Cunningham gun bill gets final approval
A measure championed by Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healey and sponsored by Sen. Sandra Bolden Cunningham to prohibit the sale and purchase of more than one handgun per person within a 30-day period was approved last week by the full state Senate by a vote of 21 to 15.
The bill is intended to prevent “straw purchasing,” or purchasing a firearm for someone who is not legally allowed to buy one.
“Gang violence has become a way of life in communities around the state,” Cunningham said. “Though we have gun laws on the books, more must be done to prevent straw purchases. It is my hope that other states will follow our lead and craft similar legislation to help protect residents from gun violence.”
The bill would focus on straw purchasers and bulk sellers who obtain multiple gun permits, buy the guns, and then sell them on the black market to unlicensed buyers.
Under current law, no one may purchase, sell, or transfer a firearm to another person unless he or she has the necessary permit or authorization. Each gun permit enables a buyer to purchase one gun, and subsequent permits are needed for additional guns. Authorized gun sellers are required to do FBI background checks on prospective purchasers before transferring a firearm.
Current law also specifies who is disqualified from securing a gun permit. This group includes convicted criminals, minors, or anyone who is drug or alcohol dependent or mentally ill.
Federal, state and local law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers and retailers would not be subject to the 30-day limitation.
Cat takes wild ride; owner sought
When the driver of a black Mercedes pulled over to the side of Route 3 last week because it was overheating, he had no idea of the surprise that awaited.
When police arrived, they found a tabby cat in the fan belt casing of the car.
Veterinarians at an animal hospital in Secaucus are now trying to locate the furry feline’s owner. Nobody knows how far the tabby traveled under the hood before she was noticed, or who owns her.
Ed McClure, animal control officer for Secaucus, called Dr. John Hatch of the Secaucus Animal Hospital to help in the roadside rescue because he was uncertain as to the nature of the animal’s injuries.
The staff has tentatively named the feline “Freeway.” She is in good shape, but hospital officials are trying to return her to her owner.
“She is a nice cat and I’m sure we can get her adopted,” said Dr. John Hatch. “But I’m sure the owner is probably worried about her.”
Anyone with possible information is encouraged to call the Secaucus Animal Hospital at 201-867-4795.
For more on this story, read this weekend’s papers or go to www.hudsonreporter.com. – Al Sullivan
One suspect arrested in JC murder
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Monday that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a Jersey City man Sunday morning.
Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Guy Gregory said victim Kevin A. Miller, 28, of Bergen Avenue, died from a single gunshot wound to the head at around 2:20 a.m. and was found lying at the intersection of Bramhall Avenue and Sackett Street.
Gregory confirmed that Devon Carter, 25, of Reed Street, was arrested later that day. Gregory confirmed that Miller was in a fight with two men, with one of them allegedly shooting Miller.
Gregory confirmed Miller’s murder came after an altercation with a woman earlier in the evening.
Anyone with further information on the shooting can call the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office’s Homicide Squad at (201) 915-1345. – Ricardo Kaulessar
Bank merger seen as good match
BCB Bancorp, Inc. and Pamrapo Bancorp, Inc. jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement last week. Under the terms of the agreement, Pamrapo will merge with BCBP. PBCI shareholders will receive 1.00 share of BCBP for each share of PBCI.
The Board of Directors of BCBP will be expanded by five seats for representation from PBCI. Daniel Massarelli will serve as Chairman of the combined entity and Mark Hogan will serve as Vice Chairman. Donald Mindiak will be the President and CEO of the combined entity, Thomas Coughlin will serve as COO, and Kenneth Walter will serve as CFO. Both Boards of Directors have unanimously approved the merger.
The combined entity is projected to have $1.2 billion in total asset and hold the fifth largest deposit market share in Hudson County. The resulting company will be a bank holding company with one banking subsidiary, a state-chartered commercial bank.
Since Pamrapo has six branches in Bayonne and BCB has three, local officials expect there will be some consolidation of the branches, and closing of offices that are located very close to each other.
This means some job losses, one official said, but it will guarantee that Bayonne will have a strong local bank. Local officials say the merger is a good match. Pamrapo has always specialized in home mortgages for one and two family homes and small apartment complexes.
“It is a very conservative bank,” a city official said, asking not to be named.
PCP is seen as more of a go-getter, very aggressive lender.
“They should complement each other,” the official said.
The total assets of the combined companies are listed at $1.2 billion.
Court advocate volunteers needed
The Hudson County CASA is currently recruiting volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children.
CASA works through trained community volunteers that insure needed services and assistance.
Volunteers speak for children in court, serve as fact finders for judges and protect the interests of children in the foster care system.
A Information session on volunteering well be held on July 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. in room 901 of the Hudson County Administration Building, located at 595 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. Enter the building through the rear entrance, since the front doors are locked at 5 p.m.
For more information, call (201) 795 9855 or visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.