People fill the room at Jersey City City Hall on Wednesday, July 15 (Adrienne J. Romero / SOC Images).
Catch up on local news on budget meetings, Planet Fitness’ Summer Pass Program, Liberty State Park’s Summerfest and more.
Jersey City City Council Introduces Budget With Proposed 15.5% Tax Hike
After a meeting that ran until nearly 2 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, the city council unanimously passed a $886.5 million municipal budget that includes a 15.5% property tax increase along with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the terms of the state’s $105 million loan, which are efforts to further stitch up the city’s historic budget deficit.
Despite the unanimous vote on the introduction of the budget, the council will have follow up meetings regarding the proposed 15.5% tax increase on whether it will stay at that number or can be cut down, which would need approval from the state.
Councilperson at-large Rolando Lavarro and Ward F Councilperson Frank “Educational” Gilmore have constantly said during the council meetings that there must be another affordable option.
The next regular council meeting is on Aug. 19, but you can check the City Council page to see if any special meetings are called, which could be listed here or Jersey City’s social media account
Jersey City Board Of Education To Pay Superintendent Over $1.8 Million
In a special meeting, the Jersey City Board of Education voted 6-2 in favor of extending JCBOE Schools Superintendent Norma Fernandez’s contract for nearly $2 million over five years.
Fernandez becomes the second-highest paid superintendent in the state with an earning of $341,200 for the 2026-27 school year. Howard Lerner of Bergen County Vocational Technical School District is the highest paid superintendent in New Jersey, according to the Bergen Record.
While the majority of the JCBOE voted in favor of Fernandez, who has been the head since 2022, many parents and residents strongly opposed the decision.
“My question is why now? The current contract doesn’t expire until next year. If there is no urgency, why is the board rushing to approve a new five-year contract tonight?” said Verdibello, who previously served on the JCBOE from 2019 to 2023.
“The public deserves a clear explanation for why this decision cannot wait.”
Hoboken Launches New Safety Robot
Hoboken is introducing a new safety initiative.
Daxbot can now be seen traveling along Hoboken sidewalks as part of a month-long effort to help improve accessibility throughout the city.
By using advanced sensors, Daxbot will collect engineering data on sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian signal buttons and park pathways to help support Hoboken’s new ADA Accessibility Plan and updated Vision Zero Action Plan.
The city also wants to hear from you! If you have experienced areas that are difficult to navigate, you can take the Hoboken ADA Accessibility Survey and help shape future improvements to Hoboken’s public spaces. The survey is open until this Thursday, July 23. You can access the survey here.
If you see Daxbot around the Hoboken streets, take a selfie for Instagram and don’t forget to tag @HobokenNJ and @idigdax.
There’s Still Time! Teens Work Out For Free This Summer At Planet Fitness
Popular gym franchise, Planet Fitness, has been running its annual High School Summer Pass program and teens can still take advantage.
The program, now entering its sixth year, encourages high school students between the ages 14 to 19 to prioritize fitness by working out for free at any of Planet Fitness’ 2,900+ participating locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Through the High School Summer Pass® program, teen members will have free access to:
- Planet Fitness’ complete range of strength equipment, including plate-loaded machines, cardio equipment, stretching space and more
- Free fitness training from certified fitness trainers
- The free Planet Fitness App, featuring hundreds of on-demand digital exercises
- Exclusive discounts through Gymshark
“At Planet Fitness, our mission is to break down the barriers to fitness, and the High School Summer Pass program is a key part of that,” said Colleen Keating, CEO of Planet Fitness.
“Young people are increasingly prioritizing their mental and physical health and making fitness part of their daily lives. This program gives teens the unique opportunity to build lifelong healthy habits in a welcoming and non-intimidating environment during the important months when school is out.”
Teens can register here to gain club access now until August 31.
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Jersey City Residents Express Concern Over Water Bills, And They Want To Hear From You
Jersey City residents have reported concerns about receiving water bills, shutoff notices, customer service and account issues.
Community members are coming together to discuss and organize:
- How many households have been affected
- Share information and resources
- Connect residents with one another
- Advocate for fair treatment and greater transparency
- Keep residents informed about future meetings and any legal or policy developments
The community wants to hear from you. Complete the community water billing survey here.
Liberty State Park’s Summerfest Is Back!
Liberty State Park Summerfest Free Concert Series is returning on Sunday and Tuesday evenings.
Sunday shows at 6 p.m. are at the field behind the ferry lot, while Tuesday shows at 6:30 p.m. are by the Flag Plaza at the south side. Concerts are sponsored by Jersey City Art & Culture and JC Jersey City Free Public Library.
Kearny Public Library Welcomes Local Author
Kearny Public Library welcomes “My Super Saver Inhaler” to its library! The story was written by local author, Hajar Elkassimi.
Elkassimi recently stopped by the library to donate a copy of her published book.
Support local today by stopping by the Kearny Public Library for a new copy of “My Super Inhaler.”
E-Scooter Driver Killed In Union City
An e-scooter driver in Union City was killed this past Wednesday after colliding with a sanitation truck.
The scooter driver was later identified as 22-year-old Mauricio Rodriguez, who was suffering serious injuries on the scene. Rodriguez was pronounced dead on the scene shortly after.
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said that the crash occurred at around 3:30 a.m. They did not disclose the location of the crash. Officials did not specify whether the sanitation truck was owned by the city or a private company.
An ongoing investigation into the crash is currently being led by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Regional Collision Investigation Unit.
Harrison Fire Leaves Four Families Displaced And One Dog Dead
A fire that occurred overnight in Harrison claimed the life of a dog and left four families displaced.
Firefighters responded to North 5th Street near Cross Street. According to the fire chief, three residents managed to escape the home by themselves. Other residents were helped with getting out.
The homes are very close together and spread from the main building on fire.
Although two dogs were removed and are in fine condition, a third dog did not make it out alive. The details on the deceased dog have not been revealed.
The fire remains under investigation. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced families.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
