Category: Uncategorized

Local bike sharing service expanding to North Bergen

On By Mackensie AlvarezIn Uncategorized

“We are extremely excited to start the expansion of our bike share program in Hudson County,” Carlos Pujol, CEO of P3 Global Management, Hudson Bike Share’s parent company, said in a statement.

This fall, Hudson Bike Share, the public bike share program operating in Hoboken, will add 260 new bikes and 35 new stations throughout North Bergen and neighboring towns.

Users can register online or download the NextBike app. The cost of the program is $95 per year or $12.95 a month and includes unlimited 45-minute trips. Riders can also choose a pay-as-you-go option for $2 per 30-minute ride.

Riders can use a smart phone or key card to unlock bicycles at any of the stations in the system. Once rented, the user will be given a code to unlock the bike, and begin their 30 or 45-minute ride.

Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer says the program, “will become one of the largest bike share systems in the country.”

Over $30k raised for fallen officer's children in less than 24 hours

On By Mackensie AlvarezIn Uncategorized

Over $31,000 has been raised for the late Sgt. Alexander Vazquez’s surviving children.

According to the GoFundMe page, the North Bergen Police Department and PBA Local 18 have started the fundrasier page in memoriam to Vazquez.

“In an effort to establish a scholarship fund to support his children, we ask you to give what you can to ensure that his children may succeed as best they can despite the void left by the loss of Sgt. Vazquez,” reads the fundraiser’s description.

Sgt. Vazquez was a father of four, ages one to eleven.

The fundraiser was started by Lieutenant Michael Vitali and had a goal of $20,000. The goal was passed in less than 24 hours.

You may contribute by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/family-of-sergeant-vazquez

Over $30k raised for fallen officer’s children in less than 24 hours

On By Mackensie AlvarezIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Over $31,000 has been raised for the late Sgt. Alexander Vazquez’s surviving children.

According to the GoFundMe page, the North Bergen Police Department and PBA Local 18 have started the fundrasier page in memoriam to Vazquez.

“In an effort to establish a scholarship fund to support his children, we ask you to give what you can to ensure that his children may succeed as best they can despite the void left by the loss of Sgt. Vazquez,” reads the fundraiser’s description.

Sgt. Vazquez was a father of four, ages one to eleven.

The fundraiser was started by Lieutenant Michael Vitali and had a goal of $20,000. The goal was passed in less than 24 hours.

You may contribute by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/family-of-sergeant-vazquez

#Community #PoliceFireEMT

Mayor Sacco reflects on Sgt. Vazquez legacy

On By Mackensie AlvarezIn Uncategorized

“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our beloved North Bergen Police Department sergeants,” writes North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco in reference to the late Sgt. Alex Vazquez. “As a North Bergen Police Officer, [Vasquez] was regarded by his peers as a leader and a good friend to many in the department. He was a decorated officer with many great accomplishments throughout his career.”

“[Alex] was one of the most genuine guys I know. Alex you were what every man should want to be,” writes North Bergen Police Officer Kevin Rodriguez. “A cops cop, an excellent athlete, a smart dude with a bright future, a family man, and most of all a great father.”

Vazquez began his career in 2005 and is a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy. Vazquez recently ranked #2 on the Sergeant Exam.

Vazquez has served as an Officer in Patrol Division and an Officer in the Detective Bureau. He was on loan to FBI Violent Crimes Task Force for an extended period of time.

Vazquez played a vital role in the high profile case of tracking down & arresting the actor involved in the Millburn home invasion and brutal assault of a mother captured on “nanny cam.”

“It’s a tough day in North Bergen and a devastating loss. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, wife, children, friends, and brothers & sisters in blue,” states the Mayor.

Funeral arrangements have been announced.

Wake: Oct. 27th Vanieiri Funeral Home 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Mass: Oct. 28th. Our Lady of Fatima 11:00 AM

Ex-North Bergen DPW official will avoid prison even after pleading guilty

On By Mackensie AlvarezIn Uncategorized

Timothy J. Grossi, 77, is a former North Bergen DPW official who was indicted on charges of official misconduct after he was accused of abusing his powers in the department. During his trial, Grossi admitted to ordering township employees to work on political campaigns utilizing municipal vehicles.

After multiple delays in his trial due to “health related causes,” the 77-year-old finally plead guilty in Superior Court. Although the crime comes with a recommended sentence of five years in prison, it is reported by NorthJersey.com, that the judge overseeing the case will suspend Grossi’s jail time. This comes after cardiologist Dr. Preston Hupart said he is “not sure [Grossi] would survive,” a prison sentence.

“Grossi was one of the top officials in the North Bergen Department of Public Works, but this guilty plea will make him a convicted felon, just like the three supervisors under him who previously pled guilty or were convicted at trial,” says Attorney General Porrino.

Porrino is referring to the case of the former head of North Bergen’s DPW James Wiley, and two lower level workers Troy Bunero and Francis Longo who were convicted of working on political campaigns at the expense of North Bergen taxpayers.

“By arrogantly abusing the power entrusted to him and exploiting public workers for political purposes, Grossi promoted a culture of corruption within his department,” Porrino added.

Grossi sentence will take place on December 8th.

BREAKING NEWS: North Bergen Sgt. on life support following a self-inflicted gun wound

On By Mackensie AlvarezIn Uncategorized

A sergeant in the North Bergen Police Department (NBPD) is on life support following an alleged self-inflicted gun wound last night, according to sources.

The source, speaking under the condition of anonymity, stated that around 10 PM last night the sergeant was found in his car with a gun wound. He was then rushed to Jersey City Medical Center where he is believed to be in critical condition.

North Bergen officials did not provide immediate comment. HudPost will update as this story develops.

Update: 10/19/17 4:40 PM

According to Hudson County View the officer’s name has been released.

Sgt. Alex Vazquez is a highly decorated and officer with over 12 years of police service, having once served on-loan to the FBI Violent Crimes Taskforce.

“Alex Vazquez was a stand-out athlete and district champion wrestler for the North Bergen High School. As a North Bergen Police Officer he is regarded by his peers as a leader and a good friend to many in the department. I am praying for Alex and his family during this trying time,” Mayor Nick Sacco said in a statement.

Police Chief Robert Dowd said “the entire department is in shock” over the incident.

North Bergen to have largest brewery in Hudson County

On By Mackensie AlvarezIn Uncategorized

North Bergen brewery New Jersey Beer Co. and Hoboken brewery 902 Brewing Co. announced that they will merge businesses at the end of this month.

New Jersey Beer Co. was founded in 2010. One year later, Hudson County real estate developer and beer enthusiast, Paul Silverman, was named Chairman, investing in the brewery. Since then, NJ Beer Co. has expanded its offerings statewide.

Starting with a 3 gallon pot and a home brewing kit, the idea of 902 Brewing Company fermented into a business in August of 2012. Founded by Colby Janisch, Tucker Littleton, and Andrew Brown in Hoboken, NJ, 902 pays tribute to the apartment where they took it to the next level. The three found a place on Washington street with enough room to grow into a 15 gallon, all-grain brewing system.

As a result of the merger, NJ Beer Co. will now become Hudson County’s largest brewery. The company announced that they will continue it’s operations in North Bergen, New Jersey.

The merger date is tentatively set for October 30, 2017.

Watch this tour of NJ Beer Co. that HudPost did earlier this year