Secaucus adds time-restricted parking on Paterson Plank Road

April 14, 2022

04seccouncil21 — Time-restricted parking will be added in front of J&V Hot Bagels and Deli. Image via Google Maps.

Secaucus is adding a number of time-restricted parking spaces on Paterson Plank Road.

The Town Council has recently adopted an ordinance adding the multiple time-restricted parking spaces on one of the main thoroughfares through town. The council voted to do so at its April 12 meeting.

Town Administrator Gary Jeffas explained the ordinance at the request of Mayor Michael Gonnelli when it was introduced at the March 22 council meeting.

“We have a new bagel shop at Huber Street and Paterson Plank Road,” Jeffas said. “This is just adding two fifteen-minute spots.”

In addition to the 15-minute timed spaces near the new J&V Hot Bagels and Deli, there will also be another time-restricted space across the street.

“The police reviewed it, and they’re taking a little space off of the fire house, the yellow at the fire house, because it was more than what was needed,” Jeffas said. “They’re adding a spot there. And they’re making another fifteen minute spot in front of the store, and one fifteen minute spot across the street in front of the apartment complexes there.”

According to Jeffas, the Traffic Division of the Police Department reviewed the changes and have given it the okay.

“The police looked at that and they felt it was doable,” Jeffas said. “And it would help the owners of that location out and the other stores in that area.”

The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance. The council will meet next on April 26 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at Town Hall at 1203 Paterson Plank Road. For more information, go to secaucusnj.gov.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Weehawken bonds $2.8 million for more municipal pool upgrades

Hudson Reporter

April 14, 2022

04weecouncil21-01 — The municipal pool will see some finishing renovations under the newly approved bond ordinance. Photos courtesy of the township of Weehawken.

The Weehawken Township Council has adopted an ordinance issuing bonds for various capital improvements, mainly for upgrades to the municipal pool in the waterfront recreation complex.

The council voted unanimously to adopt following a public hearing at its April 13 meeting.

Mayor Richard Turner said the approximately $2.8 million bond was intended to help fund planned improvements to the township’s municipal pool.

“This is all funding for the pool complex and some other improvements,” Turner said. “We will be getting reimbursed from various county and state grants.”

Pool complex improvements

At the March 23 council meeting, Turner had explained the bond ordinance further. He said that half of the bond will be covered by county and state grants, and millions of more are anticipated to help the project in the coming years.

“This is a bond ordinance required by state law,” Turner said. “It is basically for $2,800,000. $1,600,000 is from the state of New Jersey Green Acres funds. We expect over the next two or three years to apply Hudson County Open Space funds to this. It’s really not tax dollars… We will be adding, over the next two years, another $2,000,000.”

According to Turner, the bond will help finance improvements to the pool, ranging from retaining walls to the rip-rap on the shoreline.

“It is for various improvements,” Turner said. “The largest is around the pool complex. We have the retaining walls, the rip-rap that goes around the pool complex. Some of it has deteriorated so that has to be replaced, which is very expensive. Also, we have a clean up around the pool, and some various other improvements. But most of it is the rip-rap… They would bring in large boulders to shore up the shoreline.”

Some funds will also go toward the construction of the “bubble” over the pool. Previously, the township had bonded toward the “bubble” as well as to overhaul Weehawken Stadium among other improvements.

“That work will hopefully go out to bid,” Turner said of the aforementioned pool complex upgrades in the April 13 bond ordinance. “Some of it is also for the ‘bubble,’ the infamous ‘bubble’ that we want over our pool. Various parts come from various countries, and you can’t get them in these countries right now. So hopefully we’ll have it ready for September. And that will basically complete the pool and the water aspect of the park. “

Following that, the township will focus on the next aspect of the recreation complex: “Then we will move on to the ice skating.”

The Weehawken Public Library will see some modernization upgrades following a recent township bond.

Library renovations incoming

Also at the March 23 meeting, the council adopted a $1.4 million bond ordinance for library renovations. Library Board Director Holly Pizzuta explained the intent behind the upgrades which aim to modernize many aspects of the facility.

“The library applied for the New Jersey State Library Construction Bond Act to replace our outdated HVAC system, repair or replace exterior windows, replace old light fixtures with energy efficient lighting, enhance the library electrical delivery system to accommodate more outlets, improve public workstations to meet greater technological needs, such as adding work station outlets and USB ports, and increase our Wi-Fi capacity,” Pizzuta said.

The project totals $1,428,000, according to Pizzuta. However, the township has received a grant from the state totaling $714,000, which the township has to match and will do so through this bond. Pizzuta explained the library was only renovated once in its decades-long history.

“In September of 1942, the library opened its doors and remained virtually unchanged until a renovation in 1997,” Pizzuta said. “This renovation and expansion was completed in 1999. The improvement to the building took place before people carried multiple devices with them. More and more people are coming to our library to use our Wi-Fi and need to plug in their devices. None of our rooms have sufficient outlets, causing people to stretch cords and create tripping habits. This project will help our library meet the demands of the 21st Century library users.”

“More important, you’ll have an HVAC system that works,” Turner quipped. He said though it is largely being reimbursed, the bond is essential in order to expend the grant funds which the township has already received.

Turner continued: “We’re very proud of our library. It’s one of our central operations we have in the township for all ages. “

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Secaucus man seriously injured after fire

Hudson Reporter

April 11, 2022

04secfire21_ — A photo of the window in the fire apartment, courtesy of the Secaucus Fire Department.

The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, the Secaucus Fire Department, and the Secaucus Police Department are investigating a fire that left a 56-year-old man with serious injuries.

At approximately 2:34 p.m. on Friday, April 8 the Secaucus Police Department and the Secaucus Fire Department received multiple smoke detector notifications from a fourth floor residence at 777 Fifth Street.

Upon arrival, the Secaucus Fire Department found heavy smoke in apartment 406 and a 56-year-old man inside the unit with life threatening injuries.

The man was transported to Hudson Regional Hospital and then transferred to the West Chester Medical Center Burn Unit where he remains in critical condition.

The fire was contained to the single unit and the Cause and Origin remain under investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, the Secaucus Fire Department, and the Secaucus Police Department.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Bergen employee charged with illegally recording conversations of coworkers

Hudson Reporter

April 11, 2022

04nbemployee21 — North Bergen Town Hall is located at 4233 Kennedy Boulevard.

An employee with the Township of North Bergen was arrested on Friday, April 8 on charges relating to conversations she recorded of her colleagues without their consent, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Jennifer Jimenez, a 24-year-old of North Bergen, was charged with one count of third-degree illegally tape recording conversations.

She was arrested without incident at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City and released on a summons.

Jimenez is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

The investigation revealed the recordings were done as a result of an ongoing personal dispute and did not pertain to any official government business, operation, or function.

Prosecutor Suarez credited the HCPO Special Investigations Unit with the arrest.

The above charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Secaucus support for Ukraine continues

Hudson Reporter

April 7, 2022

04secukraine14-1 — The town has raised the Ukrainian flag and lit up the Christmas tree with the flag's colors. Photos by Mark Koosau.

Secaucus continues to offer its support, both symbolic and material, to Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion.

“Over the last month, the people of Ukraine have suffered unimaginable horrors of the war,” Mayor Michael Gonnelli wrote in the town’s monthly newsletter.

Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes, families have been torn apart, lives lost, and the country has been ravaged by Russian troops who more recently have been accused of war crimes.

“While the war was not started by citizens of the country, they are the ones who feel the repercussions most severely,” Gonnelli wrote. “I ask the residents of Secaucus to collectively pray for peace and for a return to normalcy in Ukraine.”

Secaucus has installed signs around the town to show solidarity with Ukraine and have lit the tree in the center of town with the colors of the Ukrainian flag. The town also partnered with North Bergen to collect donations of much-needed supplies for Ukrainians affected by the war.

“We cannot directly impact the current direction of events in Ukraine, but we are doing all we can to show our support for Ukrainians,” Gonnelli wrote.

The gazebo, Christmas tree, and flagpole are located in downtown Secaucus, off of Paterson Plank Road.

Residents step up to help Ukraine

Additionally, many organizations in town, volunteer groups at the Secaucus High School, and employees of the town have been working hard to gather supplies, sort donations and find a way to send much-needed items to Ukrainians who have been displaced or otherwise affected by the war.

“While our donation drive was successful, we had to find a way to send these supplies to the impacted regions,” Gonnelli said.

The town eventually connected with an organization started by Aleksandra “Sasha” Chmerkovskiy called “Baranova 27.” The charity is named after the address where sons her sons Maksim and Valentin grew up. Maksim and Valentin, former Dancing with the Stars participants, are actively oversaw the shipment and distribution of donated supplies to the Ukrainian region, according to the town.

As of March 24, Secaucus donated 15 palettes of supplies to Ukraine. Items include: 562,000 pairs of nitrile gloves; 208,000 surgical gloves; 5,000 face shields; 3,600 white coveralls; 8,125 clear reusable masks; 2,400 medical gowns; 20,000 washable three-ply adult masks; and 20,000 washable three-ply kids masks.

The Ukrainian flag flies just below the American flag in Secaucus.

Offering support in any way

And while the town is not currently collecting donations for Ukrainians, it is continuing to offer support in other ways.

“We are currently working on gathering more supplies on the list of items needed and will send out another shipment soon,” Gonnelli said. “Under Baranova 27’s supervision, these items are being shipped to areas where Ukrainians have taken refuge.”

In an interview with the Hudson Reporter, Town Administrator Gary Jeffas confirmed that the town was no longer collecting supplies for Ukraine. However, residents and local businesses have been making donations of medical supplies to be sent overseas.

“We have some businesses who’ve made donations of medical supplies, face masks, sanitizer, things like that, that are in need,” Jeffas said. “They have gone out, and another shipment is going out soon of that stuff.”

According to Jeffas, the issue was finding ways to get non-medical supplies to those who need it in Ukraine.

“We are no longer collecting things like clothing because it’s been harder to get to organizations to ship the things out,” Jeffas said. “They were looking for more of the medical necessities, those were taking precedence.”

As the war rages on, Gonnelli asks residents to continue to pray for peace in Ukraine: “Secaucus stands with Ukraine. Please join me in praying for peace and the end to the war.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Secaucus extends outdoor dining until November

Hudson Reporter

April 6, 2022

04seccouncil14 — Local establishments like Bareli's Restaurant and Bar utilize outdoor dining in their parking lot under Secaucus' resolution permitting it. Photo courtesy of Bareli's at 219 Route 3 in Secaucus.

The Secaucus Town Council has unanimously approved a resolution extending the period in which local establishments can provide outdoor dining.

The council previously adopted a resolution allowing food or beverage establishments in town to use the outdoor dining since June 15, 2020, through the use of “Temporary Outdoor Dining Special Event Permits”

The move came after the stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic was lifted and many local businesses began to open up again. While many social distancing restrictions made indoor dining difficult, outdoor dining gave establishments a chance to serve extra tables at a time when customers were needed the most.

In July of 2020, the council adopted a resolution extending the time limitation on certain dates. In August, the council extended permits through October with the passage of another resolution.

In October, the outdoor dining was extended until November of 2020, through another resolution okayed by the council. In December of 2020, the council passed another resolution extending outdoor dining to be permitted until March 31, 2021. It was again extended to November 30, 2021 through a later resolution passed that year.

While the council did not act on it since then, as winter ends and spring beckons, the council is again extending outdoor dining. This time, the extension will last until November 30, 2022.

According to the resolution, no fee will be required by the town for a “Temporary Outdoor Dining Special Event Permit,” any UCC permit, or other Construction Department required permits related to the outdoor dining extension during this period. Outdoor dining operations are permitted from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in adherence with all capacity requirements.

Permits may be revoked by the Town of Secaucus in their discretion for non-compliance, the resolution states. According to the resolution, the move aims to further support local businesses and the local economy during this ongoing and recovering state by extending the outdoor dining option in accordance with legislation and guidance.

Establishments take advantage of outdoor seating

In an interview with the Hudson Reporter, Town Administrator Gary Jeffas explained that this was a continuation of the existing outdoor dining policy.

“When restaurants were reopening and the state allowed it, the town authorized it back then,” Jeffas said. “So it’s been a continuing authorization ever since that time thus far.”

Jeffas said that there are a number of Secaucus eateries and other establishments that make good use of the outdoor dining.

“We definitely have a few restaurants that have outdoor seating,” Jeffas said. “It’s one of the reasons we even continued it, because a few restaurants make use of it. It’s probably down to two or three now, the way Secaucus is situated. But there’s definitely a few places that wanted to have it continued, so we wanted to help them and make sure that they’re not hurt by any continuing COVID issues, whatever we can do to make them survive. We didn’t want to work against anybody.”

In regards to if Secaucus would make it permanent thing such as North Bergen has, Jeffas said there is nothing in the works right now but that the town is always open to helping local businesses.

“The mayor and council are always open to the success of the businesses,” Jeffas said. “It’s probably a discussion that would be had if it made sense. Some of them are using their parking lots, so it becomes an issue of never having parking available again for the location. But the mayor and council always do whatever they can to help people survive.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

‘Your Children’s Future’ slate supports zero percent increase to tax levy

Hudson Reporter

March 31, 2022

04wnyslate07 — The "Your Children's Future" slate supports the proposed budget. From left to right: Jonathan Castaneda, Ana Sanchez, and Douglas Velasquez.

The “Your Children’s Future” slate has announced its support for a zero percent change to the school tax levy in the West New York School District.

The three candidates, Jonathan Castaneda, Ana Sanchez, and Douglas Velasquez, running under the vision and slogan of “Your Children’s Future”, all voted in favor of this budget at the public hearing of the Board of Education on March 29.

The nearly $171 million budget proposal will add no additional burden to the town’s taxpayers while still funding educational programs, staffing needs, and building upgrades, according to the slate. And both the budget and the slate of incumbent trustees will be on the ballot in the April election.

“I am very proud of the budget that we have adopted, as it ensures that West New York taxpayers do not have to face an additional burden during these difficult economic times,” said Castaneda. “As Chair of the Finance Committee, our team worked tirelessly to craft a budget that limits the burden to taxpayers while providing the necessary funding to ensure that our educational programs are funded, to secure the necessary investments that will remove the barriers caused by aging facilities, and to continue providing our children with the best opportunities for continued success in their future.”

“This budget has an additional $1.1 million allocated towards special education – a major priority for our team. It also includes investments in educational programs and instructional resources for teachers,” said Sanchez. “I couldn’t be prouder to have supported this plan for our students in West New York.”

“The $4 million increase that we allocated towards facilities will go towards enhancing our school buildings,” said Velasquez. “With health and safety at the forefront of our agenda, this budget will truly benefit every child in this district and address many of the challenges West New York faces.”

The “Today’s Children, Tommorrow’s Future” slate features (from left to right) Vipul Parekh, Dorinne Auriemma, and Jose Valdez.

‘Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s Future’

In addition to the three incumbent trustees running for re-election, another slate running under the slogan “Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s Future,” are grouped under Column B. Running on that slate are Dorinne Auriemma, Vipul Parekh, and Jose Valdez. While there are Board of Education elections in North Bergen and Weehawken as well, they are only for the proposed budgets.

“We are the only district that is running contested elections,” Parekh said in a recent statement “while North Bergen and Weehawken school districts incumbents are unopposed. Voters will also be asked to approve a $171,100,853 budget that comes with no increase in the local tax levy. The budget is $40 million less that last year, when spending and federal relief increased because of the coronavirus. My team and I ‘Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s Future’ will fight for your children’s future each and every step of the way. Vote Column B!”

Board of Education election will take place on April 19. Polls will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. at all regular polling sites throughout town. To check voter registration, go to https://bit.ly/3Ix6vEr for the most up to date information. To find a voting location, visit https://bit.ly/3spw84C.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue promote five

Hudson Reporter

March 31, 2022

04nhfire07 — Image via North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue.

The North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue held a promotion ceremony for five members on Monday at Fire Headquarters.

The members that were promoted were James J. Corso to Deputy Chief, Adrian A. Prunes to Battalion Chief and Zachary T. Zellner, Vincent A. Caruso, and Roberto Ortiz to Captain.

“These members represent the absolute best of our department and are more than deserving of promotion,” said NHRFR Chief Michael Falco. “Every day, our members put their lives on the line to protect the people of North Hudson and ensure that their property is safe. I am incredibly proud of these members as well as everyone that is involved in the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue.”

In attendance at the promotion ceremony were North Bergen Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, North Hudson Board Member, Anthony P. Vainieri, Jr., Executive Director Jeffrey Welz, Executive Director Michael DeOrio, Communications Director Joseph Isola, Chairman of the Management Board Provisional Chief of Department Michael Falco, Deputy Chief Daniel DeOrio, and Deputy Chief Daniel Fresse.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

NJCU Leadership Awards to be Celebrated May 31

Hudson Reporter

March 31, 2022

New Jersey City University (NJCU) has announced that the 2022 NJCU Leadership Awards— the institution’s annual celebration of those who have made a lasting impact on society in the Jersey City and the greater Hudson County area — will be held on Tuesday, May 31, at 6 p.m. at the Liberty House, located at 76 Audrey Zapp Drive in Jersey City.

Presented by the NJCU Foundation, this year’s theme will be Celebrating Transformational Impact, and the university will honor four individuals in the categories of Service, Arts, Innovation, and Legacy.

Beginning the week of March 28, NJCU will unveil one honoree per week. For more information on the 2022 NJCU Leadership Awards and to purchase tickets, visit, njcu.edu/gala.

The first honoree this year will be New Jersey Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight, recognized in the Service category. Originally elected in 2015 as the first African-American Assemblywoman for the 31st District for the State of New Jersey, McKnight is currently serving her fourth term in the State Legislature where she was appointed Assembly Deputy Majority Leader this session.

In the legislature, McKnight serves as Chairwoman of the Assembly Aging & Senior Services Committee and Vice Chairwoman of Assembly Women & Children Committee, while also sitting as a member of the Assembly Homeland Security & State Preparedness. This month, she was named the new chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation.

“On a daily basis, I am given the opportunity to make an impact,” McKnight said when asked what inspires her to be a leader. “I decided to live a life of service to others. Whether I am helping one person or many people, I choose to help and support as I can. I am a firm believer that people make time to do what they want to do. Your legacy is created by your actions!”

Outside of Trenton, McKnight is also a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA). Additionally, she is the founder & CEO of the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization AngelaCARES, Inc. AngelaCARES, Inc. headquartered in Jersey City — whose mission it is to serve as an advocate and support system for senior citizens, their caregivers, and a mentor to the youth by educating and empowering them to volunteer, thus strengthening communities by enhancing the quality of life through these generations.

McKnight has a demonstrated history of service to her community. Certified in the New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), she has served as Vice-chair of the Greenville Community Partnership, Chair of the Hudson County Long Term Recovery Committee, Advisor for PURE I.M.A.G.E.S., Inc., Chair of the Hudson County Long Term Recovery Committee, Advisor of Forever Girls Inc., committee member on Lutheran Senior LIFE Advisory Committee, Board President of Member of Alliance Community Healthcare, Advisory Council for the RSVP Center of Essex & Hudson Counties, Board Member of the Jersey City Community Charter School, Board Member of United Way of Hudson County, Advisory Board Member of Jersey City Public Schools Community Schools, Vice Board Chair of Jersey City Community Charter School, Advisory Board Member of NJCU Health Sciences, Honorary Member of the Jersey City Golden Door Rotary Club, Treasurer of Black Wall Street Jersey City and an Advisory Board Member of Jersey City Write on Sport.

“Leadership is when a person inspires, educates, and empowers others to do their best individually and with a team, as well as provides support along the way,” McKnight said in defining leadership. “To me, being a leader gives me the opportunity daily to nurture others. A leader encourages a person to capitalize on their strengths and identify their weaknesses to grow. As a leader, I have the ability to listen, to communicate with transparency, promote creativity, support, gain further knowledge to apply and the ability to promote self-accountability.”

Her passion and drive to help others and her community and her belief in helping, mentoring, empowering, and supporting as key factors in making a positive impact in peoples’ lives, has been celebrated as the recipient of numerous awards throughout her life.

McKnight is a mother of two and grandmother, resides in her hometown of Jersey City with her high school sweetheart.

About the NJCU Leadership Awards

Launched in 2018, the NJCU Leadership Awards were conceived to honor, promote, and encourage exemplary efforts by individuals and organizations who have made and continue to make exemplary contributions to our society. NJCU last held the leadership event in 2019, before the 2020 and 2021 events were canceled due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Past honorees include 2018 honorees Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop (Service), Angelo J. Genova, Esq., Senior Partner, Co-Founder and Chairman, Genova Burns, Attorneys-At-Law (Innovation), Stefania Panepinto, Founder, Panepinto Galleries (Arts), and the late Thomas Stanton, Jr., a Jersey City banker, visionary and prime mover committed to the renaissance of his hometown (Legacy, awarded posthumously); and 2019 honorees Hon. Frank J. Guarini (Service), Meredith Burns, Executive Director, Art House Productions (Arts), Joseph F. Scott, FACHE, Executive Vice President, Health Care Transformation, RWJ Barnabas Health (Innovation) and the late Glenn D. Cunningham, Former Mayor of Jersey City, 2001-2004 (Legacy, awarded posthumously).

About the NJCU Foundation

NJCU is wholly dedicated to offering the best, most affordable education to its students, as well as state-of-the-art facilities and campus amenities that augment learning and support personal development. Philanthropic giving is key in making this happen. The NJCU Foundation Board of Directors empowers this work by guiding philanthropic endeavors and serving as ambassadors for NJCU.

NJCU Foundation’s mission is to support New Jersey City University as it transforms itself into a nationally recognized leader in urban public education while maintaining its commitment to transforming the lives and livelihoods of its diverse student body.

Three men charged in connection with Weehawken drug investigation

Hudson Reporter

March 30, 2022

04acdrug07 — Images courtesy of the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

Three men from Hudson County have been arrested following a drug investigation in Weehawken, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

On Thursday, March 24, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Municipal Task Force and Narcotics Task Force, the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Union City Police Department arrested Nicolas Mora-Daza, a 24-year-old from Union City, Christopher Gonzalez, a 33-year-old from Union City, and John Perez, a 31-year-old from Weehawken, regarding the sale of illegal drugs.

The arrests were made following a one-month investigation involving the sale of cocaine to an undercover officer on multiple dates, according to authorities. Additionally, a court authorized search warrant of a residence in Weehawken resulted in the recovery of approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $125,000.

Mora-Daza is charged with first-degree Distribution (cocaine); first-degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine); five counts of second-degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) Within 500 Feet of Public Property; five counts of third-degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) Within 1,000 Feet of a School; second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine); third-degree Resisting Arrest; three counts of second-degree Distribution (cocaine); and two counts of third-degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).

Gonzalez is charged with first-degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine); second-degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) Within 500 Feet of Public Property; second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine); and third-degree Resisting Arrest.

Perez is charged with Possession with first-degree Intent to Distribute (cocaine); third-degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine); second-degree Possession with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine) Within 500 Feet of Public Property; second-degree Conspiracy to Distribute (cocaine); and third-degree Resisting Arrest.

The defendants were transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending their first court appearance. The above charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Task Force, the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, Homeland Security Investigations, the Weehawken Police Department, the Union City Police Department and the UCPD K-9 Unit with the investigation and arrests.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].