2012-09-09_SEC

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Secaucus Reporter Now in session

Red Bridge repairs planned

NINE WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS SERVING HUDSON COUNTY • STORIES UPDATED CONTINUOUSLY AT WWW.HUDSONREPORTER.COM • A PUBLICATION OF THE HUDSON REPORTER

VOLUME 25, NUMBER 7 • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

Kids share their expectations at back-to-school event

NJ Transit steps in to fix safety issues on overhead passage near Xchange development

By Adriana Rambay Fernández Reporter Staff Writer

ew Jersey Transit has stepped in to replace the missing screens on the overhead bridge that leads to the Xchange community in Secaucus, according to spokesperson John Durso. “In light of potential safety concerns, NJ Transit is taking steps to temporarily repair and replace the walkway screens,” said Durso on Wednesday. “An engineer was dispatched today to take measurements and begin this process. These actions have been communicated to local officials.” Two weeks ago the Reporter revealed that no government entity would take responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the ‘Red Bridge,’ which residents said was in disrepair and posed a safety risk. The bridge has a safety wall on either side comprised of 8 feet tall by 3 feet wide red metal screens that are mounted on a low concrete parapet. Several of the screen panels are missing. Last Wednesday, Hudson County engineers were out on the bridge to take measurements of the red screens when NJ Transit engineers arrived on the scene, according to James Kennelly, county spokesperson. He said that the county deferred to NJ Transit to take care of the issue, which he said was “prompted by your reporting.” “We intend to follow up…and keep an eye on it,” said Kennelly. However, the question of who is responsibile for the bridge remains. Durso said that NJ Transit is continuing to discuss and work with Hudson County related to the ongoing maintenance responsibilities for the bridge.

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‘JUST BE YOURSELF’ – Friends Olivia Ventura and Helen Grewe, both 12, will enter middle school in Secaucus. They shared advice on how to make new friends.

By Adriana Rambay Fernández Reporter staff writer

or many kids, summer is officially over with the start of school, which kicked off last week in Secaucus. For youngsters leaving Clarendon and Huber Street Elementary Schools to move up to the Secaucus Middle School, back-to-school represents a time of transition, especially with the prospect of new friends, teachers, lockers, and classroom periods. Some of those local pre-teens who start middle school shared their thoughts and expectations during a Secaucus Back to School Family Pool Night event held at the Secaucus Town Pool on Aug. 31.

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New friends and teachers

“Meeting new people,” said 12 year-old Wayne Flaig about what he looked forward to with the start of middle school less than a week away. He stood near the concession stand with his friend and classmate, 13 year-old Michael Smarth. A lifelong resident, Flaig moves on from Clarendon Elementary School to join the rest of the new seventh graders at the middle school, which is in the same building as the high school.

see IN

SESSION

Classified

p. 17

Critter Corner

p. 15

Education

p. 10

Letters

p. 23

Open House Directory

p. 20

Sports

p. 8

Xchange residents use the narrow sidewalk on the elevated bridge to exit the area or get to the Frank R. Lautenberg Secaucus Junction Station. New County Road (recently

see BRIDGE page 7

Where to find a few specific ethnic essentials in Hudson County

page 11

By Vanessa Cruz, Gennarose Pope, Adriana Rambay Fernandez, E. Assata Wright Reporter Staff Writers

ver wanted to eat some oxtail? Or spread fig with sesame jam on your pita? Or bite into freshly made mozzarella on Italian bread? Or spice up your diet with authentic South Asian, Italian, and Latino staples? The Reporter staff found some interesting food items in Hudson County’s ethnic grocery stores and supermarkets. Read on to sample the delicacies.

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www.hudsonreporter.com p. 22

Main route in and out of Xchange

Tired of the same food?

inside Business Directory

DANGEROUS SITUATION – The overhead vehicular “Red Bridge,” part of the former New County Road near the Xchange Development, is missing several large red panels alongside its pedestrian sidewalk.

PROSCIUTTO –Filomena’s Deli owner Patrick DeCesare holds up prosciutto di Parma, a salty, air-cured meat that can be sliced up for a sandwich or placed in a salad. The item is popular in the Secaucus deli.

South Asian/Indian: From fresh cumin to snack chips Given the store’s name alone, one might not expect much from Apna Bazar Cash + Carry located at 2975 Kennedy Blvd. in Jersey City. But Hudson County’s thriving, growing South Asian community swears by this supermarket at Jersey City’s renowned India Square. “We always come here to shop. It’s the only place I can come and find things I need,” said Indira Sengupta,

see ETHNIC page 6


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2012-09-09_SEC by Patricia Verano - Issuu