Open for Business

February 22, 2008

By:

Nicholas J. Veliky

Somebody is getting off scott free and it isn't the Clifton taxpayers - it seems someone signed a waiver holding the seller of 290 Brighton Road Harmless as far as cleaning up any contamination on the property - Isn't that nice of the BOE - We all know the taxpayers of Clifton are seen as a bottomless pit of tax dollars to spend at the BOE's whim. All they have to do is put together their budget and the taxpayers foot the bill. Oh while on the topic of budgets, whatever happened to the bottom line after the capital improvements that were put in the general operating fund? Of course those figures were backed out of subsequent budgets - sure they were.

The BOE's decision to refuse the offer to purchase 290 Brighton Road has many reeling with the news that signed contracts have signed and that the city would be held responsible for millions in damages if the BOE decided to back out of the deal. It seemed that through some independent investigation that there are no clauses that hold the city responsible for a cancelation of the agreement. Who authorized the signing of contracts for the construction of the proposed school at 290 Brighton Road, and when was the Board of Education going to tell the public about this commitment? The real question is, why would anyone sign construction contracts for a school that did not have the variances, Department of Environmental Protection clearances and permits necessary to proceed with the project? Millions of dollars are at stake but then again these dollars come out of taxpayer pockets and the perception is that there is an unlimited supply of cash to fuel this madness. So it's business as usual as the Board of Education attempts to build a school, no wonder the board gets so defensive when we expose their shenanigans. Let's face it, 290 Brighton Road is a hotly contested industrial parcel of land that was purchased by the Board of Education prior to obtaining the proper variances and permits to build a school. This is the same 290 Brighton Road with a 50 foot truck easement and if developed into a school would fall far short of the academic campus that Clifton's students deserve. And now we are told that we are in it too deep to bail out. Maybe it's time for an independent investigation to determine who is trying to do what and for what reason. One thing for sure it's Mr. and Mrs. Average Clifton Taxpayer who ultimately foot this bill too. . .

On a related topic, why is there a big to do on the part of the Board of Education when it comes to meeting DEP standards for the 290 site? The standards should not be questioned; instead higher standards should be welcomed when it comes to creating an environment for our students. The proposed school will be sandwiched between a plastics factory and a warehouse, the least the Board of Education should do is to make sure the higher standards are met. Bob and Elaine Robertazzi are being honored by the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology of Seton Hall University at the 28th Annual Judge Roger W. Breslin Cornetston Golf and Tennis Classic on Monday June 23 at the Raritan Valley Country Club in Bridgewater New Jersey. If you would like to attend call 973-378-2661.

The Boys and Girls Club are looking for their alumni. If you or anyone you know attend the club as a youngster contact the Club. Middle school carnival planning Once again, Christopher Columbus and Woodrow Wilson Middle Schools of Clifton will be hosting a joint fund raising carnival. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 28th through Sunday, June 1st. The purpose of this fund raiser is not only to raise funds for the benefit of our students; but to foster a friendship between the two student bodies. These students will jointly attend Clifton High School over the next few years. Our Home and School Associations believe, it is vital to have our students begin to assimilate as one Clifton Family. We need your help in making this event successful Side Walk Sale on Lakeview Avenue is being planned by the fledgling economic group. Clifton, NJ: The Lakeview Merchants Association has announced that their 1st Sidewalk Sale on Lakeview Avenue will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2008 from 9 am to 5 pm. This will surely be a don't miss event featuring great bargains and food offered by the shops and services on Lakeview Avenue between Crooks and Clifton Avenues. For additional information, contact Evelyn Malave, The Corner Outlet, 204 Lakeview Avenue, 973-928-1696.

Word to the wise, watch out for Credit Card fraud. The Jerusalem Pharmacy located at 1414 Main Avenue claimed several thousand dollars in diabetic supplies were ordered by telephone and the cost split between 2 credit cards. A DHL courier picked up the order worth more than $6,500. The owner became alarmed when both cards came up closed because of fraudulent activities. The alleged perpetrator called through a hearing assistance service from Nigeria.

A funny thing happened on the way to the movies. Clifton Commons was the scene of an altercation between six girls ages 12 and 13 all from Nutley and an East Orange man, Kareen George. The girl's parents dropped the girls off at the movie and the girls were approached by George who demanded the girls movie tickets. Bachar Balkar who was working security detail approached George about the incident. George bolted and Balkar gave pursuit, knocking people down as he chased Goerge and accomplice who got away. After an exhaustive chase and a brief struggle, Balkar hand cuffed George and took him into custody. Balkar also found marijuana in his sock. After the pursuit, the girls were at the customer service desk all very upset by the incident. They identified George and he was taken into custody. Mr. George had apparently received a $60.00 refund the week before as a result of a similar scam. As a side note, the parents indicated this was the first time the girls had gone to Clifton Commons alone. George had 21 movie ticket stubs in his possession. He was charged with robbery, theft by deception, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana. He was held on $65,000. Preying on kids just doesn't cut it in Clifton and Balkar did an outstanding job of making that point perfectly clear to George.

Botany Village a backdrop for an upcoming movie! More on this as details become available.