David Mello Appointed to Hoboken Housing Authority

Correction appended

Councilman David Mello was appointed Wednesday night to a five year term on the Hoboken Housing Authority. The resolution passed in a 6-2 vote, with council members Theresa Castellano and Tim Occhipinti voting against Mello. 

Hoboken resident and local bar owner Joe Branco—who had applied for the position in March—spoke up, asking if it was too late to be considered. Branco, a known supporter of Mayor Dawn Zimmer as well as Sixth Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Giattino, told the council majority that he was disappointed with the process,

"Was my application ever actually reviewed?" said Branco, who is known to be a close friend of HHA Executive Director Carmelo Garcia. 

Some members of the public also expressed criticism on how Mello was chosen for the seat. 

"The way you did this is totally, totally wrong," said resident and former Housing Authority Commissioner Perry Belfiore. 

Mello said that as a teacher in the South Bronx and a resident of the Fourth Ward he has the necessary background to fulfill his task on the Housing Authority. Mello is succeeding Councilman Michael Russo on the HHA. Previously, councilmen Ruben Ramos and Chris Campos have served on the board. 

Mello, on Wednesday, said he wants to make the HHA "the best housing authority that exists in New Jersey." Mello will start serving on the board immediately. His first meeting as a commissioner will be next Thursday.