Local Politics · Hudson County
A released bid for a 2021 computer-services contract reveals Hindsight, Inc. priced $175,000 annually as support for an electronic medical records system at the Hudson County Department of Corrections. County Executive Craig Guy’s office previously stated this amount was allocated for a project management consultant and never paid because the service was not requested. The bid document, signed by Hindsight’s former president, lists the cost under "EMR System Support Services: HC Corrections" for each of the five contract years. This discrepancy affects calculations for a new seven-year contract approved in October 2026, which relies on the previous contract's final year pricing.
Local Politics · Hudson County
Alfonso A. Zamarra, 58, of Rutherford, was charged with 28 counts of wire fraud related to a seasonal "no-show" job at the Hudson County Parks Department he held for approximately three-and-a-half years. His initial appearance took place October 21 in Newark before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte; he was released on $100,000 bond. At a Hudson County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Bill O'Dea raised concerns about timesheet verification and whether the charges reflect a broader pattern among county employees. County Counsel Alberico De Pierro confirmed the matter was turned over to Inspector General Desiree Grace, who is cooperating with the U.S. Attorney's Office. Zamarra is the third parks department employee charged since March, following prior bribery and kickback charges against former directors Russell Fallacara and Thomas DeLeo.
Local Politics · Hoboken, NJ
During Wednesday's Hoboken City Council public comment session, Green Room CBD shop owners and supporters asked the council to grandfather their business into a state dispensary license after the city changed hemp laws. Co-owner Evan Russell said the board of health and taxation department notified the shop to remove 70-75% of its items, while founder Darek Wajda claimed five inspections in two weeks and called for a grandfather amendment. Council members Phil Cohen and Mike Russo stated that altering the city's cannabis ordinance would trigger a competitive application process and noted no formal action was taken.
Local Politics · Hudson County
The Hudson County Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance on October 22, 2026, amending a prior salary ordinance to raise pay for the County Fire Marshal from $84,618 to $111,272 and the Clerk of the Board of Elections from $117,964 to $141,118, effective July 1, 2026. A public hearing on the amendment is scheduled for November 5, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in the Commissioners' Assembly Chamber, first floor, Hudson County Administration Annex, 567 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City. The ordinance takes effect immediately upon adoption and publication.
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Community brief · Bayonne, NJ
The Bayonne High School girls soccer team defeated Hoboken 2-0 on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison to win the Hudson County tournament championship. Top-seeded Bayonne scored early in the first half and added an insurance goal in the 76th minute against second-seeded defending champion Hoboken. The victory marks Bayonne's second county title in three seasons and reverses last year's final, when Hoboken won.
Nearby · Public Safety · Jersey City, NJ
Transportation Workers United Local 229 members rallied at the Newport light rail station in Jersey City to demand accountability after a woman was struck and killed by a Hudson-Bergen Light Rail train on September 25. The union alleges that ACI/Herzog, the contractor operating HBLR, failed to halt all train traffic after receiving a report of an intoxicated person on the tracks, instead ordering operator Ronald Kangalee to proceed with caution without a specific speed restriction or cleared track. Union representatives and their attorney called for an independent investigation, rescission of Kangalee's 10-day suspension, and implementation of protective procedures for reports of people in track areas. ACI/Herzog declined to comment beyond expressing condolences, calling the union's account a misrepresentation, while NJ Transit stated the matter remains under active investigation by its police department and safety teams.
Nearby · Housing & Development · Union City, NJ
The owner of a long-stalled apartment development site at 2207 Summit Ave. in Union City, N.J., has requested an amendment to its previously approved plans for the Union City Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The property, currently occupied by a warehouse, received approval in 2017 for a high-rise with 208 apartments but construction never began due to delays including high interest rates. Current owner Yuanheng AAA, LLC, purchased the site in July 2023 and is simultaneously marketing the land for $12.9 million. The meeting will also address a new ordinance banning data centers as a principal permitted use in any zone district.
