Editing Union City, New Jersey (section)

==Notable landmarks==
[[File:8.14.09StMichaelsMonasteryByLuigiNovi.jpg|thumb|[[Hudson Presbyterian Church]]]]
[[File:1.13.10JoséMartiUCLibraryByLuigiNovi.jpg|thumb|José Martí STEM Academy and Union City Public Library]]
The former [[Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel]] on West Street, once the largest [[Roman Catholic]] church in [[Hudson County]], is the one landmark on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Hudson County, New Jersey|National Register of Historic Places]] in Union City,<ref>{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref> and one of several locations which have been designated by [[New Jersey Register of Historic Places]].<ref>[http://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists/Hudson.pdf New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places in Hudson County], [[New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection]] Historic Preservation Office, as of August 17, 2017. Accessed August 28 2017.</ref> It is now known as the Hudson Presbyterian Church.<ref>Staab, Amanda. [https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2009/03/01/a-saint-from-ucformer-resident-may-join-the-holy-ranks/ "A saint from UC; Former resident may join the holy ranks"], ''The Hudson Reporter'' March 1, 2009. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref> In 2002 [[José Martí]] Middle School and the southern branch of the Union City Public Library were built on the southern side of the Monastery grounds, on 18th Street. They opened in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njsda.gov/njsda/schools/descr_det.asp?SchoolID=17-5240-n01&SchoolName=Jose+Marti+M.S.|title=Union City (Hudson Co.): Jose Marti M.S.|publisher=State of New Jersey Schools Development Authority|access-date=January 21, 2016}}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uclibrary.org/about.html|title=Library Information|publisher=Union City Public Library|access-date=January 21, 2016|archive-date=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128070028/http://www.uclibrary.org/about.html}}</ref> When Union City High School opened in September 2009, the middle school converted to José Martí Freshman Academy to house most of town's ninth graders. In 2019 that building was repurposed as José Martí STEM Academy, in order to expand access to instruction in [[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/hudson/2020/06/union-citys-jose-marti-stem-academy-makes-a-mark-in-its-first-year.html|title=Union City's José Martí STEM Academy makes a mark in its first year|publisher=[[NJ.com]]|author=West, Teri|date=June 3, 2020|access-date=November 9, 2021|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612025900/https://www.nj.com/hudson/2020/06/union-citys-jose-marti-stem-academy-makes-a-mark-in-its-first-year.html}}</ref>

The [[Park Performing Arts Center]] was originally built in 1931 by the German congregation the Catholic parish of Holy Family Church (and still owned by the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark]]) to house their cultural and educational programs Its outstanding feature is the Park Theater which seats 1,400. Incorporated in 1983 the non-profit arts center presents works of local, national, and international artists, as well as permanent and rotating exhibitions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Passion Play at Park Performing Arts Center|url=http://www.parkpac.org/pp_pas.html|url-status=dead |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727164656/http://www.parkpac.org/pp_pas.html}}</ref>

[[Union City High School (New Jersey)|Union City High School and Athletic Complex]] opened in September 2009 on the site of the former [[Roosevelt Stadium (Union City)|Roosevelt Stadium]], demolished in 2005 to make way for it. The sports field is located on the second floor roof of the building, which also houses the Union City Performing Arts Center and a community health center.<ref name=LiftSpirit>Hu, Winnie. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/nyregion/12metjournal.html "A Fine New Field Lifts Spirits"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', September 11, 2009. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref><ref>[http://www.preservationnj.org/ten_most/ten_most_property_detail.asp?COUNTY=Hudson%20County&PropID=112 Endangered Historic Site: Hudson County: Roosevelt Stadium – 2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050315201935/http://www.preservationnj.org/ten_most/ten_most_property_detail.asp?COUNTY=Hudson%20County&PropID=112 |date=2005-03-15 }}, Preservation New Jersey. Accessed June 8, 2006.</ref>

[[Emerson Middle School (Union City, New Jersey)|Emerson Middle School]], was opened in April 1915 as West Hoboken High School, and was home to the Bulldogs. It was renamed Emerson High School for the writer [[Ralph Waldo Emerson]], when the two towns merged. Located on New York Avenue at 18th Street, the original building is connected with the gym building, built in the 1980s, by a second story enclosed bridge that runs over New York Avenue. The school became the South campus of Union City High School in September 2008, before converting to a middle school in September 2009, with the opening of the new Union City High School proper. The mascot of Union City was also changed to the Soaring Eagles. Alumni of the school include [[DJ]] and music producer [[Erick Morillo]]<ref>''1989 Altruist: A Classic Year'' The Emerson High School yearbook for 1989</ref> and former [[Green Bay Packers]] center [[Frank Winters]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100205191217/http://databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=WinteFra01 "Frank Winters"]}}, DatabaseFootball.com. Accessed December 2, 2012.</ref>

Union City is home to two [[List of Carnegie libraries in New Jersey|Carnegie Libraries]] funded by the donations of steel magnate [[Andrew Carnegie]]. Both are considered historically and architecturally significant by the city.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20130208212111/http://www.ucnj.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=9 Recreation]}}, Union City's official site. Accessed January 19, 2010</ref> The first was built in 1903 by the Cranwell family builders, who were active in the construction of many of the city's buildings,<ref name=HudsonIndependent>Abby Levine and Craig Radhuber. [http://www.hudsonindependentnews.com/august2011.html A Visit to the Museum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330234502/http://www.hudsonindependentnews.com/august2011.html |date=2012-03-30 }}". ''The Hudson Independent News''. August 2011. page 4</ref> with a $25,000 donation by Carnegie in what was once West Hoboken on 15th Street between Bergenline Avenue and New York Avenue. The second was built in 1905 at the corner of 43rd Street and New York Avenue in what was once [[Union Hill, New Jersey|Union Hill]],<ref name=ColaGiant>Archilla, Dylan M. [http://www.hudsonreporter.com/pages/full_story/push?article--Pop-+goes+the+donation+Cola+giant+lends+a+hand+to+UC+literacy%20&id=2387359 "'Pop' goes the donation Cola giant lends a hand to UC literacy"], ''The Hudson Reporter'', January 24, 2003</ref><ref>Nardone, Christine. [http://www.hudsonreporter.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Closing+the+books+Plans+for+a+central+library+may+close+other+two%20&id=2368999 "Closing the books: Plans for a central library may close other two"]. ''The Hudson Reporter''. 2002. Accessed January 19, 2010.</ref>  and is the main branch. The 15th Street library retains its original stained glass, but was closed in 2004 upon the completion of a new library on the corner of Summit Avenue and 18th Street, housed in the same building as José Martí Middle School.<ref>Nardone, Christine. [http://www.hudsonreporter.com/pages/full_story/push?article-All+fired+up+UC+residents+protest+outside+City+Hall%20&id=2382862 "All fired up UC residents protest outside City Hall"]. ''The Hudson Reporter''. July 11, 2002</ref> It was converted into the William V. Musto Cultural Center,<ref name=History/><ref name=Fernandez22>Fernandez; 2010. Page 22.</ref> which opened in June 2011. It houses the Union City Museum of Art, the Union City Police Museum, the Union City Art Gallery & Concert Hall, the Union City Museum of History, and a senior citizen center.<ref name=HudsonIndependent/><ref name=THR2011>Sanabria, Santo. [https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2011/06/19/new-uc-center-holds-museums-senior-center/ "New UC center holds museums, senior center; But some controversy as it honors convicted former Mayor Musto"], ''The Hudson Reporter'', June 19, 2011. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref>

[[File:9.7.14CeliaCruzParkByLuigiNovi.jpg|thumb|left|Celia Cruz Park was constructed in tribute to Cuban-American [[salsa music|salsa]] singer [[Celia Cruz]] and other Latin stars.]]
'''Celia Cruz Park''' On June 4, 2004, nearly a year after the death of Cuban-American [[salsa music|salsa]] singer [[Celia Cruz]] (who lived in nearby [[Fort Lee, New Jersey|Fort Lee]]), Union City heralded its annual Cuban Day Parade by dedicating a park to Cruz, which is also known as Celia Cruz Plaza, at 31st Street and Bergenline Avenue, with Cruz's widower, [[Pedro Knight]], present. The park featured a sidewalk star in Cruz's honor, and an 8' × 10' mural by Union City's Edgardo Davila, a collage of Cruz's career throughout the decades. There are four other similar dedications to Cruz around the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2004/06/02/homage-to-celia-cruz-uc-to-pay-tribute-to-queen-of-salsa-with-events-park-dedication/|title=Homage to Celia Cruz UC to pay tribute to Queen of Salsa with events, park dedication|first=Hudson|last=Reporter|date=June 2, 2004}}</ref> The Latin American Kiwanis Club refurbished the park in early June 2006, replacing the mural with a [[backlit]] photograph of Cruz. Cruz's star has expanded into Union City's "Walk of Fame",<ref>Fernandez; 2010; Page 74.</ref> as new marble stars are added each spring to honor Latin entertainment and media personalities. People so honored at the park include [[merengue (music)|merengue]] singer Joseíto Mateo, salsa singer [[La India]], Cuban musician [[Cachao López|Israel "Cachao" Lopez]], Cuban [[tenor]] [[Beny Moré]],<ref>Rosero, Jessica. [https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2006/06/18/viva-la-comunidad-cubano-north-hudson-celebrates-at-the-annual-cuban-day-parade-2/ "Viva la comunidad Cubano North Hudson celebrates at the annual Cuban Day Parade"], ''The Hudson Reporter'', June 18, 2006. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref> [[Tito Puente]], Spanish language [[television news]] anchor [[Rafael Pineda (television journalist)|Rafael Pineda]], salsa pioneer [[Johnny Pacheco]],<ref>Rosero, Jessica. [https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2005/06/21/la-vida-es-un-carnaval-north-hudson-celebrates-6th-annual-cuban-day-parade-3/ "'La vida es un carnaval' North Hudson celebrates 6th annual Cuban Day Parade"], ''The Hudson Reporter'', May 26, 2006. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref> singer/bandleader [[Gilberto Santa Rosa]] and music promoter [[Ralph Mercado]].<ref>Staab, Amanda. [https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2008/11/06/uc-first-stop-for-latin-grammies-music-icons-join-residents-officials-for-celebration/ "UC first stop for Latin Grammies Music icons join residents, officials for celebration"], ''The Hudson Reporter'', November 6, 2008. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref>
[[File:September11AttacksByLuigiNovi1.jpg|thumb|right|Spectators viewing the aftermath of the [[September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks]] from Doric Park. The park was later turned into Firefighter's Memorial Park.]]

'''9/11 Memorials''' The city's first memorial to honor the five Union City citizens who died in the [[September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks]]<ref>Pope, Gennarose "Unbreakable spirit" ''The Union City Reporter''. September 16, 2012. pp. 1 and 9</ref> was a sculpture placed in Doric Park, in whose courtyard citizens gathered on September 11, 2001 to view the attacks' aftermath.<ref>Rosero, Jessica. [https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2004/09/21/remembering-9-11-uc-wny-hold-commemoration-ceremonies-for-victims/ "Remembering 9/11 UC, WNY hold commemoration ceremonies for victims"], ''The Hudson Reporter'', September 21, 2004. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref> On September 11, 2007, the city dedicated its Liberty Plaza to commemorate the event. The Plaza, which serves as a transit hub through which commuters pass on their way to and from Manhattan, includes two memorial markers.<ref>[http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2007/09/911_commemorations_begin_tomor.html "9/11 commemorations begin tomorrow morning"]. ''[[Jersey Journal]]''/NJ.com. September 8, 2007</ref><ref>Lucio Fernandez and Gerard Karabin. ''Union City in Pictures''. Book Press NY. 2010. Pages 24 and 25.</ref> Doric Park was later rebuilt as Firefighters Memorial Park, which opened in August 2009. The park includes a public swimming pool, and a new memorial to local fallen firefighters that stands at the entrance.<ref>Rappaport, Melissa. "Now open: Firefighters Memorial Park". ''The Union City Reporter''. August 16, 2009. Pages 1 and 8</ref><ref name="Zeitlinger, Ron 2010. Pages 1">Zeitlinger, Ron. "Union City limits use of Firefighters park pool". ''[[Hudson Dispatch]]''. July 15, 2010. Pages 1 and 3</ref> Its popularity has attracted visitors from [[Manhattan]] and [[Staten Island]].<ref name="Zeitlinger, Ron 2010. Pages 1"/>

The '''Monastery of the Perpetual Rosary''', known as [[The Blue Chapel]], was constructed between 1912 and 1914. In 2010, the chapel was included on Preservation New Jersey's annual 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites list, which is intended to draw attention to historical sites in need of preservation. The site's caretakers have previously indicated that it will likely be abandoned or sold,<ref>[https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2010/05/18/uc-site-considered-endangered-by-preservation-nj/ "UC site considered 'endangered' by Preservation NJ"], ''The Hudson Reporter'', May 18, 2010. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref> but the city Board of Commissioners passed a November 3, 2010 resolution designating it as a historic site as part of efforts to protect it.<ref>Staff. [https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2010/11/04/blue-chapel-receives-municipal-designation-as-historic-site/ "Blue Chapel receives municipal designation as historic site"], ''The Hudson Reporter'', November 4, 2010. Accessed November 14, 2019.</ref><ref>Mestanza, Jean-Pierre. [http://www.nj.com/secaucusjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1289460384118790.xml&coll=3 "Union City mounts effort to save chapel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307071657/http://www.nj.com/secaucusjournal/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fnews-2%2F1289460384118790.xml&coll=3 |date=2016-03-07 }}, [[NJ.com]], November 11, 2010. Accessed October 14, 2015.</ref>

[[File:7.4.22UCNJCovid19MemorialByLuigiNovi4.jpg|thumb|upright|left|The city's [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey|COVID-19 pandemic]] memorial]]
'''Historical markers''' In 2009, Union City began installing a series of historical markers to commemorate the lives of its noteworthy natives.<ref name=UCReporter4.26.09>''[[The Union City Reporter]]'' April 26, 2009; Page 2</ref><ref name=NJSportsHeroes>{{cite web|url=https://www.njsportsheroes.com/joejeanettebx.html|publisher=NJSports.com|title=Joe Jeanette|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=2021|access-date=March 2, 2023|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205234426/https://njsportsheroes.com/joejeanettebx.html}}</ref> The first marker was dedicated to the memory of boxer [[Joe Jeanette]] on April 17, 2009, and placed at the corner of [[Summit Avenue (Hudson Palisades)|Summit Avenue]] and 27th Street on April 17, 2009, where Jeanette's former residence and gym once stood.<ref name=UCReporter4.26.09/><ref name=NJSportsHeroes/><ref name=HudReporter12.16.12>{{cite web|author=DeChiaro, Dean|url=https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2012/12/16/brewers-boxers-and-book-scribes/|title=Brewers, boxers, and book scribes; Historic markers tell of renowned Union City residents|newspaper=[[The Hudson Reporter]]|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=March 2, 2023|archive-date=March 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302175406/https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2012/12/16/brewers-boxers-and-book-scribes/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njboxinghof.org/joe-jeanette/|title=Joe Jeanette|publisher=New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame|language=en-US|url-status=live|access-date=March 2, 2023|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627125740/https://www.njboxinghof.org/joe-jeanette/}}</ref><ref name=HudReporter2.26.06>{{cite web|url=https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2006/02/26/native-sons-and-daughters-north-hudson-native-and-20th-century-boxing-sensation-joe-jeanette-2/|title=Native sons and daughters North Hudson native and 20th century boxing sensation Joe Jeanette|newspaper=[[The Hudson Reporter]]|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=February 26, 2006|access-date=March 2, 2023|archive-date=March 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302174256/https://archive.hudsonreporter.com/2006/02/26/native-sons-and-daughters-north-hudson-native-and-20th-century-boxing-sensation-joe-jeanette-2/|quote='[Jeanette] was one of the four great black boxers of the early 1900s, and he owned a boxing gym on 26th Street and Summit Avenue,' said Kathie Pontus, a private historian. 'Jeanette Street between Summit Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard is named for him.'}}</ref> The marker lies two blocks from a street, located between Summit Avenue and [[County Route 501 (New Jersey)|Kennedy Boulevard]], that was named Jeanette Street in his honor.<ref name=HudReporter2.26.06/> Present at the dedication ceremony was Jeanette's grandniece, Sabrina Jennette.<ref>Fernandez; 2010. Page 82.</ref> Another historical marker was dedicated September 26, 2009 to Peter George Urban, a 10th degree [[karate]] [[Grandmaster (martial arts)|grandmaster]], writer and teacher who founded an American karate system, American Goju Do. Present at the dedication ceremony was Urban's daughter, Julia Urban-Kimmerly.<ref>Fernandez; 2010. Page 83.</ref> On May 22, 2010 the city dedicated a marker to novelist and screenwriter [[Pietro di Donato]], and placed at Bergenline Avenue and 31st Street, where di Donato once lived. That area was named Pietro di Donato Plaza in his honor. Present at the dedication ceremony was di Donato's son, Richard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/7585939/article-BRIEFS|title=UC recognizes history with dedication and marker|language=en-US|url-status=dead|newspaper=[[The Hudson Reporter]]|date=May 23, 2010|access-date=October 14, 2015|archive-date=February 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227101709/http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/7585939/article-BRIEFS}}</ref><ref>Fernandez; 2010. Page 84.</ref> The fourth marker was dedicated to painter [[William Tylee Ranney]] on September 18, 2010.<ref>"Union City marca su historia". ''[[El Especialito]]'', October 1, 2010, p. 16</ref> In addition to those honoring people, subsequent markers were erected to honor particular sites. As of December 2012, the city had eight historic markers.<ref name=HudReporter12.16.12/>

'''COVID-19 Victims Memorial''' On March 25, 2022, the city dedicated a memorial in Ellsworth Park, in tribute to the citizens who died and suffered as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hudsonreporter.com/2022/03/28/union-city-dedicates-covid-19-victims-memorial/|title=Union City dedicates COVID-19 Victims Memorial|newspaper=[[The Hudson Reporter]]|author=Israel, Daniel|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=March 28, 2022|accessdate=April 11, 2022|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328164023/https://hudsonreporter.com/2022/03/28/union-city-dedicates-covid-19-victims-memorial/}}</ref> A plaque on the forward side of the pedestal reads, "In memory of all those who perished from the COVID-19 Pandemic. You will always be in our hearts."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIqdHtF7soI|author=Antelo, Marcos|title=COVID-19 Memorial Unveiled In Union City|publisher=Hudson TV|via=[[YouTube]]|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=March 26, 2022|accessdate=April 11, 2022|archive-date=April 11, 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/8z1Q0}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hudsontv.com/covid-19-memorial-unveiled-in-union-city/|title=COVID-19 Memorial Unveiled In Union City|publisher=HudsonTV|author=Henig, Jeffrey|language=en-US|url-status=live|date=March 26, 2022|access-date=September 14, 2023|archive-date=April 11, 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/8z1Q0}}</ref>{{Clear}}