Zero tolerance on July 4
On Saturday, July 4, Hoboken will be a central site for the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration over the Hudson River. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected. Mayor David Roberts said in a press release last week that all available police officers, firefigthers, Office of Emergency Management personnel, building inspectors, and other municipal officials will be enforcing all codes and regulations regarding public behavior with a “zero tolerance level” on that day.
This includes, “absolutely no rooftop parties or gatherings for viewings of the firework celebration, unless the said property has met the code standards for such usage,” according to the release.
It goes on to say: “It is especially important that no overcrowding occur in these properties. Furthermore, the use of balconies, fire escapes, porches or any other structures for viewing are strictly prohibited within the confines of the codes for such structures. And it is imperative that no overcrowding occur in any of these locations as well.”
Salvation for summer camp, pool?
The Board of Education is attempting to revive the city’s summer camp, which lost the majority of its funding this year in city budget cutbacks. The district contributed to the city’s camp, but now the board is trying to find a way to fully fund the day camp on their own.
Also, the Boys and Girls Club – after losing funding to keep the only outdoor pool in Hoboken open for the summer – is mounting a fundraising campaign to combat the costs. The City Council is also searching for ways to return funding to the facility.
Election concludes with announcement
Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer ended her mayoral campaign on Tuesday by congratulating her opponent, Peter Cammarano, on his hard fought victory.
Although her she was behind by a sizable 161-vote margin, her campaign team was considering whether or not to challenge the extremely lopsided tally of absentee ballots.
She said in a release, “I congratulate Peter Cammarano for his victory. He worked tirelessly and campaigned effectively. While I know we will not always agree, I pledge to work cooperatively with him as we address the big challenges ahead.”
Zimmer went on to say, “This has been a tough election that ended in a photo finish. Now, it is in the best interest of Hoboken that we move on to the task of governing our city.”
Bicycle registration program
The Hoboken Community Policing Bureau is conducting an ongoing bicycle registration program for residents.
The program will assist police with bicycle theft prevention and identification of stolen bicycles and riders can register their bicycle at police headquarters.
Police are also enforcing a Helmet Safety Program, including a giving out reward “tickets” for young riders who are properly using helmets throughout the city. The “ticket” will entitle the child to a free water ice at Rita’s or an ice cream sundae at Johnny Rockets. The program will run until October.
YMCA fundraiser at Amanda’s
The Board of Directors of the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA is hosting a four-course meal fundraiser on Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m.
Special guest Erin Burnett of CNBC will be on hand at Amanda’s Restaurant, 908 Washington St., to help support this important community resource while enjoying a four-course dinner with select wine pairings at one of New Jersey’s premier dining spots.
Tickets for the dinner are $200 per person ($150 tax-deductible) and are available at Amanda’s Restaurant, the YMCA, 1301 Washington St., or at www.hobokenymca.org.
Puerto Rican flag raising and scholarships
The Puerto Rican Cultural Committee of Hoboken will celebrate the 43rd Annual Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
The ceremony will be dedicated to Magali Galarza, an entrepreneur and small business owner who has owned and operated an entertainment club in Hoboken which has been a local favorite since 1982.
The committee also announced four winners of its annual of $1,000 scholarship awards to graduating Hoboken High School seniors: Joseph Castaing, Jessica Lopez, Virgen Negron, and Rafferty Rodriguez. The awards will be presented at the Flag Raising Ceremony. Castaign will attend New Jersey City University; Lopez will attend William Paterson University; and Negron and Rodriguez will attend Rutgers University.
Basketball tourney and BBQ
The Save The Youth Academy and the Good Samaritan in Action Foundation are presenting the first annual Basketball Tournament and BBQ Fundraiser in memory of Vincent “Woody” McConnell Jr.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and more will be available on Saturday, June 27 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Sixth and Jackson streets.