New Jersey Historic Trust Awards $3 Million to Non-Profit 120 East State to Convert 200-Year-old Trenton Presbyterian Church into Community
120 East State seeks other support to make $25 million project a reality
December 6, 2023
Trenton, NJ (MERCER) – – On December 5, 120 East State, the non-profit converting the historic First Presbyterian Church of Trenton (FPCT) complex in downtown Trenton, announced that the New Jersey State Historic Trust awarded it $3 million to transform the 300-year-old site into the Steeple Center, a community-oriented performing arts center and space for nonprofit and for-profit entities to use.
The First Presbyterian Trenton congregation has seeded the project with its first $1 million dollar gift. The New Jersey Historic Trust and the James Kerney Foundation each made 2022 early investments of $825,000 and $5,000 respectively. 120 East State formed in 2022 to repurpose the church, on the National Historic Register, with its other buildings and grounds. FPCT was the site of fighting during George Washington’s victory at the Battle of Trenton on Christmas Day, 1776. Its graveyard is believed to contain the graves of American and Hessian mercenary soldiers fighting for the British, including Hessian commander Maj. Johan Rall, and the first U.S. Army chaplain to die in battle, the Rev. John Rosbrugh.
“Trenton is a historic city that we all love, and we want to preserve our history. I am pleased that First Presbyterian Church of Trenton will transform itself into the Steeple Center for Culture and the Arts,” said Mayor Gusciora. “This is a unique opportunity to preserve this historic edifice for future generations and will certainly play a large role in the upcoming celebration of America’s 250 Anniversary. Special thanks are in order for The First Presbyterian Trenton congregation, New Jersey Historic Trust, and the James Kerney Foundation for their early contributions to make this project a reality.”
“When we come together, we can make great things happen, but we must recognize the greatness in our wealth. Our City is rich in its history, and that’s what we realize here. When we’re doing things to make sure our history doesn’t fall by the wayside, it makes a difference not just for me or you, but for everyone,” said City Council President West Ward Councilwoman Teska Frisby.
“This is a tremendous day for the Steeple Center and for the community it will serve here in the heart of Trenton,” Cherry Oakley, 120 East State Board President, said. “We are deeply grateful for the grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust and, of course, to the congregation of First Presbyterian Church and Coastlands Presbytery, whose lease allows us to launch this conversion.”
“While this is a really important milestone, it is only one step,” Oakley said. “We continue to need support to make the Steeple Center a reality for our community and Trenton. This is a great space, but the main church building, almost 200 years old, is showing its age. Job one is to get the buildings up to snuff so we can move forward together with our neighbors.”
“We anticipate that converting from an historic church into the Steeple Center for Arts and Culture will cost about $25 million dollars, which includes the renovation and construction costs of the historic site, and the further development of 120 East State, so it can steward and operate the property,” Molly Dykstra, Project Leader, said.
120 East State will contribute to the revitalization of the surrounding community. Its intention is to become a sustainable source of jobs for local residents while creating opportunities that foster meaningful connections between Trenton residents and visitors, all while highlighting the important history of this property.
EWING, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing police reported that around 7:11 p.m. tonight January 23, 2024, police responded to a structure fire with reported possible entrapment on Boone Avenue. Several police officers responded and observed flames coming from the residence. Officers attempted to make entry into the residence but were unsuccessful due to heavy smoke and heat. Ewing Fire Department – Station 30, West Trenton Volunteer Fire Department, and Prospect Heights Volunteer Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished the fire. Upon entry, a single adult victim was located and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A dog was also found deceased by the responding personnel.
Detectives from the Ewing Police Department Detective Bureau and detectives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the fire. Police say that the cause and origin of the fire is unknown and the case is actively under investigation. The name of the victim is being withheld, pending notification to the next of kin.
Original MidJersey.news story below:
EWING, NJ (MERCER)–Fire officials and law enforcement investigators are currently on the scene investigating the cause of a serious house fire. Ewing Township career firefighters and volunteers from the West Trenton and Prospect Heights fire companies were dispatched at 7:12 p.m. this evening (Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024) to Boone Avenue, a couple blocks from Parkway Avenue, for a reported structure fire with an elderly resident believed to be trapped inside. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene to find flames shooting from the front of the house. Hoselines were stretched to attack the flames and firefighters initiated a search of the smoke- and flame-filled house for the trapped resident. One person was reportedly located inside, however details about the extent of that person’s injuries were not immediately available. A ladder company and battalion chief from Trenton Fire Department was also called to the scene to stand by as a rapid intervention team until the fire was declared under control at 7:56 p.m. Investigators from the Ewing Fire Marshal’s Office, Ewing Police, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating.
BRIELLE, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office told MidJersey.news that on Thursday night January 18, 2024, at approximately 10:22 p.m., the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team (MOCERT) and Rapid Deployment Force were activated for a call involving a wellness check on a barricaded subject / individual located at the Brandywyne Units in Brielle. There were no other occupants.
At approximately 11:34 p.m. last night, the subject was taken into custody by MOCERT without injury or incident and transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. No charges have been issued at this time.
The New Jersey State PBA, Policemen’s Benevolent Association Tweeted on X
UPDATE ON OFFICER SHOT – Our officer with Hamilton Police Division is recovering after surgery. He is resting comfortably and has been up and talking today. Keep all Hamilton Township police officers and their families in your prayers.
Thank you for all who have reached out.
UPDATE ON OFFICER SHOT – Our officer with Hamilton Police Division is recovering after surgery. He is resting comfortably and has been up and talking today. Keep all Hamilton Township police officers and their families in your prayers.
Thank you for all who have reached out. pic.twitter.com/2pAp6CiR7m
HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Acting Mercer County Prosecutor Theresa L. Hilton reported today that an investigation into online child exploitation has resulted in the arrest of a Hamilton man.
Don-Diego Parkman, 19, of Hamilton, is charged with one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree manufacturing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), one count of third-degree possession of CSAM and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Parkman pending trial.
Earlier this month, detectives with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit and the New Jersey State Police ICAC Task Force received information from law enforcement in Missouri that a minor in their jurisdiction had been chatting and exchanging child sexual abuse material at the direction of an individual named Don-Diego Parkman. An investigation was initiated and detectives discovered that, in addition to exchanging sexually-explicit messages and photos with the preteen girl, Parkman was directing her to take photos and videos of herself engaging in sexual conduct to send to him.
Last week, members of the prosecutor’s ICAC Unit, with assistance from the Hamilton Police SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at Parkman’s Hamilton residence, where detectives seized multiple items of evidentiary value. Parkman was taken into custody without incident.
During the course of the investigation, authorities learned that during the past year Parkman has been employed as a costumed character and mascot by companies including Six Flags Great Adventure, Somerset Baseball Partners, Devils Arena Entertainment, and most recently, Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa.
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Acting Prosecutor Hilton urged anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to please contact the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Don-Diego Parkman, 19, of Hamilton, is charged with one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, one count of first-degree manufacturing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), one count of third-degree possession of CSAM and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to detain Parkman pending trial.
Manchester Township NJ – A comprehensive month-long investigation into numerous burglaries throughout Ocean County has culminated in the arrest of two individuals. Ryan Dautorio, 34, of Jackson, and Damian Sanchirico, 36, of Brick, have been apprehended and charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft.
The investigation, spearheaded by Detective Adam Guker of the Manchester Township Police Department, began on April 26, 2024, following a reported burglary and theft at All-Star Bagel, located at 1900 State Highway 37. Upon arrival, officers discovered that unknown perpetrators had entered the establishment, stealing both the cash register and the tip jar. The case was promptly handed over to the Department’s Investigation Bureau for further investigation.
Through diligent investigative efforts, Det. Guker identified Dautorio and Sanchirico as prime suspects. Subsequent leads and surveillance enabled authorities to capture the duo shortly after they committed another commercial burglary at Lakewood Industrial Park on Saturday, May 11. The stolen property from the Lakewood theft, valued at over $20,000, was fully recovered.
NEWARK, N.J. – The chief executive officer of a Lyndhurst, New Jersey, company was charged with falsely representing to law enforcement customers that the security cameras and equipment he sold were compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
Tamer Zakhary, 49, of Toms River, New Jersey is charged by complaint with three counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. Zakhary appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In August 2018, in order to address increased concerns that foreign intelligence actors were looking to infiltrate United States systems and exploit technologies, Congress signed into law Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. Section 889 prohibits the federal government from procuring or obtaining video surveillance and telecommunications equipment from specifically identified Chinese companies and from entering into contracts with any entity that uses such video surveillance equipment from those specifically identified Chinese companies.
From August 2019 through December 2022, Zakhary, the owner and chief executive officer of a company that sells surveillance and security cameras and equipment, sold millions of dollars’ worth of surveillance cameras and equipment to public safety and law enforcement agencies in New Jersey, including prosecutors’ offices, sheriffs’ offices, police departments, and townships. Zakhary fraudulently misrepresented to these customers that his company’s products were compliant with Section 889. Zakhary, in fact, obtained the cameras and equipment he sold from a Chinese company specifically identified in Section 889. The customers purchased at least $35 million in surveillance cameras and equipment from Zakhary’s company, over $15 million of which consisted of federal funds and grants.
The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; the false statements charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. All counts are also punishable by a fine of $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; and special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Amore, Chief of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
24-003
Defense counsel: Charles B. McKenna Esq., Morristown, and Matthew E. Beck Esq., Roseland, New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A Magnitude 4.8 mwr earthquake hit New Jesey centered near Whitehouse Station at 10:23 a.m., which is less than 3 miles from the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Location: 40.683°N 74.753°W
There were reports of shaking and swaying buildings throughout New Jersey. MidJersey.news is trying to confirm minor damage reports in the area.
Update from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office: Subject involved in this afternoon’s shooting incident in Allentown is now in custody. There is no further threat to the public. Investigation is ongoing at this time.
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Allentown Chief of Police Daniel Panckeri announce that 52-year-old Daniel Williams is wanted in connection with the shooting investigation in Allentown that took place earlier this afternoon.
Law enforcement officials urge anyone who may see the suspect Williams to please dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Daniel Williams, 52, is wanted in connection with the shooting investigation in Allentown that took place earlier this afternoon.
New Jersey State Police helicopter over Allentown, NJ this afternoon looking for a shooting suspect.
A Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officer blocks off Church Street at Main Street in the center of Allentown, NJ as a manhunt was underway for a shooting suspect.
December 31, 2024
**UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AROUND 7:00 PM**
Manhunt Underway for Allentown, NJ, Shooting Suspect
**UPDATE: SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AROUND 7:00 PM**
From Allentown Facebook Page: Shelter in place has been lifted. Please stay vigilant as the suspect has not been apprehended. Official statements to follow
Update Robbinsville Police report “* Roadway has been reopened*”
ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (OEM) ADVISORY:
******UPDATE: ROADWAY HAS RE-OPENED***
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–There is heavy police activity in downtown Allentown near Main Street and Church Street (Robbinsville-Allentown Road). A shelter in place order has been given by the Borough of Allentown until further notice. No details have been released but it appears to be a search for a suspect.
Hope Fire Company and Mercer County Fire Police have Robbinsville Allentown Road closed at Circle Drive.
Further details to follow when they become available from official sources.
Statement on behalf of Prosecutor Santiago and Borough of Allentown Police Department Chief Panckeri:
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Allentown Chief of Police Daniel Panckeri are advising members of the public that Detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau and the Allentown Police Department are handling a shooting investigation in the vicinity of Johnson Drive and that there is currently a shelter-in-place as law enforcement continues to attempt to locate the suspect. Prosecutor Santiago and Chief Panckeri indicated that all available resources are being utilized and that there is a large police presence in the area. They urge all local residents to exercise caution and stay within their homes at this time and for any non-residents to avoid the surrounding areas until further notice. Affected residents will be notified as soon as the shelter-in-place is lifted. Anyone with information is urged to call 911.
Please follow our social media pages for official updates as the investigation progresses.
A Monmouth County Sheriff Officer blocks off Main Street and Church Street. There is heavy police activity this afternoon.
A New Jersey State Police helicopter circled Allentown Borough for at least an hour searching for someone.
Members of the Hope Fire Company and Mercer County Fire Police block off Robbinsville-Allentown Road near Circle Drive. Please follow detours in the area.
JACKSON, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz announced that on July 19, 2024, Louis Gargiso, 38, of Jackson Township, was charged with Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in connection with the death of Robert Sunris, 74, also of Jackson Township, which occurred in Jackson Township on July 19, 2024.
On July 19, 2024, at approximately 5:55 a.m., the Jackson Township Police responded to a residence on Maple Street for a report of an unconscious male. Responding Officers discovered the deceased body of a male, later identified as Robert Sunris, with an apparent stab wound. Officers also observed a knife near the body.
On July 19, 2024, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office performed a post mortem examination of Mr. Sunris. The examination determined that the cause of Mr. Sunris’ death was a stab wound and the manner of his death was homicide.
A thorough investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Gargiso and Mr. Sunris were roommates at the Maple Street residence. Further investigation revealed that Gargiso was responsible for Mr. Sunris’ death. Gargiso was taken into custody at the scene without incident. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Kunz commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Ocean County Medcial Examiner’s Office, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Gargiso’s swift apprehension.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).
Funding will help provide emergency and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence in Mercer County
July 19, 2024
Womanspace, Inc., a local non-profit organization dedicated to preventing abuse, protecting families, and changing lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services, has received a $10,000 grant from Bank of America.
The grant will help provide crucial emergency and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence while improving economic mobility in Mercer County, NJ. This funding will enable Womanspace to offer immediate safety and long-term stability to those in need, addressing one of the most urgent challenges faced by survivors: being made homeless by domestic violence.
Womanspace is the only program in Mercer County, NJ, exclusively focused on providing potentially life-saving services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. They assist victim survivors at the moment of crisis, throughout their journey of healing, and through to the creation of a self–sufficient life free from violence. Womanspace offers a wide range of services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, court advocacy, crisis hotlines, children’s programs, education and prevention outreach, and more. They serve individuals and families of all geographic, socioeconomic, racial, and religious backgrounds, with a focus on low- to moderate-income individuals.
The grant will support Womanspace’s Emergency and Transitional Housing program, which provides safe housing, supportive services, and resources to help victim-survivors achieve self-sufficiency and break the cycle of violence.
“Bank of America’s generous support will enable us to continue offering lifesaving services to those in desperate need of safety and stability,” says Nathalie S. Nelson, CEO and Executive Director of Womanspace, Inc. “We appreciate Bank of America’s generous support and continued investment in our mission to empower survivors and strengthen our community.”
The grant is part of Bank of America’s philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Awardees were selected for their commitment to addressing the needs of individuals and families, including basic needs and workforce development.
“Womanspace’s programs are a lifeline to the community, offering refuge and resources to the Mercer County area,” said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “Their efforts play a critical role in helping survivors of domestic violence as they navigate immediate crises and regain independence.”
ABOUT WOMANSPACE Founded in 1977, Womanspace is a leading nonprofit organization serving the greater Mercer County area and the state of New Jersey by providing a comprehensive array of emergency and follow-up services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Womanspace is dedicated to improving the quality of life for victims, survivors, and their families. Bilingual services and programs include 24/7 crisis intervention, safe, short-term emergency shelter, short and long-term transitional housing, individual counseling and therapeutic support groups for adults and children, court advocacy and the 24/7 crisis hotline 609-394-9000. Womanspace also operates the 24/7 New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline 800-572-SAFE and the NJ Statewide Sexual Violence Hotline 800-601-7200. To learn more about Womanspace please visit www.womanspace.org.
For information on agency events and updates, follow Womanspace on Facebook and Instagram.
About Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).
July 19, 2024
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police reported that on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Trenton Police Department Crime Suppression Unit detectives apprehended Noah Brantley in the area of 452 Lamberton Street. Brantley was wanted in connection with three separate robberies of taxicab drivers in the City of Trenton. On two of these occasions Brantley requested a cab to the area of Brunswick Avenue and Sanford Street. Brantley robbed the drivers of their wallets/money once they arrived at his intended destination in south Trenton. In a third incident, Brantley took the driver’s wallet during the ride and fled the taxi on foot. The driver gave chase and Brantley produced a gun and pointed it at the driver.
Trenton Police Department Detective Erick Avalos, Detective John Rose, and Detective Roberto Ramos conducted their investigations under the supervision of Detective Sergeant Michael Cipriano. Noah Brantley was charged with the following:
Two counts of 1st degree Armed Robbery, one count of 2nd degree Armed Robbery, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Terroristic Threats. Brantley was also found to have an active warrant for Simple Assault (Domestic Violence).
Noah Brantley, 18, charged with two counts of 1st degree Armed Robbery, one count of 2nd degree Armed Robbery, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, two counts of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Terroristic Threats. Brantley was also found to have an active warrant for Simple Assault (Domestic Violence).
July 19, 2024- Updated
4:11 p.m. update the traffic delay has resolved and no delays reported in the area.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Around 2:55 p.m. on July 19, 2024 Hope Fire Company – Upper Freehold Firefighters, EMS and NJ State Police responded to I-195 east bound near mile post 9.6 for a motor vehicle crash. It was reported that a vehicle left the roadway overturned with entrapment. Firefighters and EMS removed the victim and transported the patient to a local hospital.
According to Google Traffic, currently there is a 2-mile traffic delay east bound on I-195 in the area of the crash. 511NJ is reporting a 5 to 10 minute traffic delay in the area.
NJ State Police is investigating the crash. No further details area availble at this time.
Crash on I-195 eastbound East of Exit 8 – CR 539 (Upper Freehold Twp) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed 5-10 minute delay use caution https://t.co/71QkTDvXQu
— 511NJ I195 (@511nji195) July 19, 2024
Crash and Vehicle off the roadway on I-195 eastbound East of Exit 8 – CR 539 (Upper Freehold Twp) right shoulder closed 5-10 minute delay use caution https://t.co/RtPub1Fqfo
