Freeholders hold hearing about three-store developent on Palisades
The county board of freeholders held a public hearing Monday night about whether developers can build a coffee shop, Walgreens and bank of America on the Palisades hills on River Road – a hearing that activists went to court earlier this year to force them to have.
Last summer, the Hudson County Planning Board approved plans by two development companies – Avak Properties and U&G Development – to build the three stores. However, activists argued that building into that part of the hills would violate “steep slope” guidelines and other state development regulations. They filed an appeal with the county freeholders, but the freeholders declined to hear it.
After the activists went to court, a judge ruled that the board must hear the appeal. But they also allowed the excavation and demolition to continue for now.
The board met Monday night and heard attorneys from both sides, and also considered engineering reports and other information already given to the Planning Board.
The freeholders are expected to render a decision by April 8.
Healthcare legislation anticipated to impact Hudson County
Rep. Albio Sires cast his vote in support of healthcare reform last week, helping to pass legislation that is estimated to expand health care coverage to 95 percent of all Americans.
“This bill would expand health care coverage to the 23 percent of individuals currently residing in my district without health insurance,” said Sires. “And [it will] improve the health coverage of the 326,000 residents currently covered, as well as protect 900 families in the 13th District from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care”
This bill will immediately begin to hold insurance companies accountable by prohibiting them from dropping coverage when someone gets sick and bans them from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions.
Also beginning this year, young adults will be able to remain on their parents’ health policies until they turn 26 and Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition will be able to buy affordable coverage through a temporary high-risk pool.
Additionally, small businesses that provide coverage to their employees will be eligible for a tax credit of up to 35 percent of premiums.
“Perhaps one of the most important aspects of health care reform is the relief it will bring to 14,300 small businesses in the 13th District during these tough economic times,” said Sires. “No longer will these businesses need to choose between offering health coverage or laying off their workers.”
Eventually state-run health insurance exchanges will be created where individuals and small businesses can shop and compare prices and benefits of a variety of health care plans.
Medicare will be extended by at least nine years, which will assist in improving the program for the more than 72,000 beneficiaries in the 13th District alone.
International trade seminar to be held in Jersey City
The Hudson County Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, River Terminal Development Company, NJCU Business Development Incubator and the Jersey City Urban Enterprise Zone will host a seminar on “Opportunity & Change 2010”. The event will take place on April 16 at 10 a.m. at the Hank Gallo Community Room in the Lincoln Park Administration Building, Jersey City. Attendees will learn how international trade can become part of their business portfolio and received ideas and suggestions from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for financing projects and business development.
This event is free, however seating is limited and reservations are required by April 12. For more information or to RSVP, call (201) 369-4370 or director@hudsonedc.org.
New session for CASA volunteers
Hudson County CASA (court appointed special advocate) is currently recruiting volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA works through trained community volunteers to insure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.
CASA and its volunteers speak for children in court, serve as fact finders for the judges and safeguard the interests of the children while they are in the foster care system.
Information sessions regarding the program and the role of volunteers will be held on April 6 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room 901 of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City.
Hudson County has over 750 children in foster care; most have been removed from their homes for abuse or neglect. For further information, please call (201) 795-9855, e-mail mveenhof@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit our website at: www.hudsoncountycasa.org.