Category Archives: Jersey City News

Mayor-Elect James Solomon Announces Transition Leadership Team

Solomon announces Leadership Team

Jersey City, NJ – Wasting no time following his overwhelming victory, Mayor-Elect James Solomon announced his transition leadership team today. The dynamic team will support Mayor-Elect Solomon ahead of his swearing-in on January 15th. Collectively, they bring decades of city government and public service experience, which will ensure that Mayor-Elect Solmon can deliver an affordable Jersey City.

Co-Chairs: County Commissioner Bill O’Dea; Jim Johnson, COO, Trinity Church; and Hetty Rosenstein, Labor Activist.

Executive Director: Keshav Poddar

Political Director: Stuart Thomas, Campaign Manager, James Solomon for Jersey City.

Transition Counsel: Scott D. Salmon, Esq.

Mayor-Elect James Solomon said, “I am honored to announce my transition leadership team, a diverse and experienced group of dedicated individuals ready to tackle the pressing challenges facing Jersey City. From day one, we will build a City Hall that not only responds to our residents’ needs but anticipates them – and will take the affordability crisis head on. Our commitment is to create a government that is accessible, transparent, and proactive, ensuring that every voice is heard. I believe that with this team by my side, we can implement innovative solutions that will make Jersey City affordable and pave the way for a brighter future for our community.”

Jersey City Mayor Elect James Solomon Announces Laura Bustamante as Chief of Staff

 

 Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon announced the first member of his senior leadership team today: Laura Bustamante will serve as his Chief of Staff. 

Bustamante has deep roots in Jersey City, having previously served as Solomon’s chief of Staff during his time on the City Council. She was also the Political Director and Deputy State Director, covering North Jersey, for U.S. Senator Andy Kim. 

Who will emerge as Jersey City’s Next Mayor? Run -Off Between Solomon and McGreevey Takes Center Stage in Hudson County Politics

Joe Calamito -Publisher of the River View Observer

Once when I was first allowed to vote, I was hesitating on whether or not to go vote because it was raining out and I was told by my dad, “The weather doesn’t care if you need to, or not go to vote; you have to care, and get yourself out there and vote, because a lot of young men and some women fought wars to give you the right to vote.”.Every election day, I think about that tongue-lashing and get myself out to vote.

Jersey City’s runoff election is taking place today, December 2nd, 2025, between James Solomon and Jim McGreevey, and it’s raining out. I wonder how many of you will sit this one out?

Don’t! These two candidates made it to the run-off and deserve your vote. I am not certain who will emerge as Jersey City’s next Mayor, but I trust the judgment of the Jersey City people to do the right thing. And pick the candidate deserving of the job. The people of Jersey City know the issues confronting the City, and the candidates seeking the job.

Wishing James Solomon and Jim McGreevey luck and their slate of candidates

Fulop Administration Unveils Brand New Public Park, Transforming Asphalt Lot into Multi-Use Recreation Destination

$2.7 Million Investment Reinvigorates Former Paved Lot into Dynamic 16th Street Park

 Mayor Steven M. Fulop joined City Council members, the Department of Infrastructure, residents, and community leaders to officially cut the ribbon on the brand-new 16th Street Park, marking the completion of a $2.7 million transformation from an asphalt basketball lot into one of the city’s most dynamic and inclusive green spaces.

North River Sing Community Chorus to Hold Open Auditions

NEW MEMBER AUDITIONS

New Member auditions are being held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 3-6pm, and Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 7-10pm.  If you are interested in auditioning with North River Sing, please respond to this email, we will get you all the information you need.  Also, if you know anyone interested in auditioning, please share this email with them.

JC PRIDE 

North River Sing will have a booth at Jersey City Pride on Saturday, August 23, 2025.  This is the 3rd year we will have participated in this event, and it’s a great way for us to connect with the Jersey City community.   If you will be attending the event, make sure to stop by our booth, located on Newark Ave., between Bay St. and Jersey Ave., near the Bank of America. We’ll be sharing concert dates in the near future. 

Primark Strengthens Tri-State Area Presence with New Store at Newport Centre in Jersey City

Global fashion favorite opens fourth store in the Garden State on August 14, bringing trend-forward looks at prices shoppers will love

Primark, the international retailer offering quality fashion at value prices, announced today the upcoming grand opening of its latest store in New Jersey, located at Newport Centre in Jersey City. This marks the fourth store in the state, as Primark continues to expand in the Northeast area ahead of its highly anticipated Manhattan opening in 2026.

Spanning more than 35,700 square feet, the new Primark store will bring Jersey City shoppers an exciting selection of on-trend fashion, everyday essentials, stylish homeware, and beauty favorites, all at Primark’s famously low prices. With unbeatable value on the looks they love, customers will quickly discover why families across the US are embracing Primark’s unique blend of style, quality, and affordability.

“Primark opened its first store in New Jersey in June 2016 and since that time we’ve learned so much about this shopper and their love of our amazing products at amazing prices,” said Kevin Tulip, President of Primark US. “We are so excited to bring ‘Primania’ to Jersey City with the opening of our Newport Centre store, offering incredible value and style for even more families and fashion lovers across the Northeast.”

Jersey City Animal Shelter Proves City-Run Model is a Game-Changer

Fulop Administration Celebrates Milestone Achievements of In-House Animal Care and Control Services

 Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are proud to announce that since transitioning to a municipally operated Animal Care and Control, the full-service animal shelter continues to meet and exceed the administration’s initial goals of ensuring humane treatment and enforcement for all animals in need with a high-performing shelter that is already receiving national recognition for its achievements.

JERSEY CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY PARTNERS WITH LIBERTY STATE PARK TO LAUNCH YEARLONG CELEBRATION OF THE PARK’S 50TH

Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is honored to partner with Liberty State Park (LSP) as we begin a yearlong celebration leading up to the park’s 50th anniversary in June 2026. Like JCFPL, Liberty State Park is a beloved public institution where Jersey City residents can come together in a Welcoming Space, free of charge. At a time when truly public spaces are becoming increasingly rare, it’s more important than ever to support and uplift institutions like Liberty State Park and the Jersey City Free Public Library.

Jersey City Free Public Library Director Terry B. Hill reflects on the partnership, “Liberty State Park has been a pillar of history, nature, and public spaces in Jersey City for half a century. The Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to partner in commemorating this milestone and to continue creating meaningful experiences that connect our community to both places and opportunities. As accessible public spaces diminish, preserving and celebrating them is more vital than ever.”

One key connection between the Jersey City Free Public Library and Liberty State Park is their shared history with renowned local historian and author J. Owen Grundy. A Jersey City native, Grundy served as the city’s Official Historian from 1965 until he died in 1985, dedicating his life to historical and environmental preservation. He worked closely with Audrey Zapp, Theodore Conrad, and Morris Pesin in the movement to establish and protect Liberty State Park.

Grundy was also a frequent patron of the Jersey City Free Public Library, conducting much of his research at what is now the Priscilla Gardner Main Library. He played a central role in the development of the Jersey City Museum, which was originally housed on the library’s fourth floor, and was instrumental in laying the foundation for the New Jersey Room—JCFPL’s dedicated local history department that continues to serve the public today.

To commemorate Liberty State Park’s 50th Anniversary, JCFPL is releasing three limited-edition library cards featuring photos highlighting the iconic park’s beauty. One card features a picture of the U.S. Flag Plaza with eight American flags flowing in the wind and the Statue of Liberty in the backdrop. Another card features a stunning photo of the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. Lastly, the third card showcases the beautiful marshland at Caven Point. Each limited-edition card highlights what makes Liberty State Park so beautiful and unique.

Chris Ford, Superintendent of Liberty State Park, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Jersey City Free Public Library and the launch of the special edition library cards, “Liberty State Park is excited to see these special edition library cards launched in collaboration with the Jersey City Free Public Library and Sam Pesin! The images on the cards are snapshots of iconic scenes of Liberty State Park that capture important elements of our historical and environmental significance. Residents of Jersey City and beyond have family stories that intersect with this park’s history.” He continues, “In many ways, LSP and JCFPL share similar missions – to serve our communities, be free spaces that provide relaxation and knowledge, and inspire a sense of charged responsibility for the continued improvement of our shared cultural, historical, and environmental resources. As Liberty State Park celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of hundreds of past and present people who have fought to make this park what it is today. Thank you to JCFPL for the opportunity to connect with the community this way!”

Sam Pesin, president of the Friends of Liberty State Park and the son of Morris Pesin, the “father” of the park, praised the JCFPL’s exciting project of creating three new library cards, “Thank you to Maro Twal, the JCFPL Communications and Marketing Manager, for initiating this project, and to both her and Library Director Terry Hill for collaborating with the Friends and Tereza Marshyti, a LSP Resource Interpretive Specialist, to kick off the one-year countdown to the park’s 50th birthday on June 14, 2026! As someone who grew up using the Earl Morgan Branch in Greenville, I encouraged everyone to get a Liberty State Park library card and take advantage of the library’s wide range of great services and programs for all ages.”

The Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to partner with Liberty State Park in celebrating its 50th anniversary—a milestone honoring decades of community, conservation, and civic pride. As institutions rooted in public service and lifelong learning, we are committed to preserving local history, fostering public engagement, and celebrating the legacy of those who helped shape our city. We look forward to honoring the park’s past and inspiring its future. About Jersey City Free Public Library The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The library meets the community’s needs by providing a wide array of programming and resources and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for over 120 years.
About Jersey City Free Public Library
The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The Library meets the needs of the community by providing a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for more than 120 years.

Jersey City Animal Care & Control Achieves 2025 No-Kill Shelter Recognition from Best Friends Animal Society

Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Department of Health and Human Services announced today that Jersey City’s Animal Care and Control has been officially recognized as a No-Kill Shelter for 2025 in Best Friends Animal Society’s Annual Shelter Statistics Report. 

Since the city took over operations at the animal shelter in January, over 1,000 animals have been surrendered by owners.  This year, Animal Care and Control successfully saved over 90% of the dogs and cats under their care.