Heights University Hospital, formerly Christ Hospital, is losing $1.5 million per week, according to its owners. (Reena Rose Sibayan / The Jersey Journal)
It takes a community to make change.
Learn how you can get in on the action with this week’s Hudson County news roundup!
Jersey City’s Ward F Encourages Residents To Speak Up At This Meeting
On Wednesday, March 4, the Morris Canal CDC is hosting their monthly meeting, which will include the new proposal of 417 Communipaw Avenue, a 3.3-acre space located just down the street from Berry Lane Park.
In an email sent by Ward F Councilman Frank Gilmore, the newsletter outlines how the 17-story project has a new plan in the works with many “community-centered elements that residents previously fought for” has been removed.
Due to redistricting, the project now lies in Ward A, which is under Councilwoman Denise Ridley, but Gilmore’s email reads: “That should concern all of us.”
The meeting will also include:
- An update on residential zoned permit parking petition efforts
- JC MUA update on the Johnston Avenue sewer and manhole work
For residents who care about “responsible development,” you can be in the room:
Wednesday, March 4th
6:00 PM (Zoom)
Meeting ID: 875 8661 7824
Passcode: LAFAYETTE
Or click here.
Support A Young Scholar At This Local Book Fair!
The Empowerment Academy Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is looking for volunteers to help assist with their Scholastic Book Fair, which will be from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6.
The school-sponsored event, which is located at 240 Ege Avenue in Jersey City, noted that “this is a great opportunity to support your scholar and help create a fun, exciting experience for all!”
You can choose which timeslot works best for you here.
Need Help With Filing Taxes? Here’s Union City’s Free Service
The Brian P. Stack Civic Association has brought back their free Income Tax Service for residents in need of assistance filing their income tax.
It will be Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. as well as Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents looking for help must call the association at 551-354-9800 or 551-354-9803 to schedule an appointment. They must provide their first name, last name, address and phone number.
It will be offered now until April 30, but residents are advised to note that April 15 is the last day to file state and federal income taxes “therefore it is imperative that you contact the Civic Association for an appointment.”
Electronic filing is also available.
Help This Family Through A ‘Difficult Time’
Daniela Fuentes is asking the community for help with covering “basic living expenses” and getting through the coming weeks. Her father was detained by ICE on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m., according to the GoFundMe.
“Since his detention, we have been struggling financially. My dad has always worked hard to support us, and his sudden absence has created emotional and financial hardship for our household,” Fuentes wrote.
“… Any help, prayers or support would mean so much to our family. Thank you for taking the time to read our story.”
You can learn more or donate here.
This Community Space Needs Help To Stay Open
Neighbors Studio, a third space located in the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood of Jersey City, has become known for its community events including art shows, mutual aid events and more.
But being run by one woman, it’s become difficult covering costs for rent, utilities, heating and other operations expenses.
“Over the past few months, we’ve continued to open our doors and offer reduced or flexible pricing to artists and community members who couldn’t afford full costs, because we understand what it’s like to need support.” Briana Ortiz wrote in their GoFundMe.
“… While we have always found a way to make it work, the margin is thin, and the reality is that keeping our doors open depends on meeting these costs… If Neighbors Studio has ever been a place you’ve gathered, celebrated, created, or felt welcomed this is us being honest and asking our community to show up for us.”
You can learn more or donate here.
This Statement Gives Insight On Christ Hospital’s Future
Heights University Hospital, better known as Christ Hospital, continues to hang on as their Emergency Room services will remain open for just another two weeks.
Hudson Regional Health, the owners of the property, said they will suspend the emergency department services on March 14. In a statement, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon emphasized his determination to “reverse” the decision.
“This is unacceptable, especially since just a year ago, their CEO said that the future is bright for patients in the Heights. I will use all my power to reverse this decision,” Solomon said.
“We are in active conversations with Governor Sherrill, the NJ Department of Health, our state legislative delegation and HRH regarding options to save access to health care in the Heights. Every option, from emergency injunctions to transferring the license, must be on the table.”
The staple hospital has been fighting to survive for months amidst their need for financial support. They already ended “non-essential services” and were purely operating through their emergency department.
If Christ Hospital, located in the Jersey City Heights, is forced to shut down, residents’ only nearby options are Jersey City Medical Center in Downtown or Hoboken University Hospital.
Snow Causes Roof Damage At Secaucus Houlihan’s
The Houlihan’s in Secaucus was evacuated after officials investigated the restaurant for a report of a “possible roof collapse.”
Police, firefighters, the Office of Emergency Management and the Town Building Inspector said that the roof didn’t fully collapse, but it “buckled” under the weight of the snow. Police said that cracking noises could be heard from inside of the establishment.
No one was hurt. The building has been closed until further notice as management arranges repairs.
Save The Date! Team Wilderness Will Open These Programs Soon
Team Wilderness, a nonprofit organization that offers wilderness excursions and more opportunities to urban youth, will be opening up their Summer Treks + Nature Photography Camp on Tuesday, March 10 at 9 a.m. sharp.
It is available for ages 12 to 16. Only 12 youths are accepted per session.
The opportunities include:
- Two weeks of outdoor adventure
- Nature Photography Camp
- Overnight camping, hiking & rappelling
It will go live on their website and their linktree, which can be found on their Instagram links. The organization said spots fill up quickly and advises those interested to set their alarms now!
