Former Jersey City Corporation Counsel Bill Matsikoudis is chair for Hudson County’s first ever, 11-member, Affordable Housing Task Force, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“It’s no secret that the United States is facing an affordable housing crisis, and that is unfortunately true here in Hudson County. From my first day in office, I’ve made it my highest priority to increase affordable housing opportunities in our county,” Guy said in a statement.
“The Task Force brings together a diverse group of affordable housing professionals to craft common sense solutions to this issue. Whether it’s constructing new low-cost housing units built by union labor, providing subsidized housing for low-income families, or creating programs for vulnerable community members like the elderly or veterans, all options are on the table. I’m looking forward to seeing the Task Force provide consensus recommendations for these challenges and opportunities.”
Matsikoudis, who was Jersey City corporation counsel under Mayor Jerramiah Healy, pursued the mayor’s seat himself in 2017, losing to incumbent Steven Fulop decisively.
He has since brought several key lawsuits against the administration, such as the ward map case that will be heard by the New Jersey Supreme Court, as a founding partner at his law firm, Matsikoudis & Fanciullo.
“I’m honored that County Executive Guy appointed me to assist him to achieve his goal of expanding affordable housing in Hudson County and I look forward to working with the impressive fellow members of the Task Force that bring various subject matter expertise
and viewpoints to reach consensus on the best way forward to deliver affordable housing for Hudson County residents,” Matsikoudis said of his latest appointment.
The task force had their inaugural meeting on Tuesday and the remaining members are as follows:
• Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Abrantes
• Weehawken Township Manager Gio Ahmad
• Panepinto Properties Chief Investment Office and General Counsel Gordon Gemma
• Morris Canal Redevelopment Area CDC Executive Director June Jones
• Garden State Community Development Corporation Executive Director Carol Mori
• McManimon, Scotland & Baumann member Bill Northgrave
• Schumann Hanlon Margulies LLC Of Counsel Barry Sarkisian, a former Hudson County Superior Court judge
• New Jersey Building Authority board member Ron Simoncini
• Tuli Realty President Sandy Tuli
• Laborers Eastern Region Organizing Fund (LEROF) Director of Research Nicole Vecchione
The appointment of Simoncini likely won’t go over well with a number of Hoboken tenants, given that the Mile Square Taxpayers Association that he runs spearheaded the rent control referendum that failed by a roughly 3-1 margin at the polls last week.
Last month, the county unveiled their first ever LGBTQ+ Task Force, which will consist of 15 members of the public.
