JERSEY CITY, NJ. Councilwoman Mamta Singh today announced that Stuart Thomas will join her office as Chief of Staff, effective Monday, October 19th. Thomas will lead the Councilwoman’s staff, with responsibility for constituent services, the office’s legislative work, and its relationships with the administration, the Council, and community organizations.

The appointment is part of the Councilwoman’s efforts to build an office that residents can depend on, and that delivers results for our seniors, a city that works for working families, and stronger partnerships with the city’s non-profit community.

“Stuart knows this community block by block, and he has spent years showing up for it,” said Councilwoman Singh. “He outworks everyone around him, he knows City Hall from both sides, and he knows how to get things done for residents. I’m building an office that delivers for the people I represent, and I’m glad to get to work with him to make that vision a reality.”

Thomas joins the Councilwoman’s office from Mayor Solomon’s office, where he served as Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs and the administration’s principal liaison to the City Council. There he worked with the Council on the FY2026 budget, the launch of camera-assisted parking enforcement, and appointments to the City’s boards and commissions. He previously managed the Team Solomon slate’s winning 2025 campaign, Mayor Solomon’s 2021 re-election campaign for City Council, and numerous other campaigns from the local to federal level.

“I’ve known Councilwoman Singh for the better part of a decade, and I’ve watched how committed she is to making Jersey City a better place for our residents,” said Thomas. “I was proud to help elect her as the first Indian American to represent Jersey City on the Council, and I’m grateful for the chance to help build an office that works as hard as she does. I’m thankful to Mayor Solomon and his team for the experience of the past year. I look forward to working with them from the council side and ensuring an orderly transition from my previous role.”

“Stuart worked hard in the Mayor’s office, and he helped us deliver a responsible budget and build productive relationships with the Council,” said Mayor James Solomon. “He believes in public service, and he brought that to the job every day. I’m grateful for his work on behalf of Jersey City, and I wish him well as he takes on this new role. I look forward to working with Councilwoman Singh and her office on behalf of the residents we both serve.”

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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.

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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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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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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.”

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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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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

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