<p class="MsoNormal">The case of the Port Authority v the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority took another step forward.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Various parties have been involved in intense behind closed doors discussions in order to reach a resolution. These discussions have involved the PA, the BLRA, and Ports America to name a few. Knowledge of these discussions reached as high as the NJ Governor’s office. Certainly one must imagine that even the US Army must have been briefed on some level.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However as of yesterday the judge filed the guidelines to be followed for the discovery phase of the case. This indicates that either A) the judge no longer wants to wait for the parties to reach a resolution or B) that a resolution was unreachable.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Both parties have 20 days to complete the discovery phase. This means that all documents relative to the case must be disclosed, and depositions will take place. It appears certain that Councilman Chiappone will be deposed, as he served a pivotal role in the timeline of this case.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Someone mentioned to me yesterday at the BLRA meeting that discovery could be bad for many parties involved. He said in particular that the Port Authority does not want it known how they were invited to a no bid sale of the land. One has to wonder whether former Mayor Doria might be called to the witness stand during this discovery phase. Indeed if anyone might know how the PA got invited to purchase the land, it would be him.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One thing is certain: The fact that this case is moving forward into discovery is bad for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1
lace w:st="on">Bayonne</st1
lace></st1:city> taxpayers. I must express my frustration that two agencies, the Bayonne Local Redevelopment Authority and the Port Authority have shown such utter disdain for the wishes of the people for which they are supposed to serve.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Furthermore shame on the Governors office for not having stepped in and forcing a settlement that would be fairer to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1
lace w:st="on">Bayonne</st1
lace></st1:city> residents. However the Public Advocate understands that the Governor actually supports the Port Authority in this case. So then, we as a public are left with truly no one to turn to.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I would refer the readers to
the letter that I wrote to the judge in this case on February 15th. I sent copies of this letter to the Governor, the Mayor, the Port Authority and the Jersey Journal. None of these entities have chosen to come to the aid of us, the citizens, in this case.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So...
