RonD
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Posts posted by RonD
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Where??
Holiday City in Berkeley Township, right next door to Toms River.
NJ.com shows our overall crime rate at 17.29/thousand in 2006 as compared to Kearny at 28.14/thousand. Average taxes were $3366 in 2007 for us and $7774 for you. Holiday City has even lower taxes than the rest of Berkeley because we get a school tax break due to the fact that we do not impact the school system. No one under 19 may live in our development. I hope that answers your questions
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"I am leaving this town because I am now retired and the taxes hear for the service you get are outrageous. I would rather live out the rest of my life in peace and quiet in a place where the taxes will not eat up my income, and will not have a problem with parking, cars racing up & down the street and just being able to walk out my door to a beautiful site."
Well, come on down! We moved down the shore about 2 1/2 years ago to an "over 55" community when my wife retired and it was one of the the best things we ever did. Fifteen hundred square foot homes going for around $150,000 to $200,000 with taxes in the $2,500 range and monthly association dues of only $29 that includes snow removal, grass cutting, clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and numerous activities. Every home has a driveway and garage, underground utilities, well water sprinkler system and an open backyard. Everyone keeps their property looking great and the peace and quiet can sometimes be deafening. What else can one ask for?
The beach is a mere 8 miles away(we never venture over the bridge on weekends) and at age 62 Island Beach State Park beaches are free for life. No, it is not a Garden of Eden what with the Benny invasion every summer, but is by far a nice life.
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Explore what exactly??? The Town had an opportunity years ago to push to Develop South Kearny. Instead they treat it like qa red-headed stepchild. The roads are like washboards, NOTHING is every repaired until there are several complaints and potential suits. Why would ANY business move down there??? Post 9-11 again, the potential for serious development was there..office space was at a premium with close proximity to Journal Square, the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels..and the Town did Nothing to try and bring in business...Nope we got more Truck parking lots, that bring in the minimum Ratables. It's NOT just the current Administration..EVERY Mayor and council since the Shipyards closed, and Western Electric moved out have ignored South Kearny, to the taxpayers detriment.
While I fully understand that people want to offer their opinions on a topic, I find it disheartening when they don't do their homework first.
A large portion of South Kearny, 409 acres to be exact, was designated a foreign-trade zone, being added to the NY/NJ Port Authority Trade Zone 49 on September 8 of this year. Just because the local papers may not have covered it doesn't mean you shouldn't know about it. This designation allows export business in the zone to operate duty free or duty deferred operations. The area has 5.5 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space already in place, with another 300,000 square feet planned in the near future. The application for the designation was made in 2005, right about the same time the plans for a new Wittpenn Bridge and adjacent new, wider roadways were announced. This was all discussed and approved at open Town Council meetings.
Part of the overall problem of drawing new business into South Kearny is the contamination of the land from previous, long gone companies. Because the cost of decontamination is so steep that the feasability of construction is out of the question, only those businesses that can encapsulate the property, such as truck terminals, can consider a move to the area. Although their ratables may be low, it appears that this is a better option than taxes owed by bankrupt, previous owners, doesn't it? This same contamination must also be considered when talking about street repairs.
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Coincidentally, look what just popped up in Canessa's blog:Former Kearny High School English teacher Celeste Adamski has pled guilty to one count of official misconduct, and as part of a plea agreement, will never teach again, The Observer has learned. Adamski also admitted to having sexual intercourse with one of her students, who was 17 at the time. We'll have the entire story in the Oct. 17 edition of The Observer.
At least she admitted to her wrongdoing.
Yes, she admitted her wrongdoing, including having sexual intercourse with a minor, but the only plea was for official misconduct. It concerns me that she will not be registered as a sex offender and very well may take up another career involving children.
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You can no longer register as an Independent. The State Legislature took that right away from you a few years backand, without our consent, changed the affiliation of those of us who were registered Independents to Nonalligned. This is just one more control the Rs and Ds have forced upon us.
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Hi Ron have you caught any fish yet? You know the mayor is really doing a poor job for the town and the tax payer. The truth is he won't make the hard decisions that need to be made. He panders to the teachers union because he's afraid they will blitz the town with phone calls and push him out. He has his loyal admistrator that has everybody sueing the town and winning. Now add his salary to the settlements and that's a lot of money. I know they fixed Kearny ave but the stores are gone. New field houses and parks it's great, but who can afford $9000.00$ per year? or more? You Left. Now here's the kicker the bond payments are due, I hear it's in the millions. How high will the next tax increase be. People you have got to get back to basics and cut the fluff. Kearny should start with the administrator he is grossly over paid. And that's the truth.
Nope, haven't gone fishing in a while. I did, however, have a wonderful holiday watching all the Bennys getting on that wonderful parking lot we call the GSP for the final time this summer.
Although I may or may not agree with your statements, I'll ask the question again that no one seems ready to answer:
"Exactly what illegal or unethical activities has he been involved in to have him removed from office?"
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Please will somebody get this ball rolling so people in the masses can get behind this effort to rid this town of a Mayor that certainly isn't looking out for the common peoples best interests. The issue is TAXES,TAXES,TAXES, Wake up Kearny and together we can throw this bum out.
If any of you were to proceed with petitions for impeachment of the Mayor, which I have all the confidence will never happen, what charges would you be filing? Exactly what illegal or unethical activities has he been involved in to have him removed from office?
You're all just blowing steam and the apathy I saw in Kearny for 58 years will prevail.
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Allow me to clarify something. A driveway is just that, a DRIVEway, not parking space. Ask any police officer and he will tell you that you can be ticketed for parking in a driveway just like parking across one. It is considered a private access ( or road) to the garage or back parking area.
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Quetion: where does CBG money come from? private donations?
CBGs are funded by the state from tax dollars. Private funds can be had from a number of areas such as a local business or businesses or interested private citizens.
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I never said anything about porta pottys, but that is an idea. I did however suggest that proper bathroom facilities be built. It would be nice to let our kids go to bathroom then have to run to the gas station. It would also be nice to have a place to change our baby’s dippers when the need arises.
As far as funding is concerned I believe that we could have it done with no cost to the taxpayers if we utilize Urban Enterprise Zones UEZ funds.
You should not be so selfish and realize that not everyone in town is as privileged as you to live in the manor section.
Manor Park is not in a UEZ area, therefore the monies could not come from that fund. If anything, it would have to be a CBG, Community Block Grant, or private funding to be of no cost to the taxpayers.
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Well, as far as the churches go, parking for their functions is their responsibility to provide, especially considering that even residential parking is evidently such a hassle to 'get' according to you. It sounds like things weren't really thought through when one or both of the churches were built in the place where they were.
I do empathize with you, and I couldn't imagine Santos saying "Yes, it's fair." *chuckles* But it's not enough to have a complaint--if you don't have any solution to suggest, then it doesn't really help much. If you come up with something, I'm sure Santos would be willing to listen.
If these two churches are the ones I'm thinking about, between Quincy and Oakwood Aves., they have been there for many years before families had two, three or four cars. Yes, there actually was a time when there was no parking problems in town. I know the one closer to Quincy has been there as far back as the forties, maybe longer.
It is not the responsibility of the churches to provide parking for its guests, as they were grandfathered against the building codes put into effect for multiple dwellings like apartment buildings and businesses.
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Well at least it will support construction in NJ. The money will be used for NJ improvements.
The possible gas tax increase is nothing compared to the 10,000 per taxpayer which Bush pissed into the Iraqi adventure.
Possible gas tax increase? Are you kidding? When was the last time Trenton mentioned a "possible" tax and it didn't happen?
And I suppose that's just what we need in NJ, more construction? The Borgota tunnel in Atlantic City was real time saver for everyone. What a state benefit that was.
Do you know what they want the road construction money for? I'll give everyone a while to figure it out, then I'll tell you.
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Dont mind strife...hes a "Northern NJ Friendly Mousie", and he needs help and cuddles.
I don't mind him. In fact I find most of his posts amusing, especially the inept attempts at being an intellect. I do feel, though, that his overwhelming adoration of Paul, as a desire to be Paul, shows deep rooted issues as yet unresolved.
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Since when? Also, prove it.
Since always. Also, prove he doesn't.
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OK Ron It's your turn, what say you sir?
What can I say???
Well, I just got back from some surf fishing and the bluefish are in at around 8-12 pounds and lot of small bass are hitting on clams at Island Beach State Park.
By the way, they just took all the winter barriers away from exit 82 so all you bennies can come on down for the holiday weekend. Great weather, great beaches and the boardwalk. Don't forget to bring your money. LOL
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The is no added financial burden to the town IF the town saves the money they should have been paying the PD or FD. Who thinks they actually did that?
If 100 employees should have been getting an additional $2000 a year in 2004, 2005 & 2006 thats $200,000 a year or $600,000 over the three years. Did the town take the money they should have been paying in salaries every pay day & save it knowing they would eventually have to pay the employees? Or did they wait until they were forced to pay & then have to find the entire amount?
So what you're saying is there should have been a line item in the budget for those years titled, " Maybe PD & FD Salary Increase Money- $200,000". Well, that just can't be done. You can not budget this year for what you MAY have to pay three years down the road. There are rules to the budgetary process you know.
And what difference would it make? The end result would still be that the taxpayers would have to come up with the $600,000. If you reread my first post on the topic you will get a full explanation.
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So, which town department do YOU work for?? Because the town did EXACTLY that in both the PD and FD process, under both Czech and now D'Arco. BOTH times the contract problems have gone on for extended periods, the Unions have been involved in the Arbitration Process, and at the final hour, the Town gives in and comes forward with an agreement both sides can live with, mainly because the Town knows that they will be on the losing end of any binding Arbitration because the positions they take are so off-center. Under both Czech, and now D'Arco the town has attempted to void contracts that have taken literally decades to evolve. The Town HAS in fact blown off meetings, to the point that in one, the arbitrator told the rep from the town, that if the TA missed one more meeting that he would rule 100% in favor of the Union, and let the town appeal the decision afterwards. The Town and D'Arco have taken the position with the past few contracts that they will Dictate, rather than Negotiate. With the FD everything was held up because of the 24 hour shifts (The FF's, not the officers, that is another issue entirely). With the PD, the contract was SETTLED in July of 05, with the Memo of Agreement signed by the Town and the Union..yet d'arco STILL tried changing the language AFTER it had been agreed on, witht the end result that the Town paid for another 5-6 months of retro that they needn't have if the Town treough Joe D'arco has just abided by the agreement they made in the first place.
I never worked for the town, do you? So, you agree with everything I said except, "So much for your theory about the town blowing off meetings". My point is, if the town did ignore meetings, why did the union wait so long to act upon it?
Again, with the assumption that the town had to pay "for another 5-6 months of retro that they needn't have". If the contract had been enacted on time the affected employees would have gotten their raises up front rather than in a lump sum retroactively. They still got the same money either way. There was no added financial burden on the town.
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It took you a while but l knew I could count on you for that come back. But don't worry mr santos really does like you. In Toms river that is....
Actually, it's Berkeley Township, with all the other retired folks, but you're close enough. That was a good one, though, "mr santos really does like you. In Toms river that is....". It's good to know I'm missed (not).
Well, I'd like to continue this banter, but we're off the the beach to give the dogs a good run and get an early start on our tans before all you Bennies invade the area. Have a great day at work up there.
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Don't let Ron get to you, he thinks Santos likes him.
Oh, there you go . Now you've gotten me all upset.
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Perhaps it's because the Mediator/Arbitration process takes THAT long. Perhaps it's because the Town blows off meetings with the Arbitrators just as it does with the Unions. Perhaps YOU shouldnt be so quick to blame everyone BUT Santos and D"arco for the nonsense that goes on in this town.
"Perhaps" you're grasping at straws. Anyone with an understanding of the arbitration process knows that it does not take five years to reach a decision as you have insinuated. They also know, because of the vast difference between the two, that there is no such thing as a mediator/arbitration process. While mediation, by definition, is a facilitory process meant to bring the parties to an agreeable end, arbitration can be likened to a court with the arbitrator having the final, unchallengeable word. I also can say without hesitation, having been involved in these type of proceedings in the past, that an arbitrator can, without one party present, dictate a final settlement based on the data given them. So much for your theory about the town blowing off meetings.
I never said the Mayor or Town Administrator were not to blame for the delay in settlement. In fact, I did at one point ask, "what were the reasons and who was at fault?" I would like someone to explain to us all, if this is true, what they or the town would have to gain by a delay.
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Ron, he never said anything about taking the first proposal from the union. He thinks five years to settle contract negotiations is a bit much. That's not really in the tax payers interest either.
I agree, five years is a long time, but what were the reasons and who was at fault? If the town leaders were to blame for delaying the process, why wasn't the case taken to mediation or arbitration by the union leadership?
Now, can anyone complete this sentence, "That's not really in the tax payers interest either because".....
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I tend to agree with Mr. Mangin... unfortuneately my vote for him in the last election didn't matter, but I would vote all over for him. It's people like him who care about our town. He is a long time Kearny resident who like me has seen it go from bad to worse. Granted Kearny and the surrounding towns have always had their share of problems and issues with petty crimes, but come on. In the last two or three years all you hear about is murder, shootings, muggings, etc... It is getting way out of hand, and the current Mayor and council don't give a damn. Jim Mangin is a caring, understanding man who cares about his community, and you have no reason to question his "management skills" at his company of employ. Have you ever gone to his "company", and needed the help of a "manager??? Jim is always very pleasant, and his years of customer service skills along with his management skills show what type of person he is...
Way to go Jim!!!! only wish you had more luck getting a council seat, oh to heck with it, run for Mayor next time around and I am sure the way things are going now, you'll beat Santos....
I never questioned Jim's ability as a manager. I asked if he would do what he proposes the Mayor and Town Council do. Would he sacrifice the company (town) and its stockholders (taxpayers) for the employees (police officers) by approving the first offer put on the table. I think not? That was the topic, right?
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you tell 'em Jim!
To the Publisher:
Everyone in Kearny is talking about the recent violent crimes that have been all over the newspapers. Every day, it seems we read about another incident, or a neighbor tells us about someone’s house or car that was broken into. I’ve lived here all my life, and I can’t remember a time when crime in Kearny was the number one gripe — knocking high taxes out of the top spot.
Crime and taxes are linked though. More police officers mean higher taxes. In fact, at $14 million, the budget for police salaries is the single largest item in the municipal budget. In just the last two years, this account has increased by $2.3 million — a 20-percent jump in just two years.
Taxpayers may think that for these extra tax dollars, we’re getting more police officers; but that’s not the case. Instead of paying for more police protection, we’re paying for “past” police protection in the form of retroactive salary payments because contracts weren’t settled on time.
You’d think that by increasing the police salary budget by 20 percent in two years, we’d at least feel a little more secure. But recent newspaper articles about violent crime tell a different story.
It’s time the Mayor and Town Council re-think their policy of putting off contract settlements. With Kearny taxes as high as they are, we’ve paid for the right to feel safe.
Jim Mangin
Kearny
This is a spin on the old, "pay me now or pay me later" commercial. The officers are getting no more today than they would have gotten had the contracts been settled in the year the negotiations started. If one officer , had the contract been setled earlier, was to receive raises of, say, $2000, $1500 and $1000 for the last three years, they are now getting retro pay of $4500. There are no penalties or interest added to the figures. In fact, the taxpayers have probably saved a few cents based on inflation. If any harm has been done it is the issue of morale among the affected officers by not getting their increases in a timely manner.
I can't help but wonder if the writer, as a management employee of his company, would expedite contract settlements with his employees for high percentage increases just to get it over with or if he would hold out and continue negotiations for the benefit of his company and stockholders. What would you say if the Mayor and Council accepted the unions first demands just to bring an early end to negotiations as the writer suggests?
Finally, equating taxes with safety is wrong. We now live in a community in NJ were we pay less than $2500 a year in total property taxes and the crime rate is very low. It's the people that make up the community that matter. You can have an officer on every corner and still have felonies happen.
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You speak of people not knowing what is going on in their town and I would like to correct your statement, which you seem to not know what is going on:
1- The antenna across from Roosevelt School just went in in (8) months ago.
2- There are none across from St. Stephen's Church in any direction.
3- The antennas at Beech and Quincy were removed roughly (2) years ago, because of concerns voiced by local residents.
And thank you for your 2nd statement, which is right on the mark, "while there is no evidence that these relay antennas are a threat, there also is NO CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY". Tell Strife that one. He was told that but just blew it off with his typical BS.
Our children should not be lab rats for testing these antennas, as is the case with the antennas on Martello's building on Stewart and Kearny Ave. across from Roosevelt School. The risk is not worth taking!
There have been antennas on Martellos building for years. Look close at the brick facade along the roofline and you will see them. They have a fake brick face. That is unless they were removed for the new ones.
My mistake, I meant St. Cecelias, above the apartment building across Kearny Ave.
Time to say good-bye
in Kearny
Posted
Yes, our water rate MAY increase, but right now our last bill for a quarter was $37; $12 per month, not $19. The sewer tax is about $30 per quarter and is based on a water in, water out charge. This is why we all have well water sprinkler systems that do not go through our water meters.
As for garbage pickup, because most of the homes in our section of Berkeley Township have two or less occupants, it is once a week with the exception of mid June through mid September when it is twice a week because of the hot weather. Recycling is every other week and, unlike Kearny, we can put out any large items anytime during the year. I've even had them pick up old wrought iron railing during a regular pickup day with no problems.
After all is said and done, though, I still believe I am paying less to live here than you are to live up north. I say this as an opinion, not bragging. Also, let me add that this area is good for retirees but may not be a plus for those who work. There is no industry here that provide good paying jobs and younger family would find themselves commuting, with the travel expenses and time far out waying the pluses.