The Personal Injury Attorney in Union City, NJ, You Can Trust

For decades, waves of immigrants and artists have caught glimpses of sea and skyline from the hills of Union City — a New Jersey town just across the Hudson River from New York City.

The spectacular views remained relatively off the luxury real estate radar, keeping prices reasonable enough to allow two winding roads along the edge of a cliff — aptly named Mountain Road and Manhattan Avenue — to become a sanctuary for sculptors and painters.

The Beaux-Arts sculptor, Raffaele Menconi, who designed the flagpole bases at the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue, co-owned a 13-room mansion on Mountain Road, starting in 1912. Charles X. Harris, a painter of Americana, and Olive Kooken, a sculptor known for her lamps and toy soldiers, lived in a house just up the road at different times in the early 20th century.

Even into the 1980s, the cliff-side community atop the Palisades remained a home to creatives: The photographer Bonnie Berger, who owned a three-family brick house, ran a collectibles shop down the hill in Hoboken and served as a landlord to a photographer while a jewelry designer lived next door, recalled her daughter Jennie Berger.

“It was an amazing place to grow up,” Ms. Berger, 45, said from her home in Chicago recently. The mother and daughter lived on the first floor and collected rent from the two upstairs tenants. “We had a great backyard. My mom had vegetable gardens. We had hammocks, and a turtle was living there. It was a little oasis. We could see the fireworks every year. It was pretty unique.”

But in 2005, Bonnie Berger, who had bought the house for $130,000, got an offer she couldn’t refuse: A group of investors paid her $1.7 million for the property, and three years later, another group of investors paid $2.8 million to take it off their hands.

One by one, investors began taking over Mountain Road and Manhattan Avenue. Between 2005 to 2009, investors bought 12 contiguous properties on the cliff — many with century-old buildings displaying unique architectural features — for between $360,000 and $6.5 million. There were initial plans by a developer, Sky Pointe LLC, to build 450 to 500 residential units in five towers.

And then, nothing happened.

For reasons neighbors are only partly aware of, neither development nor demolition has occurred on the properties since they were bought. Instead, they’ve suffered from fires, intruders, graffiti, broken fencing, and overgrowth that make it difficult for an onlooker to believe they were occupied and full of light 18 years ago. In a hot real estate market (where other developments have risen on the hills to take advantage of the views), such a promising neighborhood has been left to crumble.

On a recent afternoon, shafts of sunlight squeezed through thick trees to brighten boarded windows and ivy covering the structures. Across the road, the thump of someone’s drums emerged from a street-level window.

David Spatz, the city planner for Union City, said he has not heard from Sky Pointe in “probably six to seven years.”

“I think the city would like housing developed on that property, but in a way that is sensitive to the existing neighborhood and the cliffs itself,” Mr. Spatz said, “developing something that wouldn’t block views to the people live to the west of the property, but also be sensitive to the Palisades.”

He said the investors — who have been embroiled in a series of legal battles since 2015 — still have not submitted formal plans for a development project to the city.

In September 2015, Union City’s board of commissioners designated the 12 properties and one vacant city-owned lot as a “noncondemnation area in need of redevelopment.” That designation gave Sky Pointe some protection from local residents opposed to any changes. Several neighbors publicly accused the developer of purposely ignoring the properties in order to attain the special privileges. They also argued that the properties could still be fixed up without a special designation.

Still, other residents just want the houses torn down.

Kate Sparrow, who has lived in a stately, century-old Mountain Road home since 1999, started a petition to raze the houses in 2015, writing, “These buildings are a fire hazard, an eyesore, reduce our property values, and give Union City a disgusting presentation.”

She got only 33 signatures.

“There was nothing wrong with the houses,” Ms. Sparrow said recently from her living room overlooking the cliffs, thumbing through a folder of paperwork from hearings she attended in the mid-2010s. “They didn’t have to let them rot. But now that they did, why aren’t they tearing them down? There have been fires, vagrants, critters.”

In yet another camp is a retired social studies teacher, Joe Sivo, 94, who owns two Manhattan Avenue homes he bought after moving to Union City in 1958. He said he was among the few neighbors who supported the investors’ quest to develop the cliffs.

“They were going to give us a park,” said Mr. Sivo on a recent day, as he and wife Caroline, 87, prepared to drive down the hill to the Hoboken ShopRite.

The residents thought there was new movement in the summer of 2019, when lawyers for Sky Pointe advertised a community meeting to discuss a new plan for two towers, totaling 99 units, with an 8,500-square-foot park between them.

The meeting was canceled.

Ms. Sparrow and other residents said so much time has passed that they fear developers will build an out-of-scale project to recoup their money. “I’m not against development,” Ms. Sparrow said. “Only when it’s too big and too much. When they overpay, they want everyone else to make good on their investment.”

But even if the houses are eventually razed and a development is finally approved, a project could run into obstacles. Other new condo developments planned on the cliffs face the challenges of the topography and more. “Before we can build any of these four buildings vertically, we must first blow the mountainside asunder. We continue to dynamite the rocks away,” reads a 2021 construction report for a planned 55-unit luxury condo development at 1300 Manhattan Ave., called Hoboken Heights. The project was just 400 feet south of Sky Pointe’s lots, but the year after that report, the property owners filed for bankruptcy, leaving yet another chunk of the mountainside with an uncertain future.

Whatever the outcome, the stately houses tucked into the cliff-side will never be what they once were. Ms. Berger, who sat in her backyard as a child and watched the fireworks shoot into the sky from the Hudson River, cried, thinking about her home and community of artists that have disappeared.

She remembered how her imaginative mother, who drove a powder blue Volkswagen Bug, painted the word “increase” in giant script next to a peace symbol on the wood fence outside their house in different colors.

Today, a metal fence separates her former home and the other dilapidated houses from the street, bearing a phone number for a property management company.

The State of New Jersey has filed an amended lawsuit that now contains constitutional claims to halt New York’s congestion pricing, with a Union City man joining as one of two new plaintiffs.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“The tolling scheme currently being pursued by the MTA fails to address our greatest concerns. Compounding the federal government’s failure to subject the MTA’s proposal to the full environmental review it warranted, it’s now clear that the MTA’s plans will also result in a scheme that unfairly tolls and discriminates against New Jerseyans, especially low-income New Jersey drivers,” Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said in a statement.

“The federal government and the MTA can no longer be permitted to fast-track a proposal that solely benefits New York’s transportation system at the expense of hardworking New Jerseyans.”

Today’s proposed amendments to the complaint add the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority as defendants and allege that their proposed congestion pricing tolling scheme violates the U.S. Constitution’s dormant Commerce Clause and unconstitutionally burdens the right to travel.

The complaint also adds co-plaintiffs who live in New Jersey, travel for work in the Central Business District (CBD), have lower incomes, and will not be eligible for the CBD tax credit since they do not live in New York.

“Plaintiff Eric Grossman is a resident of Union City, New Jersey and works as a Curator of the String Instrument Collection at The Julliard School, a world leader in performing arts education. Mr. Grossman drives to work from Union City through the Lincoln Tunnel, oftentimes with instruments in his car,” the federal court filing claims.

“He also frequently travels in and out of the CBD delivering instruments to violin shops throughout New York City. Because he is constantly traveling with instruments, Mr. Grossman does not and cannot take the MTA subway system, and even if he could, often does not have access to public transportation at the times he is commuting back and forth to New York City.”

The lawsuit continues that Grossman makes less than $60,000 a year and therefore “will suffer injury” from having to pay for congestion pricing.

Both he and Timothy Horner, of East Orange, are represented by private counsel in this matter.

The State’s original complaint in the lawsuit, filed in July 2023 against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, alleges that the federal government violated the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Air Act by approving plans for congestion pricing without adequate environmental review.

The claims against the federal government are still pending, and New Jersey filed its most recent brief in support of those claims on Friday.

Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Union City Palestinian flag raising ceremony

Bader Risheg with the the New Jersey chapter of The American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) leads the Palestinian flag raising ceremony at City Hall in Union City on Friday, March 1, 2024.Get Photo

Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Union City Palestinian flag raising ceremony

Hamadi Bengabsia of the North Hudson Islamic Educational Center speaks during the Palestinian flag raising ceremony at City Hall in Union City on Friday, March 1, 2024.Get Photo

Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Union City Palestinian flag raising ceremony

Jasmine Batista attends the Palestinian flag raising ceremony at City Hall in Union City on Friday, March 1, 2024. Batista, who is Puerto Rican, says there has been a long-standing solidarity between the U.S. territory and Palestine.Get Photo

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Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Union City Palestinian flag raising ceremony

Hamadi Bengabsia of the North Hudson Islamic Educational Center attends the Palestinian flag raising ceremony at City Hall in Union City on Friday, March 1, 2024.Get Photo

11 / 20

Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Union City Palestinian flag raising ceremony

Bader Risheg with the the New Jersey chapter of The American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) leads the Palestinian flag raising ceremony at City Hall in Union City on Friday, March 1, 2024.Get Photo

15 / 20

Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey Journal

Union City Palestinian flag raising ceremony

Hamadi Bengabsia accepts a resolution from the city on behalf of the North Hudson Islamic Educational Center during the Palestinian flag raising ceremony at City Hall in Union City on Friday, March 1, 2024.Get Photo

Jennifer Donnelly, a high school science teacher at the Jose Marte Stem Academy, has been recognized as Hudson County’s Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education. Photo Credit: Union City Board of Education

By Al Sullivan

PublishedOctober 9, 2023 at 11:07 AM

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ - Jennifer Donnelly, a high school science teacher at the Jose Marte Stem Academy in Union City, has been recognized as Hudson County’s Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education.

According to a resolution passed by the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, Donnelly is a devout educator whose integrity, professionalism and commitment greatly enhanced the quality of life of Hudson County residents.

Donnelly’s roots in Hudson County run deep, the resolution said, going back to her grandparents who immigrated to the United States during the late 1800s. Her family owned the Zampella’s Men’s Clothing store on Newark Ave in Jersey City and her great-uncle, Peter Zampella served as a Ward E Councilman in Jersey City during the mid-1970s.

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She found her niche as an educator in the natural sciences, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Chestnut Hill College and a degree in Biology from Caldwell College. She went on to work at Ortho Pharmaceuticals where she conducted clinical research for companies such as Johnson & Johnson. Her love for science drove her to pursue education, where she would truly make her mark.

Donnelly has spent nearly 29 years of service as a science teacher using her educational and unique experiences to influence the next generation of STEM leaders. She currently teaches various courses of study such as Scientific Research, Advanced Topics in Biology and Advanced Placement Biology where she peaks the interest of her students by developing their perspectives in the study of living organisms.

A leader in her field, the resolution added, Donnelly has trained her fellow peers in scientific research and expanded the Union City Summer Research program to grade levels ranging from kindergarten to twelve grade. Her unwavering dedication to her students has merited various accolades such as “Distinguished Educator” by the National Society of High School Scholars and a three-time SAGE teaching award recipient.

A colorful exterior is just one clue that the restaurant at 4605 Park Avenue in Union City isn’t a typical choice. Arre Sinaloa, serves a mix of classic Mexican dishes and inventive takes, thanks to Chef Gonzalo Colin’s imagination and memories of home cooking in his native Mexico City. The restaurant also is a cevicheria, taqueria, and asadero serving up one-of-a-kind cuisine from northern Mexico. Read on to learn more about Arre Sinaloa in Union City.

Arre Sinaloa is the brainchild of Chef Gonzalo Colin and his wife, Yanin Felix. “I always had a dream of opening a restaurant in New Jersey, especially in this area,” Colin said. “I have an amazing wife who pushed me to do it and we did it together.”

Both Chef Colin and Yanin were born in Mexico with Yanin being raised in Culiacán, Sinaloa, and Gonzalo in Mexico City. The eatery is an homage to their heritage as well as their passion for traditional Mexican food. Chef Colin fully credits his love and enthusiasm for cooking to his family, upbringing, and culture.

Read More: Baja Mexican Cuisine: Delicious Authentic Mexican Food

“When you dine with us, you dine with family,” Felix said. “The recipes that we share with you have been passed down to us, and we are excited to be able to share them with you. Our ingredients are fresh and healthy, just like we would choose in our own home.”

Chef Colin says he manifested his dream life, chapter by chapter, after leaving his mother and grandmother who both had a huge influence on who he is and his passion. Cooking the cuisine he grew up eating at home helped him feel less lonely.

“When I started working in these great restaurants in the city, I missed my mother and grandmother, which helped me feel closer to them and their food. I hoped that I would one day be cooking for those who I missed.”

From the time he was a child, Chef Colin has always had a passion and appreciation for cooking and creating. His love of the culinary arts was nurtured by his family. He also explains how grateful he is for the opportunities provided to him by prominent chefs, as he worked his way up the industry’s culinary ladder. When he first started out, Chef Colin says he was lauded for his natural ability with people and food.

One of his mentors is Chef Scott Bryan who taught Colin how to implement French and Mediterranean culinary techniques. Chef Colin has worked as a Sous Chef and Executive Chef in many restaurants throughout his career including City Bistro, in Hoboken, where he created dishes with a French influence and fused them with American cuisine. He’s served as a chef for high-profile clients including The Daily Show, Nickelodeon, BET Network Meta, and more.

The restaurant first opened its doors in September 2022 and has excellent reviews on Google and Yelp which is always a good sign. It’s dog-friendly and has a cozy ambiance with inviting decor. According to the owners, all the artwork has a special meaning.

The restaurant hosts different events every month with live music and a prix fixe menu. For July, the restaurant will be rolling out new summer dishes in celebration of the warm season. There are also chef tastings and surprise dishes on the weekends.

The concept of a Northern Mexican cósina makes this spot stand out from other Mexican restaurants in the area. “We want to be ambassadors of this food. Everyone knows the traditional Mexican food but there is a lot more to try.”

Chef Colin focuses on preserving the authentic Mexican cuisine flavor for future generations.

The food we tried was fresh and delicious. The restaurant has an elevated taste and the ingredients are carefully sourced.

While it is BYOB, Arre Sinaloa also offers mocktails that are out of this world. Some of them are The Cantarito Loko – which is made with Grapefruit, lime and orange juice, ice, tajin, sea salt, and chamoy. Some other options include Spicy Passion Fruit, Jalapeño Mango, and Mint Peach.

A few of the most popular dishes are the Arre guacamole, the Truffle Esquites, Tostada V.I.P Ceviche, Rompe Catres Aguachile, the octopus, the Cochinita (braised pork), the Birria Sinaloense, and the Arre Asadero.

Chef Colin knows that some patrons will seek the usual Mexican meals while dining at Arre and to accommodate them, he has included some staples on the menu.

“People always ask for rice and beans, which is traditional Mexican food. Here we don’t really do that but since they were asking for it, I put “The Wanted Rice” on the menu as a little joke.”

Chef Colin shared that he and his wife take the time to go to farmer’s markets on the weekends to search for the best ingredients. “My wife and I love going to farms in search of the freshest produce.”

When not at the restaurant, the parents of four teens love the outdoors and spending time at the beach, exploring new restaurants, planning cookouts with friends and family, camping, and eating.

See More: Puebla de Noche: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Montclair

“We live in Weehawken and our kids are being raised in this area. We love the community.”

According to Chef Colin, the future looks promising and expansion is definitely on the horizon. “We are always looking to bring these flavors to more towns.”

Arre Sinaloa is open Wednesday, Thursday, + Sunday from 4PM to 10PM, Friday + Saturday from 4PM to 11PM, and closed Monday + Tuesday. Its delicious food is available for dine-in and takeout, as well as through delivery services like Uber Eats. Follow along on Instagram for all the up-to-date info on events.