Destination Paterson Summer 2014

Summer Dine Out Issue

Paterson

destination

SUMMER 2014

Best Places To

DINE OUT Nearly

50

Nationalities Call Paterson Home

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Why Do Restaurant Owners Choose Paterson?

E&V Ristorante owners Ralph Federico and Ellio Federico (pictured inside) have maintained a successful business in Paterson for nearly 50 years.

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letter from the publisher The Ceviche is Everything!

P

aterson is a very fascinating place. It is often said that there are more than 50 nationalities represented here. I can’t corroborate this widely known theory because the U.S. Census doesn’t drill down that far. But I can tell you that in my 40-year history of walking and driving the streets of this town, I have seen a plethora of flags, parades and restaurants that represent a wide range of cultures.

When you break down the nationalities within the black, white and Latino communities it is truly mind-opening.

This is the journey we embarked upon in this issue. We give you a taste of the rich culture embodied by the many people who call Paterson home.

They say the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, so we feed you in this issue. Be sure to check out the cover story featuring a variety of cultural cuisine. My favorite area for dining thus far is on the western side of Market Street, otherwise known as Little Lima. This area is home to several Peruvian restaurants, including Griselda’s, which has become my favorite. I stopped in on a rainy day just to try something new. It was 4 p.m., a time when a restaurant would be slow. But not Griselda’s. Every small wooden table was occupied.

My Spanish is very limited so I glazed over the menu items ranging from Pollo Frito con Arroz y Essalada to Parihuela con Cola de Langosta. I finally asked the waitress for a recommendation. And— OMG!!—the ceviche was everything! And the portions were large enough for my family of three! This day became one of the best I’ve spent in Paterson yet.

I hope you find a new favorite restaurant this summer, too!

Sakina Spruell Cole

Sincerely,

Sakina Spruell Cole Publisher

Publisher

Sakina Spruell Cole info@colemediainc.com

Editorial

Kimberly Prime Managing Editor Sonja Mack Editor Roberto Bustamante Writer Loren Kleinman Writer

www.DestinationPatersonMag.com

The Ceviche of Griselda’s

Rose Driscoll Writer Arrie Ledley Editorial Assistant

Art

Mary A. Brown Creative Director Todd Chapman Designer

Advertising

advertising@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 | Summer 2014 3

contents 3

Letter From the Publisher

In this Summer’s “Dine Out” issue, Paterson’s diverse culture is explored.

7

“Little Istanbul” Grows in Paterson

10

Have a Tasty Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Paterson

19

50 Nationalities Call Paterson Home

23

Sacred Places and Spaces

24

The Rebirth of Hinchliffe Stadium

27

History at The Great Falls

28

Paterson’s Power Players

Paterson’s rich Middle Eastern presence draws visitors from all over and positively impacts the city’s economy.

A review of some of the city’s popular eateries and their delicious diverse offerings.

7

Mary A. Brown

Mary A. Brown

SUMMER 2014

Paterson’s ethnic and cultural diversity is represented in the ­graduates from the local college and the myriad parades and ­festivals the city hosts.

Looking for a place to worship? Visit one of Paterson’s many faithbased establishments.

Hinchliffe Stadium was declared a New Jersey landmark earlier this year and plans to restore the historic site are underway.

10

The story of the remarkable business ambitions and achievements The Falls gave rise to..

Verfit diescremusa verficiem nos, que nonsulicaet distiss endientium. Mareo egerfiri iae iam ubis id condacio, con scivirmis, C. Qua quasdam. es, con Itamperis publicenatid notiam pore consilius hos.

Cover Photograph by Mary A. Brown

4 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

19 www.DestinationPatersonMag.com

message from the readers attendees will be impressed because Paterson is the third largest city in New Jersey. I am sure they will enjoy reading it as much as I have. Thank you for making a positive statement about our city through your magazine!

Beverly Williams Office of Legislative District 35

Spring Issue is Awesome

Exceptional!

Today I got a copy of your new magazine and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Paterson has had many periodicals but yours is exceptional! I loved the layout, pictures, and the articles were well written. I look forward to the next edition.

Keep up the good work!

Dawn Blakely-Harper Attorney at Law

Pleasantly Surprised

I was pleasantly surprised to see a new publication in my town of Paterson called Destination Paterson that you are publishing for the PRC. You don’t know how this really excites me as there are many treasures in Paterson and we need a positive spin on our city so others can come in and see what we have to offer.

La Shonda Tyree http://handmadesoapcoach.com

I’m a Fan

First, I’m a fan. I just got my hands on a copy of Destination Paterson and it looks great. There were a few copies at the Ivanhoe Artists Mosaic on Spruce Street.

Taz Ruffilo Paterson Film Festival Organization

Truly in Love

I am a lifelong resident born, raised and educated in ­Paterson. I am truly in love with your magazine Destination Paterson! I would love to have copies of your magazine to place in our welcome packets for our Family Reunion. Most of our

www.DestinationPatersonMag.com

I just wanted to take a moment to let you guys know how awesome the DP Spring 14 issue is. As a lifelong resident and a small business owner since 2002 it was very encouraging to read the article about Paterson being named in the Top 10 Cities list by the Financial Times, along with the Mike Adams article. It was great to read the “good news” about our beloved city, rather than the negative focus and attention we unfortunately receive via other media outlets far too often. So thank you for shining the light on the positive!!

Keep doing the great work.

Omar Fernandez, The Blackflag Shoppe (Center City Mall)

DP in Demand

Very impressive publication! How can we get issues for our church community?

Second Baptist Church Paterson, NJ

Distribution Outlets Welcomed!

We would love to be a location that distributes your magazine if that is possible. They would look great on our table by the door.

Ken Wallo Ivanhoe Artists

Correction

Please be advised that Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and not AME Zion. God bless you.

Pastor Allan Boyer Bethel A.M.E. Church

Send your letters or requests to distribute DP to info@colemediainc.com CONNECT WITH US Facebook.com/DestinationPaterson Twitter: @DestinaPaterson Instagram: DestinaPaterson

Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 5

s i toran R V & t e E 320 Chamberlain Ave Paterson, N.J. (973) 942-4664 / 8080

AMERICA’S 1000 TOP ITALIAN RESTAURANTS 2008

Italian Cuisine At Its Best Celebrating 46 years of serving the public!

Sample the Italian Abbondonza Table at Lunch or Dinner!

Wine Special!

Tavernello (white or red) - $12 bottle FoxMoor (white or red) - $10 bottle 6 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

Photographswww.DestinationPatersonMag.com courtesy Gianfranco Archimede

economic development

Nablus Pastries and Sweets

“Little Istanbul” Grows in Paterson Amongst Largest Middle Eastern Communities in the U.S.

by Rose Driscoll

R

esidents and visitors call South Paterson “Little Istanbul” because of its significant Middle Eastern population and the many shops and restaurants that proudly display Middle Eastern heritage.

Paterson has the largest Turkish-American population and the second largest Arab-American and BangladeshiAmerican populations in the United States. It ranks second to Dearborn, Michigan and New York City, respectively.

The draw of Middle Eastern culture and shopping contributes to the visible economic boom in South Paterson. “The merchants and I are making significant strides in creating

Photographs by Mary A. Brown

the Special Improvement District [in South Paterson] and we hope to make it official by the end of 2014,” says Andre Sayegh, Sixth Ward Councilman. He adds that his vision is “to put South Paterson in the same sentence as a Little Italy and a Chinatown.”

Rebhi Abedrabbo, owner of Nablus Pastries and Sweets on Main Street, has been working toward Councilman Sayegh’s vision for nearly two decades. Nablus, which opened in 1996, offers freshly baked Palestinian desserts that people travel from as far as North Carolina to eat.

“They used to import these,” Abedrabbo said of his Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 7

(Top Left) South Paterson Plaza ­ onstruction. (Top Right) Mixed-use c project on the corner of Dey and Main Streets. (Right) Sunday afternoon ­patrons of Nablus Pastries and Sweets wait for treats.

They might live all over New Jersey, but they consider South Paterson a shopping area for them.

—Rebhi Abedrabbo

popular pastries. “They shipped them not on airplanes, but on boats. It could take more than 40 days.” His pastries, baked from scratch daily, are an improvement on the imports because they are much fresher.

The bakery’s top-selling dish is a kanafeh, a cheese pastry best served hot. “This is what makes us so famous,” Abedrabbo said. “People will come from all over for that. We’re the only ones who make it.”

The entire area surrounding Nablus is filled with Middle Eastern food and other goods.

“Vistors can spend the day,” Abe-

8 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

drabbo said. “They love to come up for the weekend to have ‘back home’ time.

They might live all over New Jersey, but they consider South Paterson a shopping area for them.”

Driving down Main Street, from Crooks Avenue to Bloomfield Avenues travelers can see a new construction project on almost every other corner in South Paterson. Some of the development includes a mixed-use project on Main Street, between Genesse and Buffalo Avenues and another on the corner of Dey Street and Main Street, as well as the long-awaited South Paterson Plaza at 1010 Main Street.

The popular kanafeh along with baklava, served at Nablus.

“As the area continues to grow, so will its reputation,” says Sayegh. dP —Additional reporting by Loren Kleinman

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Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 9

cover storyslug

Best Picks for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in

Paterson

by Roberto Bustamante, Loren Kleinman & Arrie Ledley

10 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

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aterson is home to some of the oldest and most culturally diverse eateries in the tri-state area.

From the Great Falls to East 18th Street, there’s a slew of good eats that range from ceviche to a good old-fashioned plate of ribs. The team at ­Destination Paterson trekked most of the city to bring you culinary delights that are not only good for the soul, but bring a community of ravenous foodies together from New York to New Jersey.

Photographs by Mary Brown

Lunch & in D ner Pick

E&V Ristorante 320 Chamberlain Avenue Paterson, NJ 07502 Phone: (973) 942-8080 Q: What is your signature dish?

A: Ellio - I don’t have one because I am always creating daily specials. So everything is always fresh.

Ralph - The Chicken Rafaele and the Zuppa di Pesce.

Q: What is your favorite dish?

A: E - I don’t have one. I love food!

R - Chicken stuffed with broccoli rabe.

Ralph Federico

Ellio Federico

47

years ago, E&V Ristorante opened its doors in Paterson.

This small pizzeria founded by two teenagers has since grown immensely. Today E&V is a full-service restaurant whipping up homemade Italian recipes inspired by the owners’ mother’s signature recipes along with their own experimental creations over the past few decades.

Destination Paterson sat down with brothers and co-owners Ellio and Ralph Federico to talk food.

Q: Why did you choose to do business in Paterson?

A: We wanted to do business where we live.

We have been residents of Paterson since the 1960s. It’s a nice area that gets a bad reputation because of the riots in the past.

But this is a great area and we have great customers that come from all over. Their only complaint—our large servings!

The Federico brothers continue to work every day, cooking everything that is served themselves. The brothers hope to retire soon and move back to their native country of Italy.

Taormina Pizza 301 Madison Avenue Paterson, NJ 07524 (973) 742-1163

Lunch Pick

With his sights on a better economical future, Andre Morzetta, a Sicilian immigrant, began the journey of entrepreneurship.

Now 33 years later Taormina the once small pizzeria has transformed into a bustling family business, co-managed by his son Arturo who believes “Paterson is a great city for a business; you just have to put in the work. You get out what you put in.” The Morzetta’s family business is a hometown favorite for New Jersey Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly ­(Passaic County, District 35) who raves about their Italian dishes.

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Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 11

Russell Graddy

The Original Mr. G’s 455 East 18th Street Paterson, NJ 07514 Phone: (973) 782-4020

Lunch Pick

S

wiveling red chairs, old-fashioned milk shakes and a killer burger are what you are sure to get from The Original Mr. G’s. From the Chopped BBQ to the half pounder deluxe, The Original Mr. G’s off 18th Street has specialties that range in flavor and culture. If you’re looking to feed your soul, try the BBQ Ribs, which are made on-site on a backyard grill.

For the fish lover, treat yourself to the Fried Catfish, which boasts a crispy outer skin and a meaty underside. For sides, we recommend the Baked Macaroni & Cheese. The combination of tender macaroni and decadent cheese is a perfect companion to any country cooked BBQ dish.

Dinner Pick

Toros 1083 Main Street Paterson, NJ 07503 Phone: (973) 742-6877

simit and manti), and grains, such as bulgar and pilav, are Toros staples. For your soguk mezeler (cold appetizer), we recommend the Babagannush—pureed smoked eggplant with garlic and sesame oil. For your ana yemekler (entrée), try the Adana Kebab—

The Toros Mountains rise at the western-most range of the

chopped lamb flavored with red bell peppers

Great Himalayas, but you don’t have to travel that far to

and paprika, and grilled on skewers. And if

enjoy Turkish cuisine. Toros in Paterson has been cooking

you have room for dessert, try the Kadayif,

up their family recipes for years. Turkish cuisine features

a shredded wheat pastry filled with walnuts

four types of bread made from wheat flour (ekmek, pide,

and syrup, and a Turkish coffee.

12 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

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Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 13

Q: What is the signature dish at Libby’s Lunch?

A: Hot Texas Weiner—deep fried then topped with chili sauce, brown mustard and chopped onions.

Q: What is your favorite dish?

A: Cheeseburger with extra cheese, no onions, extra mustard and french fries. I literally eat french fries every day!

Lunch Pick

Q: How did you get into the restaurant business?

A: I didn’t! This was my husband Niko’s dream; to come to America from Greece and get into the food business. He bought Libby’s Lunch. I had a job as an accountant and wanted a house instead. But I found myself helping out here from the beginning and I’ve been here ever since. Then once my husband died 20 years ago, we turned this into a family business. My kids and their spouses are very involved in helping manage and run the restaurant. We work together to keep my husband’s dream alive.

Heidi Psarros

Libby’s Lunch 98 McBride Avenue Paterson NJ 07501 Phone: (973) 278-8718

P

lanted in the heart of Paterson is the quaint and famous Libby’s Lunch restaurant. Over the last 33 years, Libby’s has become famous for its hot dogs and known for its array of lunch menu items. Destination Paterson catught up with owner Heidi Psarros during her busy lunch hour.

14 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

Q: What is your favorite thing about doing business in Paterson?

A: My customers; they are my extended family and have been for years. Also my employees. They have been with me for years. And my cook, Usain, for 28 years.

Libby’s Lunch continues to chef up hundreds of meals a day to hungry ­Patersonians and local enthusiasts. The owners even host their own family dinner at the restaurant once a week.

www.DestinationPatersonMag.com

Adam Goldman

Jorge and Delia Castillo

st Breakfka Pic

Dunkin Donuts 490 Chamberlain Avenue Paterson, NJ 07522 (973) 925-4079 Adam Goldman has opened two Dunkin Donuts franchises in Paterson over the past five years and he has a new location underway at West Broadway. Goldman took a minute to sit down with Destination Paterson and talk about the benefits of doing business in Paterson.

Q: What is your favorite menu item?

A: Large Iced Tea—three lemons and four Splendas.

Photographs by Mel Gattis

La Tia Delia 28 Market Street Paterson, NJ 07505 Phone (973) 523-4550

st Brea&kfa Lunckh Pic

e chose La Tia Delia because they make the most authentic Peruvian dishes and are open every day. Here, the whole family can have a typical breakfast with pork and sweet potato tamales accompanied by a black coffee or French bread. For lunch, you can taste a delicious ceviche (fish or seafood cooked in citrus juice), the most internationally known Peruvian dish. There are also many other delicious dishes: Parihuela (a seafood soup), Jalea (lightly fried seafood), Lomo Saltado (strips of lightly fried steak with fries, tomato, onion and rice), Tallarines Verdes (green noodles) and others. Enjoy some of your favorite refreshments such as ­Chicha Morada (purple corn juice) or Inca Kola.

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Q: What do you enjoy about doing business in Paterson?

A: Paterson happens to be a business-friendly place. Of course it has its obstacles but you learn how to navigate and negotiate. The City of Paterson is extremely concentrated from an economic and cultural standpoint. You can go a few miles in a different direction and serve an entirely different community.

Q: What are some benefits of owning a business in Paterson?

A: Paterson has urban enterprise zones, which are tax exempt. This creates great savings for people who are looking to open a business. Plus, there is an abundance of fantastic employees looking for entry-level jobs versus other suburban locations.

Q: What do you like about your customers?

A: 95% of them are repeat customers, so we get to know their names, even their spouses.

Goldman believes Paterson is still a place where you are able to come and live out your dreams.

For example, he recalls an employee who emigrated from Bangladesh and started as a crew member in his Chamberlain Street location. He worked his way up to a general manager, overseeing all of Goldman’s locations, and is now part owner of Goldman’s franchise.

Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 15

Lunch & Dinner Pick

El Mexicano Restaurant 487 21st Avenue, Paterson, NJ 07513, Phone (973) 977-8664

F

or your next lunch or dinner experience, you can choose El Mexicano Restaurant in Eastside Paterson. You will feel as if you were eating in Mexico or Latin America. This restaurant has a creative menu with excellent dishes that you and your friends and family are sure to enjoy. Try the quesadillas, burritos, grilled chicken, steak, seafood, parihuela, and lobster.

With its friendly staff, El Mexicano satisfies your appetite and serves your favorite Mexican drinks.

Luis Durango

Photographs by Mel Gattis

D’Classico Restaurant & Lounge 58-60 Ellison Street, Paterson 07503 Phone (973) 569-4300

Dinner & g n Da cin k Pic

You will find many Dominicans and other Paterson Latinos enjoying good meals and good music in a family environment at the D’Classico Restaurant.

Open every day, here you can eat authentic Dominican and Latin food. The restaurant specializes in Mofongo, fish, seafood, steak and other quisqueyano (Dominican) dishes. D’Classico invites you to have a pleasing dining experience and then hit the lounge for music and dancing. The lounge has hosted very popular Dominican singers. Join in the fun and dance the night away in this friendly restaurant. Lounge open Thursdays-Sundays. dP

For more information about our Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner picks, visit the Destination Paterson Facebook page at www.facebook.com/destinationpaterson

16 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

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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

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

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Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 17

You have arrived at

Magazine

Join the movement @destinapaterson Facebook.com/destinationpaterson Instagram.com/destinationpaterson www.DestinationPatersonMag.com Destination Paterson is an independent publication committed to changing the perception of Paterson by highlighting the city’s economic development, retail, tourism and social scene.

18 Destination Paterson Paterson 18 Summer Summer 2014 2014 | Destination

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50 Natio n

A

Home on

all Pat C s ers tli ie a

culture

by Roberto Bustamante

s summer comes to Paterson, an array of colored flags begins to fill the streets showing the pride of the various ethnic families that call the city home. Paterson is home to several parades and festivals, attracting thousands of people from all over the state to enjoy diverse traditions, music, and dance from various homelands. Chief among them are an African-American Day Parade, a Dominican Festival and Parade, a Puerto Rican Parade, an annual Peruvian Festival and Parade, and a Turkish-American Day Parade.

Many of these communities have flags that fly in Paterson’s City Hall all year long, but on their special day, these flags take to the streets to celebrate the various cultures that have migrated to the city.

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Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 19

(Continued from previous page)

PUERTO RICAN PRIDE

Paterson Home to State’s Festival Many second and third generation Puerto Ricans have been calling Paterson home since the 1950s. Every year the National Council for Puerto Rican Heritage of New Jersey hosts “Las Fiestas Patronales” at Eastside Park. “Every Puerto Rican festival attracts nearly 4,000 people,” said Ilia Villanueva, the president of this organization. “This heritage parade was created with a lot of effort to preserve the pride and values of ​​Puerto Ricans in the north-eastern United States”

AFRICAN PRIDE

Juneteenth ­Celebration Becomes a Tradition While the African Heritage Parade is not being held in Paterson this year, Chairwoman Ada Pug and the committee that typically hosts the event held on Jun 21st the second successful Juneteenth Family Day. The event took place at Eastside Park.

PERUVIAN PRIDE

Parade Runs 7 Miles Through ­Passiac County This year marks the 28th year of the Peruvian annual parade. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, and will feature music, folklore, dancing and

20 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

DOMINICAN PRIDE

State Parade ­Celebrates 25th ­Anniversary in Paterson In September of this year, the Dominican State Parade and Festival of New Jersey “will celebrate their 25-year history in Paterson with a special program,” said Elsa Mantilla, president and organizer of this parade. “Year after year, our parade is a complete success through which we have been able to demonstrate our valuable culture and folklore,” she added. Founded in 1989, this parade has become the first great event for the Dominican community in the State of New Jersey.

TURKISH PRIDE

Festival Joins Forces with Clifton The Turkish American Day Parade has been running through Paterson for several years. According to organizers of the parade, the Turkish American factions in Paterson and Clifton, New Jersey, recently joined forces and rerouted the parade through Clifton. The goals of the parades are to preserve Turkish ancestry and share culturally enriching events and education, as well as entertain the entire family.

food. The parade commemorates Peru’s independence from Spain in 1821 and has made its way through the streets of Paterson for many consecutive years. The Peruvian community feels that Paterson is the nest for all Peruvians living in New Jersey. Typical parade routes run only a mile or two, but the Peruvian Parade runs for more than seven miles through three cities: Passaic, Clifton and Paterson. “We work hard to have a big parade every year,” said Dr. Carlos Tello, president of the parade organization.

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PCCC Graduates Represent Nearly 50 Different Countries

T

he Passaic County Community College (PCCC) in Paterson hosted the largest graduating class in its history this year, graduating over 900 students from 45 different countries.

The graduation theme was “Celebrate our Diversity.” During the ceremony, flags from the various countries from which the students hail were hung on the college gym wall, behind the stage. As students crossed the stage, PCCC President Steven Rose named some of the countries and the number of graduates from each. “Fifteen from Mexico,” Rose announced to cheers from Mexican-American attendees. “Eleven from Bangladesh. Eight from the Philippines. Eight from Jordan,” he continued.

“The flags on display demonstrate the enormous presence of students from different ethnic groups that enhance the diversity in our college,” said Assistant Director of Admissions Maritza Davila.

Student Juan Leiva, a Peruvian immigrant in Paterson, was named valedictorian of the Class of 2014 at PCCC. “I was surprised and honored to be selected,” said the Paterson resident who graduated with a perfect 4.0 average.

According to PCCC 2012 demographics, 61% of the students enrolled were females while 45% were ­Hispanic, 25% were white, 17% were African-American and 6% were Asian. Nearly 90% were from Passaic County in New Jersey. dP

Did You Know?

P

aterson’s tapestry is made up of many ethnic and religious communities, from

Muslims and Jews to Italians, Latinos and West Indians. As early as the 19th century, Paterson was reportedly a destination for immigrants from as far as Ireland, Germany and Lebanon. Paterson’s black community began migrating around the same time. A building once at the corner of Bridge Street and Broadway was a station on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s operated by a black abolitionist named William Van Rensalier. Today, Paterson’s black community includes more recent African and Caribbean settlers.

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Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 21

Serving since 1936

Libby’s Lunch 98 McBride Avenue Paterson, NJ 07501 973-278-8718 or 973-278-3448 Call Ahead for Take-Out

Try Our Famous Texas Weiner

(All the Way, Classic, Italian Style, Cheese Dog, Bacon Dog or Veggie)

AN ARRAY OF MENU ITEMS FOR LUNCH OR DINNER Located near Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park 22 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

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community perspective

Sacred Places & Spaces Because of its ethnic diversity, Paterson is able to offer a variety of places to ­worship—from temples to mosques to churches.

Abundant Life Worship Center 243 E 18th Street Paterson, NJ

Father English Community Center 435 Main Street Paterson, NJ www.fatherenglish.org

Christian Fellowship Center & Outreach Ministries 359 Van Houten Street Paterson, NJ

Star of Hope Mission 34 Broadway Paterson, NJ

Congregation BNAI Israel 561 Park Avenue Paterson, NJ

Integrity Masonic Temple 224 Broadway Paterson, NJ

Congregation of Yahweh 586 Main Street Paterson, NJ

The Islamic Center of Passaic County 152 Derrom Avenue Paterson, NJ

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Italian Catholic Center 24 De GrasseStreet Paterson, NJ Love of Jesus Family Church 385 Broadway Paterson, NJ (973) 742-6718 www.lojpaterson.org St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church 70 Cianci Street Paterson, NJ Miracle World Outreach Ministries 139 Auburn Street Paterson, NJ www.mwoministry.org

Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 23

tourism

Paterson Great Falls National Park Superintendent, Darren Boch, unveils the plaque as Mayor Jeffrey Jones looks on.

The Rebirth of Hinchliffe Stadium ­Becomes a Reality

by Arrie Ledley

24 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

H

inchliffe Stadium in Paterson became the 57th National Historic Landmark in New Jersey in April and is attracting revenue for its rebirth.

The stadium is one of the only places still in existence that several Negro League baseball teams called home, including the New York Black Yankees and the New York Cubans. Additionally, 11 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame played there, including Larry Doby, who integrated the American League in July 1947, just months after Jackie Robinson broke the National League’s color barrier.

The celebratory spring event drew elected officials, Larry Doby, Jr., son of Hall of Famer Larry Doby, Sr.; Bob Scott, pitcher for the New York Black Yankees; and hundreds of volunteers.

The event was also a call to action. Hinchliffe is in extreme disrepair; its walls are covered with graffiti and its field paved over with crumbling blacktop. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit organization, took advantage of the spotlight to host a community event called Paint Paterson’s Field of Dreams.

Photographs by Saidy Lopez

Mary A. Brown

(Top right) Former Negro League baseball player Robert Scott, pitcher for the New York Black Yankees baseball team, 19461050. (Center Left and Right) Volunteers painted over graffiti.

The stadium clean up was part of SavingPlaces.org.

(Bottom Right) The stadium in its heyday.

The nonprofit mobilized its program, Hands-On Preservation Experience, or its HOPE crew, to enlist people to paint and clear away debris. More than 500 Paterson high school students volunteered. They were joined by residents and members of the school community.

Valspar donated 900 gallons of white paint to get the first step in the stadium’s rehabilitation underway. Brian LoPinto, the head of the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium, said the city of Paterson and the New Jersey Historic Trust donated $1.2 million to stablize the structure.

The next step will be to raise $24 million to renovate the stadium so it can be used by students and community members alike. dP

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Mary A. Brown

Courtesy of The Paterson Museum

Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 25

economic development

35th District Hosts ­Economic Roundtable and Tour

State Designates Paterson T a Business Growth Zone

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n award worth up to $7.8 million from the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program (Grow NJ) was granted to advance the second and last phase of Paterson Commons II Urban Renewal Associates, LLC’s residential development project at 66 Gray Street in Paterson. The award supports the final phase of the development, which calls for the creation of 92,000 square feet of residential space in 99 units and 10,000 square feet of retail space. The overall project involves the rehabilitation of two vacant, four-story former industrial buildings that aggregate 140,000 square feet of space. This project is eligible to receive an increased award for being located in Paterson, which is designated as a “Garden State Growth Zone” and an Urban Transit Hub. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Grow NJ Program is designed to be the state’s main job incentive program, providing New

26 Summer 2014 | Destination Paterson

J­ ersey with a more effective tool to spur job growth in targeted areas and to assist businesses looking to grow throughout the state. Grow NJ originated as an initiative by Governor Chris Christie in 2011 and was enacted into law in 2012. It subsequently was expanded and strengthened under the Economic Opportunity Act of 2013.

To enable smaller businesses to qualify for incentives, the revised Grow NJ program expands geographic boundaries within which businesses can qualify for assistance and lowers capital investment and employment eligibility requirements. By lowering eligibility thresholds, more small and mid-size businesses can now be assisted.

The revised programs place extra emphasis on spurring development and private sector job growth in certain targeted areas, such as Garden State Growth Zones identified as Camden, Trenton, Passaic City and Paterson. dP

he 35th legislative delegation is hosting a targeted economic development roundtable to spur business growth in Paterson on September 17 at the historic Hamilton Club at Passaic County Community College. “I am looking to attract new business, as well as bridge the gap and connect the people who can make doing business better in Paterson,” says Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (Passaic County, 35th District).

The roundtable is designed to bring together state legislators and members of trade associations, such as the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, who can voice the concerns of the business community. Attendees will meet with business owners who have capitalized on the Grow NJ Assistance Program and other tax incentive programs. The meeting also includes a tour of Paterson’s historical sites, including The Great Falls and a taste of Paterson’s finest restaurants. “Our goals are to provide a glimpse of the oldest industrial city’s rich history, strong labor roots and future opportunities,” says Sumter.

For more information about the roundtable, contact the 35th Legislative District at mfrierson@njleg.org or 973-925-7061.

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tourism

History of

T

The Great Falls

he Great Falls National Historic Landmark district is a 118-acre industrial historic site located in Paterson, New Jersey. Located just 12 miles west of New York City, it is home to the largest and best example of early manufacturing mills in the United States. It contains 18th, 19th, and 20th-century waterpower remnants, including a three-tiered water raceway system. At the district’s core is the natural landmark Great Falls, the second largest waterfall by volume east of the Mississippi. The 77-foot tall falls, engineered raceways and mills form a complex that is unique and irreplaceable to our nation. It has been described as America’s very first systematic attempt to develop extensive waterpower for manufacturing purposes.

In 1791, Alexander Hamilton and a group of investors created the S.U.M., the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, to harness the tremendous

Photograph by Mary A. Brown

power of the Passaic Great Falls. They hired Pierre Charles L’Enfant to design the largest, most significant power system at that time, one that diverted water from the Passaic River above the falls to mills along its route. It was the boldest private enterprise ever conceived in the early days of the United States.

Hamilton envisioned an industrialized America and the creation of this raceway system was his ambitious example of how corporations could be organized to develop manufacturing on a large scale. With this enterprise, along with the law, finance and incentives he put in place as the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton forged the basis of American capitalism. The planned industrialization of this historic place is the realization of the Hamiltonian vision of an industrialized America. This is truly a founding father’s site.

Paterson achieved prominence in the national economy undreamed of

by its founder. The waterpower system fostered many technological advances in industry, such as the first cotton duck cloth for sails, the first continuous sheet paper, the first revolver by Samuel Colt, and the first practical submarine

by John Holland. Paterson became the world’s center for the production of cotton, silk and locomotives.

The historic district has been listed as a National Historic Place since 1970 when the late Mary Ellen Kramer led efforts to block a riverside highway that would have cut through the mill district near the falls. This led to the designation of this district as a national historic landmark by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

To tour the Great Falls District, call 973-523-5295 to schedule a tour for Monday - Friday mornings or visit www.nps.gov/pagr dP Source: www.patersongreatfalls.org

Destination Paterson | Summer 2014 27

paterson society

Vaughn McKoy and his wife Marnie McKoy (center) hold their artwork award presented by UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax (far right).

Paterson’s Power Players Two of Paterson’s finest members of society were honored in May by Dr. Michael L. Lomax, the president of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). At the second annual UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball in Newark, Paterson native Vaughn L. McKoy, general state regulatory counsel at Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc., and his wife Marnie G. McKoy, executive director of accountability for the District of Paterson Public Schools, were honored for their roles in getting students to and through college.

In his latest book, Playing Up, former Rutgers University football standout and Assistant United States Attorney Vaughn L. McKoy leads his readers through the mindset and strategies he developed as a Paterson youth that resulted in his personal and professional success.

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Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey Women in Achievement Gala at Westmount Country Club, Woodland Park 1) (L to R) Maureen Coleman, Betty Garger, Sakina Cole; 3) Cole, Yvonne Zuidema; 6) Jane Bainbridge, Mitzi Golbek, Poonam Alaigh, Essence G. Harris, Elinor J. Ferdon, Collette Liantonio, Betty Garger. Destination Paterson launch at Jacksonville Restaurant, Paterson 2) Mike ­Adams, Jeffrey Jones, Cole; 4) Assemblyman Benjie ­Wimberly, Councilwoman Ruby Cotton, Adams. Bronze Shields of Passaic County Image Awards brunch at ­Hamilton and Ward Steakhouse, Paterson 5) Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Senator Nellie Pou, Jaime Dykes, Jane Williams.

Mayors Masked Ball at the Newark Club 7) Passaic County Freeholder Theodore Best, Jr. and wife Kyona Best.

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Click

Paterson’s eMerGinG DeVeloPMents

Progress Where ­People Live, Visit and Do Business

Mill reuse survey and Planning

Downtown special improvement District

Mary ellen Kramer Park Project

PATER

essex Phoenix Mills

overlook Park riverwalk

Pennington Park

PCCC Center for education and Workforce Development

Classic auto expansion

William strange Mill

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

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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

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Hope Vi Project

Underground railroad Memorial Monument

PCCC-Hamilton Hall

SON Paterson arts and science Charter school

Br oa DWaY

eastside Cricket House

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McBride Fire Headquarters

a rK et

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st Boys & Girls Club expansion

M ai n Giannella Modern Baking Company

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William Carlos Williams Community Plaza Hilton Garden inn and Conference Center

aqel Medical Plaza

Paterson Commons ii Walgreens

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