Jersey Journal file photo.
There’s been a lot of movement on different things this past week in Hudson County.
Let’s get into it.
Jersey City Wants To Put More Community Centers, Where Should It Go?
Not all of Jersey City’s six wards have a permanent community center; Mayor Steve Fulop and the municipal council are looking to change that.
According to the city, the goal is to make sure these spaces will be an important resource for the growing city, designed by a community-centered approach. There will be a number of surveys, charrettes—or intensive planning workshops—and public meetings regarding the community centers.
The two current proposed community centers are:
- Paterson Street community center project located in the Heights (Ward D)
- Bayside Park located in Greenville (Ward A)
You can take surveys about the two proposed community centers and provide your input on them:
Unsure About FAFSA? West New York Can Help
Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez has partnered with the Town of West New York to bring the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to the community in order to help families with FAFSA information and application support.
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application gives college students access to federal grants, work-study funds and loans to help fund their tuition and other education costs.
For some, especially first-time applicants, it can be lengthy, confusing and stressful.
The West New York event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 17 at 515 54th Street.
The event does require registration– you can sign up now here.
Donate Your Fresh Direct Bags To The Community
The Jersey City Mutual Aid Society (JCMAS) gives out needed items directly to people in the Jersey City community, and you can help too.
JCMAS is asking for you to donate extra Fresh Direct bags or similar large plastic bags. They use these bags regularly to give out necessities to the community and also to help them sort items they get.
You can schedule a pickup of any bags you want to donate by visiting here.
Bayonne Will Soon Be A Stop Away From NYC
After years of talks since 2017, Bayonne has finally closed in on a deal to get ferry service to New York City.
Mayor Jimmy Davis signed the purchase sale agreement to buy 2.3 acres of land back from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for $4.4 million. It used to be the Military Ocean Terminal.
“I am very happy that we are one step closer to completing this real estate transaction, which will help us achieve our goal of ferry service for the people of Bayonne,” Mayor Davis said in a statement.
Of the 2.3 acres, 1.6 of that will be the ferry terminal and parking—with about 130 available spots—while 0.7 of it will offer the Hudson Riverfront Walkway. Lincoln Equities, a property neighbor, is contributing an acre of additional land for the ferry project in return for building a UPS Facility.
Bayonne aims to choose a ferry company by April 2025.
“I am very happy that we have the contract with the Port Authority to buy this land so that Bayonne will have our own terminal and control our own destiny,” Davis added. “This purchase will make it easier for us to achieve our goal of ferry service for our great community.”
Construction and official launch date of the ferry service are still to be determined.
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This Sixth Grader Won The 2025 Hudson County Spelling Bee
Ishaan Gupta of Frank Conwell Middle School 4 in Jersey City was the runner up in the contest in 2024. But this year, he was crowned the 2025 Hudson County Spelling Bee Champion.
Last Saturday, Hudson County held its Annual Hudson County Spelling Bee where 76 students from grades 3-8, throughout Hudson County, competed to qualify for the Scripps National Spelling Bee and represent Hudson County in Maryland later this year.
“I’m excited to have won this competition but I feel sad for the other contestants as I know how hard it is to get these words right,” Gupta said in a statement. “Thank you to my teacher, Mrs. Rose, for her love and guidance, and thank you to MS4!”
Gupta is 11 years old and in the Accelerated Enrichment Program (AEP) at Frank Conwell Middle School 4 in Jersey City.
Gupta, who’s born and raised in Jersey City, loves reading books, which is reflected in his home library of over 650 books. He’s even co-authored “The Martian Miracle — Ivaan and the Climate Crisis” with his father.
He won his first school Spelling Bee in the third grade and competed at the 2022 Hudson County Spelling Bee.
The second-place winner was Marina Saad. She is 14 years old and in the 8th grade at Philip G Vroom School in Bayonne. Jasmine Dalmas came in third place, a 10-year-old 5th grader at Chaplin Watters Elementary School 24 in Jersey City.
“I am e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y proud of each child that competed in this year’s Hudson County Spelling Bee! You are all Champions! Everyone is a Champion! All of the work you did to prepare for this event showed, and you should all be proud of the work you’ve accomplished,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy.
“It is critical that we support and encourage the children and adolescents of Hudson County when they find interest in subjects such as spelling – so thank you to the parents and teachers of each student for helping them prepare, for encouraging them when they needed it, and for being present to support them at this year’s Hudson County Spelling Bee. Congratulations to each contestant and to our Champion, Ishaan Gupta,” said the Director of the Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs/Tourism Development, Gina Hulings.
Hudson County Executive Is ‘Working For You’ Everyday
In his second State of the County Address on Thursday, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy highlighted the administration’s accomplishments thus far and promised to continue prioritizing service, opportunity and affordability for residents.
Guy touched on topics including:
- Services
- Housing and food insecurity
- Careers and opportunity
- The arts
- Vision Zero
- Community engagement and communication
Additionally, the county executive announced the launch of the newly redesigned Hudson County website, www.hcnj.us, which is a one-stop-shop for residents to find information, resources and much more.
“Today I laid out the work that’s been done in my first year in office and our plans for the future of Hudson County. My administration is focused on service and opportunity, and whether it’s working to make Hudson County more affordable or helping residents meet their basic needs, I am working for you every single day,” said Guy in a statement.
For the full recording of the Address, click here.
Hudson County Mourns The Loss Of Boys & Girls Club Executive Director
Gary Greenberg, Executive Director of Hudson County’s Boys & Girls Club, has died at 70 years old.
Greenberg served the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County for 50 years. He was described as passionate and selfless and always looked to improve the lives of children and better the community. Under his leadership, the Boys & Girls Club grew to 10 sites across Jersey City and Hoboken and served thousands of youth every year.
Greenberg started working with the Boys & Girls Clubs in 1975 as a part-time youth supervisor and van driver.
“Gary’s contributions, leadership and friendship will never be forgotten. Gary has impacted and profoundly touched the lives of so many people, leaving an indelible mark on the community and beyond. Gary was not only a valued member of our Boys & Girls Clubs, but also a dear friend, mentor, and inspiration to us all. His countless contributions will be remembered, and we will honor his legacy by continuing the work he cared so deeply about,” Brian McClean, the Club’s President, said in a statement.
Rather than sending flowers, Gary’s family asks that you please make donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County Foundation, which you can do by visiting here.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at saccettola@sliceofculture.com!
