Former JC Councilman Kenny sentenced for taking bribes
U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced on Tuesday that former Jersey City Councilman Phil Kenny was sentenced in U.S District Court in Newark to a year and a day in prison for accepting $5,000 in bribes in exchange for agreeing to help obtain real estate development approvals for a developer through his future official influence and authority. Kenny was elected last May but served on the City Council for only three months until he resigned in October.
Kenny pleaded guilty in October to accepting $5,000 in bribes from government informant Solomon Dwek, purportedly for his campaign, but – according to the prosecution – to help Dwek get approvals for a bogus condo project to be built on Garfield Avenue.
His plea was unusual in that he was not one of the 43 arrested last July in the major corruption sweep that netted public officials and religious leaders including former Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano.
Kenny was also sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose Linares to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a fine of $4,000. Kenny is out on a $50,000 bond until he reports to jail on June 21.
Biblioteca Criolla moves to Main Library
The Jersey City Free Public Library announced last week that the Biblioteca Criolla Y Centro Cultural library branch, located on First Street, will close this Monday, May 10, with book returns only accepted until Friday, May 21.
Biblioteca Criolla will reopen on Monday, June 14 at its new location on the fourth floor of the Main Library.
During this transition, starting May 10, no overdues will be charged. When Criolla opens at the Main Library, fines will be charged again, starting Monday, June 14.
The Biblioteca Criolla will concentrate on providing Spanish services only, with its Children’s Story Hour being exclusively done in Spanish. Books will mostly be in Spanish; however, the collection will be inclusive of some known books in English that pertain to Spanish authors.
The severe budgetary constraints to the library system have precipitated this move, changing from a storefront neighborhood branch to a unit within the Main Library.
All Points Borscht comes to JC
All Points Borscht, an evening of Jewish-themed entertainment, will take on Saturday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at Temple Beth-El, 2419 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City.
The featured acts are nationally renowned comedians Brad Zimmerman and Stone and Stone. The event will be hosted by Downtown Jersey City resident and realtor Phil Rivo.
Snacks and adult beverages are available. Tickets: $20 in advance, $22 at the door. The evening is a benefit for the Temple Beth-El Synagogue of Jersey City.
Purchase tickets at www.betheljc.org or call (201) 333-4229. Parking is available at Bank of America across the street.
Shakespeare at the Cemetery
The Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is the site of “Shakespeare at the Cemetery” on Saturday, May 15 at 2 p.m.
The Actors Shakespeare Company of New Jersey City University will perform the ‘Passion’s Slave,’ followed by a special musical performance by The Torcher Chamber Ensemble.
Admission is $10 donation suggested ($5 for children and seniors).
The cemetery is located at 435 Newark Ave., Jersey City, directly across the street from Dickinson High School.
Please contact Eileen Markenstein, 201-707-0738 for additional information.