The Capital Connection

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There’s a lot of talent coming out of Trenton, New Jersey these days. Former Seton Hall player, Myles Powell, and the school’s third all-time leading scorer has recently signed on to play for The Sixers. The Trenton native went undrafted after graduating from Seton Hall, and landed a deal last year with the New York Knicks to play for the Westchester Knicks of the G League. The 6-foot-2, 24 year-old guard’s skills on the court did not go unnoticed, as he will now be wearing the number 5 for the Sixers. His impressive scoring ability during his G League debut season made him an attractive pick for the Philadelphia franchise. Previously, Powell made headlines for suing Seton Hall for lying to him about the severity of his knee injury, noting that the head coach’s misdiagnosis lead to permanent harm. Seton Hall has asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed, however. But for now, it seems like Powell is ready to take his talents to the big league.

Cannabis businesses have been growing over the past few years, as awareness of its benefits have become widely known. Recently, Trenton’s Council Leadership had the chance to allow cannabis businesses licensure to operate within the Trenton area, and to establish an evaluation process for developers interested in the Roebling II site. However, these two proposals were tabled, though an ordinance allowing cannabis businesses into Trenton was passed as a result of testimony on the potential benefits they could have for the city. Mayor Gusciora was not happy with this decision and did not hold back as he fired off his thoughts, saying, “Unfortunately, all of that public support has been rendered moot because of Council Leadership’s absurd control over the agenda on city business.” The Mayor expressed that the Council is fumbling the ball regarding the opportunities that the cannabis industry can offer Trenton. When addressing the Roebling II site, he continued, “That control was abused yet again when Council Leadership tabled a resolution outlining a redevelopment evaluation process for Roebling II. They would rather see the loss of jobs and economic opportunity for Trenton residents than a win for this Administration.” Clearly upset with their actions, the Mayor notes that Council was informed of interested developer’s with plans to transform Roebling II into mixed-use residential units with space for arts and entertainment back in September, but they did not respond or return calls. The Mayor is asking residents to contact their Council representatives and request that they reconsider Council Leadership’s decisions on the two topics. Please click on the below links for more information on the cannabis and Roebling II decisions.

Cannabis Resolution

Roebling II Resolution

Mayor Gusciora is hoping to restore Route 29 to its glory, providing access to the river, via the waterfront. Biden’s $2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan included money to build roads and bridges through the country. Aside from the funds allocated to the state, there is also a $1 billion fund to help reconnect neighborhoods that were divided by highways. This is good news for Trenton, as the Mayor sees this as a great opportunity to make pertinent changes to Route 29. In a press conference, the Mayor said, “This is very much a Christmas gift to Trenton. We believe that Route 29 was unimaginable back in the ‘50s and ‘60s where they took out neighborhoods and our economic engine, which is the waterfront.” In addition, the law also included $54.1 million to improve the state’s airports, in which Trenton Mercer will receive $3,482,989 of that. It looks like Trenton is on its way to receiving a major makeover.

The results of the pandemic has placed many people in unwanted financial situations. The Friends of Trenton Free Public Library has collaborated with Building Better Communities and Elements of the Community, Inc. to provide Trenton residents with access to the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. Eligible individuals will receive temporary, lower costs for broadband service, as well as a tablet. There is a one-time $20 activation fee required, and if chosen, patrons will receive the tablet onsite. The staff will be available on site at the Trenton Free Public Library to help with the application process on a first come first serve basis. The following dates and times are below:

Dates:

December 22, 29

January 5, 12, 19, 26

Time: Trenton Free Public Library

To register you can call the library at 609.392.7188.