Hoboken Council Pres. Ravi Bhalla hit with motor vehicle tickets, says ‘It’s basically a misunderstanding’
City Council President Ravi Bhalla said Wednesday that even though he received tickets from police Tuesday for driving with a suspended license and other alleged violations, it was due to a misunderstanding.
Bhalla said the tickets were for allegedly making an improper turn at a traffic signal, driving with a suspended license, driving with an expired license, and failure to exhibit insurance documentation.
Bhalla said that the more “serious summons,” the suspended license situation, was the result of a miscommunication between the New York and New Jersey motor vehicle commissions. According to Bhalla, the New Jersey MVC did not receive the information that Bhalla had paid a parking ticket he received in New York City last September.
“I paid that New York City ticket in September 2011,” said Bhalla, who is a local attorney. He said he obtained proof and was recently told that the ticket would be lifted.
Bhalla also said that his car was insured, and he simply did not have the documentation on him. He also denied an on-line report that his car was towed.
Bhalla also said that he was unaware that his license had expired. He said the expiration date was May 31.
“I hadn’t realized [that] my license expired for 12 days,” said Bhalla, “and that’s also been renewed now.”
Bhalla added that he would plead “not guilty” to the traffic signal ticket, and that he expected the other tickets to be dismissed.
“At the end of the day, [this] is based on a misunderstanding between the New York and New Jersey MVC’s,” said Bhalla.
Monarch development project hearing postponed
The first city Planning Board hearing on a controversial development project on the northern waterfront has been postponed from this Thursday night until July 10.
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Wallace School gymnasium at 1100 Willow Ave.
The project calls for two 11-story residential buildings just east of the Hudson Tea Building near the waterfront. The City Council and Mayor Dawn Zimmer have all opposed the project. In fact, the city is currently involved in a lawsuit with the developer over project plans. The developer has said that it is unfair that city politicians openly opposed the project before it came before the city board.
The project received the go-ahead from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, but the city has vowed to appeal the DEP’s decision in the lawsuit.
The Hudson County Planning Board voted against the project in February. The developer will likely have to revise the proposal and go back to the county to gain their approval, sources said.
Seasonal Health Wellness Center will hold anniversary party
The Seasonal Health Wellness Center, at 117 Washington St., will hold a one-year anniversary party Thursday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
The event is open to the public and will offer music, food samples, and more. Dr. Kathia Roberts and her colleagues will also greet attendees.
RSVP to info@seasonalhealth.com or call (201) 857-2562. Visit www.seasonalhealth.com for more information.
Party with Purpose will host 5K next month
Party with Purpose will host a 5K race in Hoboken Tuesday, July 17 along the waterfront. The event will support local youth charities, including the Jubilee Center and the Hoboken Boys & Girls Club.
A fun run and other special kids events will take place before the runners begin at 3:30 p.m., and an after-party will be held in Pier A Park.
Registration is $25 by July 1, and $30 after. The race will begin at 7 p.m. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers per age group.
The Hoboken Rotary Club is recruiting team members for the race. Interested parties can sign up at http://www.active.com/running/hoboken-nj/7-17-12—pwp-hoboken-5k-2012
State Fair Meadowlands returns this summer
State Fair Meadowlands, New Jersey’s largest annual family friendly event, is set to return for 17 days of “everything-under-the-sun” fun this summer, running from June 22 through July 8 at the Meadowlands Fairgrounds, next to the Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford. This year’s fair will feature free entertainment, rides, games and food for all ages. The fair includes the State Fair Kid Zone, an amusement area for children; the new Live Shark Experience show; and fireworks shows on July 3 and July 4.
State Fair Meadowlands is the largest fair in the New York metro area, with over 150 rides and attractions occupying over 35 acres of fairgrounds and parking. The fair will have rides for everyone, from tots to thrill-seeking daredevils, games, shows, live concerts and shopping. Also at the fair will be the original Batcopter, which will provide rides offering panoramic views of the fair and nearby New York City.
In addition, special discounts and promotions are available this year, including opening Dollar Night, Kids Go Free Night, Midnight Madness, Cheap Cheap Night and Patron Appreciation Day. Info about these promotions is available at: http://www.njfair.com/bargain_nights.php.
Fair hours are Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight; Fridays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sundays from 2 p.m. to midnight. Special hours on July 3 are 4 pm. to 2 a.m., and on July 4, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. On Friday, June 22, opening night, gates open at 4 p.m. This year, the fair is offering free parking Monday through Wednesday, and $4 all other days, including July 4. On June 22, opening night, parking is $1. Advance tickets are on sale now through June 20 and can be bought online at www.njfair.com or by calling (973) 450-1073. Special group packages are also available. For more information, visit: www.njfair.com.