HUDSON HAPPENINGS
Mayor Fulop Delivered his 2024-2025 State of the City Address as He Begins His Final
Year in Office
Mayor Steven M. Fulop delivered his 11th annual State of the City address to a large crowd inside City Hall Council Chambers Thursday night, outlining a bold vision for the future of Jersey City and highlighting the city’s accomplishments over the past year.
In his live-streamed address, Mayor Fulop celebrated the historic progress made over the past 12 years in office, raising the bar for what governments can achieve at every level and establishing Jersey City as the economic
backbone for the state of New Jersey.
Mayor Fulop credited the community partnerships, department leaders, and city employees for driving progress and putting the administration’s bold ideas into action. “Twelve years ago, we set out to make Jersey City a model for urban success. Today, we stand together as a city transformed, a place where families thrive, businesses flourish, and opportunities exist for everyone.”
Notable 2024 highlights from the State of the City address
include:
Public Safety: A groundbreaking 75% reduction to achieve the lowest homicides in history, year-over-year overall crime decreases, advanced de-escalation training, and expanded resources for the police and fire departments.
Affordable Housing: Over 2,900 applications for affordable housing were processed in first 6 months since the Consolidated Affordable Housing Portal was launched. Additionally, Bayfront Redevelopment will provide the largest share of affordable housing in any similar mixed-use project nationwide.
Economic
Development: Creation of over 68,000 residential units since 2015 and the introduction of a one-stop online platform
for HEDC and MUA services.
Health and Human
Services: First new senior center to open in 40 years, distributing over 250,000 meals, and aiding more than 1,000 animals through the new Division of Animal Care and Control.
Transportation:
Expanding connectivity for all residents with Via, 23+ miles of protected bike lanes, built, among other reliable and affordable transit options created to close gaps.
Roadway Safety:
Decreased traffic deaths and injuries utilizing the Vision Zero Action Plan despite these incidents increasing statewide.
Revitalization:
Transformative projects completed and underway in Journal Square and beyond to restore
Jersey City as the state’s economic hub.
Parks and Open Space: Historic investments with brand new parks constructed beyond the dozens of park improvement projects.
Recreation and Youth Development: More than 115,000 program participants last year as the city introduced a wide range of new opportunities for kids of all ages and abilities.
Mayor Fulop concluded his speech by saying, “While this may be my final State of the City address and my last year serving as Mayor of the best city in the country, I have full confidence it will be our best year yet.
https://www.hccc.edu/admissions/register-for-classes.html Classes begin on Friday, February 14, 2025
more information contact: admissions@hccc.edu text (201) 509-4222 or call (201) 714-7200
Each class meets for 12 weeks. This a great option for students who cannot commit to a 15-week term or motivated learners who prefer a fast-paced format. VIEW COURSES OFFERINGS AT: https://www.hccc.edu/catalog/current/courses/index.html
River View Profile
Abraham J. Santiago Unveils
Groundbreaking Book on Puerto Rican Contributions to Rhythm and Blues
Acclaimed author, filmmaker, and former Jersey City native Abraham J. Santiago announces the release of his highly anticipated book, Puerto Rican Contribution to Rhythm and Blues Vocal Group Harmony and Beyond. This compelling work sheds light on the oftenoverlooked influence of Puerto Ricans on rhythm and blues vocal
group singing, acappella street corner harmony, and the evolution of Latin Soul during the transformative 1960s.
As a decorated Vietnam veteran, a scholar with degrees from California State University Stanislaus
and Multnomah University, and a respected authority on acappella street corner harmony, Santiago draws from a rich tapestry of personal experience and meticulous research. His latest book underscores the cultural contributions of Puerto Ricans during a time of profound social and musical change.
“Puerto Rican singers and musicians were instrumental in bridging racial and ethnic divides during the 1960s,” says Santiago. “Their harmonies not only enriched the rhythm and blues genre but also paved the way for the Latin Soul movement, a powerful fusion of urban America’s musical styles with Latin percussion and rhythms.”
Highlights of the book include: Stories of Puerto Rican artists who transformed the rhythm and blues landscape. Insights into the role of street corner harmonies in fostering unity among diverse communities.
A celebration of the enduring impact of Latin Soul on modern music.
Puerto Rican Contribution to Rhythm and Blues Vocal Group Harmony and Beyond promises to resonate with music historians, R&B enthusiasts, and readers passionate about uncovering the untold stories of cultural pioneers.
The book will be available starting February 1, 2025, through major retailers and online platforms.
About the Author: Abraham J. Santiago, a Jersey City native, is an esteemed author, fi lmmaker, songwriter, and former group vocalist. Best known for his work documenting acappella street corner harmony, Santiago is the author of fi ve previous books, including Brothers of Another Shade and Acappella Living in the Shadows. He continues to illuminate the rich cultural history of urban music and its profound social impact.
Benefit for Christine in Bayonne
Christine has been battling High Grade Glioblastoma for 7 1/2 years now. It has taken a physical and emotional toll on her beyond words. It has also taken a financial toll on her family as she has not worked since March of 2020 and will not be able to return to work unfortunately.
If You Go:
Benefit for Christine February 22, 2025 Masonic Lodge in Bayonne
Any and all donations welcome!
More details to follow If you’re not able to attend and wish to make a donation, please reach out for options at IFightForChristine@ gmail.com
Anything helps more than you know.
In Honor of Our Friend
Dave Lipyanka
Dave, has been my friend for over 20 years and in the early days of the River View Observer he was instrumental in helping this publication grow, he taught me how to use an Apple Computer, offered ideas, talent and encouraging words when things seemed impossible to go on.
Dave passed away on January 24th, 2025 and I will always remember and cherish our time as friends and co-workers Joe Calamito Publisher River View Observer
David Lipyanka Obituary
David F. Lipyanka, 63, passed away suddenly on January 24, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. His loss is entirely unexpected, and he will be genuinely missed in so many ways.
A lifelong resident of Bayonne, NJ, Dave was the owner and operator of local business, Creative Edge. He was a man of many talents and passions. A lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Dave celebrated their three recent Super Bowl victories with immense pride after years of loyal support, long before the team became cool. He loved playing his weekly basketball games with friends–an engagement he rarely missed for over 30 years–and had the best jump shot in the game. He was a multi-time recipient of the Annual
Turkey Bowl MVP trophy and, while the results are unofficial, widely known in his circles as the fastest man on the block.
Dave found the most joy, however, in life’s simple, everyday moments - making breakfast for his family (notably his Mickey Mouse pancakes), cheering for his favorite sports teams, volunteering as a Little League or St. Vincent’s basketball coach, and taking his dog, Raine, for daily walks. He cherished his family trips to the Outer Banks and spontaneous adventures nearby. Whether teaching his kids to throw a perfect spiral or free throw, enjoying a bottle of wine or a good meal, or taking a drive down the shore, Dave’s love for his family, friends, and life was evident in every moment.
David is predeceased
BAYONNE-600 Broadway 201-455-2649
KEARNY179 Kearny Avenue 201-428-9242
NORTH BERGEN-8421 Bergenline Avenue 201-758-7853 www.wisehearing.com
by his parents, Frank and Dorothy; his aunt, Frances, and his uncle, Michael Kostovich. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Susan {nee:Suarez}; his three children, Lauren Dolan, David, and Julie; his son-in-law, Seth Dolan; and his adored granddaughter, Eleanor Dolan, who brought endless happiness to his life. David is also survived by his sister Katherine Elder (James), cousin Diane Kostovich, sister and brother-in-law Michael and Lisa Patella, six nieces and nephews, and many good friends. David’s legacy of thoughtfulness, creativity, and love will live on in the hearts of those fortunate to know him. Please join us in remembering his life. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Bayonne Chili Cook-Off returns this Month
If you love Chili than this event is for you. Bayonne Mayor James Davis, the Bayonne Urban Enterprize Zone and the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce present the 2025 Chili Cook-Off a fun event with a variety of fresh Chili and Buffet, with Beer, Wine and Soda and live music by Mark Byrnes & She Said No
If You Go: Chili Cook-Off Friday, February 28 6:00 pm St. John Paul Parish Center 39 East 22nd Street, Bayonne $40. per person (21 & over) Purchase your tickets BayonneChamber.org for info 201-344-2740 Be a River View Observer Insider Subscribe to our www.riverviewobserver.net for local news, views and entertaiment Serving Hudson Since 1998 201-349-4336
Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) is thrilled to announce its presentation of MIGRANTS, an evocative and visually stunning production directed by Mai Rojas, created by the renowned physical theater company Los Escultores del Aire.
MIGRANTS emerges as a deeply personal exploration of displacement, resilience, and the universal human search for belonging. The production is the culmination of months of theatrical experimentation and residency at JCTC led by Los Escultores del Aire, a multi-awardwinning physical theater company based in Barcelona. Created from the authentic, lived experiences of its cast—all immigrants in Spain and USA cast MIGRANTS weaves a powerful narrative about prejudice, uprooting, nostalgia, and hope.
Featuring a multinational ensemble of performers hailing
from Spain, Chile, the United States, Ukraine, Poland, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Mexico, Germany, Argentina, Costa Rica, and England, the production exemplifies the boundless possibilities of collaboration across borders. Through gesture and dance, it transcends language, offering audiences a poignant reminder that “art does not understand borders.”
“Migrants is an exceptional work that weaves together the stories of migrants who face the difficult choice of leaving their homes, families, and motherlands in pursuit of a better life,” said JCTC Executive Producer Olga Levina. “Often, they embark on this journey to escape
wars, and political persecution in search of freedom and a better life. This powerful piece is the result of a weeklong residency involving twelve immigrant artists from Barcelona and ten from the USA, who will collaborate to present this work. The company will stage the private performance at Hudson County School of Technology, placing immigrant students center stage to share their stories. This production will be showcased on March 1 at JCTC.
If You Go: Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 7:30 PM Jersey City Theater Center | 339 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ Tickets start at just $15 and are available now at www.JCTCenter.org.
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HUDSON HAPPENINGS
Hoboken Historical Museum presents Tim Daly’s “Sirens in the Night” Drawings from the 1980s
A resident of Hoboken since 1977, Tim Daly has witnessed firsthand dramatic changes in Hoboken, most especially in housing.
“Sirens in the Night: Drawings from the 1980s by Tim Daly”
references, and is influenced by, the period of Hoboken Fires that led to a drastically different housing landscape and rapid gentrification.
If You Go: Now to March 9th, 2025
Hoboken Historical Musuem 1301 Hudson Street 201-656-2240 info@hobokenmuseum. org
Tues., to Thurs., 2-7pm Fri., 1-5pm Sat. & Sun. 12pm-5pm
3FT. SUBS SUBS (Feeds 13-15 People) must order by Friday, February 7th
Platters 7”& 14” Sub Platters Call Ahead for Pick Up
The New Jersey Real Estate laws have recently changed how business is done!
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