Development boom may force relocation of St. Lucy’s homeless shelter in Jersey City
Officials have confirmed that St. Lucy’s Homeless Shelter on Grove Street in Jersey City will relocate and its current site sold.
“There are discussions to close and sell St. Lucy’s and relocate the shelter and offices to another site,” said Jersey City Freeholder Bill O’Dea. “But it has not been finalized because the new location is not finalized.”
Located a few blocks from the entrance to the Holland Tunnel, St. Lucy’s is in an area that is seeing dramatic redevelopment. New upscale developments have been and continue to be constructed on nearby Jersey Avenue, and there are proposed plans for a number of properties near to where the shelter is located.
Jersey City to Honor HCST alumnus and Paralympic Gold Medalist Raymond Martin
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the City Council will honor Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) alumnus and Paralympic Gold Medalist Raymond Martin on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. in City Hall council chambers.
Martin, a Jersey City native, won a gold medal and set a new record during the 1500m T52 race in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Two arrested for Nov. 3 murder
A 16-year-old juvenile from Newark surrendered to Homicide Detectives from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office shortly after 10 p.m. on Nov. 14 and was arrested for murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the Nov. 3 homicide of Michael Bowers in Jersey City, said Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.
Prior to the arrest of the juvenile, detectives of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and Gang Task Force arrested Khalil Holmes, 20, of Jersey City, who was also wanted for the murder of Bowers. Holmes was arrested on Dales Avenue in Jersey City on Nov. 11 after a Superior Court Judge issued an arrest warrant on Nov. 10.
Holmes and the juvenile have both been charged with murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit murder. Bail for Holmes has been set at $1 million cash only.
Theft suspect arrested on PATH near Journal Square
Melvin J. King, 45, of Newark, was charged with criminal attempt theft and bail jumping after Port Authority police received a report of an attempted robbery aboard and incoming PATH train at Journal Square on Nov. 15.
When the train pulled in, Port Authority officers boarded the train and witnesses identified the suspect to the officers. Witnesses reported that the suspect allegedly attempted to take the victim’s briefcase several times by reaching under the victim’s seat starting at Christopher Street up to Grove Street. Port Authority police arrested the suspect and it was discovered that the suspect had an active warrant out of Union Township and several out of Newark . The suspect was transported to Hudson County Jail.
Newport holds 15th annual tree lighting on Dec. 1
Newport Town Square continues its annual tradition with the lighting of its tree on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 100 Town Square Place.
The event will feature a 30-foot tree lighting led by Santa, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, News 12 New Jersey’s Nick Meidanis, and with help from a Newport child. There will also be a synchronized light-and-music show across Newport’s Town Square, meet-and-greets with Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves, a trackless train ride for children, Victorian Christmas carolers for entertainment, and hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies from Jersey City’s Morton Williams.
Nimbus Dance Works presents ‘The Nutcracker’ on Dec. 16-18
For the 7th year of the company’s annual holiday tradition, Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey City’s acclaimed professional dance company, presents “Jersey City Nutcracker” from Dec. 16 through 18 at Frank R. Conwell MS4 Auditorium, 107 Bright St., Jersey City.
“Jersey City Nutcracker” tells the story of two children’s urban holiday adventure that leads them through fantasy, adversity, and celebration, and teaches them lessons about friendship and community along the way.
Choreographed and directed by Nimbus Artistic Director Samuel Pott, this adaption of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic is performed by a cast of professional dancers from Nimbus Dance Works, joined by youth and adults from the community as they portray familiar characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, the Arabian Princess and Drosselmeyer – all with a Jersey City twist.
Sponsored by Goldman Sachs, “Jersey City Nutcracker” is one of the largest annual performing arts events in the region. Performances involve youth performers drawn from the School of Nimbus Dance Works and the dance programs of the Jersey City Public Schools. Over 2,000 school children attend special school-time matinee performances. Jersey City public school students perform important roles in the production and gain real-world experience assisting with backstage and front-of-house work.
“During a time of uncertainty when our community needs to unite, we are proud to present ’Jersey City Nutcracker,’ which brings together professional dancers, youth from throughout the region, and families from all backgrounds to celebrate the holidays and our shared sense of community,” says Samuel Pott, artistic director of Nimbus Dance Works.
In addition to the professional dancers of Nimbus Dance Works and Nimbus 2, each year top youth performers from throughout the region audition for lead roles.
This year lead youth performers in the roles of Maria and Christina are: Angel Browne, Snyder High School; Krystal Andrade, High Tech High School; Lucy Rieder, Learning Community Charter School; Sommer Gomez, Union City High School; Quincy Willingham, Waterfront Montessori School; and Diana Boscha, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.
For last minute holiday shoppers, a pop-up gift boutique in the lobby of the performance features unique, handmade items and gifts for sale made by local artists and craftspeople.
Tickets are $11 – $40 (early bird prices through 12/4; group discounts available). Tickets are available at www.nimbusdanceworks.org. For information call (201) 377-0718 or contact info@nimbusdanceworks.org.