City officials confirm cop vs. cop probe
City officials confirmed that there is an investigation into an altercation between two Bayonne police officers on June 5, but would not divulge details about what the probe uncovered.
“There is an initial investigation ongoing and any details of the investigation [made public] are rumor because it is still ongoing,” said Mayor James Davis. “I have complete confidence in Public Safety Director Robert Kubert and Police Chief Drew Niekrasz, who are leading the investigation.”
“Right now it’s being investigated as a personnel matter and it would be inappropriate to comment further,” Kubert said.
“At this point there is no allegation of any crime,” police spokeswoman Lt. Janine Foy said.
The incident took place near Avenue E and 51st Street, where work is being done on the 14A New Jersey Turnpike improvement project.
Port Authority announces Bridge closures
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey has announced closures of the Bayonne Bridge as part of the “Raise the Roadway” Navigational Clearance Project.
The remaining multi-hour closures for this week are: Thursday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday, June 19; Friday, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. until 8 a.m. Saturday, June 20.
Closures are weather dependent.
For email alerts on project closures and other information, subscribe to eAlerts at www.PA.alerts.com.
Turnpike work to affect city drivers
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has announced that work on the 14A toll plaza will affect drivers over the weekend.
From 9 p.m. Friday, June 19 until 5 a.m. Monday, June 22, the western most toll lane (exiting the turnpike, right side) will be closed.
Groups seek to intervene in lawsuit against Exxon
Environmental groups filed a motion on June 10 to intervene in litigation brought by the state of New Jersey against ExxonMobil Corporation over damages due for decades of toxic soil and water contamination in the northern part of the state, urging the court to reject a proposed settlement for $225 million, or 2.5 percent of the original $8.9 billion price tag.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Columbia Environmental Law Clinic filed the motion in New Jersey State Superior Court in Union County on behalf of Clean Water Action, Delaware Riverkeeper and Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Environment New Jersey, NJ Audubon, NY/NJ Baykeeper, NRDC, and the Sierra Club New Jersey.
The groups argue the proposed settlement should be rejected because it is far too low to restore and replace the region’s valuable ecosystems and make New Jersey residents whole for the loss of their use.
“Unfortunately, the state of New Jersey is not fulfilling its responsibility to act as a trustee for our natural resources and is selling out to ExxonMobil,” said Debbie Mans, baykeeper and executive director, NY/NJ Baykeeper.
In 2008, the courts found that approximately 1,800 acres of wetlands, marshes, meadows, and waters have been buried under, or otherwise adversely affected by, decades of spills and leaks at ExxonMobil oil refineries and petrochemical operations in Bayonne and Linden.
PSEG Foundation provides bookmarks for students to help families ready for emergencies
The PSEG Foundation is providing Sesame Workshop bookmarks to each pre-kindergarten through grade 3 student in the Bayonne school district to promote planning for emergencies.
According to a national survey, 60 percent of families in the United States do not have an emergency plan. In response, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, has partnered with PSEG Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), to develop free emergency preparedness and response initiatives in English and Spanish.
“We are thankful for the PSEG Foundation’s commitment to supporting the communities they serve,” said Schools Superintendent Patricia McGeehan.
Sesame Workshop includes simple tips, strategies, and activities and offers advice on helping families to prepare with effective ways to respond when a disaster occurs.
First public golf course in Hudson now open
The Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park, 515 Duncan Ave. in Jersey City, has begun accepting applications for membership. Proof of residency is required.
The facility, located on the west side of Lincoln Park, is the first public golf course in Hudson County.
The 3,257-yard, nine-hole course consists of three par 3s, three par 4s, and three par 5s, and offers views of the Pulaski Skyway and the Freedom Tower in Manhattan.
For more information, call (201) 763-7520.