FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2013

CONTACT: James Kennelly, Hudson County Executive’s Office

PHONE: 201-369-3486

COUNTY MOVES TO CUT $3.5 MILLION FROM BUDGET AND STEEPLY REDUCE PROPOSED 2013 OPEN SPACE LEVY

Plan would satisfy concerns raised by mayors of Hudson County’s most economically successful municipalities, which must pay a higher percentage of total county tax levy under state law.

Jersey City, NJ — Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise announced an amended version of his 2013 budget plan today after an aggressive review carried out by administration staff in cooperation with the Board of Chosen Freeholders. It goes before the Board for a vote tonight at 6 pm.

The original budget called for a $12,787,530 million increase in the overall county tax levy, an increase of about 4.39 percent. The approximate $3.5 million cut will yield a proposed levy increase of 3.17 percent.

Along with their budget plan, the administration had anticipated seeking the usual one-penny per hundred dollars of assessed value for the annual Open Space tax levy to fund projects supported by the Hudson County Open Space and Historic Preservation Trust from the board of Chosen Freeholders.

However the administration will instead propose an Open Space levy just sufficient to meet the Open Space debt service, which will reduce the annual levy from an anticipated $5,620,920 million to approximately $1,124,124. The smaller levy will still allow the trust to pay the debt service on existing projects under construction. But there will be no new projects funded by the reduced 2013 levy. Some unused funds for projects currently stalled but already funded, may be re-allocated to support “shovel–ready” new projects this year but that amount has yet to be determined by county officials.

Together, these two initiatives will more than meet the demands of the Mayors of Weehawken, Hoboken and Secaucus, the three municipalities whose real property values climbed this year compared to the other towns in Hudson County leading to their communities facing double digit percentage increases in county taxes. In response, the mayors called publicly for a reduction in overall county taxes during a press conference in Hoboken City Hall last month.

While the administration plan will deliver those savings called for by the mayors, (and more) their towns will still see county taxes rise because of their comparative prosperity. Even if there had been a zero increase in the County’s tax levy for this year, these three towns would still be paying between 50 and 70 percent of what they would have paid if taxes had been raised by the original 4.3 percent proposed in May. (The Open Space Levy is also calculated this way.)

For example, under the original budget proposal (a 4.3 percent increase), an average Weehawken resident would have paid $495 more annually in county taxes. But if a 0 percent increase was approved, that Weehawken resident would still pay about $370 more annually because Weehawken’s real property values rose far more than other municipalities.  

This is because counties do not tax individuals but rather the municipalities within their jurisdiction. Under this system, state statute requires that each municipality pay a share of county taxes based on the real value of all property within its borders. The state provides the county with annual real property value data based on its yearly assessment of each of the state’s 566 municipalities.

The flip side to this is that Weehawken’s neighbor, Union City, which has seen values flatten and fall, would actually have paid $254,585 less in county taxes this year even as the overall tax levy rose more than four percent.

County Executive DeGise praised the work of his budget team and members of the Board of Freeholders who found responsible ways to further trim expenditures in order to address the concerns raised by the Mayors. Savings were found across departments and agencies, a series of small changes that eventually helped shave a point off the originally proposed increase.

“Our administration heard the concerns of our mayors and their constituents and we’ve done our best to address them,” said DeGise. “Our budget team and all our department directors worked cooperatively and constructively to seek savings without significantly impacting services or resorting to financial gimmicks that just lead to greater problems in the future.”

Freeholder Chairman Anthony L. Romano, who represents Hoboken and a section of the Jersey City Heights, convinced his colleagues to take their budget hearings on the road to Hoboken and Secaucus in June to allow the public easier access to the process and to voice their concerns. He believes it helped shape this budget for the better.

“We didn’t just say we would listen,” said Romano, “We came to the public—legislators, the County Executive, his staff, and we really listened—to people’s frustration, to their good ideas, and to their often excellent questions about how we deliver services. I’m pleased we’ve found these savings without seriously affecting needed services.  Going forward, I continue to support legislative action on the state level to amend how the county tax formula is calculated to ensure we don’t stifle growth under ever steeper tax burdens.”

The amended budget proposal goes before the board of Freeholders this evening for approval. The meeting will be held in the O’Malley Freeholder Chambers on the 3^rd Floor of the Hudson County Administration Annex Building 567 Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City at 6 pm.

#30#

CONTACT:    Greg Strid, Chairperson                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                        201-600-9783

                        hclongterm@gmail.com

                        https://www.facebook.com/HCLTRC

HUDSON COUNTY LONG TERM RECOVERY PARTNERS WITH WORLD RENEW

TO ASSIST IN SUPERSTORM SANDY RECOVERY

Jersey City, NJ– Many Hudson County residents are still struggling in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy with both property needs and emotional health.

The Hudson County Long Term Recovery Committee(HCLTRC) has partnered with World Renew, an international relief group, to have teams of volunteers open several walk-in centers and to conduct a door-to-door survey of Hudson County residents who have been affected by Superstorm Sandy, primarily in the flood-prone areas. The surveys will be conducted from June 5th through June 19th.

Thousands of households in Hudson County filed applications for FEMA assistance after the storm. The survey is an important step in finding families who need help and making sure that their recovery needs are met. The World Renew volunteers who will be conducting the assessments will be coming from other areas of the country. They are specially trained to assess damage, assist with federal relief forms, and deal with psychological aftereffects from loss.

World Renew volunteers are known as the “Green Shirts” because of their uniforms. The Green Shirts have been conducting the surveys in response to disasters around the country for 20 years and plan on bringing survey teams to all of the heavily impacted communities.

Residents who have been affected by the storm don’t have to wait for the Green Shirts to knock on their doors.

For more information, please call the Recovery Information Center at 551-333-5080 from June 5th through 19^th, 2013. Walk-in center sites include:

• Jersey City /Country Village:  Wed 6/5 - Sat 6/8 (Times TBA)

Location: Our Lady of Mercy, 40 Sullivan Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

• Hoboken: Mon. 6/10 – Thu. 6/13 (Mon & Wed 10am-7pm, Tue & Thu 10am-6pm) 

Location: The Jubilee Center, 601-03 Jackson Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030

• Bayonne: Fri. 6/14 – Tue. 6/18 (Weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm)

Location: Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation, 555 Kennedy Boulevard, Bayonne, NJ 07002

• Jersey City/ Downtown : Sat. 6/15 10am-4pm, Mon-6/17 - Tue 6/18 11am-7pm

Location: Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

• More countywide sites will also be announced via https://www.facebook.com/HCLTRC

            All Hudson County residents are eligible to fill out an assessment and to find out about recovery resources available to them. Residents who sustained wind and tree damage but who live outside the flood area are encouraged to call the Information Center to do an assessment.

The Hudson County Long Term Recovery Committee (HCLTRC) was established after Superstorm Sandy to support and coordinate the area’s long term recovery effort.  It is a voluntary association of members representing many nonprofit agencies, faith-based groups, and social service organizations; participants also include community advocates and relief groups, and government partners.  HCLTRC assists residents of and organizations operating in Hudson County, NJ to recover from the effects of disasters, with particular attention to the needs of low-income and disabled residents, small businesses, and economically disadvantaged communities.  HCLTRC also coordinates the disaster response of participating organizations and helps residents, organizations, and governmental bodies prepare for future disasters.    

#30 #

Residents can sign up by clicking the phone icon on the right hand side of the home page of www.hudsoncountynj.org. This will launch a sign-up page to provide us with your information. Sign-up is quick and easy. Remember if we can't reach you, we can't alert you. So sign up today!

A SENIOR DIFFERENCE MAKER — Weehawken resident Helen Hams was named Hudson County Senior of the Year for 2013. Mrs. Hams who is active in a range of civic and religious entities in her community was honored at the annual Hudson County Senior Luncheon held in the Casino in the Park restaurant in Jersey City.  She was presented with her award citation by Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise (left). 

The Hudson County Senior of the Year is chosen from the 12 municipal seniors of the year nominated by their mayor. The volunteer Senior Advisory Council comprised of seniors across the county decides which nominee will hold the title--which is officially "The Outstanding Senior Resident of Hudson County."

The municipal Seniors of the year for 2013 were: Bayonne: Marie Fitzsimmons; East Newark: Eileen Schimenti; Guttenberge: Patrick Forenza; Harrison: Sylvia Pomponi; Hoboken: Vincent J. Wassman; Jersey City: Shafqat Khan; Kearny: Earl Comwell; North Bergen: Meoldy Acosta; Secaucus: Rita Casazza; Union City: Eloina Camejo; Weehawken: Helen Hams; West New York: Romelia

You can view all of the municipal seniors who were also honored at the luncheon in the slideshow below on this page entitled "2013 Senior Luncheon."

CONTACT: James Kennelly, Hudson County Executive’s Office

PHONE: 201-369-4386 (For ordering a card:-877-776-2285)

New Prescription Discount Card Program Helps Uninsured Residents In Hudson County Lower Their Medical Costs

New “Pro Act” Plan provides uninsured with savings for prescriptions, and other medical services. 

Jersey City, NJ — Hudson County residents will soon be able to enjoy the ProAct Prescription Discount Card Program. Created to address the underlying healthcare needs of uninsured and underinsured residents across the United States, the program is now rolling out here in Hudson County at the direction of County Executive Tom DeGise and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

With the national rate of Americans without health insurance hovering above 15%, coupled with rising health care costs, there is an increasingly urgent need to provide health care financial relief for the uninsured.

“Any tool that helps us assist those struggling to pay their medical bills is one we are glad to endorse,” said County Executive DeGise. “I hope our residents will investigate how the ProAct Prescription Discount Card Program may be able to help them save money and stay healthier.”

The ProAct Prescription Discount Card Program provides real financial savings at the pharmacy counter for participants who are uninsured, underinsured or whose current plan does not cover a particular medication.

Savings At A Glance:

• Prescription: 10% to 20% off on branded medications and 20% to 70% off on their generic equivalents.
• Vision:  20% to 50% off on services including: Eye Exams, Frames, Lenses and Contacts.
• LASIK:  40% to 50% off the national average.
• Hearing Aids: 35% to 65% off brand name hearing aids and products.

Who is Eligible?

Anyone regardless of age or income is eligible to participate. For anyone paying the full retail price on prescription medications, the ProAct Prescription Drug Discount Card can provide immediate financial relief at the pharmacy counter. In fact, if someone is currently insured but their plan does not provide coverage for certain medications, they are eligible to participate. All prescription medications are covered and will receive some level of discount.

How Does It Work?

Cardholders simply present their discount card along with a new prescription at their local pharmacy to begin saving. Most pharmacies will honor your discount card. Cards are pre-activated and are ready for use. Discount Card cannot be used in conjunction with any other type of insurance coverage or to discount / reduce co pays. All prescription medications are covered, even some pet medications.

The cards will be mailed to all Hudson residents during the week of May 6^th. If you do not receive one in the mail you can visit the ProAct website at: www.proactrxsavings.com  or by calling them at: 1-877-776-2285 to order a card today.

#30#

CONTACT: James Kennelly, Hudson County Executive’s Office

PHONE: 201-369-4386

Wanted: Your Good Ideas For A Better Region!

Planning forum to be held at Hudson County Community College offers local residents the opportunity to offer their ideas about the future of North Jersey development on Wednesday evening.

Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County residents interested in having their voice heard by planning officials focused on the future development of North Jersey are invited to attend a public forum to be held in the Multipurpose Room of the North Campus of Hudson County Community College, located at 4800 Kennedy Boulevard in Union City, on Wednesday, May 1^st from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.

The event is being co-hosted by Together North Jersey, The Hudson County Division of Planning and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). All three organizations are focused on how the next wave of development will increase economic growth while creating more livable and sustainable communities within the region.

“Hudson County is a vital part of the North Jersey region as a transportation crossroads and a dynamic engine of economic growth,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, who serves as Vice Chairman of the NJTPA. “I urge residents interested in planning issues, or simply the future of our community to attend this public forum focused on fostering smart growth and sustainable communities.”

TOGETHER NORTH JERSEY is an unprecedented planning initiative currently underway in the 13-county North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority region of New Jersey.

In November 2011, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded TOGETHER NORTH JERSEY (aka, North Jersey Sustainable Communities Consortium) a $5 million Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant. The grant is matched with an additional $5 million in leveraged funds from project partners. Grant funds will be used to:

1. Develop a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development (RPSD) for the 13-county planning region;
2. Implement 15 local demonstration projects; and
3. Provide technical assistance and offer education opportunities that build the capacity of jurisdictions, organizations and the public to advance sustainability projects and initiatives.

The plan will be both “place-based” and “issue-based” and will use sustainability, transit system connectivity and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) as the central framework for integrating plans, regulations, investments, and incentive programs at all levels of government to improve economic and environmental conditions, while promoting regional equity and resource efficiency. The outcome of plan implementation will be a more sustainable future for the region that invests in existing communities where housing, jobs, educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities are made more easily accessible.

Through open forums TOGETHER NORTH JERSEY and its members will create a comprehensive and balanced plan that invests in the region’s existing communities where housing, jobs, educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities are made more easily accessible to most residents without having to drive to them.

For those who cannot attend the public forum in person, but wish to offer their thoughts, they can offer input online at:  they can learn more about the mission of Together North Jersey by visiting www.engagenorthjersey.com. Those who would like to learn more about the planning process or to get involved can visit www.togethernorthjersey.com.

There is on street parking around the College, however the organizers encourage participants to use public transportation. The North Hudson County Community College Campus is located directly above the 49^th Street Station of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System. It is also reachable by a number of busses including the # 22, 22X, 84, 84P, 86P, 89, 154, 156, 159, 181.

#30#

Scope of Work:

The County of Hudson has determined due to advanced age and erosion that the current concrete arch and retaining wall structure carrying a portion of JFK Boulevard Eastover Cliff at the East End of 76^th Street inNorth BergenTownship needs to be replaced.  Constructed prior to 1915, this structure is comprised of reinforced concrete arch sections and a concrete retaining wall beneath the roadway. 

The replacement structure will be constructed of precast arch sections with cast-in-place concrete footings founded on rock.  The replacement structure has been design to reflect the aesthetics of the current structure, with focus to maintain continuity along JFK Boulevard East.  The cost of the project is $2,315,000.00 with funding through the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Detour:

The replacement will require a detour of JFK Boulevard East between 73rd Street and 79th Street. 

JFK Boulevard East Southbound detour will proceed west on 77th and 78th Streets and then turn left on Park Avenue and proceed in a southerly direction to 73rd Street, where traffic will be directed left to head east on 73rd to signalized intersection where the road-user can then turn right to continue south on JFK Boulevard East.

JFK Boulevard East Northbound detour will proceed west on 74th Street and then turn right on Park Avenue and proceed in a northerly direction to 79th Street, where traffic will be directed right to head east on 79th  to signalized intersection where the road-user can then turn left to continue north on JFK Boulevard East.

Six (6) NJ Transit Bus Stops along JFK Boulevard East between 73rd Street and 79th Street will be temporarily relocated.  Additionally, in order to accommodate NJ Transit buses along the detour route street parking will be temporarily eliminated within 50 feet of the intersection at Park Avenue & 74^th Street, JFK Boulevard East & 78^th Street, 73rd Street & Park Avenue, and 79^th Street and Park Avenue. 

Construction Duration:

JFK Boulevard Eastwill be reopened to vehicular and pedestrian traffic within Four months of the initiation of the detour closure.  The tentative start date is March 27, 2013 and it is estimated that the all construction will be completed in Six months.

OH JOHNNY BOY— Jersey City St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal John M. Burns Jr., belted out a rendition of "Danny Boy" that brought the audience to their feet at the Hudson County Irish Heritage Celebration in the Rotunda of the Brennan Court House Thursday evening. Burns' a cappella rendition of the beloved standard closed the program, which included the raising of the Irish Flag, citations for a host of honorees presented by County Executive Tom DeGise and Freeholder Chairman Anthony Romano, and Irish musical performances from local artists. 

Signs will be posted warning folks of the new policy in all parks. Violators will be hit with $100 fines for a first offense escalating up to $500 for a third offense. While violators would be reported to the County Sheriff's Office, the hope is that park-goers will simply "self-regulate" when they see the signs and refrain from lighting up.

The ordinance was proposed by a group of concerned citizens who modeled their proposal to the County Administration and Freeholders on other such ordinances already on he books throughout the tri-state area. The introduction of the ordinance will be followed by a public hearing at the following Freeholders meeting and a vote upon the close of the public hearing.

To learn more visit the Board of Chosen Freeholders page for agendas for upcoming meetings.

A NIGHT OF HONORS — The County of Hudson Celebrated Black History Month and the 84th Anniversary of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Tuesday Night with it's annual Awards Dinner held in the rotunda of the historic Brennan Court House in Jersey City. Hosted by Bishop Tyrone Chess and sponsored by Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the night included dinner for a capacity crowd, a host of speakers including Mayor Jerramiah Healy and a musical performance by the singing group The Glory Boys.

Pictured here (L to R) County Executive Tom DeGise, Freeholder Chairman Anthony Romano, Bishop Tyrone Chess, 2013 Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award Winner Nancy Chisolm and Freeholder Jeffrey Dublin. 

#30#

CONTACT: James Kennelly, Hudson County Executive's Office

PHONE: 201-966-3008

Hudson Qualifies for D-SNAP Program Federal Disaster Food Assistance; 

To Be Available To Residents Who Meet Verified Income Guidelines. Applications Period Will Be November 26th through December 4th.

Jersey  City , NJ  —  The Hudson County Division of Welfare will begin to take applications on November 26, 2012 through December 4, 2012 for those who may qualify for D-SNAP, a federally funded program to provide food stamps to those who do not normally qualify in the wake of a disaster.

Families of five who made less than $4,452 in income from the start of the storm through Nov. 26th may receive up to $793 in food assistance funds. Each family member above five the family will allowed to receive an additional $150. Single individuals making less than $2,268 during the same period can qualify for up to $200 in assistance.

Applicants should expect same-day processing of their applications. They will be asked to provide at the time of their application the following: verification of their family composition (prove how many in family), verification of their income, their losses, their expenditures, (but these must be actual payments; receipts for items paid for with cash, not charge card), and of their liquid assets. They must also present proof of County residence.

While the main office for the Division of Welfare (257 Cornelison Aveune, Jersey City) will be open all seven business days through this application period, personnel from County Welfare will also be visiting localities during the following times and dates to take applications. Here is a listing of scheduled visits and the locations where they will be held:

D-SNAP APPLICATION SITES FOR HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

JERSEY CITY:

Main Office – Division of Welfare, Hudson County Plaza, 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey – 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Applicants A to M:  November 26, 28 and 30^th, 2012

Applicants N to Z:   November 27 and 29^th and December 3, 2012

YORK STREET PROJECT:

89 York Street, Jersey City, N.J.  November 29, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Extra as needed on November 30, 2012 as needed.

THE HUB:

Virginia Avenue & Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City, N.J.

November 27, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WEST HUDSON: (serving HARRISON, KEARNY & EAST NEWARK:

Harrison Health Annex

326 Harrison Avenue, Harrison, N.J. – November 29, 2012

– 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

BAYONNE:

B.E.O.F., 555 Kennedy Boulevard, Bayonne, N.J. – November 28, 2012 –

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Bayonne Bank Building, Ninth Street & Broadway, Bayonne, N.J. – November 28, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

UNION CITY:

Town Hall, 3715 Palisade Avenue 3^rd floor, Union City, N.J. – November 30, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WEEHAWKEN, GUTTENBERG & WEST NEW YORK:

P.E.R.C. Shelter, 108 – 36^th Street, Union City, N.J. – November 30, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

NORTH BERGEN:

Town Hall Chambers, 4233 Kennedy Boulevard, North Bergen, N.J. – December 3, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

SECAUCUS:

Secaucus Public Library, 1377 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, N.J. – December 3, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

HOBOKEN:

Hoboken Shelter, 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken, N.J. – November 26, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Additional days can be provided)

Elks Club, 1005 Washington Street, Hoboken, N.J. – November 27^th, 2012 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Hudson County Department of Family Services has also announced the following information regarding disaster food assistance for active Food Stamp Clients, both Public Assistance (PA) and Non-Public Assistance (NPA) will receive 30 percent (up from 25 percent) of their Food Stamp benefits, issued October 1, 2012.

Food Stamp participants in Hudson County will be able to purchase prepared foods until 12/31/2012. Food Stamp outlets, markets, etc., have been notified of the change by the State Agency as a result of our designation and agreement to take Disaster Applications for non-Food Stamp clients.

No application  will be required of existing  clients this special  30% allocation. The automatic issuance will probably reach our clients prior to this weekend by electronic transfer directly to their EBT account. 

#30#

FEMA Disaster Assistance Website: DisasterAssistance.gov - Home

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Hurricane Sandy page: Hurricane Sandy Response and Recovery | US EPA

U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Diaster Loans: Disaster Loans | SBA.gov

U.S. Centers for Disease Control (Clean up tips to prevent mold, avoid other health hazards): CDC Hurricanes | Prevent and Treat Other Illnesses and Injuries After a Hurricane or Flood

Flood Insurance Questions (How to fill out forms/make claims etc): File Your Claim | Flood Insurance | Flooding | FloodSmart

State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Special Sandy Page:NJDEP-Hurricane Sandy Resources Page

PSE&G Outage Information Page: Outage Information

After a Flood; What You Need to Know About...

• Animals and Insects
• Carbon Monoxide
• Cleaning and Mold Removal
• Drinking Water
• Flood Water and Sewage
• Food Safety
• Personal Health, Hand Hygiene, and Immunizations

READY TO ROLL—In preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, Hudson County vans assemble in the parking lot of the Brennan Court House in Jersey City early this morning (7:25 AM). Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise ordered the vehicles into service to provide emergency transportation of homeless individuals seeking shelter during the storm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2012

CONTACT: James Kennelly, Hudson County Executive's Office

PHONE: 201-966-3008

HUDSON BRACES FOR "FRANKENSTORM" CLOSING PARKS, PREPARING HOMELESS ASSISTANCE, AND SUPPORTING MUNICIPALITIES; ONLY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND STORM/EMERGENCY COUNTY PERSONNEL SHOULD REPORT MONDAY.

Jersey City,NJ—Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise announced yesterday that only County law enforcement and storm-related personnel should report to work on Monday because of Hurricane Sandy and an overland storm combining to create a weather event dubbed  "Frankenstorm" by meteorologists because of its expected intensity.

County Department directors manned the phones Sunday afternoon following a review of the most up to date weather reports, calling workers to be sure those needed--especially in the Department of Corrections, the Sheriff's Office and emergency response staff would be able to report for duty. 

Addionally, the County Executive's Office contacted all of Hudson County's twelve mayors Saturday and Sunday, letting them know that all county emergency capabilities, including vehicles, boats, personnel and other equipment and materials would be available at their request. This equipment includes the County's BEAR Rescue vehicle, a virtually indestructible tank-like machine that can be used for rescues in collapsed or blocked structures.

Already, Hudson County OEM has provided rescue boats to the towns of Kearny and Harrison and the City of Bayonne. Cots and blankets have been sent to schools in Bayonne being employed as emergency shelters.

County Parks closed as of 7 pm Sunday evening. Homeless shelters have been activated and and county vans have been mobilized to pick up homeless individuals requesting shelter. Links regarding the shelters can be found by visiting http://www.hudsoncountynj.org/division-of-housing-and-community-development.aspx. They are listed under "Housing Providers" in the right column of the page.

"We want to makes sure that our municipal partners have everything they need from us to do the job of keeping residents safe during the storm," said DeGise. "We stand ready to assist with any and all requests for support."

Residents are urged to listen to local media regarding local travel and potential evactuation instructions. "The important thing is to stay safe," said DeGise. "Residents should listen to their municipal authorities and focus on limiting their exposure to the storm. They can keep up to date regarding Hudson County related disaster preparedness information by tuning into 1710-AM on their radio dial the County emergency radio channel residents can get updates about County storm response via twitter at: HudCoTweet@twitter.com.

 Pre-Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 12, 2012 .  All qualified Pre-Applications will be entered into a lottery to be held on October 17, 2012.

The Single Room Occupancy rental units will be available to low- and moderate-income single men.  The units are owned by MBS Housing and will be managed by the YMCA.  Rents for the Single Rooms will be $365 and $578 per month and will be determined by income.  In order to be eligible for an affordable housing unit, the men must meet certain income limits as determined by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency and the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing and Hudson County.  Applicants selected through the lottery will be required to submit income documentation, and pass a criminal background/credit check in order to qualify. The income limits for Hudson County for 2012 are $15,480 for a low income unit and $25,800 for a moderate income unit.

If you are interested in applying to rent one of the affordable units, you must complete a Preliminary Application and return the application to the Hoboken YMCA at 1301 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030.  Preliminary applications are available at the Hoboken YMCA, and at www.HobokenYMCA.org. Applications can also be requested via mail by calling the YMCA at (201) 963-4100. 

Businesses interested in how the bidding process works, companies that provide professional services, construction trade work and goods providers and entrepreneurs interested in business opportunities should all consider attending one of these valuable seminars. 

Those who do attend will get the chance to hear from and interact with staff from a range of Hudson County departments and agencies that require outside contracting work, including representatives from the Departments of Engineering, Law, Finance and Purchasing. They will discuss how a contractor can become a successful bidder and walk attendees through the process from interpreting bid specs to receiving payment.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to grow your network of contacts, increase your understanding of the government contracting process and most importantly increase your bottom line. 

You can download a copy of the registration form from the "Downloads section of our home page (this page). It is the document titled: "2012 How To Do Business Reg." Online Registration is now available by clicking this link: http://www.hudsoncountynj.org/online-registration-form.aspx . 

We hope to see you in one of these upcoming sessions!

PHONE: 201-369-4386

HUDSON COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCES ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION FOR FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS

Officials urge residents to use public transportation if at all possible to reduce traffic congestion and better enjoy the experience this Independence Day.

Jersey City, NJ — In order to provide for the safety of the viewing public and ensure the ability of emergency services personnel to respond where needed, several major roads in Hudson County will be closed during the July 4^th Fireworks Display on the Hudson River.

Beginning at approximately 7 pm on July 4^th, Boulevard East through Weehawken, West New York, Guttenberg and North Bergen will be closed.

Port Imperial Boulevard and River Road through Weehawken, West New York, Guttenberg and North Bergen will also be closed from Baldwin Avenue to the Bergen County border at approximately 7 pm.

Sinatra Drive in Hoboken will be closed to traffic as of 7 pm as well. On all these roadways, only emergency will be permitted access from 7 pm until well after the fireworks display is completed.

Public Safety officials are urging those planning to attend the fireworks to use public transportation to reduce congestion. Parking is always at a premium in Hudson County, with major arteries closed, it will even be harder to find on the night of the 4^th—this is another good reason for attendees to leave their cars at home. Hudson offers a host of mass transit options including NJ Transit trains and buses, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System and PATH trains. Information about New Jersey Transit Services on the 4^th can be checked by visiting: www.njtransit.com/fireworks or by calling (973) 275-5555.

Information regarding any additional road closures will be released to local media and through message boards posted on major roadways throughout Hudson County.

The Hudson County Summer Tennis Program will start on July 2, 2012 through August 10, 2012 in Lincoln Park, Washington Park, Columbus Park, West Hudson Park, JJ Braddock/North Hudson Park and Stephen R. Gregg/Bayonne Park. 

Applications for this program will be in all of the Parks at the Tennis Facilities, on June 25, 2012 at 8 AM. We are initiating a Pilot Program by placing the Application for the Summer Tennis Program on line for Lincoln Park ONLY!  To complete this registration after submitting,you must also bring a copy of this application to  the Lincoln Park Tennis Facility at 8 AM on June 25, 2012.  Should you have any questions, please call 201-915-1388.

The online application for the Summer Tennis Program can found by clicking here: COUNTY OF HUDSON DIVISION OF PARKS REGISTRATION LINCOLN PARK TENNIS CLINIC 2012