Photo by John Jones | For NJ Advance Media.
In Hudson County, there’s been new unveilings, crowned winners and more. In New Jersey, the federal administration announced news regarding immigration.
Here’s this week’s news roundup.
What’s New At Hoboken’s PATH Station?
The Hoboken PATH station has officially reopened after almost a month of construction and renovations.
PATH riders may notice some upgrades to the platforms and other changes to the network, which aims to improve commutes.
The changes made to the station include:
- Refurbished platform surfaces.
- Replacement of steep and narrow staircases.
- Fresh paint on station walls, ceilings and columns.
- New tiling, lighting and signage.
The station’s 35-year-old track-switching system, which was prone to mechanical issues, has also been replaced. Representatives for the construction agency say it will make service more reliable with fewer delays and disruptions.
The station was closed for 25 days, from Jan. 30 to Feb. 25, as part of a $430 million PATH improvement program.
There will still be more platform and track work done within PATH’s weekend and overnight schedules.
ICE To House Massive Immigration Detention Center Near Hudson County
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials announced last Wednesday plans of opening a 1,000-bed facility in Newark.
Delaney Hall, which will be the first immigration detention center to open under the Trump administration, will be located next to Essex County jail, which is less than six miles away from Hudson County.
Officials added that the new detention center, which would be the largest on the east coast, is meant to “manage growing arrests and deportations” ordered by Trump.
Delaney Hall is the state’s second private detention center for immigrants, with the first being Elizabeth Detention Center. Delaney Hall held immigrant detainees between 2011 and 2017.
“I think what’s really surprising here is not that the site is opening. It’s that we’ve waited this long and still have done nothing,” Amy Torres, executive director for the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, told New Jersey Monitor.
“The question of what more they could have done suggests they’ve done anything… New Jersey should have gotten to acting on protecting immigrant communities, and they just, frankly, haven’t.”
Over in Hudson County, many local organizations have been mobilizing to educate community members about knowing their rights through events, workshops and more.
For more information, you can see resources provided by Make The Road NJ, CEUS and The Waterfront Project.
Saint Peter’s Prep Completes Three-Peat, Marches To State Tournament
Last Saturday, Saint Peter’s Prep Marauders secured their third straight HCT Title in a 52-40 win over sixth-seeded Hudson Catholic Hawks.
The Marauders were ranked as the No. 3 seed and this win gave them official three-peat status. They will move onto the statewide tournament next.
Photo courtesy of @sppbasketball via X
Junior Mason Santiago led the Marauders in total points with 18 and three steals, while Richie Rosa was a close second with 16.
Junior Nick Ferdinand put in the work defensively with six rebounds.
The Marauders were down 23-18 at halftime and were outscored by 11 points in the second quarter, going into the half.
At NJCU’s sold out Moore Center, Prep players had to pass the cheering section of Hudson Catholic students: “Ballgame over! Ballgame over!”
But the ballgame turned around after that, in favor of Saint Peter’s Prep, putting their third Hudson County Tournament trophy in the bag.
The Marauders will compete in the South A Non-Public bracket. After a first-round bye, they will now host the Notre Dame Irish on their home court in Jersey City on Monday, March 3 at 6 p.m.
Jump In! Fees Removed At These Jersey City Pools
There was a vote passed by the Jersey City Municipal Council to remove municipal pool fees in Jersey City. This ordinance, an initiative led by Councilman James Solomon and Councilman Frank Educational Gilmore, reverses the fees imposed on the public two years ago.
City-operated swimming pools include Pershing Field Pool, Pavonia Municipal Pool and Lafayette Aquatic Center.
“Great news, Jersey City! The vote has passed to remove pool fees, making Lafayette and Pavonia public pools FREE for The Summer once again for residents! This is a huge win for our families, ensuring that everyone has access to safe, enjoyable summer fun without financial barriers,” said Gilmore on Instagram.
“Thank you so much for correcting this for the community. Free pools are essential for our local youth and many families. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽,” a user commented on Ward F’s post.
At the time of this writing, it’s unclear if Pershing Field’s pool fees still remain.
The ordinance stated the city should not create burdens for underprivileged residents and families who want to engage in a recreational activity that is not too costly and increases health outcomes and physical activity.
During a council meeting on Feb. 15, Jersey City Resident Nina Nalls said that public pools are important, and that many families struggling financially find it hard to make ends meet. Another resident, Michael Griffith, noted that taking away the fees would especially help when the weather gets too extreme.
“In a heatwave, they are going to want their kids to be in the pool,” said Griffith.
At that same council meeting, resident Danielle Dadamo said it was unfair for Jersey City Heights residents to still be subject to pool fees at Pershing Field pool while eliminating the fees for the other municipal pools.
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Get Ready For Some Fun! See Newport Mall’s New Play Area
Newport Centre Mall, located at 30 Mall Drive West, in Jersey City officially revealed its new free play area called “PLAY.”
A spokesperson for the mall said, “the space is intended to be an interactive space for children that inspires creativity, fun adventures, and creates new experiences for Newport Centre’s youngest visitors.”
The spokesperson also stated that “kids can unleash their energy by climbing, exploring tunnels, and gliding down slides. They can also relax in their flower cups or challenge friends to a racing game, where they can run in place and light up the light on the side of their tower.”
The play area, which is intended for children under 42 inches tall, has monitors that offer 16 interactive and educational games. There is also a seating area that has access to phone chargers.
You can find the play area on the first floor of the mall in front of Kohl’s.
Get Creative! NJCU Introduces Free Art Workshops
Adults living in Jersey City can now attend an art workshop–for free.
These workshops are supported by public funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund.
The two workshops will be held on Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the NJCU Visual Arts Building.
Locals can have hands-on creative experiences by learning different artistic techniques to create unique artwork.
The workshops are open to all Jersey City residents 18 years and older, and no prior experience is needed.
Workshops include:
- Sculpture: Mold Making and Plaster Casting
- Silkscreen: Designs on Fabric
- Ceramics: Pinched Forms in Clay
- Jewelry: Hammered Copper Cuff Bracelet
Registration is required and you can sign up here. Participants must create a free Submittable account in order to register for the workshops.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at saccettola@sliceofculture.com!
