Category Archives: Jersey City News

Jersey City News

Solomon Administration Launches Search for Jersey City’s Next Corporation Counsel

Solomon announces search for new corpration councel

Mayor thanks Corporation Counsel Sarah Levine for her work to rebuild the law department

Mayor James Solomon today announced that Corporation Counsel Sarah Levine will transition out of the administration to pursue new opportunities. The City will begin a search for her successor, and Levine will remain with the City to support the Law Department and ensure an orderly transition.

During Levine’s tenure as Corporation Counsel, she helped strengthen the city’s Law Department while leading major litigation and legal initiatives on behalf of Jersey City. She submitted her resignation letter today.

Among Levine’s accomplishments, she led the City’s legal response to litigation brought by the U.S. Department of Justice challenging Jersey City’s sanctuary policies. The case was part of broader litigation involving four New Jersey municipalities, and a federal judge ultimately ruled that the Department of Justice lacked standing to challenge the cities’ policies.

Levine also led the City’s legal response to the proposed closure of Christ Hospital, filing emergency injunctive relief to prevent the hospital from closing in violation of state law.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown,” said Jersey City Corporation Counsel Sarah Levine. “It was a privilege to serve alongside the talented, dedicated professionals in the Law Department. I look forward to partnering with the administration to ensure an orderly transition that will set the Law Department and Jersey City residents up for success.”

The City will launch a search for its next Corporation Counsel, with the administration focused on finding the right leader to build on the progress made in the Law Department and manage the City’s legal needs.

“Sarah has made meaningful contributions to Jersey City, and I’m grateful for her service,” said Mayor James Solomon. “She strengthened our Law Department and took on some of the City’s most important legal challenges. This is a critical role, and as we transition, our focus will be on finding the right leader to build on that progress and continue moving Jersey City forward. Sarah will remain on to support her team and ensure a smooth transition.” 

Mayor Solomon will name an acting Corporation Counsel in the coming weeks as part of the transition. Those interested in employment opportunities with the City of Jersey City can learn more by visiting https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/jobs.

College Basketball, College Sports

Hudson County Community College Welcomes Shawn Bragg as Associate Athletics Director

Shawn Bragg new Associate Athletic Director at Hudson County Community College

Hudson County Community College welcomed Shawn Bragg, M.S., EP-C, CPT as the College’s first-ever Associate Athletics Director. He will assist in shaping the College’s new Athletics programming and National Junior College Athletic Association team sports.

As Hudson County Community College (HCCC) prepares to launch its inaugural season of men’s and women’s basketball, the College announces bringing Shawn Bragg, M.S., EP-C, CPT on board as the College’s first-ever Associate Athletics Director.

Mr. Bragg reports to HCCC Director of Athletics Jonathan Sisk. Among his duties are assisting with all of the College’s athletic programs and activities; promoting a culture that prioritizes academic achievement and integrity; monitoring student-athletes’ academic progress and coordinating academic support programming for those students; and participating in regional, state and national organizations to market and promote the College’s Athletics activities and achievements.

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Jersey City News

SOLOMON ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES VISION FOR FIRST 100% SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT IN A DECADE – NEXT STEP OF BUILDING FOR WORKING FAMILIES AGENDA

Solomon announces afforable senior building

The Project Will Build a New,Full Modernized Collier Center with New Afforabble Apartments of Seniors

Mayor James Solomon recently announced a new vision for the Maureen Collier Senior Center at 335 Bergen Avenue: a full renovation and modernization of the center, along with new 100% affordable housing for seniors built on City-owned land at the same site. The proposal responds to an urgent need in Jersey City, where seniors on fixed incomes are among the residents most at risk of being priced out of the neighborhoods they helped build. The news comes as Solomon continues to tackle Jersey City’s affordability crisis. Today, the property is not zoned for any kind of housing. It would be the first 100% senior affordable housing project in Jersey City in a decade.

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Jersey City News

Jersey City Free Public Library to Host Glenn D. Cunningham Day Celebration

Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to bring the community together to honor the life and legacy of former Jersey City Mayor and State Senator Glenn D. Cunningham with a celebration of his birthday and the inaugural Glenn D. Cunningham Day.

 Wednesday, September 16, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Glenn D. Cunningham Branch Library (275 Martin Luther King Drive)

This event will be hosted by former Jersey City Free Public Library Director Priscilla Gardner with guest speakers including the Honorable Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, New Jersey Assemblyman Jerry Walker, New Jersey Assemblyman William Sampson, Councilman-at-Large Michael O. Griffin, Councilman-at-Large Rolando R. Lavarro Jr., and Ward F Councilman & Council President Pro Tempore, Frank “Educational” Gilmore.Contact: Nailah Andre
Jersey City Free Public Library
Communications Coordinator
Nandre@jclibrary.org


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 News

Jersey City Police Department & Jersey City Fire Department Work Together to Stop Aggravated Arson, One Woman Arrested

23-Year-Old Charged with Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Restraint Following July 19 Fire Beneath Tonnelle Avenue Underpass

JERSEY CITY, NJ (July 20, 2026) — The Jersey City Police Department arrested a 23-year-old Jersey City woman following an investigation into an alleged arson incident beneath the Tonnelle Avenue underpass on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

At approximately 2:39 p.m., the Jersey City Central Communications Bureau received a report of a fire near 276 Tonnelle Avenue.  Responding officers observed flames beneath the underpass, which members of the Jersey City Fire Department worked to contain.

According to the preliminary investigation, a 57-year-old man was sleeping in a confined area behind a guardrail when he awoke to the fire.  As he attempted to extinguish the flames with his feet, he allegedly observed a woman pour an unknown liquid onto the fire, causing it to spread.

The woman allegedly attempted to prevent the victim from escaping and calling for help.  The victim was not seriously injured by the fire but may have been assaulted by the suspect as he attempted to escape.  The victim refused any medical attention on scene.

JCPD issued a BOLO containing the suspect’s description.  At approximately 8:32 p.m., officers located and apprehended the suspect after she returned to the scene.

Janet Leigh Mullone, 23, of Jersey City, was arrested and charged with:

  • Aggravated Arson
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
  • Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
  • Criminal Restraint

“This arrest reflects the swift coordination between our police officers, firefighters, and investigators,” said Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.  “Their response helped prevent further harm and ensured the suspect was taken into custody within hours.”

Jersey City News

JERSEY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL “CLICK IT OR TICKET” SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN ENDS MAY 31, 2026

JC Police new click it or ticket program

Citywide initiative to support high-visibility enforcement from now through May 31 to improve occupant safety and reduce serious crashes

The Jersey City Department of Public Safety and the Jersey City Police Department will increase patrols for unbuckled drivers and passengers as part of this year’s national “Click It or Ticket” Seat Belt Enforcement Campaign from now to May 31.  The initiative expands on the city’s focus on increased traffic safety initiative and reducing serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways.

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Jersey City News

JCPD OFFICERS INTERRUPT VIOLENT ROBBERY IN PROGRESS, ARRESTING 4 ADULTS AND 1 JUVENILE

Jersey City Police Patch worn by officers that interrupted violent Robbery in Progress

Mayor James Solomon commends the swift, proactive police work by Jersey City Police Officers this week that led to five arrests following a violent robbery attempt involving approximately $3,000 in designer merchandise.

While patrolling the nearby housing unit on April 13, JCPD officers observed a disturbance near Summit Avenue and immediately intervened, stopping an active incident before further harm could occur.  The investigation determined the suspects arranged to meet the victim for a sale before assaulting him and attempting to take his property.

“This is exactly the kind of proactive, on-the-ground policing that keeps Jersey City safe.  Our officers stepped in at the right moment, prevented further violence, and ensured those responsible were held accountable,” said Mayor Solomon.  “We will continue to support strategies that prioritize swift response, strong enforcement, and the safety of every resident.”

“This was a fast-moving, violent situation that had the potential to escalate quickly.  Our officers recognized it in real time, intervened without hesitation, and took decisive action to stop it.  That is what effective policing looks like,” added Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

The victim sustained minor injuries, including abrasions and bruising, and refused further medical treatment.

The driver, Erik Lagunas, was issued multiple summonses, including leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license.  Additionally, the 18-year-old Paterson resident was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Conspiracy
  • Robbery
  • Simple assault
  • Assault by auto
  • Possession of a weapon
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault

The other 4 actors were charged with conspiracy, robbery, and simple assault.  In addition to the juvenile actor, a 17 year old Clifton, the 3 suspects arrested are:

  • Carmelo Greene, 21 of Paterson
  • Kelvin Pichardo, 27 of Paterson
  • Emil Nauffal Gutierrez, 21 of Clifton

The investigations remain active.

Anyone with information related to this or other incidents is asked to contact the Jersey City Police Department or submit tips anonymously through email at policetips@njjcps.org or by calling 855-JCP-TIPS

Jersey City News

Jersey City Police Make 17 Arrests for Illegal Handgun Possession Year-to-Date

JCPD makes 17 arrests in Jersey City for Illegal handguns

Solomon Administration’s Focused Enforcement Results in 32 Firearms Recovered Citywide

Just two months into 2026, the Jersey City Police Department has made 17 arrests for unlawful possession of a handgun, as part of focused enforcement efforts targeting illegal handguns.  In connection with those arrests, officers safely recovered nine firearms.

Among the weapons recovered was a “ghost gun” assembled without a serial number and a firearm that investigators have connected to three separate cases involving the same actor.  All were charged under New Jersey law with unlawful possession of a handgun.

Citywide, a total of 32 firearms have been removed from circulation so far this year.  The enforcement results reflect the Solomon Administration’s commitment to proactive public safety.

“Every illegal firearm taken off the street represents a potential act of violence prevented,” said Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.  “Our strategy is clear.  We are identifying illegal weapons, intervening early, and holding individuals accountable before those firearms can be used to harm someone else.  This is about prevention, not reaction.”

“Our officers are removing these firearms from our neighborhoods without using their service weapons, placing themselves in harm’s way to prevent further violence.  That is disciplined policing focused on protection, not escalation,” said Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.  “We are sending a clear message that carrying an unlawful handgun in Jersey City will result in arrest.”

In the coming weeks, the Administration will advance several additional public safety initiatives to further strengthen crime reduction efforts, including patrol restructuring to enhance on-the-ground deployment and the reorganization of 911 dispatch operations to improve response times and coordination.

The Jersey City Police Department continues to encourage residents to report suspicious activity.  Community cooperation remains a critical component in preventing gun violence and ensuring safe neighborhoods across the city.

Anyone with information related to these or other incidents is asked to contact the Jersey City Police Department or submit tips anonymously through email at policetips@njjcps.org or by calling 855-JCP-TIPS.

Jersey City News

Solomon Administration Announces Community Meetings Across All Six Wards to Address City Budget

Solomon announces budget meetings

Mayor Solomon Announces Community Meetings Across All Six Wards to Address City Budget 

A series of facilitated dialogues will engage community leaders, elected officials, and residents in constructive conversations about the city’s fiscal challenges 

Mayor James Solomon today announced a series of community meetings across all six wards of Jersey City, designed to engage residents and community leaders in open, constructive dialogue about the city’s budget challenges. The meetings represent the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive civic participation as the city navigates a critical fiscal moment. 

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Jersey City News

JCPD Ceasefire Unit Makes Key Arrest Linking Juvenile Suspect to Multiple Gun-Related Incidents

JCPD makes arrests in Jersey City

The Jersey City Police Department’s Ceasefire Unit began the week with a significant arrest connected to two shooting incidents dating back to October 2025, underscoring the JCPD’s targeted approach to gun violence reduction and accountability.

On October 21, 2025, at approximately 11:19 p.m., officers responded to confirmed shots fired in the area of Van Nostrand and Ocean Avenues.  No injuries were reported.  Nearly two weeks later, just after midnight on November 6, 2025, officers responded to another confirmed shots fired incident in the area of 102-106 Rutgers Avenue.  While no injuries were reported, several parked vehicles sustained bullet damage.

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