Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget would cut $6 billion in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, eliminating one of the department’s longest running programs, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which funds programs for low-income people and non-profit groups. The programs elimination would have direct effects on Hoboken’s Housing Authority and non-profit communities, many of which receive funding from that source. CDBG provides annual grants to agencies and organizations in various cities across the country address a wide range of unique community development needs. Click here for more.
More than a pane of glass was shattered on Monday, March 20, when someone smashed in the front window of Hudson Pride Connection in Jersey City. Glass can be fixed, said Michael Billy, an LGBT activist and member of the center’s board. But fear, generated by the attack, is harder to repair. Although the motive is unclear, the smashing of the front window of the Jones Street office is being investigated as a possible “bias incident,” local officials said. Billy said the staff is working with local and state authorities to find the culprit, and provide additional security. But he went on to say that the real wound is to the perception of safety, noting that this center had been a resource for the LGBTQ community for more than 24 years, a haven where people come for information, for counseling, and for connections. Click here for more.
North Bergen’s police officers are set to receive new crime fighting gear for the upcoming year. The Board of Commissioners adopted two resolutions at their March 22 meeting, approving purchase of three police interceptor utility vehicles, for $73,581; and four Chevrolet Tahoe Sport Utility Vehicles, for $139,802. Funds for the purchases will come from the town’s $3.5 million capital budget. Police Chief Robert Dowd said the purchases are necessary because of the town’s challenging topography. “We have extremely steep hills in North Bergen,” Dowd said after the meeting. The SUV’s are designed for such landscapes, as opposed to traditional patrol cars. But the benefits don’t end there. Click here for more.
