Wishing everyone a
Healthy and Happy New Year.
From Bogota Blog NJ
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Dance Party
31-December-2016
On Friday 30-December Bogota Beautiful held the first of its kind "Just Dance" party. This was a New Year Eve eve celebration to beginning welcoming in 2017. It took place at the Bogota VFW post #5561 post, and was a setting for Family and friends to gather. Bogota Beautiful Chairperson Amaru Bustamante welcomed everyone who attended and thanked those volunteers and donaters for their effort to make the evening a success. Mr. Bustamante then turn the floor over to DJ. GiGi who set the tone for the event with plenty of music to dance by. Other performances were by Stevie C. who sang a number of ballets for couple dancing. There was also a demonstration by "Orquidea De Oro" which highlight the Colombian heritage with traditional folk dances. After the performances the dance music was restarted in order to bring in the final act of 2016 with songs, movement and a midnight toast.
Proceeds from this event will go to help fund some of Bogota Beautiful's project for the year 2017. For more information about Bogota Beautiful and what they plan to do for the Borough of Bogota, or to help by volunteering or joining Bogota Beautiful as a Active, or Prospective member please visit their website at : http://www.bogotabeautiful.com/
On Friday 30-December Bogota Beautiful held the first of its kind "Just Dance" party. This was a New Year Eve eve celebration to beginning welcoming in 2017. It took place at the Bogota VFW post #5561 post, and was a setting for Family and friends to gather. Bogota Beautiful Chairperson Amaru Bustamante welcomed everyone who attended and thanked those volunteers and donaters for their effort to make the evening a success. Mr. Bustamante then turn the floor over to DJ. GiGi who set the tone for the event with plenty of music to dance by. Other performances were by Stevie C. who sang a number of ballets for couple dancing. There was also a demonstration by "Orquidea De Oro" which highlight the Colombian heritage with traditional folk dances. After the performances the dance music was restarted in order to bring in the final act of 2016 with songs, movement and a midnight toast.
Proceeds from this event will go to help fund some of Bogota Beautiful's project for the year 2017. For more information about Bogota Beautiful and what they plan to do for the Borough of Bogota, or to help by volunteering or joining Bogota Beautiful as a Active, or Prospective member please visit their website at : http://www.bogotabeautiful.com/
( To help support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local news & sports please contribute what you can by using the donation button at the top right of the page.)
Friday, December 30, 2016
River Club Pilot
30-December-2016
On Thursday-29-December, at a special Council Meeting the Bogota Borough Council approved a PILOT program for the River Club Development. The vote was 5-1 for. The PILOT agreement will run for 30 years and will give the Borough a set fee from the developer. The amount of the fee will be based on the Gross revenue each year. For the first 15 years the fee will be base on 10% of the Gross. It will raise to 11% in the next five years, 13% for the next three years and top out at 15% for the remaining years of the agreement. 5% of this payment will be paid in County taxes with the remaining 95% to be paid to the Borough of Bogota. These are fixed rates and can not be raised by the Borough or challenged by the developer. In addition, the developer's profit is fix at 12% per year. Any profit over that number, determined by an outside auditor, is subject to additional taxes. There will be no percent of this program that is schedule to go to school taxes. At the end of the 30 year program the tax rate will return to the typical rate with the County, and School taxes. There is also a 3 million dollar " Community Benefit Payment" in the first three years of the program, due when each of the five building are given their Certificate of Occupancy.
After an explanation of the PILOT program was explained by the Borough Attorney Craig Bossong, the meeting was open to Public Comment. Some of those who took the opportunity to speak were former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan and former Councilman George Silos. Both Men talked about how this type of program will leave the Borough receiving less revenue in the form taxes. They told of how this could a financial imbalance if the development did not meet it's goals. Also speaking was a number of members of the Bogota Board of Education. All expressed concern that with a complex with over 400 units, there is the possibility of a large increase in enrollment to the Bogota School District. While there has been a drop in the High School, in recent years, the enrollment at of the both Elementary Schools, Steen and Bixby are operating at slightly over capacity. One of the School Board members expressed the concern of the possible cost of expansion to the Districts schools due to over crowding.
Other members of the public spoke of the concerns over flooding on the site and the relocation of resident vehicles at those times. There were also questions raise about the impact of the Boroughs infrastructure, with public services such as roads, and sewers systems along with impact to the Police and other Emergency Services. Another concern was the cost to the Borough of the development did not meet its projected goals, and are there any assurances that the tax payers of the Borough would not have to pay for a "bail-out"
After the Public Comment session was closed, a motion was made to table the ordinance to allow for more study, and community input. This was defeated when no other Council-member seconded it. Then each member of Council was given a chance to express their views on the matter. The common theme was that this was a chance to have a large scale redevelopment of an otherwise little use parcel of land in Bogota. Council President John Mitchell, who sat -in for Mayor Chris Kelemen, admitted that this was not the "perfect solution" for that area, but it is a start to expand investment in Bogota. While the retail component of the site is less than what the Borough wanted and it is more than what was originally planned.
( To help support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local news & sports please contribute what you can by using the donation button at the top right of the page.)
On Thursday-29-December, at a special Council Meeting the Bogota Borough Council approved a PILOT program for the River Club Development. The vote was 5-1 for. The PILOT agreement will run for 30 years and will give the Borough a set fee from the developer. The amount of the fee will be based on the Gross revenue each year. For the first 15 years the fee will be base on 10% of the Gross. It will raise to 11% in the next five years, 13% for the next three years and top out at 15% for the remaining years of the agreement. 5% of this payment will be paid in County taxes with the remaining 95% to be paid to the Borough of Bogota. These are fixed rates and can not be raised by the Borough or challenged by the developer. In addition, the developer's profit is fix at 12% per year. Any profit over that number, determined by an outside auditor, is subject to additional taxes. There will be no percent of this program that is schedule to go to school taxes. At the end of the 30 year program the tax rate will return to the typical rate with the County, and School taxes. There is also a 3 million dollar " Community Benefit Payment" in the first three years of the program, due when each of the five building are given their Certificate of Occupancy.
After an explanation of the PILOT program was explained by the Borough Attorney Craig Bossong, the meeting was open to Public Comment. Some of those who took the opportunity to speak were former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan and former Councilman George Silos. Both Men talked about how this type of program will leave the Borough receiving less revenue in the form taxes. They told of how this could a financial imbalance if the development did not meet it's goals. Also speaking was a number of members of the Bogota Board of Education. All expressed concern that with a complex with over 400 units, there is the possibility of a large increase in enrollment to the Bogota School District. While there has been a drop in the High School, in recent years, the enrollment at of the both Elementary Schools, Steen and Bixby are operating at slightly over capacity. One of the School Board members expressed the concern of the possible cost of expansion to the Districts schools due to over crowding.
Other members of the public spoke of the concerns over flooding on the site and the relocation of resident vehicles at those times. There were also questions raise about the impact of the Boroughs infrastructure, with public services such as roads, and sewers systems along with impact to the Police and other Emergency Services. Another concern was the cost to the Borough of the development did not meet its projected goals, and are there any assurances that the tax payers of the Borough would not have to pay for a "bail-out"
After the Public Comment session was closed, a motion was made to table the ordinance to allow for more study, and community input. This was defeated when no other Council-member seconded it. Then each member of Council was given a chance to express their views on the matter. The common theme was that this was a chance to have a large scale redevelopment of an otherwise little use parcel of land in Bogota. Council President John Mitchell, who sat -in for Mayor Chris Kelemen, admitted that this was not the "perfect solution" for that area, but it is a start to expand investment in Bogota. While the retail component of the site is less than what the Borough wanted and it is more than what was originally planned.
( To help support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local news & sports please contribute what you can by using the donation button at the top right of the page.)
Bogota Year in Review part 4
30-December-2016
This is the final of a four part series that will highlight some of the stories covered by Bogtoa Blog NJ for the year 2016. This post will cover the Months from October to December 2016
Saturday 1-October The St. Joseph's Church of Bogota sponsored a collection of used and unwanted bicycles and sewing machines to be donated to people living in developing countries.
Tuesday -4-October The Bogota of Education held the first of their two board meeting for the month of October. The main focus of this meeting was to hear a report from Anthony Rotundo, the Director of Curriculum, about the PAARC test score for 2016. Also included were NJASK results for 4th and 8th grade tests.
Thursday-6- October The final link in the re pavement of River Rd in Bogota was made. The final section was made from Cross St to Cypress Ave by crews from PSE&G.
Saturday-8- October In the Men's race Bogota won fifth straight NJIC Patriot Division Championship.
Thursday 13-October The Bogota Chapter of the Hackensack Regional Chamber of Commerce was introduced. This served as a restart of a Chamber of Commerce for the Borough of Bogota.
Thursday-20-October The Bogota High School was closed after a failed generator cast the building to be closed for all after hour actives. The High School reopened for regular class hours the next day.
Thursday 20-October The Bogota Borough Council meeting with Bogota Police Chief Daniel Maye recognizing Bogota High School PTO president Pauline McDonnell for her work in funding a Prescription drug drop box for the Police Department.
Thursday -20-October Companies from the Bogota Emergency Services departments had an open house of sorts in show the public they type of equipment they use.
Saturday-22-October The Bogota Men's Cross Country Bucs swept the top five scoring placement. Danny Daurio became the Varsity "D" Champion with his first place finish.
Wednesday 26-October The Bogota Middle School Lady Bucs Volleyball team would win their end of season tournament for Middle School Volleyball and finish the season undefeated.
Thursday 27-October The Bogota Lady Bucs won their seventh straight NJIC Group 1 patriot Division title a 16-0 record.
Friday 28-October Trinity Lutheran Church in Bogota held their first Oktoberfest.
Friday 28-October The newly formed Bogota Youth Club had an open sign-up event at the Bogota VFW, This organization is the idea of Councilman Michael Connors
Saturday-29-October The Bogota Recreation Commission hosted a Fall Festival in Olsen Park.
Friday-4-Nov. A Joint operation by Detectives from four Bergen County Police Dept have lead to the arrested of three suspects for a series of robberies of Quikcheck stores in four different counties
Saturday-5-Nov. In the Men's race with James Draney becoming the the North 1 section champion with a winning time of 16:13. He was the first of five Bogota runners to finish in the top 15. Ryan White finished 4th with Danny Daurio coming in 5th. Cole Geraghty place 13th and Daniel Rivera at 15th. This gave Bogota the North 1 section Championship. With this win the Men's Squad has earned a triple with League, Country, and State Sectional title wins.
Saturday 5-Nov. The Bogota Football Bucs played their final game of the season. This was the Senior Game for Bogota and class of 2017 members of the Football, Cheerleading, Baton, and Band where honoured.
Tuesday-8-Nov. In Bogota Elections: Kathy Gates-Ferris, David McFarlane, & Mary Ellen Murphy won seats on Borough Council, Lisa Kohles, Amanda Montgomery, & Charles Severino won seats on the Bogota Board of Education.
Saturday-12- Nov. The #1 ranked Bogota Lady Bucs Volleyball team have repeated as NJISAA State Group 1 champions. This gives Bogota their second straight Group 1 title an sixth in the last seven years.
Saturday-12- Nov. Bogota Men's Cross Country Bucs ran in the State Group 1 meet at Holmdel Park. Bogota finished second out of the 20 entered in this race. Senior James Draney placed second overall.
Tuesday-15 Nov. 21-year-old Bogota man went around town cutting American flags and holiday decorations, said police who arrested him overnight Tuesday with help from citizens.
Friday-18- Nov Gannett Media has discontinued the Bogota Bulletin. This, and almost two dozens other community news paper, will no longer be available in print and digital form.
Saturday 19- Nov. There was the second " Walk the the Mayor" starting in Olsen Park. It proceeded up W. Main St to Larch Ave. then continued to Elm Ave, then back to Olsen Park. This walk was to highlight the Bogota Borough Council resolution to proclaim Bogota as a "Stigma Free Zone"
Tuesday-15 Nov. NJ. Com named Samantha Gioiosa their Volleyball Player of the Year:
Tuesday-1-Dec. The Director of the Children's Department of the Bogota Public Library Nikki Spiegel past away.
Saturday-3-Dec. The Bogota Volunteer Fire Department held their annual Chief Election.
Joe DiMaurio was the appointment to Chief for 2017
Tuesday-6-Dec. The Bogota Planning Board approved the design of the River Club complex which will be located at the old Hess/ Sifford Ford site along W. Ft. Lee Rd.
Friday-9-December Bogota Families gathered at Borough Hall to celebrate the Holidays with the annual lighting of the Borough Christmas Tree.
Thursday-22 Dec. The court in Speary Gym was dedicated to Bogota Head Coach Jay Mahoney.
Thursday-22- Dec. The Cliffside Park Daily Voice reported A Santa from the Bogota Volunteer Fire Dept visit a cancer patient in Washington Township
This is the final of a four part series that will highlight some of the stories covered by Bogtoa Blog NJ for the year 2016. This post will cover the Months from October to December 2016
Saturday 1-October The St. Joseph's Church of Bogota sponsored a collection of used and unwanted bicycles and sewing machines to be donated to people living in developing countries.
Tuesday -4-October The Bogota of Education held the first of their two board meeting for the month of October. The main focus of this meeting was to hear a report from Anthony Rotundo, the Director of Curriculum, about the PAARC test score for 2016. Also included were NJASK results for 4th and 8th grade tests.
Thursday-6- October The final link in the re pavement of River Rd in Bogota was made. The final section was made from Cross St to Cypress Ave by crews from PSE&G.
Saturday-8- October In the Men's race Bogota won fifth straight NJIC Patriot Division Championship.
 |
| photo courtesy of Pat Rochford |
Thursday 13-October The Bogota Chapter of the Hackensack Regional Chamber of Commerce was introduced. This served as a restart of a Chamber of Commerce for the Borough of Bogota.
Thursday-20-October The Bogota High School was closed after a failed generator cast the building to be closed for all after hour actives. The High School reopened for regular class hours the next day.
Thursday 20-October The Bogota Borough Council meeting with Bogota Police Chief Daniel Maye recognizing Bogota High School PTO president Pauline McDonnell for her work in funding a Prescription drug drop box for the Police Department.
Thursday -20-October Companies from the Bogota Emergency Services departments had an open house of sorts in show the public they type of equipment they use.
Saturday-22-October The Bogota Men's Cross Country Bucs swept the top five scoring placement. Danny Daurio became the Varsity "D" Champion with his first place finish.
 |
| photos courtesy of Pat Rochford. |
Thursday 27-October The Bogota Lady Bucs won their seventh straight NJIC Group 1 patriot Division title a 16-0 record.
Friday 28-October Trinity Lutheran Church in Bogota held their first Oktoberfest.
Friday 28-October The newly formed Bogota Youth Club had an open sign-up event at the Bogota VFW, This organization is the idea of Councilman Michael Connors
Saturday-29-October The Bogota Recreation Commission hosted a Fall Festival in Olsen Park.
Friday-4-Nov. A Joint operation by Detectives from four Bergen County Police Dept have lead to the arrested of three suspects for a series of robberies of Quikcheck stores in four different counties
Saturday-5-Nov. In the Men's race with James Draney becoming the the North 1 section champion with a winning time of 16:13. He was the first of five Bogota runners to finish in the top 15. Ryan White finished 4th with Danny Daurio coming in 5th. Cole Geraghty place 13th and Daniel Rivera at 15th. This gave Bogota the North 1 section Championship. With this win the Men's Squad has earned a triple with League, Country, and State Sectional title wins.
Saturday 5-Nov. The Bogota Football Bucs played their final game of the season. This was the Senior Game for Bogota and class of 2017 members of the Football, Cheerleading, Baton, and Band where honoured.
Tuesday-8-Nov. In Bogota Elections: Kathy Gates-Ferris, David McFarlane, & Mary Ellen Murphy won seats on Borough Council, Lisa Kohles, Amanda Montgomery, & Charles Severino won seats on the Bogota Board of Education.
Saturday-12- Nov. The #1 ranked Bogota Lady Bucs Volleyball team have repeated as NJISAA State Group 1 champions. This gives Bogota their second straight Group 1 title an sixth in the last seven years.
 |
| photos courtesy of Frank Gioiosa |
 |
| photo courtesy Pat Rochford |
Tuesday-15 Nov. 21-year-old Bogota man went around town cutting American flags and holiday decorations, said police who arrested him overnight Tuesday with help from citizens.
Friday-18- Nov Gannett Media has discontinued the Bogota Bulletin. This, and almost two dozens other community news paper, will no longer be available in print and digital form.
Saturday 19- Nov. There was the second " Walk the the Mayor" starting in Olsen Park. It proceeded up W. Main St to Larch Ave. then continued to Elm Ave, then back to Olsen Park. This walk was to highlight the Bogota Borough Council resolution to proclaim Bogota as a "Stigma Free Zone"
Tuesday-15 Nov. NJ. Com named Samantha Gioiosa their Volleyball Player of the Year:
Tuesday-1-Dec. The Director of the Children's Department of the Bogota Public Library Nikki Spiegel past away.
Saturday-3-Dec. The Bogota Volunteer Fire Department held their annual Chief Election.
Joe DiMaurio was the appointment to Chief for 2017
Tuesday-6-Dec. The Bogota Planning Board approved the design of the River Club complex which will be located at the old Hess/ Sifford Ford site along W. Ft. Lee Rd.
Friday-9-December Bogota Families gathered at Borough Hall to celebrate the Holidays with the annual lighting of the Borough Christmas Tree.
Thursday-22 Dec. The court in Speary Gym was dedicated to Bogota Head Coach Jay Mahoney.
Thursday-22- Dec. The Cliffside Park Daily Voice reported A Santa from the Bogota Volunteer Fire Dept visit a cancer patient in Washington Township
Thursday-29-Dec. At a special Council Meeting the Bogota Borough Council approved a PILOT program for the River Club Development. The vote was 5-1 for.
( To help support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local news & sports please contribute what you can by using the donation button at the top right of the page.)
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