Posted on 2 Comments

Bergen County Commissioner Showdown: Candidates Clash on Blue Laws, World Cup, and Public Safety

istock generic election buttons

Election 2025: Key Issues Shaping the Race for County Commissioner

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, the race for Bergen County Commissioner is heating up as incumbent Democrats Tom Sullivan, Mary Amoroso, and Germaine Ortiz face a strong challenge from Republicans Jay Costa, John Dinice, and Andrea Slowikowski. As the county’s legislative body, the Commissioners’ board—a seven-member group serving staggered three-year terms—holds the power to approve all major county contracts and set local policy.

Candidates recently weighed in on several high-stakes issues affecting the county, from the ongoing fight over Sunday retail to preparation for the global FIFA World Cup 2026. Here is a breakdown of where the competing slates stand on the biggest topics.

Continue reading Bergen County Commissioner Showdown: Candidates Clash on Blue Laws, World Cup, and Public Safety

Posted on 6 Comments

Betrayal of Trust: Former Hackensack Teacher Sentenced to Five Years for Defrauding Friends and Colleagues

TRUST BETRAYED: Former Hackensack Teacher Gets 5 Years for Defrauding Single Moms, Colleagues Out of College Funds

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ – A shocking case of financial deception involving a trusted member of the community has reached a conclusion. Suzette Hart, a 59-year-old former teacher with the Hackensack Public Schools, has been sentenced to five years in state prison for defrauding several friends and colleagues out of over half a million dollars.

Hart, a resident of Oradell, was sentenced on October 24th by Judge Gary Wilcox in New Jersey Superior Court after pleading guilty to second-degree theft by deception on August 7th.

Continue reading Betrayal of Trust: Former Hackensack Teacher Sentenced to Five Years for Defrauding Friends and Colleagues

Posted on Leave a comment

Hackensack Man Sexually Assaulted Child On Multiple Occasions, Bergen County Prosecutors Say

65037171 2396973633657341 5721850251724193792 n

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 46-year-old JORGE E. MEJIA of Hackensack, NJ on charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck; the Garfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Delaney; and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.

Continue reading Hackensack Man Sexually Assaulted Child On Multiple Occasions, Bergen County Prosecutors Say

Posted on Leave a comment

19 Year Old Hackensack Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges

65037171 2396973633657341 5721850251724193792 n

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 19-year-old JONATHAN D. VELOZ of Hackensack, NJ, on the charge of possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck.

Continue reading 19 Year Old Hackensack Man Arrested on Child Porn Charges

Posted on Leave a comment

Former Pathmark on Route 17 Hackensack Gets Major Asian Supermarket Upgrade

516772456 10163308826843217 3740462382887656833 n

G Mart Fills Decade-Long Void on Major Retail Strip with 25,000 Sq. Ft. of Global Specialties

photos g-mart jackson heights queens

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ—The massive, long-vacant retail space on Route 17 South in Hackensack has finally found a vibrant new anchor. The former Pathmark building, which closed nearly a decade ago after the supermarket chain’s bankruptcy, is now home to G Mart, a major new Asian specialty grocery store.

The opening of the approximately 25,000-square-foot G Mart in late September injects new life into the highly-trafficked corridor, which has struggled to fill the void left when the 58,000-square-foot Pathmark shut its doors in 2015. While a Planet Fitness occupies a portion of the original structure, a large section of the building has sat empty for years.

Continue reading Former Pathmark on Route 17 Hackensack Gets Major Asian Supermarket Upgrade

Posted on Leave a comment

Hackensack Man Arrested For Repeatedly Striking a Child

65037171 2396973633657341 5721850251724193792 n

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 34-year-old ELIJAH E. HOLDER of Hackensack, NJ on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.

Continue reading Hackensack Man Arrested For Repeatedly Striking a Child

Posted on Leave a comment

Hackensack Firefighters Race to Apartment Blaze Started by… a Pet?

558506501 1202056758622377 5445930823485595824 n

Quick Action by Hackensack Fire Department and Alert Neighbor Prevents Catastrophe at Blanchard Terrace

photos courtesy of Hackensack Fire Department

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ – A major fire emergency was narrowly averted on Sunday afternoon, October 12th, thanks to the swift, professional response of the City of Hackensack Fire Department’s 2nd Platoon and an eagle-eyed resident. The incident serves as a crucial, dramatic warning about one of the most unexpected causes of residential fires: household pets and stovetops.

Continue reading Hackensack Firefighters Race to Apartment Blaze Started by… a Pet?

Posted on 1 Comment

Launching Dreams: Hackensack Crew Team Gets a Life-Changing Gift Thanks to Hope on Water!

557624022 1342571717427168 6332030575411087768 n

Bergen County Executive Tedesco Dedicates New Boat, Highlighting Rowing’s Power to Build Student Leaders

photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Tedesco

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack, NJ – The commitment to empowering youth in underserved communities took a significant step forward as Hope on Water, a vital nonprofit organization, celebrated a special boat dedication ceremony. The event, held in honor of the Hackensack Crew Team, underscored the profound, life-changing impact that increased access to the sport of rowing can have.

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco joined local Hackensack officials and enthusiastic community supporters to mark the occasion. The dedication wasn’t just about a new piece of equipment; it was a powerful symbol of dedication to student-athletes and a strong belief in building the next generation of leaders.

Continue reading Launching Dreams: Hackensack Crew Team Gets a Life-Changing Gift Thanks to Hope on Water!

Posted on Leave a comment

Hospital Technician Charged with Sexual Assault of HUMC Patient

HUMC_theridgewoodblog

Hackensack University Medical Center Technician Charged with First-Degree Sexual Assault of Female Patient

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ – A shocking incident has led to a technician at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) being arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a female patient. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) announced the charges on October 1st, underscoring the serious breach of trust within the healthcare setting.

Asher Younis, 41, of Dumont, who was employed as an electrocardiogram (EKG) technician at the hospital, was arrested shortly after the alleged incident.

Continue reading Hospital Technician Charged with Sexual Assault of HUMC Patient

Posted on Leave a comment

SWAT Standoff in Hackensack: Man Arrested on Strangulation and Weapons Charges, Child Found Safe

gettyimages 926719206 11

Armed Hackensack Man Arrested by SWAT After Choking Incident; Police Seize Two 9mm Guns and High-Capacity Magazines.

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ – A dangerous domestic incident concluded with the safe recovery of a 6-year-old child and the arrest of an armed Hackensack man after a standoff with police and the Bergen County Regional SWAT team on Saturday night.

The incident highlights the swift and coordinated response of local law enforcement to a high-risk situation involving potential domestic violence and illegal firearms.

Continue reading SWAT Standoff in Hackensack: Man Arrested on Strangulation and Weapons Charges, Child Found Safe

Posted on 1 Comment

Celebrity Chef Food Hall “Wonder” Coming to Hackensack’s Print House

Screenshot 2025 09 28 062922

Hackensack is Getting a Major Food Upgrade: “Wonder” Food Hall with Celebrity Chef Menus Opening Next Month!

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ – Hackensack’s massive Print House redevelopment project is about to get a major culinary boost! Wonder, a popular food hall-style restaurant chain known for its rotating menu of celebrity chef creations, is set to open its doors on River Street next month.

Continue reading Celebrity Chef Food Hall “Wonder” Coming to Hackensack’s Print House

Posted on Leave a comment

Hackensack’s Plan to Boost Bike Safety in 2025: Residents Urged to Shape the Future!

IMG 20220828 160822 495 scaled

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, is taking a stand for cyclist safety in 2025 with a groundbreaking citywide study to overhaul its biking infrastructure. After a troubling spike in bicycle crashes—22 in 2022, a seven-year high—the city is rallying residents to weigh in on creating safer streets. Led by Mayor Caseen Gaines and engineering firm NV5, the initiative aims to introduce bike lanes, improve connectivity, and prevent injuries. Here’s how Hackensack is pedaling toward a safer future and how you can help shape it!

Continue reading Hackensack’s Plan to Boost Bike Safety in 2025: Residents Urged to Shape the Future!

Posted on 3 Comments

Bergen County Prosecutor Fills in Details on Arson Arrest in Hackensack

65037171 2396973633657341 5721850251724193792 n

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 78-year-old JAIME MAGNELLI, SR. of Hackensack, NJ on charges of aggravated arson, arson, risk of widespread injury or damage, failure to control or report a fire, and criminal mischief. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.

Continue reading Bergen County Prosecutor Fills in Details on Arson Arrest in Hackensack

Posted on 5 Comments

Hackensack Man Charged After Torching Police Cars Near Mosque and Gas Pumps, Prosecutors Say

65037171 2396973633657341 5721850251724193792 n

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ — September 3, 2025 — A Hackensack man is facing multiple arson charges after allegedly setting three police cars on fire in a municipal lot located dangerously close to a mosque and gas pumps, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Continue reading Hackensack Man Charged After Torching Police Cars Near Mosque and Gas Pumps, Prosecutors Say

Posted on 2 Comments

Suspicious Fire Torches Multiple Hackensack Police Vehicles — Bergen County Arson Squad Investigating

65037171 2396973633657341 5721850251724193792 n

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hackensack, NJ — August 30, 2025 — A suspicious fire broke out Saturday night in Hackensack, torching at least three police vehicles in an overflow parking lot near Hackensack Fire Department headquarters and a nearby mosque, authorities confirmed.

Continue reading Suspicious Fire Torches Multiple Hackensack Police Vehicles — Bergen County Arson Squad Investigating