Photo courtesy of Michael Dempsey | The Jersey Journal.
Questionnaires, summer programs and more to read about in this week’s Hudson County News Roundup!
REAL ID Deadline Approaching, Check Your To-Do List
Starting May 7, New Jersey travelers won’t be able to use their regular driver’s license or ID card to travel domestically.
Instead, individuals over 18 years old will only be able to use a REAL ID, passport or other approved form of identification to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings.
Licensing centers will continue to issue REAL IDs on and after May 7, but demand has been high for in-person appointments. Residents can go to a MVC license center or mobile unit to upgrade their driver’s license or ID card to become a REAL ID.
The REAL ID is similar to a regular state-issued identification, but has a small star in the upper right corner.
Once you’re able to snag an appointment—which have been going quick—you must show:
- Two proofs of residential address
- One proof of Social Security Number
- Six points of ID
For more information, click here. To find in-person appointments near you, click here and you can check back frequently.
Are You A Business Owner On West Side Avenue? If So, This Questionnaire Is For You!
The West Side Avenue Partnership is seeking feedback to see how they can help you.
You can submit your feedback on community engagement, safety, cleanliness, parking, business support and more to help West Side Partnership instill initiatives that drive foot traffic, improve resources and make West Side Avenue a better place to do business.
The partnership, which is part of the West Side Avenue Special Improvement District (SID), aims to advocate, promote and improve the business environment of its area.
Your input is a key factor in shaping future programs and making sure the district thrives. You can fill out the questionnaire here.
Heads Up Parents! Classroom Updates And Free Pre-K Being Offered In North Bergen
Starting September 2025, North Bergen will no longer use classroom trailers in Braddock Park for preschool instruction. This ends a 24-year practice which has faced criticism from state officials in the past.
The district will start a new free full-day Pre-K 4 program for all eligible children and a limited Pre-K 3 option for families who meet federal poverty guidelines.
The 17 temporary classroom units, which have been in use since 2001, are currently located near the Bruin Stadium. They were originally meant for short term use, but they stayed in use even after a directive from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in 2011.
The directive found that their placement violated state rules on the use of recreational land. However, the district continued to use the site while looking for other options.
Starting in fall 2025, Pre-K 4 classes will be taught at local elementary schools. The Pre-K 3 program will be taught at a licensed Head Start facility and have a limit of 60 students.
North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco said the classroom change will take away financial strain from families.
“They will not only see their children begin their educational journey with the best possible start, but will also save an estimated $10,000 per year by no longer being forced to pay out-of-pocket for daycare,” Sacco stated.
Dr. George Solter, the Superintendent of Schools, said that the program expansion is aiming to grow access to early education for children.
“We are proud to offer free full day Pre-K programs for the first time to better meet the needs of both our students and parents,” he said.
The school district also said the move will follow state rules. North Bergen continues to work through the NJDEP’s Diversion Process. This requires the town to fix the affected parkland or replace it with land that has the same or more recreational value.
District officials said they are also planning to build a permanent modular building to increase enrollment for Pre-K 3.
Registration for the 2025–2026 school year begins on May 1. Parents must apply in person at the current North Bergen Pre-K Center located at 8701 Boulevard East. Registration hours are between 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Pre-K 3 enrollment will be done on a first-come, first-served basis at the same location and same time.
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The Community Leadership Action Program Will Be Available In Eight Local Towns
Applications for The Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers Community Leadership Action Program (CLAP) are now open. The program will take place from June to August.
CLAP will run five sessions in a cohort-based program that gives grassroots community members and leaders residing in New Jersey’s Combined Sewer System communities an opportunity to learn about local flooding and combined sewage overflow (CSO) issues.
The program will help grow leadership and advocacy skills, while exploring the best ways to take positive action for the community. People from the following Hudson County towns can apply to the program:
- Bayonne
- East Newark
- Harrison
- Jersey City
- Kearny
- Newark
- North Bergen
- Paterson
This program allows members of the community, leaders and organization representatives to join a cohort of peers to:
- Learn why their neighborhoods are flooding and raw sewage is discharging into waterways
- Enhance advocacy and decision-maker influencing skills
- Help accelerate the solutions that will benefit the quality of life in their neighborhoods
The deadline to apply is Friday, May 9. You can apply here.
The Sports In Education Program Grant Is Now Open
After noticing a gap in sports education and opportunities for physical education, Hudson County has launched its Sports in Education program.
The Hudson County Office of Cultural Heritage & Affairs presents the Sports in Education Grant program for the 2025-2026 school year. This program is meant to “to develop, pilot, and maintain partnerships that further sports learning in grades 3-12, enhance the current curriculum with Hudson County-specific content and create opportunities for students’ meaningful physical education.”
The goals of the program include:
- Understanding teamwork
- Fundamental gross motor skills development
- Healthy competition
- More confidence
- Higher overall sports IQ
Coaches will work closely with school educators to promote physical and learning opportunities.
The application is now available and is open until May 12 and is eligible for Hudson County public schools, public school districts and public charter schools.
You can apply here. If you have questions you can email [email protected] or call 201-459-2070.
Beloved Hoboken Bakery Owner Dies At 70
Before Hoboken’s “Cake Boss,” there was Cosmo’s Bakery, which until the 2000s, locals would grab chocolate cannolis or Italian cookies at 916 Washington Street.
Owner Cosmo Sancilio continued to serve his community even after the bakery, working at the local senior center. Last Sunday, he died at 70 years old.
“On behalf of the city, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cosmo Sancilio,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla on Monday. “Cosmo served our community with unwavering dedication through his work in Senior Services. His warmth and generosity of mind and spirit was infectious.”
“Cosmo spent his time preparing meals to countless senior citizens with grace, humility and a smile, and was a part of countless city events like the Spaghetti Dinner and Senior BBQs.
“He was a constant presence in the Multi, never seeking recognition, yet always delivering comfort and care to our seniors. Hoboken is a better, kinder place because of Cosmo, and he will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”
Councilwoman Emily Jabbour also shared a few words.
“I am so sad over the news of the sudden passing of Cosmo Sancilio, a long time and dedicated member of the Hoboken Senior Center Team… I will miss his warm hugs, great cheer, and all of the positivity that he brought to my days. May his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.”
Sancilio was born in Molfetta, Italy in 1954 and later moved to Hoboken with his parents in 1972. April 26 would’ve been his 71st birthday.
There will be services on Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 22 to commemorate him. You can read the obituary here.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
