Hackensack, NJ Community Message Boards

This opinion appeared in the July 6 edition of The Record:

Kudos to the Bergen County government for recognizing that there is a homeless problem in the county and for its apparent successful negotiations with Hackensack for a new, multiservice shelter ("County to build $6.2M homeless shelter," Page L-1, June 24).

However, I take exception to homeless advocate Robin Reilly's remarks regarding putting the burden on Hackensack while "those [northern Bergen] towns" do nothing.

Hackensack is, after all, the county seat. Although many county service facilities are located in Paramus, it makes good sense that services be centrally located for equal access by all county residents. Would Reilly propose that a shelter for the homeless be located in Upper Saddle River, a town that is nearly inaccessible, if at all, via mass transportation?

Deborah Greene

Fort Lee, June 2

My response:  Sure, Hackensack is the County Seat.  Yes, it does make sense to have some county facilities here.  Does this mean that Hackensack residents should carry a disproportionate property tax burden?  Absolutely not. 

The County should provide rebates for Hackensack property tax payers (and Paramus for that matter). There is no reason why Saddle River, Mahwah, Ridgewood and other affluent Bergen communities should benefit from a lack of County facilities in their neighborhoods.  These communities should help carry the financial burden in a way that is fair and equitable.  After all, these wealthier towns are in a position to do so.  Why should Hackensack (mostly middle class) be penalized for seating the County?

Albert Dib

ABCD Camp sponsored by Reebook at FDU.

July 4-9, 2005

Latest story: Army vet named to council

The Citizens' Campaign is holding trainings throughout several NJ communities in upcoming months.  These "Power Civics" trainings will teach folks how to become better advocates for whatever issues they may have within their own communities, as well as learn how to get involved in the local politics of their town!

Visit www.jointhecampaign.com to find out more details on the trainings, as well as information on the Citizens' Campaign!

POWER CIVICS TRAININGS:

JULY 25th 7PM:
Edison Public Library (Main Branch) - Meeting Room
340 Plainfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08817

August 24, 7PM:
Woodbridge Public Library Meeting Room
George Frederick Plaza
Woodbridge, NJ 07097

September 8th 7PM:
New Brunswick Free Public Library Community Room
60 Livingston Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

September 26 7PM:
Edison Public Library (Main Branch) - Meeting Room
340 Plainfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08817

September 29 7PM:
Woodbridge Public Library Meeting Room
George Frederick Plaza
Woodbridge, NJ 07097

OCT 4th 7PM:
New Brunswick Free Public Library Community Room
60 Livingston Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

OCT 19th 7PM:
Woodbridge Public Library Meeting Room
George Frederick Plaza
Woodbridge, NJ 07097

OCT 24th 7PM
Edison Public Library (Main Branch) - Meeting Room
340 Plainfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08817

NOV 15 7PM:
Woodbridge Public Library Meeting Room
George Frederick Plaza
Woodbridge, NJ 07097

NOV 29 7PM:
Edison Public Library (Main Branch) - Meeting Room
340 Plainfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08817

DEC 1  7PM:
Woodbridge Public Library Meeting Room
George Frederick Plaza
Woodbridge, NJ 07097

JAN 25 7PM:
Woodbridge Public Library Meeting Room
George Frederick Plaza
Woodbridge, NJ 07097

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