LINDEN, NJ — At the Oct. 10 board meeting of the Special Improvement District (SID) committee, the City of Linden focused on event planning, reconstruction, and funding in preparation for the city’s 100th anniversary celebration next year. Key initiatives discussed included updating the lighting on the Wood Avenue bridge with the installation of a mural, along with addressing Halloween activities and other upcoming events.
The District Management Corporation oversees SID, supporting numerous businesses on Wood Ave. A Board of Trustees meeting is held monthly at the Uptown Linden Inc. office, led by executive director Felipe Cabezas.
Eight members of the board were present for the meeting along with Mayor Derek Armstead.
The committee is preparing for Linden’s 100-year anniversary as a city. On January 1, 1925, Linden became a city and was replaced by the Linden Borough and Linden Township. Armstead recommended waiting until Fall 2025 “to combine this celebration with September to Remember,” an annual street festival.
The board also discussed plans for reconstructing the Wood Avenue bridge with improved lighting. Cabezas proposed installing lights on both sides of the walls, with inspiration from the bridge on Third and Fourth Ave in Elizabeth. Since the bridge is owned by Amtrak, Linden must obtain approval for any updates. SID is currently seeking new quotes from lighting companies after receiving an estimate of $165,000 for three lights.
Cabezas suggested using materials like plywood, tar, and durable glass to address graffiti issues on the planned mural set to be designed on both walls of the bridge.
The committee proposed tapping talented students from Linden High School as mural artists, while Cabezas preferred hiring a professional. His vision includes four panels on both walls, depicting the evolution of both historical and contemporary landmarks, such as the Linden Municipal Airport, and all members were on board.
Halloween activities have begun in Linden, including a Wood Avenue merchant and business storefront Halloween decoration contest and its annual parade, yet some members were unaware of these events hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Member and Confidential Secretary to the Mayor Rebecca Tattoli expressed her frustration that she received word of these events through flyers “from a local source, not a city employee.” She noted that “City Hall did not receive any updates on Halloween plans.”
With little information shared in the media, Cabezas questioned whether the city had enough planning time for the events. He added that “no one is running the SID website” to keep the community informed about meetings, events, and updates.
The board also discussed updates on the 2026 World Cup. Linden is seeking approval to have the city designated an official FIFA fan site. They are looking for a contact to get permission from FIFA to obtain broadcasting rights. Armstead was supportive of the idea remarking that “sports is a great uniter.”
The board voted to approve Lori Neshimka and Ron Marcelo as new members. Neshimka is the owner of Linwood Inn Tap House, a family-owned pizzeria and grill since 1971. Marcelo is a Real Estate agent. Cabezas said the new members will “put ideas on the table that will help our purpose become a fact.”
Barry E. Javick, the 2nd Ward councilman, is a member of SID by council appointment. The board of trustees agreed on a motion to appoint Javick as Council Liaison, stepping in for Monique Caldwell.
The official swearing-in of the new members and Javick’s appointment occurred at the city council meeting on Oct. 15.
Three motions were passed during the meeting: approving Javick’s role as Council Liaison, the removal of the blue canopies from four businesses on Wood Ave, and changing the monthly meeting start time from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The next meeting will be held on Nov. 14. For the latest on the City of Linden, check the city’s website.
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