Local club remains committed to Jackson

L ately it seems our club has come under attacks that are both unfounded and hurtful to the membership, especially since our core belief is helping those in need. Recently we were cited by the township after a complaint was placed against us by a "neighbor" of ours located behind us.

This "neighbor" took pictures of our location and told the township it was trashy-looking. What they may not have realized, and this is this author's belief, is that there was an event outside the night before, and since you can't clean in the dark effectively, a group of club members came the next day to complete the cleaning. This incident seems to be a setup of convenience.

Over the years, the Central Jersey Italian American Club (CJIAC) has run numerous functions for our community, such as Happiness Holiday for autistic children, community members with illness, military personnel, Oxford House and for Mother Cabrini, to name a few.

We also open our doors to other organizations that need a place to meet. We also donate, yes donate, the use of our parking lot for the commuter parking for this side of Jackson. We have not had any issues previously from our surrounding community, except for this one individual "neighbor."

As a matter of record, the club has been burglarized twice in the last few months. Except for a couple of accolades, "that's too bad" or "that's a shame," from the surrounding community, not much empathy was shown. It seems we were forgotten during our time of need. One family, the Hughes family, donated a beautiful new flag for our club and we wish to say thank you for their generosity.

We have been bothered by the recent issues involving the township and its need to build affordable housing. If you want to use this club and the recent citing to help build the case of how the neighborhood will change, this is not the fair and just way to reach this goal. Remember the words from (a previous) letter, "We have these issues now, watch your own kids, respect your neighbor's right to privacy and fight a fair fight against those who deserve it."

Also, this may not be a popular stance, but we will not get

into a spitting contest by stating these infractions were not implemented by CJIAC or its members, but rather by people who trespass through our property. We will not give these people the "smoking gun" they can use against Jackson in the public forum by saying, "See? Even the CJIAC is not in favor of this proposition." And to further note, the CJIAC has cleaned up trash not placed by us in order to keep the surrounding area appealing.

The CJIAC would welcome an opportunity to meet with our mystery "neighbor" to discuss the issues in question and to work on a mutual resolution. It seems that the good faith step was skipped. It's a shame what it's come to. This by no means will deter the club and its members from promoting the heritage and pride of being American first, Italian heritage forever! We will still raise the funds, help the community and do what we have always done.
Tony Alfano
member
Central Jersey
Italian American Club
Jackson