Paterson school board miffed mayor didn't consult on tennis court renovations

PATERSON — Mayor Andre Sayegh has run into a speed bump in his efforts to renovate the two tennis courts at Paterson’s School 25 on Trenton Avenue.

The Sayegh administration obtained certification from the United States Tennis Association for its renovation plans. The mayor also gained the backing of the City Council, which voted to take construction bids on the work during a special meeting of the governing body on Sept. 30.

What City Hall didn’t do was get the approval of the folks who own the courts — the Paterson Board of Education.

Two members of Sayegh’s staff attended the Oct. 2 school board meeting to outline the tennis court plans.

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But city education commissioners interrupted that presentation, expressing their displeasure with City Hall for not including them in the planning process for the tennis court project.

“No one talked to us, so I don’t even know how we got this far,” said board vice president Kenneth Simmons.

The Sayegh administration said this week that it would wait to seek construction bids on the work until after school officials give their approval.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson school board miffed mayor didn't consult on tennis court renovations