Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
FBI sting sheds negative light on NJ development
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
FBI sting sheds negative light on NJ development
By SAMANTHA HENRY,Associated Press Writer AP - Saturday, August 8
NEWARK, N.J. - Federal authorities couldn't have picked a more fertile target than New Jersey's Manhattan-facing waterfront towns for a fake cash-for-development undercover sting, longtime observers say.
ADVERTISEMENT
The majority of those arrested in a sweeping FBI bust that netted 44 people on corruption and money laundering charges had ties _ real or feigned _ to development along the Hudson River.
The criminal complaints paint a picture of building and zoning departments where influence, connections and payoffs determine who gets a prompt hearing and a smooth approval process on their applications and who is left at the mercy of a process so seemingly dysfunctional that developers sometimes budget for bribes.
Jersey City, where more than a dozen of those arrested in the corruption probe either lived, worked or had connections, has been at the epicenter of a development boom that has transformed former polluted industrial rail yards and warehouses into gleaming waterfront high-rises with unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline.
Certain developers have made fortunes off the city and received tax abatements that continue today, even though there's little open space left along the waterfront, where luxury housing and office buildings housing large Manhattan firms have earned it the nickname "Wall Street West."
"Everybody knows developers run New Jersey," said Joe Morris of the Interfaith Community Organization, which has been pushing for environmental remediation of contaminated land in Jersey City. "The developers run local government in every place in the state."
Morris has led a lawsuit to force the cleanup of a former chromium plant site he believes is the property at the center of the recent FBI sting. The Jersey City address referred to in the criminal complaints borders one of the last undeveloped large tracts of open space in the city.
"The public officials in the criminal complaints seemed like they knew the drill," Morris said. "They asked a surprisingly few number of questions about the site, such as if it was contaminated, and it shows the last thing on their minds is public safety."
Brigid Harrison, a political science professor at Montclair State University, says the latest arrests point to serious problems with the way development happens in New Jersey.
"In addition to targeting these municipal elected officials who clearly are steering either permits or contracts or development schemes toward developers, the other end needs to be prosecuted as well," she said. "There are developers and planners and engineers out there making payoffs, and this is indicative of how business is done."
Posing as a wealthy developer, the government's cooperating witness repeatedly says in secretly taped conversations with public officials that he's neither a Democrat nor a Republican but a member of the "Green Party" _ referring to his penchant for doling out cash bribes in exchange for help.
He explains to Jersey City officials with power over the planning and zoning process that he's hoping to build a large-scale apartment development worth up to $200 million in their city. He tells them he's fine with paying approximately $200,000 to $300,000 "up-front" to assist in obtaining the necessary approvals.
Although the project was fictitious, the documents show various officials telling the undercover witness that he'll be granted "smooth access," a heads-up on confidential information and pending state action concerning the property, and assistance pushing through a zoning change and environmental paperwork. Another promises the informant that in exchange for cash payments, the official will make sure not to "let the bureaucracy slow things down."
Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini, accused of taking $20,000 in bribes, even tries to negotiate with the undercover witness to become the broker on his project, according to the charging documents.
The Jersey City employees who were charged in the investigation have been suspended without pay by the city's embattled mayor, Jerramiah Healy. Although Healy is mentioned in the federal complaints, he reiterated that he is not charged with wrongdoing and has no plans to step down.
Healy said he's proud of Jersey City's development record.
"Our criterion is, is it good for our city? We're not interested in enriching private developers," Healy said. "On the other hand, if it's good for the city and that's a byproduct and they're making money on it, that's OK. I still want to bring those tax dollars to the city and bring jobs to the city. I consider that to be my job."
Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop said developers raise a lot of money for politicians in New Jersey, something he said should change.
"When you have that kind of toxic mix of money and political influence, there's the potential for what could be perceived as deal making that's not in the best interest of the community," Fulop said.
Several contractors and developers doing business in Jersey City declined to speak on the record because they were afraid they would hurt their business prospects. The National Builders Association and the New Jersey Builders Association also declined to comment.
William Dressel of the New Jersey League of Municipalities said the state's development laws are sound, and the vast majority of the state's volunteer planning and zoning board officials are not corrupt.
Fulop agreed, saying the current system often frustrates builders looking to do business in New Jersey.
"I don't think the majority of the developers like raising significant money for politicians anywhere in the state," he said. "I think some transparency and changing the process, which is going to be an end result of this, is going to be a net positive for the city."
___
Associated Press Writer David Porter in Newark contributed to this report.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
Peru's Fujimori to face another trial in SeptemberAFP - Saturday, August 8
Britain in Afghanistan for 40 years: next army chiefAFP - Saturday, August 8
Angry Americans disrupt town-hall healthcare talksReuters - Saturday, August 8
AP News in Brief at 5:58 a.m. EDTAP - Saturday, August 8
Salmonella product recallsAP - Saturday, August 8
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Scientists decode HIV genome structure: study
Britain set to free great train robber Biggs
State-rescued bank RBS mired in bad debts
Cupcakes for reporter on Obama's birthday
Manson murders back in spotlight 40 years on
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Saturday, 8 August 2009 Police: 37 die in Iraq as bombs target Shiites
Bulgaria looks to techno park on old steel site
Britain frees Great Train Robber Biggs
Malaysia denies Internet filter will curb dissent
Surprise fall in US unemployment level
Dollar falls before US jobs data
Drugmakers to supply cheap HIV treatments
Fatah reform problems highlight Palestinian split
Death toll in N. Iraq bombing rises to 21
Aide says Pakistani Taliban leader killed by US
Indonesia police in shootout with suspected militants
Flood threat along river in southwest China diminishing: ministry
GOP Sen. Martinez tells supporters he's resigning
NY court: US govt can withhold Spitzer documents
12 killed in Philippines flooding: officials
'Militants' planning attacks in Delhi arrested: police
Former Beijing airport boss executed in China
Germ warfare scientist Wallace Pannier dies at 81
2 window washers rescued from Calif. high-rise
Arrest of leader a major blow to Sri Lankan rebels
US, Swiss get more time to finalize UBS tax deal
Ex-NY judge gets prison for recruiting prostitutes
Myanmar: Terrorists tried to disrupt Suu Kyi trial
Ohio bus driver was on phone when man killed
3 British troops, 1 American killed in Afghanistan
AP source: Jackson doc gave sedatives before death
Philippine floods kill 12, including 3 Europeans
Gun owners sue DC for right to carry weapons
Clinton visits Mandela, tours his archives
China keen to boost growth, avoid loan quotas: officials
Air India plans to go low-cost to survive
Chinese appliance tycoon's assets frozen in HK
China fund lost 2.1 pct on global portfolio in '08
SKorea, India sign free trade agreement
G.I. Joe should be court-martialed
| Entertainment
|
Pakistani stocks, rupee up on IMF loan hopes
Dance queen Lady GaGa fashions booming career
| Entertainment
|
Planner: China rebound still depends on stimulus
Kazakhs cut interest rates for 6th time in 2009
Gun Foundation Sues D.C. For Not Issuing Weapon Permits
Indonesian anti-terror police in shoot out on Java
Hurricane Felicia Continues To Weaken; Set For Early Tuesday Landfall
Martinez Resigns Senate Seat, Governor To Appoint Replacement
Taiwan's Jay Chou cast as Kato in Green Hornet
| Entertainment
|
Nine-Term Rep. Maloney Drops Plans To Challenge Gillibrand In Senate
Promising New Wastewater Treatment Technique Produces Electricity, Desalinates Water
Sanford's Wife Moving Out of Governor's Mansion
London's theaters defy downturn with bumper year
Reports: Retiring Sen. Mel Martinez Decides Not To Finish Term
Forty years on, Beatles fans flock to Abbey Road crosswalk
Responding To Jobs Report, Reid Says Congress Will Consider Extending Unemployment Benefits
U.S. Economy Sheds Less-Than-Anticipated Jobs In July By 247,000; Unemployment Rate Drops 9.4%
Steamed and stirred: Hot chocolate crowned Guatemalan patrimony
Insurer AIG Swings To First Quarterly Profit In Q2 On Business Stabilization
Salzburg celebrates Handel year with new 'Theodora'
AP source: Jackson doc gave sedatives before death
Comedian Adam Carolla to publish a book of rants
Madonna's Slovenian concert cancelled
David Byrne makes music with London building
Broadway revival of `Hair' recoups its investment
Pilots in SC Learjet crash heard noise, hit brakes
Britain in Afghanistan for 40 years: next army chief
Indonesia believes top militant killed: sources
| International
|
German ship released by pirates arrives in Kenya
Pro-Georgian blogger target of Internet attacks
Freddie Mac swings to profit, after steep losses
NATO probes two Afghan civilian casualties
| International
|
Iraq bombs targeting Shi'ites kill 50
Surprise fall in rate of US unemployment
iTunes' Mexico launch could shake up digital market
Iraq bombs kill 50, mostly Shi'ites targeted
| International
|
Russia rejects new Politkovskaya probe
Pakistani Taliban chief Mehsud 'dead'
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
Manson murders back in spotlight 40 years on
Venezuela's Chavez returns envoy to Colombia
| International
|
47 Iraqis killed in Shiite holy day attacks
India detains suspect North Korean sugar ship
| International
|
Number of missing from Tonga ferry put at 85
| International
|
U.S. moves toward releasing young Guantanamo detainee
| International
|
British soldiers killed in Afghan attacks
Obama says no quick way to end Honduras crisis
| International
|
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
| Technology
|
iTunes' Mexico launch could shake up digital market
| Technology
|
Mouse builds nest in Oregon ATM with $20 bills
Drunk police intern arrested for impersonating cop
FBI sting sheds negative light on NJ development
Former Jack Daniel's master distiller dies at 69
Asian terror suspect Noordin dead: TV
Philly officer accused of unauthorized Obama check
Medical Examiner Says Cocaine Contributed To Billy Mays' Death
Angry Americans disrupt town-hall healthcare talks
China probes Internet bootcamp after teen dies
| Technology
|
Asia struggles to find serious athletics medal hopes
Ark. doctor, wife face new charges in weapons case
1 dead, 4 missing as Typhoon Morakot slams Taiwan
Pakistan says Taliban chief is probably dead
Surprisingly strong jobs data signal turning point
Unusual ruling costs Appleby at World Golf event
Mich. police: Texas man used 5-month-old as shield
Ark. mom allegedly drank before sons drowned
Salmonella product recalls
Siddle, Clark put Aussies on top in fourth Test
China blames unrest on foreign-based separatists
Pakistani c.bank buys 20 bln rupees of T-bills
IMF boosts loan to Pakistan by $3.2 bln
News Corp tests charge-for-content policy at Sunday Times: report
Japan PM frontrunner calls for single Asian currency
Mad Men still spellbinding
| Entertainment
|
Michael Douglas' son could get life in prison
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian police exchange gunfire with militants
Iran Cannes stars seek asylum in Britain: report
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Live metal thrives with Mayhem, Metallica tours
| Entertainment
|
Live metal thrives with Mayhem, Metallica tours
Asian pop star to play Kato in "Green Hornet"
Beckham on hand as 'Idol' resumes post-Paula
Ludacris takes on many roles beyond rap
US media giants press court to allow J.D. Salinger spin-off
Michael Douglas' son could get life in prison
"Mad Men" still spellbinding
Founder of punk's Mink DeVille dies at 58
Defendants confess helping West at Iran mass trial
Sarkozy played 'big role' ending Georgia war: Medvedev
Taiwan's Jay Chou goes to Hollywood: report
Pakistani Taliban sows doubt over leader's death
| International
|
Explosions at besieged 'terror hideout' in Indonesia
Abbas reelected Fatah chief at strife-torn congress
Defendants confess helping West at Iran mass trial
| International
|
French lecturer, embassy staffers on trial in Iran
Iran puts French woman on trial
Fighting kills at least 17 in Somali pirate port
| International
|
War not won despite 'death' of Taliban chief: Islamabad
NATO friendly fire wounds 5 Afghan policemen
| International
|
Clinton plants flowers in South African township
| International
|
Fatah endorses Abbas as party leader
| International
|
Georgia war changed map for good: Russia's Medvedev
| International
|
One Turkish soldier killed in PKK violence
| International
|
Typhoon Morakot leaves 6 dead or missing in Taiwan
Malaysia confirms 3 new swine flu-related deaths
Pakistanis admit helping in Mehsud missile strike
Beijing marks Olympic Games first anniversary
Sotomayor Makes History By Taking Oath As First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice
US calls for Aug San Suu Kyi's unconditional release
Obama says `worst may be behind us' on recession
Voting begins near Sri Lanka's former war zone
Army Finds Soldier's Electrocution Death In Iraq As Accidental
U.S. government will not get secret company Internet data
| Technology
|
Taiwan's Jay Chou goes to Hollywood: report
The Nation's Weather
Consumer Credit Falls In June For Fifth Straight Month
Malaysia probes Philippine diplomat's killing
Two Failed Florida Banks Close Door
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Demonstrators disrupt health care forums
US sounds out new S.African leader
NASA Council Suggests Revival Of Advanced Concept Institute
AP Enterprise: Faulty speed sensors found on jets
Obese Texas inmate hides gun in his flabs of fat
Eunice Kennedy Shriver remains at Mass. hospital
Obama's health care plan helped by drug industry
SD Zoo's online Panda Cam crashes due to overload
Taiwan's Chou cast as Kato in 'Green Hornet'
Top terror leader reportedly killed in Indonesia
Indonesia to ask Noordin family for DNA comparison
Taiwan's Chou cast as Kato in 'Green Hornet'
Ben Stein loses NY Times column over endorsement
Aerosmith guitarist: Tyler broke shoulder in fall
Jermaine Jackson's 'Smile' coming to iTunes
Billy Mays' family: Never saw signs of cocaine use
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights