Suspects arrested in Hoboken shooting
Hoboken police have arrested three suspects in connection with the Saturday Sept. 17 shooting of a 20-year-old male in the area of 301 Jackson St. According to a police report, the victim suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and damage to several internal organs.
Officers arrested Jersey City residents Shaquil Huggins, 24, and Jordan Perez, 21, on Sept. 24 and North Bergen resident Emmanuel Matos, 22, on Thursday Sept. 22.
Investigating police tracked down Huggins to Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, along with another male identified as Perez. Huggins was arrested but Perez allegedly fled and was apprehended by members of the Jersey City Police Department.
Huggins has been charged with “Attempted Murder, Hindering Apprehension, Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Certain Persons not to Possess a Weapon,” according to a police press release.
Police charged Perez with “Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute (Heroin), Possession of CDS within 1000 feet of a School, Destruction/Tampering with Evidence, Possession of CDS (marijuana), Obstruction, and Outstanding Hudson County Sheriff Warrant for Drugs.”
Matos was charged with “Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes, and Hindering Apprehension.”
According to the release, the arrests came as a joint effort between the Hoboken Police Investigative Bureau and members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Zipcar rates appear to have risen on weekends in Hoboken, but city contract mandates that some be low
The city of Hoboken has been encouraging residents to use street parking less often and rely more on options like Zipcar – a service that places more than 40 cars parked on city streets for residents to rent for hours or days at a time. The service makes it easy because the cars include insurance, 180 miles per day for free, and free gas refills. The price does not include sales tax or the small domestic security fee.
When Zipcar won the city’s contract last year to provide the service, they agreed that 25 to 30 percent of the cars would start at $9.75 on weekdays and some would be $12.75 on weekends, a spokesperson for the company confirmed last week.
However, a look at several months appears to show that on upcoming weekends, the $12.75 cars were only available in Manhattan and occasionally in Jersey City. Cars in Hoboken on weekends appeared to start at $14 to $15 per hour, rising to $24 per hour or more.
Starting at the end of last week, the Reporter exchanged emails with Zipcar inquiring as to whether rates have gone up since this time last year, and whether the lower priced cars are available but not able to be seen.
Last year, a Reporter story about Zipcar getting the contract dated Sept. 20, stated, “An online search revealed that a Zipcar from Monday through Thursday started at $14.75 per hour and $101 per day, and weekend rates — including just renting a car on Friday — start at $16.75 per hour and $164 per day. This was more than Hertz’s rates often were. When [Zipcar was] asked whether they were looking to decrease rates moving forward, Fatone said after a press conference on Thursday, ‘[As] part of the program we have cars at promotional rates, inexpensive rates that can be driven hourly.’ He said that 25 to 30 percent of the fleet would be available to members at $9.75 an hour ‘to make sure we do offer an inexpensive vehicle.’ A check by the Reporter on Friday [in September, 2015] showed that indeed, many of the rates had been changed to either $9 or $10 per hour, including on weekends.”
But as of early last week, this did not appear to be the case on weekends.
Traveling to Manhattan to rent a car would require a train, bus, or ferry ride.
We asked Zipcar to point us toward the $12.75 per hour Zipcars available in Hoboken on upcoming weekends, or on weekends as far ahead as December. As of this past Friday, several $12 Zippers finally showed up in our search on upcoming weekends, including on Sunday, Nov. 13, a date on which, as of Wednesday, they were not showing up.
When asked about this, a spokeswoman said, “Due to the seasonality in our business, we switch some of our pricing as we get into the fall. The Tristate team did move this switch up a few days due to your inquiry as it normally happens around the first of October. This naturally made more vehicles available at the lower rates – hence why you are seeing more vehicles available now at the lower rate, than you did the last time you searched.”
She also said that lower-priced cars book up quickly in summer, so they may not have been seen in searches over the summer.
If readers were able to find $12.75-per-hour or lower priced Zipcars on weekends in Hoboken in the last few months, please email us at editorial@hudsonreporter.com.
Correction on Councilwoman Fisher’s letter on the 500-foot rule
Last week the Hoboken Reporterpublished excerpts from a letter written by Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher about the 500-foot rule (see cover story). Fisher’s letter stated that there are approximately 143 current liquor licenses (28 liquor stores, with the remaining consumption ones like restaurants and clubs). The Hudson Reporter mistakenly stated that 28 licenses were inactive.
Developers launch website for proposed waterfront hotel in Hoboken
KMS Development Partners (KMS), the company behind the proposed plan to build a new Hilton hotel on the US Postal Service property on the south end of Hoboken’s waterfront, announced the launch of their new website: HobokenWaterfrontHotel.com. This website provides detailed information about the hotel they are proposing and gives Hoboken residents the opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions and sign an online petition in support of the redevelopment plan.
KMS is a developer who has completed public/private redevelopments projects throughout the country including in Philadelphia, Pa., Arlington, Va., Bethesda, Md. and New Brunswick.
“This redevelopment brings with it a host of significant benefits for Hoboken including $1.6 million a year in new taxes, operational improvements to the Hoboken Post Office including a new underground parking facility, improved pedestrian access to the waterfront, traffic pattern enhancements, new streetscapes and hotel amenities for Hoboken residents,” said Dennis Martin, a principal with KMS.
“The hotel proposed by KMS will be a great addition to the south waterfront, replacing a bleak view of the rear of the post office with a new building and greatly improved streetscape,” said local waterfront activist Ron Hine, who has opposed some waterfront developments in the past. “This is an opportunity the city cannot afford to miss.”
Coffee with a cop
The Hoboken Police Department is hosting its fourth “Coffee with a Cop” on Wednesday Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at La Isla Uptown, 25 12th St.
“Coffee with a Cop” brings police officers and the community together to discuss issues, strengthen community ties, and learn more about one another.
Residents are invited to discuss any law enforcement or policing issues at the local, regional, or national level.
Chief Ken Ferrante, Captain Tory Pasculli, Lieutenant Scott Hochstadter, Sergeant Steve Kranz, and Detective Ed Lepre will be in attendance as well as Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher.
The Hoboken Police Department will provide coffee and pastries.
Annual all schools open house will be Oct. 13
The Hoboken Family Alliance’s 12th Annual All Schools Open House is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hoboken High School. The HFA anticipates over 35 area schools will be in attendance.
Parents who join the HFA will have the opportunity at this, the largest Hudson County school fair, to meet representatives from those schools.
For more information go to www.hobokenfamily.com.
Hit-and-run death of Zack Simmons prompts assemblywoman to proposed ‘Zackhary’s Law’
Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro is planning to introduce ‘Zackhary’s Law,’ a bill that would aid law enforcement to find hit-and-run drivers through an alert system similar to Silver and Amber Alerts.
The alert system would publish information on road signs, to state employee and law enforcement cell phones, and to the media.
According to a media release, the bill was inspired by the efforts of the family of 21-year-old Zackhary Simmons, who was killed due to a hit-and-run collision in Hoboken in late June. Simmons was the cousin of NBA athlete Ben Simmons who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I hope this bill reminds drivers thinking of fleeing an accident that the whole state will be looking for you, and you will be caught,” Chaparro said. “I want to thank the Simmons family for working so hard on this bill and sharing their time and inspiring me to craft this legislation to honor Zack and encourage other drivers to stop and help an injured person instead of cowardly fleeing a scene.”
Similar alert systems have been implemented in California and Colorado, leading to a higher number of arrests in hit and run incidents, according to the media release.
“As someone who lost a family member to a hit-and-run in Hoboken, I am thankful for the Simmons family’s courage and efforts to help make our streets safer and bring hit-and-run drivers to justice,” said Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, whose father-in-law, Henry Grossbard, was hit by a driver on Third Street and Sinatra Drive and never caught.
Victims or relatives of victims of hit-and-run incidents are encouraged to contact the office of Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro if they’re interested in expressing public support for the bill.
50 year old Simmon’s driver was found and charged in early July after New York police stopped him for alleged possession of marijuana.
Hoboken seeks volunteers for Community Emergency Response Team
Hoboken is looking for community members to join its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
State-certified trainers will hold a series of free CERT classes on two weekends in October.
Those interested in joining Hoboken CERT can submit an online application at: http://hoboken.seamlessdocs.com/f/cert.
Participation in CERT requires the successful completion of a training course on a range of subject matter specific to emergency response and disaster relief.
All classes will be held at the Multi Service Center, 124 Grand St., starting at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 4 p.m., with a one hour lunch break.
The training schedule for October 2016 is as follows:
Oct. 15 – Disaster preparedness & Fire safety
Oct. 16 – Disaster medical operations 1 & Disaster medical operations 2
Oct. 22 – Light search and rescue operations & CERT organization
Oct. 23 – Disaster psychology & Terrorism in CERT
The final drill and exercise location and date will be announced during the class.
Participants must attend every module of training as well as participate in the final emergency simulation exercise in order to receive certification as a fully trained CERT Team member.
Upon completion of training, each participant will be issued a CERT Member Emergency Kit.
No prior experience is required and the training is free.
Tenant advocate office hours announced
The City of Hoboken has announced tenant advocate office hours for any Hoboken resident in need of advice on housing matters.
Attorney Andrew Sobel will be available by appointment between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. every other Thursday, beginning Sept. 29 until Nov. 10.
Any Hoboken resident wishing to attend the office hours must email mwright@sobelhan.com or call Sobel’s office at (973) 874-5545 in advance and provide a description of the issue to be discussed in order to schedule an appointment.
The open office hours will be available in the basement conference room in City Hall, 94 Washington St.
Photo exhibit hosted by Right Angle Framing
Hoboken resident Philip Jean will host a photo exhibit at Right Angle Framing, 1108 Washington St., on Oct 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.
According to Jean, his photographs were taken with his iPhone 6S Plus, and are photo application experiments in which images of glass heads were distorted, “destroyed,” and “manipulated into something exciting.”
The images, in both color and black and white, will be showcased and accompanied by a reception of wine, coffee, and cheese.
All are welcome to the free exhibit.
For more information contact Philip Jean at Philipjeanphotography@gmail.com.
Quality of Life Coalition hosts Board of Education candidates’ forum
The Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition will host an upcoming candidates’ forum for the November school board election on Oct. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1005 Washington St.
All six candidates and the public will be able to submit questions, according to a press release.
This year’s candidates are Jessica Nelson, Sheillah Dallara, Francis Benway, Jennifer Rossini and incumbents Jennifer Evans and Jessica Nelson.
Bob Bowden, Hoboken resident, will moderate the forum as he has for the last eight years.
Written questions will be solicited from the audience and submitted to a three-person panel, who will select the clearest and most concise questions on a wide range of topics. Candidates will have a minute and a half to respond to each question, and a one-minute rebuttal will be allowed with permission from the moderator.
Each candidate will have an opportunity to make one-minute opening introductory and closing remarks, and a timekeeper will ensure that time limits are respected in answering questions.
This event is free and open to the public.
Port Authority to upgrade tunnels damaged by Sandy
The Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners met Thursday Sept. 22 and approved the overhaul of two PATH tunnels between New York’s World Trade Center station and New Jersey’s Exchange Place station.
The press release state the repairs will “upgrade critical rail, electrical and signal systems damaged by Superstorm Sandy nearly four years ago.”
The $400 million project will replace track, rail, signal, electrical and communication infrastructure along the tunnels.
According to the release construction will take place on weekends and will begin in the third quarter of 2017 and won’t be completed until 2026 and “will be done on 35 weekends per year.”
The releases added “there will be single-track operation during weekend work to allow for continuous train service, and to minimize passenger inconvenience and disruption.”
Hoboken Public Schools achieve sustainability certification
All five Hoboken Public Schools have met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. These schools join a group of 83 schools that achieved the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification in 2016.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a certification program for public schools in New Jersey. It was launched by Sustainable Jersey, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support and reward municipalities and schools as they pursue sustainability programs. A total of 509 schools and 204 school districts are participating in the program overall.
According to Superintendent of Schools Christine Johnson, “The district is extremely proud of the work done by staff volunteers who spent numerous hours assessing each school building’s sustainable practices. Achieving certification proves that it doesn’t matter how old buildings are. It’s about following responsible protocols, educating students, and ensuring that policies are in place to reduce waste and increase efficiencies.”
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is voluntary, but achieving certification is not easy. Schools collaborate with their school district to complete actions, upload documentation and achieve certification.
Each school that is certified at the bronze-level must submit documentation to show it has completed a balanced portfolio of the program’s sustainability actions, achieving a minimum of 150 points.
Certified schools excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, integrating sustainability into student learning and reducing waste. Randall Solomon, co-director of the Sustainable Jersey program congratulated the certified schools, “I commend the schools that have achieved certification for their demonstrated commitment toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey.”
As a result of earning certification, each of the Hoboken Public Schools now have the opportunity to apply for a number of grants, professional development and educational programs, and money saving programs offered by the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Program.
For more information on the program go to www.SustainableJerseySchools.com
Hoboken chosen to compete in sustainability challenge
The City of Hoboken is one of seven municipalities selected for the Sustainable Jersey Solar Challenge program.
The participating municipalities including Galloway Township, Highland Park, City of Hoboken, Hopewell Township, Maplewood Township, Verona Township and Woodbridge Township, will compete for the title of Solar Challenge Champion and a range of awards including a $10,000 first prize.
Hoboken will receive a $3,000 grant and technical support to set up an online solar marketplace for local businesses and homeowners.
The eight-month community-led program leverages an online solar marketplace and a suite of locally-branded social media marketing tools to help spread the word in the community about solar and the program. The Sustainable Jersey Solar Challenge takes advantage of a new online solar marketplace developed by the firm EnergySage with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy. The EnergySage web-based interface offers consumers online comparison-shopping, providing an experience similar to buying an auto online. Because the online solar marketplace is open to all solar vendors who meet the EnergySage vetting criteria, consumers have access to contractors.
Hoboken will receive support from Sustainable Jersey and EnergySage in developing and promoting the outreach campaign and will be featured on the Sustainable Jersey Solar Challenge website, which will track the progress of each community in achieving signed contracts for solar installation by local homeowners and businesses. The program will run from October 2016 through May 2017.
The Solar Challenge pilot programs and the grants to be distributed to the seven municipalities are funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund
To get started and request quotes from multiple vendors, visit www.hobokensolar.org.
Driver ticketed in Lincoln Tunnel crash that injured 44
A bus driver has been ticketed after two NJ Transit buses headed into Port Authority Bus Terminal collided in the Lincoln Tunnel on Monday, injuring 44 people, according to several media reports.
A Port Authority superintendent said a bus in the left lane made a quick shift into the right lane, and the bus coming up behind did not have time to stop.
First responders set up a triage area outside the tunnel, where they were better able to treat the injured. Officials say 34 people refused medical attention.
Ten passengers were taken to area hospitals, with the most significant injuries being a broken jaw and broken arm. One of the passengers had a preexisting brain injury that resulted in a seizure.
Start spreading the news: Tickets on sale for 2017 Presidents Cup
Ticket sales to the general public for next year’s Presidents Cup when the 2017 competition comes to Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City from Tuesday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Oct. 1.
The Presidents Cup, a team match play competition featuring 24 of the world’s top golfers – 12 from the United States and 12 from around the world, excluding Europe – is held every two years, and since 1996 has alternated between United States and international venues.
Onsite attendance will be limited to 25,000 per day to ensure an optimal experience for spectators.
The 2017 Presidents Cup is the first professional team match-play competition to be played in the shadow of New York City. Fans are encouraged to act now to lock in the best ticket price and reserve their chance to get up close to the world’s best players from the United States and around the world, outside of Europe, in this unique, match-play format. The event is expected to sell out.
Daily and weekly tickets are on sale at the Grounds and Captains’ Club level starting at $50 and $100 respectively, plus applicable tax and fees. The Captains’ Club is located on the No. 9 green with views of both the 9th and signature, par-3 10th hole, offering first-class amenities for fans. This includes food and beverage, premium cash bar, big-screen televisions, private restrooms, scoring terminals and non-reserved tables in a sports-bar setting.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.presidentscup.com.
For updates on the Presidents Cup, check www.presidentscup.com, or Facebook atwww.facebook.com/thepresidentscup, Twitter and Instagram at @presidentscup and sign up for the Presidents Cup e-newsletter.
Englewood woman arrested in Hoboken
The Hoboken Police Department arrested Tatiana Avilia, 22, on charges of driving while intoxicated and reckless driving on Wednesday Sept 28.
According to a media release, officers observed a vehicle pull out of a parking lot at Hudson Place and River Streets at a high rate of speed, fishtailing left and right, going onto the opposite lane of traffic. The vehicle was stopped by the officers. A field sobriety test was conducted on scene of the driver which she allegedly failed. She was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters for processing. She provided a breath sample and found to be above the limit of .08 percent
North Hudson Sewerage Authority receives grants for sewer infrastructure projects
North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA) has received $600,000 in grants from four different organization according to a media release.
The NJ Clean Energy Audit Program Grant provided $200,000 to assess energy usage and recommend efficiencies at NHSA’s two major treatment plants in Hoboken and West New York.
The Department of Homeland Security awarded a $250,000 404 Flood Mitigation Grant to refit switchgear at the Adams Street treatment plant.
NHSA received a $101,462 Community Development Block Grant to fund the sewer lining project in West New York.
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission’s NJ Aquatic Trash Prevention Program awarded NHSA $48,125 to install catch basin grates to prevent trash and debris from entering the sewer system at high traffic locations.
NHSA has also received $12.6 million thus far in FEMA grants for Sandy-related repairs to its system.