At the heart of the issue is the fact this vote could change how rent increases are calculated ?for vacant apartments, which would affect both renters and landlords.Â
With rents going up fas??t in Hoboken, this issue has, understandably, sparked much debate.Â
Renters are worried it could make housing even more expensive, while landlords argue that they need it to h?elp maintain their properties.Â
As Election Day gets closer, it’s important to under?stand what this vote means and how i?t could affect the future of housing in Hoboken.
Hoboken’s rent control law, enacted in 1973, regulates rent increases ?for residential?? units, particularly older buildings.Â
Under the current system, landlords can only raise rent by a small amount each year based on the cost of living adjustmen??t (COLA).Â
Doing so helps protect tenants from sudden and drastic rent hikes, making the city mor??e affordable for ?long-term residents.
However, there is an exception known as “partial vacancy decontrol.”
If a tenant leaves voluntarily, landlords can raise the rent by up to 25%—but onl?y once every three years and only if no increase has been made in that time.Â
This system has existed for years, but the new referendum seeks to make a major ch??ange.
If it passes,?? landlords could raise rent to mark??et prices (which could be much higher) anytime a unit becomes vacant.Â
In return, they would have to pay the cit?y a one-time fee of $2??,500.Â
Ideally, the money would go into a fund meant to help create affordable housing in Hoboken, but no clear plans have been shared about ?how or when that money would be used.
Tenants and housing advocates are concerned that this change ??will make r??ent in Hoboken even more expensive.Â
They argue that allowing landlords to raise rent without limits when a unit becomes empty could make it harder for people to afford to live in the city, especially with rents?? already among the highest in the country.
Some renters also worry that landlords might pressure tenants into leaving to ??take advantage ??of the chance to raise rent.Â
Not to mention, there have already been s??tories from renters saying they feel like their landlords are trying to push them ou??t, and this new rule could make things worse.
So, tenant groups encourage p??eople to vote “No�to keep the current rent control rules in place.
Landlords, on the other hand, are in favor of the new propos??al.Â
They argue that the current rent control rules make it hard for them to ke?ep up with rising costs and property maintenance.
According to landlord advocates, the ability to raise rents to market rates when a unit becomes vacant wou?ld provide much-needed financial flexibility. With this in place, they argue it would help them maintain and improve their buildings.
They say the $2,500 fee would also contribute to affordable housing initiatives, which could help address the city’s housing crisis.Â
Advocates also claim that without th??is flexibility, Hoboken’s housing stock could deteriorate because landlords wouldn’t have the funds to make necessary repairs and upgrades.
If you’re a Ho??boken resident and want to have a say in this critical issue, here are the important dates to keep in mind:
One of the major discussion?s surrounding this vote is about how the referendum was originally worded.Â
The language was written by a landlord-??backed group and was criticized for being misleading.Â
Hoboken’s City Council s??tepped in and voted to change the wording to make it clearer for voters.
Origina?lly, the ballot wording ma?de it seem like the main goal of the change was to help affordable housing.Â
In reality, the change is mostly about allowing landlords to raise rents withou??t limits when tenants move out.Â
Thankfully, the updated wording reflects ??this more clearly, so voters can understand exactly what they’re voting ??on.
Here’s a breakdown of what each vote means:
As Hoboken heads into the November 2024 election, the rent control referendum has become one of the most important and h??otly debated issues on the ballot.Â
Both sides have strong opinions, and that’s why it’s so important for Hoboken resident??s to understand the issue before heading to the polls.Â
Make sure you’re registered to vote by October? 15, 2024, and don’t forget that early voting begins on October 26, 2024.Â
Your vot?e could make all the diffe??rence in shaping Hoboken’s future.
]]>And while airplane noise can be a concern for nearby residents, we can’t ignore how much this airport contributes to the area.
It keeps businesses running, supports necessary medical flight??s, and injects a significant amount of money into t??he local economy.
So, while the noise i??s a real issue, there’s much more to the story about what Teterboro offers.
Teterboro Airpor?t? is a huge part of making sure Bergen County and North Jersey run smoothly.
Without it, the local economy would suffer, as the aviation business in Teterboro brings major benef???its to the area.
Across the U.S.,? general aviation (like business jets) supports $247 billion in economic activity annually and provides more than a million jobs.
I??n New Jersey alone, general aviation airports generate over $2.3 billion for the economy, with Teterboro Airport making up nearly half of that.
Not only does it help businesses thrive, but it’s also essential for emergency medical flights, serving the region’s hospitals.
Business aviation, especially at Teterboro, helps comp??anies in the area run more ??smoothly.
It allows businesses to fly directly where they need to go, make multiple stops ??daily, and car??ry important tools or equipment.
And this flexibility is a ga?me-changer, especi??ally for small businesses.
In actual fact, 57% of business aviation support small companies with 500 or fewer employees, helping them?? perform better than their competitors who don’t use this service.
W?hile Teterboro Airport?? is a big win for the local economy, it does have some issues, especially noise.
Understandably, nearby residents have complained about loud planes disrupt??ing their lives.
Thankfully, the airport, Port Authority, and FAA have take??n steps to address this.
They’ve introduced new flight paths that steer planes over less populated ar??eas, encouraged quieter flying techniques, and used specific runways that cre??ate less noise.
On top of that, Teterboro has quiet hours between 11 p.m. ??and 6 a.m., which helps? reduce disruption at night.
Many of the planes flying out of Teterboro now meet or exceed the strictest noise regulations?, also known as Stage 5, which shows the airport’s commitment to reducing noise.
However, it’s important to continue balancing the noise issue while allowing the airport to ??provide the economic benefits it brings? to the area.
There’s no denying that noise from the airport is a problem for some residents, but only focusing on the negatives ignores how much Te??terboro contributes to the local economy.
Working with the Port Authority, FAA, and local community leaders, solutions are being developed to reduce noise without affecting Teterboro’s economic benefits to Bergen County and North Jersey.
It’s all about balance—taking care of the community’s needs while letting Teterboro continue its role in helping the area’s economy thrive.
]]>Located at the bustling intersection of Washington Street and Columbus, this new addition to the neighborhood promises a premium sh??opping experience wit?h an extensive range of products and services.
Whether you’re a long-time Whole Foods fan or a curious newcomer, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.
Nestled in the heart of Jersey City, the new Whole Foods store on Washington Street and Columbus Drive is easily accessible for local residents and com??muters.
The store’s modern design is welcoming and functional, featuring wide aisles and strategically placed departments for a seamless shopping experience.
One of the first things you’ll notice upon entering is the vibrant produce department, followed by well-marked sections that guide you through the store effortlessly.
Let’s now cover all store sections so you can know your way around. H?ere’s what you can ex??pect:
Whole Food in New Jersey is known for its carefully curated section for grocery items. Yo?u can fi??nd aisles filled with daily essentials from Whole Foods Market’s 365 brand, including:
Shoppers can find s??weet treats like dark chocolate almond butter cups and discover a treasure trove of over 1,000 local products. Highlights include:
The produce section at Whole Foods in Jersey City is a feast for the ?eyes and the palate. It boasts an impressive array of certified organic, conventional, and Sourced-for-good offerings from more than 1??2 local farms.
Among the standout items are:
This dep??artment is designed for those who prioritize fresh, high-quality produce. It ensures that your kitchen is always stocked with the best seasonal ingredients.
One of the most exciting parts of the new store is the prepared foods department, which offers a wi??de variety of ready-to-eat ??meals for diverse tastes.
Here, you can find:
For those craving something more customizabl??e, the pizza station is a hit. It allows you to enjoy a slice while you shop.
There’s also a chef’s case where you can order “market plates,â€?choosing from a variety of entrée and side options, such as salmon, roasted chicken, and homestyle macaroni and cheese.
This section is perfect for busy individuals and families who have no time to visit Jersey City restaurants. These meals are convenient, delicious options that do not compromis?e quality.
The standout feature of the Jersey City Whole Foods is the full-service counters, which provide an array of f?resh, high-quality optio??ns.
L??overs of fresh sushi will find products from Kikka, while pasta aficionados can enjoy handmade fresh pasta from Severino Pasta Company, bringing a taste of Italy to Jersey City.
Whole Foodsâ€?Jersey City store excels in providing convenient meal solutions without compromising on quality. The “market plates” available in the chef’s case allow customers to choose from a variety of entrées and sides, such as:
The frozen meal section is an??other highlight?, packed with plant-based options, sides, and full meals that are ideal for quick and easy dinners.
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome meal after a long day or stocking up for the week, this section has something for everyone, making it easier than ever to enjoy nutritious meals at home.
Jersey City Whole Foods�Whole Body department is a treasure trove for he?alth and beauty enthusiasts.
It features a la?rge selection of wellness and beauty items like the Raise the Bar line of facial, hair, and skincare products from Pacha Soap Company, which are exclus?ive to Whole Foods Market. Customers can also find:
This department also emphasizes supporting ??local businesses, showcasing 15 bran??ds offering unique and high-quality products.
Jersey City’s Whole Foods offers several specialty sections that add to the store’s unique shopping experience.
The store’s backyard section is dedicated to outdoor items and seasonal goods, perfect for those who love to entertain or simply enjoy their outdoor space.
The store also provides everyday essentials?? from Whole Foods Market’s very own 365 brand, covering all your daily needs, from pantry staples to household items.
Sweet Treats and Artisan Bread:
Coffee lovers will appreciate the fresh ground coffee options from local roasters such as Paper Plane Coffee Co., bringing a rich, aromatic experience to your morning ?routine.
To en?hance the shopping experience, Whole Foods Jersey City offers several additional services aimed at convenience and quality. The self-serve hot food bars are extensive, featuring a variety of cuisines that make it easy to grab a quick, satisfying meal on the go.
For those with busy schedules, the grocery pickup service is a game-changer. Simply place your order online and pick it up at your ??convenience, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience. Additionally, the floral department offers a wide selection of floral winter greens and other seasonal flowers, perfect for brightening up your home or gifting to loved ones.
And that’s a wrap for the Whole Foods Market in Jersey City, guys! This grocery store has so much to offer, whether you’re looking for daily essentials or artisan-baked crackers.
Conveniently settled at the intersection of Washington Stree?t and Columbus Drive, Whole Foods was welcomed by locals with open arms.
Did you check it out already? Let us know! We’re always interested to hear what locals have to say. Stay safe, and have a good one!
]]>Of course, navigating the rules, finding available spots, and understanding the permit system can be overwhelming for resi?dents and visitors.
But we’re here to help you with that. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this guide will break down everything you need to know about parking in Jersey City â€?from permits and garages to street parking tips.
Let’s jump straight in.
In a nutshell, the Jersey City Parking Authority (JCPA) ma??nages all things parking in Jersey City.
They oversee everything from the city’s parking garages to on-street parking rules and permits. The JCPA’s mission is to make parking in Jersey City as hassle-free as possible, which we all know can be challenging sometimes.
On their website, you can find out where to park, how much it costs, and even apply for permits â€?all in one place. And if you have any questions, they’re just a phone call or email away.
Parking garages are a great option if you’re looking for a guaranteed spot. The JCPA operates several conveniently located garages throughout the city, offering hourly and monthly rates.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $5 per hour for parking, or if you’re a regular, monthly permits range from $150 to $300, depending on the garage and its location.
Some popular JCPA garages include the Grove Street Garage and the Marin Boulevard Gara?ge; both have easy acce?ss to downtown Jersey City.
Oh, and private garages are also available, but their rates and policies can vary, so it’s best to check beforehand.
On-street parking in Jersey City can be a bit trickier. Therefore, pay close at??tention to signage, as parking rules can change drastically from one block to the next an?d even throughout the day.
Some areas have residential permit parking programs, which restrict parking to residents with valid permits â€?so don’t get caught out!
Metered parking is also common, and according to the JCPA, you’ll usually be paying between $1 to $2 per hour. Thus, check the time limits on meters, as overstaying your welcome can result in a hefty fine.
But there’s good news: the JCPA website has all the current parking rules, including street cleaning s?chedules and special event restrictions �a quick check could save you a lot of hassle.
If you’re a resident or frequent visitor to Jersey City, it’s probably worth applying for a parking permit. The Jersey City Parking Permit Application can be completed online through the JCPA’s website.
You’ll need to create an account, select the type of permit you need (resident, visitor, or temporary), and provide the necessary documentation.
For residents, this typically includes proof of residency, such as a lease agreeme?nt or utility bill.
And for visitors, it may require information about your host or emplo?yer in Jersey City.
Once your application is submitted, the JCP?A will review it, and you will be email??ed with the decision.
A resident parking permit can be a lifesaver for residents living in designated z??ones. It allows you to park in your neighborhood without worrying about time limits or feeding the met??er.
But the benefits go beyond convenience. In some zones, a resident permit? may also grant you prior??ity access to parking spaces during peak hours or special events.
To be eligible, you’ll typically need to provide proof of residency, such as a lease agreement or utility bill, along with your vehicle registration showing a Jersey City address.
The current cost of a Jersey City resident parking p????ermit is $15 per year �a small price to pay for convenience, right?
However, keep in mind that eligibility requirements and zone boundaries can change, so it’s always best to check the JCPA website for the latest information.
Finding on-street parking in Jersey City can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haysta??ck, but with a few tips, you can increase your chances of success.
Your first port of call, which might be obvious, is to explore less busy side streets, e??specially those further away ?from popular destinations.
So, it’s worth noting that neighborhoods like Journal Square and The Heights generally have ?more readily availab??le street parking than downtown areas.
As a result, if you plan to park in Jersey City and these areas aren’t too far out of your way, it’s worth checking them out for a better chance at finding a spot.
Although, sometimes, just be?ing patient does the trick. If you loop around the block a few times or wait a few minutes for someone to leave, you might just land a space, even ??in the busiest areas.
Lastly, think about using parking apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile to find and re?serve available spots in advance.
Side Note: Do you need a place to stay in Jersey City? If so, we’ve got you. Our list of comfortable Jersey City hotels will make your stay a breeze.
So, there you have it �your roadmap to naviga??ting the sometimes tricky world of Jersey City parking.
With this information, you’re on your way to avoiding frustrating parking searches and hefty fines.
Without a doubt, a little planning, a dash of kn??ow-how, and a willingness to explore different neighborhoods can make all the?? difference.
Now, go ou??t there, enjoy Jersey City, and find ??your parking spot with ease!
Bonus tip: After you’ve found your parking spot, why not explore some of its hidden gems? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Jersey City.
]]>As both sides exchange barbs, the community calls for urgent action and improve??d oversight.
Let’s unpack this drama to see what’s happening and how it might pan out fo?r everyone involved.
Things are heating up between Hoboken and Hudson County officials––they’re going at it over some serious drainage problems on Park Avenue caused by recent road resurfacing efforts.
The trouble began when county workers accidentally sealed off c??ritical sump pump drains and trenches during the work. Ever since, the exchanges between both sides have been nothing short of sharp and crit?ical.
Hudson County Execut?ive Craig Guy admitted that mistakes were made during ??the roadwork but stressed that the County has been working to fix the problems.
He explained the steps the Co?unty has taken since the issues were first reported, like unclogging the blocked drains and cleaning out catch basins on Park Avenue.
Despite Guy’s reassurances, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is still unhappy with the County’s response.
Bhalla has expressed frustration over what he sees as a slow and inadequate reaction to the problems, especially with Tropical Storm Debby ap?proaching, which could bring heavy rain to the area.
Mayor Bhalla has been very critical of how Hudson County has handled the Park Avenue roadwork, poi??nting out three major problems that ar??e worrying residents:
These issues, combined with the heavy rain, have already led to more flooding than usual on Park Avenue, worrying both residents and ?city officials.
Mayor Ravi Bhalla is upset with Hudson County’s handling of Hoboken’s drainage woes, calling it “completely unacceptable.” He’s pointed out that they ignored earlier warnings about the problems.
County Executive Craig Guy hit ?back, sayi?ng they fixed the issues fast. He mentioned that they cleaned up the drainage basins on Park Avenue and sorted out the sump drains quickly.
Guy also slammed Bhalla’s claims about poor inspections as “unfounded and dishonest.” The back-and-forth has only ramped up the tension, with Bhalla pressing for more to be done and Guy insisting they’ve done enough.
As the disagreement between Hoboken and Hudson County officials continues, there is growing press??ure to resolve the issues quickly to regain public trust and ensure the safety of Hoboken residents.
Mayor Bh?alla is pushing for an independent inspection team to give an u??nbiased view of the project and recommend what needs to be done.
N??ow, Hoboken residents hope their concerns will be addressed before another big storm hits, potentially turning the city’s streets into flood zones.
Although the Mayor’s office and ??the County are expected to keep working on solutions, the ongoing tensions suggest this issue is ?far from settled.
For more Hoboken news, read about the man charged with “Free Palestine” graffiti.
]]>Dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson,” this event challenged aviation norms and showcased the captain’s extraordinary skills.
More than 15 years later, we look back at this iconic moment in aviation history and explo?re its?? lasting impact on the industry and the public.
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 experienced the unthinkable: dual engine failure minutes after takeoff from New York’s LaGuardia Airport that ended with a plane in Hudson river.
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger made the split-second decision to land the plane on the Hudson River, a maneuver fraught with risk but ultimately the only option to save the lives aboard.
Miraculously, all 155 passengers and crew survived the splashdown, thanks in part to Sully’s adept piloting and the rapid response of nearby boats and emergency responders.
The rescue operation was a show of human solidarity and efficiency. Ferry operators, Coast Guard vessels, and emergency teams converged on the scene, braving the frigid? waters to ensure every soul was saf?ely brought to shore.
Amid the chaos, passengers stood on the wings of the sinking plane, a vivid?? tableau of vulnerability and hope.
This seamless coordinat?ion of effort?s underscored the event’s miraculous nature, turning a potential tragedy into a story of survival and heroism that captivated the world.
At the heart of the Miracle on Hudson stood Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, whose calm demeanor and expert piloting instantly catapulted him into the annals of heroes.
A veteran aviator with over 40 years of experience, Sully’s decisive action and mastery under pressure were pivotal in averting what could have been a catastrophic tragedy.
His remarkable skill in gliding the aircraft onto the water’s surface showcased not just his profound expertise but also his courage. In the aftermath, Sully became a symbol of hope and resilience, embodying the best of human potential in the face of dire adversity.
In the years following the Mir??acle on the Hudson, the aviation industr??y embarked on a journey of introspection and reform.
Capt??ain Sully’s heroic water landing underscored the critical need for enhanced safety protocols and sparked significant changes in?? aviation regulations and pilot training programs.
By 2024, these reforms have become deeply embedded in the fabric of aviation safety, leading to more?? rigorous bird strike awareness and prevention methodologies, as well as advanced simulator training for pilots, preparing them for rare but potentially catastrophic scenarios.
The incident also activated improvements in engine durability and stricter inspection routi?nes, ensuring that aircraft are better? equipped to withstand bird strikes.
Furthermore, the role of crew resour??ce management (CRM) has been magnified, promoting greater communication and teamwork among flight crews—a testament to the seamless coordination between Captain Sully and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles during the crisis.
These enhancements reflect a bro??ader commitment within the industry to learn from past incidents and proactively safeguard against future emergencies. Not every captain can land a plane in the Hudson River, and protocols are required to avoid these incidents.
Fifteen years after the Miracle on the Hudson captivated the world, th??e stories of those who lived through it continue to? resonate.
These real survivor tales not only ??echo the harrowing moments of survival but also reveal the profound, lasting impact the event has had on their lives.
The story of the Miracle on the Hudson doesn’t just belong to history books; it continues to ripple through our collective consciousness, a beacon of human tenacity and ingenuity.
It’s not merely a tale of survival against the odds but a narrative rich with lessons in leadership, teamwork, and the unfaltering spirit of humanity.
This event’s legacy goes beyond the waters of the Hudson – it serves as a lighthouse guiding the future of aviation safety and emergency preparedness.
By reflecting on this remarkable moment, we don’t just commemorate an incident; we celebrate the enduring power of hope and the invaluable insights gained from adversity.
]]>Residents, public officials, and the small business community are invited to attend the second open ??house, formally called a Public Information Center, hosted by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
This event will take place on Tuesday, May 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Schoo??l #10, located at 101 W 56th St in Bayonne.
The purpose of this meeting is to share details about the proposed Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program.
The New Jersey Turnpi??ke Authority has proposed a critical modernization and safety program aimed at rebuilding the Newark Bay-Huds??on County Extension.
The project includes significant update?s, such as replacing the Vincent Robert Casciano Bridge, also known as the Newark Bay Bridge, with new twin cable-stayed bridges. Construction of the program’s fi??rst project is scheduled to begin in 2026 and is expected to last approximately 10 years.
According to supporters, these improvements will ensure safety and sustainability, relieve traffic congest??ion, support community growth, and address climate change impacts.
While Bayonne officials have expressed support for t?he project, officials and environmentalists from other parts of Hudson County have voiced opposition.
The up??coming public session provides an opportunity for attendees to speak one-on-one with program team members, ask questions, visit information st??ations, learn about employment and small business opportunities, and view a presentation by the NJ Turnpike Authority at 7:00 p.m.
Additionally, interpreters will be available to assist in Spanis?h, Tagalog, Arabic, and Polish.
In a recent developme?nt, opponents of the $6.2 billion project to replace the Newark ??Bay New Jersey Turnpike extension successfully secured an extension for the public comment period. Initially set to last 30 days, the comment period will now extend to July 11.
This extension was granted following a request by John Reichman, an Empower? NJ steering committee member, who emailed the Coast Guard on behalf of several groups.
The Newark Ba?y-Hudson County Extension Improvements Program will?? involve rebuilding the entire 8.1-mile extension.
The first project focuses on the section between Interchange 14 in Newark and? Interchange 14A in Bayonne and Jersey City, including constructing parallel cable-stayed br?idges over Newark Bay.
The first public information center on project one was held in February in Newark, with a third session planned f?or Jersey City.
Details on the date, time, and location of?? the Jersey City meeting will be announced when available.
Future projects addressing other sections of the Extension will follow, with additional public information centers scheduled as they pro?gress.
For those unable to?? attend in person, a virtual version of the information session is available online.
A draft Environmental Assessment of the improve?ments is also posted online and available at local lib??raries in Newark, Bayonne, and Jersey City.
]]>The City of Hoboken is kicking off the third phase of its Southwest Traffic and Safety Improvement project. This effort is all about making the streets safer for everyone, whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.
They plan to upgrade traffic signals at 14 key intersections to make things smoother and safer. These updates are part of Hoboken’s bigger goal, known as the Vision Zero initiative, w?hich aims to get rid of traffic deaths and s?erious injuries by 2030.
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla invites residents to a virtual community meeting to learn more and share their thoughts. This meeting is a chance to get the lowdown on the proposed changes and how they’ll make a difference.
Hoboken has already made some impressive strides. They’ve installed new traffic signals, upgraded existing ones, and made pedestrian crossings safer. This has led to smoother traffic flow and, most importantly, fewer accidents. Despite more cars on the road since 2019, travel times have dropped by up to 40%, and injuries have been reduced by 59%.
These improvements are a big deal because they improve daily life for people in Hoboken. Safer streets mean kids can get to school without worry, seniors can walk around their neighborhoods more freely??, and everyone can enjoy the city a bit more. Less traffic means cleaner air and? a quieter, more peaceful environment.
Hoboken isn’t stopping here. The city is committed to continuing its efforts to improve safety and reduce traffic. With the support of residents and partners like Hudson County and New Jersey Transit, the future looks bright (and safe) for Hoboken’s streets.
So, if you’re in Hoboken, keep an eye out for these changes and get involved. Your city is on its way to becoming a safer, more pleasant place to live and visit.
]]>The 72-year-old Senate President Pro-Tempore is facing a severe cognitive decline iand is unlikely to return to Trenton, according to a report citing anonymous sources by the New Jersey Globe published on Tuesday, December 29.
Cunningham was hospitalized at Jersey City Medical Center on October 4, with what w??as described as a non-life threatening health emergency. She has been at the hospital for the past 56 days.
Prior to that, Cunningham had been laying low in the wake of being charged with Driving While Intoxicated after h?itting two parked vehicles in March. Due to a lack of evidence, the charges were later dropped, although she previously pleaded guilty to DWI in 2005.
Cunningham had not been present ??in the Senate since the legislature’s passage of the state budget in June. Cunningham had attempted to participate remotely when the Senate confirmed Attorney General Matthew Platkin in September, but to no avail.
Since her hospitalization, a Superior Court judge placed Jersey City attorney Matthew Burns in charge of Cunningham’s personal affairs as she can no longer handle them on her own. Burns was appointed after a close friend of Cunningham’s, former Governor James McGreevey, asked for someone else to take control of her finances and other private matters.Â
The legal proceedings are still o?ngoing, and court records are sealed. It is not clear if she will be able to sign a resignation letter ??or if Burns can resign on her behalf.
Meanwhile, the state Senate does have the ability to expel a member or potential declare a vacancy of the seat if the incumbent is no longer fit to serve. Regardless, it remains unclear if an?d when Cunningham will resign.
Replacement talk already?
While Cunningham has yet to do anything, discussion is already ongoing about her replacement as she is not expected to run for re-election either in 2023. Rumored candidates to take her spot if she resigns include John Minella, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s Chief of Staff and recent campaign manager for Bayonne Mayor James Davis in the re??cent May municipal election.
If elected by committee members, Minella would apparently act as a caretaker for Cunningham’s seat, which term ends o??n Ja?nuary 11, 2024. He would not run for a full-year term in 2023.
Other names being mentioned as possible replacements are Assemblywoman for the 31st Legislative District Angela McKnight, as well as Hudson County Commissioners from Jersey City Bill O’Dea and Jerry Walker. While a replacement candidate has not yet been determined, that decision will largely be in the hands of Jersey City politicos.Â
The Jersey City and Bayonne Democratic committees will first vote on candidates for her replacement in a special election convention. The two municipalities that make up the 31st Legi?slative District, under the current map prior to the new map drawn up after redistricting, are Wards A and F and parts of War??ds B, C, and D, and all of Bayonne.
The Hudson County View recently reported that includes 326 voting members, if all seats are filled, with 224 votes from Jersey City and 102 from Bayonne. Ultimately, it seems the decision would likely belong to Fulop and get backing from the Hudson County Democratic Organization.Â
Following the news of Cunningham’s declining health, activists are calling for her replacement to be a Black woman. The United Black Agenda said in a statement on Thursday, December 1, that “her resignation from the Senate will leave a huge void in leadership that represents the interests of Black people and other communities of color in New Jersey.”
“She is also one of the most powerful, longest serving Black legislators in the State,” the United Black Agenda said in a statement. “We must be intentional about who we are replacing a Black legislator with, given how hard-fought Black representation has been in this country and this state. Whoever is picked to replace Senator Cunningham—whether temporary or permanent—must be a Black woman.”
The district is currently fairly diverse, and is set to grow more diverse when the new map post-redistricting kicks in in 2024. Under that map approved by the Legislative Apportionment Commission, which will grow to i?nclude Kearny, the district will be 34 percent Black, 33 percent Hispanic, 32 percent white, and 12 percent Asian.
“This is one of the most diverse legislative districts in one of the most diverse states in the nation, and the district’s delegation in Trenton must reflect that, particularly given that the state legislature already fails to represent the rich diversity of the state. It is time to put action behind our words when it comes to ensuring Black representation.”
Cunningham’s office did not respond to The Hudson Reporter‘s requests for comment.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.iccwins98.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
]]>The $4.7 billion dollar proposed proje??ct by the New Jersey Turnpi?ke Authority and NJ Department of Treasury would affect Newark, Bayonne and Jersey City.
The project would be divided into three phases, widening the extension to fou??r lanes in both directions, and also replacing exit 14 in Newark and 14A in Bay??onne, according to the Newark Bay Hudson County Extension Needs Assessment and?? Alternatives Study.
According to the summary of the project it would “provide sufficient travel lanes to reduce congestion and safely and efficiently accommodate existing and future vehicular deman??d,�establishing the highway road structure for the next century.
Last year Gov.? Phil Murphy launched a New Interim Greenhouse Reduction Goal which would invest $33 million in transportation projects meant to secure Jersey’s clean energy future and protect residents qualit?y of life.Â
On the other hand, ??the governor has also been a proponent of the controversial Turnpike highway expansion to and from Holland Tunnel, as reported by NJ.com.Â
But residents such as Emanuelle Morgan who came out today, said “nonse??nsical projects such as these hurt our communities rather than serve them.�/span>
Morgan, who is a resident in Hudson County, brought her bike ?out to encourage residents to advocate for more public transportation options instead of expanding I-78 highway, which would be “squeezing more cars into a tunnel,�she said.
Historically interstate highways expanded America’s roadways an?d infrastructure bringing 90 percent of all American cities together wit??h populations of over 50,000 people. Congress approved the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, intended to eliminate unsafe roads and inept road structures, and it also detrimentally impacted urban communities of color.Â
Over 475,000? households and more than a million people were displaced nationwide due to the federal roadway construction, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of T?ransportation.
Tyler Newcomb, who is the organizer of NJ Turnpike Trap, a coalit?ion against the city’s Turnpike widening said that “not only does this not achieve the goal that they are claiming of reducing traffic?…it’s also going to make our streets more dangerous.�/span>
Hudson County has the highest population density in the state, according to the 2020 census, growing from 634,266 in ??2010 to 724,854 in 2020 as reported by the Hudson Reporter.
In a tweet made earlier this yea??r, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who opposes the NJTA’s Turnpike expansion project said, “This proposal would bring more traffic and more pollution to Jersey City. Instead,the inve?stment here for NJ should be in mass transit as we have plenty of needs on that front.�/span>
Ci??ty officials and city workers also stepped up alongside residents to reject this project.Â
“This project is on the wrong side of history,â€?said Barkha Patel, Jersey City’s director of infrastructure. She said if the state sees this project through it would result in not only an increase in traffic but would be “creating a vicious cycle of traffic that we cannot build our way out of.â€?/span>
Jersey City City? Council members James Solomon and Frank Gilmore echoed Patel’s frustration, saying they believed the highway expansion would degrade the community rather than improve it.
Phil Cohen, Hoboken’s Fifth Ward city councilman also attended the rally. He said Hoboken had unanimously passed the first resolution against the expansion of the highway.
“We breathe ?the air with you,�said Cohen. “We are not?? looking for it, we don’t want it.�/span>
Dana Patton, who came out today to protest the expansion of the bridge? in support of her son who attends P.S.5 as a fourth grader, a school adjacent to the highway, said the actions taken by the state are simply “unconscionable�an??d of “great concern.�/span>
She said the surrounding neighborhoods near Mary Benson Park, where the bicycle rally concluded, are historically low-income com??munities and would be sever?ely impacted by the highway expansion.
“We literally spend hours every day at this park with our son, with this approved expansion it would just remove it entirely,�said Patton.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.iccwins98.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at [email protected].
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