Photo by Adrienne J. Romero / SOC Images.
From local news updates to opportunities to gather with the community, here’s what you’ve missed in the last week.
Beware Of Scams In Hoboken, Police Say
Hoboken Police have advised the public in Hoboken, specifically the city’s transit area and waterfront, to be aware of individuals who claim they are collecting donations for either charities, schools or sports teams.
Six people have reportedly encountered the scammers, who said that the individuals ask for a small donation through a payment app, like Zelle, and then they ask to borrow the phone to “enter the organization’s information.” While holding the phone, they allegedly transfer larger amounts than the victim was willing to donate.
“The victim feels like they just helped out somebody’s kids in need, a charity or sporting event,” said Lt. Jonathan Mecka, of the Hoboken Police Department, according to New Jersey News 12.
“However, they didn’t. They just sent them $2,000, $3,000 or $4,000.”
Police are urging people to avoid handing your phone or wallet to someone you don’t know. If someone claims that their phone died and they need to make a phone call, you can direct them to the Hoboken Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Chelsea Tamborra at [email protected] or call 201-420-2100.
You Now Need A License To Drive E-Bikes
Appointments are now open for e-bike riders to get licenses and registrations to operate e-bikes.
You can visit here: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicletopics/ebike.htm to see the full registration process, including information on the age requirement, points system and road test. Riders must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission by Sunday, July 19.
The new law was enacted in January 2026 and calls for riders to be at least 15 years old with a motorized bicycle license and those 17 years old and older can ride an e-bike with a driver’s license.
The bill with e-bike restrictions was introduced to legislators back in November after a 13-year-old boy from Scotch Plains had a fatal collision with a landscaping truck while on his e-bike.
While many say e-bike laws are necessary to support Vision Zero goals, many have emphasized that New Jersey’s new law is “too strict.” Hoboken recently renewed its Vision Zero commitment and was named No. 1 place to bike in New Jersey.
For a breakdown of e-bikes, requirements and more, you can click here for a post from the North Bergen Police.
Fourth Of July Is On In Jersey City—At No Cost
Jersey City is bringing back their annual Fourth of July festival, which will also be acknowledging America’s 250th birthday, thanks to sponsors Macy’s, the Exchange Place Alliance, Kean Jersey City and the U.S. Army, who have all chipped in to fund the day-long festival on Montgomery Street.
The Saturday, July 4 event will run from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Montgomery Street. Curated by Jersey City Night Market, attendees can enjoy:
- Three entertainment stages, including a stage programmed by the Jersey City Free Public Library for families
- A family fun zone with bouncy houses
- Over 100 vendors offering food, drink and artisan goods
- Live soccer match viewing
- Interactive Revolutionary War character performances at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. by Speranza Theatre Company, presented as part of America250
Attendees can join in on the Downtown festivities at these access points:
- Columbus Drive & Hudson Street
- Columbus Drive & Washington Street
- Montgomery Street & Warren Street
- York Street & Greene Street
Jersey City is also putting on four free concert series for America 250:
- Summer Swing Dance at the Gazebo — Friday, July 3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Hamilton Park, featuring the Rob Edwards Big Band with Vanessa Perea
- Jazz & Salsa — Saturday, July 4, 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Berry Lane Park, featuring Winard Harper & Jelli Posse and Grupo K’ndela
- Americana in the Heights — Saturday, July 4, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Riverview-Fisk Park, featuring the Go-Bailers Bluegrass All-Stars with a family square dance, and Walter Parks & the Unlawful Assembly
- Sunday in the Park — Sunday, July 5, 2 p.m., Van Vorst Park, featuring classical music with Ecotones
For more information, you can visit: https://jerseycityculture.org/events/jersey-citys-fourth-of-july-festival/.
New Jersey Is Giving Jersey City $120 Million To Help Fix Budget Crisis
Jersey City residents have been vocal about their frustrations and concerns since Mayor James Solomon revealed the city’s $255 million budget deficit, which Solomon said was caused by previous Mayor Steve Fulop’s administration, who was in office for nearly 13 years.
After searching for solutions—including a proposed 20% property tax hike—Solomon’s office announced on Monday, June 29, that the state of New Jersey is giving a $120 million state aid package to help close the budget gap. These funds in addition to $55 million in savings reportedly identified by the Solomon administration, leaves the remaining deficit to $90 million.
According to the press release, this aid package builds on the work that’s been underway, but the administration must still amend the gap by “a combination of raising taxes and further cuts to City services.”
The Jersey City city council is scheduled to vote on the 20% property tax hike on Wednesday, July 1 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 280 Grove Street. The meeting is open to the public.
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Sponsor A Young Artist At This Guttenberg Art Camp
Guttenberg Arts is launching their Güttengarden Art Camp (GAC) and is asking for your help in making the art camp accessible for every child in their community.
The GAC is a week-long summer camp program that will be held at Guttenberg Arts’ backyard community garden. The campers will do activities including 2D and 3D projects as well as learning about planting, flowers and vegetables.
You can donate or find more information on what impact you can make by clicking here.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy Launches Campaign For Re-Election
Last Monday, Craig Guy announced his intention for a second term in the Hudson County Executive seat.
“I truly love Hudson County and believe the work we do out of this office makes a huge difference in people’s lives every day,” Guy said.
“While I am proud of all we have accomplished on behalf of county taxpayers over the last few years, I am very focused on the work in front of us. In these turbulent times, with the chaos and confusion out of Washington, it is important that everyone knows my determination to continue leading the fight to protect our immigrant population and provide stability, safety, and security for every county resident.”
Guy won the 2023 Democratic primary with 76% of the vote, ousting Eleana Little, who is now a councilmember for the Jersey City council. Guy won the general election unopposed.
Since succeeding longtime county executive Tom DeGise, Guy has provided a number of county resources for the public, continued various resident services, public safety operations and infrastructure projects.
The Democratic primary for the Hudson County executive is in June 2027.
A New School Is Coming To West New York
Earlier this month, the New Jersey School Development Authority (NJSDA) and West New York Board of Education revealed progress on the town’s new middle school, which will be located at 6400 Broadway between 64th and 65th Streets.
“This school will be a place where curiosity is nurtured, talents are celebrated, potential is realized, and generations of learners will be inspired to achieve their dreams,” West New York Superintendent of Schools Clara Brito Herrera said.
“We are grateful to all our local and state partners for their commitment to investing in the children and families of West New York. Together, we are not just building a school, we are building future opportunities for students.”
The building, which is a $121.8 million project and is fully funded by the NJSDA, will cater up to 876 students in grades six to eight. It will include:
- 30 classrooms
- Six science labs
- Three art class/project rooms
- A STEAM lab
- A dance/aerobics studio
- Vocal and instrumental musics rooms
- An auditorium
- A gymnasium
- A media center
- A cafeteria
The timeline for the completion of the school is unclear.
61-Year-Old Man Fatally Shot In North Bergen
Investigators are looking into what they classify a domestic dispute after Manuel Colon, 61, of North Bergen, died from an upper body gunshot wound outside of The Mews apartment complex on June 21.
The North Bergen Police Department later identified Luciano Vargas, 59, as a person of interest. The Wayne Police Department then went to Vargas’ residence where he barricaded himself inside the home, which activated the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
Vargas was later found dead with a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
