Many political observers see Mayor Felix Roque’s re-election bid in the upcoming West New York election as akin to the maiden voyage of The Titanic – after it has already struck the iceberg.
The question is not whether the mayor’s ship will sink, but whether he is smart enough to bail out before it does
This has very little to do with his record as mayor.
Despite the political rhetoric coming at him in the runup to the May election, Roque has a fairly good record to run on – crime is down, the streets have been paved, taxes have been held steady.
While there are areas that need improvement, such as programs and facilities for after school, and the need to rebuild Miller Stadium where some baseball greats have played in the past, Roque’s potential demise would be purely political.
He has angered the big political bosses, he has refused to genuflect, and now he must pay the price.
Along with two other Hudson mayors, Roque was on the wrong side of last year’s failed political coup against the Hudson County Democratic Organization and County Executive Tom DeGise. Because he can’t generate 10,000 to 12,000 votes the way his ally Union City Mayor Brian Stack can, and he has failed to make statewide alliances the way Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla did, Roque is out in the middle of the political ocean without a life raft.
Some political observers, however, believe that Stack might have made a deal with the HCDO ahead of the critical committee vote last spring in West New York.
In last June’s primary, Roque was in a political fight to get 50 of his committee people elected in West New York ahead of a county committee vote that ultimately selected the executive’s daughter Amy DeGise as chairperson over Stack.
Stack was supposed to send in an army of political workers to help Roque. While Stack’s workers showed up, they did nothing to help the campaign.
This suggested Stack may have made some kind of deal with state Senator and North Bergen Nicholas Sacco, a supporter of Tom and Amy DeGise, to tank the Roque effort.
In early January, a state Senate Transportation Committee overseen by Sacco awarded a $9 million grant to Union City.
Had Stack backed Roque’s committee people as promised, Roque would have been in much better shape going into the May municipal election than he is now.
HCDO planned Roque overthrow for years
Still, most people believe Roque’s doom actually took place at the height of his success when his ticket won in 2015. But it really wasn’t his ticket. Rep. Albio Sires and Sacco inserted their own people into the West New York Board of Commissioners, leaving Roque a figurehead.
Roque’s first term that started in 2011 so scared the political establishment, the party bosses needed to take control over West New York government – and did – leaving Roque in power, but without real clout.
Now, some of these commissioners, that include Cosmos Cirillo, Margarita Guzman, Garbriel Rodriguez, Yoleisy Yanez and Victory Barrera, will run on a ticket opposing Roque.
While Roque has made some miraculous political recoveries in the past, this would take open intervention from the Heavenly Father, or perhaps a deal with a demon.
Roque claims he intends to run anyway, and has the money to run a significant campaign. But it is such a losing cause, he may well resemble a boy with a bucket trying to bail out the water from the sinking Titanic – a noble, but pointless effort, when there may still be room in one of the lifeboats for him to escape unscathed.
The last scene of `The Godfather?’
Not well known to the general public, the Jersey City Council was apparently poised to hold a vote of no-confidence against City Council President Rolando Lavarro in early January. This would have forced a vote to select someone else as council president.
Lavarro, however, somehow managed to convince a majority of the council members not to hold the vote.
But this raises questions about a massive power struggle ongoing inside the Fulop Administration.
While Fulop – like Michael Corleone at the end of “The Godfather” – appears to be taking the high road, hosting a number of positive events, his henchmen appear to be removing political enemies such as Schools Superintendent Dr. Marcia Lyles and former Gov. Jim McGreevey.
The removal of Lavarro would have been one more in the series.
Political observers claim all of these moves are largely about patronage. Fulop’s support of the failed plot to remove County Executive Tom DeGise may have created a problem for Fulop – who needs to get key supporters jobs.
The county takeover would have given Fulop access to hundreds of county jobs. Now he appears to have to find these jobs elsewhere. One place he is looking appears to be the Jersey City school district.
But Fulop critics claim the mayor must operate as if he is not the orchestrator of these moves, and so these critics claim, Fulop may be operating through surrogates.
While critics are also concerned about the city’s recent move to become its own master developer over a 95 acre site called Bayfront, Fulop may not be free to handpick developers.
“JC Together is a very effective watchdog,” said one Fulop critic. “The organization is keeping a very close eye on Bayfront and how developers are being picked there.”
Bayfront – along Route 440 on the west side of the city – would become the largest development since Newport on the eastern side of the city.
A master stroke
In the wake of the shooting at Newport Mall earlier this month, city officials are scrambling to portray the mall in a positive light. In a brilliant move, Jersey City and the owners of Newport managed to offset negative press by holding a press conference that announced that New York Road Runner club will take over the Newport 5K run in the spring.
To comment on this story on-line, go to our website, www.hudsonreporter.com. Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com
Hoboken’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) declared a State of Emergency in the city on Thursday, March 12 as the city continues to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic.
The OEM, the city’s Department of Health and Human Services, school district Superintendent Dr. Christine Johnson, and representatives from the charter schools have decided to cancel school over the next two weeks as a cautionary measure.
State of emergency
The State of Emergency allows the OEM and the city to take proactive action in the days and weeks ahead to protect residents.
As of March 15, the city reported three positive COVID-19 cases in Hoboken.
Hoboken has canceled all “non-essential” city-run events and meetings starting March 13.
Canceled events include all city-run recreation activities and sports for children and adults, Planning Board, Zoning Board, and municipal volunteer board meetings, and the scheduled public meetings on Neumann Leathers Redevelopment Project and the NJ Transit Records Building.
The city has also closed all city recreation fields and facilities.
A City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18. The Bhalla administration and Council President Jen Giattino are exploring alternative options to host the meeting.
According to Giattino, options include the possibility of residents sending in questions and comments instead of attending the council meeting to speak but still streaming the meeting, having a phone conference, or canceling the meeting outright.
The OEM has also directed that all bars and restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor license, are no longer permitted to serve food within the restaurant or bar.
If a bar does not currently offer food, they will no longer be permitted to operate and are no longer permitted to serve alcohol, as of 11 a.m. Sunday, March 15.
Any bar or restaurant establishment that currently offers food service will be permitted to conduct food takeout and food delivery service only.
OEM is also implementing a city-wide daily curfew which will be in effect from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m., starting Monday, March 16 until further notice.
During this curfew, all residents will be required to remain in their homes except for emergencies, or if they are required to work by their employer.
Street cleaning is also now suspended.
City parks will remain open with the exception of fields, recreation courts, playgrounds, and restrooms.
Daycares and pop-up camps for children are also closed.The city has closed all gyms, all health clubs, and movie theaters.
City Hall is now closed to the public but all services are available by phone, email, and online only.
Members of the public must call the respective department in City Hall and speak to a representative or leave a message, or send an email to the respective employee or department head, that can be found at http://www.hobokennj.gov and choosing the “departments” tab under “government”.
To prepare for an anticipated surge of patients, the Office of Emergency Management authorized the construction of a medical tent on Fourth Street outside of Hoboken University Medical Center.
The Health Department recommends that residents who believe they have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider first instead of going to the emergency room.
“It is critically important for residents to stay home if you are sick and remain home for at least 24 hours until symptoms resolve,” said Bhalla. “It is essential to continue washing and sanitizing your hands frequently. Please work from home if you can for the near future.”
School closed
Schools will be closed over the next two weeks starting Monday, March 16.
“We have prepared all of our remote learning plans and everything is ready to go,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson.
Johnson said teachers and staff have worked collaboratively on creating at-home instruction, and the district surveyed all families regarding their access to technology and the internet so that those without access received hard copies of at-home instruction.
“We developed required lessons in math, science, language arts, social studies, and health wellness for all students for every day,” said Johnson, noting that the district is providing 10 hours of instruction.
Johnson also said plans are in place for ESL students, students with special needs, students who require speech therapy and student who require physical therapy.
“Lessons were created from a basis of activities these kids are familiar with, and will be reinforcing at home,” said Johnson, noting therapists will be checking in with students via phone and email.
The district will also provide breakfast and lunch to district students and charter school students who qualified for free and reduced lunch. Grab and go meals will be handed out at the Ninth Street entrance of Hoboken High School by the cafeteria between Clinton and Grand streets. Meal service will be available from 8:30-10:30 a.m
According to state law, absences of 10 or more days must result in disenrollment for all children in Pre-K through 12th grade, but Johnson said that students will not be given absences for the days because school instruction will still be taking place.
Stevens Institute of Technology announced the campus has not had any confirmed cases of COVID-19 but to ensure the health and safety of their community all classes have been moved online through April 5.
“This decision is based on the best public health information we have today,” states a letter to the Stevens community dated March 12 from Marybeth Murphy, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and Vice President of Human Resources Warren Petty.
To reduce density on campus and limit potential transmission of COVID-19, some employees have been given permission to work remotely.
Students living on campus have been instructed to go home until April 5.
“University settings present unique challenges during a pandemic because of the density of students living and studying in close quarters,” the letter reads. “In addition, our capacity to quarantine those who become sick or those who may have been exposed is extremely limited. The more students who leave campus, the more we can decrease the potential health risk to the broader community. “
Stevens is working with students to help those who can not return home for a variety of reasons. The university is considering each request to remain on campus on a case by case basis.
Students who must remain in Stevens housing during this time should request permission from the Office of Residential and Dining Services (RDS) by clicking here. Students can email rds@stevens.edu with questions.
Stevens students are asked to check the Stevens homepage regularly for updates.
Library programs canceled
The Hoboken Public Library facilities including the Main Library at 500 Park Ave, the Grand Street Branch, and the Learning Center at the Hoboken Housing Authority will be closed starting Monday, March 16, with a planned reopening of Monday, March 30.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but this action is necessary to protect the health of our customers and staff during this volatile time,” said Director Lina Podles.
Loan periods will be adjusted to compensate for the closure and all items currently checked out to Hoboken Library cardholders will have their loans extended to Thursday, April 2.
Go to HobokenLibrary.org for the latest library information and to access to vibrant and robust online downloading and streaming services.
The 19th Annual Tribeca Film Festival was scheduled to make it’s Hoboken debut this April, but according to a statement from co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises Jane Rosenthal, the festival will be postponed.
“We founded the Tribeca Film Festival as a way to heal our community after the devastation of the 9/11 attacks in 2001,” said Rosenthal. “We were determined to overcome our fear and anxiety by joining together. It is in our DNA to march forward while caring about our community.”
Rosenthal said the “difficult decision” to postpone was based on the announcement by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that events of 500 people or more are banned.
“We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of the public while also supporting our friends, filmmakers and storytellers who look to Tribeca as a platform to showcase their work to audiences. We will be back to you shortly with our plans,” she said.
“Check www.tribecafilm.com for the latest updates, ticket refund information and details about how we are moving forward.”
Little City Books was scheduled to host its 2nd Annual Hoboken Literary Weekend from April 3 to April 5 but according to co-owner Kate Jacobs, the weekend has been rescheduled for the fall. It was to feature several award-winning authors, artists, performers, and journalists at Little City Books as well as at partner venues throughout Hoboken.
The Hoboken Community Center announced it would be rescheduling it’s annual benefit “A Taste of Hoboken” which was to take place on March 18 at Stevens Institute of Technology Howe Center.
“The HCC is working to reschedule the event for later in 2020, and an announcement with the new date will be made shortly,” states their event page. “Guests are encouraged to keep their tickets for the rescheduled event, but those unable to attend on the new date may request a refund via the ticket website.”
Stay Safe
The CDC recommends ways to limit the risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Recommendations include frequent handwashing with soap and water or use of hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and if you are sick, staying home from work or school.
The City of Hoboken, Office of Emergency Management, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have opened up a COVID-19 hotline for Hoboken residents at 201-420-5620.
CERT members will be available to answer general questions pertaining to Hoboken’s COVID-19 response and serve as a resource with additional information for residents.
It will not be utilized for professional medical advice.
The COVID-19 hotline is open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. through at least March 20.
A separate hotline for Hoboken seniors requesting assistance, or anyone in contact with a senior in need, has also been set up at 201-420-5625.
It is operational from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. until at least March 20.
Volunteers may be needed during the week to assist with various tasks related to the city’s COVID-19 response.
If you are interested in volunteering, please call the COVID-19 hotline at 201-420-5620 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The Hoboken Health Department will continue to operate, but the city says it should only be contacted by medical professionals.
Those that believe they were exposed to COVID-19 and want to be tested should contact their primary care physician first. Then they may also call the Hoboken Health Department at 201-420-2000 ext. 5211.
When Frank Perrucci passed away on Dec. 27, Bayonne lost a man who cared deeply about his community and his country. Mayor James Davis spoke for us all when he wrote:
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of a Bayonne Legend…Frank Perrucci. If there was one man that epitomized the Bayonne spirit, it was Frank. No parade or ceremony was complete without Frank. A leader of veterans groups and civic organizations, his smile and warmth was always sought out. Frank Perrucci exuded pride; Pride for his family, pride for his service, and pride for Bayonne. Frank served his nation in World War Two with both the Merchant Marines and the U.S. Army. After the war, Frank spent his life in service to this community. For the last few years, I have been lucky enough to enjoy monthly lunches with Frank because I truly enjoyed his company and friendship.
“Our city has lost another icon, but we are stronger because he was here! To Jean and the entire Perrucci family, please accept my deepest condolences on behalf of our entire city. Rest In Peace Frank; you will be greatly missed!”
Correction
In 2018, former Bayonne Police Chief Jim Sisk died at the age of 79. In our Year in Review issue, we incorrectly reported that it was Drew Sisk who had died. We sincerely regret the error and apologize for the confusion and stress this has caused the family and friends of Drew Sisk.
Priest rescued after heart attack causes crash
A local priest crashed his car into two parked cars on 29th Street and Avenue E due to a medical emergency, according to Edoardo Ferrante, Bayonne Office of Emergency Management Coordinator. The priest, Monsignor Francis Seymour, was rescued by first responders and transported to nearby Bayonne Medical Center on Saturday, Dec. 22.
First responders treated him with a defibrillator and transported him to Bayonne Medical Center.
Bayonne organizations receive legacy grant awards for 2018
Community Health Connections Foundation, Inc. (CHCF), founded in 2016, and the former Bayonne Visiting Nurse Association (BVNA), announced the distribution of grant money to four Legacy Foundation award winners for 2018. The Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation, Community Day Nursery, Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation and the Jersey City-based Hudson Hospice.
Community Health Connections Foundation supports programs designed to make communities in New Jersey healthy and supportive places to live. The foundation works to make ongoing progress in key areas while addressing access to care and connecting people in the community to proper nutrition, health education, maintenance, disease prevention for all ages, and patient and family support during acute and chronic physical and mental illness through end of life.
The Bayonne Visiting Nurse Association, Inc. (BVNA), founded in 1921, reorganized in 2016 to become a private grantmaking foundation.
Firefighters rescue dog from Newark Bay
Bayonne firefighters rescued a dog from Newark Bay on Sunday, Dec. 23, after receiving a call from John Donofrio lost the dog in the bay, according to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management (BOEM).
Donofrio, who was visiting from Virginia, was walking a dog named Bella when the dog inexplicably dove over a bulkhead wall and down 12 feet into Newark Bay.
Bayonne firefighters Jeff Spengler and Pat McGrath lowered a ladder for Captain Scott McGimpsey to climb down and rescue “a very scared and cold Bella,” according to the BOEM.
Mighty microscopic marvels featured at LSC
They’re microscopic, mighty, and play a key role in life all over our planet, but microbes get a bad rap because some of them cause disease. In reality, the overwhelming majority are beneficial to us and essential to our survival. Liberty Science Center’s newest permanent interactive exhibit, Microbes Rule!, illuminates just how good microbes are.
Visitors will find themselves in a new state-of-the-art exhibit that uses an array of interactive stops to highlight exactly how these tiny organisms shape the world, protect us from pathogens, boost the immune system, help us detoxify, assist in digestion, and keep babies healthy.
“Microbes do important and essential work everywhere, from the deepest seas to the hottest deserts to inside our very own bodies,” said Paul Hoffman, LSC president and CEO. “They shape the world around us and keep us healthy. These mighty microbes deserve to be in the spotlight.”
LSC is supporting an initiative to make Streptomyces griseus the official state microbe of New Jersey. To sign LSC’s change.org petition to help support the state’s vote and celebrate New Jersey as a pioneer in scientific and medical innovation, visit https://www.change.org/p/vote-for-the-official-state-microbe.
N.J. joins multi-state anti-drilling lawsuit
State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced that the state has joined a multi-state lawsuit in an attempt to prevent offshore drilling. Grewal and the deputy director of the Department of Environmental Protection also seek to reverse the Trump administration’s decision in November to allow seismic testing for oil and natural gas reserves.
“Evidence shows the negative impact that seismic testing can have on marine mammals,” Deputy Environmental Protection Commissioner Debbie Mans told NJTV News.”We are an important migration corridor for federally endangered marine mammals and turtles. The impact of seismic air guns on whales and dolphins include behavioral changes like decreased feeding, avoidance of noise, stress and possible stranding.”
Mans and Grewal hope the seismic testing approval is reversed. Florida was exempted from offshore drilling earlier in 2018, while N.J.’s request was denied.
Measles outbreak in Ocean County climbs to 21 cases
There are now 21 confirmed cases of measles in Ocean County, and 10 more are under investigation, according to the NJ Department of Health. Three more confirmed cases are in Passaic County. The outbreak began on October 21, as a result of travel to Israel. According to the Jerusalem Post, a measles outbreak has affected more than 2,600 people and led to two deaths.
Key questions remain about NJ Transit funding
Though many politicians praised the NJ Transit reform bill signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in Summit on Dec. 20, crucial details remain up in the air, especially about the agency’s funding. Last year, Murphy pledged to launch a new source of revenue for NJ Transit. At the bill’s signing, Murphy said he would be “loath to make the commuter bear the burden.” He added that “it’s too early to tell” whether fares will rise after the committed freeze date, June 30, according to NJ Spotlight.
Tax amnesty program to NJ taxpayers ends Jan. 15
The New Jersey Division of Taxation is offering a limited-time opportunity for both individual taxpayers and corporations to file past tax returns and/or pay back taxes with no penalties and reduced interest, according to an announcement from John J. Ficara, director, Division of Taxation, N.J. Department of the Treasury.
The New Jersey Tax Amnesty program runs through Jan. 15, offering an opportunity for delinquent taxpayers to come into compliance and get a fresh start. Amnesty applies to individuals or businesses with outstanding tax filings or payments that are reportable on a tax return due on or after Feb. 1, 2009, and prior to Sept. 1, 2017.
Since Tax Amnesty is offered only until Jan. 15, taxpayers with an outstanding New Jersey tax liability are encouraged to take advantage of the program before the deadline so they don’t incur greater penalties.
For information regarding Tax Amnesty eligibility or process, call 1 (800) 781-8407 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. or visit www.TaxAmnesty.nj.gov.
The Bayonne Planning Board has approved a redevelopment plan at an industrial site along the Kill van Kull that would require a developer contribution toward the waterfront walkway.
The plan was presented at the board’s March meeting by City Planner Suzanne Mack. The site was originally declared an area of redevelopment as 7 and 9 New Hook Road in December.
But separate redevelopment plans were drawn up for each site. The board approved the plan for 7 Lower Hook Road, formerly known as 7 New Hook Road, at its February meeting. The redevelopment area is the former site of PDQ Plastics.
This plan is for 9 New Hook Road, now known as Commerce Street and Hook Road. The redevelopment area is the former site of Atlantic Cement, totaling 5.4 acres of land along the Kill van Kull nestled between old petroleum tanks in the surrounding area.
Permitted uses
In the redevelopment plan, permitted principal uses include marine-based operations such as a boat ramp, ship chandler, or other service operations; barges, piers, platforms, fixed or floating docks, and mooring devices; green infrastructure; dock facilities including the operation of an intermodal container facility; recycling facilities such as a recycling drop-off facility; Flex Space for commercial and light industrial uses including office space and administration, logistics support, and distribution and assembly.
Fully enclosed light manufacturing establishments are also permitted, including the manufacture, assembly, packing or treatment of merchandise from previously prepared materials, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, food processing, electrical and electronic equipment, woodworking, furniture, and upholstery, textiles and apparel, awnings and venetian blinds, machine tools and metal working.
Other permitted uses include equipment sales, services and rentals including heavy equipment; seaport support services and operations including water dependent maritime uses that incorporate shipping, light industrial activity, offices, administration and services to the maritime industry; ship chandler; high-cube warehousing and short-term storage; cold storage warehousing; transportation support services and supply-chain logistics and distribution; renewable energy producing entities and their structures; green technology; wireless telecommunication towers, facilities and antennas; shore landing if there is offshore cables; silos or other existing structures; and agricultural growing operations.
Permitted accessory uses include outdoor storage, business offices and administrative support space, off-street parking and loading, signage, solar arrays, and roadway barriers. All other existing uses at the site shall remain permitted uses.
Cannabis cultivation and green development
Included in the permitted use of agricultural growing operations are vertical farms, hydroponics, gardening, and the growing, cultivation and processing of cannabis. In the plan for 7 Lower Hook Road, the permitted use of cannabis establishments sparked discussion among planning board members over whether or not it should be included.
While a redeveloper could submit plans to build a cannabis establishment at these sites, the plans do not give the redevelopers the right to do so; the decision is subject to planning board and city council approvals.
A minimum of 10 percent of the redevelopment area must consist of open space and or green or sustainable features. This can be green wall, green roof or landscaping on site. Street trees will be required along public roads abutting the site.
The redeveloper must make a contribution to develop a portion of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway along their shoreline, including three dedicated parking spaces, according to Mack.
But Mack said it might be tricky considering its location in an industrial area. The plan allows for an alternative.
The redeveloper can provide a financial contribution to the city for construction of offsite waterfront access equivalent to the cost of constructing the walkway on the redevelopment area’s shoreline. The contribution amount and terms of payment will be incorporated into the agreement between the redeveloper and the city.
The plan allows for both options, Mack said.
The plan requires design standards to make the site aesthetically pleasing from Hook Road. The redeveloper will be required to make public improvements, including repaving and paving roads, site remediation, installing lighting, and handling trash and recycling collection.
Rare opportunity
Mack said the plan was an exciting opportunity to bring in jobs and revitalize an industrial area along the waterfront with green space and design standards.
She said that the plan will allow the area, which has been underused for years, to become well developed with green infrastructure and a contribution to the waterfront walkway.
City Planner Mika Apte said that the plan aimed to allow permitted uses that would make underused properties in industrial areas economic contributors. He said the plan will require sidewalks.
Chairwoman Karen Fiermonte said it was not everyday the board votes on a waterfront redevelopment plan, especially for an industrial property.
The board voted unanimously to approve the plan. The next meeting is on April 13 at 6 p.m. To attend, go to bayonnenj.org and click on the event on the calendar webpage.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
George R.R. Martin dives into Bayonne childhood in Rolling Stone interview
George R.R. Martin, the author of “A Song of Fire and Ice,” now adapted into the hit television series “Game of Thrones,” discusses his life growing up in Bayonne in the May 8 issue of Rolling Stone. Martin, 65, grew up with his great-grandmother on 31st Street and Broadway before moving to an apartment building on First Street, near the old Brady’s Dock.
“My mother was a Brady — Irish. I heard a lot from my mother about the heritage of the Bradys, who had been a pretty important family at certain points in Bayonne history,” Martin told Rolling Stone, according to NJ Advance Media.
“To get to my school, I had to walk past the house where my mother had been born, this house that had been our house once. I’ve looked back on that, of course, and in some of my stories there’s this sense of a lost golden age, where there were wonders and marvels undreamed of. Somehow what my mother told me set all that stuff into my imagination.”
Recycling grants awarded in Jersey City and Secaucus
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection awarded $14.3 million in grants to 24 municipalities across 13 counties to enhance recycling efforts based on 2016 recycling performance in those communities. Jersey City received $423,248 and Secaucus received $156,353.
In 2016, NJ generated 9.7 million tons of municipal solid waste, which includes standard household, vegetative and yard waste. The municipal solid waste rate in 2016 is 44 percent, up one percentage point from 2015. The statewide goal for municipal solid waste recycling is 50 percent.
NJ remains above the national average of municipal solid waste recycling rate of 34 percent and was the first state to require statewide recycling in 1987.
Man douses apartment stairway with lighter fluid; does not set fire
The Bayonne Police Department arrested a 32-year-old man in possession of butane lighter fluid after allegedly drenching an apartment hallway and stairway on Jan. 3. Residents of the building on 762 Broadway saw him allegedly writing on the walls in the hallway and called the police. The man was charged with attempted aggravated arson, burglary and criminal mischief, according to police.
Central Jersey child first to die from flu in 2019, state cautions high flu levels across state
The state health department has confirmed that a child in central Jersey has died from the flu. It’s the first fatality this season. The CDC says New Jersey and New York are experiencing high flu activity this year. Some hospitals like St. Mary’s in Passaic are imposing restrictions on anyone presenting flu symptoms. It’s still not too late to get a flu shot, officials say.
According to the state Health Department, NJ is one of only 15 states already reporting high levels of the flu virus this year.
To avoid spreading the virus to others, medical professionals advise staying home while you are sick and up to at least 24 hours after your fever is gone; not visiting people in the hospital; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; if you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow or shoulder; avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth; and washing your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
If your child is sick, do not send your child to school or after-school programs until at least 24 hours after fever and symptoms are gone.
3,163 overdose deaths in 2018 breaks record
The state reported recently that drug overdose deaths passed the 3,000-mark in 2018. At 3,163, it’s higher than it’s ever been, and 15 percent more than in 2017. The counties that experienced the worst (highest) rate of growth: Salem (60%, 32 deaths); Passaic (54%, 206 deaths); Cumberland (49%, 113 deaths); Mercer (40%, 148 deaths); and Monmouth (30%, 223 deaths). Hudson County had 187 suspected overdose deaths, its highest since recording 127 in 2016.
Two plaintiffs join Jersey City payroll tax lawsuit
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association and the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce have joined a lawsuit to fight a Jersey City payroll tax that was unanimously passed by the city council in November. The 1-percent tax was first proposed to cover the loss of $175 million in school funding.
“I reject the president’s fear mongering,” Sires says
President Trump “lied to the American people” about the border wall, Rep. Albio Sires tweeted after the president’s Tuesday night Oval Office speech. The recently re-elected Sires is a Cuban immigrant who represents the 8th District, which includes areas of Bayonne. Rep. Tom Malinowski of the 7th District said Trump was “recklessly dishonest.”
Jersey City prisoner re-entry program fires former Gov. Jim McGreevey
The Jersey City Employment and Training Program voted to fire its director, former Democratic Gov. Jim McGreevey. The prisoner re-entry nonprofit did so without comment or explanation. No one has “given me the courtesy of a detailed reason why I am being dismissed,” McGreevey said. McGreevey resigned as governor abruptly in 2004, after coming out as a “gay American.” He is the nation’s first openly gay governor.
More people move out of New Jersey than any other state
According to data collected by United Van Lines, in 2018, more people moved out of New Jersey than from any other state. Illinois was second, followed by Connecticut, New York, and Ohio. Reasons for leaving the Garden State were varied: job change and retirement tied at 34 percent. “Lifestyle” was cited by 17 percent of former New Jerseyans, and “health” was cited by 6 percent.
Law says schools must teach ‘financial literacy’
Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver signed into law a measure (A-1414) that requires all public middle schools (grades six to eight) to teach “financial literacy.” It was supported by lawmakers from both parties, and will go live in September, for the 2019 to 2020 school year. The state Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lamont Repollet, will provide the curriculum.
Farmer feeds Christmas trees to goats
A farmer in Burlington County has been collecting neighbors’ discarded Christmas trees to feed to the 12 goats that live on her farm, according to Philly.com. Last Christmas, the farmer took in 50 trees. One of her goats can gobble down a 14-foot tree in three hours.
Farms across the country use Christmas trees as goat food. A petting zoo in New Era, Michigan, has been requesting trees for years; the owner said blue spruce, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, Scotch pine, and white pine are among the varieties, according to the Associated Press.
Smoking ban takes effect
Starting Jan. 16, New Jersey will begin one of the broadest anti-smoking laws in the country, according to NJ Spotlight. Smoking and vaping in public parks, forests, historic sites, and at any other state-owned property in New Jersey will be subject to fine. Fines could burn bigger holes in pockets that cigarettes; starting at $250 for a first offense, and then up to $1,000. It’s not yet clear who will enforce the ban.
Murphy, Sweeney agree on driver’s license bill
Undocumented immigrants can legally drive in 12 states and D.C., and up to half a million people in New Jersey could be next. According to a survey of 561 voters conducted by an advocacy group, 54 percent support the idea, 29 percent oppose it, and 17 percent are unsure, according to The Record. Gov. Phil Murphy and Senate Pres. Stephen Sweeney support a measure that would issue licenses to undocumented immigrants that are different from those issued to U.S. citizens. The complicated two-licenses measure is working its way through the legislature.
New Jersey doubles security funding for private schools
On Jan. 8, Gov. Phil Murphy signed two bills to increase funding to beef up security at private schools and religious nonprofits, according to The Record. One bill (A4597) will devote $11.3 million to double security funding at private schools, which serve about 150,000 students statewide. Another bill (A3906) expands a security grant program that enables religious nonprofits to buy equipment and hire guards.
Proposed law would allow lawyers to be legal advocates for mistreated and abused animals
We have pet doctors, but not pet lawyers yet. A new bill in the New Jersey State Assembly would allow lawyers and law school students to act as legal advocates for mistreated pets and abused animals in New Jersey. The advocates would monitor cruelty cases, attend court hearings, and make recommendations to judges. The bill sponsor, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, says her proposal could ensure “animals that are abused get justice,” noting that “far too many animal cruelty cases in New Jersey … end without trial or conviction,” according to The Record.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has announced a new communications campaign to help the public make better traveling decisions during winter weather events to improve safety and the department’s ability to clear snow.
New Jersey is the most congested state in the nation; a relatively routine winter weather system can wreak havoc in New Jersey when it occurs between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“In order for NJDOT to clear highways of snow and ice, we need roads free from traffic so our trucks can get through and do their job,” Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Our Winter Weather Congestion Alert plan is designed to alert the media and public when forecasted weather may cause congestion, and provide tips on what to do so our crews can get through to keep the roads clear, open, and safe.”
The alerts may provide general tips such as to consider telecommuting if possible or more specific recommendations to avoid certain highways with inclines that are often problematic during a storm, such as I-280 or parts of I-78 in western New Jersey. The media and public will be alerted through press releases, the NJDOT Facebook page, Twitter @NJDOT_info, VMS boards, and www.511nj.org.
NJDOT will encourage people to telecommute, travel before the winter weather starts, and stay put while the winter weather is occurring. Wait a few hours for the storm to subside before heading out. If you are traveling during the winter weather, pull off somewhere safe and wait it out. Always stay clear of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass. Do not pass between trucks that are in a plow formation.
NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
New school proposal in exchange for increased density is a ‘non-starter’ for Mayor Ravi Bhalla
According to a Friday, Jan. 11 community message from Mayor Ravi Bhalla to the city council, he will not support a new project in the Southwest Redevelopment Area proposed by Academy Bus that would include a new middle school, and would require “major changes to the existing Southwest Redevelopment Plan.”
The proposal includes office space for Academy Bus, a new Hoboken Middle School, 439 residential units, and public open space.
Bhalla said he supports the original southwest redevelopment plan, passed unanimously by the council in 2017, and he has concerns about the increased density of the Academy Bus proposal.
At press time, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson had not answered requests for comment on Bhalla’s message. In the past, Johnson and Board of Education members have said they may need more seats for students in the coming years.
“If enrollment continues to grow at the rate we’re seeing recently, we will surely face the need for additional space or buildings,” said then-school board president Thomas Kluepfel a year and a half ago at a school board meeting.
Bhalla said since learning about the project he has received several inquiries from residents of Southwest Hoboken, “who are rightfully concerned that the proposed dramatic increase in building heights and residential density would be harmful to their neighborhood and make the already existing traffic problem worse.”
One of the main gateways to the city for vehicles is in southwest Hoboken, which is regularly gridlocked during peak travel periods. City administrations and the council have tried to relieve the congestion with the Southwest Traffic Circulation Plan.
The Southwest Redevelopment Plan was created after several community meetings, surveys, and property owner meetings.
“The plan that was passed unanimously was a result of substantial collaboration between Mayor Zimmer’s administration and the city council, and incorporated substantial resident feedback,” said Bhalla noting that the feedback from residents often included a request for limited residential density.
“Residents of the Southwest (and throughout the city) are rightfully concerned about over development that poses a threat to our quality of life and to the charm and character of our city,” wrote Bhalla. “In addition, particularly in the Southwest, which is the southern gateway into and out of our city, traffic is an enormous problem. With these concerns in mind, the plan that was adopted provides for residential density additions consistent with the density levels in most of the other residential neighborhoods of our city, while also keeping the plan financially feasible for property owners.”
“To be clear – I remain 100 percent supportive of the scale of residential density permitted in the existing Southwest Redevelopment Plan, and I will not consider any developer proposals inconsistent with the Plan’s scale and vision…,” he wrote. “For all the above reasons, the Academy Proposal (which includes massive increases in density on the Academy property – 439 units versus the 192 units -19 affordable permitted under the current plan) is a non-starter for me.”
For more information go to hudsonreporter.com.
Hoboken man indicted in alleged 2015 vote-by-mail scheme
Hoboken resident William Rojas, 68, was indicted on the charge of promoting a voter bribery scheme by use of the U.S. mail in 2015 according to a Jan. 11 press release from U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.
During the 2015 election, six ward council seats and three Hoboken Board of Education seats were up for election.
Rojas is charged with violation of the federal Travel Act for causing the mails to be used in aid of voter bribery contrary to New Jersey state law, according to the release. He was scheduled to have his initial appearance Jan. 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.
Under New Jersey law, registered voters are permitted to cast a ballot by mail rather than in person.
To receive a mail-in ballot, voters must complete and submit to their county clerk’s office an Application for Vote by Mail Ballot. After the application is processed by the county clerk’s office, voters receive a mail-in ballot.
According to the press release, from September 2015 through November 2015, Rojas allegedly agreed to pay certain Hoboken voters $50 if those voters applied for and cast mail-in ballots for the November 2015 Hoboken municipal election.
Rojas allegedly provided these voters with VBM Applications, allegedly told the voters that they would get paid $50 for casting mail-in ballots for the 2015 Hoboken municipal election, and then allegedly delivered the completed VBM applications to the Hudson County Clerk’s office.
After the mail-in ballots were delivered to the voters, Rojas allegedly went to the voters’ residences to collect the mail-in ballots and mailed the completed mail-in ballots to the Hudson County Clerk’s Office.
After the election, Rojas allegedly delivered checks to these voters.
According to the release, bank records show that voters living in Hoboken allegedly received $50 checks from an entity associated with the campaign that employed Rojas.
Rojas faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This is the latest in a string of indictments for vote-by-mail schemes in Hoboken. The first three indictments occurred in September and October of 2018. They were against local political player Frank Raia and campaign workers Lizaida Camis and Dio Braxton for their alleged involvement in a vote-by-mail scheme during the 2013 election.
Raia and Braxton pleaded not guilty while Camis pleaded guilty to Count 2 of an indictment charging her with conspiracy to use the mail to promote a voter bribery scheme during the 2013 municipal election.
Summonses issued to 10 liquor stores for allegedly selling to underage patrons
According to a press release from the Hoboken Police Department, on Jan. 5, the Hoboken Police Department’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Unit conducted a citywide operation to find establishments allegedly serving underage patrons, after the department received multiple complaints about liquor stores in the city. These complaints were for alleged disorderly groups, loud music, and the selling of alcohol to people under the age of 21.
This operation, the first of more to come, was led by Sergeant Charles Kucz and Detective Anthony Caruso with the assistance of two undercover Jersey City police officers who are under the legal drinking age.
Throughout the evening 12 establishments were entered and 10 were issued administrative charges for alleged sale to someone under the legal age to purchase alcohol, according to the release.
Although summonses were issued, each establishment has the right to dispute the charges at a hearing to be held at a later time.
According to the release, the following are the 10 establishments issued summonses: Village Market at 702 Washington St., Cork Wine & Spirits at 1450 Washington St., Blue Ribbon at 450 1st St., Daniel Liquors at 87 Garden St., Ottomanellis at 422 Monroe St., Hoboken Discount Liquors at 98 Willow Ave., Augie’s Liquors at 419 Adams St., Sasso’s Deli at 1038 Garden St., Hoboken Vine at 400 Newark St., and Yash Liquors at 1004 Washington St.
Two establishments were in compliance: Washington Liquors at 211 Washington St. and Willow Liquors and Grocery at 841 Willow Ave.
“Hoboken’s Chief of Police Ken Ferrante would like to thank the citizens who brought this situation to light as well as the ABC Unit and its detectives for their dedication and hard work that made this operation a success,” the release states. “Chief Ferrante would also like to thank Jersey City’s Chief of Police Michael Kelly for his cooperation and use of two of his officers, as well as those two officers for their work and professionalism during this operation.”
Former Hoboken police officer sentenced to 5 years in prison
According to a Jan. 7 press release from New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal’s office, a former Hoboken police officer was sentenced to prison on Jan. 7 after being convicted in October of stealing $187,000 by filing fraudulent applications for federal relief funds related to Superstorm Sandy.
Nikola Lulaj, 45, of Seaside Heights, and his wife Majlinda Lulaj, 32, were convicted on Oct. 25 by an Ocean County jury of second-degree conspiracy, second-degree theft by deception, and six counts of fourth-degree unsworn falsification, according to the press release.
On Jan.7, Nikola Lulaj, who left his job as an officer with the Hoboken Police Department as a result of his conviction, was sentenced to five years in state prison; his wife Majlinda Lulaj was sentenced to three years of probation, conditioned upon completion of 50 hours of community service. They were also ordered to pay full restitution.
Deputy Attorneys General Thomas Clark and Jamie Picard tried the case and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau. They were assisted at trial by Detective Mark Byrnes, Detective Franco Cignarella and Analyst Rita Gillis.
According to the release, the state presented testimony and evidence at trial that Nikola and Majlinda Lulaj filed fraudulent applications following Superstorm Sandy for FEMA assistance, a low-interest SBA disaster-relief loan, and state grants under the Homeowner Resettlement Program (RSP), the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program, and the Sandy Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program (SHRAP) funded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. As a result, they received approximately $187,074 in relief funds; $2,820 from FEMA, $90,200 in SBA loan proceeds, a $69,054 RREM grant, a $10,000 RSP grant, and a $15,000 SHRAP grant.
The release states that the couple falsely claimed in their applications that a home they own on Webster Avenue in Seaside Heights, which was damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, was their primary residence at the time. In fact, their primary residence was in Dumont, N.J. and at the time of the storm, it was a vacation and rental property.
“For a police officer to commit this type of fraud is particularly egregious, because officers take an oath to uphold the law and we rightly hold them to the highest standards,” said Attorney General Grewal. “When disaster strikes, we cannot allow dishonest applicants to divert disaster relief funds from the intended recipients – namely, those victims whose primary homes were destroyed or damaged.”
The Attorney General’s Office has charged more than 120 defendants with fraud related to Sandy relief programs. Most of the cases involve “primary residence fraud.”
The 120-plus defendants allegedly were responsible for diverting more than $8 million in relief funds.
The office is continuing its aggressive efforts to investigate fraud in Sandy relief programs, working jointly with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and the Offices of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Also assisting the taskforce is the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller, New Jersey Department of the Treasury Office of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the nonprofit National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
Mile Square Theatre to perform “I and You”
Mile Square Theatre will present Lauren Gunderson’s drama “I and You” starting Jan. 30.
Winner of the 2014 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award Winner and finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Playwrighting Prize, “I and You” is a haunting play about the strange and transcendent connections between us all
In the play, Caroline, ill and homebound, is visited by her high school classmate Anthony to complete a project about Walt Whitman. As they let their guards down and reveal their secrets, the mundane poetry project unlocks the deeper mysteries between the two.
“I’ve rarely been effected by an initial reading of a play as I was with this one,” said director Chris O’Connor. “I find this play funny, heartbreaking, and deeply moving. Lauren Gunderson beautifully captures the voice of the post-millennial generation and renders a play that contains a relatable truth that cuts through all generations. I think this production will strongly resonate with the MST audience.”
“I and You” stars Roland Lane (Scraps at The Flea) and Simone Grossman (Arcade Amerikana at Industry City), both making their MST debuts.
The creative team includes many of MST resident designers; scenic designer Jennifer Price Fick (The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi), costume designer Peter Fogel (The 39 Steps), lighting designer Jason Flamos (It’s a Wonderful Life), and sound designer Sean Hagerty (The Net Will Appear).
“I and You” begins performances on Wednesday, Jan. 30 and runs until Sunday, Feb. 24.
Opening night and MST’s Season Opener Party is February 1.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has announced a new communications campaign to help the public make better traveling decisions during winter weather events to improve safety and the department’s ability to clear snow.
New Jersey is the most congested state in the nation; a relatively routine winter weather system can wreak havoc in New Jersey when it occurs between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“In order for NJDOT to clear highways of snow and ice, we need roads free from traffic so our trucks can get through and do their job,” Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Our Winter Weather Congestion Alert plan is designed to alert the media and public when forecasted weather may cause congestion, and provide tips on what to do so our crews can get through to keep the roads clear, open, and safe.”
The alerts may provide general tips such as to consider telecommuting if possible or more specific recommendations to avoid certain highways with inclines that are often problematic during a storm, such as I-280 or parts of I-78 in western New Jersey. The media and public will be alerted through press releases, the NJDOT Facebook page, Twitter @NJDOT_info, VMS boards, and www.511nj.org.
NJDOT will encourage people to telecommute, travel before the winter weather starts, and stay put while the winter weather is occurring. Wait a few hours for the storm to subside before heading out. If you are traveling during the winter weather, pull offsomewhere safe and wait it out. Always stay clear of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass. Do not pass between trucks that are in a plow formation.
NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.
Flu at high levels in New Jersey
According to the state Health Department, New Jersey is currently one of only 15 states already reporting high levels of the flu virus this year. State officials have confirmed the first pediatric fatality associated with the flu in New Jersey this season.
It is not too late to get a flu shot.
To avoid spreading the virus to others, medical professionals advise staying home while you are sick and up to at least 24 hours after your fever is gone; not visiting people in the hospital; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; if you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow or shoulder; avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth; and washing your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
If your child is sick, do not send your child to school or afterschool programs until at least 24 hours after fever and symptoms are gone.
2018 has been a year of transition in Bayonne, when local events sometimes reflected national concerns, like danger from guns and the rights of Muslims to worship, while others like traffic and road improvements and saying goodbye to revered local officials were strictly local.
Two elections brought many incumbents back to City Hall and the Board of Education. Mayor James Davis emerged from a contentious municipal election to win a second term that ends in 2022. Development was another big story; most undeveloped properties now have buildings under construction.
Bon Voyage!
Bayonne received a $650,000 federal grant in May for construction of a ferry terminal on the southern shore of the former Military Ocean Terminal Base. In October, the city announced the ferry operator would SeaStreak, based in Atlantic Highlands. Fares, routes, schedules, and when the ferry will begin operation are yet to be determined. SeaStreak runs a ferry from Highlands and Atlantic Highlands in Monmouth County to Wall Street and 34th Street in Manhattan. Bayonne may be an added stop along the route. SeaStreak may also provide seasonal ferry service for Jersey Shore day trippers. The Bayonne terminal would be SeaStreak’s first in Hudson County. The rest are operated by NY Waterway.
Traffic and road improvements
The $310 million 14A Interchange Project, which was completed in May, increased toll plaza capacity from 11 to 13 lanes, extended the ramp from Interchange 14A westbound, expanded the Hudson County Extension to two lanes, and replaced the two-lane connector bridge with a new four-lane structure to Routes 440, Route 185, and Port Jersey Blvd.
A new flyover ramp was also constructed from the interchange and Port Jersey Blvd. to Route 440 south. The traffic signal at East 53rd Street was removed, and the new roundabout will provide permanent access to the 14A Interchange.
The project will increase access not only for truckers, but for motorists coming to and from the former Military Ocean Terminal Base, where thousands of units of residential housing and a commuter ferry are due in the coming years.
Animal control
The Bayonne City Council chose not to renew NJ Animal Control and Rescue’s contract in favor of the Jersey City-based Liberty Humane Society.
Muslim community center
Bayonne’s Muslim community successfully challenged the Bayonne Zoning Board’s March 2017 decision to deny the group a parking variance in its effort to convert an old warehouse on East 24th Street to a Muslim community center. The group was awarded $400,000 in February of 2018 as part of an agreement with the City of Bayonne, which was required to approve the group’s planned community center.
Bayonne Muslims challenged the Zoning Board’s decision based on the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and Municipal Land Use laws, which give places of worship special consideration in zoning decisions.
The damages, Davis said, will come from the city’s insurance fund and mostly consist of attorney’s fees.
Board of Education
In April, the BBOED adopted a $130.7 million budget to fund the 2018-2019 school year. The school district, which is funded by the state and from 40 percent of Bayonne’s property tax bills, levies additional taxes when the cost of running the district increases. Bayonne experienced a 13.2 percent rate increase to the state’s health insurance plan as of January; increased spending on school security; curriculum updates to math and science programs; upgrading of aging facilities (the average building is 83 years old); a growing student population; and a low reserve of funds from the previous year.
The NJ Department of Education released its annual report cards in January, which assign a grade to every school district based on PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). Bayonne falls in the 21st percentile. High rates of absenteeism and math readiness are two of the district’s main concerns.
Unsafe at any speed
Five people have died in four years on Route 440, including Christian Rodriguez, 22, killed on Nov. 7 by a driver who fled the scene and was later arrested. The stretch of road between 22nd and 34th streets is particularly dangerous. Businesses at South Cove Commons continue to tempt people to cross. The fatality comes after upgrades to the 22nd Street intersection improved crossing signals and allowed more time for pedestrians to cross. City officials have long considered constructing a pedestrian bridge that would extend from the current bridge that takes pedestrians over the light rail tracks and into a parking lot. The city council requested design bids and has applied for federal grants.
Shooting scares
Soon after the Feb. 14 Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, students and administrators organized the district’s participation in “National School Walkout” on March 14 on Avenue A. Students, parents, and faculty walked out of school for 17 minutes, one minute for each person killed in the Feb. 14 shooting. Some Bayonne students attended the national “March for Our Lives” protest in Washington D.C. the following week.
On Feb. 23, Bayonne High School went on lockdown after a message circulated through social media threatening a school shooting at “BHS,” an acronym for the New Mexico high school, Belan High School that was confused with Bayonne. Later in the day, police were called to Henry E. Harris Community School after a child told her parent that a student said a shooting would take place at the school. Police quickly determined the threat not credible.
A social media post on March 4 that threatened to “shoot up all Bayonne public schools” caused the Bayonne School District to close on Monday, March 5. Other threatening posts followed before the account was suspended.
The school district increased the number of security guards from nine last year to 12 this year, allowed some of those guards to be armed, and purchased metal detectors and more security wands. Security aid from the state was increased from $700,000 last year to $3 million this year.
Gun incident
A Bayonne hockey coach and social studies teacher, David McKenna, 38, resigned his position after allegedly pointing a State Trooper’s semiautomatic handgun at two people in the coach’s locker room at Bayonne High School on November 30, 2017 during hockey practice. The fallout from the incident was felt in 2018.The gun, which was holstered and hanging in the coach’s office, belonged to an off-duty NJ State Trooper and assistant hockey coach, Richard Korpi Jr. (The school’s ice rink was named for his father in 1986.)
McKenna allegedly removed the gun from its holster and walked into the hallway with the weapon. He then walked back into the office and allegedly pointed the weapon in the direction of a student and a teacher.
McKenna, who led the state in scoring as a Bayonne High School hockey player, was suspended from his position with pay. Korpi is no longer in his coaching position.
McKenna was replaced by Harvey Boehm, the former hockey varsity coach and current high school history teacher.
PLA ordinance
Project labor agreements (PLAs) are now required for all private development projects of more than $15 million that sign payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreements with the City of Bayonne. The city council passed the ordinance in February after it offered PILOT agreements to most of the major developers. A PLA is a collective bargaining agreement signed by one or more labor unions and a developer that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a construction project.
Bayonne is now one of only a few cities in the state to have passed such an ordinance, modeled after Jersey City’s.
Union workers support the ordinance, citing safety, fair pay, youth career building, the benefits of hiring local workers, and gender inclusion.
Curtains for old MOTBY
Most young people in Bayonne have no memory of the former Military Ocean Terminal Base (MOTBY), unlike older residents who worked there. Now, landmarks of MOTBY’s industrial past are gone. The iconic water tower was demolished in December to make room for 1.6 million square feet of industrial warehouse space slated for construction by 2021. Lincoln Equities Group (LEG) completed its acquisition of a 153-acre site on MOTBY, called the Bayonne Logistics Center, in June.
The existing World War II-era warehouses once stored missiles, tanks, and cargo to ship abroad to support war efforts from 1967, when the peninsula became a military base, to 1999, when the base closed. In 2007, Ports of America purchased the land and buildings. The old warehouses will be demolished, and the land raised by six feet, which will require two million tons of fill.
R.I.P.
Former Bayonne Police Chief Jim Sisk died in September at the age of 79. Cornelius (Neil) Carroll, a former Hudson County Freeholder, athlete, and Navy vet, died at the age of 91. His grandson, Neil Carroll III was appointed in November to replace former councilman Thomas Cotter on the Bayonne City Council. On October 15, former U.S. Representative Neil Gallagher died at the age of 97.
(Updated July 6, 4:00 p.m.) Number of cases in Hudson County: 18,990 Number of Deaths: 1,289
No COVID-19 deaths in Bayonne over the weekend; cases continue to fall
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have died from COVID-19 as of July 4.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that 290 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city, and 833 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Over the weekend, cases fell below 300 on Friday, June 3 and continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
(UPDATED on July 2.)
Bayonne COVID-19 cases continue to fall
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have died from COVID-19 as of July 1.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that 317 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city, and 802 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. Cases continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
(UPDATED on July 1.)
Decline in COVID-19 cases in Bayonne continues
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have died from COVID-19 as of June 30.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that 335 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city, and 794 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. Cases continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
New COVID-19 cases crop up in Hoboken
The Hoboken Health Department reported six new COVID-19 cases over three days, bringing Hoboken’s new total to 598 confirmed COVID-19 cases. There have been a total of 30 fatalities in the mile-square city so far.
Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, Mayor Ravi Bhalla urged residents to exercise caution about gathering in groups of people and limiting travel, especially to hot spots when possible.
Gov. Phil Murphy, as well as the governors of Connecticut and New York, have issued a 14-day quarantine travel advisory to people returning from hot spots, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
“My suggestion, as difficult as this may be, is to spend time with only household members this weekend (and beyond whenever practical), and if that is not possible, to limit contact with others to outdoor settings, with appropriate social distancing, and face masks when social distancing is not possible,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla in an email to constituents, asking them to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
(UPDATED on June 30.)
COVID-19 cases in Bayonne continue to fall
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have died from COVID-19 as of June 29.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that 348 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city, and 771 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. Cases continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
(UPDATED on June 29.)
Bayonne COVID-19 cases fall below 400 over the weekend
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have died from COVID-19 as of June 28.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that 368 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city, and 751 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. Cases continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
COVID-19 cases dropped below 400 in the city. Bayonne Medical Center reported no virus patients as of June 25.
(UPDATED on June 25.)
COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 24.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 402 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 710 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. Cases continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
(UPDATED on June 24.)
Bayonne cases remain static
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 23.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 404 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 706 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. Cases continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
These numbers are unchanged from June 22, according to OEM.
Hoboken reports slight uptick in COVID-19 cases
The Hoboken Health Department reported seven new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, two on Sunday, and two on Monday , with no change in fatalities, according to Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
These new cases bring Hoboken up to a total of 583 residents who tested positive for COVID-19 and 30 resident fatalities.
According to Bhalla, the “slight uptick” in cases is related to travel outside of New Jersey to regions that have a substantial rise in new cases.
According to reports, Arizona, Arkansas, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas have all seen an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
“If you have traveled out of state to any of these areas, I strongly encourage you to get tested at least five days after returning at Riverside Medical, and to self-quarantine for a full 14 days,” Bhalla said. “If at all possible, I also encourage all residents to postpone any type of travel to other states with high rates of new cases, such as Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, and more.”
(UPDATED on June 23)
Bayonne COVID-19 recoveries top 700
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 22.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 404 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 706 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. Cases continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
(UPDATED on June 22.)
No deaths over the weekend in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 over the weekend as of June 21.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 410 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 696 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. Cases continue to decline in the city as more residents recover.
(UPDATED on June 19.)
Cases on the decline in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 18.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 433 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 672 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Malls reopen with restrictions on June 29
Gov. Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan announced an Administrative Order which permits indoor portions of retail shopping malls to reopen effective at 6 a.m. on Monday, June 29.
“Malls are an undeniable part of New Jersey culture, and we want these businesses to get back up and running in a safe, responsible manner,” Murphy said. “To keep our restart moving in the right direction, we ask New Jerseyans who wish to head out to the mall or any public setting to do so safely.”
Retail businesses in shopping malls are permitted to reopen to the public, as long as they comply with the requirements in Executive Order No. 122.
Mall restaurants are restricted to offering takeout and delivery services, except that they may also provide in-person service at outdoor areas outside the mall as detailed in Executive Order No. 150.
Retail kiosks within malls may operate subject to requirements in Executive Order No. 122, and must ensure that customers remain six feet apart at all times.
All areas with communal seating shall be removed or cordoned off. Isolated seats or benches available for individual use may be accessible, in order to provide customers with a place to rest.
Indoor shopping mall operators should evaluate floor plans and establish policies to minimize congestion points and maintain social distancing, such as a customer flow plan with floor markings or separate entrance and exit points.
With respect to the mall’s own employees, mall operators must require infection control practices, provide employees break time for hand washing, and provide sanitization materials, among other requirements.
The order also states that employees and customers must wear face coverings while on the premises, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health or where the individual is under two years of age.
If a customer refuses to wear a cloth face covering for non-medical reasons and if such covering cannot be provided to the individual by the mall at the point of entry, then the mall must decline entry to the person
Businesses within the indoor portions of retail shopping malls that remain closed to the public by any Executive Order, such as entertainment and recreational businesses including gyms, fitness centers, movie theaters, amusement parks, water parks, and arcades, shall remain closed.
Valet parking, vending machines, stroller rentals, and any type of communal play area must also remain closed.
A copy of the Administrative Order can be found here.
(UPDATED on June 18.)
COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 17.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 450 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 655 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Hoboken curfew lifted; more open space reopens
Hoboken lifted it’s 10 p.m. curfew on Thursday June 18 which was established by an executive order by the city’s Office of Emergency Management in March.
The city will also reopen 1600 Park and Sinatra Park starting Monday with capacity limits during certain hours of the day.
The parks will be open for socially distant activities among families or small groups, with athletic competition prohibited.
Staff will be on hand to ensure capacity limits with details scheduled to be provided to the public before Monday.
Hoboken currently has 572 known, confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 30 fatalities.
Freeholder Anthony Romano secures more than $1.4 million in funding for Hoboken COVID-19 relief
The Hudson County Freeholder Board approved the reimbursement of Hoboken COVID-19-related expenses of more than $1.4 million.
According to a press release, the funds will go toward paying salaries for first responders, feeding residents in need, senior services, and preventative health related measures.
“I would like to thank the federal government, County Executive Tom DeGise, and my colleagues on the Freeholder Board for helping us to deliver critical funds to our residents,” Romano said. “I will continue to do everything in my power to deliver relief to our residents and small businesses during this crisis. Currently, I am seeking an additional two million dollars to help our small businesses that are hurting greatly right now.”
Romano is also working to secure relief funds for Jersey City. Hudson County received funding from the federal government through the CARES Act which will be distributed to all municipalities in the county.
(UPDATED on June 17.)
Cases continue to decline in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 16.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 456 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 647 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on June 16)
42-year-old Bayonne woman passes away from COVID-19
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, another resident has passed away from COVID-19 as of June 15. The victim is a 42-year-old woman.
In total, 74 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 470 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 632 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol. The decline in active cases continues in Bayonne as more residents recover.
(UPDATED on June 15.)
No deaths over the weekend in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 over the weekend, as of June 14.
73 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 493 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 609 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
“We are continuing to see a steady decline in current
positive residents in the city,” OEM said.
(UPDATED on June 12.)
COVID-19 cases continue to fall in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 11.
73 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 526 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 569 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on June 11.)
Governor increases gathering limits
Gov. Phil Murphy signed two executive orders this week which raise the limits on outdoor and indoor gatherings and open pools effective June 22 as well as additional outdoor recreational businesses immediately.
“With more of our businesses reopening, we are no longer requiring New Jerseyans to stay at home, but we are asking you to continue to be responsible and safe,” Murphy said. “These actions will put us even more firmly on our Road Back and complement the steps we’ve already taken to begin our restart and recovery.”
Under Executive Order No. 152, effective immediately, indoor gatherings are limited to 25 percent of the capacity of the room, but regardless of the room’s capacity, such limit shall never be less than 10 or more than 50 people.
All attendees at the gathering must wear face coverings unless for a medical reason or if the individual is under 2 years old, individuals must remain six feet apart at all times, and physical items may not be shared by multiple attendees of the same gathering unless sanitized before and after uses.
Outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people, and attendees are required to be six feet apart.
Individuals should wear face coverings at all times where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and individuals who are in vehicles shall not count toward the gathering limit.
Nothing in the order shall prevent a person at a gathering from momentarily removing their mask to place or receive an item in their mouth if done for religious purposes, or for health and safety.
Additionally, available parking at State Parks and Forests, and at county and municipal parks, may reopen to their full maximum capacity.
Under Executive Order No. 153, outdoor swimming pools can open as of 6 a.m. on Monday, June 22, provided that they comply with standards and policies that will be issued by the Department of Health. Pool facilities may open for the purpose of lifeguard training and lifeguard swimming lessons prior to June 22.
Outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses are permitted to reopen immediately, with the exception of amusement parks, water parks, and arcades. These recreational and entertainment businesses are required to abide by a number of social distancing protocols that are specified in the order. Any type of event at an outdoor recreational or entertainment business that involves individuals there at a specific time for a common reason, such as a movie or concert, are subject to the restrictions on outdoor gatherings.
Public and private social clubs are permitted to reopen their outdoor spaces, provided they comply with all applicable terms of the order. And nothing in the order prevents a business from operating an amusement game outdoors, such as a game on a boardwalk, so long as the game does not take place in an amusement park and an employee is present and adheres to all of the requirements in Paragraph 1 of the order, including sanitizing all equipment before and after each use.
Paragraph 2 of Executive Order No. 107, which requires New Jersey residents to remain home with limited exceptions, is formally rescinded. The other provisions of that order, including the requirement that businesses or nonprofits accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements, wherever practicable, are still in effect.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 152, please click here.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 153, please click here.
No additional deaths in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 10.
73 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 535 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 557 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on June 10)
Bergen County now has most COVID-19 cases, again
Bergen County has surpassed Hudson County for the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
Previously,Hudson County overtook Bergen County for the most cases of COVID-19 in NJ on May 15. Both counties have been considered epicenters for the virus in the state, with Bergen enduring the highest numbers of cases consistently throughout the pandemic.
BergenCounty currently has 18,667 positive cases of COVID-19, followed by Hudson County with 18,647 and Essex County with 18,206.
However, the two counties are separated by only 20 cases, which could fluctuate and change the standings over the course of the week.
The number of positive cases are lab confirmed, as are the number of deaths.
Essex County currently has the highest death toll, with 1,723 residents who have died compared to 1,635 in Bergen County and 1,242 in Hudson County.
More recoveries than confirmed cases in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 9.
73 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 538 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 547 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Bayonne now has more residents who have recovered from COVID-19 than who are still sick with the virus.
(UPDATED on June 9.)
Cases continue to decline in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no additional residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 8.
73 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 558 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 526 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on June 8.)
The COVID-19 pandemic in Hudson County by the numbers
In the last COVID-19 update on June 6, the Town of Secaucus announced that 44 residents in total have died from COVID-19. This is a large jump from the 25 residents in total who were previously reported to have passed away.
“We have been informed by our Health Officer the increase in the number of deaths is due to a delay in reporting,” according to Secaucus.
All but three of the deaths occurred in April, during the height of the pandemic, the town said. Additionally, more than half of those who passed away are reported to have resided in the nursing home on County Avenue.
“All of those who passed away were previously included in our reported numbers of positive cases,” according to the town.
One death in Bayonne over the weekend
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 over the weekend, as of June 7.
On June 5, a 67-year-old man passed away from COVID-19. No deaths occurred on June 6 and June 7.
The number of cases declined from 577 to 567 over the weekend as well.
73 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 567 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city as of June 7 and 517 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on June 5.)
No deaths in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 4.
72 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 589 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 495 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on June 4.)
50-year-old passes away in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 3. The victim is a 51-year-old man.
72 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 611 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 472 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Jersey City sees decline in new COVID-19 cases
Only two new positive COVID-19 cases were reported in Jersey City as of June 3, the latest in a string of relatively low new positive cases.
At it’s peak on April 2, Jersey City had 256 new cases reported.
In total, Jersey City has had 6,423 COVID-19 positive cases and 437 fatalities with one fatality reported as recently as June 2.
According to the city, the majority of fatalities have been residents over 51 years old.
31.8 percent of fatalities have been white, 27 percent have been black or African American, 24.5 percent have been classified as “unknown,” and 16.2 percent have been Asian.
Hoboken COVID-19 updates
The Hoboken Health Department reported no additional COVID-19 cases yesterday, and two additional cases on Wednesday June 3 for a total of 563 known, confirmed cases.
This represents the first time since March 12, that the city had four days in a row of no new confirmed cases.
No fatalities were reported. Hoboken’s total COVID-19 related fatalities remains at 29.
Stage Two will include outdoor dining for restaurants and indoor, nonessential retail.
Beginning on June 22, barber shops and salons will be able to reopen.
In the period to follow, New Jersey will work toward the gradual opening of personal care, gyms, and health clubs, at reduced capacities as the stage progresses.
All of these activities will be allowed, and strict health and safety guidelines will be issued in the coming days.
“As we move through Stage One of our strategic restart and recovery process, public health data continues to demonstrate our collective success in flattening the curve of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Murphy. “It is with these favorable metrics, coupled with expanded testing capacity and contact tracing, that we can responsibly enter Stage Two of our multi-stage approach to recovery. Our economic restart must instill confidence among our residents and visitors that their safety, and that of their families, is our number one priority. I encourage all New Jerseyans to continue their vigilance in keeping themselves and their communities safe by social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, and limiting gatherings.”
Phased-in businesses and activities, with adherence to safeguarding and modification guidelines, include:
Outdoor dining (beginning on June 15th)
Limited in-person retail (beginning on June 15th)
Hair salons and barber shops (beginning on June 22nd)
Youth summer programs (beginning on July 6th)
In-person clinical research/labs
Limited fitness/gyms
Limited in-person government services (e.g. – Motor Vehicle Commission)
Museums/libraries
According to the governor all workers who can work from home should continue to work from home.
The state urges residents who are at high risk to stay at home, and all residents to wash hands, wear masks in public, respect social distancing, minimize gatherings, disinfect workplace and businesses, and not gather in large groups.
If public health indicators, safeguarding, or compliance worsen on a sustained basis, New Jersey will be prepared to move back to more restrictive stages.
For a one-page summary of Murphy’s multi-stage approach to restart New Jersey’s economy, click here.
No deaths in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 2.
71 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 617 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 460 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on June 1.)
Cases continue to fall in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of June 1.
71 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 616 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 456 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Latest Hoboken COVID-19 data
The Hoboken Health Department reported no new COVID-19 cases or fatalities. Eight previous cases were removed by the Health Department, with Hoboken’s total known, confirmed cases at 561, and 29 COVID-19 related fatalities. 230 residents have fully recovered after being exposed to the virus.
According to the city, the majority of those who have had the virus are under 50, and the majority of those who have tested positive are female with 297 of the total positive cases in the city being women.
All the fatalities have been people over the age of 51; three people have died in the 51-60 age range; 13 people have died in the 61-75 age range; and 13 people have died in the 75 and over age range.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will no longer operate the city hall hotline on Saturdays.
Going forward, the hotline will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 201-420-5621 to schedule a test or 201-420-5620 for general inquiries.
Only 3 COVID-19 patients remain at Bayonne Medical Center
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from COVID-19 over the weekend, as of May 31.
71 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 624 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 448 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
The number of cases has dropped over the weekend from 638 to 624 residents sick with COVID-19.
Bayonne Medical Center has advised OEM that they currently have only 3
COVID Positive Bayonne residents as inpatients, and only 6 total COVID Positive patients in total that are currently inpatients. These numbers haven’t been seen since middle of March.
(UPDATED on May 29.)
COVID-19 cases continue to drop in Bayonne again
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 29.
71 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 638 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 429 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Hoboken blood drives announced
The next city-sponsored blood drive with Vitalant New Jersey is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Multi Service Center (124 Grand Street).
Those wishing to donate must have an appointment. Those who have signed up should come wearing a face mask. If a donor is symptomatic or has been exposed to a confirmed case they will not be able to donate.
COVID-19 cases continue to drop in Bayonne for consecutive days
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 28. The victim is an 81-year-old male.
71 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 644 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 414 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 27.)
COVID-19 cases continue to drop in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 27.
70 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 660 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 385 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Governor permits outdoor graduation ceremonies with restrictions
Gov. Phil Murphy announced that school districts and universities will be able to hold modified in-person graduation ceremonies beginning on July 6.
Ceremonies must be held outdoors, adhere to social distancing protocols, and observe capacity restrictions, which may mean that schools hold multiple ceremonies, in order to protect the health of students and families celebrating these milestones amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am proud to say that our graduates will have the opportunity to join their classmates and families to celebrate graduation,” Murphy said. “Despite the uncertainty of these times, our students deserve to have their hard work acknowledged and celebrate safely. We have reached a point where we feel confident moving forward and giving our graduates the sendoff they have so rightly earned.”
Additionally, commencements must be held only for graduation from middle school or high school, and not for other ceremonies that mark promotion from one grade to the next.
Districts and institutions of higher education can continue to opt for virtual or drive-through/drive-in ceremonies held in accordance with Executive Order 142.
Only virtual ceremonies can be held prior to July 6.
According to Executive Order No. 148, signed by Gov. Murphy on May 22, outdoor gatherings are now limited to 25 people with social distancing measures in place. The previous limit was 10 people.
The limit on indoor gatherings remains at 10 people.
(UPDATED on May 26)
70th resident passes away from COVID-19 in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 26. A 72-year-old female passed away from the virus.
70 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 668 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 369 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Huge drop in cases in Bayonne, 3 deaths over Memorial Day weekend
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 25. On May 22, a 78 year old male and 50-year-old female passed away from the virus.
On May 23, a 64-year-old woman passed away from COVID-19 as well.
69 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 678 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 357 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
The number of cases recently dropped from 708 to 678, with 30 residents being cleared of the virus overnight. This is the largest drop since the onset of the pandemic.
(UPDATED on May 22.)
Impact of COVID-19 in Hoboken
On Tuesday, May 19,, the Hoboken Health Department recorded eight new cases of COVID-19, and three cases Wednesday for a total of 561 known, confirmed cases in Hoboken as of Thursday. Hoboken lost a female in her mid 60s. She becomes Hoboken’s 29th COVID-19-related fatality.
Nearly 700 residents received antibody tests Wednesday, marking a successful first day of the city’s popup testing center with Prompt MD and Power Analytics.
The city will also share data in the near future based on the antibody tests, which will be provided to the city by Power Analytics.
For more information on antibody testing in Hoboken see our May 14 story here. (Updated on May 21)
Two residents pass away in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 21. Two 66-year-old men have passed away from the virus.
66 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 723 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 290 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 20.)
28 total fatalities reported in Hoboken
The Hoboken Health Department reported an additional five new COVID-19 cases, for a total of 550 known, confirmed cases in Hoboken.
There was one additional fatality reported, a female in her late 80s which occurred in April but was only reported to the Hoboken Health Department yesterday. Hoboken currently has 28 total fatalities.
As of Monday, there were 10 total hospitalizations at the Hoboken University Medical Center due to COVID-19.
The city said it would provide additional statistics by the end of the week.
No deaths in Bayonne on May 20
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from COVID-19 on May 20.
64 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 723 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 286 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 19)
NJ Transit awarded $1.4 billion from CARES ACT
NJ Transit has been awarded $1.4 billion in federal aid through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This emergency relief funding will enable NJ Transit to continue to provide service to essential workers and respond to COVID-19
“I want to again thank President Trump, the federal administration, and our congressional delegation for their approval yesterday of $1.4 billion in CARES Act funding for NJ Transit,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I cannot overstate how vital this funding is to ensure the safe, efficient operations of our mass transit system, as we begin to restart our economy and New Jerseyans return to work.”
The CARES Act Funding can be used for operating expenses to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 crisis dating back to January 20. NJ Transit can use these funds to reimburse operating costs to maintain service and lost revenue, the purchase of personal protective equipment, and administrative leave of operations personnel due to a reduction in service.
“This federal funding is critical to keeping NJ TRANSIT operational so the essential workers that depend on our buses and trains can continue to count on us,” said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “NJ TRANSIT appreciates the federal government recognizing the vital importance public transportation plays in restoring our economy.”
“These funds will provide a critical funding bridge to ensure that NJ TRANSIT can continue to provide essential services to hospital workers, first responders, and other essential personnel,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “We are extremely grateful for Governor Murphy’s unwavering support, and to the entire New Jersey Congressional delegation, for securing these desperately needed funds. I would also like to thank our colleagues at USDOT for their continued support, assistance, and partnership.”
On May 12, NJ Transit and other transit agencies across the country, requested a second round of federal assistance.
In a letter to New Jersey’s congressional delegation, NJ Transit requested an additional $1.2 billion in federal relief funding to aid in filling a gap in its operating budget due to plummeting ridership and millions of dollars in additional expenses for fighting COVID-19.
Hoboken continues door-to-door testing and senior meal delivery
According to Mayor Ravi Bhalla, by the end of Tuesday the city will have provided over 400 seniors door-to-door COVID-19 testing and delivered over 68,00 meals in senior buildings.
“Protecting our seniors is no small task, and I’m very grateful to Dr. Javed Islam from Prompt MD, Director Pellegrini and Sgt. Montanez and the hundreds of volunteers who have come together to lend a hand to our most vulnerable population.”
Another resident passes away in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 19. A 68-year-old man died from the virus.
64 residents have died from COVID-19 in the city.
OEM said that the 709 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 282 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED: May 18)
Two more residents pass away in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 18. A 81-year-old and 86-year-old man died from virus.
63 residents have died from the virus thus far.
OEM said that the 708 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 278 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Hudson County by the numbers:
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 17. A 57-year-old woman passed away on May 16.
61 residents have died from the COVID-19 thus far.
OEM said that the 707 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 278 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 14.)
Nonessential retail businesses to offer curbside pickup
Governor Phil Murphy announced that as of Monday, May 18, curbside pickup at nonessential retail businesses will be permitted.
The retail establishments that choose to reopen must continue to have in-store operations closed to customers.
Businesses that choose to offer curbside pickup must abide by the requirements in the governor’s executive order, which include limiting in-store operations to those employees who are responsible for the operations required for curbside pickup; handling customer transactions in advance by phone, email or other electronic methods that avoid person-to-person contact; and customers should notify the retailer by text message, email, or phone once they arrive, or make best efforts to schedule their arrival time in advance. Customers should also be asked to remain in their vehicles, if arriving by car, until store staff delivers the purchase.
Designated employees should bring goods outside of the retail establishment to a designated space, such as placing the item on a door handle at a specific time within view of the customer, or placing the items directly in a customer’s vehicle while making every effort to avoid person-to-person contact.
Businesses must follow social distancing and mitigation practices by requiring workers to wear face masks or face covers when in contact with other workers or customers and wear gloves when in contact with goods or customers.
Nonessential construction begins May 18
Governor Phil Murphy announced all nonessential construction will be permitted to restart on Monday, May 18.
Social distancing requirements are still in effect for all construction sites.
More residents pass away in Bayonne, cases decreasing
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, more residents have passed away from COVID-19 as of May 13. A 77-year-old woman passed away on May 12 and a 62-year-old man passed away on May 13.
59 residents have died from the virus thus far.
OEM said that the 708 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 248 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
This marks the third day of the number of cases of COVID-19 decreasing in the city. From the 11 to the 12, the number of residents who tested positive for the virus decreased from 725 to 721, now at 708.
Jersey City residents receive food deliveries
Jersey City’s Department of Health and Human Services, with the help of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and a partnership with LogistiCare, is continuing to deliver food to Jersey City residents who need it most during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since April 23, the food delivery program has used the services of LogistiCare transportation provider, Extracare, to deliver healthy meals to food-insecure members of the community.
To date, they have served meals to more than 120 families.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused great hardship for many of our residents, especially those who rely on essential services, which is why the city has stepped up to recognize the changing needs and work to ensure that everyone safely receives food to eat and any other resources that we’ve expanded over the past two months,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “By adapting our services and working together with LogistiCare and the Community FoodBank, more residents have food on their tables.”
“I was happy to connect the city of Jersey City with LogistiCare which allowed residents to stay home and receive food safely, while utilizing state resources,” said Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti. “The delivery service that LogistiCare is providing solved the need the city was facing and I’m thankful.”
Hoboken releases latest COVID-19 data
Hoboken has a total of 540 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and sadly, the city reported its 26 fatality as a man in his early 80s passed away in mid April, which was recently reported by the hospital.
To date, Riverside Medical Group had conducted 1,529 tests on Hoboken residents with 208 positive and 1,309 negative results.
Any resident regardless of symptoms can be tested for COVID-19 at the Riverside site by appointment Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To make an appointment call (201)420-5621.
If a resident does not have insurance, the city will pay for the cost of the test.
As for antibody testing, the city announced last week that it had partnered to provide 15-minute antibody testing to first responders and front-line workers.
The city is expected to make an announcement today, May 13, on resident antibody testing.
Hoboken farmers market to reopen
Hoboken will reopen the Hoboken Farmers Market on June 2 after it determined it can safely reopen with added precautions.
The farmers market on Garden Street between Fourth and Fifth streets, will give residents access to fresh produce and products.
According to the city, the vendors and staff have agreed to additional social distancing regulations, including increasing the space between each vendor by operating on both sides of the block. The city will also require all staff, vendors, and customers to wear gloves and masks, and each side of the street will operate in one direction with pedestrian traffic.
Unfortunately, the private organization that runs the uptown farmers market on Garden Street at 14th Street has cancelled its farmers market for the rest of 2020, according to the city.
Hoboken seeks Open Streets survey respondents
More than 1,500 people have responded to the open streets survey following Hoboken’s “open street” pilot on Jefferson Street last weekend.
Hoboken closed a portion of Jefferson Street, from Fifth Street to 11th Street to all vehicular traffic so that pedestrians and cyclists can have more room and maintain a social distance of at least six feet from one another.
The city said it will release the results of the survey in the coming days and will use the data as they plan for possible next phases of the open streets initiative.
COVID-19 cases declining in Bayonne, another resident passes away
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, another resident has passed away from COVID-19 as of May 11. The victim is a 58-year-old woman.
57 residents have died from the virus thus far.
OEM said that the 725 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 225 residents have have recovered from COVID-19 in the city and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 11.)
The COVID-19 pandemic in Hudson County by the numbers:
Bayonne’s second COVID-19 testing site opens at RiteAid
In Bayonne, a second testing site will now open to all residents.
“I have confirmed with RiteAid that they will begin COVID-19 testing at their uptown pharmacy on Monday, May 11th,” Mayor Davis said.
The RiteAid in uptown is located at 54th Street and Broadway. Testing will be free for all residents and will be conducted via drive-thru. Residents must be over the age of 18 to be tested.
Anyone wishing to be tested at this testing site is advised to go online to riteaid.com to register. Residents do not need to be symptomatic, nor do they need a prescription to be tested at the RiteAid drive-thru testing site.
Additionally, Mayor Davis reminded residents that antibody testing is also available at CityMD as well as Bayonne Medical Center.
No deaths over the weekend in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from the COVID-19 pandemic from May 8 to May 10.
56 residents have died from the virus thus far.
OEM said that the 736 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 223 residents have have recovered from COVID-19 in the city and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 8.)
Another day of no deaths in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, no residents have passed away from the COVID-19 pandemic on May 8.
56 residents have died from the virus thus far.
OEM said that the 707 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 223 residents have have recovered from COVID-19 in the city and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 7.)
No deaths today, more recoveries in Bayonne
Over 699 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city, according to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, and no residents have passed away from the COVID-19 pandemic on May 7.
56 residents have died from the virus thus far and 221 residents have have recovered from COVID-19 in the city and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 6.)
Another virus death in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, another resident has passed away from the COVID-19 pandemic as of May 6. The victim is a 87-year-old male, bringing the death toll to 56 residents.
OEM said that the 696 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 216 residents have have recovered from COVID-19 in the city and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on May 5.)
Recovered COVID-19 patients top 212 in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management as of May 5, 212 residents have have recovered from COVID-19 in the city and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Another resident has passed away from the virus, bringing the death toll in the city to 55. The victim is a 73-year-old woman.
Currently, 689 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne.
(UPDATED on May 4.)
Another slight decrease in cases in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, Another resident has passed away from the virus, bringing the death toll in the city to 54. The victim is a 53-year-old male.
According to OEM, currently 689 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne and 212 residents have have recovered from COVID-19 in the city and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
New Jersey schools closed until next fall
Gov. Phil Murphy announced today that all school districts will remain closed to in-person instruction for the remainder of the school year “to protect the health of our children, our educators, and their families. Guided by safety and science, this is the best course of action.”
“We want you to be safe. We want you to be healthy. We want you to continue your educational journey, wherever it takes you. To ensure all of these things, we have to take this step,” Murphy said.
All schools will continue online learning through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.
Previously Murphy signed an executive order ending school closures on May 15.
“Closing schools for the rest of the year is the prudent thing to do, and I applaud Governor Murphy for making this difficult decision,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “We need to do everything we can to protect our children, parents and educators, and this will ensure we do not unnecessarily jeopardize their health and safety.”
The COVID-19 pandemic in Hudson County by the numbers:
Bayonne records three consecutive days of no deaths
For the third consecutive day, no death have been recorded due to COVID-19 in Bayonne.
According to Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, 690 residents have tested positive for the virus in the city and 197 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocols.
In total, 53 residents have passed in Bayonne from COVID-19.
(UPDATED on May 2.)
Another day of no deaths in Bayonne
For the second consecutive day, no death have been recorded due to COVID-19 in Bayonne.
According to Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, 686 residents have tested positive for the virus in the city and 193 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocols.
In total, 53 residents have passed in Bayonne from COVID-19.
(UPDATED on May 1.)
No deaths in Bayonne, another decrease in cases
No residents died from COVID-19 in Bayonne on May 1.
According to Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, 683 residents have tested positive for the virus in the city and 187 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocols.
In total, 53 residents have passed in Bayonne from COVID-19.
Farmers markets return to Jersey City
According to Mayor Steven Fulop, Jersey City will begin to open its nine farmers markets next week.
“Step by step we’ll move forward,” Fulop said, said noting that the city will take precautions such as providing more space between vendorsand requiring masks, among other rules.
“We have to trust residents to make good decisions,” he said. “We’ll offer each tools to manage costs, provide sanitation station and food for people in need at the end of the market day which will help both farmers and struggling families. We’ll discourage multiple family members, prepared foods and music to focus on essentials at this time. We need to slowly move forward.”
(UPDATED April 30)
Jersey City expands testing
On Monday, May 4 Jersey City will expand testing and provide free COVID-19 testing to residents who request it even if they do not show symptoms, according to an announcement by Mayor Steven Fulop.
“We believe expanding our testing is important to getting our local economy back,” tweeted Mayor Steven Fulop. “We will also be putting our most vulnerable communities and front line workers on regular testing rotations to both keep them safe and also to identify potential larger clusters earlier.”
According to Fulop, appointments are still necessary. To make an appointment ant one of the city’s testing sites call (201) 547-5535.
86-year-old dies in Bayonne
Another resident has passed away from COVID-19 in Bayonne, this time a 86-year-old man. As of April 30, 53 residents have died from the virus.
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, 685 residents have tested positive for the virus and 179 have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on April 29)
Cherie La Pelusa, wife of Bayonne councilman passes away from COVID-19
Cherie La Pelusa, wife of 3rd Ward City Councilman and Manager of Hudson County Parks and Grounds Gary La Pelusa, has passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Cherie was 53.
“I feel like I lost my right arm, my wife of 28 years,” Gary La Pelusa said. “The level of hurt that me and my family feel is immeasurable. Please pray for her soul.”
According to Gary La Pelusa, Cherie had been showing steady improvement for more than 10 days before taking a turn for the worse.
La Pelusa is the 52nd resident to pass away from the virus in Bayonne.
As of April 29, 655 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 179 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Hoboken’s Riverside testing facility now open to all residents with and without symptoms
Hoboken’s Riverside Medical testing Facility will now open rapid 15- minute testing to all Hoboken residents and front-line workers in Hoboken with and without symptoms of COVID-19.
“As has been stated by medical professionals across the country, an increase in testing is critical to our region in order to reopen the local economy,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “This is especially important as many individuals may have COVID-19 but are unaware because they do not exhibit any symptoms.”
Appointment are required.
To get an appointment, Hoboken residents and Hoboken essential workers must call the city’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hotline at 201-420-5621 to schedule an appointment.
Priority will be given to first responders and employees of all essential businesses, those who have frequent contact with the public, and those with symptoms.
(UPDATED on April 28.)
Three more residents pass away from COVID-19 in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, three more residents have died from COVID-19 in the city, including a 70-year-old female, a 42-year-old female and a 37-year-old male.
In total, 51 residents have died from the virus in Bayonne.
Additionally, 647 residents have tested positive for the virus. However, many are recovering. According to OEM, 175 residents have recovered and been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on April 27.)
Bayonne cases drop for second time in a week
The total number of COVID-19 residents in Bayonne has dropped for the second in under a week, according to the local Office of Emergency Management.
As of April 27, 642 residents tested positive for the virus, marking an increase of only one case from the day prior. Additionally, 172 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
However, two more residents have passed away from the virus. The victims include a 57-year-old woman and a 91-year-old woman bringing the death toll in the city to 48.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Hudson County by the numbers:
Renters can now use their security deposit for rent
Gov. Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order allowing tenants to direct their landlords to use their security deposits to offset rent or back rent.
“We recognize the anxiety that so many are feeling about looming rent payments, and during this emergency renters should have the ability to utilize their security deposit to help them stay in their place of residence,” Murphy said.“While this action does not resolve the broader financial concerns of New Jerseyans, this will provide critical short-term support as the first of the month approaches. My Administration will continue working with the housing community and federal government to develop long-term solutions to this crisis.”
The executive order waives provisions of statutory law that prohibit the use of security deposits for rental payments.
Tenants will not be obligated to make any further security deposit relating to their current lease agreement but would still be responsible for monry that would have been reimbursable via the security deposit as outlined in the lease, such as damage to the property.
Should the tenant and landlord extend or renew their lease, the tenant would be obligated to pay a security deposit in full, either six months following the end of the Public Health Emergency, or on the date on which the current lease agreement is extended or renewed, whichever is later.
Murphy also announced that the Department of Community Affairs has established a rental housing information page and question portal for tenants and landlords seeking information about their rights during the public health emergency.
A standing information page has been added to the State’s COVID-19 website for homeowners interested in taking advantage of the previously announced mortgage forbearance agreement with private lenders.
Homeowners with questions or concerns related to conditions of an agreement with their mortgage lender will be directed to the Department of Banking and Insurance’s intake form for further assistance.
For more information on COVID-19-related mortgage forbearance, visit covid19.nj.gov and search “Get Assistance.”
Two additional fatalities over the weekend in Bayonne
No residents passed away on April 25. The next day, on April 26, two more residents died from the virus, including a 73-year-old woman and a 78-year-old woman.
As of April 26, there were 643 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 162 have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on April 24.)
Bayonne tallies 44th resident death from the virus
Another resident has passed away from COVID-19, according to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management. The victim is a 54-year-old male.
As of April 24, 599 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 162 have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on April 23.)
Two more residents die from COVID-19 in Bayonne
The Bayonne Office of Emergency Management announced that two more residents have passed away from COVID-19 on April 23.
The victims include a 90-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man, bringing the death toll to up to 43 people who have passed away from the virus.
As of April 23, 584 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 153 have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
Hoboken asks for face mask donations
Mayor Ravi Bhalla requested donations of face masks for the city’s essential workers, Office of Emergency Management, Community Emergency Response Team, as the supply is running low.
The city is accepting face mask drop offs at city hall at the Newark Street entrance.
Bhalla said many residents have reached out asking for tickets to be issued to those not wearing face masks or face covers.
“While the Office of Emergency Management has been actively enforcing the face cover requirement at all local businesses, when outdoors, face covers are strongly recommended,” Bhalla said. “Our face cover executive order cannot supersede the State’s current order, which does not require face coverings in public and does not provide for penalties to be issued to those not wearing face covers outside.”
However, he urged everyone to wear a face cover at all times while outdoors.
Bhalla also asked landlords and tenants to try and postpone moving whenever possible at the end of this month even though it is technically not prohibited by state or city executive orders.
Hoboken currently has 402 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 22 fatalities.
He said postponing a move to a later date will help limit nonessential visits to apartments and movers from coming in and out of Hoboken.
He also urged realtors to show apartments virtually.
He reminded tenants that while they can not be evicted during the state of emergency, renters are still required to pay their rents on a monthly basis.
“Both landlords and tenants are suffering right now, and I would strongly encourage you to pay your rent if you can afford to do so, in order to avoid conflicts between landlords and tenants,” Bhalla said. “I would also encourage landlords to work with tenants who are struggling by finding alternate payment arrangements where possible, such as deferred payments or application of a security deposit toward a payment as a means to resolve shortfalls.”
For any Hoboken resident needing legal advice pertaining totenancy, Hoboken’s tenant advocate, Andrew Sobel, Esq. is available at no charge.
Residents should email bevans@sobelhan.com or call 201-470-6233 to schedule a virtual appointment.
North Bergen announces death toll tops 110; nursing homes to be tested
North Bergen released more data on April 22 regarding the state of the pandemic in the Township.
According to the latest information released by the New Jersey Department of Health, North Bergen has a total of 1,709 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 110 deaths as of April 22.
Sixty-six of those deaths, or 60 percent, have been confirmed by Health Department officials as residents of the township’s three long-term care facilities including Hudson View, Hudson Hills and the Harborage.
As a result, North Bergen will begin testing 100 percent of all nursing homes in partnership with the North Hudson Community Action Corporation.
The expanded testing will enable township officials and the management at these facilities to make the necessary decisions to protect those that have tested positive for the virus and limit the exposure of those who are COVID-19 free.
“The tests will provide us with a better picture of how widespread the disease is and we can then work closely with the management to determine the best course of action to protect the workers and patients alike at these facilities,” Mayor Sacco said.
Two more residents die in Bayonne
In Bayonne, two more residents have passed away as a result of COVID-19. The victims include a 63-year-old male and a 73-year-old male, according to the Office of Emergency Management.
As of April 22, 41 residents have died in the city from COVID-19.
Approximately 572 residents have tested positive for the virus, OEM said. Not included in the total are 153 residents who have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol
(UPDATED on April 21.)
Bayonne cases remain almost static, no additional deaths reported
Only four more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne as of April 21, bringing the total from 542 to 546 confirmed cases.
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, 141 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
38 residents have passed away from COVID-19 in the city.
(UPDATED on April 20.)
Death toll tops 38 in Bayonne as number of cases decreases
Another resident has passed away from COVID-19 in Bayonne, according to the Office of Emergency Management. As of April 20, there were 542 residents who have tested positive for the virus and 106 who have recovered. A 73-year-old man passed away, bringing the total of residents who have passed away from COVID-19 to 38.
Over the weekend, a number of residents away as well.
On April 19, three residents passed away from the virus including a 42-year-old man, 67-year-old man, and an 83-year-old man.
On April 18, two residents passed away from COVID-19 including a 64-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man.
Despite the loss of life, this is the first day the OEM reported that the number of cases has decreased in Bayonne.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Hudson County by the numbers:
As of April 17, 996 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in West New York, with 56 deaths.
In West New York, this is 29 more deaths than reported the previous day by the state Department of Health and the town. The jump in reported deaths represents an increase of 107.41 percent from April 14 to April 15.
Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez lamented the loss of life, but also explained how the numbers don’t accurately portray the current situation in town.
Previously, Rodriguez said that the increase in cases was anticipated. However, the massive jump in deaths and recent increase in cases in West New York were not part of the projections.
Town officials do not believe that this data represents an actual spike in the number of COVID-19 deaths, but rather that the data shows a lag in previously reported numbers from the day before due to the extraordinary amount of patients being tested.
A lag in statistics on the 14th could have been caused by the inclement weather on Monday, April 13 that shut down testing sites across the county due to high winds.
Secaucus field hospital expands to service COVID-19 patients
To cope with the projected shortage in hospital beds in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy has announced the construction of three temporary field hospitals in each region of the state, adding a total of 1,000 beds.
Serving north Jersey, a field hospital was constructed at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus.
The field hospital opened the week of April 6 to begin taking non-COVID-19 patients, but the 250-bed facility has already expanded to include residents suffering from the virus, and Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli is not happy that this change was made without consulting him.
“First off, we were assured by Governor Murphy, and all those we talked to at the state government level, that the facility at the Convention Center would not treat COVID patients,” Gonnelli said. “Despite these continued assurances, I have now been advised the facility will treat COVID patients whose condition has improved to the point where they do not need a high level of medical care.”
Gonnelli was not part of the decision-making process, noting that the federal government has the final call.
“This decision was made without consulting me,” Gonnelli said. “The facility is funded by FEMA, and even though it is situated in our town, we had no say as it relates to the operation of the facility or the patients treated. I was advised the facility was changing direction to treat COVID patients as a ‘courtesy’ after the decision had been made.”
The Marriott Hotel in Secaucus will join the Meadowlands field hospital in taking COVID-19 patients who do not need a high level of medical care, but cannot return home due to a risk factor such as someone in their home with an underlying medical condition.
The facility will likely also house healthcare workers who have been exposed or are under quarantine and not in need of hospital care, according to Gonnelli.
Bayonne ends week with four days of consecutive deaths
Four more residents have passed away from COVID-19 in Bayonne, making April 17 the fourth consecutive day in which residents in the city have died from the virus. Previously, three deaths had been reported each day since April 14.
The victims include a 65-year-old woman, a 57-year-old man, an 80-year-old man, and an 82-year-old man.
As of April 17, 33 Bayonne residents have died from COVID-19. 508 residents have tested positive for the virus and 103 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on April 16.)
Union City police officer passes away from the virus
The Union City Police Department announced the passing of Police Officer Alex Ruperto on April 16.
Officer Ruperto grew up in Union City and graduated from Emerson High School in 1986. In 1999, he graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy, Class #82. Officer Ruperto was one of the original members of the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) and was most recently assigned as a detective in the Training Division.
Officer Ruperto, 52, resided in Glen Ridge and leaves behind two adult children, Juliana and Alex, Jr. Juliana is currently employed by the Union City Police Department as a Public Safety Telecommunicator.
Three more Bayonne residents die from COVID-19
Three more residents have died from COVID-19, making this the third day in a row this week in which three people have passed away from the virus.
The victims include a 60-year-old woman, a 56-year-old man and a 72-year-old man.
As of April 16, there were 29 residents who passed away from COVID-19 in Bayonne. 474 residents have tested positive for the virus and 101 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC guidelines.
(UPDATED on April 15.)
Hudson County welcomes FEMA ambulances and volunteers
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent ambulances and volunteers to New Jersey to help the state’s healthcare systems cope with the ongoing outbreak. The new recruits come from bordering states that answered the call for more first responders.
The ambulances and volunteers gathered at the staging ground near MetLife Stadium outside the field hospital at the Secaucus Meadowlands. Chief of Operations at McCabe Ambulance Service Mike McCabe was on the scene to receive the ambulances as part of the NJ EMS Task Force.
McCabe serves as the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management EMS Coordinator. In his official capacity, McCabe welcomed the new units upon arrival at MetLife on April 10 at 10 a.m. The 75 vehicles were ordered through the state agency to assist New Jersey in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ambulances will operate in Hudson County municipalities to help ease the strain on first responders. According to McCabe, 23 of the 75 ambulances will serve residents across the county.
More residents pass away in Bayonne
Three more residents have died from COVID-19 in Bayonne, according to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management. The victims include a 73-year-old man and two 94-year-old men.
As of April 15, 26 people have passed away from the virus in the city. 460 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and just under 100 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC guidelines.
COVID-19 Hoboken update
The Hoboken Health Department reported another 14 new confirmed COVID-19 cases April 14 for a total of 336 in Hoboken.
A male in his early 70s was the 18th fatality in Hoboken.
Hudson County has 8,242 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 277 deaths.
Mayor Ravi Bhalla said that social distancing measures have been working.
“We have less confirmed cases of COVID-19 than any other municipality in Hudson County above 50,000 people, and yesterday, we had only 13 calls to our City Hall hotline requesting COVID-19 tests at Riverside Medical,” said Bhalla.
He said on April 3, the city had 52 calls to request tests, 86 on April 4, and 31 on April 5.
“In order for the curve to flatten and ultimately decrease, we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to self-isolate at home as much as possible. Our collective efforts are saving lives, and we will come out stronger when this is all over,” Bhalla said.
He asked that residents limit their time outdoors and exercise inside as the city is still seeing social distancing issues with a large number of people exercising outdoors noting that it puts other people at risk.
“If you absolutely can’t live without it, please do so outside of peak periods between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and away from the waterfront,” said Bhalla adding that outdoor exercisers should also wear a face cover.
(UPDATED on April 14.)
Three more deaths announced in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, three additional residents have passed away due to COVID-19. The victims include a 53-year-old woman, a 64-year-old woman and an 83-year-old woman.
As of April 14, 23 people have died in Bayonne from the virus. 436 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city and 90 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC protocol.
(UPDATED on April 13.)
Testing sites closed due to inclement weather
COVID-19 testing sites closed on Monday, April 13 due to high winds and inclement weather that would have posed safety risks to staff.
Sites closed include the drive-thru testing sites in Bayonne, Secaucus, and Union City, and Hoboken testing site.
Testing will reopen for most sites on April 14. Hoboken announced appointments will be rescheduled.
Four Bayonne residents die from COVID-19 over the weekend
From April 10 to 12, four Bayonne residents passed away from COVID-19, according to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
Among those who passed include a 53-year-old man, a 63-year-old man, a 78-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman, bringing the death toll to 17 in the city.
As of April 13, 406 residents tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne and 75 residents have recovered.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Hudson County by the numbers:
COVID-19 causes death of Hoboken first responders’ mother
The Hoboken Health Department reported an additional 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases for a total of 293 with two additional fatalities as of April 11
They were a female in her early 80s and another female in her late 70s.
“It’s a sad reality that those most impacted are our seniors, especially those with pre-existing conditions,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “We can all do our part to help protect our seniors – if you know of one in town or are neighbors, please do what you can to check in and see how they’re doing (while socially distancing), and to remind them that help is there for them to help reduce their trips outside the home.”
One of the recently deceased was Josefina Viruet, a 79-year-old who lived in Marian Towers.
“She was well known in the community for her routine of walking her dog and stopping to chat with police officers by the headquarters every day,” Bhalla said.
She was the mother of Hoboken Firefighter Danny Soto, Retired Hoboken Police Officer Frank Soto, and grandmother of Hoboken Police Officer Tyler Soto.
“Josie will be missed by all who used to talk to her and observe first-hand her positive spirit. My deepest condolences are with the Soto family and the entire Police and Fire departments,” said Bhalla.
If you are a senior or know of a senior who needs assistance, use the COVID-19 senior hotline at 201-420-5625.
(UPDATED on April 10.)
Four more deaths in West New York from COVID-19
Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez announced that four more residents have died from COVID-19 in West New York.
Gov. Murphy declared West New York a COVID-19 hotpot on April 6, as cases and deaths are expected to sharply rise in the municipality in the coming days.
As of April 9, 593 residents have tested positive for the virus in Town and 11 have died. According to statistics released by the town, this marks a 57.14% increase in deaths over just one day.
Bayonne releases some virus statistics as cases reach 349
The Bayonne Office of Emergency Management has released some charts detailing statistics about the ongoing pandemic in Bayonne.
As of April 9, there were 349 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne. 40 residents have recovered, been cleared per CDC guidelines and are no longer included in the total count of infected residents.
13 residents have passed away from COVID-19 in Bayonne.
OEM released charts and graphs with data from the virus pandemic in the city on April 8. Although the data may be outdated as of April 10, the charts still give good insight into the outbreak in Bayonne.
As of April 10.As of April 10.
North Bergen looks to squash boredom as 856 residents infected
As a result, local creativity has helped spawned a number of activities to keep residents, especially children, busy during these trying times.
In North Bergen, the Township seeks to entertain while also showing pride for the community. Mayor Nicholas Sacco is encouraging all residents to show their Bruin Bear Pride with a town-wide Bruin Bear Hunt.
To participate, residents simply need to put a teddy bear in their window that is visible from the street. No interaction with others is needed and the event abides by all social distancing recommendations.
Residents can participate in the Bruin Bear Hunt and search for teddy bears while walking their dogs, and or going for a drive or a walk to spend some time outside during the stay-at-home order.
As of April 9, there were 856 residents who have tested positive for the virus in North Bergen and 39 deaths.
Union City to hold Board of Commissioners meeting in person as cases climb to 797
The meeting will be held at the Union City High School at 7 p.m. to ensure safe social distancing. Residents who attend will be required to wear a mask and keep a safe social distance.
Residents who wish to submit public comments in writing rather than in person may do so by sending to the City Clerk at 3715 Palisade Avenue, Union City, New Jersey 07087.
As of April 9, there were 797 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Union City.
Over 200 residents test positive for COVID-19 in Secaucus
According to the Town of Secaucus, 202 residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
As of April 10, six residents have passed away from the virus.
49 residents have recovered in Weehawken
According to an April 9 update on COVID-19 in Weehawken by Mayor Richard Turner, 123 residents have tested positive for the virus.
Of the 123 residents, 71 are still sick while 49 have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC guidelines. 3 residents have passed away from COVID-19 in Weehawken
(UPDATED on April 9.)
Hoboken death toll reaches double digits
Four more Hoboken residents passed away due to COVID-19 according to an announcement by Mayor Ravi Bhalla on April 8.
They were two males in their early 60s, and a male and female in their 80s.
Of the 10 individuals who succumbed to the virus, all had a pre-existing medical condition, according to Bhalla.
“It’s never easy to report this news, as those individuals aren’t simply stats or numbers to report each day,” said Bhalla. “They were valued members of our community, and several of the seniors lived their entire lives in Hoboken and loved our mile square. We must all commit ourselves to preventing the loss of additional lives, especially of our most vulnerable populations by staying indoors as much as possible.”
Bhalla also reported new positive cases bringing the total of Hoboken’s infected to 255.
The city has been able to test 114 residents through its partnership with Riverside Medical since Saturday, with 29 testing positive, 27 testing negative, and 58 results still pending.
If you are symptomatic and are a Hoboken resident, call the city’s hotline at 201-420-5621 to schedule an appointment.
(UPDATED on April 8.)
Two more residents dead from COVID-19 in Bayonne
According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, two more residents have passed away in the city from COVID-19. A 70-year-old man and a 77-year-old man have died due to complications from the virus.
There are now 13 deaths from the COVID-19 in Bayonne.
As of April 8, there are 331 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city. 40 residents have recovered and been cleared per CDC guidelines and are no longer included in the count.
North Bergen announces 39 residents have passed away from COVID-19
Mayor Nicholas Sacco announced on April 8 that 39 Township residents have passed away from COVID-19. This is the first time the Township has shared any numbers regarding deaths in the municipality.
Of the 39 residents who died, 30 were patients at nursing homes in North Bergen including Hudson View, Hudson Hills and the Harborage.
Mayor Nicholas Sacco iterated that measures would be put into place to protect nursing homes from being affected like this again.
West New York mourns residents who have died from the virus
The Town of West New York is mourning the loss of seven residents total to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an update from Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez.
As of April 8, there are 492 confirmed cases of the virus in West New York.
Union City infected count jumps to 689
The number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Union City is 689. Officials expect numbers across the county to jump as testing kits become more deadly available.
On April 6, North Hudson municipalities opened their own COVID-19 testing center in Union City. The testing center is located at 36th Street between Bergenline Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard.
Union City residents are advised to stay at home. If residents do go outside, they are advised keep safe social distances of at least 6 feet apart.
North Bergen, WNY declared COVID-19 hotspots
As the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies across Hudson County, the Township of North Bergen and the Town of West New York have both been declared virus hotspots.
Gov. Phil Murphy released data regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey on April 6. According to Gov. Murphy, self-reported data about symptoms show where the state is likely to see more cases in the immediate future.
Murphy then listed seven zipcodes that are predicted to yield the most positive cases in the coming days. Among the seven zipcodes at the highest risk were two Hudson County zipcodes, 07093 and 07047. 07093 is West New York and 07047 is North Bergen.
It is not clear how high the number of cases will rise in these hotspot areas.
Secaucus cases climb to almost 200
The number of residents who have tested positive in Secaucus have climbed to nearly 200. As of April 6, approximately 193 residents are now confirmed to be sick with COVID-19.
Six residents have died from COVID-19 in Secaucus, according to the Town.
115 residents test positive for the virus in Weehawken
According to Mayor Richard Turner, there are 115 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Weehawken as of April 8. Of the 115 residents, 72 are still battling the virus while 40 have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC guidelines.
Three residents have passed away as a result of COVID-19 in the Township.
Guttenberg announces third death from COVID-19
In an update from Mayor Wayne Zitt, the Town of Guttenberg announced that three residents have passed away from COVID-19.
As of April 8, there are 89 residents in Guttenberg who have tested positive for the virus.
Braddock Park closes in North Bergen
To further social distancing, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order on April 7 closing all county and state parks and all forests.
North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco confirmed that Braddock Park is now closed. The county park is officially known as James. J. Braddock North Hudson Park.
(UPDATED on April 7.)
Bayonne notes small bump in cases at 325; 30 residents recovered
According to Bayonne Office of Emergency Management’s daily update, the number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the city is 325 as of April 7.
According to Mayor James Davis, an eleventh resident of the city passed away due to COVID-19. Rev. H. Gene Sykes, 78, was a prominent clergyman within the Bayonne community at the Friendship Baptist Church.
30 residents have recovered and have been cleared of the virus per CDC guidelines. OEM said that most residents sick with COVID-19 are recovering at home.
Weehawken mourns third death in Township
In Weehawken, three residents have passed away from the virus as of April 7, including Richard Barsa, the township’s school board president and finance director.
Mayor Richard Turner confirmed Barsa’s passing in a joint statement with Superintendent of Schools Eric Crispo and Township Manager Giovanni Ahmad.
Barsa, 65, passed away at an area hospital due to complications of COVID-19 the morning of April 4. Since being elected, Barsa was an active board member for 30 years and has been the board president for 25 years.
As of April 7, there were 108 cases of COVID-19 in the Township of Weehawken. Of the 101 infected residents, 69 residents are considered active cases while 36 residents have recovered per CDC guidelines.
North Hudson COVID-19 testing site opens in Union City
North Hudson’s municipalities, in conjunction with the North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC), opened a new coronavirus testing center on April 6.
The municipalities involved include Union City, Weehawken, West New York, and Guttenberg, as well as North Bergen. The testing center is located at 36th Street between Bergenline Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard in Union City.
Now that North Hudson has its own testing center, volunteers are needed to help staff the operation. Any volunteers with medical backgrounds such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals, are needed to help conduct testing at the Union City location.
Non-medical volunteers are also needed to assist in the call center for appointment scheduling. To volunteer please contact Rebecca Acosta at 201-388-4633 or racosta@nhcac.org.
Field hospital opens at Secaucus Meadowlands
To cope with the projected shortage in hospital beds in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy has announced the construction of three temporary field hospitals in each region of the state.
A field hospital will serve each part of the state: North, Central and South. To serve North Jersey residents, a field hospital was constructed at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus.
On Thursday, April 2, Gov. Murphy toured the completed field hospital alongside U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez. According to NJ Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, the field hospital was slated for a “soft opening” and began taking patients on Monday, April 6.
The hospital adds 250 extra hospital beds specifically for non COVID-19 patients. The other two field hospitals were constructed at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison, for central Jersey patients, and the Atlantic City Convention Center, for south Jersey cases.
Over 300 cases of COVID-19 in Bayonne
The 309 confirmed cases reflect Bayonne residents that are currently positive with COVID-19 as od April 6. According to the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, approximately two dozen residents have recovered and are no longer required to isolate, and are not counted in the number of confirmed cases.
Bayonne Medical Center has advised that approximately 50 residents have been released from their facility to recover at home. OEM stated that a large portion of the current residents that are positive for COVID-19 are recovering at home.
(UPDATED on April 6.)
Bayonne mourns loss of tenth resident, cases of COVID-19 reach 281
Maureen Ciolek, 70, passed away due to complications of COVID-19 the morning of April 4, according to a statement by Mayor James Davis later that evening.
According to Mayor Davis, Ciolek began her employment for the city in 2010, working for the Mayor’s Office, the Municipal Court and the Health Department during her tenure.
Davis said that it was her position within the Health Department that most people came to know her because her desk faced the busiest hallway in the building.
Ciolek is the tenth resident to die from COVID-19 complications in the city. Earlier that day, a 50-year-old man became the ninth resident to pass away due to COVID-19.
Currently, there are 281 cases of COVID-19 in Bayonne. 20 residents have recovered per CDC guidelines and are no longer counted in that number.
Hudson County infected as of April 5:
Jersey City: 1,411 infected, 38 deaths
North Bergen: 631
West New York: 357 infected, 3 deaths
Union City: 295
Bayonne: 281, and 10 deaths
Hoboken: 199 infected
Secaucus: 164 infected, 2 deaths
Weehawken: 90 infected, 3 deaths
Guttenberg: 66 infected, 2 deaths
Hoboken town hall on COVID-19 announced
On Monday, April 6, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla will host a Facebook town hall with Dr. John Rimmer, Director of the Hoboken University Medical Center (HUMC) Emergency Department and Police Chief Ken Ferrante.
They will provide an update to the public on the latest at HUMC, along with their efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Hoboken.
Eight deaths in Bayonne as COVID-19 cases climb to 220
Two more residents have passed away as result of COVID-19 in Bayonne, a 81-year-old male and a 74-year-old female, according to Bayonne Office of Emergency Management (OEM) on April 2. The two deaths bring the death toll of COVID-19 in Bayonne to eight.
There were no reported deaths on April 3, but the number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne has climbed to 220. However, that number excludes residents that have recovered from the virus and have been cleared.
North Bergen food pantry to open; 373 residents infected
The following Hudson County food pantries are available at the times indicated:
Gospel Tabernacle in North Bergen will be open on the third Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The next opening date is on April 16. For more information call 201-863-1000.
The Sharing Place in Jersey City is open to all Hudson County residents on the third Saturday of every month. The upcoming opening is on April 18. For more information, call 201-963-5518.
The Salvation Army is open in Jersey City by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 201-435-7355. The Salvation Army at 515 43rd Street in Union City is open to residents only every Thursday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. For more information, call 201-867-4093.
Our Lady of Sorrow, located at 93 Clerk Street in Jersey City, will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday from 9:30 to 11 a.m., by appointment for Jersey City residents only. For more information, call 201-433-0626.
Secaucus reports first COVID-19 death as cases top 100
Secaucus has 102 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of April 2. Two residents have passed away due to the virus.
As more people get tested, the town is expected to see an increase in confirmed cases. A field hospital was recently constructed at the Secaucus Meadowlands to accommodate the non-COVID patients as area hospitals overflow due to the pandemic.
55 confirmed cases in Weehawken
There are 55 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Weehawken, according to an April 2 update by Mayor Richard Turner.
Of the 55 residents, 38 are still sick while 14 have recovered. Two residents have passed away as a result of the virus.
Another loss for Hoboken
Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced Hoboken’s second resident death due to COVID-19.
Carmen Rivera, mother of Hoboken Police Detectives John and Fabien Quinones, passed away at the Hoboken University Medical Center.
“Earlier today, I called and spoke to the family to send my deepest condolences and mourn with them and the entire Hoboken Police Department for the tragic loss,” Bhalla said.
According to Bhalla, the Hoboken Police Department also had its second confirmed positive COVID-19 case, a Detective who lives outside of Hudson County.
The detective has not worked since March 20 and is recovering at home. The individuals who work with him are self-quarantined as a precaution and are showing no symptoms.
Hoboken now has a total of 152 cases.
The Hoboken Health Department continues to monitor all individuals testing positive and instructing all those in contact with them to self-quarantine.
(UPDATED on April 1.)
Bayonne COVID-19 cases reach 156 as another resident dies
A sixth resident, a 74-year-old man, has died in Bayonne of COVID-19 as cases reach 156.
According to Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, the 156 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city reflects Bayonne residents that are currently positive as of April 1.
Recovered residents are no longer counted as positive. According to OEM, all current positive patients are under appropriate isolation and quarantine protocols.
Most of the people that are currently positive are at home recovering. According to Mayor Davis, at least a half-dozen of the positive residents have already recovered and are no longer being counted.
North Bergen confirms 263 cases of COVID-19
In an effort to keep the public fully informed about the extent of the coronavirus outbreak in the region and community, Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Health Department will be posting daily totals on the number of reported positive cases.
Number of individuals who have tested positive in North Bergen: 263
Guttenburg resident dies of COVID-19, 15 test positive
A Guttenburg resident has died of COVID-19 in town, according to a March 30 update from Mayor Wayne Zitt. In addition, 15 people have tested positive for the virus.
Over 140 residents test positive for COVID-19 in Union City
As of March 31, Union City has recorded over 140 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The city urges residents to continue to stay home to limit their exposure to the virus. Additionally, residents who do go outside are advised to continue to practice safe social distancing and always practice safe hygiene.
If residents are in need of basic food items, they are advised to contact Mayor Brian Stack’s office at 201-348-5757 or his cell at 201-376-1942.
74 Secaucus residents total have tested positive for COVID-19
As the number of confirmed cases rises to 74 in Secaucus, Mayor Michael Gonnelli assured residents that the number of infected will go down in time in a March 31 update.
“In the coming days and weeks, testing will increase and be more efficient. As more people get tested, the number of positive COVID-19 cases will go up, before they eventually go down,” Mayor Gonnelli stated. “Please do not be alarmed at the increase in positive cases. The more people that are tested and isolated, the better it is for the community at large.”
Weehawken up to 44 cases of COVID-19, of which 10 have recovered
According to a March 31 update by Mayor Richard Turner, the township of Weehawken has 44 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of the 44, 32 are active and 10 have been cleared of the virus.
Two Weehawken residents have died from COVID-19 area hospitals
Hoboken announces first COVID-19 fatality
A 79-year-old Hoboken resident passed away due to COVID-19, according to Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
Positive cases in the mile-square city increased to 116 as of March 31.
As always, the Hoboken Health Department conducts an investigation to ensure all those in contact with the individuals enter into self-quarantine.
Cases continue to climb in Jersey City
Jersey City has 820 confirmed COVID-19 cases and six fatalities as of March 31, according to Mayor Steven Fulop.
“Last night a city employee passed away from COVID-19,” tweeted Fulop. “He was 60-yr male and in relatively good health. He also worked as a security officer part-time at Christ Hospital. While most people seem to recover from COVID-19, the fatalities really hit home when it is someone you work with/know. Let’s please follow the rules as that will be the best tool to avoiding fatalities + hardship.”
Jersey City opened two testing sites last week and has tested more than 1,000 residents, according to the mayor.
He said they are seeing a decrease in positive cases, day to day, noting that on day one 46 percent of those tested were positive, day two 36 percent were positive, and on day three 31 percent were positive.
He said they get test results faster than other testing sites because the city contracted directly with the lab.
According to reports of those infected, 35 are police officers and 13 are firefighters.
(UPDATED on March 31.)
Two more deaths confirmed in Bayonne
Mayor James Davis announced in a city-wide robocall on March 31 that two more Bayonne residents had passed away due to COVID-19. According to Davis, the residents include a 93-year-old woman and a 38-year-old woman, bringing the city’s fatalities from the disease to five.
Davis offered his condolences to the victims and their families and advised residents to continue to practice social distancing measures and to stay at home.
There are 110 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bayonne.
Bayonne announces third death from COVID-19
Mayor James Davis has announced that a third Bayonne resident has passed away due to COVID-19 in an update on March 30.
“Today, another Bayonne resident passed away from this illness. An 80 year-old woman lost her fight,” Mayor Davis stated. “We express our deepest sorrow to her family. It breaks our heart to see this loss in our community.”
(UPDATED on March 30)
Jersey City to reinstate alternate side parking rules
According to Mayor Steven Fulop, next week from April 6 to 10 Jersey City will return alternate side of the street parking rules because the city needs to clean the streets.
“We are seeing an increase in everything from regular trash to medical masks, etc. Please let your neighbors know – We’ll do our best to make sure people are aware,” tweeted Fulop. “We are going to get this done next week quickly and properly then look to return to giving residents a break. We are making a decision here around cleanliness that is important.”
Infection spreads across Hudson County
Positive COVID-19 cases have increased in every municipality and will continue to do so as health officials expect the surge of cases to peak in one to two weeks.
As of March 30, the total count of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hudson County included:
334 cases in Jersey City
117 cases in North Bergen
103 cases in Bayonne
96 cases in Hoboken
89 cases in Union City
77 cases in West New York
50 cases in Secaucus
and 38 cases in Weehawken
Bayonne now has 103 COVID-19 cases
In a March 29 update by Bayonne Office of Emergency Management, there are now 103 cases of COVID-19 in Bayonne.
According to OEM, this number reflects Bayonne residents that are currently positive, not the cumulative total number of cases. Recovered residents are no longer counted as positive.
OEM stated that all current positive patients in Bayonne are under appropriate isolation and or quarantine protocols. Most of the patients are recovering at home, while others are recovering at Bayonne Medical Center.
First resident dies of COVID-19 in West New York
The town of West New York recorded its first case on March 8, and as of March 29, the town has a total of 77 positive cases of COVID-19 and 1 death.
“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this virus and we offer our deepest condolences to the families who have lost someone as a result of COVID-19,” according to a statement by the Town.
Weehawken resident is first COVID-19 death in township
A resident of Weehawken has died from complications due to COVID-19 at an area hospital. No further information is being released regarding the death.
There are currently 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Weehawken, according to a March 29 update from the town. Of the 38 cases, 29 are considered active while 8 case have been cleared as the infected patients recover.
Hoboken schools offer meals to all families in need
Hoboken Public School District Superintendent Dr. Christine Johnson reports that the “Grab & Go” breakfast and lunch program will continue each week, including the week of Spring Break (April 10-17).
This program has been expanded for all families in need of meal service whether or not your child qualifies for free or reduced lunch.
Meal service continues to be available from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the 9th Street side door of the Hoboken High School cafeteria, between Clinton and Grand Streets.
Hoboken closes all parks
Hoboken closed all city and county parks, and dog runs, on March 30 at 8 a.m. for two weeks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“While it may not be popular and will cause further disruptions to our daily lives, closing our parks is necessary to contain the spread of this deadly virus and can literally save the lives of Hoboken residents,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said.
He said while many people are social distancing, “we’ve still seen congregating in our public green spaces, including at our waterfront parks, despite our best efforts to dissuade people from doing so. Even though the majority of people are behaving responsibly, those who still congregate put not just themselves at risk, but also everyone in our community.”
(UPDATED on March 28.)
Second resident dies in Bayonne of COVID-19; 60 infected
A 75 year old woman passed away on March 26 in Bayonne whose test results came in on March 28 indicating that she was positive. The current number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne is 60.
(UPDATED on March 27.)
29 residents infected with COVID-19 in Bayonne
Of the 29 Bayonne residents that are positive, 22 are recovering at home, while 7 are hospitalized. As residents are cleared by the CDC guidelines, the city will publish that information. Once a person has been cleared, medical experts advise, they are no longer susceptible or contagious.
North Bergen contact tracing as COVID-19 cases reach 58
In the interest of public health and transparency, the North Bergen Department of Health continues to release daily updates on the number of individuals who have tested positive for the coronavirus in our state, county, and municipality.
Although the names and locations of individuals who test positive are not released to the public, health officials conduct a thorough and detailed “contact tracing” investigation for each one. This involves determining anyone who has been in contact with the individual, and reaching out to them personally to advise what steps to take next.
(UPDATED on March 26.)
Jersey City Police Department launches Telephone Reporting Unit in response to COVID-19
Mayor Steven Fulop and public safety officials announced a new Telephone Reporting Unit in response to the international Covid-19 pandemic.
Therebirth of the Telephone Reporting Unit, TRU, within the Jersey City Police Department designates a small group of officers who will handle nonviolent and nonemergency calls over the phone to generate police reports, freeing up dozens of officers around the clock for street patrol and emergency calls, officials said.
“Our police officers, who have remained steadfast in their duties during this entire crisis, will now have their operations more streamlined to respond to emergencies, while non-urgent calls are facilitated accordingly,” said Mayor Fulop. “Like most cities, we’ve seen an influx of 911 calls as people understandably have a heightened sense of fear and uncertainty amid this pandemic. This police line will free up our officers for better emergency response and ultimately to enhance the safety of our community overall.”
TRU was started in the mid-1990s before it was eventually phased out, and was brought back after the coronavirus pandemic resulted in two officers in “serious condition” and 16 officers in quarantine.
The new TRU includes a new component in which residents who insist upon having a police officer respond to their location in a non-emergency or a nonviolent incident will be granted that request.
For all non-emergency and nonviolent calls for police service, residents should call (201) 547-5477. An officer will generate an official report that will be made available to the resident within five days.
(March 25)
Drive-thru testing starts at Veterans Stadium in Bayonne by referral
The drive-thru testing site will be set up at Don Ahern Veterans Stadium starting at 10 a.m. Veterans Stadium is located in Veterans Park behind Bayonne High School at 669 Avenue A. The stadium will be closed each day that testing occurs.
Testing will occur each weekday at the testing site from 10 a.m. until approximately 3:30 p.m.
During the drive-thru testing, authorized scripted patients will drive up and be tested, while remaining in their cars throughout the entire process. No testing will occur outside any vehicle.
Only motorists with a valid prescription from a CarePoint doctor and an appointment will be admitted for testing. Residents are advised not to come to the testing site without an appointment and script from their doctor.
This testing is only for patients scheduled for COVID-19 testing by CarePoint doctors because of the limited availability of screening tests for the virus.
Also due to the limited number of tests available, only symptomatic patients will be tested. If more tests become available, CarePoint will begin more widespread testing site.
Bayonne announces first COVID-19 death, 26 other residents infected
Bayonne Office of Emergency Management (OEM) announced that the total number of cases in Bayonne had more than doubled over the course of the day on March 25.
The total has grown from 11 to 27 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne.
In addition, one of the residents who had tested positive for the virus has also died. A 64-year-old male with pre-existing medical conditions passed away while receiving treatment at Bayonne Medical Center this morning.
Of the 26 other residents with COVID-19, some are hospitalized and rest are recovering at home. According to OEM, all patients are under proper isolation and quarantine protocols.
OEM expects the number of cases to increase in the city as testing becomes more widely available.
In addition to reporting the number of infected, OEM will also begun sharing news of patients who have been cleared of COVID-19 following Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Once a patient is cleared, they are no longer susceptible to the virus nor infectious
North Bergen schools closed until April 20, virtual learning to begin on March 30
In a video message, Superintendent of Schools George Solter told North Bergen residents that schools in the district will be closed until April 20.
Students need to finish the packet handed out prior to school closure and submit them by March 29.
On March 30, virtual learning will begin for grades 1 through 12.
Students in kindergarten through 2nd grade will find their virtual learning information on their teacher’s website. Grades 3 through 12 will use Google classrooms.
For more information, residents can watch Solter’s video update online.
Temporary field hospital to be set up at Meadowlands in Secaucus
A temporary field hospital will be set up at the Meadowlands Convention Center in Secaucus amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.
The state has identified three locations where temporary hospitals can be set up, one in each region of our state: north, central, and south.
A total additional 1,000 beds can be activated in just a matter of days and weeks through the construction of the the temporary hospitals.
The first site will be 250 beds at the Meadowlands Convention Center in Secaucus, according to Gov. Murphy.
“We will begin work on immediately in hopes of having it fully functional and ready to call into service,” Murphy stated.
Following that will be the construction of the Central Jersey temporary hospital consisting of 500 beds at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison, and the South Jersey temporary hospital including 250 beds at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
It is not yet clear when the hospitals will be set up and ready to take patients.
On March 25, Gov. Murphy expanded the list of essential businesses to include mobile phone retail and repair shops, bicycle shops only for service and repair, livestock feed stores, nurseries, garden centers, and farming equipment stores.
North Bergen COVID-19 daily tally
In an effort to keep the public fully informed about the extent of the coronavirus outbreak in the region and community, Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Health Department will be posting daily totals on the number of reported positive cases.
Number of individuals who have tested positive in North Bergen: 34
11 total cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Bayonne
The Bayonne Office of Emergency Management confirmed that three more cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on March 25.
The residents include a 44-year-old female, a 35-year-old female, and a 14-year-old female. The 44-year-old and 14-year-old are recovering at home while the 35-year-old is hospitalized.
Pandemic fact sheet released by FEMA to curtail rumors
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has posted a page online to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to coronavirus pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis.
FEMA is asking residents to do their part to the stop the spread of disinformation by doing three easy things: don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along, and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the federal response to COVID-19.
Although the North Bergen Free Public Library remains closed until further notice in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19, that doesn’t mean they’ve ceased providing services to the public.
Residents can use library cards to download and enjoy Hoopla (tv, movies, ebooks), Libby (ebooks & audiobooks), RB Digital (emagazines), and more. Visit www.nbpl.org for a full listing of available online resources.
With social distancing currently in effect, the library’s busy schedule of in-person events has been suspended. Instead, the staff is working hard to make many of their services available in other ways.
For example, in lieu of their normal classes the library is providing online programming via the website and social media. Offerings include virtual bilingual story times, database showcases, and book talks, among others. The library has also launched a new series called BOOK SNIP-ITS, in which librarians read short excerpts from books available on Hoopla digital.
In addition, they offer live chat services on their website at www.nbpl.org. Ask a librarian for help with research, logging onto online resources, book recommendations, and more. Live chat hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional hours may vary.
Volunteers needed at COVID-19 testing center
Hudson County is seeking volunteers to work the COVID-19 mass testing site at Hudson Regional Hospital. Medical and non-medical volunteers are being requested.
Medical volunteers to conduct testing are needed for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. These individuals may be perfusionists, physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, paramedics, respiratory care practitioners, medical technicians, laboratory technicians, and emergency medical technicians.
Fit testing and training will be provided.
Non-medical volunteers are being requested to assist with a call center for scheduling from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This will be done at Hudson Regional Hospital as well.
Training will be provided. Volunteers need to be able to read a script, answer calls, and take down non-medical information (check boxes).
Bayonne confirms eighth resident tests positive for COVID-19
Mayor James Davis announced on March 24 that an eighth Bayonne resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is a 39-year-old male, with mild symptoms recovering at home. Of the 8 confirmed positive cases, five are at home recovering, while 3 remain hospitalized.
14 Union City residents infected
The City of Union City announced that there were 14 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 23. No further information is available at this time.
Secaucus counts five residents with COVID-19
There are currently five residents of Secaucus who have tested positive for COVID-19, with 3 symptomatic residents self-quarantining at home.
Two COVID-19 patients recovered in Weehawken, eight cases total
According to the Weehawken COVID-19 update on March 22, there are eight residents who have tested positive for the virus in the township. However, two patients have apparently recovered and are pending clearance.
North Bergen starts daily updates of COVID-19 cases; 24 cases confirmed
In an effort to keep the public fully informed about the extent of the coronavirus outbreak in the region and community, Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Health Department will be posting daily totals on the number of reported positive cases.
Number of individuals who have tested positive in North Bergen: 24
Garbage and recycling times changed in Bayonne
Mayor Jimmy Davis advised residents that garbage and recycling in Bayonne will be picked up early from now on, starting at 3:30 a.m. Residents are urged to put out their garbage and recycling out the night before scheduled pick-ups to ensure that their refuse is collected.
Garbage or recycling that is placed at curbside too late in the morning on collection days will not be picked up. Refuse that is not picked up would have to be held back until the next scheduled pick-up day. Suburban Disposal is the company that has Bayonne’s garbage and recycling collection contracts.
(UPDATED on March 22.)
Bayonne announces seventh resident infected with COVID-19
Mayor James Davis confirmed a seventh resident has tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne. The patient is a 26 year-old male is recovering at home, under self-isolation and the monitoring of the Health Department.
North Bergen stores offers senior citizen hours
A growing number of local stores are opening their doors to senior citizens only for specific hours during the coronavirus outbreak. Seniors are among the most vulnerable segments of the population.
The following stores are open to senior citizens only during the hours indicated:
Food Bazaar, 1425 Kennedy Blvd.: 7-8 a.m. every day
ShopRite of Columbia Park, 3147 Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen: 7-8 a.m. Wednesdays
Target, 7101 Tonnelle Ave., North Bergen: first hour on Wednesdays
Walmart, 2100 88th St., North Bergen: 6-7 a.m. through April
ACME, 19 Avenue at Port Imperial, West New York: 7-9 a.m. every day
Dollar General, 2010 Kennedy Blvd. Union City: 7-8 a.m. every day
ACME, 481 River Road, Edgewater: 7-9 a.m. Monday to Friday
Whole Foods, 1400 Waterfront Terrace, Weehawken: 7-8 a.m. every day
Target, 543 River Road, Edgewater: first hour on Wednesdays
Whole Foods, 905 River Road, Edgewater: 8-9 a.m. every day
Some stores are also allowing other vulnerable populations during certain hours, such as pregnant women or individuals with underlying health concerns. Contact the stores for more details.
(UPDATED on March 21.)
Statewide stay at home order announced
Gov. Phil Murphy announced a statewide Stay at Home Order, and closures of all nonessential businesses will take effect by 9 p.m. on March 21.
To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect the capacity of New Jersey’s healthcare system he signed Executive Order No. 107, directing all residents to stay at home until further notice.
The order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities.
“From day one, we’ve made a commitment to be guided by the facts and take any action necessary to protect the health and safety of New Jersey’s nine million residents,” Murphy said. “We know the virus spreads through person-to person contact, and the best way to prevent further exposure is to limit our public interactions to only the most essential purposes. This is a time for us all to come together in one mission to ‘flatten the curve’ and slow – and eventually halt – the spread of coronavirus.”In New Jersey positive cases climbed to 1,327 by March 21. Statewide there are 16 COVID-19 fatalities and Hudson County has a total of 97 positive cases.In an effort to strengthen the existing social-distancing measures in place, the order prohibits all gatherings of people, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, unless otherwise authorized by the order.When in public, individuals must practice social distancing and stay at least six feet apart whenever possible, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.Murphy’s Executive Order directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public.Exceptions include grocery stores, farmer’s markets and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores, including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists at a grocery store, pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries, medical supply stores, gas stations, convenience stores, ancillary stores within healthcare facilities, hardware and home improvement stores, banks and other financial institutions, laundromats and dry-cleaning services, stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years, pet stores, liquor stores, car dealerships but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics, printing and office supply shops, and mail and delivery stores.Nothing in the order limits the provision of healthcare or medical services, access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks, the operations of the media, law enforcement agencies, or the operations of the federal government.The order mandates that all businesses or nonprofits, wherever practicable, must accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements.To the extent a business or nonprofit has employees that cannot perform their functions via telework or work-from-home arrangements, the business or nonprofit should make best efforts to reduce staff on site to the minimal number necessary to ensure that essential operations can continue.Examples of employees who need to be present at their work site in order to perform their job duties include, but are not limited to, law enforcement officers, firefighters, other first responders, cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, IT maintenance workers, janitorial and custodial staff, and certain administrative staff.Murphy also signed Executive Order No. 108, which invalidates any county or municipal restriction that in any way might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107.Municipalities or counties cannot make any additions to or deletions from the list of essential retail businesses, impose any additional limitations on businesses beyond the Governor’s Order, impose any additional density or social distancing requirements, or impose any additional restrictions on freedom of movement. The only exceptions to which municipalities or counties may impose any additional restrictions: online marketplaces for arranging or offering lodging and municipal or county parks.All additional county and municipality restrictions, subject to the provisions above, are not only invalidated, but, going forward, municipalities or counties may not enact or enforce any rule or ordinance which will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107.(UPDATED on March 20.)Bayonne confirms four additional cases of COVID-19
Mayor Davis announced four more residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne on March 20.
In the first update on the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Davis gave details on two patients. One is a 70 year-old female and the other is an 84 year-old female. Both victims are currently patients at Bayonne Medical Center under care of their physicians. They are both isolated through all proper protocols and guidelines.
Later in the day, Mayor Davis announced in conjunction with Bayonne Office of Emergency Management that two more cases had been identified.
The patients are a 35-year-old male and a 72-year-old male both in stable condition at Bayonne Medical Center. No further information is available regarding these residents.
Nine residents total have tested positive for COVID-19 in North Bergen
The Township of North Bergen is announcing that nine residents have now tested positive for COVID-19/Coronavirus. Each case is being thoroughly investigated by the North Bergen Health Department, including tracing each resident’s contact with others during the time in which they may have been contagious, to assess community spread. The cases involve:
60 year old male, stable condition, at home quarantine
43 year old male, stable condition, at home quarantine
31 year old male, stable condition, at home quarantine
29 year old male, stable condition, at home quarantine
42 year old female, stable condition, at home quarantine
78 year old male, hospitalized, stable condition
76 year old male, hospitalized, stable condition
64 year old male, hospitalized, stable condition
70 year old female, hospitalized, stable condition
“This unprecedented public health crisis demands a comprehensive response at all levels of government to keep people safe, protect our communities and provide economic relief to those in dire need,” said Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco. “In North Bergen, we are doing our part to promote social distancing and I ask all township residents to please stay home as much as possible to help us bend the curve of new cases and protect the most vulnerable, like our seniors and people with adverse medical conditions. This is a challenging time and we all must rise to the occasion and do our part to protect our community.”
North Bergen closes school until April 20
All North Bergen Schools will be closed from Monday, March 16, 2020 through Monday, April 20, 2020. Anticipated school opening for students will be on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
To better accommodate virtual schooling, the lunch pick-up schedule will change to 12-2 p.m., effective Monday, March 23.
Students who receive free/reduced lunch are able to pick up a bagged lunch at North Bergen High School, Lincoln Annex, Franklin School and Kennedy School.
Bayonne schools will continue virtual learning until April 20
The Bayonne School District will continue remote instruction through virtual learning until April 20, according to Superintendent of Schools John Niesz. The course of the COVID-19 pandemic will determine when the school district can re-open schools and resume normal operations.
Second resident tests positive for COVID-19 in Bayonne
Mayor James Davis announced on March 20 that the city of Bayonne has confirmed that a second resident has tested positive for COVID-19.
According to Mayor Davis, a 27-year-old woman from Bayonne has tested positive for the virus after days of isolation and monitoring. It is not clear yet if the woman is isolating at home or at Bayonne Medical Center.
Davis said that the city expects the number of cases to rise in the coming days. He urged the public to remain calm and continue to practice social distancing measures.
Testing center to open in Hoboken
According to the city, Riverside Medical Center will set up a drive-through COVID-19 testing center in North Hoboken which is expected to open Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Riverside has the capability to test only patients currently enrolled in its system, due to limited testing kits. However, if it is able to acquire additional testing, it could be opened to the public.
Riverside patients should schedule appointments by calling 201-863-3346.The exact location of the testing site will be announced later today.
Hoboken currently has 13 positive COVID-19 cases, according to Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who noted this is not abnormal compared to the rest of the region. As results come back from initial testing adding more positive cases are expected in the coming weeks.
He said due to confidentiality laws, the city cannot notify a person’s building of a positive COVID-19 case in the same building.
He said that a comprehensive investigation occurs by the Health Department, and that those in regular contact with a person who tests positive are notified and asked to self-isolate, as a precaution.
“I advise all residents to operate with the assumption that when you leave your home, that anyone could have COVID-19 and that any location you visit may have a surface with traces of the virus,” said Bhalla. “That’s why it’s absolutely necessary to practice social distancing at all times, especially given that certain individuals may not be exhibiting symptoms within the first few days of actually having COVID-19. It also underscores the need to sanitize frequently when outside your home, and also after entering your home.”
(UPDATED on March 19.)
North Bergen will continue to pay part time employees
North Bergen Mayor Niccholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners are announcing that all Township part time employees will continue to be paid during the COVID-19 crisis. The action is being taken so that affected employees such as crossing guards, recreation staff, and many others will still be able to provide for their families.
“These are unprecedented times, therefore unprecedented measures must be taken,” Sacco said. “This crisis will test every aspect of our life, and we must support one another in whichever way we can. Our workers should not worry about their ability to put food on the table for their loved ones.”
Election changes made by executive order to mitigate COVID-19 spread
On March 19, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 105, implementing changes to upcoming elections to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 but still allow voters to vote without risking their health and safety.
The executive order temporarily changes certain election procedures and changes the date of upcoming elections during this unprecedented crisis.
“As the coronavirus outbreak continues to unfold, we must take aggressive and swift action to help mitigate further spread and flatten the curve,” Murphy said. “My top priority is to keep New Jerseyans healthy and safe during this pandemic, and these new measures will ensure that all New Jersey voters are able to safely exercise their right to vote and be engaged in our democracy.”
All candidates filing petitions for the June 2 primary election are due by 4 p.m. on March 30.
Under the order, candidates will be able to submit their petitions online, in addition to in person, and the Secretary of State will create an online form that allows voters to electronically submit their signatures on petitions.
It also postpones March elections scheduled takeingplace in Atlantic City, Township of West Amwell, and Township of Old Bridge to May 12.
The school board elections scheduled for April 21 are also postponed until May 12.
All elections scheduled for May 12 will be conducted solely via vote-by-mail ballots.
Election rules have been modified during prior emergencies, including by Governor Kean in 1982 during a severe winter storm and by the Christie Administration in 2012 in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
NJ set one day record for new unemployment claims on March 16
Over 15,000 new claims for unemployment benefits flooded the NJ Department of Labor’s computer system on Monday, March 16, after fears of the spread of COVID 19 led to widespread business closures and layoffs, according to local media.
Both Radio 101.5 and NJ.com reported that the system was operational again on Tuesday and quoted Gov. Phil Murphy urging the newly unemployed to be patient as the department copes with the avalanche of claims.
“For residents who are out of work as a result of this emergency, help is available,” Murphy said. “Workers whose place of employment has closed or whose hours have been cut as a result of this emergency are in all likelihood eligible to receive either full or partial unemployment insurance benefits for however long they will either be out of work or working fewer hours.”
Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said workers should visit his agency’s website, NJ.gov/labor, before they apply for benefits to research whether they may be eligible for unemployment, temporary disability, family leave or workers’ compensation.
“Look at the chart on our website to determine which program you think you might be eligible for,” Asaro-Angelo said. “This is really important. Applying for a program you are not eligible for could set your application back weeks, delaying your much-needed income support.”
Weehawken: two residents positive, schools closed, new hotline announced
Two residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in Weehawken, according to an update from Mayor Richard Turner. However, no further information is available regarding the two patients.
Superintendent of Schools Eric Crispo announced that schools would be closed until further notice.
The Weehawken COVID-19 hotline is 201-773-7620. Calls will be answered by a live person on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
First case of COVID-19 in Secaucus, four residents in self-quarantine
As of March 19, there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Secaucus. However, no additional information is available to the public.
In addition, there are currently four residents currently in self-quarantine apparently suspected of having the virus. The town noted that there may be more residents self-quarantining who have not reported it to town officials.
North Bergen supermarket sets special hours for Senior Citizens
Food Bazaar Supermarket, located at 1425 Kennedy Blvd. in North Bergen, is setting aside one hour a day for senior shoppers only. The store is allowing access to senior customers only from 7 to 8 a.m. to make shopping easier for them.
Senior citizens are among the most vulnerable segment of the population during the current coronavirus outbreak.
With shortages of certain items causing stock to run low, and many senior citizens unable to purchase online due to lack of computers or technical knowledge, dedicating a certain time each day to senior shopping provides seniors with the ability to obtain food and other necessary commodities as safely and conveniently as possible.
Secaucus closes schools until April 3, lunch program continues
The Secaucus School District will be closed until April 3, 2020, for all students as a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of everyone. All student activities and clubs are cancelled during this time.
The free and reduced lunch program will continue for all eligible families and information will be provided by the SBOE. Please check the SBOE website for all school related updates and information at https://www.sboe.org
North Bergen Free Public Library services still available
Although the North Bergen Free Public Library buildings are currently closed, the staff is working to make many of their services available in other ways.
Click here for a detailed listing of available programs, including checking out books via doorside delivery; returning items via book drop; access to the library’s educational and entertainment databases; expanded internet access via Wi-Fi and internet hotspots; and even “virtual storytime” for kids, with fun stories delivered online.
For more information visit www.nbpl.org or call 201-869-4715.
Braddock Park playground closed in North Bergen
For reasons of public health and safety, the playground in Braddock Park is closed.
Parents visiting the rest of the park with their families are strongly advised to make sure children keep their hands off of fences, grounds, etc. Please use caution and common sense and distance yourself from other visitors, as recommended by the CDC.
All municipal parks in North Bergen remain closed.
Hoboken supermarkets set dedicated shopping hours for those at risk
Kings, ShopRite, and Acme supermarkets will host dedicated times for Hoboken residents at risk of exposure to COVID-19, including seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
The two Hoboken Kings locations (333 River Street, 1212 Shipyard Lane) are hosting these designated hours from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Acme designated 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for these at risk populations, and ShopRite will begin hosting special designated hours for these individuals on Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Given the mandated closure of businesses at 8 p.m. by the governor and the city-wide curfew at 10 p.m. residents can put our recycling and garbage starting at 4 p.m.
The city also shut down the HOP service except the senior shuttle, which will also be used to help provide additional travel and delivery of goods for seniors.
The Office of Emergency Management has recommended regulations, including prohibition of parking at crosswalks and meters, to remain in effect.
According to Mayor Ravi Bhalla this provides turnover of parking spots that are available for critical needs, including residents that need to travel by car to doctor offices, supermarkets, health care facilities, and more.
“To suspend meters would turn Hoboken streets in commercial districts into a parking lot, especially with street sweeping suspended, with no parking for those who need spots available for critical needs,” said Bhalla. “Additionally, suspending meters for a long period of time with limited parking spots would likely result in cars beginning to park illegally at corners and other locations, which would hinder emergency vehicles from making wide turns and delay emergency responses.”
While meter regulations remain in effect, the state Supreme Court announced new rules in response to COVID-19, allowing individuals who receive a parking ticket and believe it was issued in error or there are extenuating circumstances to skip a court appearance and plead by mail.
To plead by mail, you can download the form by clicking here and mailing it back to the Municipal Court at Hoboken City Hall, 94 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030.
(UPDATED on March 18.)
State expands COVID-19 call options
Gov. Phil Murphy, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey Department of Health, and the United Ways of New Jersey have announced that NJ 211 has been activated to help handle COVID-19 related calls from New Jersey residents.
All residents with questions or concerns about COVID-19 and resources available to them can call 2-1-1. NJ 211 is New Jersey’s statewide information and referral service operated by United Ways of New Jersey.
Residents call also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed.
To receive live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211.
This will supplement, the existing COVID-19 hotline, operated by the New Jersey Poison Control Center.
State residents with questions about COVID-19 illness can continue to call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-962-1253, but they can also call 211 to get answers about their COVID-19 questions.
Additionally, the Department of Health has a COVID-19 website with resources including CDC updates, guidance for schools, colleges, businesses, long-term care facilities, health care professionals and public health professionals. The website is available at https://nj.gov/health/coronavirus.
Two additional COVID-19 fatalities reported
Gov. Murphy announced the deaths of two more individuals related to COVID-19.That brings the total state count of COVID-19 fatalities to five. According to New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, they were high-risk individuals because they were over 60 years and had co-morbid conditions.
She reported that New Jersey has a total of 427 cases statewide and Hudson County had an additional nine cases. That brings Hudson County’s total to 34.
The age range of all statewide positive coronavirus cases is from as young as 5 years-old to 95 years-old.
According to Gov. Murphy, he will be meeting with the Army Corp of Engineers to discuss how the corp can help build out plans to expand New Jersey’s hospital capacity.
Bayonne confirms first case of COVID-19
A 74-year-old male, who is currently in stable condition at the Bayonne Medical Center, has tested positive for COVID-19. The medical staff at BMC is following all proper isolation and quarantine protocols.
There is no further information available regarding the COVID-19 patient. It is not clear if the man had an interaction with the Bayonne Medical Center healthcare practitioner who tested positive for the virus on March 16.
The practitioner was not considered the first case of the virus in Bayonne as the man is not a resident of the city.
For updates on the COVID-19 in Bayonne, residents can visit the city website at www.bayonnenj.org and on Mayor Davis’s social media pages, as well as City of Bayonne and Bayonne Office of Emergency Management social media pages.
West New York temporarily relaxes parking meter enforcement
Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez and Board of Commissioners announced the Parking Utility will be relaxing Parking Meter enforcement as of Wednesday March 18 until further notice.
Guttenberg suspends street sweeper ticketing
Street sweeping is continuing as usual throughout Guttenberg. Sweeper ticketing of parked cars has been suspended until further notice.
Newark Archbishop cancels public mass indefinitely due to pandemic
Archbishop of Newark Cardinal Joseph Tobin announced that all public celebrations of daily and Sunday Mass will be suspended until further notice, effective Wednesday, March 18.
“This decision comes after exhaustive discussion and with an especially heavy heart,” said Cardinal Tobin. “It is critical that all comply with this directive to protect the health of all throughout the archdiocese and beyond. Please be assured of my continued prayers for you and for the communities we serve. During this challenging time in the life and mission of the Archdiocese of Newark, I ask for your cooperation and leadership as we mobilize the resources and support needed to care for all in our communities. Our Eucharistic fast continues, as we pray for its quick end.”
According to a press release, the Archdiocesan Coronavirus Task Force carefully assesses the situation each day and is comprised of clergy, religious, lay leaders, and medical professionals. The Task Force evaluates statements and direction from state and local officials to determine the most appropriate course of action in maintaining safe and healthy environments.
Under Cardinal Tobin’s directive, all public celebrations of the Sacraments and other public forms of worship are also suspended until further notice.
This includes Confirmations, celebrations of First Communion, penitential services, Communion services, and Liturgies of the Word.
Exceptions include baptisms, funerals, burial services, and previously scheduled weddings but attendance must be limited to a maximum of 10 participants, including the celebrant.
Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation will remain available, but the archdiocese recommends the celebrants take precautions including wearing a gown, mask, and gloves and using a cotton swab or cotton ball as an instrument to announce a sick person.
Parishes are encouraged to expose the Blessed Sacrament and remain open for private prayer, and clergy are instructed to remind people to maintain a prudent distance from one another and remove Holy Water from fonts.
Mass will continue to be streamed online.
For the most up-to-date information and latest Archdiocesan news, visit the Archdiocese of Newark’s website and COVID-19 resource page at RCAN.org/covid19 and social media: @NwkArchdiocese.
Eight positive cases in Jersey City
Mayor Steven Fulop announced Jersey City has a total of eight positive COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, March 18.
He said the first positive cases were healthcare workers noting measures local hospitals are taking to protect their employees.
“Sharing info we’re doing to protect people on the front line,” tweeted Fulop. “We have 8 cases in #JerseyCity + our first cases were healthcare professionals. We’re better understanding precautions/steps at the local level needed to protect the public + healthcare professionals.”
He said local hospitals are setting up tents to screen people coming into emergency rooms to not overwhelm the system and to prevent contaminating medical professionals.
“We’re doing our best to think ahead + be flexible as we learn more,” tweeted Fulop.
Jersey City residents can now park in school lots
Mayor Steven Fulop and the Superintendent of Jersey City Public Schools Dr. Franklin Walker announce expanded parking options for Jersey City residents at all public school parking lots during the Covid-19 State of Emergency to encourage residents to work from home.
School officials opened 33 school parking lots throughout the city for residents to park their vehicles in during the State of Emergency declared by Jersey City on March 16.
“This is a tremendous gesture and a smart move by the School District to alleviate overburdened parking resources in the city with so many people sensibly staying home to avoid transmission of this highly contagious disease,” Fulop said. “This new availability of the lots illustrates how we are all pulling together to not only keep our residents safe, but to also ease the transition into to the emergency procedures we must follow to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.”
For the full list of schools and spaces available click here or visit jcnj.org/coronavirus.
“There are so many people who are usually going to work or taking their children to school, but now they are staying home due to the emergency but there aren’t enough parking spaces,” said Walker. “By opening up the lots around the city, we can at least ease those anxieties somewhat and share what we have to be a part of the process in helping the community get through this challenging time.”
Anyone who believes they have been infected with the virus or has come into contact with someone infected is urged to contact their health care provider.
Jersey City also established a hotline for anyone who believes they have contracted the virus at 201 547-5208.
All city offices remain open. However, people must first make an appointment. Walk-ins are not permitted at this time.
Mayor Fulop is keeping residents informed by daily updates at 3 p.m. via Facebook Live on the Jersey City Facebook Page Residents can send questions to fulops@jcnj.org
Hoboken lists nonessential businesses to close
After Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla issued a policy of self isolation and ordered nonessential businesses to close by 9 a.m. March 18, the Office of Emergency Management provided a list of essential businesses and nonessential businesses.
Essential businesses permitted to stay open until 8 p.m. include emergency medical cares, restaurants and food establishments for takeout or delivery only, supermarkets, grocery stores, bodegas, banks, pharmacies, coffee shops, veterinarians, pet stores, laundromats, dry cleaners, liquor stores, chiropractors, physical therapists, dentists, and other medical care facilities, UPS/Fed Ex stores, post office, and moving companies.
All nonessential businesses which were to close at 9 a.m. include clothing/retail stores, book stores, nail salons, hair salons, barber shops, massage parlors, smoke shops, shoe repairs, and any places of retail/public accommodation.
Public transportation by vehicle is permitted for essential needs, purchasing food, care for a family member or friends, to get healthcare, or employment.
Hudson Regional Hospital staff are providing quick and easy drive-up COVID-19 testing by appointment at 55 Meadowlands Parkway in Secaucus.
The process appears to be quicker and more efficient than other methods, also preventing some contact between potential COVID-19 patients and other patients at the hospital.
Residents who have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath are advised to call 201-388-1097 to begin the screening process. During the phone call, a healthcare professional will discuss your symptoms, and, if appropriate, take your information and set an appointment time for a screening.
According to Hudson Regional Hospital, the screening will take place in the hospital, and if needed, additional tests will be performed in a specially designated area. After undergoing the screening, test results will be provided once available within three to five days.
(UPDATED on March 17.)
Bayonne School District offers free lunches and Wi-Fi to students during remote learning
Mayor James Davis and Superintendent of School John Niesz announced that students in the Bayonne School District would receive lunches starting on March 18.
Each elementary school and Bayonne High School will have a meeting point for parents to pick up breakfast and lunch between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. each weekday. Elementary schools will be set for pick up at the school’s bus drop off locations, and BHS will have food pick up service at the Korpi Ice Rink.
All students who have a district issued Chromebook will receive free Internet service provided by Optimum. Additionally, elementary school yards and BHS parking lots are open and available to Bayonne residents to park on during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hoboken mayor urges self-isolation, limits gatherings to 5 people, and closes non-essential businesses
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced new measures the city and its residents will be taking to combat the spread of COVID-19 .
Starting tomorrow at 9 a.m. all non-essential businesses in Hoboken including retail stores, nail salons, hair salons, massage parlors, and non-essential medical offices will be closed.
All gatherings are limited to five people or less and all places of worship are encouraged to suspend in-person services.
Restaurants are permitted through delivery and take-out service only and grocery stores, supermarkets, bodegas, banks, pharmacies, and coffee shops will remain open until 8 p.m.
According to Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Hoboken currently has five positive COVID-19 cases but due to the lack of testing, this number will most likely increase substantially especially as Hoboken, is the fourth most densely populated city in the country.
“The idea that there are ‘alternative facts’ and that science is ‘fake news’ is why we find ourselves, as a nation, in this trouble,” said Bhalla. “Let me be clear: facts are facts and science is science, and it’s about time we listen to the science.”
He noted that on March 17, the Harvard Global Health Institute called for a nationwide shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As such, the the city is issuing a new policy of self isolation.
“I’ve previously advised residents that if you’re sick, to stay home, call your doctor, and self-isolate,” said Bhalla. “That is simply not enough. Whether you feel sick or not, all residents should immediately begin self-isolating at home.”
The policy, similar to the one enacted in San Francisco, requires people to stay home except for essential needs, the purchasing of food, care for a family member or friend, to get health care, or employment where remote work is not possible.
He said activities such as running, jogging, bike-riding, walking, and other similar types of exercise are permitted under the new self-isolation policy, but only if social distancing of at least six feet is observed.
All travel on public transportation or by vehicle is restricted for non-employment purposes.
He said he hopes other municipalities and state will take similar actions which he said will help save lives.
“We have a responsibility to one another,” said Bhalla. “We must take this seriously. We must do everything we can and we must do it now before we become like Italy or Spain where health care systems are collapsing and doctors have to make decisions about who will receive lifesaving treatment and who will not. Listen to me, Hoboken will get through this. We will all get through this, but we have to do the right thing and we have to do it now.”
North Hudson Sewage Authority moves operations online
The North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA), the owner and operator of the wastewater infrastructure in Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, and West New York, will convert all business operations to a virtual platform starting March 18 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The offices are closed to the public, and payments will no longer be taken in person.
Customers can pay online or by return mail to: NHSA. PO Box 71352, Philadelphia, PA 19176‐1352. Billing clerks can also be reached at 201‐963 6043.
Sewer maintenance will continue.
To report sewer problems call 866‐689 3970 or go to www.nhudsonsa.com.
Developers may continue to submit applications for connections using the website.
“Please note that although we are operating virtually, our invoices wll continue to be mailed, and payment is expected on time to avoid interest charges,” states the press release from NHSA.
Treatment workers and sewer maintenance crews, who have limited contact with the public, have implemented enhanced disinfectant and public interaction protocols.
“We want to keep our employees healthy and contribute to the safe well‐being of the residents of our service area. That’s why we are acting before the virus can spread to our organization,” said Executive Director Dr. Richard J. Wolff.
North Bergen suspends enforcement of parking tickets, other updates
The North Bergen Parking Authority has announced that all parking ticket enforcement has been suspended until further notice.
Students who receive free or reduced lunch are able to pick up a bagged lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at various locations. Students may go to the most convenient sites at either North Bergen High School, Lincoln Annex, Franklin School, or Kennedy School.
Town hall is open with limited access to the public. Residents are encouraged to conduct all matters via phone, email, or online when possible. Click here for information on available services.
All township parks are closed off to the public. The Recreation Center is closed.
The Senior Center is closed. Senior citizen transportation is available to those with critical medical needs ONLY.
All senior citizen shopping trips are cancelled until further notice.
All open public meetings are canceled, except Board of Commissioners meetings.
Child and adult day care centers are closed.
Street sweeping will remain in effect. Zone 1 and 5 parking permits are extended until April 30.
The North Bergen Municipal Court’s court sessions are canceled. Parties will be advised of rescheduled matters via mail. Payments that can be made online should be made in that manner.
Mayor Turner declares State of Emergency in Weehawken
Mayor Richard Turner declared a State of Emergency in the Township of Weehawken.
The State of Emergency adds a number of measures to the executive order and other guidelines instituted by Gov. Phil Murphy.
All public and private gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools, and movie theaters are to be closed 24/7, until further notice.
Weehawken Municipal Court is closed until March 27 at the minimum. Residents are discouraged from visiting Weehawken Town Hall except for urgent matters.
The Waterfront Park has been closed until further notice.
The Weehawken Public Library will also be closed to the public effective March 15 to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
WNY issues additional emergency measures
The Town of WNY announced that Gyms, Movie Theatres, Swimming Pools, Nightclubs, and Social Clubs of private and public nature are closed until further notice.
Essential retail businesses, specifically supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies may remain open during normal business hours
All businesses that serve food must comply with hours of operation restrictions from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Food service is limited to pickup and delivery only, no one can eat inside any establishment.
Non-Essential retail and all other businesses’ hours of operation are restricted to 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Occupancy is limited to a maximum of fifty people at any given time. If possible, limit to ten at any given time.
Residents must practice Social Distancing Guidelines by keeping a distance of at least 6ft.
Playgrounds are closed until further notice.
Street Cleaning will still be performed, but no violation summons will be issued.
Meters and residential enforcement are still in effect. Any residential permits that have expired in March or that will expire by the end of March will be extended another month until the end of April.
More closures in Union City
All private daycares in Union City are closed until further notice
Union City Municipal Court and Landlord Tenant Court are closed until further notice
Union City Parking Authority is extending expired or set to expire parking permits for 30 days.
Visiting City Hall should be limited to urgent matters only. If business can be conducted over the phone or through the website, residents are encouraged to do so.
Additionally, all gyms, bars, restaurants, movie theatres and casinos are closed 24/7, indefinitely until further notice. The only exceptions to restaurants are drive-thru, delivery or curb-side take away only.
Bayonne cancels Earth Day clean-up for 2020
Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the citywide clean-up and Earth Day celebration that were scheduled for April 18 have been cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public access limited to Secaucus municipal offices
Physical public access to all Secaucus municipal offices will be suspended through at least Sunday, March 29.
This includes but may not be limited to: Departments within Town Hall at 1203 Paterson Plank Road, Recreation Department (20 Centre Avenue), Health Department (20 Centre Avenue), Department of Public Works (370 Secaucus Road), and Senior Service Department (145 Front Street).
Prior to March 29, the administration will make a continuing determination as to public access.
The lobby of Town Hall, 1203 Paterson Plank Road, will be open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for access to the Tax Collector and Construction Department Drop Boxes, Secaucus Municipal Court payment window and public restrooms only.
All Departments will currently be open and Town Staff will be available to the public during the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions and concerns via telephone and email only. No in office visitation will be permitted for the duration of this protocol and/or extension of such as noted above.
Jersey City Public Schools offer free meal program
All Jersey City children under the age of 18, regardless of the school they attend, can pick up free meals at a school nearest their home between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily.
Meals are offered at Frank R. Conwell, PS #3; Dr. Michael Conti Public School PS #5; Franklin L. Williams School, MS #7; Martin Luther King, Jr. School, PS #11; Whitney M. Young Jr. School, PS #15; Joseph H. Brensinger School, PS #17; Dr. Maya Angelou School, PS #20; Rev. Dr. Ercel F. Webb School, PS #22; Mahatma K. Gandhi School, PS #23; Chaplain Charles Watters School, PS #24; Ollie Culbreth, Jr. School PS 14; Alfred Zampella School, PS #27; Christa McAuliffe School, PS #28; President Barack Obama School, PS #34; Rafael Cordero School, PS #37; James F. Murray School, PS #38; Ezra L. Nolan, Middle School, MS#40; F. W. Martin Center for the Arts, PS #41; Abraham Lincoln High School.
Food for AHM students is also available at G. J. Dynes Regional Day School.
Check the district’s website regularly for updated information at www.jcboe.org.
Another CarePoint Health practitioner tests positive for COVID-19
On March 17, a second practitioner at a CarePoint Health facility, this time at Hoboken University Medical Center, tested positive for COVID-19.
This result was reported to the local health department and the New Jersey Department of Health. CarePoint Health stated that the employee is considered high-risk and was self-quarantined at home immediately upon symptom onset.
Upon advisement of the local and state health officials, and in accordance with the CDC recommended protocol, the healthcare provider and other healthcare employees who were in contact with him, who are considered low to high-risk exposure, will continue to self-quarantine until symptom-free and until they meet the recommended time frame to return to work.
No other information is available about the practitioner and it is not clear how many staff and patients the employee may have interacted with. This is the second case of COVID-19 among CarePoint Health employees in Hudson County.
(UPDATED on March 16.)
Guttenberg declares local disaster
All necessary Town Departments are authorized to take appropriate action to assist in containing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from this COVID-19 outbreak.
All Town employees shall follow all local, County, State and Federal health recommendations, in addition to Centers for Disease Control recommendations including but not limited to handwashing, sanitizing and basic infection control procedures.
Town residents, particularly seniors as well as those with underlying health conditions, are strongly encouraged to avoid large crowds and large gatherings while COVID-19 remains a threat.
A town wide curfew be implemented daily from 10:00PM to 5:00AM.
Access will be restricted to public buildings and facilities. Municipal Court shall be closed.
All gymnasiums or health clubs shall cease operations until further notice. All daycare centers shall cease operations until further notice.
All restaurants, including those with plenary retail consumption licenses, are permitted to serve take out or delivery orders only. All bars, taverns, clubs or other locations with plenary retail consumption licenses cease operations until further notice.
All parks, playgrounds and recreational fields shall be closed to the public until further notice.
The Joint Planning/Zoning Board and Rent Control Board meetings have been cancelled until further notice.
Bayonne Municipal Court adjourned
All matters scheduled in the Bayonne Municipal Court, located at 630 Avenue C, between Monday, March 16, and Friday, March 20, will be adjourned. You will receive a new notice in the mail.
Additionally, the payment window will be closed. Residents will not be charged a late fee on a failure to appear notice, proposed suspension, or suspension during this time. Payments for traffic and parking tickets may be made online via NJMCDirect.com.
Third NJ death from COVID-19
A third person who was being treated for COVID-19 has died in New Jersey, according to Governor Phil Murphy.
The deceased was a man in his 90’s from who was being treated at Hackensack University Medical Center in Bergen County.
“Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time,” tweeted Gov. Murphy Monday night.
New Jersey mobilizes National Guard
Gov. Phil Murphy is mobilizing New Jersey’s National Guard to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
The service men and women will “assist our efforts in anyway necessary,” he said Monday.
This may include help with testing, distributing food, and possibly converting buildings for quarantining.
Murphy also announced New Jersey will be one of 12 states in which the Federal Emergency Management Agency will set up COVID-19 testing sites.
“To the folks who think the COVID19 public health emergency isn’t real – trust me, it’s real,” said Murphy. “To those who think #COVID19 can’t affect them – I’m here to tell you that it can. This is not time to panic. It’s time to be smart, proactive, and aggressive.”
Foreclosure sales and evictions postponed
Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari announced that all Hudson County foreclosure sales and eviction notices will be postponed until after the COVID-19 outbreak subsides.
Jersey City Public Library closed; streaming story time
Jersey City Public Library buildings are closed but it is still offering story hour. Video Story Hours will be available on Facebook Live, which will then be available on YouTube. Go to facebook.com/JCFPLnj and youtube.com/JCLibrarynj.
Fifth positive case of COVID-19 in Hoboken
Hoboken announced another positive confirmed case of COVID-19 on Monday, March 16. He is a male in his late 20s. The individual has self-isolated at home, and is expected to make a full recovery.
As in previous cases, the Hoboken Health Department is conducting an ongoing investigation to help develop a timeline and is contacting individuals that may have come into contact with him, who will be asked to self-quarantine.
“We keep him, and the other four individuals confirmed to have COVID-19, in our thoughts and wish them a speedy recovery,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla.
North Bergen declares a State of Emergency
Mayor Nicholas Sacco has declared a Local State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration will allow the township government to bypass purchasing regulations if necessary.
In addition to the restrictions on the public announced by Gov. Murphy today, Mayor Sacco is announced a number of changes to Township operations.
According to Sacco, Town Hall is open with limited access to the public. Residents are encouraged to conduct all matters via phone, email or online when possible.
All township parks are closedto the public. The Recreation Center is closed.
The Senior Center is closed but senior citizen transportation is available to those with critical medical needs only. All senior citizen shopping trips are cancelled until further notice.
Township board meetings are cancelled, except Board of Commissioners meetings. Additionally, Child and Adult Day Care Centers are closed.
“The local state of emergency highlights the severity of the situation we are dealing with,” said Mayor Sacco. “We are looking to keep our residents safe and will continue to do so as this situation develops. I strongly urge everyone to take this matter very seriously, to practice social distancing and proper hygiene to slow down the spread of this devastating virus.”
Any residents who witness or experience price gouging are encouraged to contact the Hudson County Office of Weights and Measures at (201) 369-4323 ext 7305. Residents with questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak should call the State’s Coronavirus hotline 1-800-222-1222 or visit its dedicated website at https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
Jersey City declares State of Emergency
Mayor Steven Fulop declared a state of emergency via executive order on March 16 due to the threat of spreading the deadly COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The new order will significantly reduce non-emergency governmental staffing levels as non-essential employees will be allowed to work from home on a rotational basis.
While each office will remain open, residents are still required to make appointments to visit city buildings or sites to receive services.
“With the threat if this virus spreading throughout the state, I believe it is necessary to do whatever makes good health sense for the community at large, limit the opportunity for the virus to spread while still finding a balance for people to live their lives in a safe and healthy manner,” said Fulop.
The work schedule of the city’s uniformed workforce such as the Jersey City Police Department and Jersey City Fire Department will remain unchanged with their staffing totals completely intact.
The emergency mandates the closure of movie theaters, performance centers, gyms, fitness center, barber shops, day care centers, nail salons, and bars and nightclubs that don’t serve food, by midnight tonight.
These restrictions do not apply to grocery stores; however, supermarkets have reserved 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. only for senior residents’ shopping; The rest of the day is open to all residents.
Other initiatives the city instituted include allowing restaurants to remain open but only for takeout orders and deliveries, and encouraging medical offices to focus on urgent appointments where possible and to exercise social distancing.
None of the restrictions apply to grocery stores, cafeterias within nursing homes or similar facilities.
Also, all schools in Jersey are closed until further notice.
Last Friday, the first confirmed case of a resident with the coronavirus was identified.
As of today, there are five confirmed cases in the city, three of whom are recovering at home and two non-residents who are hospitalized in hospitals outside of Jersey City. Anyone who believes they have been infected with the virus or come into contact with someone infected is urged to contact their health care provider. Jersey City also established a hotline for those who have been exposed where health officials can provide guidance at 201-547-5208.
Mayor Fulop is keeping residents informed by daily updates at 3 p.m. via Facebook Live on the Jersey City Facebook Page. If you have specific questions you want answerd, email fulops@jcnj.org
Hoboken closes council meeting to the public as precautionary measure.
According to the posted council agenda, the Hoboken City Council meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday March 18 at 7 p.m. will be closed to the public.
Residents and community members who wish to make a comment, statement, testify, or ask a question are asked to instead email or call the city clerk’s office to submit their comment or question by 3 p.m. on March 18.
The clerk can be reached at cityclerk@hobokennj.gov or at 201-420-2000 EXT. 2004.
All comments and questions received by the clerk’s office will then be forwarded to Council President Jen Giattino who will read them aloud into the public record.
All statements are to be a maximum of two minutes.
Bayonne sets up 24-hour hotline, announces more closures
Mayor James Davis of Bayonne has ordered the Mayor’s office to remain open 24 hours a day and has installed two hotlines for residents to use in connection with COVID-19 issues. The General COVID-19 Hotline is 201-858-6705 and the Senior COVID-19 Hotline is 201-858-6105.
At the directive of Bayonne Office of Emergency Management on March 16, all retail commercial establishments in the city will be limited to no more than 25 patrons at any time, this includes shops, salons, department stores, etc, not covered by the Governor’s Directive. The directive excludes supermarkets and pharmacies.
All Day-Care and Child-Care facilities will be closed. The Bayonne Public Library will be closed in addition to municipal playgrounds. On top of that, all social clubs, religious houses of worship, and non-profit organizations will be closed for any gathering.
Mayor Davis is asking every citizen to abide by the emergency measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“I am aware that these measures may seem drastic, but I have a commitment to each citizen of this city to ensure that we do everything in our power to protect the health and well-being of everybody,” Mayor Davis said. “These directives have been put in place to help stop the transmission of this illness.”
Mayor Davis advised residents to continue to follow his Facebook page and Twitter feed as well as the feeds of OEM and City of Bayonne for further COVID-19 updates. Residents of Bayonne can also sign up for the Swift911 Notification System in order to receive important messages online at www.bayonnenj.org by clicking the Swift911 Banner, or by downloading the Swift911 Public App to a mobile device.
Despite everything, there is no need for panic or fear, according to Mayor Davis.
“Our city is strong,” Mayor Davis said. “Bayonne has endured numerous difficult times over our history and I am certain we will get through this emergency TOGETHER.”
CarePoint Health podiatrist at Bayonne Medical Center contracts COVID-19
A resident podiatrist at Bayonne Medical Center has tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, according to a source who spoke to the Bayonne Community News on the condition of anonymity.
In response to queries about the situation, CarePoint Health released a statement confirming that a Bayonne Medical Center healthcare provider tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, March 15.
This result was reported to the local health department and the New Jersey Department of Health.
CarePoint Health stated that the man is considered high-risk and was self-quarantined at home immediately upon symptom onset.
Upon advisement of the local and state health officials, and in accordance with the CDC recommended protocol, the healthcare provider and other healthcare employees who were in contact with him, who are considered low to high-risk exposure, will continue to self-quarantine until symptom-free and until they meet the recommended time frame to return to work.
According to the source, the podiatrist is a middle-aged man who is apparently doing fine.
CarePoint confirmed that the health care provider’s symptoms are mild and he is expected to make a full recovery at home.
Additionally, the hospital will follow established exposure procedures for involved staff and patients, again following CDC guidance for high risk exposure.
“We will also continue to follow strict protocol including visitor restrictions to reduce exposure and to protect our patients, our staff, and the public,” a spokesperson for CarePoint Health stated.
Governor announces statewide measures to limit COVID-19 spread
Governor Phil Murphy announced additional statewide measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 on Monday, March 16.
All schools pre-k through 12th grade as well as higher education institutions will close starting Wednesday, March 18.
“We’ve worked closely to ensure that the overall educational and individual needs of students can be met during this closure, including appropriate home instruction and continued access to free and reduced meals,” said Murphy.
All casinos, racetracks, theaters, and gyms are ordered to close.
All non essential retail, recreational, and entertainment buisnesses will also be closed after 8 p.m. daily.
During daytime hours, these businesses may remain open if they limit their occupancy to no more than 50 persons and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
All bars and restaurants are closed for eat-in services effective 8 p.m. tonight. After 8 p.m., these establishments may open for takeout and delivery services only until further notice.
Essential businesses which are necessary for the public’s health, safety, and welfare like supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, and gas stations will be allowed to remain open past 8 p.m.
Starting tonight, all non-essential and non-emergency travel in New Jersey is strongly discouraged between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Gov. Murphy additionally banned all gatherings of 50 people or more, starting at 8 p.m. tonight.
“We do not take any of the steps we’ve announced today lightly,” tweeted Gov. Murphy. “We know that these will impact residents and families, communities, and businesses. But our paramount concern is to #FlattenTheCurve – these steps will ensure we do not overload our health care system.”
Hoboken mayor urges federal assistance for small businesses.
Mayor Ravi Bhalla issued a letter to Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker and Representative Albio Sires to request federal assistance for small businesses and their employees affected by Hoboken’s closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support social distancing.
In Hoboken, where four people have already tested positive, Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management ordered all bars and restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor license, to no longer serve food within the restaurant or bar limiting them to takeout and food delivery service only.
If a bar does not currently offer food, they are longer permitted to operate at all.
Other businesses such as daycares, gyms, pop-up camps for children, health clubs, and movie theaters are also closed.
“While I believe this decision will save lives, I also know that our small businesses and their employees are suffering,” stated Bhalla in the March 16 letter. “Business owners fear that an extended closure will make it difficult if not impossible to remain in business. Their employees – many without benefits – don’t have the option of working from home, and they are fearful. We need the help and resources of the federal government now more than ever.”
He applauded the recent bipartisan emergency relief package which will ensure free coronavirus testing, paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, unemployment insurance, and food assistance programs.
He urged that the legislatures include “meaningful relief” for small business and their employees in a third legislative package he said is already in discussions.
“We are in uncharted waters, trying to navigate through an unprecedented global crisis,” said Bhalla. “What is clear is that this is a time where we must pursue bold solutions to give our businesses a fighting chance.”
North Bergen confirms two residents test positive for COVID-19 on March 16.
The Township of North Bergen has confirmed that two residents of the township have tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.
The first patient is a 60-year-old male who was tested at a New York hospital after showing flu like symptoms and was discharged to his home where he is now recovering under self quarantine.
The second case is a 29-year-old male who was tested and received treatment at a local health care facility. He is now hospitalized at an undisclosed facility and remains in stable condition. No other information regarding the cases will be released due to medical privacy laws.
The North Bergen Health Department is conducting a full investigation to determine potential community exposure. This includes tracing each individual’s timeline and contacts since before they started showing symptoms.
The investigation has determined that community exposure from the first case is very limited, while the second case is still being investigated.
“It’s important for all of us to take the recommendations from public health professionals regarding social distancing and safe hygiene practices very seriously during this troubling time,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “We are committed to doing whatever is necessary to keep our community safe and limit the spread of Coronavirus and we will be releasing more information as it becomes available.”
The Township of North Bergen has taken numerous actions at the direction of public health officials to limit the spread of COVID-19. Mayor Sacco has also released a video announcement detailing those actions, available in both English and Spanish.
Additional information about event and program cancellations and social distancing strategies is available on the Township of North Bergen website.
A second West New York resident has tested positive for COVID-19.
The resident is a 51-year-old female who is currently in stable condition and is undergoing self-quarantine at home.
The case is under review by the West New York Health Department and no further information is available to the public.
With the confirmation of a second case of COVID-19, the Town is taking measures to limit the spread of the virus.
“We are continuing to work with public health experts to protect our community to the best of our ability,” said Mayor Rodriguez on March 16. “We urge residents to stay home if they are able and to practice social distancing and proper hygiene.”
Mayor Rodriguez stated that the Town will continue to provide whatever information possible and take whatever steps necessary to keep the community safe.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Town of West New York has postponed all Municipal Public Programming, including all Senior Citizens programming, Cultural Affairs events, Recreation activities, Library activities.
Nutrition Center Daily Supermarket Runs and Medical Appointments will continue as needed.
In addition to cancelled Municipal Public Programming, the Town has further suspended physical public access to all municipal offices through at least Sunday, March 22.
All offices will be open and Municipal Staff will be available to the public during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to answer questions and concerns from the public via telephone and email only. No in-office visitation will be permitted for the duration of this protocol and or extension of such as noted above.
According to Mayor Rodriguez, more information can be found on the Town’s website.
West New York institutes curfew, closes daycares
Additional services were limited as a result of further preventive measures. Mayor Rodriguez signed an executive order instituting a Town Wide Curfew effective Monday, March 16 at 10:00 p.m.
The policy will mandate that residents remain in their homes between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., except for serious obligations such as reporting or returning to work.
Additionally, the curfew applies to all restaurants and bars in the Town of West New York and mandates that all patrons must be gone from the establishment by 10:00 p.m. sharp. The curfew will be in effect until further notice.
“We are taking an aggressive, proactive stance with this curfew policy in an effort to keep our community safe during this public health crisis,” said Mayor Rodriguez. “According to public health experts, social distancing is the only effective way to slow the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic and West New York will do what is necessary to meet those guidelines.”
The Town has further ordered all daycare centers in West New York to be closed from Tuesday, March 17th through at least Friday, March 27.
Except for urgent matters, residents are discouraged from visiting the West New York Municipal Building. Residents are encouraged to reach town hall by calling (201) 295.5200 and make an appointment if needed.
Residents can stay informed by keeping up with the latest updates via the Town of West New York website and social media platforms.
Town officials continue to strongly recommend practicing social distancing by not congregating in large groups, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distances of approximately six feet from others, washing and sanitizing hands frequently, and working from home if able.
The State Department of Health has set up a 24-Hour Hotline for the community; that number is 1.800.222.1222. The State Department of Health has also developed a dedicated link to their website as follows: http://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_resources.shtml.
For further questions, residents can call the Town’s Department of Health at 201.295.5070 or visit the Town’s website at http://www.westnewyorknj.o
(UPDATED on March 15.)
COVID-19 has spread across the Tristate area with 98 cases in New Jersey alone, Gov. Phil Murphy disclosed on Sunday, March 15.
Over the course of eight days, cases in Hudson County increased from one to eight with residents in West New York, Jersey City, and Hoboken all confirmed or presumed positive.
A 32-year-old West New York man, who tested positive for COVID-19, is recovering positively, and the local Health Department has remained in frequent contact with the man throughout the process, according to West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez.
Following the diagnosis, the New Jersey Department of Health initiated a full interview and investigation with the patient, per the state’s protocol guidelines to determine the patient’s timeline, and assess the level of exposure to the community.
According to Rodriguez, the patient’s contact with the community was deemed to be extremely limited. However, that’s all the information that is being released to the public at this time.
“In order to comply with federal and state privacy laws, no other personal information about the patient can be disclosed at this time, however it is important to note that the risk to the community remains low,” Rodriguez stated.
Rodriguez confirmed that the resident tested positive for the virus on March 8 and that the man is hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center. He does not have children who could have been exposed to the virus.
“It’s important to note that the individual does not have any children who are students in the West New York school district, and we have communicated that fact to the Board of Education,” Rodriguez said.
For more information or to ask questions, residents are encouraged to call the state’s COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or the West New York Health Department at 201-295-5070.
Later that day, Hoboken announced another two positive cases.
The Hoboken Health Department identified one as a male in his 30s and the other as a male in his 40s.
Both individuals are currently in self-isolation at home and the department been in contact with them, and both are expected to recover.
A woman in her 40s is also infected, according to a March 15 announcement by Bhalla.
She is under observation at a hospital, and her family is in self-quarantine as a precaution.
According to the announcement, the woman has informed those that she may have come into contact with, and the Hoboken Health Department is conducting a timeline of interaction and monitoring all individuals.
“Unfortunately, this type of announcement may become the new normal as we expect a substantial increase of cases both locally and across the country,” said Bhalla. “Doing everything now, proactively to address this national crisis can literally save lives in Hoboken, especially our large senior population. Please keep them in mind during these difficult times.”
The Health Department recommends that residents who believe they have been exposed to a confirmed case should contact their healthcare provider first instead of going to the emergency room.
CarePoint Health, operator of Hoboken University Medical Center, is urging all residents to observe this protocol to keep the emergency room available for those needing critical emergency care.
Residents are instructed to call 9-1-1 if they are having a medical emergency and can also contact the Health Department at 201-420-2000 ext. 5211 if they believe they were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19.
“As an important reminder, please continue washing your hands frequently, avoid putting your hands in your mouth and eyes, avoid contact with others if you feel sick, and maintain a clean environment through frequent disinfecting of common areas,” Bhalla said.
For FAQs about COVID-19, visit www.nj.gov/health or call the New Jersey COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or if using an out-of-state phone line 1-800-962-1253.
Trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer 24/7.
According to an announcement on March 13, Jersey City confirmed its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19.
According to the city, a 41-year-old female who lives in downtown Jersey City felt symptoms and initiated testing with her private physician.
Those results were then transmitted to the city’s Health Department Communicable Disease Reporting Surveillance System.
On March 14, Fulop announced on Twitter that the city has a second confirmed COVID-19 case.
The person is a 61-year-old female living in downtown.
“We have already started outreach to all of her contacts/interactions and we will do that proactively,” tweeted Fulop. “We are going to continue to be aggressive on policies/educating the public. We want to make sure the public knows as I have information you will immediately have information as this the best way to avoid rumors.”
On March 15, Fulop announced the third case of COVID-19. According to Fulop, it is an 80-year-old Jersey City Heights resident.
“He has been in isolation. We are following up proactively w/all contacts, although of note for residents he has had limited interaction w/JC residents overall,” tweeted Fulop.
The city established a 24-hour hotline on Tuesday, March 10.
If you suspect you have been exposed to Covid-19, self-quarantine and call 201-547-5208.
To avoid overburdening medical facilities, those who believe they are infected are asked not to use public transportation to get to hospitals. Instead, call the hotline first, which will tell you where and how to go.
The city will continue to post all information and guidance as it relates to Jersey City at www.jcnj.org/coronavirus.
Four Hoboken residents infected
Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced on March 13 that a Hoboken man in his 40s is positive for Coronavirus or COVID-19. The man has been kept in self-isolation at home, according to Bhalla. The city Health Department has been in close contact with the individual, who is “experiencing mild symptoms and is expected to recover fully.”
According to Bhalla, the Health Department has been developing a timeline of events, and people who may have come in contact with the man are being notified to self-quarantine and are being monitored closely by the Health Department.
Bhalla said the man was a “model case for what to do if you feel sick” because once he felt symptoms, he reached out to his doctor, was tested, and began self-isolation before even receiving his results.
Due to confidentiality laws, the city is not permitted to give out more information about this individual.
COVID-19 facts
According to the CDC, the novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness.
A coronavirus is a type of common virus that can infect the respiratory tract and spread much like cold viruses, according to the novel coronavirus fact sheet. The new type of coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan, China in December of 2019 is infecting people for the first time, which means people do not have any immunity to it.
According to the NJ Department Of Health, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another.
The virus is also thought to spread via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes that can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
The NJ DOH notes that people could contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
For confirmed novel coronavirus infections, reports range from people with few to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The CDC recommends ways to limit the risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Recommendations include frequent handwashing with soap and water or use of hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and if you are sick, staying home from work or school.
Hoboken Vape Van owner arrested for drug possession
On July 6, 27-year-old Hoboken resident Joseph Ruggiero, the owner of the Hoboken “Vape Van” who was accused of hate speech in May, was arrested for drug possession.
Ruggiero was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, distribution of marijuana within 500 feet of a public park, and distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, according to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
The release says he was arrested “after a court authorized search of his residence on Garden Street in Hoboken led to the recovery of marijuana.”
Prosecutor Esther Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Narcotics Task Force and the K-9 Unit of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office with the arrest.
Ruggiero did not return a message by press time.
City may reach new agreement with SUEZ Water
Mayor Dawn Zimmer announced on Wednesday, July 12 that Suez Water and her administration have agreed on terms of a renegotiated water service contract that would provide more than $31 million in infrastructure investments and $10 million in liability forgiveness for a total of over $40 million in benefits to the city through 2034.
The agreement requires City Council approval and is expected to be presented to the council on Aug. 2.
The agreement would extend the contract from 2024 to 2034.
If the new agreement is not approved, the city will remain under the terms of the existing agreement. Under those terms, Suez will be required to make only $350,000 per year in emergency repairs for the next seven years, while the city would continue to be responsible for all repair costs over $350,000. The city would receive no funds for the needed modernization of the water main system and the city would be responsible for the approximately $10 million that would be forgiven in the renegotiated agreement for excess bulk water and repair costs.
“Our aging water system is in need of expensive capital upgrades, yet the $350,000 provided annually by our existing water agreement from 1994 is not even enough for emergency repairs,” said Zimmer. “I am thrilled that our proposed agreement would provide on average over $1.8 million per year for capital investments. The city has already begun the process to invest $12 million in water main improvements, and this agreement will allow us to make the investments we need to modernize our water system.”
In addition to the investment capital for water main upgrades, the renegotiated agreement will forgive $10 million owed by the city to Suez under the terms of the existing agreement for excess repair and bulk water costs.
In a statement last week, mayoral hopeful and current Councilman Michael DeFusco said the agreement “deserves serious scrutiny.”
“Mayor Zimmer has had nine years in office to reach this agreement and announcing it now shortly before an election to succeed her as mayor is troubling, especially given that if approved this contact would be in effect for decades,” he said. “The proposed agreement deserves serious scrutiny from both the council and the community to ensure that it’s the best possible deal for the city. It’s particularly concerning that the contract would include an annual rate increase of at least 2 percent, which would amount to yet another hidden tax on Hoboken residents that many will struggle to afford.”
‘Summer of hell’ doesn’t look so hellish in local train stations
Various news outlets including Reuters dubbed this summer the “Summer of Hell” for New York City-area commuters, as repairs to the Amtrak tracks mean many will be rerouted, some through Hoboken. However, in the PATH stations in New York City, Hoboken, and Jersey City last Monday morning, as well as the rest of the Hoboken train station, the situation seemed crowded but calm.
Hoboken Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher emailed some observations out on Monday:
“I was at the Hoboken Terminal this morning from about 7:45 to about 9 just to see how things were going and to see if I could glean any information that may benefit Hoboken commuters. I think the single biggest takeaway is that there is a tidal wave of NJ Transit commuters that begins right at 8:00 and the wave continues until 8:45….Today may not be fully representative of what to expect for the next 45 days, as Monday mornings in the summer are often lighter due to people being away for long weekends. But…if you can get to the station either before 8:00 or after 8:45 I think your commute disruption will be less. Also, I would encourage you to buy your tickets/ refill your cards at a time other than the morning rush.”
Hoboken council people urge school board not to continue litigation against HOLA
According to a press release from the Hoboken Dual Language Charter School, several members of the council have released statements urging the Hoboken Board of Education not to continue litigation against the charter school. The board has already lost several court battles to try to take away the school’s new eighth grade class.
Last month the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court affirmed the decision of the state Commissioner of Education granting HoLa’s application to expand the school to include seventh and eighth grades. The eighth grade has already started this year.
One day after the ruling, a lawyer for the school board told the Wall Street Journal they “would discuss whether to seek a review from the state Supreme Court.”
The fight, many say, is really with a state funding formula that directs too many funds to the charter schools – but the Hoboken board has focused for now on trying to reverse the school’s expansion.
The town has three charter schools, one of which was founded by Tom Kluepfel, who nevertheless was among the school board supporters of the suit against HoLa.
In response to HoLa parent advocacy, seven members of the council released statements urging the Board of Education not to continue the suit.
“The division this lawsuit has caused in our community has thankfully come to a close. I am a strong supporter of our traditional public and charter schools equally,” said Councilman Peter Cunningham, as quoted in a HoLa press release. “I encourage both sides to demonstrate leadership and empathy to and among themselves, our children and their parents in an effort to heal our community so we can all move forward together.”
“I’m glad this lawsuit is finally over,” said Councilman Ruben Ramos. “Litigation is never how we should be spending precious educational resources. I hope that the Board of Ed can now move on and focus on student achievement for all kids in Hoboken.”
“It’s about time we end this senseless lawsuit and start worrying about educating our children as our top priority!,” said councilman Michael Russo. “I am calling for the superintendent of our schools, the school administrators throughout our district, the members of the BOE and the city of Hoboken as a whole to all move forward. Let’s focus on providing our teachers the tools to make our public school system, which include our charter schools, the best in the state.”
“As one who disagreed with the divisive nature of this lawsuit from day one, I firmly believe that the resolution of the litigation presents a real opportunity for all of Hoboken’s families and residents,” said Councilman David Mello. “It offers an opening to work together to uplift our entire array of K-8 school options; whether traditional public, charter public, parochial or private. It also presents an opportunity to shape and support Hoboken High School so that it will become an even more attractive option for all Hoboken based eighth graders.”
“What everyone involved wanted was good schools for all the children of Hoboken,” said Councilwoman Jen Giattino via Facebook. “This fight occurred because the state funding formula pits district schools and charter schools against each other. Now we must all move on. And if we must still fight, we should fight for a more equitable funding formula.”
“With the appellate court ruling, our community can begin to heal the divide that this two and a half year lawsuit created in our community,” said Councilman Michael DeFusco. “A major asset of Hoboken is the wide range of school options that we offer families. I look forward to working with both the district and HoLa to ensure we are working together collaboratively and avoid costly, contentious situations like these in the future.”
“Now is the time to focus our energy on making all of our schools even better, said Councilman Ravi Bhalla. “We should celebrate the parents and educators that work hard every day for our children. As a parent who has witnessed firsthand the excellence of both charter and traditional public schools, I appreciate the valuable contributions of all the schools in our community. While the issues raised in the lawsuit around school funding and demographics are important ones for us all to seriously consider, now that the Appellate Division has ruled on the merits, it’s time to move on. I look forward to working with all of our parents and educators in the years ahead.”
Councilman Jim Doyle and Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher did not provide the school with a statement as of press time.
Former Hudson Reporter building in Hoboken to get cycling gym and juice bar
There’s some juicy news to report. A plan was approved by the Hoboken Zoning Board recently that will allow a gym and a juice store to come into the former Hudson Reporter building at 14th and Washington streets in Hoboken, Jersey Digs reported.
The one-time bank building at the head of the city’s main thoroughfare will someday see a SoulCycle and a Juice Press. Both companies started in New York.
The two-story Beau-Arts building originally held the Hoboken Trust Company. From 1999 until last year, it was occupied by the Hudson Reporter chain of eight newspapers and three magazines, but the building was sold and the Hudson Reporter moved to renovated quarters on Broadway in Bayonne in May of 2016.
Hoboken mayoral candidate Ravi Bhalla unveils council slate
Hoboken mayoral candidate and Councilman Ravi Bhalla announced his slate of at-large council candidates on Wednesday July 12.
“Councilman Jim Doyle, Emily Ball Jabbour and John Allen are joining Bhalla in his fight to keep Hoboken moving forward,” stated the press release. “Together, [they] combine proven experience with new ideas and energy. That’s the right combination to keep Hoboken moving forward.”
Doyle was elected to the council in 2013. He serves as chair of the Masterplan/Zoning Ordinance Committee. He is an environmental attorney with more than 29 years of experience, working for both the US Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Jabbour is a senior social science research analyst for the Administration for Children and Families, part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. According to the press release, she also founded the Hudson County Chapter for the national grassroots organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. In this capacity, Jabbour has worked with local law enforcement to distribute gun safety materials across Hudson County and provide 200 gun locks to the Hoboken Police Department for distribution. Jabbour has also served as the HOPES Liaison for the Brandt Parent Consortium for the 2016 to 2017 school year.
Allen is an attorney at the law firm of Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP, where he specializes in the representation of governmental bodies, including boards of education and municipalities. He serves as a Hoboken Democratic Committeeman and is on the Board of Directors of Easter Seals New Jersey, a charitable organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities.
“Jim Doyle has been an outstanding and invaluable member of the City Council with an impressive record of accomplishment,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer in the press release. “Emily Jabbour and John Allen bring the skills, smarts and fresh approaches we need. They will be great additions to the council.”
After the slate was announced, mayoral candidate and Councilman DeFusco released a statement saying “It was difficult to contain my shock at hearing that Ravi Bhalla, a politically connected insider lawyer at one of New Jersey’s most powerful law firms, made the stunning choice to select a fellow political establishment attorney in John P. Allen for his council slate. Who could have ever guessed that a lawyer like Ravi, whose law firm was paid over $3.8 million in government contracts in 2016, would decide to run with a lawyer whose firm was also paid over $3.8 million in government contacts? A truly inspired, outside-the-box pick.”
State election finance reports confirmed the number.
Rob Horowitz, spokesperson for Bhalla and his slate responded via email stating “Once again Mike DeFusco is showing his true colors putting his naked ambition ahead of principle. DeFusco neglected to mention that two days ago he solicited the support of John Allen and his fiancée Tara Mullins for his campaign, asking them to host a meet and greet, and even going so far as dangling the prospect of a board appointment. Class is welcoming opponents into the race, not hypocritically attacking them on day one.”
DeFusco said he had not approached Allen for his slate.
“Neither myself or anyone from my campaign ever approached John Allen about running for council on our ticket,” wrote DeFusco in an email, “John’s fiancee, who is a personal friend, had contacted me several months ago about John’s interest in serving on a volunteer board. I inquired about potentially hosting a meet and greet event for our campaign. However once I became aware that John was running on Councilman Bhalla’s ticket I wished her well and ended the conversation. It’s disappointing to see false rumors like this being spread.”
DeFusco announces new slate-mate, answers questions
Councilman and mayoral candidate Michael DeFusco announced via his website last week that Andrew Impostato, who has lived in Hoboken for 10 years, will join him on his ticket for councilman-at-large. He had already announced his first slate-mate, Michael Flett, last month.
According to DeFusco’s website, Impostato resides in mid-town in Hoboken’s 3rd Ward with his wife Kristen and 1-year-old daughter Kiley.
Impostato worked for six years on Wall Street as a commodities futures and options salesman before he decided to follow his passion and pursue a career coaching basketball.
He has worked for the NBA coordinating community outreach and events, and coached varsity basketball at Hoboken High School and Pace University. He currently coaches at nationally-ranked Hudson Catholic High School.
In 2013, Impastato founded Next Basket Wins, an adult basketball league with more than 300 players and 200 youth participants.
DeFusco also answered some questions about his slate last week. Among them, some residents have voiced concerns because Flett voted for and donated money to the campaign of Donald Trump last year. Current Mayor Dawn Zimmer has fought aspects of Trump’s agenda that are harmful to area residents.
DeFusco responded to questions by email.
“Michael Flett has supported both Democrats, including Dawn Zimmer, and Republicans, who he believed would work to change the status quo and deliver better results on the issues he is most passionate about — like improving the economy and protecting our environment,” wrote DeFusco. “Anyone who knows Michael understands that he is a dedicated community leader and someone who is always working to give back to our city. As the first openly gay candidate for Mayor of Hoboken and a progressive Democrat, I know that just because Michael and I disagreed on a federal election that doesn’t change the fact that he would make an excellent council member and he is someone who I am excited to work closely with.”
DeFusco did not respond to a question of whether Flett still supports Trump, by press time.
Three at-large council seats are up for election in November along with the office of mayor.
“I’m very excited to announce Andrew Impastato as the latest addition to our council slate,” said DeFusco on Twitter July 6.
“Both Michael Flett and Andrew Impastato fit perfectly with our campaign’s mission of bringing new energy and new ideas to Hoboken,” DeFusco wrote. “They’re both deeply involved in our community and have shown the ability to create innovative solutions to challenging problems, from Michael Flett’s advocacy for renewable solar energy production to Andrew Impastato’s creation of a popular app that helps thousands of residents find parking.”
In 2016 Impastato created The Parking Dude LLC, a Hoboken based company and app that helps inform and notify residents and visitors to Hoboken of parking regulations to avoid tickets and help them park and maintain their car while in Hoboken.
DeFusco still has a third seat available on his ticket. Rumor was that seat may go to Councilman David Mello but DeFusco and Mello both denied this.
“We expect to announce our third council candidate in the coming weeks and Councilman Mello is not among the people being considered,” said DeFusco. “I believe that this election is about Hoboken’s future and I want our campaign to reflect that by advancing new leaders who will bring the energy and ideas our city needs, not the status quo approach that members of the current administration represent.”
Mello said last week that he plans to run for reelection but is still weighing his options.
He referenced his work for the southwest park and the open space amenities as part of the development at Seventh and Jackson streets.
Join a Healthcare Reform study that assesses job stress and organizational readiness
Join a unique PhD research study assessing the human impact of Healthcare Reform. Ongoing changes to Healthcare Reform has and is triggering new and demanding challenges for healthcare professionals working with diverse populations in U.S. healthcare systems. A Deloitte & Touché survey of 400 organizations highlighted that employee resistance to change is the number one reason organization change initiatives fail.
Organizational readiness is a critical factor in the process of achieving successful change in organizations.
Participate from when and where it is convenient. The assessments only take minutes to complete.
Register and participate to receive a free workbook and a raffle for one $500 gift certificate to an Apple store.
To find out if you qualify answer yes or no to the screening questions.
Go to:www.organizationalreadinessresearch.net to learn more and register
Hobokenites win medals after racing for a cause
Two Hoboken runners took home medals for the 5K USATF Timed Race at the 10th Annual Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure at Liberty State Park.
Lauren Bottitta, 28, finished in 21 minutes and 37 seconds to win First Place in the Women’s Division and Ben Dobson, 46, crossed the finish line with a time of 21:15.9, taking Third Place in the Men’s Division.
More than 2,000 people came out to Liberty State Park in Jersey City to attend the May 21 fundraiser, which raised more than $600,000 for the fight against breast cancer—an increase of $100,000 over the previous year.
Hob’art Gallery welcomes new exhibit
“Piece by Piece,” is a new exhibition by three artists which will open at the hob’art Gallery at 720 Monroe St on July 21.
The exhibit includes work from artists Lily Zane, France Garrido, and Steve Zane.
Lily Zane creates eerie and evocative collages and mixed media works of stitched silk organza and paper. Steve Zane uses a camera to piece together and illuminate the qualities of light, shade, and volume. Garrido executes mosaics that are rich in color, intention, and design using ceramic tile, glass, stone, and picassiette.
The opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Sunday July 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For more information on the gallery, go to www.hob-art.org or email director@hobart.org.
Hoboken master tailor receives visit from county executive
Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise stopped by Genuardi Master Tailor in Hoboken following the closing of a $20,000 working capital loan to the company under the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation’s Million Dollar Challenge program.
Genuardi is a recent graduate of the Hudson County Entrepreneurship training program and winner of the Investors Bank/UCEDC quick pitch competition. His business is located on Observer Highway in Hoboken, and specializes in hand tailored, custom clothing.
Genuardi has dressed two U.S. presidents and a number of CEO’s in his career as a bespoke suit maker and master tailor. The HCEDC Million Dollar Challenge is designed to help small businesses flourish in Hudson County.
By Marilyn Baer, Mike Montemarano, Rory Pasquariello, and Al Sullivan
In 2018, communities throughout Hudson County elected new officials, watched developments rise, and enacted changes in school districts, police departments, and public services. National issues such as immigration, LGBTQ rights, legalized marijuana, and the emerging new political and social strength of women found local expression. Neighbors came together in times of crisis and mourned the passing of respected public servants. As 2019 appeared on the horizon, residents greeted the new year with renewed energy and high hopes for even better times ahead.
BAYONNE
2018 was a year of transition in Bayonne. Two elections brought many incumbents back to City Hall and the Board of Education. Mayor James Davis emerged from a contentious municipal election to win a second term that will end in 2022. Development was another big story; most undeveloped properties now have buildings under construction.
Former Police Chief Jim Sisk died in September at the age of 79. Cornelius (Neil) Carroll, a former Hudson County Freeholder, athlete, and Navy vet, died at age 91. His grandson, Neil Carroll III, was appointed in November to replace former councilman Thomas Cotter on the Bayonne City Council. On Oct. 15, former U.S. Rep. Neil Gallagher died at age 97.
Bayonne received a $650,000 federal grant in May for construction of a ferry terminal on the southern shore of the former Military Ocean Terminal Base. In October, the city announced the ferry operator would be SeaStreak, based in Atlantic Highlands. The Bayonne terminal would be SeaStreak’s first in Hudson County. The rest are operated by NY Waterway.
Traffic improvements were made to major highways and local streets, including the $310 million 14A Interchange Project, completed in May, which increased toll plaza capacity from 11 to 13 lanes, extended the ramp from Interchange 14A westbound, expanded the Hudson County Extension to two lanes, and replaced the two-lane connector bridge with a new four-lane structure to Routes 440, Route 185, and Port Jersey Blvd. A new flyover ramp was also constructed from the interchange and Port Jersey Blvd. to Route 440 south.
NJ Animal Control and Rescue’s contract was severed in favor of the Jersey City-based Liberty Humane Society after NJ Animal Control and Rescue’s director came under suspicion for alleged ethics violations.
Bayonne’s Muslim community successfully challenged the Bayonne Zoning Board’s March 2017 decision to deny the group a parking variance in its effort to convert an old warehouse on East 24th Street to a Muslim community center. The group was awarded $400,000 in February of 2018 as part of an agreement with the City of Bayonne, which was required to approve the group’s center.
In April, the school board adopted a $130.7 million budget to fund the 2018-2019 school year. The school district, which is funded by the state and from 40 percent of Bayonne’s property tax bills, levies additional taxes when the cost of running the district increases including higher costs for the state’s health insurance plan, school security, updates to math and science programs, upgrading of aging facilities, a growing student population, and a low reserve of funds from the previous year.
Five people have died in four years on Route 440, including Christian Rodriguez, 22, killed on Nov. 7 by a driver who fled the scene and was later arrested. The stretch of road between 22nd and 34th streets is particularly dangerous. The fatality comes after upgrades to the 22nd Street intersection improved crossing signals and allowed more time for pedestrians to cross.
Soon after the Feb. 14 Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, the district participated in “National School Walkout” on March 14 on Avenue A. Students, parents, and faculty walked out of school for 17 minutes, one minute for each person killed in the Feb. 14 shooting. Some Bayonne students attended the national “March for Our Lives” protest in Washington D.C. the following week. On Feb. 23, Bayonne High School went on lockdown after a message circulated through social media threatening a school shooting at “BHS,” an acronym for a New Mexico high school, Belan High School, that was confused with Bayonne.
A Bayonne hockey coach and social studies teacher, David McKenna, 38, resigned his position after allegedly pointing a State Trooper’s semiautomatic handgun at two people in the coach’s locker room at Bayonne High School on Nov. 30, 2017. The fallout from the incident was felt in 2018. The gun, which was holstered and hanging in the coach’s office, belonged to an off-duty NJ State Trooper and assistant hockey coach, Richard Korpi Jr.
Project labor agreements (PLAs) are now required for all private development projects of more than $15 million that sign payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreements with the City of Bayonne. The city council passed the ordinance in February after it offered PILOT agreements to most of the major developers. A PLA is a collective bargaining agreement signed by one or more labor unions and a developer that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a construction project. Union workers support the ordinance, citing safety, fair pay, youth career building, the benefits of hiring local workers, and gender inclusion.
Landmarks of the former Military Ocean Terminal Base (MOTBY) are now gone. The iconic water tower was demolished in December to make room for 1.6 million square feet of industrial warehouse space slated for construction by 2021. Lincoln Equities Group completed its acquisition of a 153-acre site on MOTBY, called the Bayonne Logistics Center, in June. In 2007, Ports of America purchased the land and buildings. The old warehouses will be demolished, and the land raised by six feet, which will require two million tons of fill.
HOBOKEN
The city will continue to fight NY Waterway (NYW) for the former Union Dry Dock (UDD) property, which the ferry company purchased in 2017 for a refueling and maintenance facility. The city wants the waterfront site for public open space. It offered the company $11.6 million, but after NYW refused to sell, the city moved to obtain it via eminent domain in February.
This spurred NJ Transit to offer to purchase the property and lease it back to NYW, causing the city to cancel eminent domain proceedings. Despite the hundreds of residents who spoke out against NYW at a public hearing held by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), in December the USACE granted permits to NYW. The city awaits a study of alternative sites being conducted by the state.
Construction will begin next year on the new Hilton Hotel, which was approved by the city council after months of negotiations between the administration and the developer, KMS Development Partners. Developers will renovate the Frank Sinatra Post Office on First and River streets and provide $4.85 million in community givebacks. Mayor Ravi Bhalla said this would set a precedent for other developers hoping to build in Hoboken.
Washington Street is still under construction and will likely not be complete until May, 2019, despite the original summer 2018 deadline. The glacial pace is the result of ancient, below-ground, often undocumented infrastructure that causes unforeseen problems, though test pits, field surveys, and reviews of records and drawings were performed prior to construction. The original contract with Underground Utilities has ballooned from $17.5 million to $19.2 million. The project so far has cost a total of $21.9 million, which includes the $2.8 million for T&M Associates, which manages the project for the city.
The 2018 Hoboken Master Plan Reexamination Report and 2018 Land Use Element Report were finalized, addressing how Hoboken’s socioeconomic profile, population, vision, and needs have changed since the 2010 Master Plan. The plan’s objectives include more facilities and events for the arts and education, protecting historic structures, more affordable housing, nonresidential facilities in underserved areas, and reducing traffic.
Recommendations include an arts and cultural district, a linear park along the west side, enforcement of rent control laws and affordable housing rules, and flood prevention. A major recommendation of the Land Use Element is a new zoning map with seven residential zones, with height and size restrictions.
On Nov. 6 residents voted to reinstate runoff elections. The city could see runoffs as soon as November 2019, when six council seats will be up for grabs. The two top finishers in a ward race would go to a runoff in early December, if neither draws more than 50 percent of the vote.
Mayor Dawn Zimmer and her allies led the charge to do away with runoffs by public referendum in 2012.
The city council enacted marijuana legislation that would permit three medical dispensaries in Hoboken, no more than one per zone, but temporarily ban recreational dispensaries until the state votes on whether to legalize recreational marijuana. The council could revisit the ordinance if the state legalizes recreational marijuana in 2019.
Hoboken has a long history of alleged voter fraud; the U.S. Attorney’s Office in October indicted longtime Hoboken political player Frank “Pupie” Raia – a former councilman, mayoral candidate, and current real estate developer – for his alleged involvement in a vote-buying scheme in Hoboken in 2013. Raia, 67, was charged with “conspiracy to violate the federal Travel Act for causing the mails to be used in aid of voter bribery.” Hoboken resident and 2013 campaign worker Dio Braxton, 43, was also charged. Raia and Braxton both pleaded not guilty.
Several public meetings were held to discuss features of the Rebuild by Design project for flood-resistant structures and storm-water control systems to protect areas vulnerable to flooding along Weehawken Cove to the north, and in and around NJ Transit’s Hoboken rail yard to the south. The structures include floodwalls and soft landscaping such as berms and levees. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2020.
A final design for the city’s largest park will be chosen in 2019 with construction soon after. The six acres between Madison and Adams streets will be a key element in Hoboken’s flood resiliency strategy, and will manage at least 1 million gallons of storm water.
JERSEY CITY
After winning reelection by a decisive margin in 2017, Mayor Steven Fulop began his second four-year term in January, setting an agenda that included enlarging the police department, increasing affordable housing, and expanding development to portions of the city beyond the waterfront.
The 2017 revaluation of property was felt in 2018. Many longtime residents in upscale areas, who bought at low prices decades ago and were taxed under the 1988 valuation, complained when the assessed value of their homes and their taxes skyrocketed. People in poorer neighborhoods whose assessments went down or remained unchanged were also unhappy because the revaluation showed they’d been overpaying taxes for years while wealthy neighborhoods sometimes underpaid significantly.
The state returned local control to the Jersey City school district in September after nearly 30 years. Meanwhile, Jersey City teachers held a one-day strike in April, which concluded a four-year-struggle to get a new contract. The district faces a severe budget shortfall; only through reductions in other areas were teacher layoffs averted. An agreement among state power brokers resulted in massive cuts of state aid to the district. These were partially offset by a new payroll tax approved over objections from the business community.
Chief of Police Michael Kelly was sworn in to help solve a number of problems, most immediately a scandal in the misuse of off-duty police assignments. A number of officers were convicted for fraudulent activity in regard to the program. Former Police Chief Phil Zacche also pleaded guilty in January. Kelly, along with Mayor Fulop and Public Safety Director James Shea phased out the program. The police department also mourned the death of Lt. Christopher Robateau who was struck by a vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike while assisting a stranded motorist. Changes to the city prosecutor’s office and the appointment of Jake Hudnut as the new prosecutor shifted the focus to helping those charged with crimes rather than jailing them. Although gun violence was down in 2018, there were several temporary spikes, including one in late October and early November when the city reported 13 shootings in a two-week period.
In May, a new building began to rise in the Bergen-Lafayette section, signaling a giant stride in redevelopment in that area. To advance this redevelopment deeper into Ward F, the city unveiled its City Hall Annex, renaming the HUB areas as Jackson Square, a tribute to a family of farmers who once lived there. While projects continue to rise along the waterfront, other projects slated for areas near the Hoboken border took off this year, as well as a new residential building in the Hamilton Park area and a new public park. Journal Squared – the most visible building in the city – broke ground in the fall on the second tower of the three-tower project. In purchasing a building in Journal Square from the county college in January, the city took the first steps toward building a world-class performance center and creating a new home for the city museum.
The city sidestepped some of the issues encountered with redeveloping the Historic Loew’s Theater.
In June, Mayor Fulop and the city council opted to purchase a 95-acre tract along the Hackensack River, making the city its own master developer of the largest development since the Newport area in the 1980s; it has the potential to increase affordable housing stock in the city.
Pedestrian fatalities in 2017 pushed the city to begin work on a traffic plan. This would include safety developments, parking planning and enforcement as well as a bicycle master plan. In March, the city took the next steps in a proposed traffic bridge at the end of Jersey Avenue designed to steer traffic away from high volume areas near the edge of downtown. A plastic bag ban introduced in June had to be scrapped later in the year when Gov. Phil Murphy refused to endorse state legislation that would allow municipalities to charge people for using some types of bags. City officials are expected to reintroduce a version early in 2019.
In anticipation of the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana, the city created a new zoning overlay that would allow local officials to determine where marijuana could be sold. By the end of the year, no legislation was approved by the state legislature.
In April, Hudson Pride – which provides services to the LBTGQ community – relocated from Journal Square to temporary offices at Christ Hospital. The center had plans to relocate to more permanent facilities on Newark Avenue, but by year’s end, the move had not yet taken place. LBTGQ rights were highlighted at numerous events, including Pride Week and the Pride Festival in August.
In late May, Mayor Fulop supported moving the Kaytn Memorial statue from the end of Montgomery Street at Exchange Place to accommodate a new park many protestors claimed would benefit wealthy patrons of local hotels. The proposal led to a war of words between Fulop and high officials in Poland, and a chilly visit from the president of Poland. But before a referendum could be voted on, a Hudson County Superior Court judge nullified the council’s ordinance that authorized moving the statue.
NORTH BERGEN
A plan for the North Bergen Liberty Generating power plant was first announced in April 2018. The plant will channel electricity across the Hudson River to a Con Edison plant in Manhattan. Liberty Generating claims the plant will burn natural gas in a way that’s “34 percent more efficient than the average NYC fossil fuel power plant today.” It estimates the plant will create 620 long-term jobs. North Bergen officials have proposed a Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) plan, with North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco claiming there will be “no impact on residential neighborhoods and little to no strain on municipal services.” According to protestors, the facility “will emit hundreds of tons of ozone and particulate matter annually.” In 2017, Hudson was one of 11 New Jersey counties to receive an F grade in an evaluation by the American Lung Association.
The Board of Education received voter approval to fund a major expansion project on Dec. 11. The school will move forward with a $60 million bond issue to purchase the former High Tech High School campus on Tonnelle Avenue and divide the township high school into a west and east campus. Schools Superintendent George Solter announced plans to start a partnership with Hudson County Community College, so that students would be able to receive college credits prior to graduation.
The former Manhattan Trailer Court Park has been cleared to make way for a project by developer James Dematrakis. The site at 48th Street and Tonnelle Avenue will see 240 housing units adjacent to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station. On Paterson Plank Road, the Hudson Mews development will accept rental applications on Jan. 15. Six wood-framed residential buildings hold 288 units. The developer is also constructing a 1.5-acre park adjacent to the site.
NORTH HUDSON
The prospect of federal aid for the Hudson Tunnel Project remains up in the air. The $13 billion project aims to construct a new railroad tunnel below the Hudson River for Northeast Corridor use, and rehabilitate the current North River Tunnel after Superstorm Sandy caused extensive damage. The entrance will be the same for that of the North River tunnel on Tonnelle Avenue.
President Trump scrapped an agreement made during the Obama administration for the Federal Transportation Administration to fund 50 percent of the project. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo met with Trump on Nov. 28, but no further consensus was reached.
Yearly overdose deaths in Hudson County have more than doubled since 2013. Union City High School held a substance abuse awareness seminar on Jan. 25 organized by the NJ Reentry Corporation to discuss the epidemic. The panel highlighted the increased street presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin. Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal reports that statewide prescriptions for opioids have decreased, but the rate of overdoses has been increasing since 2015. According to the report, fentanyl was involved in 69 of 147 overdose deaths in Hudson County in 2017.
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and Union City Mayor Brian Stack were re-elected in May 2018 after running unopposed. Stack’s commissioners ran unopposed. Commissioner Tilo Rivas was replaced by Wendy Grullon following his decision not to run. Stack has held office since 2000; he also represents the 33rd district in the New Jersey Senate. In Weehawken, Councilwomen Carmela Silvestri-Ehret and Rosemary Lavagnino were re-elected, while Councilmen Raul Gonzalez and David Curtis took the helm of third ward and at-large seats, respectively.
In 2018, thousands of residential units were under construction in North Hudson, signaling a change in downtown areas, housing markets, and rental costs. Proximity to New York City makes the waterfront a hot location. At the beginning of 2018, Weehawken approved expanding its waterfront recreational area. By summer 2019, three new pools, a splash park, and an 11,200-square-foot pavilion that can convert into an ice rink are expected to be completed. The extended-stay Residence Inn by Marriott Hotel held an open house at the 154-room Port Imperial complex on Dec. 14. The hotel is within walking distance of the Port Imperial light rail station and ferry terminal. A 210-room Renaissance Hotel is slated to open in the same building this summer. Developer Hovnanian unveiled a complex with 278 luxury condo units on a 2.8-acre lot near the Port Imperial ferry terminal. The development, named Nine on the Hudson, is one of the largest residential structures in the Port Imperial complex.
SECAUCUS
Secaucus is a small town at heart dealing with many of the problems that urban communities face, including school district controversies, flooding, traffic woes, and crime.
The attempt by the Board of Education to fire high school Principal Robert Berkes was probably the biggest story in Secaucus in 2018. Berkes responded by filing a $5 million lawsuit against the district. In positive news, the new High Tech High School campus opened in September. The $160 million development has 70 classrooms in 350,000 square feet on a 22-acre site near Laurel Hill Park and specializes in culinary arts, design and fabrication, biomedical sciences, environmental science, media, visual arts, and performing arts, in addition to core high school courses. The school board election in November saw the reelection of Trustee Joan Cali, the return of former Trustee Barbara Strobert and the election of newcomer Mary Eccles. Patricia Smeyers, a fifth-grade teacher at Clarendon Elementary School in Secaucus, was named Hudson County’s Teacher of The Year.
Secaucus faced serious flooding at the end of the year, partly because safeguards installed during the 1970s were neglected. As many as 70 homes experienced flooding during late-year storms, an issue the city claims it will resolve early in 2019.
In January, Secaucus launched a shuttle service to the center of town for Xchange residents. While Xchange is within walking distance of the Secaucus Transfer rail station, it is still remote from the other residential and business sections.
The town also tried a shuttle service between Laurel Hill Park and the rail station for commuter parking but shut it down in November when few people used it.
In June, Uber opened a driver hub in Secaucus, competing with a number of cab companies.
In March, the town council changed municipal law to allow non-U.S. citizens to serve on its volunteer fire department. Early in the year, the town also began to enforce zoning laws in order to shut down illegal apartments, which are often fire hazards.
In June, the Secaucus medical marijuana dispensary opened, a state-approved facility that dispenses marijuana to patients with prescriptions. A month later, the town council voted to ban recreational marijuana sales, anticipating state approval that was still pending by the end of the year.
Secaucus in 2018 continued to try to persuade a supermarket to locate in town, possibly in Mill Creek Mall. In August, Secaucus officials announced a repaving program for portions of Meadowlands Parkway, paid for largely by grants.
The American Dream complex is slated to open next April, according to an August release from developers Triple Five. Formerly known as Xanadu, the site was like a mirage in the Meadowlands since construction began over a decade ago. Skepticism about its opening grew as the project cycled through developers, and opening-date promises fell by the wayside.
The complex will occupy 3.2 million square feet in East Rutherford, and will hold the largest indoor ski slope in the Western Hemisphere, a full-sized ice rink, a CMX luxury theater, a 235-foot diameter observation wheel, a DreamWorks waterpark, a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, a Legoland discovery center, and an aquarium.
Secaucus, which holds an annual fishing derby in May, saw a number of curious animal-related events during the year. A dog chasing a rabbit in Laurel Hill Park got trapped in a pipe and took more than 24 hours to rescue. In the summer, someone abandoned a goat at the Walmart on the opposite side of town. In July, several seals were spotted in the Hackensack River near Trolley Park.
A staunch community activist and strong advocate for the animal shelter and rescued animals, former Councilwoman Sue Piro, died this year.
