The Jersey City Independent "

Share/Save Recently elected At-Large Councilman Rolando Lavarro, in an effort to make good on his campaign promise, has started the process of creating a citizens’ advisory committee to the municipal budget that he says will help the budget more closely reflect the concerns of citizens that often get lost in the “politicized” budget-making process. “Priority-based [...]

Share/SaveRecently elected At-Large Councilman Rolando Lavarro, in office only a few months, has already started to shape things on the Council, most recently by insisting Council President Peter Brennan not participate in the Public Safety Committee that was created in response to an outpouring of concern from residents. Lavarro noted that Brennan, at Mayor Jerramiah [...]

Share/Save Dear Editor, I’m writing this letter to express my concern about the ordinance to remove Council President Brennan. On Wednesday, the council voted 5 to 4. Council members David Donnelly, Nidia Lopez, Steven Fulop, Rolando Lavarro and Viola Richardson voted in favor while Michael Sottolano, Bill Gaughan, Peter Brennan and Michele Massey voted against. [...]

Calling the decision to strip Council President Peter Brennan of his presidency “illegal” and “arbitrary,” Mayor Jerramiah Healy has announced that he will be vetoing the newly approved law.

Share/Save If the word “gala” brings to mind a moneyed crowd in ball gowns and tuxes demurely sipping champagne, “Jersey City gala” might suggest something else: A group diverse in age and occupation wearing Princess Beatrice hats, tutus, soldier suits and other “black-tie creative” outfits, eating, drinking and having a blast. In other words, Snow [...]

Share/SaveNew Red Light Cameras Activated on Montgomery Street: Jersey City announced yesterday that a third set of red-light cameras would begin a roughly month-long trial phase at Merseles and Montgomery Streets starting at just after midnight last night. Mayor and Councilman Solicit Help for Philippines: Mayor Jerramiah Healy is teaming with Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro, Jr., [...]

Share/SaveViola Richardson and Rolando Lavarro were sworn in yesterday at City Hall as Jersey City’s newest at-large council members. Photos by Mark Dye Photo

Share/SaveRichardson and Lavarro Sworn In: Jersey City Councilwoman Viola Richardson and New Jersey City University administrator Rolando Lavarro were officially sworn in as the City Council’s newest at-large members. Look for more from JCI later today. Water Main Break on Tonnelle Avenue: Roughly 50 families were without water and the southbound lanes of Route 1&9 [...]

Share/SaveNew Red Light Cameras Expected to Make the City Millions: Jersey City has quietly installed a new set of cameras at Jersey Avenue and 18th Street that will catch motorists blowing through red lights, part of an initiative officials hope will net the city $7 million annually. Richardson and Lavarro to be Sworn in Today: [...]

Share/SaveGov. Chris Christie’s School Plan Focuses on Urban Districts: The Christie administration’s new accountability system for public schools will save its strongest measures for urban districts like Jersey City. Look for more from JCI today. Former Deputy Mayor May Be Sent to Prison: Jersey City’s former deputy mayor may have to report to prison today [...]