Destination Paterson Spring 2014

Paterson

destination

SPRING 2014

MIKE ADAMS

Leads Pack of Pro Athletes

to Build Up Paterson

Paterson Makes the Financial Times’

Top10

Cities List

www.destinationpatersonmag.com

Denver Broncos safety Mike ­Adams leads pack of players bringing ­community service and development to the City of Paterson.

2 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

letter from the publisher

H

ello and welcome to Destination Paterson magazine.

Paterson is a place where 150,000 citizens work, learn and play. It is New Jersey’s third largest city, after Newark and Jersey City. If you are not already ­represented in the

numbers, we encourage you to visit and see what you are missing.

Paterson, New Jersey is proving to be a promising ­destination that has tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, and a budding shopping and social scene at its economic core. To top it off, Paterson is within minutes of New York City and is more affordable than New York, Los Angeles, California and Canada.

With the continued re-investment by St. Joseph’s Hospital, the surrounding colleges, and natives such as NFL Denver ­Broncos player Mike Adams, Paterson is becoming the next go-to city.

Receiving visitors from as far as Peru, China, South Korea and Italy, Paterson is slowly but surely gaining international attention. Being named a Top 10 City by Financial Times puts the icing on the cake.

Read on to see what you’ve been missing…and how you can catch up!

Sakina Spruell Cole

Sincerely,

Sakina Spruell Cole Publisher

Publisher

Sakina Spruell Cole scole@colemediainc.com

Editorial

Kimberly Prime Managing Editor kprime@colemediainc.com

Art

Mary A. Brown Creative Director mbrown@colemediainc.com

Advertising

Arrie Ledley Sales Assistant aledley@colemediainc.com

Published by Cole Media Inc for the Paterson Restoration Corporation 125 Ellison Ave Paterson, NJ 07505 For more information contact Cole Media Inc at info@colemediainc.com All rights reserved. © Copyright 2014.

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 3

contents 6

PATERSON NAMED TOP 10 CITY

Mary A. Brown

SPRING 2014

Its infrastructure and global appeal are two of the reasons the City of Paterson was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 Small American Cities by a Financial Times magazine.

13

GROWING PATERSON’S BUSINESS BASE

16

EMERGING DEVELOPMENTS

20

DINE AROUND

23

WORSHIP WITH US

26

NEW MARKET ANCHORS URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

28

LIFE IN PATERSON

Many large-scale businesses and healthcare ­facilities are reinvesting in the city, and offering a boost to economic development.

8

New economic development projects in the city include Places to Live, Visit and Do Business.

Offering a wide variety of cuisine options from American to Turkish, Paterson provides foodies with almost any type of meal they want, including casual and fine dining restaurants.

Paterson is partnering with it’s large faith-based c­ ommunity to encourage entrepreneurship.

16

Super Supermarket opened last summer with Senator Robert Menendez cutting the ribbon on the $35 Million development ­project.

More than just a place to live, Paterson offers a number of tourist destinations for visitors to see and experience.

Cover Photograph by Mary A. Brown

4 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

20

Courtesy Jacksonville Restaurant

PRO ATHLETES REBUILD HOME

Denver Broncos’ Mike Adams sets up shop, literally, near his Paterson hometown and joins other athletes to help the youth and community where they grew up.

Louis Fornaro

8

message from the mayor

T

here is a very positive future for Paterson and I see you in it. We have made some meaningful progress and I look ­forward to sharing it with our residents as well as our ­growing visitor traffic and business community.

Digging out from the recession is a long slow process but we are

doing it. Our business community is starting to thrive again. We welcome Super Supermarket, a 30,000 square foot grocery store on Memorial Drive, as well as ­Walgreens—a newly constructed ­pharmacy and retail location that is expected to inject some $2 ­million in capital investment into the city.

On the horizon, we are looking forward to the completion this year of 1010 South Paterson Plaza that will house a 25,000 squarefoot mixed-use medical plaza, and an IHOP in downtown ­Paterson.

One of the most exciting developments for our city in a long time is the coming of the ­Hilton Hotel. Located next to St. Joseph’s ­Hospital, the hotel will have 132 guest rooms, a conference center, a full ­service restaurant, an indoor pool and a parking garage. It is slated to open in 2016.

Mayor Jeffery Jones

On the international front, we are working with companies from India, China, the Caribbean and South America to bring business to Paterson. Economic development through diplomacy is a longterm effort, but we have begun that effort and know that it will yield results.

There is “good news” in Paterson. Read more about it in the ­following pages, and don’t forget to check out our website at www.patersonnj.gov.

Best Regards, Jeffery Jones Mayor, City of Paterson

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 5

city perspective

Paterson Named TOP 10 CITY by

by The Editors

W

hile many residents and commuters who travel through Paterson may take the city’s major highways and resources for granted, the rest of the world has recognized Paterson for its infrastructure and global appeal. fDi Intelligence, a Financial Times magazine presented the American Cities of the Future Award to Paterson’s Mayor Jeffery Jones in the fall.

“This is a tremendous honor for the city,” said Paterson Mayor Jeffery Jones. “Our Administration has worked diligently to create and implement an economic development vision to make Paterson prosperous and economically sustainable. This is an important acknowledgement of those investments,” said Jones.

Mayor Jones’ vision is for Paterson to become a leading city in New Jersey for economic and sustainable develop-

6 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

ment. “Attracting global and international business is priority for the city,” said Mayor Jones.

Paterson has hosted four international delegations over the past three years from India, China, Peru, and South Korea.

Paterson is one of the most ethnically diverse and densely populated cities in the United States. This combined with its logistical assets make Paterson competitive for international companies seeking to expand or gain an entry in the United States.

“Investment in infrastructure to support development and global business attraction is a vital component of the city’s approach to economic development,” said Ruben Gomez, director of economic development in the City of Paterson. “Awards such as this are beneficial because they acknowledge our location as an asset and positions our city

Photographs courtesy Gianfranco Archimede

Financial Times

Top 10 Small American Cities of the Future 2013/14 Infrastructure Rank City

in front of our target international audiences,” said Gomez.

Paterson’s appeal as an international business location is rapidly ascending. Paterson is less than ten minutes from Manhattan. It is located ten minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport, with over 50 international flights a day, and within easy access of the two largest ports on the East Coast.

The city’s economic profile continues to improve. Major growth industries include tourism, healthcare and food processing and manufacturing. There are 18 priority real estate projects with an estimated value over $150 million dollars in the pipeline. Unemployment has steadily decreased, dropping 2.6 percent since 2011. The city is also investing in residential development and local amenities including public parks to support future growth. dP

1

Elizabeth, New Jersey

2

Yonkers, New York

3

Newark, New Jersey

4

Stamford, Connecticut

5

Jersey City, New Jersey

6

Paterson, New Jersey

7

Pasadena, Texas

8

Fremont, California

9

Hayward, California

10

Vallejo, California

SOURCE: fDi Intelligence

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 7

cover story

Denver Broncos Player Leads Pack of Pro Athletes to Build Up Paterson

by Arrie Ledley

8 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

A

ll eyes were on East Rutherford, NJ when it was announced that Super Bowl XLVIII was being played at the MetLife Stadium, but eyes began to squint and see a bit farther to Paterson, NJ when Denver Broncos safety Mike Adams announced he would walk to his hometown if the Broncos won. The Passaic Tech High School graduate did not get his wish, as the Broncos lost 43-8 to the Seattle Seahawks. Nonetheless, Adams brought great pride to Paterson during Super Bowl week, proving there is more to these 5500 acres of land than meets the eye.

“I love Paterson to death,” Adams told Destination Paterson at the pep rally that was held in his honor days before the Super Bowl at Planet 301 in the Center City Mall in Paterson.

“We have to be more positive,” said Adams. “This is a great time for Paterson.”

A ten-year NFL veteran, Adams joined the league in 2004

Photographs by Mary A. Brown

NFL player Mike Adams speaks to a supportive hometown crowd at a rally in his honor before the Super Bowl in February.

as a free agent from the University of Delaware. He played special teams for the San Francisco 49ers and then started 18 of his next 30 games as free safety and cornerback. He has also played for the Cleveland Browns and now the Denver Broncos where he earned the AFC Championship title and played in the 2014 Super Bowl.

The Broncos safety is also the co-owner of Around The Clock (ATC) Printing based in Hawthorne, NJ. The silk screening and digital printing business was established in 2000 and was acquired by Adams and his partner in the business ­Cristian Freire two years ago. Prior to meeting Freire, Adams owned a silk screening shop on Madison Avenue in Paterson, where his brother Jarrel Adams ran the day to day operations. Since joining their businesses, Adams and Freire have grown the shop from a small manual printing opera­tion into an industrial silk-screening and embroidery business with an automatic press and a state-of-the-art graphics department.

ATC Printing services national clients that include Macy’s, Yankee Linen and Bottle King.

“Adams has become a poster boy of Paterson perseverance, and he exemplifies not making excuses but sucking it up and making things happen,” said Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, who is also joint recreation coordinator at Paterson Public Schools.

Rising Stars In 2006, the Rising Stars Foundation, Inc. was founded

by Adams along with Gerald Hayes, an NFC Champion with the Arizona Cardinals and three-time All Big East conference selection from the University of Pittsburgh. By teaming up with local community outreach organizations such as the Silk City Cardinals, Rising Stars supports kids and families in underserved communities.

NFL player Marcel Shipp on the red carpet with Paterson youth at the Super Bowl pep rally.

4th and Inches

M

arcel Shipp’s list of football accomplishments is impressive. He is a two-time finalist for the Walter Payton award—which goes to the best offensive Division 1AA player, second team All-American, and both an NFL and United Football League (UFL) player for the Arizona Cardinals and the Houston Texans. But it is his continued community ­service in the City of Paterson that distinguishes him in the city. Shipp is the co-founder of the 4th and Inches Foundation, an organization dedicated to the betterment of Paterson’s youth. Co-founded with Emanuel Capers, the current director, the foundation provides kids with the opportunity to experience youth-focused programs such as annual football camps, trips outside the city, and essay writing contests with scholarship awards. These youth-oriented programs strive to have a lasting positive impact on the lives of inner city youth by creating a lifelong passion for learning and ­personal excellence. For more information about the 4th and Inches Foundation please visit www.4thandinchesfoundation.com.

Destination Paterson | Winter 2014 9

Remembering Her Roots

© 2014 Marko Georgiev / Northjersey.com

Victor Cruz works out with hometown youth during an event last October at the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson.

(Continued from previous page)

Adams and Hayes remain highly involved in the initiatives of their foundation along with other numerous community service efforts such as ­winter coat drives, and Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

For more information on ­Rising Stars Foundation, visit www.risingstarsfoundation.org.

Cruz Control 2012 New York Giants Super Bowl champion Victor Cruz—known as much for his famous end zone salsa dancing as his prowess on the football field—proudly wears his Paterson roots in everything he does. “I’m never afraid to tell people where I’m from, and that’s

Paterson, baby,” Cruz has famously said. In the few years since his team’s unlikely and inspiring win, Cruz has visited the schools he attended in Paterson—P.S. 21 and Paterson Catholic—to encourage his hometown students that they can succeed in everything they want to do. Cruz attended the University of Massachusetts on a full scholarship, and since joining the New York Giants, has set the team record for the most ­receiving yards in a single season.

Cruz volunteers much of his time, resources and money to fostering ­r elationships and creating lasting impacts on the youth and community within his hometown. Well known for his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of

Determined to share the secrets to her success with the community where she honed her skills, WNBA New York Liberty guard ­Essence Carson continues to be very involved with basketball ­clinics, camps, and guest speaking engagements. “Anytime there is a recreational need ­Essence is there and connecting with the community” said Benjie ­Wimberly, New Jersey ­A ssemblyman and joint recreation coordinator of Paterson Public Schools. ­Carson honed her ­basketball skills at ­Eastside High School where she led the team to three county titles and garnered numerous awards.

America in Paterson and Passaic, Cruz recently donated $500,000 to the local chapter of the national non-profit. dP

Paterson Needs Big Brothers Assistance

F

ormer NBA placer Tim Thomas had an impressive college and professional basketball career. He was a full scholarship recipient to Villanova University and the 7th overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft. However, it is his roots in Paterson—he attended high school at Paterson Catholic—that inspired him to start Paterson Needs Big Brothers Assistance (PNBA) last year. Dedicated to stopping the gun violence that has plagued the community, the PNBA is working in partnership with the “Guns Down, Life Up” organization to promote the “Shoot Basketballs, Not People” Summer league. The league consists of 12 teams, including two comprised of local high school players, and runs during the summer at Paterson Kennedy and Paterson Eastside high schools. For more information about PNBA visit http://pnba20.wordpress.com.

10 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

Make every day her best day ever.

It starts with one day, one meeting, and one role model that shows her she can accomplish more than she ever imagined. At Girl Scouts, we want every girl to feel so excited about her future that she can hardly wait for it.

That feeling starts with you.

Volunteer at www.gsnnj.org Locations in Paterson, Paramus, Randolph and Riverdale

www.gsnnj.org

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 11

12 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

economic development

Rendering of the Medical Missions for Children Hotel & Conference Center at St Joseph’s Regional Medical Center

Growing Paterson’s Business Base Source: © 2013 Northjersey.com; Author: Richard Cowen; Date: October 25, 2013

T

here was plenty of big talk and big dreams at the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce breakfast Thursday morning — to go with a surprising amount of evidence that the Silk City is becoming a hot property for investors. The event was dubbed “Works in Progress” and detailed big projects already under way that could anchor future growth.

William McDonald, the CEO of St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, pointed to a $250 million investment in the neighborhood along Main Street in South Paterson — with a new hotel complex expected to break ground in the spring, and a deal with New York Medical School to come to Paterson once it is built.

There’s also new housing on nearby Barclay Street, and new retail, like the Walgreens that is moving onto Main Street, he said.

William “Billy” Procida, a Dumont native with a 30-year

Photograph courtesy Paterson Restoration Corporation

track record in urban redevelopment, spoke in almost messianic terms of the potential to transform old, battered, dangerous, and sometimes abandoned properties in Paterson into new housing, changing neighborhoods and attitudes — and ultimately, saving lives, he said.

That’s exactly what Procida claims to have done in the South Bronx in the early 1980s, when, under the auspices of Mayor Ed Koch, he built thousands of units housing in the notorious slum dubbed “Fort Apache.”

“Paterson is more like Short Hills, New Jersey, compared to Fort Apache,” Procida told about 200 business leaders and politicians gathered at the Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse.

“In Fort Apache, gangs controlled every corner. But we built ­condominiums in the most dangerous neighborhood in America.”

The key, Procida said, was to work with gangs like the Bloods and Crips — communicate with them, teach them Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 13

NJ TRANSIT rail service offers residents and visitors easy access through the downtown district.

St. Joseph’s Hospital is the city’s healthcare jewel.

(Continued from previous page)

This city has the potential to be the new Brooklyn.

—Ekaterina “Kat” Valiotis

how to build, give them a stake in the new community.

Procida said kids don’t join gangs because they want to commit crimes. They join them because they want to become part of a family, he said.

“Prisons don’t work,” Procida said. “We need to encourage gang members to put down their guns and pick up a hammer and a paintbrush. It can be done.”

Now an Englewood Cliffs resident, Procida manages the 100-Mile Fund, a private investment fund that loans money to projects within a 100-mile radius of the George Washington Bridge. He’s already invested $5 million in renovation projects in Paterson’s 4th Ward, and called Paterson “one of the greatest places to invest in America.”

Ekaterina “Kat” Valiotis, who manages Alma Realty, also is bullish on Paterson. The firm is headed by her father, Steve, who built the Center City Mall downtown, and more recently redeveloped the huge warehouse at 297 Getty Ave. into 700,000 square feet of commercial space, with a first floor that has been repurposed for retail and an educational facility, she said.

With an NJ Transit rail link and easy access to Route 80, Paterson is a convenient commute to New York City. Alma Realty is completing a 240-unit apartment complex on Beech Street that is expected to come onto the market in December or January, Valiotis said. Rents will run around $1,100 a month — a fraction of what a comparable apartment in New York City would cost, she said.

Valiotis said the city, with a multitude of red brick fac-

14 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

tories and warehouses, has lots of properties that could be refit as housing. “This city has the potential to be the new Brooklyn,” she said.

Jones, who is up for re-election in the spring of 2014, said he is less enamored of new housing and more concerned with creating new jobs. His goal, he said, is to create 3,000 new small businesses.

At the breakfast, Jones received an award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors for his efforts at seeding small businesses. In his remarks, Jones claimed that crime was down 13 percent in the city — he didn’t say where he got that statistic — but conceded that the city had many “broken folks” who were struggling to survive.

The mayor ticked off two city projects that are showing signs of hope. An engineering team arrived at Hinchliffe Stadium on Wednesday to begin a $1.5 million stabilization of the crumbling concrete. Hinchliffe, which was recently designated a national landmark, is one of the few stadiums still standing where Negro League baseball was played. The city’s plan is to stabilize Hinchliffe while it seeks a private sector partnership to restore it.

Jones said the city also plans to spend $450,000 to remove asbestos and other debris from the historic Paterson Armory, at Market and Pennington streets. The city would like to create a cultural center in the 118-year-old building, but first needs to clean it out to make it attractive to a private partnership, Jones said.

The city also is expanding its Special Improvement District program to include South Paterson and the commercial district along 21st Avenue known as People’s Park. The boundaries of a SID are set by the City Council, and once it is established, it brings various commercial and retail interests together to plan marketing, retail mix and growth strategies.

Business and landowners are charged a small portion of their assessment to pay to operate the SID. Paterson already has SIDs in the Bunker Hill section and in the downtown shopping district on Main Street. dP

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 15

economic development

Paterson cityscape overlooking Route 80 Photograph by Louis Fornaro

The City is Showing People Live, Visit Paterson Commons II Plans by a private developer are under way to renovate the Reinhardt Mills building, located in the city’s 6th Ward, to create 99 new apartment units. Constructed in the early 1900s and long active as a silk mill, the building is currently unused.

PCCC Hamilton Hall

Farmer’s Market

LIVING IN PATERSON Pennington Park

A $3.6 million redevelopment and construction project focusing on the lower level of Pennington Park includes three new soccer fields and improvements to three existing baseball fields, including the conversion of one to artificial turf.

16 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

Passaic County Community College is establishing a Center for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Innovation. The three-story facility, with 14 new classrooms and interactive learning spaces, will occupy 15,000 square feet of space renovated with the help of $2 million in funding from the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT).

William Strange Mill Once a part of Paterson’s booming silk industry, this mill at 44 Beech

Street is being converted into 240 market-rate loft units. The project will preserve the building’s historic exterior while introducing spacious layouts, high ceilings, and many amenities inside.

Paterson Arts & Science Charter School A new charter school, located on East 33rd Street, opened its doors this fall, welcoming students in grades kindergarten through five.

The school plans to add one grade each year, with the ultimate goal of serving some 540 students through the eighth grade.

VISITING PATERSON Hilton Hotel

A new Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center is slated to open in 2016. Located adjacent to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Center, it will offer 132 guest rooms, a full-service

Photographs courtesy Paterson Restoration Corporation

Progress in Areas Where and Conduct Business DOING BUSINESS IN PATERSON Giannella Modern Baking Company

The new owners of Giannella Modern Baking relocated to Paterson from New York and have begun renovations to the original Giannella Bakery. An estimated $4 million in renovations and equipment will bring new life to the 21st Avenue retail corridor.

New Jersey Transit

restaurant, conference and banquet space, an indoor pool, and a parking garage. The hotel is the latest in a series of nearby developments, including $250 million in construction

by St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. A new medical office building will also be constructed, housing physician practices and the New Jersey campus of New York Medical School.

Mill Reuse Survey and Planning Paterson has completed a survey of 30 mills and complexes, landmarks of the city’s industrial past that are now ideally suited for redevelopment.

Of these sites, 28 were determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, providing a tax credit opportunity for owners interested in redevelopment.

International House of Pancakes Plans are under way to bring an IHOP into the Downtown area of the City. Construction is set to begin in spring 2014.

Aqel Medical Plaza The Paterson Community Clinic PA, a medical practice with two locations in the city, is building a Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 17

Click

Paterson’s eMerGinG DeVeloPMents Mill reuse survey and Planning

Downtown special improvement District

Mary ellen Kramer Park Project

PATER

essex Phoenix Mills

overlook Park riverwalk

Paterson Post Office

Pennington Park

(Continued from previous page)

new medical plaza on Crooks Avenue to house a lab and a medical practice location, as well as apartment units and a community room.

PCCC Center for education and Workforce Development

Classic auto expansion

Walgreens A newly constructed Walgreens Pharmacy on Hine Street is expected to inject $2 million in capital investment into the City.

1010 South Paterson Plaza New construction will be completed in the summer of 2014 which will house a 25,000-square-foot mixeduse/medical plaza. The initial investment in this project is $2 million. The goal of this project is to employ approximately 50-75 Paterson residents.

Essex Phoenix Mills This 144-unit apartment complex is under rehabilitation at an estimated cost of $5.4 million. The work will include new kitchens and bathrooms, façade improvements, sidewalk repairs, and a new security system and elevators. dP

William strange Mill

liviNg iN PatErSoN viSitiNg PatErSoN DoiNg BuSiNESS iN PatErSoN SPECial imProvEmENt DiStriCtS

18 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

1010 south Paterson Plaza

on Any of the Emerging Developments Sites Below to View Additional Information Downtown Historic District Guidelines

Bunker Hill special improvement District

super supermarket

Motor Vehicle office expansion

international House of Pancakes

Mamajuana Cafè

PCCC enrollment and student services Center

MaD

ison

RI

aV e

VE

R

ST

Hope Vi Project

Underground railroad Memorial Monument

PCCC-Hamilton Hall

SON Br oa DWaY

Paterson arts and science Charter school

eastside Cricket House

M

McBride Fire Headquarters

a rK et

80

st Boys & Girls Club expansion

M ai n Giannella Modern Baking Company

st

19

80

William Carlos Williams Community Plaza Hilton Garden inn and Conference Center

aqel Medical Plaza

Paterson Commons ii Walgreens

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 19

city restaurants

Griselda’s Restaurant

International Cuisine n American

n Catering Facilities

Libby’s Lunch

The Brownstone

98 McBride Ave Paterson, NJ 07501 (973) 278-8718

351 W Broadway Paterson, NJ 07522 (973) 595-8582

Since 1936, Libby’s has been serving authentic American cuisine and their famous hot dogs in the heart of the Great Falls Historic District, just steps away from many of Paterson’s national landmarks.

Renovated in the 1940s, The Brownstone was revived from a charred building into a banquet hall, which today accommodates upwards of 1,000 guests.

Silk City BBQ Grill 201 Market St Paterson, NJ 07505 (862) 257-9935

20 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

n Desserts & Baked Goods

Guernsey Crest Ice Cream Company 134 19th Ave Paterson, NJ 07513 (973) 742-4620

Opened by the Cornwell ­family in 1927, Guernsey Crest has been ­producing ice cream commercially for 80 years now.

The family-owned business, now in its fourth generation, resides in a part of ­Paterson rarely known to the public.

However, fans have been spotted waiting in long lines for their well-known ice cream.

Taskin Bakery 103 Hazel St Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 278-9555

n Italian

n Mexican

E&V Ristorante

El Tipico 407 21st Ave Paterson, NJ 07513 (973) 278-2527

La Hacienda Owner Yaser Basha of Ramallah opened his Middle Eastern and Lebanese cuisine restaurant eleven years ago in the heart of Paterson on Main Street. Basha’s Al-Basha Platter has been referred to as “the perfect introduction for d ­ iners unfamiliar with Middle Eastern Cuisine.”

320 Chamberlain Ave Paterson, NJ 07502 (973) 942-4664 Chefs and owners Elio and Raffaelle Federico opened the doors of E&V ­Ristorante in 1967 and have been serving authentic traditional and new age Italian cuisine to the visitors and residents of Paterson for 46 years.

Lefty’s Restaurant and Pizzeria

102 McLean Blvd Paterson, NJ 07514 (973) 345-1255 La Hacienda serves authentic Mexican food. Their menu features a variety of Mexican dishes from sizzling fajitas and chimichangas to steamy burritos.

Toros Restaurant

Al Raouche Restaurant 169 Crooks Ave Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 279-5131 Serving the Paterson area for over 20 years, the Faddoul’s family focus remains the same “to provide hearty food with integrity that embraces the abundant offerings of the Mediterranean region.” Al Raouche offers Middle Eastern breakfast, lunch and dinner menu options. They are famous for their Falafel Abu Reda and Shawerna.

Aleppo Restaurant 939 Main St Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 977-2244

391 Crooks Ave Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 998-9055

1083 Main St Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 742-6877

n Middle Eastern

Patsy’s Tavern & Restaurant 72 7th Ave Paterson, NJ 07524 (973) 742-95966

Al-Basha Restaurant 1076 Main St Paterson, NJ, 07503 973-345-3700

n Peruvian

El Pollo Gordo 345 Union Ave Paterson, NJ 07502 (973) 904-1944 Located on the corner of ­Monroe Street and Union Avenue, this quaint ­restaurant features Peruvian home style cooking. Guests have raved about

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 21

(Continued from previous page)

the different styles of chicken and their special green sauce.

n Steak House

Turkish

Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse

Oz Karadeniz 1023 Main St Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 523-7779

Griselda’s Restaurant

Sahara Restaurant 345 E Railway Ave Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 754-0070

81 Market St Paterson, NJ 07505 (973) 225-0331

La Tia Delia Restaurant 28 Market St Paterson, NJ 07505 (973) 523-4550

101 Ward St Paterson, NJ 07505 (973) 345-8444

Yakamoz Restaurant

The Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse offers menus for all fine dining ­occasions. Choose from lunch and ­dinner menus which offer options ranging from their renowned dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood to seasonal harvest soups & salads, as well as prix fixe menus.

1095 Main St Paterson, NJ 07503 (973) 247-0072

Cheesecake Is All the Rave at Jacksonville

W

hen Michael Jackson— former arena football player—purchased a commercial building in his hometown of Paterson 20 years ago, he had no idea that two years later he would partner with another chef to establish Jacksonville restaurant. Since then, the establishment has grown into a local hotspot, well-known for its private events, live entertainment show­casing both local and international talent, and soul food menu options with a culinary flair.

The restaurant has become especially well-known for its Sweet Potato Cheesecake, its biggest selling menu item.

This signature cheesecake was introduced to the Jacksonville menu in 2004 and since then Jackson states “it’s been hard to keep in stock.” Based on a recipe created by Jackson himself, he vows to keep the recipe secret, personally making each cheesecake from start to finish. Due to the special nature of his recipe no two cakes are the same.

The positive reception Jacksonville has received from the local community has been great for lunch and Sunday

22 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

brunch. However, the 200-plus patrons who travel for miles to celebrate special occasions affirms Jackson’s vision of creating a destination dining experience.

With a projected $2.2 million in revenue for 2014, Jackson is able to award job opportunities to the local community.

Currently he has 25 ­employees on his payroll and hopes to continue to expand the business through new marketing outreach efforts.

Jacksonville is located at 325 Grand Street, and is open 6 days a week. For more information, visit www.JacksonvilleLive.net. dP

community perspective

The historic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, located at Main and Grand Streets.

Keeping the Faith

by Kimberly Prime New initiative aimed at encouraging social entrepreneurship through Paterson’s faith-based organizations

T

he term social entrepreneurship has gained popularity recently, with examples of successful businesses encouraging real change in the communities they serve. Unlike traditional business entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs primarily seek to generate “social value” rather than profits. And unlike the majority of non-profit organizations, their work is targeted not only towards immediate, small-scale effects, but sweeping, long-term change.

One of the most successful examples in New Jersey is the Eastern Christian School Association. With school locations in Midland Park, North Haledon and Wyckoff, the school also operates three supporting businesses—ditto Upscale Resale,

Photographs courtesy The Paterson Museum

Eagles Camp, and Eagle Solar, LLC. The association worked with William Paterson University to develop business plans and create marketing strategy and public relations, and was awarded the 2011 Small Business Growth Success Award by the New Jersey Small Business Development Center.

Seeking to emulate that success, and to further the social entrepreneurship efforts in the City of Paterson, the Department of Community Development is sponsoring the 2014 Social Entrepreneurship Challenge: Business of ­Believing.

Challenge entrants must submit an executive summary of their business venture idea, write and submit a business plan and pitch their idea to the challenge selection c­ ommittee.

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 23

Plenty of Options to Exercise Your Religious Freedom Paterson is home to a number of churches and other religious organizations. A small sampling of the churches in the city is below: St Michael’s Orthodox Church 52 Sherman Avenue Our Lady of Pompei Church 160 Caldwell Avenue

Did You Know?

N

estled among the multiple religious houses of worship is what can be considered a national historic landmark right on Auburn Street. Currently the Bethel AME Church, the site became a national historic treasure when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at the church a few days before he was assassinated in April of 1968. In March of that year, Dr. King spoke to a crowd of people in what was then the Community Baptist Church of Love.

(Continued from previous page)

The challenge kicked off in January, and the grand prize winner of a monetary prize will be announced in May. In order to help those that have an idea but may not know where to begin, the department offered an “Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship” workshop in January and a follow up “Business Plan Development” workshop in March.

Defined as “a form of entrepreneurship that integrates social goals and social problem solving into its core business model,” a recent spate of community initiatives have proven that social entrepreneurship is the model that can make a real difference in the City. The City’s current effort is focused on those entrepreneurs that are members of Paterson’s religious organizations and houses of worship.

“We believe this type of social entrepreneurship approach is important to redeveloping and revitalizing the community,” says Randall Lassiter, chairman of the Paterson Restoration Corporation and assistant pastor at Calvary Baptist Church.

“We are focusing on the faith-based community because they have important ties to the residents and want to help them in efforts that many of them are already doing. Many churches in the city already operate feeding the homeless ministries and other community-based initiatives. We want to help them take a step further so that they can also employ some people in the community as well.” dP

24 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

Solid Rock Baptist Church 196 Spring Street The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 40 East 39th Street Paterson Assembly of God 385 Park Avenue East Side Seventh Day Church 196 17th Avenue Bethel AME Zion Church 2-4 Auburn Street St. Anthony’s RC Church 138 Beech Street St. John’s Cathedral 381 Grand Street Calvary Baptist Church 575 East 18th Street Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 209 Trenton Avenue Congregation of Yahweh 586 Main Street Harvest Outreach Ministry 204 21st Avenue St Therese Roman Catholic Church 765 14th Avenue Iglesia Pentecostal Puerta 108 East 19th Street Abundant Life Worship Center of Paterson 243 East 18th Street St. Phillips United Methodist Church 229 Marion Street Madison Ave Christian Church 494 Madison Avenue Great Pentecostal Tabernacle 427 11th Ave Central Korean Baptist Church 900 Madison Avenue Our Lady of Victories-Shrine of St. Jude Broadway and Memorial Drive St. Mary Help of Christians 410 Union Avenue St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation 451 Van Houten Street

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 25

Pictured, from L to R: Andre Sayegh, Council President; Mayor Jeffery Jones; Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter; State ­Senator Nellie Pou; Mireya Perez, Owner; Senator Robert Menendez; Jeffrey Perez, Owner; Antonio Perez, Owner, and Councilman Anthony Davis.

Super Supermarket Anchors $35 Million Urban Redevelopment in Paterson

by Kimberly Prime

F

ather and son owners Antonio Perez, 53 and Jeffrey Perez, 28, celebrated the culmination of a ten-year long dream when they cut the ribbon on the new Super Supermarket in the city last summer. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), who toured the same area in 2011 with President Barack Obama after the devastation of Hurricane Irene, joined the proud owners for the ribbon ­cutting to commemorate the project.

The Super Supermarket is the centerpiece of a $35 million urban redevelopment of an area that has seen significant flooding and damage for many years, and was especially ravaged in 2011 after Hurricane Irene and in 2012 after

26 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

Superstorm Sandy. President Obama’s visit to the area for a personal assessment of the damage was prompted by the severity of the storm, with people being trapped in their flooded homes for days after.

Today, the redeveloped site is made up of four lots that include commercial businesses, a paved river walk, and open space for use as a community park. The family-owned development company spent a decade bringing this project to fruition, making special provisions for building in a flood zone. The new store is built on piers, and has a strategically incorporated water retention ­system that includes an outdoor 150,000 gallon vortex system that cleans the Passaic

Photographs by Mary A. Brown

urban redevelopment

We were determined to transfrom this dream into a vision, and that vision into a reality.

LEFT: Senator Robert Menendez congratulates the Perez family on successfully transforming a former flood zone in the city into a full-service supermarket.

—Antonio Perez

AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

River and then goes into a 200,000 gallon tank underground.

According to Antonio Perez—a Cuban immigrant who came to the U.S. at 19 and built a company that includes several stores throughout the state—“we were determined to transform this dream into a vision, and that vision into a reality.

Ever since I was young, I would walk across that bridge and see this area vacant. I always knew I wanted to build a business here. The flooding never deterred me,” he said. The company owns two other locations in the area—including another on West Broadway in Paterson and on Haledon Avenue in Haledon—and locations in Asbury Park and Orange.

Offering a wide variety of products for residents, the new market is another option for fresh foods and quality goods.

In addition to the supermarket, one of the other lots is being leased by a national auto parts chain and other chains are inquiring about moving to the area. The Perez family has donated a walkway along the Passaic River to the City of Paterson to encourage the use of open space by the local community. Son Jeffrey, 28, adds, “We are so proud to offer such a high quality shopping experience and redevelopment to a community that has been a part of our lives for so many years.”

The development brings approximately 50 jobs to the Paterson community. dP

President Barack Obama visits flood damage caused by ­Hurricane Irene in Paterson, N.J., Sept. 4, 2011 with Gov. Chris Christie, left, Paterson Mayor Jeffery Jones, far left and Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., center right. The Passaic River is seen at rear.

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 27

tourism

Life in Paterson

by Arrie Ledley

S

ituated on the Passaic River, the city of Paterson is flowing with American History, “must see” landmarks, and adventure. With numerous nationally recognized historical sites, there is no limit to the sights to see

throughout this bustling city. Known for its powerhouse design during the Industrial Revolution, Paterson today remains a cornerstone in American history, with much to offer residents and visitors alike.

Great Falls National Park Named the birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution, the Great Falls of the Passaic River is the second largest waterfall by volume, east of the Mississippi River.

The 77 foot-tall falls has engineered raceways and mills that are described as America’s very first systematic attempt to develop extensive waterpower for manu-

facturing purposes. Today, the Great Falls is recognized as a National Historical Park and Landmark. The park is open daily to the public for guided tours by a park ranger or self-guided tours using a free app. For more information visit nps.gov/pagr.

Paterson Farmers Market Formed during the Great Depression, the Paterson Farmers Market quickly grew in size and had to relocate to South Paterson, along the Erie Railroad line. For 80 years the market has supplied healthy fresh produce, fruits and vegetables to hospitals, institutions and supermarkets directly from garden state farmers. Today, local farmers still are offering consumers an affordable, healthy food source.

The Paterson Farmers Market is open 365 days a year from 7a.m. until 6p.m. For more information visit http://patersonfarmersmarket.com.

28 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

Garret Mountain Reservation This scenic park provides picturesque views of northern New Jersey and the New York City skyline.

Visitors can enjoy 568 acres of recreational area that offers a wide range of activities and facilities such as an equestrian center, athletic fields, fishing, picnic grounds, jogging paths, and trails for cross country skiing, hiking and running. Garret Mountain is home to other popular tourist spots such as Lambert Castle, The Paterson Museum, and the Great Falls. Park hours are dawn to dusk. For a complete list of facilities and activities please visit www.nynjtc.org/park/ garret-mountain-reservation

Lambert Castle A tree-lined road leads to the beautifully constructed Lambert Castle, perched on top of Garrett Mountain overlooking the City of Paterson. The castle was constructed in 1892 as a 53-acre showpiece to serve as the private home of Catholina Lambert, an English immigrant who made his fortune in the silk industry. In 1923, after Lambert’s death, his son Walter sold the house and furnishings to the City of Paterson.

As a result, a museum and art gallery was constructed.

Today, the castle serves as a historic monument and is open to the public. Visitors are invited to check out the renovated museum and library all year round, or its special seasonal events. The castle has also been dubbed a hot spot for newlyweds to take photos.

Visitors are welcomed at the museum and the castle grounds everyday from dawn to dusk. For more information about Lambert Castle or to schedule your trip, visit www.LambertCastle.org.

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 29

(Continued from previous page)

Hinchliffe Stadium This nationally recognized stadium was built at the beginning of the Great Depression to serve as a sportshaven for the struggling working-class kids in an industrial dominated city. However, the stadium needed to generate revenue and became known as the home to a wide range of professional black sports

during the “Jim Crow” era. The stadium featured some of the greatest black professional players in baseball, football and boxing who had no access to major leagues. Today the stadium is now a national landmark and available for scheduled visits. To schedule your visit, go to www.hinchliffestadium.org dP

EVANS ARCHITECTS 470 Chamberlain Avenue Paterson, New Jersey 07522 Ph: 973.942.9020 / Fax: 973.942.9025

Matthew Evans AIA Architect Planner New Jersey – New York matt@evansarchitects.com www.evansarchitects.com 30 Spring 2014 | Destination Paterson

SAVE THE DATE!

Downtown Paterson’s

4 of July th

Saturday, July 5th Sunday, July 6th For more information: 973-881-7300

sheri@greaterpatersoncc.org

Weekend Celebration FIREWORKS RIDES FOOD CAR SHOW LIVE MUSIC SHOPPING

*Sponsored by the Merchants and Businesses of Downtown Paterson

The New Jersey Small Business Development Center @ William Paterson University is the premier provider of strategic, growth focused business training and technical assistance services to established small businesses and start-up entrepreneurs. Our mission is to help entrepreneurs and business owners start and grow sustainable, successful small business through the delivery of appropriate training and technical assistance services and programs. Please call us for additional information on our: Free individual business counseling Low cost training and workshops

Fundamentals of Finance certificate Series Entrepreneur Certificate Program

Kate Muldoon, Regional Director William Paterson University Small Business Development Center Phone 973-754-8695 Website:www.wpunj.edu/sbdc Website:www.njsbdc.com http://www.facebook.com/WPUSBDC

Destination Paterson | Spring 2014 31

#SwitchToPINK DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

BIOPSY

ULTRASOUND

BONE DENSITY

See why thousands of patients have switched to PINK.

Faster more comfortable mammograms with Siemens MAMMOMAT Inspiration PRIME Edition!

Less compression!

Less Radiation!

• Consult with your radiologist • No prescription needed for screening mammograms • All types of ultrasounds • All major insurance accepted and no costly Facility Fees • Dense breast screening ultrasound • Se Habla Español

Karen Cortellino, M.D.

Lisa Sheppard, M.D.

Orestes Sanchez, M.D.

PINK Breast Center |680 Broadway, Suite 111 | Paterson, New Jersey 07514 | (973) 977-6662 PINK Breast Center | 312 Walter E. Foran Boulevard | Flemington, NJ 07514 | (908) 284-2300

www.pinkbreastcenter.com