MIDWEEK BRIEFS

Investors’ group takes control of Xanadu

NORTH JERSEY – A consortium of five lenders that hold the secured debt on Xanadu has announced today that it has exercised its right to acquire control of the stalled retail/entertainment/sports complex on Route 3 in Easter Rutherford.
According to an Aug. 10 release, the consortium will now work to finally complete the stalled $2.3 billion project. With Xanadu effectively under new ownership, the project will be rebranded, according to the release, and it is widely believed that the very name “Xanadu” will be dropped.
The new ownership is also committed to revamping Xanadu’s widely criticized striped exterior.
The consortium is “currently negotiating with several world-class entertainment and retail operators that have the financial resources as well as the leasing and development expertise necessary to successfully complete a project of this magnitude,” the release states.
Gov. Christie has pledged that any state funds committed to the project will be in exchange for an economic interest in the project.
If completed to its original scale, the complex is expected to generate
2,000 temporary jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs.

JC resident, head of union fund pleads guilty to kickbacks

JERSEY CITY — United States Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced Monday that Thomas Giblin, 37, of Jersey City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh to receiving kickbacks and committing embezzlement. Fishman said beginning in November 2004, Giblin, while employed as Administrator of the Local 68 Education Fund, hired an audio-visual company to design and install electronic audio and visual systems at the Education Fund’s premises in West Caldwell.
In exchange for the Education Fund paying the audio-visual company $315,000 for their services, Giblin received free and discounted audio-visual materials and components totaling $10,000 in August 2005 that were installed in his Jersey City condominium by the audio-visual company free of charge, the prosecutors said.
Giblin also removed a couch from the Education Fund office, costing approximately $1,329, and placed it in his Jersey City condominium, the prosecutors said.
Giblin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and $250,000 fine for the kickbacks and five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for removal of the couch.
Giblin is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 29. – RK

Municipal garage sale a hot topic in Hoboken

The scheduled date of a closing between the city of Hoboken and S. Hekemian, future developers of the city’s Observer Highway municipal garage property, was supposed to be this Friday, Aug. 13 – however, an emergency meeting was scheduled Tuesday to discuss the matter and potential snags. As of press time, the meeting hadn’t been held. But to read an update on this story, check www.hudsonreporter.com and see the print edition of the Hoboken Reporter this weekend.

Police, firefighters open milestone blood drive to public

A side from helping to save lives on their jobs, the Hoboken police and firefighters have been helping to save lives for the past 50 years by donating blood.
In fact, according to NJ Blood Services (NJBS), they’ve donated more than 30,000 pints of blood, saving as many as 90,000 lives.
On Wednesday, Aug. 11 they will celebrate their milestone blood drive which is open to the public, at Police Headquarters at 106 Hudson St. More than 100 donors are expected between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
In appreciation for the blood collected during a time when there is only a four day supply in area hospitals, NJ Blood Services will be giving each donor a “Badge of Honor” T-shirt to commemorate the event.
NJ Blood Services is encouraging all eligible people to donate during this time when blood supplies are dangerously low. During the summer months, blood collections fall because high schools and colleges are on recess and regular donors are on vacation and don’t think about donating.
Those eligible to donate should be 16 years of age, with parental consent, or over and weigh 110 pounds. Persons with questions regarding donor eligibility, or to make an appointment to donate should call NJ Blood Services at 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566), or visit www.nybloodcenter.org
At this time there is a need for B negative blood and O negative which is universal and can be transfused into other blood types.

Block party scheduled for First and Jackson in Hoboken

The Pentecostal Church at 105 Jackson St. is hosting a block party and bazaar at First and Jackson streets on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The party will include Spanish/American food, drinks, games and crafts for the kids, music, and the sale of clothing and other articles.
A blood drive will be held in honor of Rev. Justo Figueroa. To make an appointment to donate, call (201) 251-3703.
Bring your own table and sell items – $20.
For more information on the event, call Irma Figueroa at (201) 407-0990.

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