Former Jersey City recreation payroll clerk Angela Rivera was sentenced for fraud on Friday.
A former Jersey City Department of Recreation payroll clerk was sentenced to three years in state prison for stealing approximately $80,000 by fraudulently inflating payroll hours for certain relatives and associates.
Angela Rivera of Jersey City was sentenced by a Superior Court judge in Hudson County on Friday for the scheme. A former payroll clerk and senior analyst for the department, she will be required to pay full restitution to Jersey City and is permanently barred from public employment. She had pleaded guilty last year for second-degree theft by unlawful taking.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Rivera had stolen $80,553 from Dec. 31, 2016 through Feb. 23, 2018 by inflating payroll hours for certain former part-time and seasonal employees who were relatives or personal associates, altering the timekeeping spreadsheets for those employees and causing paychecks issued to show additional hours that they didn’t work.
A number of those paychecks were deposited into Rivera’s personal account after she forged the employees’ signatures to endorse the checks over to her, while others were deposited into accounts controlled by the employees named on the checks.
“Government officials and employees have a duty to handle public funds with honesty and integrity,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin in a statement. “If they breach that duty, we will hold them accountable.”
Rivera was a supervisor for the Housing Code Enforcement when she was charged by the Attorney General’s Office on Dec. 18, 2019, and was suspended without pay at the time.
Four relatives and associates of Rivera who allegedly took part in the scheme, Ashley Cuevas, Gabriel Villanueva and Carlos Huertas of Jersey City, and Alfred Coriano of Bayonne, were also charged by summons in 2020 with third degree theft by unlawful taking, for allegedly depositing paychecks into accounts they controlled that they knew reflected hours that had been fraudulently inflated by Rivera.
The four were suspended without pay in 2020 and were admitted by the court into the Pre-Trial Intervention program last year, subject to payment of the full restitution. If the defendants complete the program, the charges against them will be dropped.
A spokesperson for Jersey City did not respond for comment on the sentencing.
For updates on this and other stories, follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Mark Koosau can be reached at mkoosau@hudsonreporter.com or his Twitter @snivyTsutarja.
The Weehawken Township Council meets in person with a virtual option via Zoom.
Bike advocates continue their quest for a protected bike lane on Boulevard East from the Lincoln Tunnel in Weehawken, through West New York and Guttenberg, culminating at Braddock Park in North Bergen. However, they continue to face pushback from local officials as the proposal conflicts with plans underway to install angled parking on Boulevard East in a number of municipalities.
Boulevard East has been designated a “High Crash Corridor,” with federal funds allocated and a design earmarked for a protected bike lane on it. But even though Boulevard East is a county road, local officials still get a say, and they are objecting over the loss of parking.
Cycling enthusiast and Weehawken resident Cara Nasello has addressed the Weehawken Township Council at its past two meetings in February calling for a protected bicycle lane that would run through the township along Boulevard East. The protected bike lane would go on the eastern side of Boulevard East with parking remaining on the western side of Boulevard East. In response to the calls for the protected bike lane in Weehawken, Mayor Richard Turner said that it was not possible without losing a large number of on-street parking spaces.
“I don’t have children myself, but I talked to a number of my neighbors, and they all would like a protected lane that would be safer for their children to ride on,” Nasello said. “What would be great about the bike lane is that it would help connect our parks.”
The protected bike lane would run along Boulevard East connecting parks starting with Hamilton Park and the Old Glory Park in Weehawken, and Donnelly Memorial Park and Patricia McEldowney Field in West New York, before reaching Braddock Park in North Bergen.
“Green space is very limited along the cliff,” Nasello said. “There’s not a lot of open space and this would be a great way to create a scenic route on the Boulevard… It’s a good activity for a child, or even somebody a little bit older.”
According to Nasello, it can also encourage people to use bikes to commute.
“My partner bikes to work,” Nasello said. “He goes bike riding to Lincoln Harbor. From there, the traffic is really fast and it helps reduce congestion… You’re going to have more people that will feel like they can bike to work.”
Nasello also claimed the protected bike lane would help preserve the Palisades.
“Weehawken has done an amazing job conserving the cliffs,” Nasello said. “You guys just bought a property to prevent development on the cliff in our town, and I think that’s all fantastic. But I think putting angled parking on Boulevard East, you’re essentially creating a parking lot instead of a scenic route that people can bicycle on, enjoy the history of the road. Rather than that, let’s create something for the people.”
A rendering of the proposed protected bike lane via Bike Hudson County.
Mayor Turner rejects proposal
In response, Turner said the protected bike lane would result in a loss of on-street parking which would be unacceptable.
“We would all like to have bike lanes,” Turner said. “But the the problem is, we will lose so many parking spaces.”
According to Turner, 275 parking spaces would be lost with the installation of the protected bike lane on eastern side of Boulevard East. He said part of the problem is the extension of curbs at intersections exacerbating the loss of spaces.
“At the minimum, if we put an exclusive bike lane, we will lose a minimum of 275 parking spaces from the Speedway up,” Turner said. “We’re subtracting spaces based off what the county would do with the intersections on the West side and the intersections on the East side. When the county talks about their intersections, they require no parking within 25 feet, that would be a new requirement. If the intersection and the bus stops have to go from 50 feet to 100 feet, we lose another 80 to 85 spaces. That’s the county count of parking spaces, so the neighborhood would lose 275 parking spaces. While we would love to have bike lanes, our infrastructure doesn’t permit it… There’s no place for the residents to park. That’s the problem.”
Nasello countered that parking would not be lost to the degree that Turner asserted.
“A protected bike lane on the northbound side does not remove any parking in that section,” Nasello said. “It would be great for people coming down to Lincoln Harbor by bicycle.”
Turner noted that was near Lincoln Tunnel, making that a difficult area.
“I appreciate that, but there’s no way,” Turner said. “That’s a very difficult area to close lanes down.”
According to Nasello, limited parking spaces would be lost to the protected bike lane in Weehawken, citing the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. Turner disagreed, maintaining that over 200 parking spaces would need to be nixed and added that removing the parking would force people to park elsewhere overnight.
“If you start forcing 275 regular residents into the inner neighborhoods, you’re going to have problems,” Turner said.
He added that Weehawken is in the “oldest, densest area of the country with a very old infrastructure. It’s very hard to accommodate everything. People want more parking spaces than we have.”
Emanuelle Morgen of Bike Hudson County also asked Turner to support the protected bike lane, later clarifying to the Hudson Reporter that Weehawken would actually lose 101 spaces per the NJTPA plan. At the meeting, Turner again argued that Weehawken would lose hundreds of parking spaces, losing at least 87 spaces on the west side and 175 on the east side of Boulevard East.
A map of the proposed protected bike lane on Boulevard East from Weehawken to North Bergen.
Nasello persists bike advocacy
The debate continued at the next meeting on Feb. 23, when Nasello again asked the council to consider the protected bike lane on Boulevard East and other transportation safety concerns. She said that she and other Weehawken bike advocates had taken a community ride on Monday, Feb. 21 around the area, gathering petitions of those in favor of the protected bike lane. The petition asks the council to pass a resolution supporting the “complete street” design featuring the protected bike lane.
In response to Nasello asking if to meet with the council and neighbors over the bike lanes, Turner said it was a “non-starter” and reiterated that the township cant give up the hundreds of parking spaces. Nasello again argued that less than Turner’s claim of 275 parking spaces would be lost.
“I do not believe that,” Turner said. He added that it would be too complicated and “too much” to install bike lines with the intersections on Boulevard East.
Nasello concluded: “It seems that we in Weehawken take parking our cars on public streets over the health and safety of human beings and animals.”
Turner disagreed, stating that’s not what he said. He clarified that he and the council are concerned about traffic safety, but when it comes to Boulevard East, parking takes priority over bike lanes.
Nasello agreed to disagree on the issue but asked about meeting with the council regarding other initiatives, such as a three way stop sign at the intersection of Hudson Place and Highwood Avenue. Turner instructed her to email the details to his office.
Throughout the exchanges between Turner and Nasello, it was hard to hear at times due to an echo over Zoom. Nasello said she would be at the next meeting in person to continue discussions and told Turner that he would be hearing from other bike advocates.
The Weehawken Township Council will meet next on March 9 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall at 400 Park Avenue. There is also a virtual option to watch via Zoom. For more information, go to weehawken-nj.us.
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.
Jonathan Haughey-Morales, via the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.
Jonathan Haughey-Morales, a 30-year-old of West New York, has been convicted on all charges relating to a shooting in North Bergen in 2019 that killed Carlos Garcia and seriously injured three others.
A jury convicted Haughey-Morales on charges including first-degree Murder, three counts of second-degree Aggravated Assault, third-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation, and second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, March 2 before Judge Patrick Arre following a two week trial. On Sunday, May 5, 2019, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the North Bergen Police Department responded to a report of shots fired at 2033 46th Street in North Bergen.
Responding officers found four individuals, including an unresponsive male with an apparent gunshot wound to his torso, shot in the home. The male, later identified as 40-year-old Carlos Garcia and the additional victims, including two males and one female, were all transported by Emergency Medical Services to Jersey City Medical Center.
Garcia was pronounced dead at approximately 4:25 a.m. Haughey-Morales was identified as the suspect wanted in connection with the shooting and apprehended in South Whitehall Township, Pa., the following day.
Haughey-Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, May 6. The State was represented at trial by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Najma Rana.
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.
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 disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
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 disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
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 environmental@secaucus.net.
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.
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 mkoosau@hudsonreporter.com or his Twitter @snivyTsutarja.
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 disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
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 disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
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 disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
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