For Rent

Sent by a reader. Look what's popped up on Craigslist!

"$4000/ 1450 sf- HUGE STOREFRONT ON BUSY HOBOKEN NEIGHBORHOOD WITH HANGING SIGN OUTSIDE"

If you haven't figured it out, this was The Michael Russo Civic Association at 420 Adams Street. 

GA had reported the closure last July, and some possible explanations.

GA finds it impossible to not to link the demise of the Russo storefront with this series of events:

December 22, 2009- Patrick Ricciardi closes on a luxury workforce housing unit at less than 1/2 market price.

Ricciardi buys unit at the luxury MetroStop through Hoboken's Workforce Housing program (affordable housing for middle income City workers). That year he was paid over 190K. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath 1268 sf luxury unit-with a terrace, was sold to him for the bargain-price of 260K on 12/22/09-  the program is administrated by the City. GA asks, "How did Patrick Ricciardi Qualify for Workforce Housing?"

 January 2010-  Patrick Ricciardi creates 'Archive File'  and begins stealing the mayor's emails and 2 unnamed staffers' emails.

From The United States of America vs. Patrick Ricciardi, page 7

b.In early 2010, defendant RICCIARDI created the Archive File without the knowledge or consent of the Mayor or the Mayor's Office Employees. c. Defendant RICCIARDI set up the Archive File so that it would automatically forward all e-mails sent to the Mayor and two high-ranking Mayor's Office Employees to the Archive File.

March 28, 2011-  Russo meeting w/Dwek becomes public in "The Jersey Sting"

Russo countered that there was no talk of a bribe. "Anyone who portrays that," Russo said, "is lying."

April 4th, 2011- Jersey Sting authors release Russo F.B.I. surveillance video on The Star Ledger

 Russo charged that the authors of the book "The Jersey Sting", incorrectly describes the meeting he had with Dwek. Russo insists that "No bribe was discussed." Today authors Ted Sherman and Josh Margolin released a copy of the recording showing the full meeting between Dwek and Russo at the Light Horse Tavern in Jersey City that indicates otherwise.

April 6, 2011-City of Hoboken web site posts transcripts of F.B.I. surveillance video of Michael Russo meeting with Solomon Dwek.


May 26, 2011- Mayor Announces F.B.I. at City Hall and the removal of computer equipment.

In fact, the FBI was at Hoboken City Hall today and "removed equipment," Mark Tabakin, the city's corporation counsel said this afternoon. Tabakin would not say what equipment was taken.

 July 2011- The Michael Russo Civic Association CLOSES. The illuminated hanging sign is removed from it's metal frame, the storefront windows covered.

November 9, 2011- Patrick Ricciardi arrested AND Mayor Zimmer deposed in William Campbell case (see transcript)

Ricciardi had been arrested earlier that day for allegedly slipping confidential City Hall communications to unauthorized parties, including allegedly at least one present city official who has not been named.  In court, Ricciardi, a Hoboken resident, had his hands and feet shackled.  He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if convicted on three charges for which he was arrested.

Given the Civic Association's proud place in the Hoboken community, the way it closed spoke volumes.

Without announcement.  Or explanation.  No comment at all from its namesake, Michael Russo. It happened literally, in the dark.  As we are, with only a timeline and our logic to piece it together.

The new tenant will be grateful to know the place is now bug-free.