LIA News
The LIA Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 8 a.m., will be an in-person meeting at the Linden Public Library, 31 E. Henry Street, Linden, NJ 07036. Our guest speaker will be Richard Levesque, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Public Affairs at MWW who will be discussing the results of the November elections and the ramifications for the businesses of Linden.
Linden Industrial Association
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE
LINDEN INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION
A meeting of the Linden Industrial Association was held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 8:00 a.m., at the Linden Public Library, pursuant to written notice thereof duly sent to all members in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws of the Association. The following were present:
Andy Bachmann Linden Warehouse & Distribution
Lois Bass Honorary Trustee
Chris Beriont Pennoni
Kathleen Burke A&M Industrial
Anthony Carter A&M Industrial
Maria Castanheira Northfield Bank
Gozde Celik Lindabury McCormick Estabrook & Cooper. P.C.
Azariah Clifton Infineum USA, L.P.
Wayne Cromwell General Magnaplate
Camila Cuevas Gateway Chamber of Commerce
Barry Durham Linden Cogeneration Plant,
Guest Speaker
Rebecca Kerins-Tattoli Office of the Mayor, City of Linden
June Lazaro Primerica
Jack Lennox Renova Environmental Company
Alex Lospinoso LEDC
Janet Miller Cox Printers & Digital Media
Michael Petrucci Provident Bank
Jared Stadlin Linden Warehouse & Distribution
Mark Szollar Commercial Realty Partners
Sean Wessel Linden Generating Station
Austin Zatorski TotalEnergies
COMMITTEE REPORTS
President’s Report. No report.
Program. Janet Miller, President, was pleased to introduce guest speaker and our Second Vice President, Barry Durham, EHS Manager at Linden Cogeneration Plant. Mr. Durham provided a review and update as to Linden Cogeneration Plant’s operations. Mr. Durham discussed the origins of the plans for the Linden Cogeneration Plant and advised that currently there are 6 generating units of which steam is the most important being generated at the Plant. The steam is currently being sourced by NJ American Water. The primary fuel at the Plant is natural gas with butane being the backup fuel, although it is not utilized very often.
Linden Cogeneration Plant frequently partners with Phillips 66. Linden Cogeneration Plant uses their refinery off gas from Phillips which creates a lower carbon footprint. In return, Phillips 66 is powered by the Cogeneration Plant. The Cogeneration Plant also utilizes the Linden Roselle Sewerage Authority’s wastewater treatment. The electricity generated from the Plant goes to Staten Island and other New York grids as well as the PSE&G grids. Mr. Durham also advised that the Plant uses a selective catalytic reduction process (i.e. catalytic converter) for its Denitrification process. Lastly, he stated that the Plant has about 50 people on site at all times.
When asked how the Plant measures their output versus input from the grids, Mr. Durham advised that they measure what they can produce for the day, what the market needs, and how much fuel/cost the production will have. If they produce more than they bid for, they are locked into their bid and there is a lot of oversight on how they operate such productions. When asked about the concern over Title V, Mr. Durham said they are preparing for the public comment process to present their plan for compliance.
Environmental Health and Safety. No Report.
Government and Community Relations. Alex Lospinoso, LEDC, provided details as to the current real estate developments in the City. On the corner of St. Georges and Dewitt, there is a karate business, and the owner is finally in the process of getting permits to build 21 apartments and 37 parking spots and is planning to keep the retail (9000 sq ft). The parking lot is going into the Dewitt property and will start by the end of the year.
The Linden Logistics Center signed another lease with OCM, a Chinese logistics company, and are going to lease three of the buildings in total. The Canter property on the corner of 1&9 and Styles has been cleared of trucks and the owner is trying to negotiate with Lidl for another property near Holiday Inn Express. There is also discussion about another fast-food restaurant occupying that space. The Holiday Inn Express plans to have a ribbon cutting ceremony in November. The Hotel is set to have 121 rooms.
At Legacy Square, the franchisee for a tropical smoothie café is set to get final permits. Unfortunately, the Head of the Construction Code Department passed away suddenly in his sleep, causing struggles within the Department. Duck Donuts also signed a lease at Legacy Square and a franchise pizza restaurant and chicken restaurant are also coming to Legacy Square.
The Speedway gas station right next to the high school is closed up and up for sale for $3.6 million dollars. It will not be a future gas station as there are some FTC restrictions.
Rebecca Kerins-Tattoli, on behalf of the City of Linden, advised that the Fire Department is collecting donations for North Carolina, western Virginia, and Tennessee in support of those communities in need after the devastating hurricanes. They accept all donations except clothes and ask that they be dropped off at Firehouse 3. There will be a Halloween decorating contest on Wood Avenue for businesses and merchants. In past years the contest was for homeowners, but this year it has been opened up to businesses. The 71st Halloween parade will be on October 27th at 2pm. The 20th Annual Car Show to raise money for scholarships will be held at Aviation Plaza. Finally, an Oktoberfest event is being held at the Deutsche Club.
Lois Bass advised that the Aquinas Club of Linden is hosting a “Taste of Linden” event on November 12th to raise funds for scholarships, and they are still in need of sponsors for the event.
Linden Police Department. No Report.
Linden Fire Department. No Report.
Linden Public Schools. No Report.
Membership. No Report.
There being no further matters, the meeting was adjourned. The next membership meeting will be held on November 19, 2024.