Photo courtesy of NJ Spotlight News.
From public transit updates to other local news, here’s what you’ve missed—all in this week’s Hudson County news roundup.
Former Christ Hospital Future Unknown As Layoffs And Restructuring Begins
According to multiple reports, Heights University Hospital, formerly known as Christ Hospital in the Jersey City Heights, has begun to lay off staff this Sunday. The exact number and which departments for the layoffs are unclear at the time of this writing.
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, the hospital announced that it will begin ending some “non-essential services” in an effort to remain open. NJ Spotlight News further reported that Nizar Kifaieh, the Jersey City hospital’s operator and Hudson Regional Health President and CEO, said the establishment “will continue operating as an acute care hospital.”
Another article, reported by Jackie Roman of NJ Advance Media, stated that the owners of Heights University Hospital are reportedly requesting approval from Jersey City officials “to build a new hospital adjacent to the current one and pair it with residential development.”
A concept plan by MHS Architecture, a firm based in Hoboken, proposes an alternative use for the facility to be a pair of 10-story residential buildings with over 2,200 total units. The plan also reportedly proposes the hospital to close by Nov. 10, according to a letter obtained by NJ Advance Media.
But Hudson Regional spokeswoman Lisa Herrmann said that nothing is final yet.
“[The company] continues to work with local and state leaders to determine a long-term path for sustainability, preserve healthcare services in the Heights, and ensure the hospital’s continued role in serving the community,” Herrmann said Thursday in a statement sent to NJ Advance Media.
“The concept plan is an option for the hospital.”
In a Facebook post by Erhel Fornaris, he shared that he is “officially unemployed” after 20 years at Christ Hospital.
Hospital officials stated they expect a “majority” of employees affected by the “restructuring” to be offered continued employment under the Hudson Regional name. They are also planning to host job fairs for affected employees, according to NJ Advance Media.
The hospital will reportedly continue to run its emergency room, critical care, medical-surgical services with a number of operating rooms plus behavioral services.
Spread Gratitude With This Hudson County Food Drive
American Heritage Girls (AHG) serves many communities throughout the world. And for this holiday season, they brought their food drive to Hudson County.
La Bodega, a staple Dominican eatery in Jersey City, is one of the drop-off locations for The Thankful Hearts Box, which is happening now through Nov. 10.
The box is accepting canned goods and a “thankful for…” note, which the AHG will be reading!
Bayonne’s Broadway Bus Company Is Saying Goodbye
Starting next month, the Broadway Bus Company will no longer be operating in Bayonne, according to a post from Facebook group “Bayonne Alerts and Whats Happening Now.”
At the time of this writing, it’s unclear if there’s confirmation of another company or service to replace the bus’s services.
In 2023, Broadway Bus President Emil Massa shut down rumors of the Broadway Bus Company shutting down.
The Broadway Bus Company will hold a public meeting on Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to discuss the closure at 1329 Kennedy Blvd, which is at the border of Bayonne and Jersey City, where the buses are stationed.
This Hudson County Resident Needs Your Help
Kyle Ocampo, a resident of Jersey City, is asking for your help as he recovers from an unexpected surgery and an unexpected layoff.
On Sept. 26, Ocampo went to the ER after a company picnic due to stomach pains. Doctors found a “golf ball-sized” mass on Ocampo’s intestine, according to his GoFundMe campaign.
During the surgery, doctors also found an infection on Ocampo’s sigmoid colon that needed to be handled. He woke up three days later to a huge incision in the middle of his stomach as well as an ileostomy bag directly next to the incision where doctors removed the tumor.
Ocampo was hospitalized for three weeks and was let go from the company he works at. He is asking for your help today as he embarks on his recovery journey.
You can donate to Ocampo’s GoFundMe here.
Police Responded To ‘False’ Report Of Armed Individual At Local High School
On Thursday, around 12:30 p.m., the Harrison Police Department received a report of a suspicious “armed” person inside of Harrison High School.
Officers responded immediately and cleared the school; they also notified surrounding schools and daycares of the incident.
However, after a thorough investigation, Harrison Chief of Police Stanley Titterington said it was determined that the call was for a “swatting” incident, which is a false emergency report intended to provoke a law enforcement response.
“The Harrison Police Department appreciates the swift cooperation of the Harrison School District, Harrison Fire Department, Harrison Department of Public Works, and St. Clare’s EMS for their assistance during the incident,” wrote Titterington and Police Director Nicholas G. Breiner wrote in a press release.
“At no time was there any threat to students or school personnel. The Harrison Police Department remains dedicated to the safety of our schools and community. All reports of potential threats are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.”
Man Killed In Shoot Out With Jersey City Police, Family Of Man ‘Do Not Accept Allegations’
A man died after he was shot by police in Jersey City.
According to Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, officers saw a person acting suspicious with a noticeable bulge in their clothing on Bergen Avenue at around 1 a.m. last week.
Officials said the person reportedly opened fire on an approaching officer, and the officer returned fire, which ultimately hit the individual.
The man, later identified as Teshawn Rogers, 27, was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. A gun was also recovered at the scene.
Rogers’ family says they have a lot of questions they want answered and many are upset with Rogers’ fatal death.
“He was a loving father to a lil girl who should still have her father, killed on his dad’s birthday he was murdered by the same people who we hired to protect us,” read an Instagram post.
The post also states that after the shooting, police went to Rogers’ grandmother’s house and asked her about her grandson’s whereabouts.
Since it was a fatal police shooting, the state attorney general’s office will lead the investigation.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
