THE OBSERVER’S OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED JULY 3 & 4 IN OBSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY. WE WILL REOPEN AT 10 A.M., JULY 7.
HELLISH CHOICE?
n North Arlington Board of Ed looks to take La Salle Center from Queen of Peace Church via eminent domain for classroom space; Mayor Dan Pronti wants it to be clear: he & council have no role in this; Archdiocese of Newark, parish vow to fight vigorously to stop it
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
The North Arlington Board of Education says it intends to apply eminent domain to seize the La Salle Center property — part of the Queen of Peace parish on Ridge Road — to use it for
public-school classrooms. However, Superintendent of Schools Steven Yurchak says he still hopes to negotiate with the parish to find an acceptable solution before using eminent domain. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark and the parish, however, say they will fight the potential property reclamation to the very end.
First, some background.
According to the Rev. Anthony DiStefano, pastor of Queen of Peace Church, the North Arlington school board approached him about leasing the LaSalle Center — once the home or “rectory” to the de La Salle
See QP, Page 12
12 KHS students earn associate degree — before HS diploma
By Kevin A. Canessa Jr. kc@theobserver.com
Adozen Kearny High School students have earned associate degrees in liberal arts from Hudson County Community College — weeks before they graduated high school.
Enrolled in the HCCC Early College program, the KHS cohort — the first
from their school — is part of a national trend in dual, concurrent and early-college program participation; 34% of United States students take college courses in high school, a threefold increase from 2010 according to the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Programs.
Early college programs boost student success, close equity gaps, save students tuition and improve economic mobility. Students who complete college cours-
es in high school are more likely to graduate high school and complete their college baccalaureate degrees.
HCCC Early College students represented 11% (1,136) of all HCCC students last year according to the Community College Research Center.
“The HCCC family is proud of our 2025 Early College graduates,” Christopher Reber, HCCC president, said. “Students enrolled in the program save
acting • hip hop • musical theater
performing arts programs
jul 8 – aug 8 | ages 9 – 18
special offer: receive 20% off on summer performing arts programs when you become an njpac member! learn more at njpac.org/summer 5.8x3_AE_SummerCamp_TheObserver
INJURY ATTORNEYS
time, pay half the in-county tuition rate, develop essential skills needed for successfully completing college coursework, gain confidence in their abilities, and access early opportunities to explore career paths and refine their educational goals.”
These KHS - HCCC Early College 2025 graduates chose to transfer and
See HCCC, Page 4
Garfield School in Kearny names May Students of the Month
Donna Masters, principal of Garfield School, Kearny, announces the school’s Student of the Month for May 2025. Kindergarten: Mylanie Lazarte, Fatima Allabouch, Lucas Avila Cruz. First Grade: Isabella Ligorio, Arij Amraoui, Victoria Loyola. Second Grade: Muhammad Arish Baig, Anthony Torres, Gabriel-
la Boone, Gabriela De Pontes Vieira. Third Grade: Dylan Medina Manchola, Mason Estrella, Ayden Alarcon-Fonseca. Fourth Grade: Luisana Ramirez, Stev Pardo. Fifth Grade: Victoria DaCunha. Sixth Grade: Benjamin Machado, Mohamed Ait Laadik, Maria Corrone Guimaraes, Laura Frietas Marques.
Every year, the North Arlington School District partners with Moran Towing, the North Arlington Police Department and the students of the NAHS art program to create a powerful and emotional display about the dangers of drunken driving. This year’s display features a vehicle from a real and tragic crash that resulted in fatalities. It’s not just a visual — it’s a reality check. Surrounding the wreck are posters created by students, each carrying a heartfelt message meant to make people stop, think and choose safety. If this effort saves even one life, it’s worth every second. The NA Board of Education urges you: Phone a friend. Call a family member. Arrange for a designated driver. ‘No matter your age, background or where you’re from — you matter,’ NABOE trustee George McDermott said. ‘And if you choose to drink and drive, it’s not only your life at risk. You could change someone else’s forever.’
Summer reading program kick off in Harrison
By Laura Comppen Special to The Observer
Arecent fun-filled after school activity had students not wanting to leave Kennedy Elementary School in Harrison: the annual Summer Reading Kickoff. As students and their families streamed into the festive cafetorium space, they were greeted by friendly teachers and support staff, along with Dr. Maureen Kroog, Superintendent of Schools, who personally welcomed everyone. Her words set the perfect tone for an afternoon dedicated to fun and, of course, reading!
“The event was a true community effort, with a dozen dedicated teacher volunteers lending a helping hand, ensuring every activity ran smoothly. They were joined by familiar faces from the community—librarians from the Harrison Public Library, who were on hand to share information about the library’s summer programs and encourage continued reading all season long”, said Kaitlyn Abraham. a literacy coach in Harrison.
Laughter, fun, and music filled the room. Kids twirled to the beat on the stage. Over in a cozy corner, keen young minds hunched
over puzzles, while others eagerly dove into colorful supplies at the arts and crafts tables, creating masterpieces to take home.
“I made a super cool mask”, exclaimed Maya Milanez.
Everywhere, children were engrossed in reading, some curled
up with their favorite books, others discovering new stories. A friendly competition brewed at the games stations, with cheers erupting as victories were claimed. And for those needing a little refuel, a steady stream of delicious snacks kept everyone
energized for the festivities.
“The games were my favorite...I really liked playing Sorry”, said Agnes Sicinski.
Nine students were called forward, each a winner of tickets to Turtle Back Zoo—a reward for their enthusiasm for reading.
Lisa M. Feorenzo lisa@theobserver.com Co-owner/Advertising
n Classifieds: 3 p.m., Monday
n Obituaries: 10 a.m., Monday
n Display/Real Estate: noon, Thursday
n Help Wanted: Noon, Monday — all ads must be sent to classified@theobserver.com. Kevin
Kimberley Pezzolla kimpezzolla@theobserver.com Sales/Classifieds
Maureen Kroog, Harrison’s superintendent of schools, engages with a student over a shared love of reading.
KHS
Continued from Page 2
majors or take a gap
degrees and
n Jordan Bailey: University of Pittsburgh, chemistry/pre-pharmacy
n Johanna Escalante: Penn State, finance/engineering
n Gabriela Guerra: New Jersey Institute of Technology, finance
n Raquel Lamego: New Jersey Institute of Technology, architecture/ civil engineering
n Fabian Machado-Requena: New Jersey Institute of Technology, mechanical engineering m
n Sofia Marino: Kean University, speech language pathology
n Ashley Melejor Torres: Kean University, physical therapy
n Isaac Moya: Gap Year
n Eva Ruan: Rutgers UniversityNewark, accounting
n Lucca Santos: Stevens Institute of Technology, finance
n Antonio Velez: Rutgers University - Newark, business management
n Andrea Vivar: Montclair State
University, finance
HCCC and the Kearny Board of Education entered into a four-year agreement in 2021. KHS students complete a combination of collegelevel courses taught as part of the high school curriculum by qualified high school instructors, and courses taught by HCCC faculty on the KHS campus after regular school hours.
Credits earned transfer toward baccalaureate degrees at four-year colleges and universities, and students who complete the program will finish their senior year of high school with both a high school diploma and an HCCC associate degree.
The HCCC Early College program offers high school students a jump start on their higher education and
career journeys. Participants may take up to 18 college-level credits per academic year.
The college has partnerships with other local high schools that allow qualifying students to earn credits, a certificate, or associate degree, including high schools throughout Hudson County as well as Nutley, Newark and West Orange.
is Girl Scouts’ Woman of Year
Denise Ficeto was honored June 16 by Kearny Girl Scout Troop No. 2771 as its Woman of the Year at a ceremony at Hedges Hall, St. Stephen’s. Ficeto, right, is seen here with Girl Scout leader Marybeth Kennedy, who started the troop many years ago. Ficeto was cited for the recognition based on her many years of dedication to the Scouts. It was all part of the Girl Scouts’ annual Bridging ceremony where several girls attained new ranks, including Lyla Soto, Corrine Young, Gabriella Dudek, Lila Bonavota, Lexi Duarte, Kialee Beltran, Eva Bonavota, Liliana Golabiewska, Deanna Leonetti and Vanessa Costa.
Wesley Church hosting vendor sale, clothing drive & more
NEWS BRIEFS
Belleville Historical Society hosting Independence Day ceremony
Wesley United Methodist Church, 225 Washington Ave., Belleville, hosts a vendor sale June 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a clothes drive July 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The church seeks gently used clothes, baby clothes and gear, curtains, bedding and shoes.
Also, the church also asks for donations for its food pantry that takes place the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon.
Anyone would like to donate should contact Dana at (201) 706-1104.
If you are in need of food assistance, Belleville residency is not required.
St. Peter’s Belleville hosting AC bus trip
St. Peter’s Church, Belleville, hosts a bus trip to Atlantic City Aug. 15. Bus boards at 8:15 a.m. at St. Peter’s School’s parking lot. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased by calling (973) 751-2002.
The Belleville Historical Society host its annual Independence Day ceremony at the old Belleville Dutch Reformed Church Cemetery, Friday, July 4, at 11 a.m., at the corner of Main and Rutgers streets.
The ceremony includes the reading of the names of 68 patriots, a reading from the Declaration of Independence, a musket salute and a cannon salute. For more information contact Michael Perrone at bellevillehistory@gmail.com or 201687-1431.
KPSUE collecting used school uniforms for redistribution
The Kearny Public School Uniform Exchange is beginning to collect donations of used uniforms at two locations — Super Laundromat at 336 Kearny Ave. and the Kearny VFW Post 1302 at 300 Belgrove Drive.
Photo by Kevin A. Canessa Jr.
TOWN OF KEARNY
July 4th at Veterans Field
Rain Date: July 5, 2025
Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, Town Council and Recreation Commission
Taking place at Veterans Field located on Belgrove Drive starting at 6:00 p.m. with music by the “Kootz Band” followed at 7:30pm by the 3D Rhythm of Life Band leading up to our Firework celebration at approximately 9:10pm from the Frank A. Vincent Marina. Fireworks may be viewed on Veterans Field located Belgrove Drive between Bergen Avenue and Afton Street, or on the lower Veterans Field Hill. Please bring your chair or blankets.
NO ALCOHOL, NO SMOKING, NO BACKPACKS, NO COOLERS, NO PETS ALLOWED ON FIELD
SPORTS & HEALTH GENERATIONAL ATHLETIC POWERS
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Doris Ann Vacca-Pezzolla’s softball career may have ended years ago, but when it comes to a friendly family rivalry with her daughter, former Observer Female Athlete of the Year Giulia Pezzolla, that competitive nature remains.
Vacca-Pezzolla can, at least for the time being, hold one bit of bragging rights as the only family member to be in the Lyndhurst Athletics Hall of Fame. The onetime star pitcher was part of an 11-person class that was inducted during the Hall of Fame’s 33rd Induction Dinner on May 8.
“My daughter and I with sports have had a little competition,”
Vacca-Pezzolla, a 1988 graduate, said with a laugh. “I would say to her, I’m in the (Ramapo) Hall of Fame for college. And she goes, ‘well, you’re not in the high school (hall of fame) yet.’ I told her well, I’m now in both, so now you have to get in.”
The youngest of six children, Vacca-Pezzolla credits her oldest brother, Michael, who thanks to a 20-year age difference was ‘like my father,’ as the biggest influence when it comes to sports.
Vacca-Pezzolla recalls Michael taking her to every softball practice and getting her to pitching lessons as a youngster.
Those early moments helped Vacca-Pezzolla become one of the greatest pitchers to ever take the circle for the Golden Bears, leading Lyndhurst to a pair of BCSL division titles. In her senior season, 1988, Vacca-Pezzolla went a sterling 20-5 to earn All-Bergen County as well as AllState, Group 3 honors.
She went 41-10 for her career pitching before going to play at
nearby Ramapo College where she graduated as the program’s career strikeout leader with 209 and still ranks third all-time in wins with 54.
Vacca-Pezzolla also ran cross country at Lyndhurst, but admitted it was mainly “to get in shape for softball.”
When her daughter Giulia was old enough to play sports growing up in Lyndhurst, Vacca-Pezzolla initially put her in softball, but the younger Pezzolla instead took a liking to soccer.
“I had her play softball when she was little. She was good, but she didn’t like that it wasn’t fast moving enough for her,” said Vacca-Pezzolla. “She preferred soccer because she liked to move.”
Giulia Pezzolla had 58 goals and 55 assists during a stellar high school soccer career. In track she won NJIC titles in several different events and earned a scholarship to run Middle Distance at Monmouth University.
“I’m super excited (at the thought of Giulia being inducted in the future),” said Vacca-Pezzolla. “That’ll probably be better and it will be more exciting for me.”
Here is a look at the 2025 Induction Class, listed in order of the year they graduated from Lyndhurst.
Thomas Kennedy (1951): A two-time varsity letterwinner, Kennedy’s play at offensive tackle as a senior earned him All-Bergen, Second Team Offense honors and helped lead Lyndhurst to an 8-1 record and being awarded co-state champs.
Rocco Conzo (1957): Twice, Conzo was an All-Bergen County honore for his play at offensive guard, earning Fourth Team as a junior and Second as a senior. His play helped lead the Golden
Bears to back-to-back state titles and a 13-3 overall record.
John DeLellis (1968): As a senior, DeLellis earned All-Bergen and All-State Group 3 honors for his play at guard on Lyndhurst’s 8-1 state championship team.
Joseph Barbalaco (1974): Barbalaco’s play at linebacker was a key part of a Lyndhurst defense that allowed just 31 points in nine games en route to an 8-1 record and state title.
Thomas Dunn (1984): Dunn won the Bergen County wrestling title at 100 pounds for the Golden Bears. A three-year letterwinner, Dunn also won a pair of district titles as well as a regional title his senior year.
Philip Palagonia (1985): This running back earned All-Bergen, Second Team Offense after scoring 19 touchdowns his senior season. He was an All-State Group 2 selection by The Star-Ledger as
Lyndhurst went 6-1-2. A threeyear letterwinner, Palagonia also ran track.
Doris Ann Vacca (1988): One of the finest pitchers in Lyndhurst history, Vacca went a career 41-10 in the circle, highlighted by a 20-5 mark in 1988, which earned her All-State, Group 3 honors. Vacca also ran cross country.
Jason Kaminski (1998): A fouryear starter on the offensive line, the 245-pound Kaminski was one of the best tackles in recent program history. In 1997 he earned All-Bergen County, First Team and helped power the Lyndhurst offense to 28.2 points per game.
Ryan Guterl (2000): One of the finest defenders to ever play soccer at Lyndhurst, Guterl, was a four-year starter at sweeper, earning All-Bergen First Team and All-State, Group 2 Second Team honors in 1999. Guterl went on to play at Montclair State.
Thomas Shoebridge (Coach): One of the most accomplished track coaches in North Jersey history, Shoebridge coached Lyndhurst to 16 league championships and a stellar 294-83 record in dual meets from 1978-2021. Shoebridge’s teams won four Bergen County Relay titles, four Bergen County Group championships and two NJSIAA state sectional titles. A member of the New Jersey Coaching Hall of Fame, Shoebridge also was an assistant football coach for 27 years and for three seasons was the head girls basketball coach at Lyndhurst.
Angelo Schifano (Contributor): A longtime resident, the commercial artist is credited for designing the original Golden Bear mascot. Schifano was a longtime youth baseball and basketball coach in town and all six of his children played sports at Lyndhurst.
Doris Ann Vacca-Pezzolla with daughter Giulia Pezzolla.
Harrison’s De Jesus selected to play for Jets Flag Elite
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
Mya De Jesus knew nothing about the game of flag football when she was first approached by Harrison head coach Dan Nankivell about playing after a girls basketball game her freshman year.
“He came to watch one of my basketball games and after he was like, I want you to try out for our team,” DeJesus said. “I had no idea what it was, but I was like, okay, it seems like fun. I saw a game from their first year and was like, why not?”
Less than three years later, flag football has taken her to the New York Jets practice facilities twice a week where De Jesus and her teammates are routinely visited by Jets players and the subject of a new documentary series, titled “EmpowHer” that premiered on the team’s web site and on YouTube last week.
Left photo courtesy of Dan Nankivell, right photo courtesy of New York Jets
LEFT: Harrison High School and Jets Flag Elite linebacker Mya De Jesus takes a photo with New York Jets All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams. RIGHT: De Jesus on the field.
De Jesus, who just completed her junior year, was one of just 12 players selected to play for Jets Flag Elite, a 5-on-5 flag football team that is competing in tournaments across the Northeast.
“It’s such an amazing opportunity,” said De Jesus, noting it still feels crazy that they have the
type of access to the Jets facilities. “When we give security our name and they open the gate for us, I’m like ‘wow, I’m actually at the Jets facility.”
The Jets announced the creation of Jets Flag Elite in February during its annual High School Girls Flag Football Media Day.
Tryouts were held in March with the initial roster selected later that month.
Two other NFL teams - the Jaguars and Chargers, sponsor a girls flag football club travel team, but the Jets are the first to start it from the ground up, rather than connecting with pre-
viously established teams.
“We already have so many NFL teams reaching out about how we’re doing this,” said Jets Flag Elite and Ridgewood High School head coach Mickey McDermott. “You’re going to see a lot of NFL teams follow here soon on what we’re doing.”
Following the March tryouts, which featured around 20 candidates, DeJesus, a star running back/linebacker for Harrison was unsure if she had done enough to make the final cut.
“(After the tryout) I was like, okay, I think I have a chance,” De Jesus said. “But I didn’t feel like I did anything crazy to have the confidence to feel I definitely got picked.”
“Mya is a very dynamic player that I think jumps off the screen whether it’s on film or trying out in person,” said Nakivell. “She can play really any position on the football field.”
See DE JESUS, Page 10
Belleville’s Walsh set for big summer after Quad-County Game
By Jason Bernstein jason@theobserver.com
During the high school baseball season, Belleville’s Sean Walsh might not get the notoriety that some of the other top players in Essex County receive due to the Bucs’ placement in the Super Essex Conference Colonial Division.
It’s also why events like Wednesday’s Quad-County Underclassmen Game in Clark provide such an opportunity.
Playing alongside some of the state’s best players, Walsh showed he belonged in such high-level company, going for 1-for-2 with a walk as part of the annual event, which featured non-seniors from Essex and Union counties against non-seniors from Hudson and
Middlesex counties.
“It really did mean a lot to me when I got selected because I saw all the Governor Livingston guys there and all the people from the big schools,” said Walsh, who just completed a stellar junior season in which he was selected All-Essex County by the county’s coaches. “I was just really excited to be there and really happy I got the opportunity.
“It was a great opportunity and I’m thankful I’m there. I feel like I was deserving to be there.”
It marked the second consecutive year Walsh was selected. Previously, he was selected as a pitcher, when the event was two separate games resulting in twice as many players from each county being selected.
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“I don’t think it’s happened very often (where someone has made it as a hitter and a pitcher),” Belleville head coach Joe Sorce said. “Sean wears a lot of hats at Belleville High. He’s our No. 1 starter, he’s our first baseman, he’s our three hitter. He was a captain as a junior and he did a lot of good things for us.”
Walsh had a fine spring for Belleville, hitting .361 with a teambest 15 RBI playing primarily at first base.If you ask Walsh what his strongest position is, he’ll say pitcher where he had a 2.70 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 59.2 innings. Walsh, who said he has six
See WALSH, Page 10
Dr. Prakash J. Doshi
Dr. Hector Aguilar
Photo courtesy of Joe Sorce
DE JESUS
Continued from Page 8
Unlike the 7-on-7 version of flag football played during the high school season, Jets Flag Elite is 5-on-5 and played on a more narrow field. The changes create a quicker pace and eliminates the running game component so De Jesus’s responsibilities at linebacker are different than when she plays for Harrison.
“It took a lot of getting
yelled at and just having to go through the motions,” said De Jesus about getting used to the different style. “As a linebacker, I have the whole middle by myself, so if I see something crossing my face, I have to watch it.”
“What separates Mya from the rest is just her instincts and her natural athletic ability,” McDermott said. “Her range and change of direction’s very good with the way that she tracks the ball and she is very skilled at flag pulling. Those
are some of the things that set her apart from the other girls.”
After multiple practices and scrimmages, Jets Flag Elite played its first tournament, on May 3 in Elizabeth.
According to the team’s press release announcing the roster, the Jets cover all uniform, equipment and tournament fees and seek to “provide pathways to college scholarships and support opportunities for the USA National team as girls flag becomes an Olympic Sport in 2028.”
WALSH
Continued from Page 9
different pitches he has trust in throwing in a game, certainly turned heads in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 tournament when, facing previously state-ranked Union City, he tossed 6.2 scoreless innings in Belleville’s surprising 11-0 upset win.
To Walsh, all of those pitches give him a huge advantage, especially in the mental component of baseball.
“It’s an advantage to me because I can just use so many combinations,” said Walsh, who throws a fastball, curveball, slider, changeup, four-seamer and a splitter. “Say I throw a changeup and he’s early on it, I can base what to throw off of that. If he’s early on it, that means he’s
looking fastball and I go back to another offspeed pitch. Baseball’s more of a thinking game in my opinion.”
Walsh said he has received interest both as a pitcher and as a two-way player from college coaches as he starts the biggest summer of his baseball career. Playing this summer for Wow Factor Northeast, Walsh has already traveled to Florida for a tournament with upcoming events in Alabama and Georgia.
“Words really can’t describe how excited I am,” said Walsh. “I didn’t think I’d get to be traveling this much for baseball and in general. Baseball has taken me so many places I can’t even imagine that I would be. It’s really a great opportunity and I’m thankful for it all.
“I hope I can keep going the way I’m going and make Belleville proud.”
Accommodation is the word used to describe our eyes’ focusing ability. When a person has problems focusing on near objects or focusing when switching vision from near to far objects, it’s called accommodative dysfunction. The condition is often associated with visual overdemand that leads to eyestrain and affects the quality of our eyesight.
Accommodative insufficiency is the most common type of accommodative dysfunction, happening when a person has trouble maintaining focus on close objects. It can be caused by eye misalignment, increased visual demands, prolonged visual demands, poor lighting and screen positions, and failing to take breaks from close-vision tasks. Treatments include corrective lenses, vision therapy, and reducing
the amount of time spent focusing on close, detailed work. If you need eye care or just want a simple eye exam, please call 201-896-0096. We are trained to provide you with all your eye care needs - medical and surgical. Proper eye care and evaluations can help prevent vision loss. They can also detect disease like diabetes, hypertension, and other treatable medical conditions. Our office is located at 20 Park Avenue, Lyndhurst. To reach our optical shop, call 201-8960007. We accept most insurance. P.S. Accommodative infacility happens when a person has problems switching focus from near to far objects. Accommodative spasm happens when a person experiences spasms of the focusing muscle.
Kearny Farmers Market kicks off June 26
Summer is here and that means the Kearny Farmers Market is back and open for business starting Thursday, June 26.
The market will be open every Thursday through October, from noon to 6 p.m., adjacent to the Kearny Public Library on Garfield Avenue between Kearny Avenue and Chestnut Street.
Shop the market to enjoy Jersey Fresh seasonal produce including freshly picked strawberries and blueberries, lettuces, herbs and more — all from Alstede Farms.
Also enjoy weekly live musical performances and visiting vendors and service organizations in-
cluding St. Barnabas, who will provide free blood pressure screening.
On July 17 and Aug. 14, the market will be open through 9 p.m. as the Kearny Library hosts the return of its block party events, featuring live music, costumed character appearances and more! More details will be available closer to block party dates.
As a reminder, senior vouchers are available at the Kearny Department of Public Health at 645 Kearny Ave..
The market is co-sponsored by the Kearny Library and Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone.
Honored for his service to veterans
Mulligan Funeral Home
331 Cleveland Avenue, Harrison
Arrangements may be made in Spanish, Portuguese or Polish Frank X. Mulligan III, Manager, NJ Lic. 4221 Frank X. Mulligan, Jr. Inactive Private Parking at 10 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North 973-481-4333 visit us at: www.mulliganfh.com
G. Wiggins, Manager N.J. Lic. #3916
You will feel as if friends of family have taken over when you entrust funeral arrangements to the Wilfred Armitage Funeral Home. The family-owned firm has been in business for 100 years, serving generations in West Hudson and South Bergen. Its beautiful facilities, in a setting reminiscent of a colonial mansion, reflect the graciousness and tact of its understanding personnel.
Kearny’s Dylan Sullivan, seen here with St. Peter’s Prep President Michael Gomez, received the Jesuit Veterans Service Award at graduation earlier this month. The award is given annually to a graduate whose selfless service to others exemplifies St. Peter’s Prep’s mission to instill the courage to advance the common good.
Continued from Page 1
Christian Brothers — as classroom space.
DiStefano says he and the parish were willing to entertain leasing the building to the board, but he says he made it clear from the onset it would be a lease only — the building was not for sale.
Yurchak, meanwhile, says a shortterm lease wouldn’t be enough, since substantial renovations would be needed before children could use the building for pre-K.
“After evaluating multiple properties throughout North Arlington, the board identified the La Salle Center on Ridge Road, owned by Queen of Peace Church,
as the optimal location,” Yurchak said. “This determination was based on an analysis of factors including size, location, accessibility and estimated value. The La Salle Center, the board determined, represents the most cost-effective solution for taxpayers while serving our community’s needs.
“Understanding the significance of this property to Queen of Peace, the board has engaged with church officials with respect and flexibility. Initially, church representatives indicated that the La Salle Center was not needed for parish activities and offered the possibility of a long-term lease for a term as long as 50 years. As recently as May 9, 2025, the Executive Director of the Archdiocese of Newark’s property manage-
ment administration confirmed in writing to our business administrator that they ‘remain willing to discuss the prospect of a short or long-term lease’ of the facility.”
So just what is eminent domain?
Over the weekend, in a statement to parishioners distributed at all Masses, DiStefano wrote a letter explaining the church’s position, which seem to conflict with the board’s.
“Despite our good-faith conversations and clear position, the BOE has now signaled its intent to seize the La Salle Center through eminent domain — a legal mechanism that allows the government to forcibly acquire private property,” DiStefano said. “In other words, they are threatening to
take the La Salle Center from our parish permanently.”
Eminent domain is used sparingly by government entities. Often, it is enacted when properties have been abandoned or in cases where a piece of property is a blight to a community and in need of condemnation. It usually follows a period of good-faith negotiations that have failed.
In all cases, the government agency must demonstrate the property is needed for a legitimate public purpose, like schools or recreation facilities. The process often involves litigation and in theory, if successful, the government agency would have to offer “just compensation” for the property.
But here’s the thing — the building in question, hardly in disrepair or abandoned, serves vital purposes to the Latino community at Queen of Peace. It certainly is not in need of condemnation. And it all begs a questions — is this the only piece of land in the entire Borough of North Arlington suited to house classrooms?
Yurchak says “yes.” DeStefano says “no.”
Yurchak says a long-term lease is needed because of the required renovation work.
“Unfortunately, Queen of Peace declined the board’s purchase offer and has indicated unwillingness to engage in further negotiations regarding a potential sale,” the superintendent said. “In the board’s opinion, a voluntary agreement would benefit the board, Queen of Peace and the entire North Arlington community.
“The board would obtain the classroom space it needs; Queen of Peace would obtain the fair-market value of the property while having the opportunity to use the renovated facility during non-school hours for parish activities; and the community would have access to universal, free and
high-quality preschool education. This arrangement would maximize the benefit to the entire North Arlington community, creating a partnership that would serve North Arlington families and Queen of Peace parishioners for generations.”
DiStefano, meanwhile, says the BOE is ready to counter — fast — and so the Archdiocese of Newark is prepared to fight.
“We have repeatedly expressed to the BOE the central role that the La Salle Center plays in our religious mission,” he said. “Unfortunately, our appeals have been dismissed. While there are undoubtedly other options available to the BOE for classroom space, they appear insistent in taking church property instead — and doing so swiftly!
“This action is both unacceptable and deeply troubling. It raises serious concerns about religious liberty and the rights of faith communities. I have been in contact with the archdiocese and with legal counsel, and we are prepared to defend the parish and its ministries — through legal channels, if necessary.”
Meanwhile, across the Passaic River in Newark, the chancery office of the archdiocese, through its spokeswoman, Maria Margiotta, released a statement outlining the church’s position further.
“Taking the church’s property would set a dangerous precedent,” Margiotta said. “It would be both a legal overreach and a violation of fundamental religious liberty. The government cannot simply claim church property that is actively used for worship, ministry and community service. We will vigorously defend the Church’s Constitutional and moral rights.”
Margiotta also says she hopes parishioners and non-parishioner residents of North Arlington alike will express their concerns — if
See NABOE, Page 15
application for a permit to convert the first-floor commercial space at 167 Stuyvessnt Avenue of the buildings to have Metro Media Institute computer stations, lecture tables and smart TVs and to change its use from a deli/convenience store to a
media and technology training facility for adults and children, has been denied for noncompliance with various sections of the Town of Kearny Municipal Zoning Ordinance which include but are not limited to the following: Chapter 38: 38-4.1, Schedule I; 38-4.1, Schedule II; 38-4.2(a); 38-5.8(e) This appeal is now on the Board’s calendar and a public hearing has been ordered for July 1, 2025 at 7:30p.m. in the Town Hall, 402 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032 at which time you may appear either in person
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Working to keep Kearny healthy
Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and Councilwoman Marytrine De Castro (who is an RN and council liaison to the Board of Health) partnered with RWJBarnabas Health and Clara Maass Medical Center to bring a ‘Lunch & Learn’ Health Screening Session to the American Legion earlier this month. Kearny residents received expert guidance on diabetes and heart health from Clara Maass’s Dorothy Palen Szast, Clarisa Soto Vargas and Nicole Galan. Residents gained practical tools for wellness, along with free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Councilman Fred Esteves and Board of Health Member John P. Branwell were also in attendance. This event is part of the Mayor’s Health and Wellness Campaign, a year-round series of health education initiatives in Kearny.
NABOE
Continued from Page 12
this can happen to a Roman Catholic Church, will it be a protestant church or synagogue next?
“Queen of Peace Parish has faithfully served the North Arlington community for over a century. We stand united in faith, committed to our mission and resolute in the face of this challenge,” the long-time spokeswoman, who recently traveled to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, said. “We call on the community, public officials and all people of goodwill to stand with us in opposition to the board’s plan and to insist on alternatives that respect religious freedom and the integrity of our parish mission.”
Superintendent & board hope eminent domain won’t be needed
Yurchak, meanwhile, says he hopes the archdiocese will come to an agreement with the board before the commencement of eminent domain proceedings.
“Faced with the urgent need to secure adequate educational facilities for the board’s preschool program and the exhaustion of voluntary negotiation options, the board has begun the preliminary legal steps required under New Jersey law to explore eminent domain proceedings,” he said. “This decision was not made lightly and represents a last resort after good-faith efforts to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The board emphasizes that eminent domain would involve fair-market value compensation as determined by independent appraisal, ensuring Queen of Peace receives full financial consideration for the property.
“Despite these preliminary legal steps, the board remains fully committed to reaching a negotiated solution. The board continues to invite Queen of Peace to engage in meaningful discussions about either a purchase agreement or a creative partnership arrangement that
would benefit both the board’s educational mission and Queen of Peace’s parish community. The board is confident that a collaborative solution exists and remains hopeful that continued dialogue will make eminent domain proceedings unnecessary.”
Pronti: This is not me or the council
Meanwhile, The Observer also spoke with North Arlington Mayor Daniel H. Pronti on Sunday, June 22.
NORTH ARLINGTON
Pronti wants the public to be most aware: he and the Borough Council have nothing to do with the school board’s ideas or proposals; instead, the council and board are two completely independently operated governmental agencies.
“The decision to file for condemnation of the property currently belonging to the
Catholic Church, made by the elected NA BOE, is not something the mayor or Borough Council has control over,” Pronti said. “We were not consulted, nor were we asked for our opinion on the process before their decision was made to proceed. The elected board and the superintendent act as an independent body. From what I have been told, they gave the matter a lot of thought before making their decision to proceed.
“It’s going to be interesting
to see how this plays out with both sides stating their case for use and ownership of the property. The church owns it and the BOE has a desire to launch a new pre-K program. Both sides have interests in the property.”
Be sure to check back at www. theobserver.com for updates to this developing story.
Observer Editor Kevin A. Canessa Jr. may be reached at kc@theobserver.com. Follow him on Facebook & Twitter @ kevincanessa.
-Rami Alrabaa
