The dentistry underworld takes a hit
A North Bergen resident was arrested Tuesday for allegedly practicing dentistry without a license within a basement office in her home, police said.
Undercover police officers set up an appointment after receiving a tip. Hypodermic needles and three prescription drugs that were allegedly smuggled from Ecuador were found. The suspect was allegedly working on a patient when police arrived at 11 a.m, sources say.
Julia Marquez, 43, was charged with possession of hypodermic needles, unlawful practice of dentistry, and three counts of C.D.S. (Controlled Dangerous Substance), according to police. Marquez posted the $25,000 bail.
North Bergen Police arrest two in drug bust
Two North Bergen men were arrested on Thursday, June 23 after the police recovered several ounces of marijuana at their North Bergen home, according to a police spokesman. The North Bergen Police Narcotics Unit raided the house at 10 a.m. on Columbia Avenue near 63rd street. A stun gun, a knife, and several scales were found at the scene, police say. According to police, Steven Ramos, 23, and Jonathan Santana, 26, both of North Bergen, were charged with several drug offenses, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose. Police are still searching for a third suspect, Jonathan Rodriguez, 22.
Meadowlands tax break approved
The American Dream Meadowlands project (formerly known as Xanadu) on Route 3 will be allowed to receive a $350 million tax break after the state legislature passed a bill Wednesday that makes the project eligible for incentives under the state’s Economic and Redevelopment Growth program.
The changes come after the state awarded a controversial $102.4 million tax break to help Secaucus-based Panasonic Corp. of North America move its headquarters just a few miles to a new building in Newark, a move which Secaucus and Hartz Mountain Industries fought.
Hartz and Secaucus both claimed the tax incentives offered to Panasonic were a misuse of the Urban Transit Hub Program.
The Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit program was modified in the bill, which outlines what a company can receive if moving within the state. In particular, a company can get a larger tax break if 500 or more jobs are at risk of leaving the state unless the state grants an incentive. A company can also get a larger tax break with an interstate move if it consolidates two facilities.