Spectra to change pipeline route to accommodate Port Authority

In response to concerns raised by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey regarding the route of Spectra Energy’s proposed natural gas pipeline, the company has agreed to modify its plan.

In February, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expressed concerns to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the route of the pipeline because it would be placed under Route 440 near the Bayonne Bridge. The agency suggested that the pipeline be routed under the Kill Van Kull instead. The pipeline’s originally proposed path, the agency feared, would jeopardize its own plans to reconstruct the Bayonne Bridge.

The agency also believes there should be a risk analysis of what could happen in the event of a natural gas explosion on the pipeline route.

In an initial response to FERC, Spectra stated that re-routing the pipeline under the Kill Van Kull isn’t feasible.

However, in a revised response submitted to FERC on April 8 the company agreed to modify its route to address the Port Authority’s concerns.

“We have worked with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to address concerns regarding the proposed pipeline route in the vicinity of the Bayonne Bridge,” said Specta spokesperson Marylee Hanley on June 3. “Our most recent modification relocates the 30-inch Kill Van Kull…exit point, adjusts the pipeline alignment along the Chevron/Texaco property, and adjusts the exit point on the First Street alternative approximately 240 feet west of the Bayonne Bridge. These adjustments are designed so that the proposed route avoids construction within First Street in Bayonne, avoids direct impact to Mayor Dennis P. Collins Park, and crosses the Bayonne Bridge in an area suggested by the [Port Authority].”

Spectra Energy has proposed building an underground pipeline that, if approved by FERC, would run through parts of Bayonne and Jersey City, near the southern edge of Hoboken, and into Manhattan.

Local elected leaders in Jersey City, Bayonne, and Hoboken have all publically opposed the pipeline project citing concerns about safety and the impact on property values.

Jersey City Public Housing gets $250K federal grant

The Jersey City Housing Authority has received a $250,000 federal grant through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhood Initiative. Jersey City is among 17 cities to receive a grant through this program.

According to Maria T. Maio, executive director of the Jersey City Housing Authority, “The…grant will fund a two-year study to determine how best to revitalize and transform the McGinley Square/Montgomery Corridor.”

As part of the McGinley Square revitalization, the United Way of Hudson County (UWHC), in partnership with the Jersey City Housing Authority and the Michaels Development Company, will build 21 units of affordable housing for non-elderly disabled people at a United Way-owned building on Bergen Avenue. Each studio apartment will include a living area, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. The building will also feature public spaces, a rec room, and offices for caseworkers who will provide on-site services for residents.

“We are energized to be partnering with the [Jersey City Housing Authority] on these affordable housing units. Constructing these apartments will serve a huge need in our community,” said Dan A. Altilio, president of the United Way of Hudson County.

Take the shuttle to Liberty State Park

Friends of Liberty State Park remind residents that the city offers a low-cost shuttle to the park summer weekends through Labor Day. The fare is $1 per person per ride. The shuttle makes several stops, including Liberty Science Center, the Hudson Bergen Light Rail system, and local ferry stops. For a schedule and shuttle route, please visit, www.folsp.org.

Liberty Humane Society celebrates Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat month

Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City has declared (not declawed) June as “Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month.”

Adoption fees for cats are reduced to $65, and if someone adopts two cats, the second cat is only $30.

All adoption fees include basic shots, spay/neuter surgery, and a free month of pet insurance.

People that have already found a new cat at the Liberty Humane Society are encouraged to send in an update and pictures to LHSHappyTails@gmail.com to participate in the shelter’s Facbook contest at www.facebook.com/LibertyHumaneSociety.