From the 9th Floor- Norman M. Guerra

2018- What a year it was for the Hudson County Improvement Authority! Let’s take a look back at some of the projects that kept us busy over the last year.

Hudson County Schools of Technology Frank J. Gargiulo Campus
In July, the HCIA completed construction of the new Hudson County Schools of Technology High Tech High School located at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus. After setup and move-in, the new high school opened its doors as the “Frank J. Gargiulo Campus” in September and is dedicated to recently retired HCST Superintendent of Schools Frank J. Gargiulo. Governor Phil Murphy and Education Commissioner Dr. Lamont Repollet joined County officials and HCST leadership for the school’s official ribbon cutting.

The $160 million project was initiated in April 2016 and was completed on-time and on-budget. The HCIA was proud to work on behalf of Hudson County to oversee the financing and construction of this historic project. Terminal Construction served as the project’s General Contractor with MAST Construction Services, Inc. serving as the HCIA Owners’ Representative and Construction Manager. Over 300 members of the Hudson County Building Trades were responsible for project construction across several trades.

The 340,000-square-foot campus in Laurel Hill Park occupies 20 acres and houses 1,200 students this school year. This state-of-the-art facility is home to KAS Prep- an alternative high school program; Hudson Technical, which offers a post-secondary certification program; as well as the traditional four-year high school which offers four Career Academies including Applied Sciences, Architecture and Engineering, Culinary Arts and Performing Arts.

The facility includes three levels of classrooms and labs, a 340-seat performing arts theater, black-box theater, gymnasium as well as administrative offices. The campus has been constructed for eligibility for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards and includes such features as a green roof, rooftop Hydroponics Lab, geothermal heating, LED lighting and wind turbines.

Earth Day 5K Walk/Run and Family Fair
This past April, the HCIA hosted the 28th Annual Earth Day Celebration in Hudson County at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Earth Day kicked off with the Annual Earth Day 5K Walk/Run which made history with the largest number of finishers to date! Participants enjoyed a flat and fast USATF-NJ Certified route in Liberty State Park in what has become one of the region’s fastest-growing Spring 5Ks!

Following the race, Hudson County residents and visitors enjoyed an afternoon of fun outdoors with activities throughout the day. The Earth Day Main Stage offered live entertainment including musical performances, an Earth Science circus show, as well as a DJ. Kids enjoyed a variety of activities including inflatable rides, an obstacle course, arts & crafts, face painting and kite flying. Community and environmental exhibitors provided information, health screenings and fun activities for all ages. Mark your calendars for Earth Day 2019 on April 27, 2019!

Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West
Have you swung by Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West in Jersey City? Opened in 2015 on a former urban landfill, Skyway Golf Course has become a major attraction for area golfers offering nine country club holes at affordable rates.

The 2018 Season has been a great one at Skyway with over 40,000 rounds of golf being hosted at the course for the second year in a row. This Summer, Skyway hosted Beginners Golf Night on Monday evenings which provided newcomers with instruction as well as on-course time weekly. In addition, over 60 kids between the ages of 5 and 17 participated in PGA Junior Golf Camps held at Skyway. These four camps taught participants all aspects of the game as well as instruction on the course, in the hitting cages and on the chipping and putting green.

Skyway Golf Course also hosted the first “Ladies’ Beginners Wine & 9” and joined by Anita Marks from ESPN. This event provided 45 participants with the opportunity to learn to play golf in a low-pressure environment while also meeting new people. Look for future events in 2019!

The 2018 Season began on March 8 at Skyway Golf and included several outings such as the Two Person Scramble and Luau and concluded with the Christmas Eve Shotgun. Look for additional events at Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West in 2019!

Laurel Hill Park Boat Launch
Earlier in 2018, the Laurel Hill Park Boat Launch in Secaucus endured damage from a Winter Storm, leaving the launch unusable to both pleasure craft as well as emergency services. As the result of funding from New Jersey Green Acres, the HCIA collaborated with the Hudson County Parks Department and the Hackensack Riverkeeper to rebuild the Boat Launch which has been restored to its original use. The Boat Launch Ramp and the Public Promenade at Laurel Hill Park provide residents with access to one of the County’s most underutilized assets, the Hackensack River waterfront!

Hudson TMA Keeps Hudson County Moving!
Across Hudson County, more and more residents are choosing alternatives to vehicular transportation including bicycling and walking. In order to keep these residents safe through education, the Hudson County Transportation Management Association (TMA) has hosted events throughout the year, such as Traffic Safety 101 for adults and Stride & Ride: A Bike Rodeo! for kids. In October, Hudson TMA hosted Walk to School Day which encourages parents and children to walk to school.

Hudson TMA has continued its goal of offering resources to simplify travel, enhance daily commute experiences, improve safety and improve the environment through programs to support, residents, schools, businesses, employees and visitors.

Hudson County Recycles for the Future!
The Global Recycling Crisis has posed a challenge to recycling in Hudson County and across the country. As the result of China’s anti-pollution campaign which has banned types of paper and plastics, stricter standards have been put in place for accepted recyclables. The HCIA has initiated a public relations campaign to ensure that residents are recycling properly. Through a grant provided by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the HCIA provides the Recycle Coach App which is available to residents free of charge.

Hudson County residents are encouraged to practice proper recycling techniques as a part of their everyday routine. In order to help keep recycling loads clean to avoid being rejected, glass and plastic bottles and cans should be rinsed prior to being placed in the recycling bins. Recyclables should NOT be placed in single-use plastic bags which clog automatic sorting machines at recycling centers. Also, cardboard should be placed curbside separate from other commingled recyclables. Visit the HCIA Website for additional recycling procedures in each individual municipality.

2018 was a record year for mobile paper shredding in Hudson County with 2,838 residents attending HCIA shredding events. This service is offered at no cost to Township residents. Multiple shredding events are scheduled for the Spring of 2019, beginning with Braddock Park in North Bergen on March 16! The HCIA also hosted events which were open to County residents throughout the year including Household Hazardous Waste Collection/Tire Amnesty Days, Computer Recycling as well as Compost Bin/Rain Barrel Sales. Visit the 2019 Calendar of Events and don’t miss these free services provided by the HCIA to Hudson County residents!

See You in 2019!
On behalf of the Commissioners and staff of the Hudson County Improvement Authority, we wish you a Happy & Healthy New Year and we look forward to continue our work on behalf of the residents of Hudson County!