The Township of North Bergen honored former Business Administrator Chris Pianese with a proclamation for over three decades of service this week.
The proclamation was issued by the board of commissioners at Wednesday evening’s meeting. Pianese was hired at the assistant comptroller in 1989 before becoming the BA in 2002.
He retired on July 1st and the township hired Janet Castro, their former health officer and the first Latina to hold the role, to succeed him.
“He’s done such an outstanding job, I mean I couldn’t have had a better time. When he told me he was leaving, it was one of the terrible days of my life,” stated state Senator (D-32)/North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco.
The proclamation credited Pianese for getting the Tonnelle Avenue corridor designated a Redevelopment Zone, which paved the way for $250 million revitalization of the area, as well as the township pool and municipal court complex.
The township’s Moody’s bond rating also improved during his tenure, going from Baa3 to Aa2, the third-highest credit rating possible.
Pianese mentioned having “a great bond” with all of the elected leaders and staff, indicating that his experience was a very positive one.
“I have nothing bad to say, it’s just a great opportunity. I feel good about what I’ve done and as a resident I’m proud to be here,” he said.
At the same meeting, the board of commissioner also issued a proclamation for 19-year-old local lifeguard Julian Munoz, who saved a woman trapped in her car during Hurricane Ida.
