To the Editor:
This week, I experienced the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of in my 36 years as a business and property owner.
I received a violation notice threatening me with a $1,000 a day fine for hanging an “It’s a Girl” banner on the railing of my business. It indicated I was in violation of the “Town of Kearny Land Use Regulations” and we didn’t have a “Valid Zoning Certificate of Occupancy” to hang this “unapproved banner!”
The letter was signed by Tony Chisari, construction official/zoning official.
Click here to read Chisari’s letter
Also of note, the banner was professionally made and displayed on the porch so it certainly wasn’t unsightly. Numerous attempts were made to reach Mr. Chisari, but I didn’t receive the courtesy of a return phone call.
I grew up in Kearny and started my business here in 1985. I have always been active in this community because of having lived here and owning a business. To say I was appalled by this lack of respect and courtesy because of hanging a birth announcement is beyond ridiculous.
My property is impeccable and kept in pristine condition — and all this town is concerned about is that I didn’t pay a “permit fee” to hang a birth announcement banner. I hope someone addresses this within the town as to the absurdity of what happened to us.
Maybe next time, just take the fee out of the exorbitant taxes I pay or think about the fact that I am a well-respected business owner with a business that has enhanced this community for more than 36 years.
Bernadette Antonelli
Arlington Tax & Bookkeeping Service
Kearny
Learn more about the writer ...
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.