Clifton's Hot Dog King

Pat “From Moonachie” Philbin is really from Clifton by Jordan Schwartz

Pat Philbin shoves hot dogs in his face like a perfect gentleman.

He meticulously dips frankfurter after frankfurter into the yellow Nathan’s cups filled with water in front of him, soaking the buns to allow for an easier transition from hand to mouth to esophagus to ever expanding stomach.

“I changed it up this year,” said the 1981 Clifton High School grad. “Less drinking and more dunking.”

The formula worked as Philbin consumed a personal best 32 franks in 10 minutes at a Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifier held outside Citi Field in Queens on a rainy June 20.

But it wasn’t enough as the 45-year-old was out-eaten by his nemesis, Eric “Badlands” Booker, who put down 40 hot dogs and buns, or HDBs as they’re known in the world of competitive eating.

After the qualifier was over, Booker’s chest was covered with soggy bits of meat and bread, leaving Philbin to take some solace in the fact that he was at least clean.

“Look how neat I am,” he joked.

But the loss snapped the Clifton native’s streak of four straight appearances at the Fourth of July Coney Island finals, an event broadcast live across the country on ESPN.

“The competition is getting better,” he said. “It used to be 20, or ‘doing the deuce,’ was the big benchmark, but there are more and more people doing way over 20.”

Philbin was urged to become a competitive eater after a November 2004 appearance on The Opie & Anthony Show, a popular talk program on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

The longtime fan won a non-alcoholic eggnog drinking contest by downing 70 double shots of the beverage, doubling his closest competitor.

The following summer, Philbin, who grew up on Macarthur Dr. and Swift Ct., took part in his first Nathan’s contest. On July 4, 2005, he ate 20 hot dogs in 12 minutes, good enough for 12th place.

A year later, Philbin finished 10th by inhaling 23 HDBs. He beat out Erik “The Red” Denmark and Crazy Legs Conti, so the former Mustang decided it was time to get a moniker of his own.
He became “Pat From Moonachie,” after the small Bergen County town in which he’s lived since 1993.

Philbin, a self-employed courier, resides in a 30-by-12-foot trailer by Teterboro Airport.

“It was one of the few places that took animals and I have a dog and three cats,” he explained. “I tell people I have skid marks on the roof from planes landing.”

As Pat became a reoccurring guest on Opie & Anthony, his humble residence turned into a running joke on the show. The hosts even recorded their own version of “Cribs” at his home.
But Philbin’s relationship with the radio program got him in trouble with the International Federation of Competitive Eating.

Yes, that really exists.

During the 2006 Eggnog Drinking Challenge, the former Clifton wrestler vomited into the mouth of a show intern and the subsequent “Baby Bird” video got him barred from the I.F.O.C.E. for “conduct unbecoming of an eater.”

With the help of protests by O&A’s most dedicated fans, affectionately known as ‘pests,’ Philbin was reinstated on Dec. 6, 2006.

He went on to eat 24 hot dogs at the 2007 Nathan’s contest and 20 at the 2008 event, which was shortened to 10 minutes. “They don’t want anyone exploding,” explained the 16th ranked eater in the world.

Philbin, who weighs 310 pounds, developed diabetes when he was 27. He said he watches what he eats other than in contests and has actually dropped 40 pounds from his high of 350.

The Nathan’s time adjustment hasn’t slowed down the competitors, though. Joey Chestnut consumed a world record 68 HDBs to win his third straight mustard-yellow belt this past July 4, beating out six-time champ Takeru Kobayashi, who ate 64.5.

Chestnut took home $10,000 for his effort, but Philbin has only made about a couple thousand dollars in his entire career as a competitive eater. Nevertheless, he says he does it for the little bit of notoriety rather than the money.

Pat From Moonachie has become somewhat of a minor celebrity from The Opie & Anthony Show as well.

“It’s pretty cool,” he said. “When I go around O&A events, I’m like a rock star.”

Philbin has even gotten invited out to Anthony Cumia’s mansion on Long Island to co-host his Web casts. “The first floor is really nice and respectable and then the basement has a studio with a green screen,” he explained. “When I leave, I say ‘I’m going back to the trailer now.’ I could fit it in his living room.”

Philbin has also done delivery work for the show’s other host, Greg “Opie” Hughes.

The Delawanna native has been a courier for 20 years. After graduating CHS, he was a bouncer at Connections before going to work for his step-father’s printing business, Charles D. Ingraham and Sons.

Philbin’s biological father left the family when Pat was just one year old.

“He lives in Wayne,” said the ’81 grad. “I looked him up once and he said, ‘Hello,’ and I just hung up. I wouldn’t make the effort. My attitude is if he doesn’t want to meet me then I don’t want to meet him.”

Philbin said his older brothers served as father figures growing up because they were 10 years older than he was. His half brother, Bill Ingraham, used to coach the Clifton Tigers and was on the Clifton Phillies, while Pat was his bat boy.

Philbin attended Schools 16 and 8 and Christopher Columbus before entering CHS.
In ninth grade, he lettered in football, track and wrestling. At 240 pounds, Philbin won County and District titles.

He got his start in the sport grappling on the front lawn with Dave Szott, who went on to play guard for the New York Jets.

Philbin returns to his hometown once in a while to visit his mechanic or grab a bagel from the shop on Piaget Ave. across from CCMS.

“It’s out of habit because I used to go there after football practice at Clifton Stadium all the time,” he said, adding that he also frequents Rutt’s Hut a couple times a month.

“Don’t tell Nathans, though!”

A Legacy of Service

Passaic County Council celebrates 25 years on May 25 by Jordan Schwartz

The Passaic County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Prevention celebrates its 25th anniversary on May 25, and it may never have been more needed than right now.

During these difficult economic times, more and more people are turning to drugs and alcohol to escape their problems, but the Council can help.

Located in the Clifton Municipal Complex at 880 Clifton Ave., the Council is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides information, assessment and referral.

It offers alcohol, tobacco and other drug education, an Employee Assistance Program, public policy and legislative information, and National Intervention Network Services.

“The supply of drugs is always going to be there,” said Executive Director Father Alan F. Savitt, 61, a Catholic priest from the Paterson Diocese. “The change is going to come if you can impact the demand.”

Savitt believes his group can do that with informational programs such as the Underage Drinking Initiative and the Strengthening Families Program (more information at passaiccountycouncil.org).

Drug and alcohol addiction problems are often hereditary—something the executive director knows all too well.

“I was personally affected by growing up in an alcoholic family system,” said the lifelong Cliftonite. “You saw all the consequences of alcoholism and addiction.” Savitt’s father died at the age of 53 from liver cancer as a result of his heavy drinking. The priest’s younger brother passed away at age 51 for the same reason.

Their mother’s life ended in November 1996 due to Stage 4 Lymphoma, but Savitt thinks the disease was caused by her co-dependency. “It’s just as insidious and serious as other addictions,” Savitt said of the issues related to alcoholism.

Savitt himself began drinking when he was just eight years old, but was able to kick the habit at 28. Less than a decade later, the priest helped found the Council and began what would be his avocation in a 200 sq. ft. trailer near City Hall.

After renovating a historic building on the property, the Council moved to its permanent headquarters and Sister Pauline Kuntne joined as Director of Prevention Services.

“We’re the only Council with a Catholic priest and a nun on the staff and we’re both recovering addicts,” said Savitt. “We’ve been given a gift that we want to give away.”

Since its beginnings in 1984, the non-profit has faced several challenges. Back then, many in Clifton believed drugs and alcohol were problems in just neighboring Passaic and Paterson and didn’t think a center needed to be located in town. After some convincing, the Council was opened, but it has struggled with getting financial support ever since.

The Council receives grant money from the State Department of Health, as well as corporate donations, but those have decreased recently due to the recession.

County funding dried up in 1999, and as a result, the Council was almost forced to close.
“There has been a progressive need for services which we’re stretched to meet because of funding,” said Savitt. “Some Councils like down in Monmouth County, have 15 staff members and a $1.5 million budget. Ours is around $400,000.”

The executive director would like to see that total doubled in order to meet pressing needs, among the most needed is restoring the exterior of the century-old building.

But the focus right now is preparing for the 25th anniversary which is scheduled for 7 to 9 pm on May 19 at the Brownstone, 351 West Broadway, Paterson. To pull it all together, Savitt is knocking on a lot of doors and going through his old rolodex to bring in some heavy hitters. For instance, the keynote speaker will be WABC-TV Sports Director and Anchor Scott Clark.

Others scheduled to attend include Gerard McAleer, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division Special Agent in Charge; Dr. Robert Zlotnick, President, New Jersey Prevention Network; and Robert J. Lindsey, President and CEO, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

Tickets are a $50 donation and checks should be made payable to Passaic County Council. Reserve by May 15 by calling Savitt at 973-473-3366 ext. 105.

People from all walks of life are invited to support the event, because everyone can be affected by drugs and drinking. “Alcoholism and other addictions are equal opportunity, non-discriminatory diseases,” concluded Savitt.

Fully Leased and Going Green

by Jordan Schwartz

These might be difficult economic times, but no one told L. Robert Lieb and his tenants at Mountain Development Corp.

The Chair and CEO of the realty firm welcomed three new companies to the Mountain Technology Center at 100 Delawanna Ave. during a press conference on Dec. 17.

MDC bought the seven-story building in 2001, and with the addition of Telx, Automated Logic Corporation and EK Success, the former Givaudan headquarters, which is visible from Rt. 3 and just off Rt. 21, is now at full capacity.

MDC President Michael A. Seeve said the company purchased the building for three reasons: its proximity to a New Jersey Transit train stop, its excellent infrastructure with dense floors and high ceilings, and a love for investing in Passaic County.

“This region has real resilience and depth,” he said.

These are exactly the reasons why Automated Logic New York/New Jersey President Frank Del Vecchio decided to consolidate his two locations on Broad St. and in Lincoln Park into 100 Delawanna Ave.

“It’s a great centrally-located office for our clients and it provides our employees with a great commuting opportunity,” said the 1978 CHS grad, who added that seven of his employees are also alumni.

And new companies mean new jobs. Automated Logic and fellow Clifton company, EK Success, expect to relocate a total of about 200 workers to the Center.

Rose Kilmovich, Vice President of Product Development and Engineering for Telx, said the proximity to New York is a plus.

“We have two very large data centers there,” she said, “and there’s very good data center space on the second and third floors here.”

Telx is on a role. The interconnection company is picking up 24,000 sq. ft. of co-location space in order to offer customers the ability to connect to more than 400 firms all with just one point of connection between the networks.

This was the New York-based company’s fifth acquisition of 2008, totaling more than 70,000 square feet of new space and increasing the firm’s footprint by more than 20 percent. Telx plans to build out its space at the Center which should lead to the creation of a number of construction jobs.

PSE&G is working closely with the developer because data centers depend highly on electric service.

“We have a very reliable system so it’s a nice fit,” said William P. Steffens, Vice President of PSEG SiteFinders LLC. “The proximity to our network and another major data center in Nutley really helps.”

The utility will increase the amount of electricity brought into the building by 100 percent to power the servers, and the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems necessary to cool down the hardware.

The relocation of these three companies to the Mountain Technology Center is a step forward not only for Clifton, but for Passaic County and the entire state as well.

“It’s extremely important for the county,” said Deborah Hoffman, Director of the Passaic County Department of Economic Development. “Michael Seeve and his team have been working tirelessly to move companies in. These are very high-tech companies.”

The state now has six million square feet of data services and co-location space, with an investment of about $1,000 per square-foot to build.

“New Jersey is becoming business friendly,” said Caren S. Franzini, CEO of the NJ Economic Development Authority, adding that these three companies will bring 280 jobs to the Center.
But in the end, it’s really Clifton that benefits the most.

“It’s a nice Christmas present,” said Mayor James Anzaldi.

Fette Adds to the Portfolio

Infiniti Brand Joins Ford and Kia on the Showroom Floor
by Joe Hawrylko

Fette Ford, the longtime Clifton icon on Rt. 46 East, is expanding its lineup to include the luxury line up of Infiniti vehicles.

“We now have three lines that satisfy every segment of the market,” said John Fette, owner of the 56-year-old business founded by his grandfather. “This gives us a chance to put our truck owners, many of whom are business owners, into a luxury car,” he continued. “There are customers that wanted to move up to a luxury line that Ford was not filling at the time.”

In addition to the six Infiniti vehicles, Fette also offers a choice of eight Kia products and up to 17 Ford vehicles, which includes the popular Ford light and heavy duty trucks
The Infiniti brand is a luxury division of Nissan. Pricing starts at $33,000 for the lowest end model and works steadily up. Kia is the economy car, with some models starting as low as $12,000. Ford fills out the middle of the pack.

With the recession looming, this might seem like a peculiar time to purchase a dealership and expand the services offered; however, Fette said the investment allows him to better serve his customers.

“After we added Infiniti, I watched as the customers queued up to our service department,” he recalled. “It was then that I realized that these are our customers. They know us and we knew them. Some were former Ford customers, but when they wanted to go luxury, they evolved and went to Infiniti. Now, we can address all levels of the driving public. I think it helps our whole operation, in everything from service to customer satisfaction,” he continued. “Our people are trained in every aspect, from sales and warranties to service.”

The move makes Fette one of 180 Infiniti dealers nationwide, and the exclusive dealer for Passaic and Essex counties. However, Fette said Ford is still the flagship.

“Ford remains the best domestic franchise in the economy,” he stated. “From the SUVs, to cross overs, and commercial trucks especially. Yes, time are tough but we Americans will always drive cars. And with the options we offer, I believe the Fette family will be able to meet their needs for generations to come.”

Renovation and Relocation

Anthony Marinaro renovates a former Kuller Rd. eyesore
by Joe Hawrylko

These days, the real estate market is anything but a sure bet. But Anthony Marinaro defied the odds and his investment in his hometown is already starting to pay dividends.

Marinaro, a 1975 graduate of the now-defunct Paul VI High School, is nearly done with renovations to the building that he purchased at 310 Kuller Rd. The 30,000 sq. ft. facility was the first venture into speculative real estate for Marinaro, President of AJM Contractors, Inc.

This past September, Marinaro entered into a 25 year lease for 26,000 sq. ft. of the property with ImageFirst, an industrial health care laundry specialist with locations throughout the nation.

Sean Crimmins, assistant general manager for ImageFirst’s Clifton location, said the Pennsylvania-based firm selected the Kuller Rd. site because of the availability of local labor, quality water and sewage services and the positive business environment the City of Clifton and Passaic County offers.

Relocating from Essex County, ImageFirst brings roughly 40 employees who will provide laundry services to local health facilities. Crimmins said the company focuses its services to doctors offices and medical centers, such as those on the Clifton Ave. extension. ImageFirst also brings about 10 sales and clerical people to Clifton. The renovations to the laundry area, which are still in progress, are turning this facility into green. Crimmins said one of the environmentally-friendly features is a water reclamation system, allowing ImageFirst to recycle what it uses. There’s also energy efficient lighting, insulation, boilers and state-of-the-art machinery.

While interior and facade renovations are complete, Marinaro said come spring he will put the finals touches on the property with the planting of trees, landscaping, fencing and signage.

Marinaro is using 4,000 sq. ft. of the building for his offices but still maintains his original location in Passaic for the yard and equipment storage.

He added that the renovation and leasing went so well that he recently purchased on spec another 23,000 sq. ft. industrial property in Carlstadt, which Marinaro is renovating. “While contracting is a risky business, I feel comfortable and confident in investing in commercial and industrial real estate,” he explained.

Garret Pointe Entrance Nixed

by Jordan Schwartz

After nearly two years of hearings, the Clifton Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously voted to deny Garret Pointe Associates’ variance application. Their plan was to convert Paxton St. off of Mountain Park Rd. in Clifton into an entranceway to service a proposed group of 128 residential units on a nine-acre quarry parcel (above) in Woodland Park, formerly West Paterson.

“The conditions up there, both inside and outside the grounds were really unsafe,” said board alternate Gerard Scorziello, who voted in place of regular member Steven Abill, who had missed a few meetings on the matter. “It was a poorly put together plan and it wasn’t consistent with the Clifton master plan.”

A use variance was needed because Garret Pointe wanted to use a piece of property in a residential zone as a driveway.

Board members had asked the applicant if it was possible to build an entranceway elsewhere, like through the Bank of New York property that sits behind the quarry in which the development would be located, but Garret Pointe’s attorney, Frank Carlet, said that would be impossible.

“If you have a parachute you could do it, but how do you get back up?” he quipped. “We have no right to go by the bank. You couldn’t build a ramp safely [because of the 50-foot quarry wall], and even if you could, you’d be building it through other people’s property.”

But Carlet said he wasn’t surprised by the Clifton board’s rejection. “When we filed this application, we had no real hope that the city would approve it,” he said. “We prepared our legal case with the anticipation that it would go to court.”

Carlet plans to appeal the ruling to the Passaic County Superior Court in Paterson.

This case, which started way back in 2001, has already made its way through the legal system in West Paterson, but until this latest decision is possibly overturned, one local resident will continue to enjoy what he believes to be a major victory.

“This application would’ve destroyed the mountain,” said Joe Holzli of Mountainside Terrace. “The steep slope ordinance was approved by the City Council back in the ’70s to protect the mountain. They would’ve taken down the cliff face and changed the ridge line.

“All the buildings are in West Paterson, so Clifton gets nothing out of this except trouble.”

Plenty of Banking Options

by Jordan Schwartz

If you looked at only the banks in Clifton, you wouldn’t think the industry just completed one of its worst years in American history. Three new banks are scheduled to open in the city during the first half of 2009.

The first Provident Bank in Passaic County is on its way to the corner of Lexington and East Clifton Aves. Originally scheduled to open last year, construction has been delayed due to soil conditions, permitting snags and engineering issues at the municipal and county levels. The branch should now open sometime during the early portion of the second quarter.

“Better to get it done right than to get it done quickly,” said Ken Wagner, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations.

The 3,500 sq. ft. bank will be oddly shaped due to its location in an irregular lot, but it will be a full-service branch with three drive-thru lanes, including one with an ATM.

Provident has been in negotiations with Clifton since the early stages of 2006 when the city’s economic development director and a lifelong customer, Harry Swanson, recruited the bank.

“As we worked through it and saw the plan for that neighborhood, it looked like a real opportunity to distinguish ourselves instead of opening on crowded Main and Clifton Aves. where consumers already have a lot of choices,” said Wagner.

“This allowed us to be a little more creative with the design. We also liked being near Rt. 46 and in a part of town that was earmarked as a special improvement district.”

Swanson said Provident is really turning out to be “the anchor of Lakeview.”

Meanwhile, Clifton Savings is renovating its location at 646 Van Houten Ave. to include two drive-thru lanes (one with an ATM) and a larger lobby to better accommodate customers and provide more privacy. Work began this fall and is expected to be completed by next month.

Clifton Savings, which opened in 1928, has six branches in the city. They include the original location in Botany Village, two on Van Houten Ave. and ones on Clifton Ave., Lakeview Ave. and Valley Rd. The bank also has branches in Wallington and Wayne, and two in Garfield.

The third bank under construction is Federal Ft. Lee Savings on Main Ave. The branch will not include a drive-thru and is scheduled to open during the second quarter of 2009.

Two other city lenders undergoing some changes are Valley National Bank and TD Bank.
Valley National acquired Greater Community Bank on July 1, 2008, meaning the company now has six branches in Clifton. They’re located on Clifton Ave., Main Ave., Getty Ave., Rt. 46 and two on Allwood Rd.

Valley was founded in 1927 as the Passaic Park Trust Company and changed its name in the mid 1930s to the Bank of Passaic and Trust Company. In 1956, it acquired the Bank of Allwood which was located in Clifton. At that time, the name was changed to The Bank of Passaic and Clifton.

“Valley has sustained pristine credit quality through years of conservative, straight-forward lending practices, and has positioned itself as a bank that customers can rely on even in turbulent times,” said Thomasine Russo, Valley’s Vice President of Advertising/Marketing.

Valley National is the largest commercial bank headquartered in New Jersey, currently operating 195 branches in 130 communities serving 14 counties throughout northern and central New Jersey and Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

On April 10, 2008, TD Banknorth merged with New Jersey-based Commerce Bank to form TD Bank.

The lender now has two locations in Clifton, in Botany Village and on Clifton Ave. The Paulison Ave. branch and another on Clifton Ave. were consolidated in November.

“It didn’t make sense for us to have so many so close to each other,” said Omar Huamani, Business Development Manager.