“On Jan. 27 2009, the Hamilton Park neighborhood of Jersey City lost a vivacious community member to a violent and senseless criminal act. Mr. Kirik Parikh was shot and killed while doing what he did almost every morning – pouring coffee and selling newspapers at their family-run deli. The Parikh’s store at the corner of Seventh and Coles Street was a welcoming place for not only the residents of this quiet brownstone neighborhood, but also for the students and staff of McNair High School, located just across the street. Unfortunately, this horrific act of violence comes on the tails of the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association (HPNA) making recent complaints to local police about increased criminal activity in the area and neighbor concerns regarding safety and police responsiveness.
In the wake of this awful tragedy, the HPNA invites the entire downtown community, neighbors, businesses, students and workers to gather together at a candlelight vigil in memory of Mr. Parikh. We will gather at the Hamilton Park gazebo on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7pm. Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, Freeholder Eliu Rivera, and Ward E Councilman Steven Fulop are invited to speak, as well as any neighbors or friends who may have a few words to share. We will then walk to Mr. Parikh’s store in remembrance of his fine character. He was a good neighbor to all of us and will be sorely missed. Fund information for donations to his family will be available at the vigil.
About the organizers: The Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association was formed in 1977 to serve the interests and needs of the citizenry of Hamilton Park, including promoting a safe neighborhood. This vigil is being coordinated and supported by many area organizations, including the Downtown JC Watch, Harsimus Cove Association, Italian Village Association, Powerhouse Arts District Neighborhood Association, Van Vorst Park Association, Historic Paulus Hook Association, and Communipaw Block Association.”
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