It took a decade and more than $600 million to finish building by the end of 2021 but the new Wittpenn Bridge and approaches linking Jersey City and Kearny along Rt. 7 but its overseers are still tinkering with it. Adam Ginsburg, a Kearny resident, expressed his frustrations in a recent email to the Jersey […]
Ron Leir
Ron Leir has been a journalist since 1972. That includes a 37-year stint as a reporter, copy reader and assistant editor with The Jersey Journal, followed by a decade as a reporter with The Observer in Kearny. He has also pursued his avocation of acting, appearing mostly on small stages in NYC and New Jersey and several independent films.
Posted inNews
Council Demands Washington Video, Grants Bayfront Abatement
The City Council on Wednesday called for “the immediate release of all video footage and investigative reports” touching on the fatal shooting of Andrew Washington, 52, at his Randolph Avenue home on August 27. A resolution passed by the council stipulated that any such tapes and records “in the possession of the Office of Attorney […]
Posted inNews
Embankment Coalition Asks Public to Attend Crucial Zoom Meeting with Feds
Advocates for turning Downtown’s abandoned Sixth Street Embankment into a greenway including walking and bike trails, are calling on supporters to come out for an important Zoom meeting with the Feds. On September 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. Surface Transportation Board will give locals a chance to weigh in the historic structure’s future. Conrail, […]
Posted inJournal Square
Affordable Housing in Journal Square and Beyond Dominates Council Caucus
Affordable housing took up the lion’s share of time during yesterday’s municipal council caucus. Following through on a pledge to narrow the socio-economic shelter gap confronting many residents, Ward C Councilman Richard Boggiano is pushing for a more equitable share of affordable housing in the Journal Square area. To facilitate that goal, Boggiano is seeking […]
Posted inLatest News
Speakers Slam Council For Washington Killing, Closed Meeting on Bayfront Scheduled
Jersey City lawmakers at Thursday’s meeting took heat from residents on the killing of a mentally ill man in Bergen-Lafayette, put off discussing a proposed tax abatement for the much-heralded Bayfront development to a September 11 private session and held off awarding a private cleaning contract after a city union protested it would prompt layoffs […]
Posted inLatest News
Rats, Taxes and Development Dominate Council Caucus
At Tuesday’s City Council caucus, Ward C Councilmember Richard Boggiano griped that ongoing construction in the area of Magnolia, Summit and Sip Avenues has unleashed the city’s rats. He called on the city Health Department to take action. Paul Bellan-Boyer, city health officer, said he’s aware of other locations where rats have appeared and that […]
Posted inWestside
Project to Repair Collapsing Sip Avenue Finally Nears Completion
Residents and businesses in Jersey City’s Marion section are wondering whether they’ll ever see the reopening of a closed-off section of Sip Avenue below West Side Avenue that has compelled detouring of vehicular traffic to complete a prolonged sewer project. The Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority acknowledges there have been unforeseen complications but insists there’s […]
Posted inUncategorized
Council Wrestles with Cannabis, Journal Square Parking and a Paulus Hook Park
Once again, Jersey City lawmakers agreed Wednesday to put off, at least until September 7, changing the rules governing the regulation of local cannabis enterprises pending further deliberation but, in the meantime, endorsed applications for five new retail shops. The City Council also voted to withdraw, for now, consideration of a letter of support for […]
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Film Profiles Jersey City’s 104-Year-Old Civil Rights Pioneer
Jersey City centenarian India N. Edwards will be featured in the first Oral History film series presented by the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy. Edwards, one of the city’s pioneers in the Civil Rights movement, will offer recollections of growing up, working and experiencing life to the fullest during her 104 years in Jersey City. The […]
Posted inLatest News
Council Debates Cannabis, Police Overtime, Parking and Public Projects
Cannabis regulation, police overtime, off-street parking and delayed public projects proved hot-button topics at Monday’s caucus of Jersey City lawmakers. At-large City Council member Daniel Rivera presided, with Council President Joyce Watterman, Ward E representative James Solomon and at-large member Amy Degise no-shows. Council members debated the pros and cons of changes being pitched to […]