Supporters rally for omnibus electrification bill including electrifying NJ Transit

JERSEY CITY – As we focus on environmental efforts this week, Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the City Council are moving forward to electrify transportation in Jersey City and serve as a model to expand green technology to every part of the state.  On Tuesday, April 23^rd at 11:30 a.m., Mayor Fulop will join environmental and transportation advocates outside City Hall call on state leaders to pass S2252/A4819 to address pollution from cars, trucks and buses in New Jersey.  At the event, Mayor Fulop will drive one of the electric vehicles and press will have the unique opportunity to go inside the latest electric vehicles on the market. 

“Part of our mission is to work towards being a more environmentally conscious city, which is why we are leading the state in building the infrastructure for a more sustainable and resilient future,” said Mayor Fulop. â€œBy incorporating electric vehicles into our municipal fleet, and providing charging stations for the community, we are taking necessary steps towards increasing quality of life with cleaner, healthier air. It is my hope that this encourages other communities in the state to do the same.”

Jersey City continues to lead the state in many progressive initiatives.   The installation of solar panels will start at the DPW building, and expand to other municipal buildings.  The city also recently launched the first-ever Backyard Composting Pilot.  In addition, Jersey City is the first in the state to ban plastic bags, and supports the recently formed Office of Sustainability to continue to take the lead on green advancements.  These latest advancements, in conjunction with the expansion of the cityâ€s electric municipal fleet, continue Jersey Cityâ€s transformation as one of the largest environmentally friendly cities.

Jersey City is leading the race for electrification in New Jersey, but cannot act alone in solving the climate crisis. The omnibus electrification bill would create stronger cash incentives for electric vehicle (EV) buyers and install more than 1,000 EV charging stations over the next two years in our downtowns and along high-traffic roadways. It directs NJ Transit to electrify their bus fleet on a state level, and ensures development of advanced mobility solutions and other transportation alternatives that serve environmental justice communities.

“Electric vehicles are coming, and New Jersey needs to be ready,” said Doug Oâ€Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey. â€œBy taking steps to improve our EV infrastructure and accelerate the transition to electric transportation, New Jersey can create the road map for other states to follow.”

In the most densely populated state in the country, with 9 million people, we have more than 3 million registered vehicles, and we suffer from some of the worst regional air pollution. North Jersey and New York City ranked as the 10th worst metropolitan area in the U.S. for ozone levels, the main ingredient in smog that can trigger asthma attacks. New Jersey traffic congestion ranks within the top ten worst of the country—and with that comes lowered air quality and massive amounts of fossil fuels used to transport our stateâ€s significant population of commuters around the metropolitan region. Not surprisingly, the transportation sector is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

“Transitioning away from gasoline powered to electrical cars is a necessary step to address climate change,” Ward E Councilman James Solomon said.  “Jersey City should continue to pursue policies that accelerate that trend.”

“As technology advances, it is imperative that we look at ways to improve our environment.  Greener options are on the rise and are a topic that the City is taking serious steps to include in the conversation throughout the City,” said Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley.

Since the inaugural Earth Day in 1970, weâ€ve made a lot of progress to clean up our air, but New Jersey can do a lot more to reduce pollution. On Tuesday, Jersey City officials will take the wheel to drive toward progress. And they will in a variety of electric cars on the market.

“Nearly 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey come from the transportation sector. While we need statewide commitments from big players like NJ Transit and the Murphy Administration, municipalities can lead the fight by encouraging communities to move towards electrification,” said Norah Langweiler, campaign organizer for Jersey Renews. â€œCreating space for electric infrastructure on a local level through amendments to zoning ordinances and investing in electric vehicle supply equipment at municipally-owned sites is foundational work for an efficient transition to a clean energy future.”

“What would Jesus, Moses, Mohammad, the Buddha or Lord Krishna drive?  Without doubt, an electric vehicle,” said Rev. Fletcher Harper, Director of the interfaith environmental organization GreenFaith.  “Less air pollution and less climate change means healthier communities and saving lives.  There’s just no question that we need state policies that make EV’s the new normal.”

“For New Jersey to combat climate change and meet our goals to reduce emissions, we have to adjust how we get around by expanding options such as public transit.And for trips that have to be made by car, we also need more people to be driving electric cars,” said Morgan Folger, Clean Cars Advocate for Environment New Jersey.

The Assembly should support bill A4634 and jumpstart New Jerseyâ€s electric vehicle revolution. The bill must pass the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee before it can move to the floor.

“Electric vehicle ride and drives provide a unique education and outreach opportunity since it blends the excitement of new technology and a phenomenal driving experience, with information about how New Jersey can clean the air and decrease air pollution from greenhouse gases. EVs arenâ€t slow golf carts anymore- they have instant torque, a variety of cool tech features, and are hitting the market in a variety of vehicle shapes and sizes. ChargEVC is proud to support EV ride and drives which teach the public about this transformative technology and we look forward to bringing cleaner air and big economic benefit to the state as EV adoption increases in the coming years,” said Ashley Lynn Chrzaszcz, Associate at Gabel Associates and Representative of ChargEVC.

“New Jerseyâ€s biggest source of air pollution is from cars and trucks. Over 40% of GHG in this state come from mobile sources. Our state however has been gridlocked when it comes to moving forward with electric vehicles. These emissions can be easily cut by implementing EV technology. We need to use legislation like S2252 (Smith) to advance EVs and especially EV infrastructure in our state. This is especially important if the state wants to achieve its 330,000 EVs on the road by 2025. We also need to target EVâ€s to low and moderate income areas while developing programs to create jobs,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Our state used to be a leader in innovation and transportation and can be again in clean transport. Governor Murphy and the legislature need to remove the roadblocks and accelerate movement towards electric vehicles.”

Environment New Jersey is a statewide policy and action group. Our staff and members work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment.

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The City of Jersey City, 

 “I am pleased to join the Recreation Department and the Jersey City Free Public Library to welcome Ray Robinson II to Jersey City as we celebrate National Library Week,” said Mayor Fulop. “This celebration recognizes the importance of libraries in our community and the importance of literacy amongst our children in schools, at home, and in their local library.”

The National Library Week of 2014 celebration will feature an entertaining and enjoyable program for adults and children. The event kicks off with a boxing clinic, and a DVD screening of “Sugar Ray Robinsonâ€s Greatest Fights,” followed by a book signing with Ray Robinson II, co-author of “Pound for Pound: a Biography of Sugar Ray Robinson.”

In honor of National Library Week, the Department of Recreation and the Jersey City Free Public Library will provide FREE library cards throughout the evening, and will continue to do so at all recreation sites throughout the city.

Ray Robinson II is a well-known author, independent producer, and program developer, as well as the son of famed prizefighter Sugar Ray Robinson. International Hall of Fame boxer Sugar Ray Robinson held the Welterweight Champion title, as well as a five time Middleweight Champion. He finished his professional career with a record of 174 wins, 19 losses, and six undecided.

 About National Library Week:

National Library Week was first sponsored in 1958, and is celebrated with a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country, which takes place each April. During this annual celebration, we recognize the contributions of our nationâ€s libraries, and all those who support our libraries. This year, National Library Week is recognized during the week of April 13^th through the 19^th.

For more information please contact 201-547-5003 or visit http://www.jclibrary.org

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The tour will begin at 9:45 a.m. at Riverview Community Garden at Riverview-Fisk Park in the Heights. Participants will then visit seven other gardens throughout the cityâ€s six wards.  Bike JC will lead a bicycle ride to each garden and the Recreation Department will provide a shuttle to each site.

“Urban gardening is a model for a sustainable future and I am proud of the work that has allowed gardens to bloom on formerly vacant lots throughout the city,” said Mayor Fulop. “One of the goals of my Keep Jersey City Beautiful initiative is to work with our Division of Planning, Public Works and neighborhood organizations to get more lots adopted as gardens.”

City-owned lots and parks can be adopted by eligible neighborhood associations and groups of residents for only $1 a year. More information and leases will be available at the closing festival or visit http://www.jerseycitynj.gov/resident.aspx?id=8012.

The stops on the Adopt-A-Lot Community Garden Tour are scheduled as follows:

9:45 a.m. Meet at Riverview Community Garden, 300 Ogden Ave.

10:15-10:25 a.m. Ogdenâ€s End Community Garden, southern end of Ogden Ave.

10:35-10:45 a.m. Jersey City Art School Garden, 362 Fifth Street

11-11:10 a.m. Urban Action Community Garden, 528 Ocean Ave.

11:20-11:30 a.m. Lafayette Community Learning Garden, 312 Pacific Ave.

11:35-11:45 a.m. Astor Place Community Garden, 72 Astor Place

11:50 a.m.-12 p.m. OUR Community Garden, corner of Clinton Ave. and Crescent Ave.

12-2 p.m. Closing Festival UMMI Living Garden, 93 Harrison Ave.

 

All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary for the City of Jersey City, at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-

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Staff & Mobile Navigator Program to Assist Residents

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced today that the City of Jersey City Department of Health
and Human Services has developed an aggressive plan to ensure residents have access to health insurance
through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, which is scheduled to open on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013.
Outreach includes a Mobile Navigator Program that is funded through a $400,000 federal grant.

“Nearly 20 percent of the Jersey City population, approximately 55,000 residents, currently do not have health
insurance,” said Mayor Fulop. “With the launch of the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, we want these
residents to know what their options are and how to apply. That is why the Health Department has developed a
robust and proactive plan to assist residents in answering their questions and in applying online.”

The City of Jersey City and Public Health Solutions have partnered on a federally-funded mobile Navigator
Program through a $400,000 grant that will hire four bilingual counselors to visit businesses, community groups,
and local non-profits to enroll residents for health coverage in Essex and Hudson County. Only six federal grants
were allocated in New Jersey, and Jersey City is the only municipality with a bilingual, mobile model.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has 10 certified application counselors, many of
whom are bilingual, to help residents understand their health coverage options and enroll residents in a plan at
three sites:
– Health Department Main Office at 1 Journal Square (M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
– The Preventative Clinic at 115 Christopher Columbus Drive (M/W/F – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 2 p.m. to
4 p.m.)
– The Bethune Center at 140 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. (M-F 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Counselors will also be attending the Health Departmentâ€s Flu Shot Clinics, which also begin this
week, to educate the public about the Affordable Care Act and to enroll residents.

How the Marketplace works

The Marketplace simplifies your search for health coverage by gathering the options available in your area in one
place. You can compare plans based on price, benefits, and other important features prior to selecting a plan.
Plans will be in four categories – bronze, silver, gold, and platinum – to make comparing them easier. Once open
enrollment begins, scheduled for October 1, 2013, the plans and prices will be available. Coverage starts as soon
as January 1, 2014, with open enrollment ending on March 31, 2014.

If you want to apply for coverage online, there is a quick four-step process:

1. Set up an account
2. Fill out the application
3. Compare your options. You will be able to view all the options you qualify for, the monthly premium
costs, the out-of-pocket expenses on deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
4. Choose a plan.
More information about the ACA Marketplace is available online at healthcare.gov.

All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary for the City of Jersey City, at
201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699./////

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Mayor Fulop Appoints NYPD Deputy Chief James Shea as Public Safety Director  Concludes National Search Headed by Former NYPD/FDNY Commissioner Howard Safir

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop today announced the appointment of NYPD Deputy Chief James Shea as the new Public Safety Director for Jersey City overseeing the Police and Fire Departments following an extensive national search.

Shea, who will reside in Jersey City, has most recently served as Deputy Chief of the NYPD responsible for the Youth and Gang Crime Division, focusing on the expansion and enhancement of the division and targeting a reduction in gang violence. Other recent assignments have included commanding some of the toughest areas,working on issues such as robberies, street crime and terrorism.

“Jersey City has been dealing with serious public safety issues for some time, which my administration is committed to addressing immediately,” said Mayor Fulop. “James has both the experience, knowledge, and management skills to implement real change as it relates to public safety and I am confident he will lead Jersey City on the right path toward reducing crime and making our city one of the safest mid-size cities in
America.”

“Mayor Fulop has made an excellent choice in Deputy Chief James Shea as Director of Public Safety,” said New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. “Over the course of his 22-year career at the NYPD, Chief Shea has proven himself to be an innovative crime-fighting strategist and a highly effective leader. He has served the public with great distinction as a member of the NYPD and the United States Marine
Corps. I know the residents of Jersey City will benefit greatly from his vast experience in law enforcement and his commitment to their security.”

For two years, Shea served as Commanding Officer of the NYPD Contingent for the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorist Task Force, overseeing national security investigations, conducting briefings of threats and investigations up to the White House level, coordinating the planning and deployment for emergency management and high level special events, as well as coordinating personnel from more than 50 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

During his tenure with the NYPD, Shea also served as the Commanding Officer of the 49th & 47th Precincts in the Bronx, leading more than 300 uniformed and civilian personnel and overseeing all law enforcement operations within two communities each with more than 100,000 residents. In the Bronx, Shea designed, developed and implemented crime control and public safety functions including supervision of
operations, investigations, training, budgeting, and quality control, as well as analyzing criminal and demographic trends and indicators for presentation to community groups, elected officials and the media.

Shea also served as Commanding Officer of the NYPDâ€s Citywide Robbery Division and the NYPD Police Academy, and has worked in a supervisory role in Manhattanâ€s Organized Crime Control Bureau and in the NYPDâ€s Patrol Services Bureau for the 28th, 9th, and 46th Precincts.
“Having led two busy precincts in the Bronx, James has the management experience to oversee
public safety operations in a city as large and diverse as Jersey City,” said Mayor Fulop.
“Additionally, with James†specific experience in gang and youth violence, as well as terrorism and homeland security issues, he stood out as an ideal candidate for the position of Public Safety
Director.”

Shea, a former United States Marine, is also a graduate of the Police Management Institute at Columbia University School of Business and holds a BS in Police Science from the City University of New York.

“It is an honor to join the Fulop Administration and to work for the people of Jersey City,” said James Shea. “I am excited to have the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated professionals of Jersey Cityâ€s Police and Fire Departments to enact Mayor Fulopâ€s vision for Jersey City.”

A search for candidates for the position of Public Safety Director was conducted by Vigilant Resources International, which is headed by former NYPD Commissioner Howard Safir. The search was not funded by taxpayer dollars, but rather by private donations. Mayor Fulop has announced that his administration is creating a new Public Safety Department as part of his restructuring and streamlining of government.

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