JERSEY CITY BRIEFS

6/21/09

Prosecutor’s Office looking for suspect in JC murder

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is looking for the suspect in the murder of 19-year-old Shawn Huff.
Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said Shawn Huff of Montgomery Street was shot six times in front of 90 Hudson St. on May 23 at 2 a.m. after a fight. Huff died on June 12 as a result of the gunshots.
DeFazio said Terrell Sandifer, 23, of Bayview Avenue was arrested on May 28 and charged with conspiracy to commit murder and aggravated assault in connection with the incident. DeFazio said Sandifer is not believed to be the shooter. DeFazio said Sandifer is currently being held at Hudson County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail, DeFazio said.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Hudson County Homicide Squad at (201) 915-1345.

Police want help re Newport Mall hit-and-run
The Jersey City Police Department is requesting the public’s help in tracking down the driver of the pickup truck that hit a Downtown Jersey City man crossing the street near Newport Centre Mall on Saturday, June 13.
Police officials said 51-year-old Ricardo Torres was about to cross Marin Boulevard at Sixth Street at about 1:30 p.m. on his way to meet his wife at Newport Centre Mall.
Police said a black pickup truck ran through a red light, and then slammed into Torres before driving away.
Police said Torres of Second Street is still in critical condition at the Jersey City Medical Center.
Police said the pickup truck has a license plate includes the letters “KY” or “KR.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Jersey City Police Department tip line at (201) 547-JAIL.

Controversial chromium cleanup settlement approved

After two hours of public speaking and much discussion by the Jersey City City Council, a controversial settlement was approved by the council between the state, the city of Jersey City, and Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries, mandating that PPG clean up, within five years, soil and sources of chromium contamination at the property known as 880/900 Garfield Ave.
PPG had operated at the site from 1954 to 1963.
The 8-1 vote was greeted with derision by many in the audience who felt the settlement did not have stringent enough standards for a thorough cleanup of the site. They feel it may result in no cleanup at all because it calls for no penalties for PPG if the company does not embark on a cleanup.
Some walked out after City Councilwoman Viola Richardson, who represents the area where the cleanup site is located, voted for the settlement.
The lone opposition vote was City Councilman Steven Fulop who expressed concerns that the settlement was being rushed and did not take into consideration the residents’ demands for a thorough cleanup.

City Council wants plan for animal control reform

The Jersey City Council decided at its Wednesday meeting not to vote for an ordinance establishing an Animal Control Committee to develop standards for the division, ensure compliance with city and state laws, and to study the responses of animal control officers. Councilman Steven Fulop proposed the ordinance to create a supervisory body as the result of problems the public has had with Animal Control in the past.
Instead, Fulop, on the suggestion of attorney and longtime animal welfare advocate Diana Jeffrey, recommended a letter be sent to Harry Melendez, the director of the city’s Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Animal Control division, to come up with a plan by Aug. 1 to correct the problem in that division.
Melendez has voiced his opposition to the committee, stating in a recent letter provided to the council that the committee “is not required.” Melendez was not present at the council meeting but was on a long-planned family vacation.

Afternoon belly dancing in Journal Square

Noontime Entertainment in Journal Square presents “Birnur Bellydance & DJ Derajja” on Thursday, June 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event features professional belly dancing Birnur Siren and DJ Derajja performing at the Fountain in the Square. This event is being done in advance of the Hafla Habibi, a belly dancing showcase on June 28 at the Journal Square Café, 2881 Kennedy Blvd.
The June 25 event is being presented by Journal Square Restoration Corporation and Jersey City ~ Hoboken Bellydance Meetup.
For more information, visit www.meetup.com/bellydance-nj

Choir concert fundraiser

The St. Michael Singers will present a concert entitled “Wondrous Love: Music of Faith and Joy,” on Sunday, June 28, at 4 p.m. in St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, Parish of the Resurrection, 252 Ninth St. in Jersey City. Joining the group on selected pieces will be the St. Mary Singers. Free will offerings will be accepted for the benefit of the Rev. Hugh V. Fitzgerald Scholarship Fund. For further information, call (201) 653-7328.

PGA event ticket will support JCMC Trauma Center, EMS

You can follow the greatest golfers in the world as they play one of America’s most exclusive courses, and at the same time help support Jersey City Medical Center’s Heroes of September 11 Trauma Center and Emergency Medical Services.
Vijay Singh will defend his title at The Barclays PGA Tour Event at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, Aug. 27-30. By partnering with The 2009 Barclays through Tickets for Charity, a fundraising program designed to generate revenue for local charities, the Liberty Health Foundation will receive 75 percent of the net proceeds from all tickets it sells. The remaining 25 percent will benefit The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, a program which teaches young people life skills through golf.
LibertyHealth operates and manages Jersey City Medical Center and Meadowlands Hospital in Secaucus.
Jersey City Medical Center’s EMS has provided uninterrupted ambulance and emergency service for more than 100 years, beginning at a time when ambulances were drawn by horses. Today, JCMC’s Trauma Center and EMS employ the most up-to-date technology.
To support the LibertyHealth Foundation, go to www.barclaysgolf.com/tfc to purchase tickets. Select the day and quantity of tickets you would like to purchase (noting that only $45 ground passes are available through Tickets for Charity). Enter MCHT to designate LibertyHealth Foundation as the benefitting charitable organization. You will receive a confirmation email, with an e-ticket attached upon presentation of payment information.
For more information, contact Dan Chelel at (201) 444-5356 or Gina Andriolo at the LibertyHealth Foundation (201) 377-6057.

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