03:11A major highlight of the meeting was the extensive celebration of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The Commissioners recognized several individuals for their contributions to the community. Commissioner John Bartlett, known for his reflection on being the first Asian-American freeholder in Passaic County, emphasized the historical significance of Asian-Americans in New Jersey. Bartlett noted that Asian-Americans now constitute one in nine residents in the state. The meeting included cultural performances, such as a classical dance by the Kalanam dance group led by Guru Malani Warrior and her students.

17:27Prominent figures like Tahar Islam and Golam Rabani Chowri were honored for their entrepreneurial achievements and community service. Tahar Islam, originally from Bangladesh, was recognized for his business ventures, including Fresh World and Dollar World, which have bolstered the local economy by providing employment opportunities. His efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as distributing PPE kits, were also lauded. Islam’s contributions to maintaining affordable housing and supporting educational initiatives for orphans in Bangladesh were highlighted, with a proclamation read into the record and met with applause.

38:29Golam Rabani Chowri was acknowledged for his work as a bridge-builder for new immigrants, offering essential services like housing, employment, and healthcare. His involvement in local businesses, such as a discount store and pharmacy, has made significant impacts on the Bangladeshi community. Chowri expressed deep appreciation for the honor, noting it was the first award he had ever received, and highlighted plans for a monument dedicated to his community’s mother language.

30:54The celebration included certificates presented by County Clerk Danielle Ireland-Immhof, alongside acknowledgments from Congresswomen Mikey Cheryl and Nelly Poe. Congresswoman Poe underscored the contributions of Asian-Americans to U.S. history, such as the building of the transcontinental railroad. She pointed out the 55% growth in New Jersey’s Asian-American population between 2010 and 2019, now over 1 million strong. Poe declared, “This diversity is built on Asian-Americans,” emphasizing the rich cultural tapestry of her district.

01:09:50Moving from cultural celebrations to community development, the meeting addressed funding recommendations for various park and historic preservation projects. The Open Space Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund allocated resources to enhance recreational sites across the county. Noteworthy projects included a $180,000 investment in Bloomingdale’s Dazier Field for bathroom and backstop improvements, and $200,000 for Washington Park playground in Clifton. Additional funds were set aside for developments in communities such as Little Falls, which received $198,500 for playground upgrades and basketball court refurbishments.

The Commissioners also considered recommendations for historic preservation projects. The American Labor Museum was earmarked for $50,000 for window and deck restoration, while Pompton Lakes’ library roof restoration project received $150,000. Patterson’s East Side Park and the Friends of Patterson Parks secured funding for the restoration of historic steps and a grand staircase, important to the park’s ongoing restoration efforts.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the introduction of the county’s new microtransit service, P County Move. Within its first week, the service had 1,300 app downloads and completed 303 trips. Plans for promoting the county’s open space grants were also discussed, with emphasis on publicizing the county’s financial contributions.