Statewide UEZ funds frozen
North Bergen Mayor and Sen. Nicholas Sacco said that representatives of Urban Enterprise Zones throughout the state were planning to speak to each other via conference call Friday to discuss a possible reaction to Gov. Chris Christie’s freezing their UEZ accounts.
UEZ funds are collected from state sales tax in urban business districts and go back to the districts to help with street improvements and public safety.
“Right now they’re not releasing funds,” said Sacco. “We’re collecting funds; they’re not releasing them. [Christie has been] vetoing minutes of the UEZ Board’s meetings. Towns put in for projects and aren’t getting [funding for] them.”
Sacco said that the benefit to UEZ funding being spent in communities is evident from the revitalization of Tonnelle Avenue.
Town Administrator Christopher Pianese said that previously approved projects, like the township’s police surveillance camera system project, will be funded, but that new ones are being rejected.
JC Police to speak at NAMI meeting
On Tuesday, March 9 members of the Jersey City Police Department will be the guest speakers at the monthly National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Hudson County chapter. They will talk about how the police handle the mentally ill.
The meeting will be held at 3040 Kennedy Blvd. The entrance is on the Huron St. side, behind St. John’s Church.
NAMI is a free local support and information group for family members of those with mental illness.
For more information call (201) 861-0614 or email namihudson@msn.com.
Tax awareness seminar for small businesses
On March 3 at 8:30 a.m., the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council will host a seminar on the awareness of tax appeal, property tax, and filing information. The event will be held at Herten Burstein in Hackensack. For more information, directions, and registration call (201) 939-0707 or visit www.meadowlands.org to register online.
Quit smoking seminar at Palisades Medical Center
A free seminar to help people quit smoking will be held at Palisades Medical Center, 7600 River Road in North Bergen on March 9 at 7 p.m. The effects of cigarette smoking are destructive and widespread. Smoking causes cancer, breathing problems, heart attacks, and stroke. Secondhand smoke causes asthma and breathing problems.
Palisades Medical Center’s I Quit Smoking Program is designed and administered by nationally renowned medical professionals in the field of tobacco addiction, board certified physicians and tobacco treatment specialists.
Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. Free parking is available and free transportation will be available to the event from 60th St. and Bergenline Ave. beginning at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited. To register please call Nikki Mederos (201) 854-5702.