West New York to close 52nd Street as parking deck construction continues

March 1, 2022

03wnyparking10 — West New York is closing 52nd Street as work on the adjacent former parking lot continues to transform it into a parking deck. Image via Google Maps.

The town of West New York has announced the closure of 52nd Street until further notice as the next phase of construction begins on the new parking deck. The street will be closed to all thru traffic from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting on March 2.

“I am very excited that we are finally beginning the next phase of this major construction project,” said Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez. “This is just one of our many parking infrastructure upgrades that will greatly increase the number of spaces available to both residents and visitors. We appreciate West New Yorkers’ patience and understanding during this road closure, and will do everything possible to expedite the work and minimize any additional disruptions to the surrounding community.”

Previously construction on the new deck at the site of the former surface parking lot between 51st and 52nd Streets had been limited to underground. However, according to officials, a decision was made to temporarily close 52nd Street completely to allow for progress to be made quicker.

The town also noted that there had been some concern from residents that the lot had been sold to a private interest. Part of the site is being redeveloped into a 14-story residential building called The Grand at 508 51st Street, which will be one of the tallest buildings in town on completion in addition to a planned twin 14-story building nearby on 52nd Street.

As part of the plans, Secaucus-based developer National Realty Investment Advisors (NRIA) has partnered with the town to construct the new parking deck. According to NRIA, approximately 60 percent of the 495 parking spaces can be used by residents. West New York echoed that the new parking deck will be available to both the general public as well as private sector employees.

For any questions or more information, call the West New York Parking Utility during business hours at (201) 295-1575.

Virtual parking permits

The town has also moved to make parking easier. As part of Phase I of West New York’s Parking Green Initiative, all parking permits will now be available for purchase online. Drivers will be able to register their vehicles at a new Permit Portal located on the WNYPU website.

“The WNYPU consistently strives to find new ways to improve parking in our community,” said Rodriguez. “In addition to our numerous upcoming parking garages, this new online system will allow everyone to park much more easily and conveniently while reducing our impact on the environment.”

Users are now able to upload a picture of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of residence from any computer, cell phone, or tablet. Customers can create a free account at wnyparkingutility.t2hosted.com.

Parking permit confirmations are delivered via email. Customers will have access to permit history. According to the town, rates have not changed and customers can save time by avoiding paperwork and standing in line. The town also highlighted as a green parking effort to reduce the town’s Carbon Footprint.

Residential and visitor permits are still available over the counter during office hours. Visit the parking utility website for permit requirements. For anyone without internet access or after office hours, pay stations are still available at 224 60th Street.

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].

Union City unveils MLK Jr. monument in Ellsworth Park

Hudson Reporter

March 1, 2022

03ucmonument10 — The new monument is dedicated to MLK, Jr. at Union City's Ellsworth Park.

Union City officially unveiled the city’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument on Monday, February 28. The monument was revealed on the chilly morning on the last day of Black History Month at Ellsworth Park, located at Palisade Avenue and 23rd Street.

Students from Sarah Gilmore Academy and members of the Junior ROTC from Union City High School were present alongside city and school district officials for the unveiling. The event was led by Union City Commissioner of Public Affairs Lucio Fernandez.

“We honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in commemoration of Black History Month,” Fernandez said.

Prior to the unveiling, Chief of Police Nichelle Luster spoke briefly on the importance of the monument.

“I can’t think of a better way to end Black History Month than dedicating this to a great civil rights leader,” Luster said.

According to Luster, the U.S. has made strides thanks to King, Jr., but there is still work to be done.

“I had a conversation this month with a few young men of color,” Luster said. “We sat down and we talked about what their perception of society, and policing, and different things in New Jersey and the United States. It was clear to me based off our conversation that we need to do better. This shouldn’t be about a moment or a month. There needs to be continued communication and work to make things equal for all.”

Ralph Passante, representing the Union City Board of Education, echoed Luster stating: “This is not just about a moment, this is about making permanent, enduring change for the better. I think it’s particularly important in a city like Union City where we have so many people of color, that we honor a civil rights icon like Dr. King. Also I think it’s important we remember his legacy is one of peaceful protest and unity. Especially with the situation that’s going on in Ukraine right now, I think that’s something we should all bear in mind.”

Passante thanked Mayor Brian Stack and the commissioners for having the statue installed.

Commissioners applaud new statue

Commissioners Maryury Martinetti, Wendy Grullon, and Celin Valdivia each spoke about their pride in the new statue.

“Union City is a place where we come together,” Martinetti said. “All different races are here. There’s not a better place to have this monument of Martin Luther King, who stands for unity, equality, and civil rights. It’s a great day in Union City history to have this monument for this wonderful person.”

“This is a proud day for Union City,” Grullon said. “We are so honored to have this monument here. This will honor the legacy and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And it’s a way to continue promoting diversity, compassion, and love in our community,”

“Martin luther King was never an elected official, but in my opinion, historically, he’s as big as all of the presidents we have had in the United States,” Valdivia said. “His movement was historical, getting civil rights for all of us, and he opened the doors for all of us. Most of the kids here are from Hispanic countries. He opened the doors for all of us, with equal rights. Always remember your history, and be proud of your country.”

After the speeches by officials, one eighth grader read a portion of MLK, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Then students unveiled the statue, which was designed by Marco Designs, according to Fernandez.

Mayor Stack was on his way to the event but was unable to attend due to emergency, according to Fernandez. However, Fernandez said Stack sent his regards to all who attended the unveiling.

“It was his idea several years ago to have this done,” Fernandez said.
“We are very proud of our mayor for getting this done for our community.”

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 to keep compost program after success in 2021

Hudson Reporter

February 24, 2022

03seccompost03 — Some composting sheds are moving location, but the pilot program has been renewed after success in 2021.

Secaucus will keep its composting program following its successful launch in June of 2021.

Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council authorized the pilot program last year, with five separate sheds collecting food scraps from the public. Following robust participation and its resounding success, the program will continue with hopes of major expansion in the future and a few minor changes to locations, the town announced in its monthly newsletter.

Since the installation of the compost sheds, the town has seen approximately 200 participants. Over the course of the last six months, local participants diverted more than 9,300 pounds of food scraps into Community Compost Company’s system. As a result, the food scraps were processed into certified organic compost instead of ending up in landfills.

In 2022, the composting drop-off shed locations at Mill Ridge Ball Fields, Fountain Park and Harmon Cove Towers will remain the same. The Shetik Field shed has been relocated to The Cove Club at Harmon Cove, on the curb facing Hudson Regional Hospital behind the new Dog Park.

The shed at Xchange will be relocated from Laurel Hill Park to Riverside Station Blvd., next to the SMUA pumping station. All changes aim to make it easier for participants to drive up and drop off compostable materials.

Composting at community gardens

In addition to the CCC composting sheds, the Secaucus Environmental Department also encourages all Community Garden participants to use the compost systems located at each garden. The Department also conducts informational and training programs throughout the year. The programs are listed at green.secaucusnj.gov as they are scheduled.

“Composting is a climate mitigation strategy that everyone can take part in, so get involved in 2022 and become part of the solution,” said Eileen Banyra, president of Community Compost Co. “Whether it’s your backyard, a drop spot, or your community garden’s compost bin, your banana peels, eggshells and coffee grinds will help restore the soil’s health for growing nutrient rich food and reducing emissions generated in landfills. We are honored to partner with Secaucus to offer support and ensure the success of the food waste recycling program in 2022.”

Register for the free program online at secaucusnj.gov/compost. For more information, contact the Secaucus Environmental Department at 201-864-7336 or [email protected].

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].

A tale of two Newports

Hudson Reporter

February 21, 2022

03jcnewport03_0 — Councilman Yousef Saleh spoke at a virtual meeting with Newport residents regarding their neighborhood concerns and issues. Photo by Mark Koosau.

A number of residents and Jersey City council members held a virtual meeting recently to discuss the issues and priorities aroused after the recent re-warding changes that created new boundaries affecting the Newport community.

The meeting was organized in the wake of the newly adopted ward map, which made significant changes across the city. In Newport, the new boundaries split the neighborhood, with the northern section being moved to the Heights-based Ward D, while the rest of Newport remaining in the Downtown-based Ward E.

A number of residents in the community have spoken previously about their concerns regarding the map changes. Those in Ward D that are worried about how their interests will be addressed in a ward whose character is very different from Newport.

Councilmen Yousef Saleh and James Solomon of Wards D and E respectively said that although Newport is now split, the two have a good working relationship and will be able to tackle issues in the community together.

“What I envision is [that for] any Newport related issues, the two of us will basically be tackling it together,” said Solomon. “So hopefully, you get two for the price of one.”

The Newport meeting came after recent re-warding changes in Jersey City affected the neighborhood. Photo by Mark Koosau.

The two then took a variety of questions from the residents regarding Newport. One resident named June asked how flooding will be addressed in the area.

“What actions while we’re in Ward D will it take to make sure that the waterfront area, which is where I live, will get enough help in case of any flood?” asked June.

Saleh said that contrary to popular belief, they do have flooding up in the Heights and that he’s explored the issue there, such as separating the storm sewers and building a new pump on 18th Street. He put his support behind green infrastructure such as bioswales, bike lanes and composting.

“We do believe in climate change, we believe it’s real – that there are going to be deleterious impacts towards society if we do not act,” said Saleh, who also said that he and Solomon will tag team on the issue.

Another resident, Rishi Sadrangani, asked about upgrading the current greenery they have in the city such as Van Vorst Park and Liberty State Park.

Solomon said that they are working to upgrade existing parks such as redone dog runs in Hamilton Park and Van Vorst Park, expanding the farmer’s market at the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, and completing Cole Street Park.

He also talked about future projects such as upgrading a small park on 16 Street and Erie by adding pickleball and basketball courts, and bigger projects such as the Sixth Street Embankment (although it’s currently stuck in a legal battle between the city and the owners of the land).

Quality-of-life issues were also discussed at the meeting, mainly on noise disturbances. One resident talked about drag races at the Target parking lot in the summer, while another mentioned loud and frequent helicopters over the summer as well.

“I’ve experienced it,” said Saleh regarding the helicopters. “I’ve seen it with my own very eyes. I’ve seen people’s legs dangling out of the helicopter, because they climb up through the western slope area, like the western side of the Heights, and they are really, really close to residential buildings.”

Saleh and Solomon both referenced a movement called “Stop The Chop NY/NJ” that has been organizing to ban nonessential helicopter flights in the New York Metropolitan Area.

Councilman James Solomon said that he and Saleh will work to tackle Newport-related issues together. Photo by Mark Koosau.

The last question asked by resident Kavita Thager was that with several upcoming buildings in the area if there would be any plan with the developers or builders to take care of community infrastructure.

“This area is going to host more people,” she said. “To cater to them, we do need some other facilities like where do we go grocery shopping, where will our kids go, and the safety of the area, now the parks are going to be crowded.”

“I think this is an area where you know, just being frank, I think the city needs to do a better job,” answered Solomon. “I don’t think we have done as good a job as we should have matching development infrastructure. So I think developments are not a bad thing, but you have to plan well for it.”

Solomon said that he and Saleh have talked about needing a new school to cover both Newport and the area north of the Holland Tunnel, but noted that it could be a couple of years before that can happen (a project that would have provided a school in Downtown was nixed by the developer, according to a report from the Jersey Journal).

He then said that they’re open to ideas and suggestions from the residents. “We do these meetings to understand what the core needs are, and then when a developer does propose a project, we can try to see if we can either require or work with them on their ability to provide some of those public goods,” said Solomon.

Thager followed up by asking if there could be any communication or transparency from the developers, to which Solomon replied that while they usually reach out to them and can get their plans, many of the projects don’t need the city council’s approval and had received their zoning approvals many decades ago.

“We can absolutely get you the basic information on what they’re building, what’s in the project, what the sort of renderings and designs look like,” he said.

For updates on this and other stories, follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Mark Koosau can be reached at [email protected] or his Twitter @snivyTsutarja.

North Bergen makes it easier to hire entry-level law enforcement

Hudson Reporter

February 18, 2022

02nbBoC24 — Mayor Nicholas Sacco swears in four new police officers in late January.

North Bergen has made it easier to become a police officer.

The North Bergen Board of Commissioners has adopted an ordinance amending the hiring practices for entry-level law enforcement officers. The board voted unanimously to do so at its Feb. 9 meeting.

According to the ordinance, the hiring practices of the township are governed by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission and the New Jersey Administrative Code. On Feb. 4, 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law amending the Civil Service Act to permit municipalities to hire police officers who have not taken the civil service law enforcement examination, but are otherwise qualified.

New hiring practices for entry-level officers

“That allowed towns to hire police officers, even if they hadn’t taken the civil service exam, provided they take a course that is known as the full Basic Police Course for Police Officers,” Township Counsel Tom Kobin previously said regarding the ordinance.

Under the new state law, which took effect in August of 2021, hiring authorities will be permitted to appoint candidates who have successfully completed the full Basic Police Course at a school approved and authorized by the New Jersey Police Training Commission. According to Kobin, if someone had taken that course, the township can hire them even though they didn’t take the civil service exam.

On Jan. 18, 2022, the legislature amended the law, and opened it up to include other positions such as sheriff’s officers, corrections officers, county police, and other law enforcement, Kobin said. Under the amended law, Kobin said that the township can also hire officers prior to them taking the full Basic Police Course.

These officers will be temporary employees standing for the force with pay. Then, when they complete the course, if they meet all other requirements, the township can convert them to a permanent employee. However, the amended law doesn’t kick in until later in the year. So the ordinance will phase in when it becomes effective, according to Kobin.

‘More reflective of the community’

Mayor Nicholas Sacco said the ordinance aims to help the police department better represent residents.

“The genesis of the law is to make the force more reflective of the community,” Sacco said at a commissioners meeting in January.

According to Sacco, the township already has a residency requirement for the police force. However, North Bergen is looking to bring more residents onto the force “without having to go through the strenuous test,” he said, adding that it would be on a case-by-case basis.

“We’re pretty diverse as it is right now,” Sacco said. “This doesn’t hurt us, it helps us.”

“I think it’ll help us tremendously,” Police Chief Peter Fasilis added.

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 council bonds $2.6 million for recreation facility upgrades

Hudson Reporter

February 17, 2022

02weecouncil24 — The Weehawken Township Council met in person and virtually on Feb. 9.

The Weehawken Township Council has adopted an ordinance issuing bonds for $2.6 million for various municipal projects, including recreation facility upgrades and new police equipment.

The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance at its Feb. 9 meeting. Approximately $1.6 million would go toward recreation improvements among other park upgrades, according to Mayor Richard Turner.

Of the nearly $1.6 million, approximately $800,000 would be for the resurfacing of Weehawken Stadium and another approximately $600,000 would be for the installation of the “bubble” over the pool. The remaining approximately $200,000 would go toward the various park upgrades.

“We’re putting the bubble over it for fall, winter and early spring,” Turner previously said of the improvements to the municipal pool complex.

The “bubble” may not be ready this year until after the weather renders it unnecessary, but may likely be ready by next winter.

In regards to the resurfacing at Weehawken Stadium, “It’s artificial turf,” Turner said at the Feb. 9 meeting. “We got almost 13 years out of it, they’re only supposed to last for about nine. But we stretched it and now we’re putting in a new surface.”

Turner said construction would start as soon as the weather allows.

“We have to try and get it done before the middle of March when baseball season starts,” Turner said. “If not, we’ll make arrangements with the neighboring town, as we let them come to our stadium when they’re doing their repairs and resurfacing.”

Other various improvements

According to Turner, the rest of the bond “is for various improvements throughout the township.”

Under the bond ordinance, approximately $980,000 would go toward communications upgrades to the Weehawken Police Department.

“We are upgrading our communications within the police department,” Turner said. “Unfortunately, that’s very expensive, but it must be done.”

Another $20,000 is included in the bond that will support the purchase of new furniture for the police.

“The other part is for furniture for the police annex,” Turner said. “The total bond will be $2.6 million.”

At the same meeting, the council also cancelled an ordinance banning right turns on red at 51st Street and Boulevard East. The policy is already in effect but the council thought it had to renew it, which is not the case.

“We adopted it right during the onset of the pandemic, then everything fell apart,” Turner said. “We don’t have to adopt it yet. We thought we had to renew it but we don’t have to renew it. The previous ordinance we adopted years ago will be in effect.”

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].

Union City babysitter charged with endangering welfare of 2-year-old

Hudson Reporter

February 17, 2022

02ucbaby24 — Raquel Bravo, image via Prosecutor's Office

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit has arrested a 24-year-old woman on charges relating to an incident in which a 2-year-old girl was injured while under her care.

Raquel Bravo, a 24-year-old from Union City, has been charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a crime of the second degree.

She was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 16 by members of the Special Victims Unit at her Union City residence and remanded to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending her first court appearance.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office was notified of an incident in which a 2-year-old girl was injured. An investigation by the Special Victims Unit determined the child suffered injuries to her back and thigh in Union City while under the care of her babysitter, Raquel Bravo.

Prosecutor Suarez credited the Special Victims Unit with the investigation and arrest.

The above charge is merely an accusation 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 supports plans for new Meadowlands Parkway Bridge

Hudson Reporter

February 11, 2022

02seccouncil17_1 — The current Meadowlands Parkway Bridge, images via Google Maps

The Secaucus Town Council has approved a resolution supporting plans to improve the Meadowlands Parkway Bridge and approach roadways in the municipality.

“There’s a bridge on Meadowlands Parkway, right next to the Harmon Cove townhouses,” Town Administrator Gary Jeffas told the Hudson Reporter. “It goes over the Norfolk Southern rail lines.”

According to Jeffas, the town is transferring ownership of the bridge to the county as part of the plans.

“We own it currently, but the county is going to be taking the bridge over eventually. They’re working with us and the state on a design to replace it. It’ll be transferred to the county at some point in time, either during or once the work is completed.”

Designs are currently underway for what will be a replacement bridge. However, the county has held public hearings on the matter and a design is near finalization.

“They’re in design on that, and that’s why we had the resolution to support the to continue their efforts to design a replacement of that bridge,” Jeffas said. “It’s about a seven-year project.”

The county estimates the project will take about seven years or so, from design to building it out, according to Jeffas. He described it as a long-term project, which would be funded in some way by the county.

“We’re thankful for the county,” Jeffas said. “They’re doing a lot of parts on the bridge reconstructed. So that’s a big expense in and of itself.”

The county taking on the expenses lifts the burden off the town, which has already been making repairs to the bridge over the years.

“We made some repairs on it a few years ago with some grant money so the bridge is in good shape through its reconstruction,” Jeffas said. “Kind of like a long-term plan for that to happen.”

The existing bike lane on Meadowlands Parkway in Secaucus.

Adding a bike lane

The designs call for a full replacement of the bridge, according to Jeffas. The new bridge will be adding a walking and bike lane to the bridge.

“We’re looking to add a walking and bike lane to the bridge so that people from Harmon Cove Towers would be able to link up to walkways on the Meadowlands Parkway. Eventually, people will be able to walk in front of Harmon Cove townhouses on Meadowlands Parkway and then that would connect and go over the bridge. You would be able to walk over and then potentially walk down to the train station. Or bike to the train station via Seaview Drive.”

Secaucus currently has a bike lane on a portion of Meadowlands Parkway southbound near the Osprey Cove redevelopment and it connects to the path around Hudson Regional Hospital. The lane, the town’s first, was constructed in 2016 utilizing a $400,000 grant from the Meadowlands Commission.

According to Jeffas, the town is looking to add more in the future. The intention is to use grant funds to support the installation of the bike lanes.

“We have put an application in for a grant a few times,” Jeffas said. “We just haven’t been successful in getting it right now.”

The idea was actually to get a bike lane along Seaview Drive for the purpose of meeting up with a bike lane before the existing Meadowlands Parkway Bridge, over the new bridge, and all the way down to the train station along Scenic Drive. While the grants weren’t successful, the town is looking into alternatives.

“We are going to be repaving that road soon,” Jeffas said. “So we did ask our engineer to look at it, and see if in our repaving process, it was wide enough to potentially work in some sort of bike lane.”

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].

West New York supports cannabis company seeking to open in town

Hudson Reporter

February 10, 2022

02wnyboc17 — The Mayor and Board of Commissioners met via Zoom on Feb. 9.

West New York is supporting a cannabis company seeking to open a recreational dispensary in town, and town officials are open to possibly endorsing another entity. At its February meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution supporting the location and operation of a Class 5 Retail Cannabis Facility.

The dispensary, if licensed by both the state and the town would be operated by Nile of NJ, LLC, doing business as Nile Cannabis.

The resolution only allows Nile Cannabis to seek a necessary operating license from the state, and subsequently a municipal license from the town, but does not guarantee anything.

Cannabis industry in West New York

In 2021, West New York was one of the municipalities in Hudson County that adopted an ordinance permitting recreational cannabis establishments.

However, the ordinance only allows one recreational cannabis establishment in town. It must be strictly retail; cultivating, manufacturing, business-to-business distribution, wholesale, or delivery to consumer operations from the facility are prohibited.

The dispensary would be located within the newly formed Cannabis Overlay Zone. The zone encompasses properties currently designated C-R Retail Service Commercial on Bergenline Ave., between 49th and 55th streets.

Any cannabis dispensary will be required to submit an application for a license from the town, accompanied by a fee of $6,000, with all necessary documentation. The annual license renewal fee, payable on the first day of January of each calendar year, is $15,000.

The ordinance imposes the allowable two percent tax on the sale of cannabis. Unique to West New York’s cannabis regulations, establishments cannot use imagery or representations of a marijuana leaf. No retail cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia can be displayed in any storefront window.

Medical dispensaries permitted too

The town also adopted another ordinance last year permitting medical cannabis dispensaries in town.

The ordinance does not specify a limit to the number of medical cannabis licenses as the ordinance for the recreational cannabis licenses did. However, it must also be a retail dispensary, not any other type of establishments.

The dispensary would be permitted in the Controlled Waterfront District. The district runs along Anthony DeFino Way and the Hudson River from West New York’s border with Weehawken around 51st Street, to its border with Guttenberg around 67th Street.

Just like a recreational dispensary, a retail license application fee from the town is $6,000, and renewal fees are $15,000. This ordinance also imposes the allowable two percent tax on the sale of medical cannabis.

Reluctant commissioner votes yes

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution, although commissioner Yoleisy Yanez voiced her concerns about the potential dispensary.

“I am going to give a reluctant yes, because I’m not completely comfortable with this,” Yanez said. “I want to support my Commissioners and my Mayor, but at the same time I need to make sure that we implement all the measures necessary to make this function in the way it should be in a community like ours.”

Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez assured Yanez that the rules and regulations for the establishment would be strictly adhered to.

“Obviously, every step of the way, our authorities, police department, and everything having to do with the regulation on the state and local level would be honored,” Rodriguez said. “We’ll make sure that this is taken with the utmost importance.”

The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution supporting Nile Cannabis.

Other entities interested in WNY

Joshua Perez Alejandro congratulated Nile Cannabis for getting support of the town and thanked officials for supporting the industry. Alejandro also asked for the same for his cannabis company, Dio’s Garden.

“We also have an interest to operate in West New York,” Alejandro said. “The background of our company was based around community. We wanted to work with the community of West New York and assist with the implementation of the cannabis industry. I want to encourage the Commissioners and the Mayor of West New York to open inclusiveness in this industry. I think it’s positive to have competitiveness.”

Alejandro continued: “I do understand there’s some reluctance to the industry, but I believe a positive industry and an economic industry is good with competitiveness and not just one license being distributed. It also provides an opportunity to spread the wealth across the community, and not just only to one company.”

In response, Rodriguez said that, while the board has approved this resolution supporting Nile Cannabis, it is still accepting letters of interest from potential cannabis establishments.

Town open to competitiveness

“If you’d like to send us a letter of interest, we would be happy to entertain that, as well as if you have a presentation you would like to share with us,” Rodriguez said. “We’re open to that as well. The way it goes is, that we have to put a resolution for any organization to then apply for their license. Once we submit a resolution, it allows for them to apply for their license if and when they’re granted. It’s absolutely a competitive process.”

Rodriguez said that Dio’s Garden could do the same as Nile Cannabis and the town would also pass a resolution supporting the company.

“Any party that we feel we may be interested in doing business with, we’re going to put on a resolution in order for them to apply,” Rodriguez said. “If and when you were to supply a letter, and maybe get a presentation from you, if its feasible, we would be happy to provide the same.”

Alejandro thanked Rodriguez and said he would work on getting the letter and presentation to the Mayor’s Office as soon as possible: “I would love the opportunity to present my business plan along with my partners and introduce you to Dio’s garden and what we have to offer.”

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].

West New York man arrested with murder for fatally stabbing roommate

Hudson Reporter

February 7, 2022

02wnymurder17 — Edman Arnulfo Chipix, via the Prosecutor's Office

A West New York man wanted in connection with the death of 25-year-old William Chipix Simon was arrested on Sunday, Feb. 6, by members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit.

Edman Armulfo Chipix was arrested without incident at the Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City.

Chipix, 20, was charged with Murder, a first-degree crime; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose; a third-degree crime; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a fourth-degree crime.

Chipix, a roommate of the victim, will be housed at the Hudson County Correctional Facility in Kearny pending his first appearance.

Fatal stabbing

On Feb. 6, at approximately 5:15 a.m., the West New York Police Department responded to the area of 6414 Dewey Avenue in West New York on a report of an injured male.

The responding officers found an unresponsive male victim in an apartment at the location with an apparent stab wound to his upper torso.

The injured male, later identified as Simon, was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 6. The cause and manner of death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez credited the Homicide Unit for the investigation and arrest with the assistance of the West New York Police Department.

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].