Hoboken passes temporary appropriations
HOBOKEN — After a more than hour-long discussion in a special emergency meeting addressing budget appropriations on Monday evening, the Hoboken City Council voted unanimously to pass the temporary budget appropriations that will cover the finances of the city up until March 1.
The appropriations amount to $16.2 million, or 17.5 percent of the total appropriations of the current fund in the fiscal year 2010 budget.
On Jan. 5, the administration of Mayor Dawn Zimmer proposed a temporary budget that would have covered the city’s finances until the end of March. Then, Councilman Michael Russo proposed his own changes which would take Hoboken only through the first six weeks of 2011, in order to put the administration’s “feet to the fire” to present a 2011 calendar budget to the council. The administration and council seem to have come to a compromise, settling on March 1.
The discussions on Monday evening turned personal after members of the public took to the microphone. Some blamed individual council members for the budget situation, but Councilman Nino Giacchi said he hoped the meeting was going to be an amicable agreement on the budget.
“There’s no animosity; no good guy, bad guy,” Giacchi said. “We’re all working together. I thought that was the objective.”
For now, it’s back to business in the city of Hoboken with appropriations approved.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 19. – Ray Smith
O’Dea asks that state ARC money be redirected to nearby roads
JERSEY CITY — Hudson County Freeholder Chair Bill O’Dea announced last week that he would sponsor a resolution at the next freeholder meeting supporting the governor’s proposal for the Port Authority to fund four major roadway improvements in Hudson County. The improvements are: The Pulaski Skyway, The Wittpenn Bridge, Route 139 from the Holland Tunnel to Route 1 & 9, and The Portway Road Connection from Saint Paul’s Avenue to Secaucus Road in Jersey City.
While all four of these improvements directly impact Freeholder O’Dea’s district, they are also engines to economic development for the County that will bring jobs and ratables.
“As we move forward to sell and develop the Koppers Koke site in Kearny, these improvements will enhance the value and viability of that site, which may be the largest single commercial/industrial development parcel in the region.” Stated O’Dea. “With these improvements, the prospect of creating thousands of blue collar jobs for local residents related to the Port Economy will be greatly improved.”
Sires issues statement on Arizona shooting
HUDSON COUNTY – Various local officials responded to the weekend’s shooting of Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona by an alleged assassin.
Rep. Albio Sires said Monday: “The incident and shooting took place while attending a Congressional District in Tuscan, AZ. I have had the pleasure of serving with Congressman Gifford’s over the last several years and as a colleague on the U.S. House of Foreign Affairs Committee. I have found her to be both hard-working and dedicated member of the committee and representative of her constituents. She is knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Right now my thoughts and prayers, along with all Americans, go out to the Giffords family, the families of the congresswoman’s staff, and the families of those affected by today’s senseless tragedy”
Bill to help former prisoners go to governor for signature
JERSEY CITY – Legislation sponsored by Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham to help former prisoners find jobs, intended to boost the economy and reduce the recidivism rate in New Jersey, was today approved by both houses of the Legislature.
The bill would allow county or municipal governments to establish a program setting aside a certain percentage of their contracts to be awarded to companies that employ former prisoners.
“In order for former prisoners to successfully reintegrate into the community, they have to be given a chance to be productive members of society,” said Sen. Cunningham.
The measure is part of the recently unveiled “Back to Work NJ” legislative initiative to create jobs and promote the state as a better place for business. The bill cleared the Senate by a vote of 24-13; it passed the Assembly by a 41-33 vote. It now heads to the desk of Governor Chris Christie.
NY Waterway offers real time transit updates
NY Waterway is taking the guess work out of commuting by offering real time traffic and major mass transit alerts on www.NYWaterway.com. NYC Traffic Alerts are updated Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The timely alerts focus on major thoroughfares from Manhattan to the Hackensack River, including the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln and Holland tunnels. The site allows visitors to view current traffic issues throughout the service area.
In addition to offering updates on traffic and transit, the NY Waterway website also provides regular alerts on ferry service, news and promotions. For information and schedules, call (800) 53-FERRY or click on www.nywaterway.com.