Municipal taxes in North Arlington stay the same while the local levy increases in Lyndhurst, Rutherford, Garfield, Wood-Ridge and Carlstadt!

Massa Administration keeps taxes & spending in check, fixes the mess left behind after two decades of GOP control!

NORTH ARLINGTON - While taxes rose in Lyndhurst, Carlstadt, Rutherford, Wood-Ridge and Garfield, the municipal tax rate will stay the same in North Arlington thanks to hard choices made by the Democratic majority led by Mayor Pete Massa and Council President Steve Tanelli.

What makes this accomplishment so impressive is the fact North Arlington balanced it's books without state aid and reduced the borough's debt obligation nearly 40%! Read More

EDITORIAL:

TIME TO CLEAN THE MELRAY'S MESS ONCE AND FOR ALL!

Time for the retailer to install lights and time for Councilman Bianchi to take responsibility for this apparent planning board blunder!

Good government can be hard and difficult.

In the case of the Melray's furniture fiasco, it's time for this retailer to start cooperating with borough officials.

How does a retailer get "air rights" in the first place?

Who's bright idea was that? Read More

Mob taint suspected in EnCap project

Federal and state law enforcement officials are investigating potential mob influence in the failed $1 billion EnCap project, according to sources close to the investigation.

One aspect of the probe has authorities trying to determine whether an organized crime associate accepted payoffs to allow unlimited dumping at the site, according to two sources close to the probe. Read More

Encap's Mob Ties

The EnCap project, which teetered to bankruptcy under the weight of double-dealing lawyers and lax public servants, was also plagued by a criminal crew: La Cosa Nostra.

Federal investigators allege that associates of New York crime families steered delivery of fill to the Meadowlands site in exchange for payoffs, according to released court documents. Read More

An NA TODAY exclusive:

WHAT DID THEY KNOW AND WHEN DID THEY KNOW IT?

Borough documents show Bianchi, Bocchino and Herrmann all supportive of EnCap Holdings in their posts as local officials, Bocchino voted "yes" to appoint EnCap law firm as NARA bond counsel!

NORTH ARLINGTON - In a series of documents (click here) showing a sequence of events that took place after the electoral defeat of five-term incumbent Len Kaiser in 2002, the outgoing mayor work diligently in moving the EnCap project forward even after voters showed little, if any support for redevelopment in the borough. Read More

EDITORIAL:

Getting six cents out of a nickel!

North Arlington Library Board getting things done without raising taxes or laying blame at someone else's doorstep!

Democrats are getting things done no matter how much Republicans kick & scream!

Corey Klein of The South Bergenite put it best by asking how North Arlington can spend nearly $200,000 in renovating the very neglected North Arlington Library while claiming to be in a financial crisis? Read More

"20 Questions" with North Arlington Council President Steve Tanelli.

Third Street homeowner gives his take on EnCap, property taxes, eminent domain, low income housing and the future of North Arlington!

We're speaking with Council President Steve Tanelli, one of the borough's most ardent opponents of , eminent domain seizure and low income housing. Elected to an unexpired term in 2004 and elected to a three-year term in 2005, Mr. Tanelli is now seeking a second three-year term with former Councilman Mark Yampaglia come the fall. Mr. Tanelli authored one of the county's strictest private property seizure ordinances which was passed with over 80% of the vote in 2006.

This year Tanelli moved the governing body to endorse a "zero tax" increase, the first in three years. Read More

EDITORIAL:

Fed, local prosecutors team up to fight EnCap

Federal and state prosecutors have joined forces in a probe of suspected corruption in the EnCap project, fresh off their successful double-teaming of ex-Newark Mayor Sharpe James.

U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, center, has subpoenaed documents relating to EnCap. News surfaced last Wednesday that U.S. Attorney Chris Christie had turned his high-powered crime-fighting machine at the bankrupt Meadowlands venture and was sending out subpoenas to some of the project's key players. Read More

Campaign 2008:

GOP GOES BEGGING FOR DOLLARS!

Candidates Bocchino & Herrmann criticize Mayor Massa for stopping Arlington Valley, plead for political control that would ensure gridlock to local government!

NORTH ARLINGTON - In a series of fundraising letters signed by the candidates dated April 30th and a second letter undated (click here to see letters), the local Republican Party is back on the attack! Read More

BIGGEST DAY EVER!

30,867 HITS, 1,038 PAGE VIEWS & 503 UNIQUE VISITORS!

NA TODAY BREAKS SINGLE DAY VISITATION RECORD!

NORTH ARLINGTON - NA Today, the #1 online source for news about North Arlington broke all previous traffic records by posing 30,857 hits, 1,038 page views and 503 unique visitors for Monday, June 16th! Read More

EDITORIAL:

MOVING FROM HOUSING TO RETAIL?

Trump proposal to eliminate housing component with two million feet of retail space is step in right direction for NA taxpayers!

Someone is finally listening to North Arlington!

After years of fighting Arlington Valley and the ridiculous financial arrangement attached to that debacle, the Trump Organization seems ready to recognize the simple fact that housing is not welcome nor the answer for redevelopment in North Arlington. Read More

Special Angels Charity Softball Game

Porete Ave. could go retail/commercial

Michael Cohen, Executive Vice President & Special Counsel to Donald Trump, has been in discussions with North Arlington borough attorney Anthony D’Elia about scrapping plans for a 1,625-unit housing project on Porete Avenue in favor of a retail/commercial development, according to Cohen. Read More

An NA Today Exclusive:

The Exploding cost of public education  in North Arlington!

A student enrolled in Pre-K today that graduates in 2021 will cost taxpayers an estimated $265,862 or $18,990 per year!

With school budgets increasing at 7% per year, the cost of public education will be $45,390,651 annually by 2021, A 116% increase!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Taxpayers currently support a $19M school operation that equates to roughly $11,875 per student based on a population of 1,600 children. Based on a 180-day school calendar, the cost to operate local schools is roughly $105,555 per school day!

But what will be the cost of public education in 5, 10 or fifteen years? Read More

WINNING THE BATTLE FOR READERS ONLINE!

HOW NA TODAY STACKS UP IN TRAFFIC VERSUS OTHER ONLINE/PRINT DELIVERY SYSTEMS!

NORTH ARLINGTON - NA Today, the borough's only comprehensive news & editorial source about NA stacks up incredibly well to other "like" sources that derive most of their traffic in "print" publications! Read More

Campaign 2008:

Democrats re-elect Antonicello party chairman, Massa endorses Tanelli, Yampaglia for council

County committee members gather at Arlington Diner to hear both Tanelli & Yampaglia, candidates pledge to keep NA "small, safe & suburban!"

NORTH ARLINGTON - With two primaries now behind them, Democrats last week affirmed the choice of Council President Steve Tanelli and former Councilman Mark Yampaglia as the nominees of the local organization.

The twenty-member delegation of elected party leaders also chose Nicholas Antonicello, Sr. to serve as municipal chairman for another term. Read More

NAToday Poll:

ELECTION 2008:

Lautenberg easily re-nominated, Zimmer defeats Pennachio in GOP senate race, Tanelli leads all candidates on both ballots with 367 votes!

Incumbent defeats Andrews nearly 3-1!

NORTH ARLINGTON - New Jersey voters went to the polls today (click for Dem Results and GOP Results) and renominated incumbent Senator Frank Lautenberg as he easily defeated Rep. Rob Andrews of Camden by a vote of 291 to 108. Morristown Mayor Donald Crescitello trailed with 31. Read More

Low turnout expected in state's second primary come June 3rd!

Lautenberg challenged by Andrews, Cresitello for US Senate, Real Democrats challenging BCDO slate, locals run unopposed for borough council in both parties!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Voters for the first time will be asked to vote in a party primary for the second time in four months as the state's longest serving United States Senator is being challenged by two other Democrats come Tuesday. Read More

EDITORIAL:

A time to leave the past behind.

Democrats want to end the political nonsense while the GOP wants to "re-run" the failures of the past!

The Massa Administration is not perfect.

But the Massa Administration inherited plenty of problems & challenges from the two previous mayors who couldn't get the job done. Read More

Mess in the Meadowlands

There are a lot of bad jokes about the New Jersey Turnpike and the mess that surrounds it. Barbara Nevins Taylor investigates what may be the biggest mess of all.

To view this eye-opening report in which both Mayor Massa and Councilman Tanelli are overwhelmingly redeemed, Click Here. Under "Watch the Latest Videos" on the right hand side of the page next to the viewer, select "Mess in the Meadowlands".

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE BIGGEST IN BOROUGH HISTORY!

Bergen County Sheriff, Senator Sarlo and a host of bands and marchers make the day a true remembrance of the faithful departed!

Councilman Jim Ferriero & veteran George Lewis serve as honorary grand marshals, Massa gives stirring tribute to America's finest!

NORTH ARLINGTON - On a picture perfect day, North Arlington memorialized those who served this nation with great fanfare by organizing one of the largest parades in borough history. Read More

Trump sets sights on NA

When the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission voided its landfills to golf courses and housing deal with EnCap Golf holdings and the developer filed for bankruptcy, North Arlington officials were ecstatic about the turn of events.

While the EnCap deal is over, nothing changed in North Arlington’s lawsuit with Cherokee Porete, one of EnCap’s "cousin corporations" that struck its own deal with the borough separate from EnCap’s deal in the Meadowlands. Read More

Critic Earns "I Told You So" in Meadowlands Project

The gate had been swung shut across the gravel access road that leads out into the marsh grass, one of the newest in the network of unmarked trails lacing this empty swath of land where so much waste has been buried, and so many grand schemes have unraveled. The backhoes sat idle beyond it in the steady rain, the Manhattan skyline rising tantalizingly near on the horizon. Read More

NJMC busts a cap into EnCap's inflated hot air balloon

It looks as if EnCap Golf and Housing project has been run out of Dodge City, at least in Lyndhurst and Rutherford. At the May 7 New Jersey Meadowlands Commission meeting, EnCap Golf Holdings LLC was denied by a unanimous vote for any further extension to remediate the troubled project. Read More

Tanelli Interviewed

Council President Steve Tanelli was interviewed last week by BLOOMBERG on the decision by the NJMC to rescind & terminate the developer agreement with EnCap Holdings.

The day after that decision, EnCap filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, officially ending the development proposal.

Click here to listen to Tanelli's comments. The interview is approximately four minutes.

BREAKING NEWS:

ENCAP FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY!

See Bankruptcy Pettion Here

NORTH ARLINGTON - The Leader Newspapers is reporting that EnCap Holdings, the controversial and embattled developer chosen to remediate the Meadowlands and construct nearly 5,000 units of housing has filed for bankruptcy effectively ending the company's nine-year relationship with the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC). Read More

EDITORIAL:

FINALLY, IT'S OVER!

NJMC'S decision to pull the plug on EnCap is a second chance for N. Arlington, Lyndhurst & Rutherford to construct a responsible plan for redevelopment in the Meadowlands 

The political gods sometimes do the right thing.

In the case of EnCap, they finally pulled the plug on the biggest redevelopment debacle in the state of New Jersey. Read More

STATEMENT BY MAYOR PETER MASSA ON THE DEMISE OF ENCAP

“The decision by the NJMC to right the wrongs that were made over the past eight years ago is welcomed by North Arlington as a vindication to our long-stated position that EnCap was not qualified, technically, financially or otherwise to transform the Meadowlands from garbage dumps to golf courses. Read More

BREAKING NEWS:

NEW JERSEY MEADOWLANDS COMMISSION VOIDS AGREEMENT WITH ENCAP!

NJMC kicks out controversial developer, state action could end litigation with North Arlington, Massa, local officials hail decision as long overdue!

NJMC Resolution on Encap: Click Here

NORTH ARLINGTON - The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission terminated the agreement with EnCap Holdings as the developer of record after years of delays, cost overruns and financial questions that have plagued the project since it's inception. Read More

Melray's debacle follows Bianchi to governing body!

Former Planning Board Chairman presided over "air rights" sale, controversy continues as to who's responsible for lights!

NARA MINUTES ON MELRAY'S: CLICK HERE

Wall, Kairys believe furniture retailer is responsible! 

NORTH ARLINGTON - Years after approving the controversial sale of "air rights" to a Ridge Road furniture retailer, Councilman Joe Bianchi's inability to have lights installed at the parking lot below the building continues to agitate borough residents. Read More

Campaign 2008:

NORTH ARLINGTON DEMOCRATS FORMULATE CAMPAIGN STAFF, FUNDRAISER AND VOTER REGISTRATION TEAM

Democrats tap Councilman Al Granell to head effort with Nick Mazzolla & George McDermott as deputy campaign managers, next fundraiser scheduled for May 1st at Euro Lounge

Mayor Massa talks about finding Max, North Arlington's newest celebrity!

NORTH ARLINGTON - Local Democrats gathered Friday evening at the VFW Hall and began the process of building a campaign staff to re-elect Council President Steve Tanelli and elect former Councilman Mark Yampaglia. Read More

Analysis:

MASSA ADMINISTRATION DELIVERS ON "ZERO TAX" INCREASE BUDGET!

Tanelli, Granell are responsible for reforming the budget process and delivering on what GOP just likes to "talk" about!

It was a sight to seen last week as GOP insiders looked on in awe and shock as Finance Chairman Al Granell called for an amendment to the 2008 municipal budget to further cut spending and deliver a zero tax increase. Read More

EDITORIAL:

The time for a federal probe of EnCap is now!

Phony hearings, whitewashed reports and political stonewalling must cease! The homeowners of North Arlington, Lyndhurst & Rutherford demand to know the truth!

Massa, Tanelli & Granell stand tall for taxpayers!

After years of taking political refuge behind some of the state's most influential officials, EnCap was exposed for the scheme that it is this week. Read More

Governing body makes appointments to Rec Commission, authorizes support for YMCA Grant for $15,000

Granell calls upon Republicans to make budget suggestions to fulfill their campaign promise of a tax rebate

NORTH ARLINGTON - The North Arlington Mayor & Council met Thursday and made some productive strides to fix and repair two streets and one of the borough's recreational facilities along Schuyler Avenue. Read More

Inside the numbers: The NA Police Department:

Binding arbitration could cost NA taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in new spending!

NAPD seeks 4.0% pay raise through binding arbitration, twenty of thirty-two police officers earn in excess of $100,000 last year!

Average NA police officer earned $101,197 in 2007, does bipartisan support exist to hold line on salaries & spending?

NORTH ARLINGTON - The North Arlington Leader reported this week that the North Arlington Police Department is seeking a 4% pay hike that would increase municipal spending about $130,000 for fiscal year 2007 as well as fiscal year 2008.  Because the police contract is retroactive, increases in police salaries in a new agreement could run well over $260,000! Read More

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EnCap contractor hauled away

A contractor connected to millions in cost overruns and delays in the EnCap golf project was arrested and charged with money laundering Friday in an unrelated federal corruption probe. Read More

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EnCap or Trump, what's the difference?

Now coined a "clean-up" versus redevelopment, why is North Arlington still being sued to impose eminent domain seizure of Porete Avenue and the construction of low income housing?

New brand, same deal?

NORTH ARLINGTON - While the names are changing to protect the incompetence of the past, is anything really changing when it comes to the controversial EnCap project that now has a Trump brand attached to it? Read More

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Stirring the partisan pot.

NA Republicans continue to seek Democratic help to mask their own support of higher taxes , EnCap and low income housing.

NORTH ARLINGTON - An unidentified GOP source today told the political web site www.insidebergen.com that North Arlington Democrats are "attacking" a neighboring mayor and the district's state senator in wake of an upset victory in last fall's council races. Read More

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Greedy Developers attack Massa, Zoning Board members in attempt to force storage facility at 170 Schuyler Avenue!

Developers call themselves "Concerned Citizens" of North Arlington in putting public pressure on members to vote yes come the January 9th meeting!

Use "Encap style" tactics to scare community with a twisted version of the truth!

NORTH ARLINGTON - In a highly unusual move, the applicant of a storage facility before the local Zoning Board has started a "media blitz" with several full-page ads in the Leader Newspapers, South Bergenite and The Kearny Observer calling upon the board to approve an application that would construct a storage facility on prime real estate. Read More

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Editorial:

SILENT PROBE

Inspector General's report still a mystery as legislature will use oversight authority to review EnCap

But who will review the legislature's role in this mess?

According to the Bergen Record, the long awaited report by the state's Inspector General as to what went wrong with EnCap will finally be released to the public. According to a letter written to Senate President Richard Codey, "the report will discuss the role played by the various governmental entities, as well as the use of public funds." Read More

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The State Aid Game.

How does Harrison receive $6.6 million while North Arlington gets just $500,000? Taxes rise 33% in NA while infusion of state support keeps Harrison increase at just 8%! NORTH ARLINGTON -  North Arlington is 2.6 square miles. Harrison 1.3 square miles. North Arlington has 15,077 residents while Harrison has 14,424.  North Arlington has 6,392 households while Harrison has 5,136. 24.5% of all North Arlington households have children under the age of 18 while 33.7% of Harrison households have children under 18. 49.7% of North Arlington households are married couples while Harrison has 49.8% of households with married couples. Read More

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2007 Final Election Results

2007 Certified Election Results - Borough of North Arlington: Click Here

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The perks of public office.

Should part-time elected officials receive free health benefits courtesy of North Arlington taxpayers?

What example will Bianchi & Hughes set for homeowners?

With Republicans back on the governing body for the first time in three years, it will be interesting to see if incoming council members Joseph Bianchi and Richard Hughes opt to receive free health benefits courtesy of taxpayers. Read More

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YOU'RE HIRED!

Just a day after two of the Borough’s anti-EnCap councilmen were swept out of office by local voters, state Superior Court Judge Jonathan Harris ruled Cherokee Investment Partners could not transfer the former Bergen County Utilities Authority property here to one of its subsidiaries. Read More

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JUDGE SUPPORTS BOROUGH'S EFFORTS TO STOP ENCAP FROM SELLING PROPERTIES

NORTH ARLINGTON -  Superior Court Judge Jonathan Harris ruled yesterday that Cherokee Investment Partners is prevented from transferring the Bergen County Utilities Authority property in North Arlington to one of its subsidiaries. Read More

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N. Arlington demands Encap probe

North Arlington officials on Monday called for a federal investigation into the "entire sorry episode" of the controversial EnCap proposal to build a massive golf course-residential-retail complex in three Bergen County communities.

"The mountain of evidence against EnCap and the people in state government who pushed this project is growing taller than the landfills in the Meadowlands," said North Arlington Mayor Peter Massa. He cited a report in Sunday's editions of The Record detailing environmental problems at the faltering seven-year-old project, originally pitched as a means of closing four old Meadowlands landfills. Read More

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MASSA SPEAKS WITH CORZINE ON THE STATUS OF ENCAP AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Attending the retirement dinner of former state PBA President Mike Madonna, North Arlington Mayor Pete Massa got the chance to speak with New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine over the future of EnCap and redevelopment in the Meadowlands. Read More

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The affordable housing myth.

The NJMC's misguided notion that government can regulate housing stock and force inclusionary zoning practices doesn't make any sense in a state where home values and property taxes are sky high!

Does an unelected regional state agency have the authority to impose inclusionary zoning restrictions upon local municipalities that have governing bodies directly elected by the voter? Read More

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MAYOR MASSA CALLS NJMC DECISION VINDICATON

Says State Has To Protect Taxpayers and Allow Borough To Chart Its Own Redevelopment Course

NORTH ARLINGTON – Mayor Peter Massa applauded the action taken yesterday by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission against the notorious EnCap developer, saying: "its about time that the NJMC recognized what we have been saying all along – that the EnCap project is a taxpayer ripoff and an detriment to our communities". Read More

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An NA Today Exclusive:

NJMC DECLARES ENCAP IN DEFAULT!

Could this be the end of the line for the embattled developer?

NORTH ARLINGTON - EnCap Holdings, the controversial and embattled developer who sought to construct 1,650 units of housing in North Arlington while seeking to use eminent domain seizure was apparently declared in default of the agreement with the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission today according to NJMC sources.

If true, North Arlington Mayor Pete Massa and the all-Democratic council will have proven to be correct as to it's opposition to random development, eminent domain seizure of Porete Avenue companies and the construction of low income housing. Read More

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NA TODAY'S NUMBERS SOAR!

Hits, pageviews and unique visitors increase year over year for third straight year, 8.8 million hits since 2005!

Site projects 3.6 million hits, 140,000 unique visitors in 2007!

NORTH ARLINGTON - NA Today, the borough's #1 online source for news and information continues to grow at an incredible pace and is poised to receive over 130,000 visitors in 2007. Read More