo-Wop Cruise Night on Aug. 7. The show is on the blacktop in the municipal lot on 1st St. and Clifton Ave in Downtown Clifton, from 5 to 10 pm and will offer a display of vintage cars as well as performances from some of the area’s best classic doo-wop and acappella groups.

For info, call 973-365-0049.

on July 4th, Clifton’s Avenue of Flags on the municipal campus displays over 600 flags, each in memory of a veteran. The display is truly memorable. Flags are up early and down before dusk. Each is 3 x 5 feet and stands on a 10-foot pole with a brass name plate. To sponsor a flag ($100) or to volunteer for set up and break down, call John Biegel at 973-471-8828 or Keith Oakley at 973-777-0264.

Clifton’s King, John Mollica, opens the Botany Village Blues Fest on July 19.

the Hawthorne caballeros host the 39th Annual Drum Corps Grand Prix on July 19 at 7 pm at Clifton School Stadium. For tickets call 973-248-1240. drumsticks Bar & Grill, 240 Dayton Ave. Botany Village, Clifton, hosts Thursdays Open Blues Jam sponsored by UJBN and WFDUFM. 8:30 pm. Free Admission. Call 973-340-4600.

Three of the original Hawthorne Caballeros, Joe Doran, Clifton’s George Hayek and Joe Scarber, march in the alumni corps.

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the Van Houten avenue Street Fair will come to fruition Sept. 21, from 12 to 5 pm. Various activities are being planned including, rides, games and a petting zoo. Become involved; call 973-773-0802. clifton arts center presents ‘recycle; re-Use’, a juried exhibit of paintings and sculptures by 20 regional artists interpreting the theme of recycling. The exhibit opens July 9 and continues through Aug. 16. Contact Barbara Flexner, Gallery Director, at 973-472-5499.

See Monsters Inc. under the stars on July 10.

the movie ‘Monsters Inc.’, will be shown under the stars on Thursday July 10 at Main Memorial Park.

Starting time is 30 minutes after dusk. Don’t forget your beach blankets and lawn chairs!

Skateboarders, bike riders and roller hockey players are invited to Clifton’s Skatezone at 85 Third Street and join in on the fun. For membership fees and information, call 973-546-0495. the clifton Police department hosts a ‘National Night Out Against Crime’ on Aug. 5, at 6 pm, featuring food and beverages, children’s events and a free 50’s concert.

Call 973-3405151 for info.

Follow the leader through Clifton’s Sculpture Garden with Kokopelli by Miles Van Rensselaer

clifton’s Sculpture Park is a real gift to the city. It is perhaps one of the most condensed displays of sculpture in this area. The works of art here have been created by nationally acclaimed artists. Park your car at the top of the hill, near the Arts Center. Wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers; hiking up small, grassy hills is required to get close to many of the sculptures. While touring the 26 acre complex, take time to view the 14 historic brick and stone barns which once housed the US Quarantine Station for animals entering the country. The buildings are on the National Register of Historic Sites. The Sculpture Park was conceived by Dr. Jerry Raphael and the Clifton Beautification Committee and was opened in 1994.

K&S purchases truckloads of Andersen windows and doors. Stop by the showroom and see what’s just off the truck.

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clifton rec’s Summer events: A wide variety of trips, activities and concerts have been planned for July and August. More information on the events listed at right can be found in the Clifton Recreation Department 2003 Spring–Summer program brochure which is also on-line at www.clicktown.com. Call the Recreation Department at 973-470-5956 with questions.

Boisterous Banjos return to Main Memorial Park Aug. 24.

July 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .City Picnic/Fireworks Display July 6 . . . . . . . . . .Concert–Montclair Community Band “Crowd Pleasers” July 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Drive-In Movie July 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50’s Block Party July 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .City Mini-Motorized Car Race July 12 . . . . . . .Peddlers Village Teddy Bear Picnic Trip July 13 . . . . . . . . . . . .Concert–Krackerjax “Party Band” July 19 & 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Volleyball Tournament July 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Concert–Big Band Swing Machine “Swing Band” July 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clifton Night at the Jackals July 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shadowbrook Restaurant and “River Belle” Sightseeing Cruise Trip July 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Concert–Thunderhill “Best of Country Music” August 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Concert–Ableman “Polka Music Plus More!”

August 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Police Department’s “National Night Out Against Crime” August 8–13 . . . . . . . . . . .6-Day Montreal and Quebec Tour Trip August 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Volleyball Tournament August 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Concert–Squeaky Clean “Vintage Nostalgic Rock” August 15 & 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Family Campout August 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Concert–Island Breeze “Calypso & Reggae” August 22 . . . . . . .Back to School Pool & Skating Bash August 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Concert–Boisterous Banjos “Oldies Sing/Swing-A-Long

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Passaic County Arts Grants Despite the on-again, off-again funding of the arts situation at the State of New Jersey, the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council (PCCHC) encourages organizations to apply for grants.

The deadline for applications for the grant cycle for arts and cultural programs planned for 2004 is July 21. Applicant organizations must match every dollar of the grant with one dollar of their own.

Applicants for Local Arts Program Grants must be Passaic County-based, tax-exempt, non-profit organizations or educational, social service or municipal organizations that have planned an arts project (dance, music, theater, media arts, visual arts, etc.) to be presented in Passaic County between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2004.

For more details, the Passaic County Cultural & Heritage Council’s website is now accessible at www.pccc.edu/pcchc with information on and links to all our programs and services, publications and facilities.

Guidelines and application forms for the PCCHC Local Arts Grants can be downloaded from the site to be completed and submitted to the Council’s offices

by July 21 for 2004 funding of arts and cultural projects. The arts news is also available on the site, as is information on other publications, and art galleries.

Examine the path the Wright brothers took to unlock the mystery of flight in a display at the Dreyfuss Planetarium within the Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark. For info, call 973-596-6529 or go to www.newarkmuseum.org.

cHS Varsity Soccer coach Joe Vespignani, who led the Mustangs to a 18-4-1 record and a sixth consecutive Passaic County Championship this past fall, will host camp for boys 7 to 10 on July 7 to 11, from 9 am to noon.

Boys ages 11 to 14 will attend Aug. 11 to 15, 9 am to noon. For kids going to CHS this fall, ages 14 to 18, camp is on Aug 18 to 22. Cost is $130. Training runs 9 am to noon. The camp is run in cooperation with the Clifton Stallions Soccer Club. Call Vespignani at 973334-0207 or email him at VespignaniSoccer@aol.com.

Participants get a t-shirt and soccer ball.

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Stan lembryk’s Summer 2003 Soccer training camp is Aug. 4-8 for boys ages 5 to 13 and Aug. 11-15 for girls ages 5 to 18 at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. The fee is $120. Camp is 9 am to noon.

Lembryk, a CHS ‘87 grad, has coached the Lady Mustangs varsity soccer team for two years, compiling a 33-6-1 record. He was the Star Ledger’s 2001 NJ Girls Soccer High School Coach of the Year. He has played professionally for nine years, coaches the MetroStars U-17 team and is co-director of the MetroStars Youth Academy. Call 973-686-1764.

richfield Shopping center on June 21, the 90 foot signage tower at Richfield Shopping Center was being scaled down to a height of about 50 feet as work progresses on this landmark retail center located at the corner of Allwood Rd and Clifton Ave. During a Feb. snowstorm, the Rite Aid store collapsed and it is currently being rebuilt.

Nancy Barry, Betsy Parrish and Alice Evans perform in ‘Show Me Where the Good Times Are’, a cabaret at The Wayne Manor on July 9 and August 13. Call 800-414-9721 for info.

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Clifton’s Rachel Holmes, 22, has won a seat on the Board of Trustees of Rutgers University as a Student Representative. She is a member of Cook College’s Class of 2004, majoring in International Environmental Policy and Religion. For the last three years, she chaired her school’s Buildings and Grounds Committee, while contributing to many campus environmental efforts. Last semester she helped organize an educational budget rally in Trenton. Her main interest is in preserving land and other natural resources.

Eugene and Lorraine De Bellis, long-time Clifton residents, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the De Bellis School of Performing Arts in Newark. Founded in 1952, the school offers instrumental, voice and dance training. The celebration, held at Caldwell College, included concert performances by current students and alumni.

Charlotte Priestner has supervised and trained some 400 agents and oversaw 6,000 real estate transactions since she became manager of Clifton’s Coldwell Banker in 1991.

But late last month she traded in her management title and has become a real estate agent once again. These days, she hangs her shingle in Coldwell’s Wayne office as a sales associate. “I love this business and while I enjoyed managing people, it’s the right time to get back in to selling.” Looking back at her tenure in Clifton, Priestner saw a few real estate booms and watched the American dream become a reality for thousands. “Clifton has always been and will always remain a step-up community,” she concluded. “I am proud to have been a part of that.”

Absolutely Fish, at 1080 Route 46 West, was named the 2003 Pet Product News Retailer of the Year.

Owner Patrick Donston and his staff, many of whom are studying

Coldwell Banker’s Charlotte Priestner

for a degree in biology or an aquatic science, are passionate about fish and enjoy sharing their knowledge.

The store sells nothing but fish, fish care products and supplies. With about 14,000 gallons of salt and fresh water tanks filled with fish from around the globe, the store is worth a visit.

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The NJ Licensed Beverage Assoc.

At a June 24 meeting of the NJ Licensed Beverage Association at Bogey’s, from left: Joe Stolarz, Stolarz Tavern, Vick Rossi of Rossi’s Tavern, Ed Radomski of the Silver Star, Giuseppi Lonati of Giuseppi’s Sports Cafe. Second row, from left: Angelo Curcio of Bogey’s, John Penkalski of Johnny’s, Gerry Touhey of the Grande Saloon, Morris Giannelli of Courtside Pub, Fred Barnes of Dingo’s Den, Mary Chacon of Capo D’Ano, Hope Rodgers of Rumors Pub. Third row, from left: Skip Kazer of the Clif, Pat Brady of Darby O’Gill’s and Joe Adamski of Remember When. Rich Hanke and Phil Lessi of Pub 46 were also present but missing from photo.

There are about 85 taverns in Clifton. Some are landmark institutions, take the Clif or the Grande Saloon, for example, and others, like Dingo’s Den or Bogey’s, are newcomers which have recently established a niche.

Whatever their heritage or location, these neighborhood businesses are an important yet often overlooked part of the local economy. They employ many Clifton people and offer a comfortable and safe environment for neighborhood people to socialize within.

Over the last few years, however, the longevity of local taverns has been challenged. Skyrocketing insurance rates, tougher rules and regulations and other issues have forced many establishments to close. But Fred Barnes, owner of Dingo’s Den on Van Houten Ave., said that owners of local taverns, night clubs and eating establishments don’t have to face the challenges alone.

Membership in the New Jersey Licensed Beverage Association, a statewide advocacy organization, offers these business owners a network of support.

On June 24, Barnes and fellow NJLBA regional director Terry Duffy of Duffy’s Tavern in Paterson, hosted a meeting at Bogey’s on Valley Rd. to explain the benefits of NJLBA membership.

“Our goal is to work with Trenton legislators to keep regulations reasonable and to generally create a probusiness atmosphere for our members,” said Barnes.

“For instance, we’re fighting the no smoking ban and we’re dealing with the insurance crisis in the state. The NJLBA also offers group insurance rates, host an annual convention and runs a trade school for our workers.”

For more details on the benefits of NJLBA membership, call Barnes at 973-471-7767.

Clifton Merchant • July 2003

51

I

t shouldn’t have ended this way for 1950 Clifton Mustangs baseball team, but it did. Though they would later be named Group IV, Section I state champions, sharing the honor with Bayonne, the Mustangs looked anything but a 12-4 team during the June 11game against East Rutherford.

Perhaps it was the wet field at Clifton Stadium—which led to the Mustangs 11 errors—that hurt them. Maybe it was because their senior ace Gene Pami was pitching on a day’s rest and not as sharp as usual. Or it could have been the dancing knuckleball of the Wildcats starter Chet Yak that did them in.

Whatever the reason, Clifton lost, 10-3, defeated by a team they had beaten twice during the regular season—East Rutherford’s only defeats in Passaic Valley Conference play.

But the story doesn’t end there.

The dreams that began that season went a bit further. Some of the 1950 Mustangs went on—to places like Hamilton, Ont.; Billings Mont.; and Ponca City, Okla.—even to Riverfront Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Reds.

Though none ever reached the major leagues as players, four signed pro baseball contracts: Pami and sophomores Frank Pecci,

Billy DeGraaf, and Ron Plaza.

“You sometimes hear about one or two signing from one team,” says veteran baseball scout Joe Popek of Clifton, “but four? I never heard of that happening. That’s pretty unusual.”

What’s also unusual is one never left the game. Plaza, who lives in St. Petersburg, Fla., today works for the Oakland A’s as a roving minor instructor and made it to the major leagues as a coach with the Seattle Pilots and Cincinnati Reds.

“I tell the kids in spring training,” Plaza says, “that my title is ‘frequent flier’”

A picture of the 1949 team (we used this photo because many members of the 1950 squad are included and were not pictured in their own team photo). Bottom (l to r) Ron Plaza, Ken Kurnath, Lou Andreotta, George Pasterchick, Harry Scofield, Billy DeGraaf, Gene Pami, and Peter Klein; second row (l to r) Asst. Coach Emil Bednarcik, Jim Sevasta, Bill Ziemkiewicz, Joseph Ventura, Don Vasta, Thomas Pojedinec, Walt Tenza, Frank Pecci, Armand Buongiorno, Ray Carroll, and Coach Edward Bedarcik; third row (l to r) Dan Marchisen, Reynold Zanetti, Carlton Ulrich, Frank Baldanza, Edward Frank, Jack Sammarco, Bill Vande Wende, Ed Riley, Charlie Bolcar, Wendell Inhoffer, Frank Nader, and Robert Lubarski.

52

July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Near Glory The 1950 post season started well for Clifton. In the first round of the Greater Newark Tournament, they beat Thomas Jefferson, 2-1, behind a masterful performance by Pami, who allowed just four hits, three of them singles, and struck out seven.

Catcher Billy DeGraaf drove in both runs, scoring Buddy Franks with the game winner in the seventh.

“Gene’s curveball,” says teammate Armand Buongiorno, “was sometimes unhittable.”

After the opening tournament victory, Clifton returned to league play and beat East Rutherford, 6-2, on a fivehitter by Pami. The win gave both teams 8-2 conference records, setting a playoff showdown for June 12.

With the Mustangs scheduled to meet Newark East Side on June 10, Coach Billy De Graaf as a Cornell Eddie Bednarcik announced pitcher back in 1955. he would start pitcher Jim Shaw in the game. Bednarcik, whom the Herald-News said was “going out on a limb,” explained he needed

Pami to pitch for the PVC crown on June 12.

His plan would backfire.

Shaw pitched shutout ball until the fifth inning. After two were out, he walked two and surrendered a hit, giving East Side a 2-1 lead. In the top of the sixth, the Mustangs scored three runs—the key hit a double by Al Costantin, pinch-hitting for Shaw.

Bednarcik turned to Pami to hurl the final innings. But instead of holding the lead, Pami gave up a game-tying blow with two out in the ninth and eventual game winner on a mammoth 400’ homerun by Newark East Side pitcher Bill Valia.

East Side went on to win the Greater Newark Tournament, while Clifton lost the PVC title game behind a weary Pami.

“Though we lost,” says Pecci, “our 1950 team was special. No one ever got mad when we made an error, and everybody rooted like hell for everyone in the lineup. You know how ball players say they don’t hear

*

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anything when they’re playing?

Well, we heard each other cheering.

And we came back to win in a lot of those games.”

After making the Clifton High team as a sophomore, Pami learned a new pitch from Ken Belli, an adult who helped out with the team.

“He called it a ‘nail ball’ because you dug your fingernails into the ball,” Pami says. “It’s known today as a knuckleball.

When I threw it, the ball would dance up to the plate and drop about a foot. The trouble was you never knew where it was going.”

After going 4-2 as a junior, the quiet, easy-going Pami was 12-3 as a senior, losing only one game he started. Season highlights included striking out 10 in a win against Eastside, two-hit and fourhit victories over Garfield, and a four-hit win against Bloomfield.

“Gene was a cutie,” says Pecci.

“He wasn’t a hard thrower, but he had a rubber arm. He threw four different curve balls and a knuckler.

When he threw his fastball after those pitches, it looked like an aspirin.”

For his efforts, Pami was named to first-team All-PVC and thirdteam All-State.

After graduating, Pami was signed to a minor league

The Ace Gene Pami remembers the first time he touched a new baseball.

“Armand Buongiorno and I lived near each other,” says Pami.

“I lived on Highland Ave. and he lived on Lake St. One day, we were together when a friend of ours, Pete Rizzo, came over with a new baseball. Pete had shined shoes so he could buy it.

“Up until then, we played with taped-up balls and cracked bats nailed back together that the older guys didn’t want. Bases were a piece of cardboard with a stone on top. A new ball—that was unbelievable for us. Pete would take it home and wash it after we were done playing.”

Pami became a pitcher for his Nash Park sandlot crew for one reason: he could throw a curve ball.

“No one taught it to me—I just figured it out,” he says. “I never had a problem with my arm, and I threw more curveballs than anybody I knew.”

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

contract by St. Louis Cardinal scout Bennie Borgmann, also of Clifton. “I got a $500 bonus and $250 a month,” says Pami. “They sent me to Canada that summer.”

Says Pecci: “It was big deal when Gene got signed. We were thrilled.”

Playing for the Hamilton, Ont., Cardinals, Pami went 16-7 as his team won the 1951 PONY League championship. “Since I varied my arm angle when I threw my curve—coming over the top, sidearm, and three-quarters—and I wore No. 57, a radio broadcaster named me ‘Heniz’ after the catsup.”

After the season, Pami was drafted into the Army and sent to Korea.

“I was lucky,” he says. “They signed a cease-fire a week before I got there. I was stationed about a mile from the Demilitarized Zone.”

When Pami returned to Hamilton in 1953, he was suffering from a leg irritation that would be his undoing. “I couldn’t run, couldn’t get my legs in shape,” he says. “In my first game, I was wild. After that game, they released me—it wasn’t much of a chance. I could’ve cried, but what can you do?”

The former Mustang ace returned to Clifton, playing in the North Jersey League for the Clifton Dodgers. Despite going 81, hitting .355, and winning the league MVP trophy, no scouts were interested. “I was 23,” Pami says. “They probably thought I was too old.”

Pami pitched a few more years before a shoulder injury ended his career. Retired, he lives in Clifton with his wife Barbara.

The Leader

When asked who the team leader was on the 1950 club, Armand Buongiorno, a senior that year and an All-PVC first team selection, doesn’t hesitate.

“We all looked up to Billy,” he says.

Despite being a 14-year-old sophomore, DeGraaf was the team’s catalyst—armed with a loud bat and a competitive fire behind the plate. Usually batting cleanup, DeGraaf hit .429, getting 24 hits in 56 at bats, and knocking in 21 runs.

He hit five doubles, a triple, and

three home runs—including a 450’ blast against Nutley.

“He has a whip-like arm that will develop accuracy,” wrote HeraldNews sportswriter Rudy Goffredo.

“In two years, he will be an outstanding prospect for organized baseball.”

After the 1950 season, DeGraaf was named first team All-PVC and first team All-State.

“A catcher is a leader on the diamond,” says Pami, “and we followed Billy’s lead, especially on the field.

Whatever he called, I threw. He studied the batters, their footwork,

*

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and knew what pitch he wanted.”

When Billy reached high school, he was ready for stardom—electrifying Clifton as a 13-year-old freshman football player by kicking a field goal against Montclair and taking over at quarterback for the injured Jim Haraka. He excelled on the basketball court and was a solid performer on the 1949 baseball team.

In spite of his athletic talent, high school was not always a happy time for DeGraaf. He lost both his parents within six months of each other and broke his collarbone during his junior football season. Pecci took over at quarterback and became an All-American.

DeGraaf returned and also became an All-American during his senior year, going on to Cornell University, where he starred in football and baseball. As a pitcher during his senior season, Billy went 9-1 year with a 1.46 ERA and hit .316, earning a spot on the NCAA’s All-Eastern team.

What’s remarkable is DeGraaf finished his college career by 20, the age of most sophomores.

St. Louis scout Bennie Borgmann remembered DeGraaf’s play for Clifton and signed him as a catcher.

He played two seasons in the minors—one in Georgia and another in Billings, Mont. When his wife became pregnant with his first child, he gave up baseball and returned to Clifton.

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It’s interesting to speculate what DeGraaf’s baseball career might have been like had he heeded Goffredo’s words and gone straight to the minor leagues without playing college football.

“The best one of the four of us was Billy DeGraaf,” says Plaza, who has seen countless big league prospects during his career. “You didn’t see many 6’2” catchers in school. He had a good arm and ran pretty decent for a big guy. I thought he would go the furthest at the time.

But then football got involved.”

DeGraaf passed away in 2000 after an illness.

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

Frank Pecci had two outstanding qualities on the ball field—he could run down anything in the outfield and smash balls that other players couldn’t run down.

Pami says having Pecci in centerfield was comforting. “Any ball they hit,” he says, “Frank went out and caught. He was fast—a good base runner. He was also a power hitter. Frank swung hard.”

One of Pecci’s greatest days at the plate came against Nutley in 1950. In the first inning, Pecci launched a 410’ blast for a two run homer and fol-

*

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Clifton Merchant • July 2003

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lowed with a solo shot in the fifth, helping Clifton to a 10-8 victory. For the season, he would hit .309, collecting 17 hits in 55 at bats, and earn a first team All-PVC and third team All-State selection.

Pecci credits Coach Eddie Bednarcik for much of the 1950 team’s success.

“He was a taskmaster,” he says. “Sometimes we’d practice so late that we couldn’t see the ball anymore.

He was always stressing fundamentals, like hitting the cutoff man. He was a good teacher—always pressing us to get better.”

The practice paid off, especially for Pecci. By his senior year, he had earned a place on the Newark News and Star-Ledger’s 1951 All-State Team for all groups and starred as a member of the semi-pro Uncle Sam’s Shoes team. One of his best memories was hitting a homer off Whitey Ford when the Yankee star brought his Army team to Paterson’s Eastside Park to play against Uncle Sam’s.

However, Pecci believed his future was on the gridiron. He went to Kansas State University on a football scholarship, turning down other offers—including one to play football and baseball for LSU, recruited by alum Alvin Dark, then a New York Giants shortstop.

Pecci spent a disappointing year at the school before returning home and playing again with Uncle Sam’s.

That summer, Phillies scout Chuck Ward signed him to a contract, complete with an $11,000 bonus.

Pecci played in places like Hickory, N.C.; Des Moines, Iowa; Blackwell, Okla., and Los Angeles, Ca. His travels took him south to the Caribbean League, where he played with the Cartivia Rum team with future major leaguer and friend Joe Black.

“Back then,” he says, “players didn’t have any rights. If a team in the organization needed a player at a certain position, you were on the train the next day.”

Midway through his minor league career, he was sold to the Chicago Cubs.

GiAnt PeSt ContRol

His best day in professional baseball was playing for Ponca City, Okla., in the Western Association World Series against the Topeka team, a “million dollar” farm club of the Yankees. Though he never pitched before, Pecci started against Topeka and pitched 8 1/3 innings for the win, homering to help his cause.

“Outfielders were required to throw batting practice,” he says. “Because we were leading the series and out of rested pitchers, my manager told me I was pitching. It was my first and only start.”

Pecci’s baseball dreams ended during a spring training game in Lafayette, La., in 1955. Chasing a long drive, he smashed into a steel-tank wall. “The last thing I saw,” he remembers, “was the scoreboard and the green metal wall. I woke up in the hospital with a broken nose and seven stitches.”

The crash altered Pecci’s depth perception, and he voluntarily retired from the game. He later managed the Clifton Dodgers and lives today in Barnegat, N.J., with his wife Jerry.

The Baseball Lifer Ron Plaza remembers how he and his friends would get their baseball equipment.

“We’d go down to the semi-pro game,” he says, “and take home the cracked bats and fix them. When they’d foul the ball off into the bushes, we’d go look for them and hide them. We wouldn’t come out with one, but when the game was over, we knew where a few were.”

In 1950, Plaza’s family moved from their apartment on Harrison St. to a new home on Vernon Ave. He also made the jump to the “big high school” and the Mustangs baseball team.

“Ronnie loved baseball,” says Popek. “When I was managing the Mystic Rams, he’d come down to Nash Park and watch us play. My shortstop was kid from Lodi who was unreliable, so I asked Ronnie to take his place. ‘You mean it?’ he asked.

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“After that, he was there every game. He wasn’t starting for the high school then, but when Eddie Bednarcik found out he was playing for me, I think it convinced him Ronnie was ready.”

In 1950, he was. The 13-year-old sophomore shortstop had a solid season, batting .373 and earning a place on the All-PVC first team. He also etched his name in Clifton legend by hitting the first fair ball out of Clifton Stadium—a shot Pecci says did not happen, but a blast Buongiorno and fan Lou Poles swear went out.

“I really don’t remember it,” says Plaza, “but if they say it happened, maybe it did.”

After the season, Plaza agreed to an offer from the St Louis Cardinals, signing a contract in scout Bennie Borgmann’s car in the Food Fair parking lot on Route 46, where Ron worked. The Cardinals gave him a $10,000 bonus.

“My father, who was a tailor, wanted me to school,” Plaza says, “but when he heard the offer, he said, ‘I didn’t know you got a bonus to sign.’”

The Cardinals sent the 16-year-old Plaza to Johnson City in the summer of 1951 when the team’s third baseman was injured. Despite his age, Plaza adjusted quickly to his new baseball life—one that would continue over the next 50 years.

Plaza played in Albany, Ga., Hamilton Ont.,

Ron Plaza

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and Allentown Pa., before making the jump to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings of the International League for the 1956 season. Now playing second base, Plaza hit .294 for manager Dixie Walker’s club.

Unfortunately, his climb to the major leagues would go no further as a player. In his second year with Rochester, Plaza hit .224 but did add 14 home runs. Realistic about his career, he took a job with in a Ridgewood clothing store and stayed there for 20 months.

But baseball remained in his heart, and he got back into the game in 1961, ending his playing career the following season with the Atlanta Crackers, who won the 1962 Little World Series.

Plaza then began managing in the minors, often without a single coach to help him. “Back then,” he says, “your best friend was the bus driver and your oldest pitcher acted as a trainer, carrying the tackle box with the medical supplies.”

In 1969, Plaza finally made it to “the Show,” as a member of manager Joe Schultz’s Seattle Pilots staff.

The expansion team lasted one year before being sold and moved to Milwaukee and becoming the Brewers. At the end of the 64-98 season, Schultz, along with Plaza and the rest of the coaches, was fired.

After working with minor league

players in St. Petersburg, Plaza became the minor league coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds, recommended for the job by friend Sparky Anderson, the team’s manager.

During the next eight seasons, Plaza ran the team’s spring training operations, instructional leagues, and visited their minor league clubs as a roving instructor, helping fuel the “Big Red Machine” with talented young players.

In 1978, Plaza was back in the big leagues as one of Anderson’s coaches, throwing batting practice to the Reds and becoming friends with players like Johnny Bench. On

Outside their old high school are (front, l to r) 1950 first basemen Armand Buongiorno and Bill Ziemkewicz, and the team's star pitcher, Gene Pami. Behind them is classmate and friend Lou Poles, who greatly assisted with the research of this article.

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off days, he often worked-out with Pete Rose by throwing extra BP to the all-time hit king.

“During his 44-game hitting streak in 1978,” says Plaza, “I remember at least three times Pete swung at a ball late in the count just to get another pitch. Every time, he’d got a hit on the next pitch to keep the streak going.”

After the 1983 season, Plaza moved to the Oakland A’s to become a roving minor league instructor, a position he holds today. A widow, he lives in St. Petersburg, about 10 minutes away from three of his four children. Because his family no longer lives in Clifton, he has not

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n August 1, Clifton’s “Mr. Baseball” will retire from his job at the Recreation Department, where he has administered the city’s sports programs for the past 17 years.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have two careers that I loved,” Potts says. “I worked over 30 years for the Paterson Evening News. When that job ended, I was fortunate to walk into this job. But now it’s time to go.

I’ve worked for over 50 years—you know in your heart when it’s time.”

Don’t expect Potts to retire to some South Jersey senior citizen hideaway. He’ll continue to run his team, the Clifton Silk Sox, be active in the Babe Ruth League, and turn up at diamonds throughout the area, watching his beloved game.

Though he’s lived in Fair Lawn throughout most of his life, Potts considers Clifton a second home. “The

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city’s been very good to me,” he says. “I have many friends here.”

Potts grew up in North Bergen and Fair Lawn, and played for the Fair Lawn High School baseball team.

He was a first baseman and number three pitcher for the Cutters from 1952 to 1954. The team’s number one hurler was future major leaguer, Ron Perranoski.

Fair Lawn coach Virgil Sasso recognized Potts’ talent was not just as a player. “I knew a lot about baseball,” Potts remembers. “So he also made me third base coach.”

After his graduation, the town approached Potts about restarting and managing the Fair Lawn BBCs, a semi-pro team that had recently folded.

“I took the job,” Potts says. “We re-formed the team with guys I graduated with and younger players. And we held our own.”

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Clifton Phillies being welcomed to Clifton in 1968. From left Clifton Rec Director Walter Sidor (a former All–State pitcher at CHS), Bob Potts and Clifton Mayor Joseph Vanecek.

Potts managed the team and played part-time, receiving no pay. In 1955, Fair Lawn joined the Passaic County League and won the league’s championship the next two years.

In 1957, Fair Lawn jumped to the North Jersey League at the urging of writer and part-time Philadelphia Phillies scout Ben Marmo. When Marmo’s own semi-pro team, Uncle Sam’s Shoes, folded, he gave Potts’ Fair Lawn team their home field to use.

“At that time,” Potts recalls, “Eastside Park in Paterson was the top location for semi-pro baseball. In 1959, we moved there and became the Paterson Phillies, playing there until 1967.”

Marmo signed many of Potts’ players for the Philadelphia organization—but one did get away.

“I wanted Ben to sign my old teammate, Ron Perranoski,” Potts remarks, “but unfortunately the Chicago Cubs got him first.” Perranoski pitched 13 years in the majors, compiling a 79-74 record with 179 saves.

While the Paterson Phillies enjoyed success against former big leaguers like Clifton’s Ed Sanicki, West Orange’s Gus Keriazakos, and the Dodgers’ Joe Black, they could not compete with the new demands placed on Eastside Park. By the mid-1960s, soccer was squeezing baseball out.

After the semi-pro Clifton Dodgers folded in 1968, Clifton Recreation Department Superintendent Walt Sidor asked Potts to bring his Phillies to Nash Park.

After meeting with Mayor Joe Vanecek, Potts agreed.

At one time, the Phillies were the oldest active and successful semi-pro team in New Jersey. Lasting

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45 years, they had over 1,500 victories—winning 32 assorted league and division titles, and the 1959 state championship.

“Through all those years,” Potts says, “we got great support from the Clifton mayors, council people, the recreation department, and local fans.”

In 1972, Potts’s career with the Phillies almost ended. A change of hours at the Paterson Evening News (where he worked as a pressman) made getting to Nash Park by game time impossible.

“We had an outstanding centerfielder who told me, ‘Don’t worry, Bob. I’ll take everything until you get here.’ That was Len Coleman, former National League president.

He played centerfield for us for nine seasons, and would come to see us whenever he was in town.”

Other star Clifton Phillies players include 1975 National League Rookie of the Year John “the Count” Montefusco, the Chicago

Bob Potts was named National Amateur Baseball Manager of the Year for the 1987 season. Also shown is Willie Banks, the St. Anthony H.S. baseball player ranked #1 in the nation and the late Dick Case, executive director of U.S. Baseball.

Cub’s Willie Prall, and Frank MacCormack, who pitched for Seattle and Detroit. “I’ve had about 90 players signed from my team into pro ball,” Potts says.

Clifton also produced some great native talent.

“Pat Grady was one of my greatest players,” Potts says. “We won three straight championships with him in

the outfield. Dan Sinisi was another.

Years ago, Dennis Cesar was one of my all-time best outfielders. Another of Potts’ favorite ex-players is former Clifton High coach Paul Pignatello.

In March 2000, Potts folded the Phillies. A broken ankle suffered when he fell on the ice that winter limited his mobility, and the cost of running the team and lack of

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At Nash Park in 1989, the Clifton Phillies hosted the Indianapolis Clowns, one of the last traveling clubs of the Negro National League. The game was sponsored by former Councilman Lester Herrschaft. The Clowns won the game 3-1.

commitment by many Met League players influenced his decision.

For the next two seasons, Potts ran the Clifton Babe Ruth League— but couldn’t shake his desire to run his own team. Last year, he formed the Clifton Silk Sox, in tribute to the famous Doherty Silk Sox team that played during the twenties. The old Silk Sox regularly beat major league and Negro League teams on its home field behind the Main Ave. mill.

“I always read about the Silk

Sox,” Potts says, “and talked to some of their old players, like the late Bennie Borgmann, about those days. Naming my team after the Silk Sox was a way to remember them.”

Potts’ Silk Sox are part of the I-80 Wood Bat League and play their home games at Nash Park. He spends $3,000 out of his own pocket outfitting the team and buying equipment.

“We don’t even pass the hat anymore,” he says, “because there aren’t too many fans there.”

Despite the low attendance, Potts will continue to lead his team, guiding talent he sees as just a few notches below the Met League. The Silk Sox are filled with players in their twenties, united by the love of the game and who play for a local legend.

“The team keeps me going, keeps my mind active,” Potts says.

“To survive in baseball, you have to change with the times. I have friends who are old-timers who say the game was better in their day. It 1604

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SACREDPLACES

S.S. Cyril& Methodius Welcome Back Father Pavlik!

Sure he has slowed his pace a little but when Father Jerry enters S.S. Cyril & Methodius Church on July 6 at 3 pm, he may just be walking on air.

That’s the day that Clifton-born Franciscan Father Jerome J. Pavlik, former pastor of S.S. Cyril & Methodius Parish, will return to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

“I just got a pacemaker on Easter Monday and I have a little trouble walking but I feel great,” Father Pavlik said recently. “I know my

limits and God gives me the strength to do what I need to do. And what I need to do is be in Clifton to share this wonderful occasion with my friends and family.”

Festivities begin at 3 pm with a concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving at the church, with Father Pavlik acting as principal celebrant of the liturgy. Following Mass, a dinner reception will be held in the church hall to honor this remarkable Clifton native. Tickets to the reception are $15. Call Emily Antoniuk at 973-546-4066 for Father Jerome back in 1975

On July 6 at 3 pm, Father Jerome will celebrate a mass at S. S. Cyril and Methodius Church at 218 Ackerman Ave. to commemorate his 60th year as a priest.

details.

While he is now nearing 86 years of age, Father Pavlik is still active in many ways. He lives on the south side of Pittsburgh and serves as a the chaplain for a local police department, a Knights of Columbus and his beloved Sokol, a fraternal organization for Slovaks.

“God has granted me many years and my mission is to give back to our community,” he said.

Father Pavlik said he feels as if he never had left Clifton and his ties to the parish and the surrounding community remain unbroken.

Not only was Father Pavlik a member of the first graduating class of the former parish school at S.S. Cyril & Methodius, the church was also the site of his first celebrated solemn Mass in 1943. In addition, Father Pavlik served as pastor

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Clifton Merchant • July 2003

69

Looking back to 1943 when the Pavlik family celebrated Father Jerome’s first mass. Back row, from left: brother-in-law George Dluhy; sister Margie Pavlik; brother John Pavlik; sister Sally Pavlik. Front row, from left: sister Mary Dluhy and nephew Georgie Dluhy; father Joseph Pavlik; niece Rosemary Dluhy; mother Rose Pavlik. The parents were from the Spis region of Slovakia.

there from 1978-91, returning to Clifton in 1993 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination. He said at the time that “I have nothing but pleasant memories about this place”, which shows the depth of his affection for the city and parish of his youth.

Born in Clifton on Aug. 15, 1917, Father Pavlik’s boyhood home on Cutler Street was just across the

street from the S.S. Cyril & Methodius convent.

He fondly recalls the many times he’d be called on whenever the church needed an altar boy on a moment’s notice. Combining an interest in sports with his interest in theology, Father Pavlik excelled at basketball and baseball at St. Bonaventure High School in Paterson and played on the Clifton Sokol basketball

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teams in 1934-35.

Father Pavlik answered his calling to serve as a follower of St. Francis of Assisi by joining the Slovak Franciscans of the Vice Province of the Holy Savior, based in Pittsburgh. His decision to enter the order was nurtured by the Slovak Franciscans who began their ministry at S.S. Cyril & Methodius in 1921.

After entering Paterson’s St. Bonaventure Monastery in 1935, Father Pavlik’s theological studies took him first to the Duns Scotus College in Detroit and then to the St. Joseph Seminary in Teutopolis Ill.,–where he was ordained on June 24, 1943.

In 1944, Father Pavlik was assigned to missionary activities in Slovak parishes throughout the Northeast and Midwest. His fluency in Slovak combined with his personal warmth and sincerity to make him a favorite among parishioners.

In 1952, he was named Secretary to the Superior of the Slovak Franciscans in Valparaiso, Ind. Father Pavlik’s responsibilities increased between 1958-76, when he served as guardian and retreat master at St. Francis Friary in Easton., PA. . While there, he directed the construction of a new friary, chapel and retreat house. Afterwards, he spent a year on sabbatical to the home he “really never left”–S.S. Cyril & Methodius.

Father Pavlik’s many other achievements include his

July 8, 1956: Bishop James A. McNulty at the laying of the conerstone and the blessing of S. S. Cyril and Methodius Church.

service as supreme chaplain of the Slovak Catholic Sokol (he has been a Sokol member for over 50 years) and as a delegate to several national Sokol conventions, where he represented Assembly 162 of Clifton. As he enjoys his 86th year, Father Pavlik can look back with pride on a lifetime of valuable service and notable accomplishment. Yet when asked about the key to his

Clifton Merchant • July 2003

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postcards from

PAT r I O T ’ S June 14 was a historic day in Downtown Clifton as ceremonies were held to commemorate the opening of the US Post Office at the corner of Main and Madison Aves. in the Special Improvement District. The new postal facility consolidates services previously offered at the Post Office at Main and Washington Aves. and a portion of services offered at the old main Post Office on Paulison Ave.

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The building is expected to be a destination as 1,000 or more daily visitors will be brought back to Downtown Clifton. Events were heralded in by the CHS Mustang Band under the baton of Bob Morgan.

Congressman Pascrell arranged for a flag which flew above our nation’s capitol to be the first raised at the new Clifton Post Office. Call To Colors was performed

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Clifton Postmaster Joseph M. Gondola presided over the morning’s events and both he and Mayor Anzaldi remembered the efforts of the late City Manager robert Hammer in helping to make the relocation of the Post Office a reality for Downtown Clifton.

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After the ceremonies, Clifton’s doo-wop impresario ronni I took over stage duties and offered an afternoon of live entertainment, classic and new cars, a food court, kiddie rides and other features along Main Ave., including a commemorative stamp cancellation.

Robert Hammer’s wife, Kathy, and their kids Sean, Kelly and Megan were on hand as a plaque commemorating Hammer’s efforts was also dedicated.

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Marie Angello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/3 Thomas Medvedich . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/3 Amanda Di Angelo . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/3 Chris Torrao . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/4 Alex Alectoridis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/5 Kayla Ann Snell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/5 Lori Lill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/6 Ron Curtiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/7 Angelo Grippo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/7 Edward Sepulveda . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/7 Kristi Schopfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/10 Alyssa Marie Misyak . . . . . . . . . . . .7/14 Talat Judah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/14 Ann Schamble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/15 Michelle Ann Snell . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/15 Derek Dobol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/16 Jessica Dobol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/16 Radhika Patel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/17 Carrie Szluka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/18 Alexander Razvmov . . . . . . . . . . . .7/19 Ryan Saccoman . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/19 Cocoa Saccoman . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/19 Ashley Jacobus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/19 Megan Suaifan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/20 Kaitlin Vinciguerra . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/22 Harry Quagliana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/23 George Shamar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/23 Richard Ramdeen . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/24 Eva Gasporowska . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/25 Josephine Picerno . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/25 Joseph Lopez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/27 Ornella Ganoza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/27 Mohammed Elsarraj . . . . . . . . . . . .7/27 Gina Oliva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/28 David Patti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/29 Amanda Fabiano . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/29 Joanna Jedrzej . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/30 Mary T. Mancin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/30 Florence & Herbert Klutsarits celebrate 53 years of marriage on July 22.

Have It Mailed To Your Home Don’t Miss Another Issue. Subscribe to Clifton Merchant Magazine. $15/year within Clifton • $25 for 2 years—out of town $25 per year • $40 for 2 years Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:____________________________________________________________Phone: ____________________

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

June 20, Clifton Schools Stadium

Clifton Merchant • July 2003

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Clifton’s Katlyn Webb has come a long way since we last spoke in Dec. 2000... ...unfortunately, the ever–smiling 13–year old –who suffers from a rare brain and spinal condition, Chiari Malformation and syringomyelia–is scheduled to undergo her ninth neurosurgical operation this fall. to help find a cure for this terrible disease, Katlyn’s family is hosting a fundraiser on July 9 at pizza hut, 1115 Bloomfield ave. in Clifton from 11 am to 8:30 pm. pizza hut will donate 20% of the day’s proceed to the american syringomyelia alliance project’s (asap) research efforts. Just give a copy of this article to the restaurant (or your delivery person) and the money will go to ASAP. for those who would like to make a more direct contribution, send a check to the Katlyn webb Medical fund, c/o hope reformed Church, 310 Burgess place, Clifton, nJ 07011. parents David and faith report that Katlyn loves reading and playing with other children and with her dog hunter. for the last three and a half years, she has attended the eClC school in ho-ho-Kus and still plays t-ball with the rhode wild Cats.

Sisters Stephanie and Katlyn Webb and their dog Hunter.

G et Back Into Action !

Dr. David R. Moore, Chiropractor 1576

Mon • Wed • Fri Chiropractic Health Center 241 Crooks Ave • Clifton • 973.253.7005 Tue • Thu • Sat Elmwood Park Athletic Club 690 River Dr • Elmwood Park • 201.794.0155

www.fitspine.net www.fitspine.net

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July 2003 • Clifton Merchant

The Moore Boys, Dr. Moore (center) and his brothers; Tom (left) and Rob (right), would like to wish Clifton a Happy and Healthy Summer!

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Tomahawk Promotions 1288 Main Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID ClifToN, NJ PeRMiT No. 1185

Introducing Your Candidates for

Passaic County Freeholder...

O

m JAN SANDRI

RANDY GEORGE

John is a Clifton native who grew up in the Lakeview section, attends St. Brendans Church, and is a self-employed CPA with an office on Clifton Avenue.

You may know John as a member of the Clifton Board of Education, where he strives to insure quality education at affordable prices.

Jan grew up in the Maple Valley section of Clifton, was a member of St. Phillips Church, and had the privilege of attending School No. 2, Woodrow Wilson, and graduated Clifton High in 1964 (Janice Perini). Jan's husband, Joe, grew up in the Lakeview section. Jan and her family live in Little Falls where she served on the Township Committee for almost 10 years. She was also the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Police Commissioner, Fire Commissioner and President of Board of Health.

Randy grew up in Hawthorne, but today he and his wife and their 4 daughters reside in North Haledon.

He is better know these days as Mayor Randy George, as he is serving his second term as Mayor.

Randy attends Sacred Heart Armenian Church in Little Falls, and is a member of UNICO.

A graduate of Clifton High School in 1975, and then on to graduate Rutgers University, John is a leader in managing money. He served as the Deputy Commissioner of Banking and Insurance in Trenton for over five years.

During her time on the Township Committee, Jan was instrumental in obtaining over a million dollars in grants to improve Little Falls.

While providing improvements with grants, Little Falls enjoys progress and still has the second lowest tax rate in the county!

Dedicated to the people he serves, Randy has preserved 125 acres of High Mountain Area, dedicated 5 bridges in North Haledon to fallen war heroes, and has implemented zero-municipal tax increases while he is mayor.

WHAT DO THESE 3 CANDIDATES HAVE IN COMMON? They won't waste your tax dollars. They cut taxes, not increase them!

It's time for a change in Passaic County, and that change is...

TRAIER, SANDRI AND GEORGE Paid for by Passaic County Republican Organization

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JOHN TRAIER