Photo by Adrienne J. Romero / SOC Images.
From calls for community support to a data center ordinance ban and a longtime shop closure, here’s what you’ve missed in this week’s Hudson County news roundup.
You Have Until Sept. 3 To Speak Up On Christ Hospital’s Closure!
On Thursday, Aug. 27, community members continued to make noise for Heights University Hospital, better known as Christ Hospital, which abruptly closed nine months prior.
Roughly 70 people attended the long-awaited public meeting at Hudson County Community College and many emphasized how the shutdown has negatively impacted, not only Jersey City, but all surrounding communities who once relied on the healthcare facility.
“Give another healthcare provider the opportunity to serve this community and establish safeguards so that what happened here can never happen again this way,” said Danielle D’Adamo, who was born at Christ Hospital, as reported in local newsletter, JC IN THE NEWS.
“Let’s get our healthcare infrastructure back to where it is.”
The public can submit their thoughts on the abrupt closure to [email protected] with the subject line “Heights Public Comment” until Sept. 3. The board, who is evaluating Hudson Regional Health’s—the owner of the Heights hospital—application, will be considering these comments.
Jersey City City Councils Passes 15.15% Property Tax Hike
After months of deliberation, public outrage and amended budgets, the Jersey City City Council voted 8-0—with Councilman At-Large Michael Griffin abstaining—to pass an amended budget of $886.54 million with a 15.15% property tax increase, as reported by local newsletter, JC IN THE NEWS.
“I heard the fear about being homeless,” said Councilman at-Large Rolando Lavarro at the Aug. 26 special meeting.
“Your anger is very justified, it makes me angry mostly because I don’t think we should be here.”
Residents can use Jersey City’s 2026 Property Tax Estimator here, which can give an estimate on how your 2026 bill will look like.
Community members have moved to take action and help avoid displacement, like JC Keep It Ours. They will be hosting meetings to talk about fundraising, outreach, homeowner support and more. You can find more information at their Instagram.
“You guys got to understand something. We [already have] homeless in with this [increase] we are gonna have more homeless people,” said Peter Carter, a native of Jersey City, according to JC IN THE NEWS.
You Might Be Qualified For Utility Relief
The North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA) is helping share awareness of the SHARES Municipal Customer Assistance Program (MCAP), which financially assists income qualified households with water, sewer and electric bills.
According to a press release from the NHSA, “eligible households with municipal utility services andincome at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level can receive up to
$200 per utility per calendar year.” Eligibility depends on household size and income. It does not, however, cover deposits, reconnection fees or repairs.
“Sewer service is one of those things residents rarely think about until the bill becomes difficult to pay,” said Omar Vicioso, Director of Communications at the North Hudson Sewerage Authority in a statement.
“Every time a household flushes a toilet or runs a washing machine, our collection system and treatment plants are at work. MCAP gives families facing a temporary setback a way to stay current on their sewer charges without falling behind, and we want every household that may qualify to know this support is available.”
You can review the full program guidelines, apply for the program and find more information at the following:
- Website: www.sharesnation.org
- Toll free: 866-657-4273
- Email: [email protected]
Bayonne Agrees To Ban Data Centers
The Bayonne City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that “prohibits” data centers in all parts of Bayonne.
The ordinance states “the City Council has determined that in the interest of health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Bayonne, it is appropriate at this time to amend the City Code to include data centers as a non-permitted use within the geographic boundaries of the City of Bayonne.”
It also extensively defines a “data center” as “any building, structure, facility, campus, or portion thereof, the principal use of which is the housing, operation, storage, management, processing, transmission, routing, hosting, distribution, maintenance, security, or exchange of digital or electronic data through computer servers, server racks, networking equipment, telecommunications equipment, electronic data storage systems, cloud computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence infrastructure, or other high-density digital information technology infrastructure, regardless of the terminology, trade name, ownership structure, or business model used to describe the facility.”
After Bayonne Mayor Sharon Nadrowski signed the ordinance into law the following day, she stated, “This brings an end to a period marked by uncertainty and confusion about this city’s stance on this divisive matter. I want to thank the City Council for their partnership and consideration as we collectively answered the call to do what is in the best interest of Bayonne residents.”
In an Instagram post, Climate Revolution New Jersey said, “This is a major victory, but the fight isn’t completely over. Several sites with previous approvals may be grandfathered in under the ordinance. Residents fought hard to change the direction of their city, and we’ll remain vigilant to make sure that progress is protected.”
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Magical Vendors Called For This Kearny Event!
The Bewitching Walk is hosting their event on Oct. 10 and is looking for vendors who sell:
- Crystals
- Herbs
- Candles
- Jewelry
- Apothecary goods
- Spiritual services
- Other magical treasures
It’ll take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at an undisclosed location in Kearny.
Those interested in vending can sign up here, but space is limited!
Longtime Bayonne Store Is Closing
K & D Jewelry & Gifts announced their plans to close their 571 Broadway location.
The store had become a staple in the community, selling different clothing, jewelry, toys, accessories, plants and more, including watch repair services.
“Kim and John were the very first to offer me a job during the sidewalk sale when they were located on the corner of 22nd Street, sad to see it close,” commented Ana Maria on a Facebook post.
“Typical Bayonne. Pretty soon it will be another store or Demolished for a high rise building we don’t need. Gonna miss this store,” wrote Ashley Vanderbeck.
New Cafe Opens In Kearny
Blu Cafe recently opened on Midland Avenue in Kearny.
The 149 Midland Avenue location offers espressos, fresh smoothies and juices, Brazilian treats, breakfast, lunch and more.
“The space itself is just as inviting as the menu, with several cozy nooks that make it perfect for catching up with a friend, getting some work done, or simply slowing down with a great cup of coffee,” Erin Ferrier wrote in a Facebook post.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
