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Citizen Portal News New Jersey
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A false emergency report led to a swift lockdown at Hoboken High School, but thankfully, law enforcement found no threats and everyone remained safe.

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#NJ #CivicAccountability #HobokenSchools #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport
Hoboken schools lock down after false ‘swatting’ call; district says students were safe
Superintendent Dr. Johnson said a false report that arrived about 2:45 p.m. prompted a lockdown at Hoboken High School; law enforcement swept the building, found no weapon and no injuries, and the district plans a debrief with the Hoboken Police Department.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 11:24 AM
The Bayonne City Council just approved a series of financial agreements for urban renewal, but residents are raising alarms about the potential impact on neighborhoods and essential services.

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#BayonneCityHudsonCounty #NJ #BayonneUrbanRenewal #CommunityBenefits
Bayonne council advances multiple redevelopment financial agreements amid disputes over community benefits and neighborhood impacts
The Bayonne City Council on Jan. 21 approved a slate of financial‑agreement ordinances tied to urban‑renewal projects while residents and council members pressed for clearer, binding community benefits, more parking and school funding. City officials said negotiated redevelopment packages include community‑benefit payments and required infrastructure provisions.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 5:37 AM
Bayonne's Planning Board just greenlit a groundbreaking redevelopment plan that will bring an 8-story hotel and two towering residential buildings, creating 696 new apartments and enhancing the area with ample parking!

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#BayonneCityHudsonCounty #NJ #BayonnePlanning
Bayonne Planning Board approves South Cove amendment for hotel and two 29‑story residential towers
The Bayonne Planning Board approved an amended site plan for the South Cove redevelopment that shifts a hotel to Building C and consolidates residential units into two 29‑story towers, clearing the way for 696 apartments, a 125‑room hotel and a 300‑foot height while adding parking and requiring resolution‑compliance conditions.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 4:35 AM
Westfield leaders commend the swift response of law enforcement after a firearm threat at Westfield High School turned into a tense lockdown, with an ongoing investigation into the incident.

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#WestfieldUnionCounty #NJ #WestfieldHighSchool #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal
Westfield officials praise police response after firearm threat at high school; investigation ongoing
Town leaders said police, county detectives and neighboring departments searched Westfield High School after a reported firearm threat at 11:31 a.m.; no weapon was found, the lockdown ended about 2:49 p.m., and the Juvenile Bureau is investigating.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Residents of Sussex County are demanding action against ICE operations and a controversial plan to convert a warehouse into a detention center—will the county listen?

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#SussexCounty #NJ #CitizenPortal #ImmigrationEnforcement #DetentionCenterOpposition #SussexCountyCommunity
Residents urge Sussex County to refuse ICE operations and oppose proposed Roxbury detention site
Dozens of residents used the public-comment period to urge the commissioners to limit or condemn ICE activity, and several speakers asked the county to join Roxbury and other towns in opposing a proposed Department of Homeland Security warehouse-to-detention conversion in Roxbury.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:44 PM
A January fire at Arthur Rand Elementary School has sparked a massive remediation effort, forcing the relocation of over 670 students and staff to ensure safety and continuity.

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#NJ #NewJerseySchools #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport
Galloway schools detail phased remediation and emergency relocations after Arthur Rand fire
Superintendent Steve Santelli told the board the Jan. 26 Arthur Rand Elementary School fire was contained to one classroom but smoke and air-quality testing have driven a wide remediation effort; the district relocated students to Roland Rogers, GTMS and Pomona and approved emergency reopening and relocation measures.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Sussex County is taking a stand by joining 18 other counties in a legal battle over a controversial $3 million PFAS settlement decision by the Attorney General.

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#SussexCounty #NJ #LegalReform #CitizenPortal #SussexCountyLitigation #EnvironmentalJustice #PublicAccountability
Sussex County authorizes director to retain Keith Law Firm to join multi-county PFAS challenge
Sussex County commissioners voted to authorize the county director to sign a contingent‑fee retainer with the Keith Law Firm to join 18 New Jersey counties in litigation over a New Jersey Attorney General decision affecting a $3 million PFAS settlement; vote recorded by roll call.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Sussex County is facing scrutiny over its Newton Green policy as a civil-rights group warns it may violate the First Amendment, prompting urgent discussions on potential changes.

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#SussexCounty #NJ #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #SussexCountyPublicPolicy
Sussex County to review Newton Green permitting after civil-rights group raises concerns
A civil-rights advocacy group told Sussex County commissioners its Newton Green policy likely violates the First Amendment; county counsel said proposed changes will be reviewed in executive session and a draft ordinance and permit may be brought to a future meeting.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Middlesex Borough's stormwater controls just got the green light from county officials, paving the way for crucial environmental updates and the approval of HB Warehousing's sewer amendment!

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#MiddlesexCounty #NJ #CitizenPortal #StormwaterManagement #SustainabilityInitiatives
County sustainability staff report WRA concurrence on Middlesex Borough stormwater updates; SSA amendment for HB Warehousing advances to NJDEP
Staff said the Lower Raritan Middlesex County Water Resources Association concurred that Middlesex Borough's updated stormwater ordinance and plan conform to NJDEP regulations, and that the HB Warehousing sewer service area amendment was approved by the Board of County Commissioners and is now with NJDEP for state review.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 6:27 AM
Verona High School reported 21 safety incidents this period, including eight cases of harassment and bullying, while gearing up for state testing starting March 16.

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#NJ #NewJerseySchools #CitizenPortal #BullyingPrevention #EducationAssessment #StudentSafety
Verona superintendent reports school safety incidents and outlines March NJGPA testing
Superintendent Diane DiGiseppi told the board Verona High School reported 21 incidents to the state SSDS this reporting period, including eight confirmed harassment, intimidation and bullying cases; the district also announced NJGPA adaptive testing for juniors March 16–20 and clarified portfolio appeals and alternative assessments.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:43 AM
Middlesex County's Ride On Demand microtransit pilot has provided over 90,000 rides, transforming access to jobs and services for underserved communities since its launch!

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#MiddlesexCounty #NJ #SustainableMobility #CitizenPortal #TransportationAccess #EquityInitiatives
Middlesex County staff outline expansion plan for Ride On Demand microtransit pilot
County planners described the Ride On Demand microtransit pilotand plans to test a commingled fleet that would serve both on-demand microtransit and reservation-based paratransit. Staff cited ridership, equity metrics and a targeted Q4 commingling pilot.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 11:36 PM
Jersey City has taken a bold step by forming a Rent Protection Special Investigation Committee in response to alarming tenant complaints about enforcement failures at Portside Towers.

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#JerseyCityHudsonCounty #NJ #TenantProtection #JerseyCityTenants #CitizenPortal
Jersey City council establishes rent-protection investigation after months of Portside tenant complaints
After extensive public testimony alleging long-running enforcement failures and unpaid fines at Portside Towers, the Jersey City Municipal Council voted to create a Rent Protection Special Investigation Committee and approved related resolutions unanimously as part of a broader package of measures.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 10:46 PM
Mahwah Township is gearing up for a crucial referendum vote on March 10, and district leaders are pulling out all the stops to ensure you're informed and engaged!

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#NJ #CommunityEngagement #VoterTurnout #NewJerseySchools #CitizenPortal #EducationFunding
Mahwah district highlights referendum outreach and urges residents to vote March 10
District leaders told the board they have held informational sessions, recorded a referendum town hall, and are using a website, social media, newsletters and lawn signs to encourage turnout for the March 10 referendum; the board emphasized outreach and urged voters to attend upcoming meetings.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 4:30 AM
Jersey City's lead remediation grant has seen a rollercoaster of funding changes, but with low participation threatening future support, officials are stepping up outreach efforts to boost applications.

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#JerseyCityHudsonCounty #NJ #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal
State reduces Jersey City lead remediation grant; city urges wider outreach to boost participation
A competitive state DCA lead‑remediation grant awarded to Jersey City was increased then cut back to $1.5M because of low participation; city officials said outreach and staffing shortages limited take‑up and proposed mailings with tax bills and more cross‑training of inspectors to increase applications.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Jersey Central Power & Light is investing $4.7 million in upgrades to prevent future outages that have recently impacted thousands of Monroe Township customers.

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#NJ #CitizenPortal #PublicUtility #CommunityResilience #InfrastructureUpgrades #MonroeTownship
JCP&L outlines causes of recent outages and $4.7 million of reliability upgrades for Monroe Township
Jersey Central Power & Light told Monroe officials that three recent outage events affected up to 5,000 customers and described planned system upgrades—including four circuit ties, three substation upgrades and smart protection devices—totaling about $4.7 million and expected by 2028.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Jersey City’s finance team is tackling 2025 obligations with a resolution for reserve transfers, sparking discussions on health benefits and rising utility costs!

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#JerseyCityHudsonCounty #NJ #CitizenPortal #JerseyCityFinance #PublicSafetyFunding #FiscalResponsibility
City finance staff seeks reserve transfers to cover 2025 obligations including health benefits and utilities
Finance staff presented resolution authorizing 2025 appropriation reserve transfers to cover contractual obligations incurred through 12/31/2025, noting large health benefits and utility lines; council asked for itemized breakdowns and supporting analyses.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Ridgewood's Village Council just approved a series of pivotal zoning ordinances, sparking debate and setting the stage for major capital improvements!

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#RidgewoodBergenCounty #NJ #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #RidgewoodAffordableHousing
Votes at a glance: Ridgewood adopts overlay ordinances, sets hearings for capital bonds
On Feb. 11 the Ridgewood Village Council adopted Ordinances 4071–4075 (overlay zones and affordable‑housing set‑aside changes) and approved first readings for capital/bond ordinances 4084 and 4086 with hearings set for March 11, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Jersey City's council is diving deep into the future of its finance and law departments, questioning the overlap in leadership roles and tackling urgent staffing needs.

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#JerseyCityHudsonCounty #NJ #LegalReform #CitizenPortal #JerseyCityFinance #FiscalTransparency
Council questioned overlap and plans as administration nominates finance and law department leaders
Council reviewed nominations for the director of finance (William Vicura) and corporation counsel (Sarah M. Levine). Vicura emphasized controls, compliance and outreach for budget recovery; Levine outlined law department staffing shortfalls, missed deadlines, and a plan to increase in‑house capacity while managing conflicts when council and administration interests diverge.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Ridgewood residents are rallying against a new zoning ordinance that they claim favors developers over community interests, raising serious questions about transparency and local governance.

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#RidgewoodBergenCounty #NJ #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicComment
Ridgewood council adopts zoning overlays tied to affordable‑housing obligations amid strong public protest
After more than two hours of public comment, the Ridgewood Village Council voted to adopt a package of overlay zoning ordinances (4071–4075) that officials say preserves the village's legal immunity from developer suits; residents and legal experts warned the measures depart from the master plan and risk litigation.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 8:58 AM