Judge: Environmental groups can’t intervene in ExxonMobil settlement
Superior Court Judge Michael Hogan will not allow state environmental groups to intervene in a proposed settlement with ExxonMobil over years of pollution at sites in Bayonne and Linden, according to media reports.
Hogan ruled that the groups did not show that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection failed to represent their interests. State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D-Union, also testified against the pact.
The environmental groups were seeking to block a proposed settlement between the state and ExxonMobil for $225 million. The state originally argued the damage was valued at $8.9 billion—a figure based on calculations from state-commissioned studies—but is now proposing to settle for less than 3 percent of the original price tag.
The Christie administration is in favor of the agreement, saying Exxon would be liable for cleanup costs at the polluted properties.
The proposed settlement covers the two North Jersey refineries, 16 industrial sites, and hundreds of gas stations throughout the state.
Lesniak and the environmental groups filed motions to intervene in the case because they said that the $225 million is not enough to restore wetland habitats and ecosystems contaminated at the sites.
Port Authority announces Bridge closures
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced closures of the Bayonne Bridge as part of the “Raise the Roadway” Navigational Clearance Project.
The remaining multi-hour closures for this week are: Wednesday, July 15 from 8:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday, July 16; Thursday, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday, July 17; Friday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. until 8 a.m. Sunday, July 19.
Closures are weather dependent.
For email alerts on project closures and other information, subscribe to eAlerts at paalerts.com.
Turnpike work to affect local traffic
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has announced that work on the 14A toll plaza will affect drivers over the next two weeks.
Work will continue on the new toll lane and island, so nighttime closures of the western-most toll lane (exiting 14A) are expected from July 15 to 17 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Demolition work on the Avenue C and Kennedy Boulevard bridge structures will continue, so drivers should expect mid-day local street lane closures and traffic holds.
On the Route 440 and Pulaski Street intersection and jug handle portion, the southbound Route 440 jug handle at Pulaski Street will be reduced to a single lane during the week of July 20 to accommodate construction.
University names Bayonne Dean’s List students
William Paterson University in Wayne has named the Bayonne residents who made the Dean’s List for the spring 2015 semester.
They are John Kadian, Anthony Menafro, Ignacia Oyanedel Munoz, and Jenna O’Connor.
In order to qualify, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.45 or better and carry a minimum of 12 credits for the semester.
Bruce Kowal art exhibit ongoing at JCC
“Across Manhattan Waters: Whispers of Steel and Sky, Serenades of Street,” an exhibit of black-and-white photographs by Bayonne resident Bruce Kowal, is being showcased at the Jewish Community Center of Bayonne Gallery, 1050 Kennedy Blvd., until Aug. 1.
The event is free and open to the public.
For exhibit hours or more information, call the JCC at (201) 436-6900.
Sugartown Charity 5k run being held at Liberty State Park
Registrants are being sought for the Second Sugartown Charity 5k Run/Walk against domestic violence to be held on Sunday, July 19 at Liberty State Park, South Cove, Audrey Zapp Drive, in Jersey City.
The Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise are sponsoring the event.
“This year, the Sugartown Charity 5K is dedicated in memory of Damien Rose Bruno, who was three months old when he was killed at the hands of his father,” said county spokesman Edgar Martinez. “Damien’s mother survived the attack, a victim of domestic violence.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit Damien’s mother, Saydee Lee Figueroa, and Women Rising of Jersey City. Women Rising assists women in workforce development and job placement and provides safety and shelter from domestic violence conflict as well as safe homes for children.
Freeholder Chairman Junior Maldonado, the freeholder board, and DeGise support initiatives in the arts, education, youth development, affordable housing, health and human services for Hudson County residents, according to Martinez.
Individuals interested in participating in the event can contact the Carevel Foundation at carevelfoundation.org, www.carevelfoundation.com or (201) 963-8849.
Increased summer drunk driving patrols, sheriff warns
Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari announced that there will increased patrols on the lookout for intoxicated drivers throughout the summer and into the fall as part of a drunk driving enforcement and education program.
“This effort will bring attention to the serious consequences of drunk driving and the grave danger those who choose to drink and drive pose to all who share the road with them,” Schillari said.
Last summer, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office handled a fatal crash where the three occupants of a car were killed on Route 3 and the Route 495 interchange in North Bergen. The driver of that car was intoxicated.
“With the summer time upon us, there are going to be a lot of events and get-togethers,” added Schillari. “If you are going to drink, have a designated driver. Our officers will be out in force.”
The Sheriff’s Office will also conduct sobriety checkpoints and distribute drunk driving awareness brochures throughout the summer.
The program is made possible through grant funding by the New Jersey State Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The extra patrols began countywide on July 2.