STATE DEMOCRATIC ACTION SECURES $1,000,000 IN FUNDING FOR WALKING PATH AT THE PASSAIC RIVERFRONT!
NJ Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36) announces funding in letter to local officials for an idea initially proposed by Democrats some 5 years ago!
NORTH ARLINGTON – In a letter dated January 31st, New Jersey Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36), announced that state funds in the amount of $1 million dollars was secured for a proposal to construct a walking path that would connect the Daniel Morris & Mary Rusignola parcels including landscaping, enhanced lighting, and other security features.His new funding is also supported and endorsed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D). Sarlo, chairman of the powerful Budget & Appropriations Committee of the New Jersey Senate was reelected last year where he defeated a GOP candidate supported by both Republican council members Allison Sheedy and Brian Fitzhenry, who ironically challenged Sarlo only to be vanquished by the Wood-Ridge Democrat in an easy win in 2013.
Fitzhenry, a political adversary and critic of Sarlo is expected to seek reelection this fall with Sheedy once again. Ironically, the idea of a walking path at River Road was proposed in the 2018 mayoral race by then Councilman Mark Yampaglia, and again in October of 2019. The former councilman proposed connecting the Arlington Diner to Riverside County Park with a pedestrian & biking path.Yampaglia’s brother, John Yampaglia is a candidate for council this year with running-mate John Balwierczak.Both were strong supporters of Sarlo’s reelection along with Assembly members Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) and Clinton Calabrese (D-Cliffside Park).Sarlo received the overwhelming endorsement of local Democrats when he visited North Arlington last October at the Arlington Diner. Both Yampaglia and Balwierczak praised the actions of Sarlo as “bipartisan and in the best interests of North Arlington.”
“Our campaign has been predicated on placing North Arlington first and this extraordinary funding for an essential capital outlay at River Road is what residents seek. We will continue to explore additional funding for these kinds of initiatives should we be successful and working together with our state legislative partners is simply good government,” offered the candidates. Yampaglia was extremely happy to see his brother’s idea finally see pen put to paper. “This is a great idea who’s time has come. Beautifying the Passaic waterfront needs to be part of our overall redevelopment of River Road. Should I be successful along with John we will work tirelessly in these kind of infrastructure and quality-of-life initiatives,” offered the candidate. “We believe in working in a bipartisan and constructive fashion is what responsible, two-party governance is all about,” offered the locals. Yampaglia’s proposal was covered by NA TODAY in 2019.
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