>> tonight on NJ Spotlight News.

No new fare hikes as transit approves a multibillion-dollar plan.

>> it's the Oley agency of its size without a steady revenue source.

>> nightmare below 60th Street.

New Jersey drivers brace themselves for congestion.

NTA is putting a plan in place.

>> I see this as a win for public transit, the environment, equity.

>> also, superintendents stepping down.

Not just in New Jersey, but nationally, forcing public schools to scramble.

>> I've been a superintendent for 15 years, the job has only gotten more difficult.

It has not gotten easier.

>> and pot on pause, Atlantic City putting cannabis licensing and expansions on hold.

>> we do not want to over such a weight be -- over saturate the market in Atlantic City, so were making a pause.

>> NJ Spotlight News Starts Right now.

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More information is online at NJrealtor.com.

And By the PSEG foundation.

♪ >> from a NJ PBS, this is NJ Spotlight News.

>> good evening and thank you for being with us this Thursday.

I am Raven Santana.

First, some good news.

There are no fair hikes in the nearly $2.9 billion budget.

NJ transit board voted to approve it last night, but there is bad news for commuters on the horizon.

The transit agencies expecting to face a nearly billion dollars shortfall in the coming years as federal funding dries up.

All options are on the table to make up the deficit, including fair hikes and service cuts.

Meanwhile agency officials are responding to criticism over a decision to sign a costly lease agreement for the new headquarters.

Senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan reports.

>> with a unanimous vote and no comment NJ transit board approved a new operating budget that does not raise fares, but also does not offer a way to keep the agency from falling off a looming billion-dollar fiscal cliff and a couple of years.

Critics, many calling in foreseeing crippling damage and inevitable fair hikes.

>> let's not wait and let's not balance this budget on the backs of riders because you cannot do that.

You've got a billion-dollar fiscal cliff.

You are not speaking up, you're not lobbying, you're not working with us.

>> they will be faced with fair cuts -- fair hikes and service cuts.

>> it helps to provide workers and families with a way to move about the region.

>> advocates question these strategies.

The spending plan burns through NJ transit's remaining $800 million in federal pandemic aid, creating an automatic shortfall next year.

The budget relies on ridership increasing to 76% of pre-COVID levels, yielding 706 million in fair revenues, but that estimate has been overoptimistic.

CEO Kevin Corbin admitted commuters are not all back yet.

>> rail riders remain at 65% of pre-pandemic levels.

It is frustrating.

65 and 75% plus and depending on the day of the week.

>> to make ends meet NJ transit will rob Peter to pay for Paul, transferring 70 million from the clean energy fund and 362 million from the capital budget to keep the wheels turning.

Finally it relies on 440 million in a New Jersey Turnpike funds and 142 million in state aid.

Critics deplore the lack of stable state support.

>> the issue is NJ transit does not get enough state funding and it is the only agency of its size in the country without a stable and dedicated revenue source.

And if lawmakers do not provide more funding soon, we'll be looking at drastic service cuts.

>> Corbin insisted the budget will ensure the safety and reliability of our system, deliver a high quality experience for our customers, and improve overall service without imposing any fair increases.

In April NJ transit says it is studying ways to better trailer -- tailored transit services to needs.

Service is already unreliable, making him late for last night's meeting.

>> there was no train.

This is a major flaw in your system, because a lot of people depend on that.

>> others question the agency's decision to move its headquarters from its current location, which needs about 120 million in renovations, to offices in Newark owned by Onyx, which has political connections to the government.

The 25 year lease costs 440 5 million as NJ transit is facing a fiscal meltdown.

>> the most expensive project proposed for more space originally requested.

Even worse are the optics of the building owner being a political donor regardless of the reality.

>> that raises suspicion and unfortunately, New Jersey transit has not been transparent in this process.

>> Senate Minority Leader Anthony Foucault has sent NJ transit a letter requesting information about bids, negotiations and financials connected to the deal and wants legislative hearings to determine if it is the best choice.

>> I understand Onyx has come out and answer questions and talked about some of the benefits of this beast.

The taxpayers and the ridership of New Jersey transit have a right to know what is going on in the state of New Jersey.

>> the budget took effect July 1.

I am Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News.

>> driving into lower Manhattan will be getting pricier soon.

The group responsible for deciding how much drivers will be charged under the MTAs congestion pricing program that for the first time on Wednesday.

The six-member traffic mobility review board will recommend prices and exemptions and discounts for the congestion pricing program, which is expected to go into effect next year after the Federal Highway administration gave the plan a green light in June.

Drivers could be charged anywhere from nine dollars to $23 to enter Manhattan's business district.

Below 60th Street.

What is unknown is how much tolls will be and what kinds of exemptions might be available for drivers paying pricey tolls for the Hudson River crossings or if there will be breaks for them.

Ted Goldberg reports.

>> that is taking money out of my kids mouth or paying my rent.

>> New York's MTA is figuring out the specifics of congestion pricing, to try to solve an age-old problem, how much of a slog it is to drive into and around Manhattan.

>> more vehicles means more crashes, more traffic means slower in the lenses.

Police cars, firetrucks, it takes longer to respond to emergencies.

>> MTAs as a possible solution is a toll for drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, which includes the Lincoln and Holland tunnels.

The MTAs traffic mobility review board held its first public meeting yesterday on congestion pricing.

They are the group responsible for setting the cost of tolls and who gets discounts.

>> congestion pricing leads to fewer cars, less congestion, faster ambulances, fire trucks, police, faster bus and paratransit.

>> those projects expand capacity, increase reliability, make the system reliable.

And sort of address the environment with security programs that add cameras and other environmental resiliency.

>> I this is a huge win for public transit riders, huge win for the environment, huge win for equity.

>> they work for regional plan Association, a tri-state nonprofit.

She says the RPA supports discounts for anyone taking Hudson River crossings.

She has faith that the MTA will make good use of the toll money.

>> the system has gotten notably better.

In the past, I would say five to six years.

The service is more reliable.

90 percent of New Jersey citizens who commute into the business district are on public transit, so they are relying on strong, good public transit.

>> congestion pricing has federal approval and the NTA has to work out specifics, like whether or not to expand the four hours of discounted driving in the middle of the night.

>> there is nothing about that little window that actually gives any benefits to the working people.

Again, it's got to be addressed.

It's not helping anybody.

>> the cost of the toll is estimated to be between nine and $23.

While hundreds of groups have applied for discounts or exemptions, it does not sound like most of them will be granted, meaning New Jerseyans entering Manhattan will have to pay the full amount.

>> the most effective way to ensure the lowest toll in essence is to give the fewest exemptions, discounts or crossing credits.

Everyone else who continues to drive in must make up the difference.

>> the meeting did not take public comment, but people who disagree with congestion pricing spoke up anyway.

>> thank you very much.

So it's like the gang that cannot shoot straight.

The worst mass transit system in the country, they are bleeding and they need money.

>> Congressman Josh did not interrupt the meeting, but he is just as frustrated.

The George Washington Bridge is in his district and could see a lot more drivers trying to avoid the new tolls.

>> you have a huge backup at the GW bridge of all the truck traffic, which is where you get a lot of pollution.

A lot of people in Jersey have to drive.

That nurse has to go to work and charging that nurse $5,000 a year extra suddenly, $23 a day, is outrageous.

>> congestion pricing is scheduled to start next spring.

For NJ Spotlight News, I'm Ted Goldberg.

>> if you decide to leave your car at home and take mass transit get ready to pay a little more for New York City subways.

The MTA board voted unanimously to approve a fair hike.

Commuters can expect to pay $2.90 for a ride on the New York City subways.

This is a $.15 bump and marks a first fair hike since 2019 and the first increase in the base subway and bus fare since 2015.

The biannual increases were paused during the pandemic but the MTA sees the hike as a step to bounce back after the financial losses of low ridership and a step forward to combat losses from fair evaders which resulted in a hit last year.

Prices for the bus commuter railroads and tolls will see a price hike.

People can expect to pay more for tolls beginning August 6 in the subway and bus hike will go into effect August 20.

Five Monmouth County superintendents are planning on leaving their jobs including leaders of the county's two largest districts.

Some are saying the stress of the job including constant budget cuts in the rise of public criticism on social media are causing them to leave.

This wave of departures comes after the COVID-19 pandemic altered public education as we know it.

And increasingly politicized school boards dividing educators and communities.

It's not just New Jersey where administrators are leaving their jobs.

It is part of a national trend as Senior correspondent Joanna gadgets reports.

>> the job has only gotten more difficult.

It has not gotten easier.

It is a very different job than what it was 15 years ago.

>> Chuck is leaving his post as superintendent of the freehold regional district where he served as superintendent for close to 13 years.

He is quick to say why he is not leaving.

>> nothing to do with COVID or any board politics or anything like that.

>> as one of five superintendents leaving their jobs in Monmouth County, it is a position that has got a lot harder to handle over the years.

>> superintendents get caught in obviously the political climate.

You know, you know as a superintendent you will never please everybody with decisions.

You are tasked with making difficult decisions that are always by definition going to make some elements of the community unhappy.

>> Simpson is taking a superintendent position in New York where he will work more directly with his board of educators which offers a different freedom then New Jersey.

Jim is hanging up his superintendent hat for good after 12 years in the role, nine in Ocean Township.

He felt it was time for new leadership but also knowledges the politics that have seeped in.

>> obviously, education has always been political to some degree.

However, absolutely in the last I would say five years or so, it really I think was -- that was heightened.

I do not know if that was a product of COVID or the number of different things, but it has definitely -- you know, the political world has crept more into education.

>> Rich does not feel these five positions opening up as a true superintendent exit is, but it points to the pressures of the job.

>> we've got levels of achievement that are below where we were pre-pandemic and also we've got greater social and emotional needs of kids.

Their mental health needs.

The pressure has gotten greater.

>> if there is a leading culprit in all of this, they all seem to agree.

>> social media, the absolute explosion of social media.

>> social media has added to it because everything is magnified quickly.

>> during the time of COVID for example, as it relates to mask mandates, you know, I would receive messages over social media or over my email calling me a child abuser because of the mask mandates.

And that was really hard, you know.

That was very difficult.

As educators we are doing everything we can to keep schools open and keep our kids safe.

>> it's not making it any easier to attract new candidates at a time when the state and nation are facing an educator shortage says national recruiter Molly.

The characteristics they seek out.

>> with New Jersey it is finding leadership and finding the role to fill the staff voids because there's not only avoided superintendents, there is a shortage of teachers.

Somebody who knows how to retain employees and get everything back to where it needs to be.

New Jersey is just looking to kind of correct a little bit and they're looking for someone with some experience.

>> experience, strong ability to communicate, to listen and to always put those students first when making decisions.

For NJ Spotlight News, Joanna.

>> in our spotlight on business, the state's largest cannabis operator, Curaleaf announces layoffs in South Jersey.

This marks the second time that the company is eliminating jobs in Campton County.

The company saying they have ample supply to meet the market's current needs.

This comes as many towns along the Jersey shore opt out of the marketplace.

Atlantic City has taken the opposite path.

Working to establish itself as a destination.

So it came as something of a surprise when the city decided to pump the brakes on a new cannabis businesses.

So why the pause?

Mayor Marty small joins me to get on the record with that and or on the future of cannabis in the city.

Mayor, Atlantic City was supposed to be the weak capital of the East Coast.

What happened?

>> yes, thank you for having me.

It is a great day here in the city of Atlantic City.

Nothing happened.

Our plan is to be the East Coast hub when it comes to cannabis, we just want to make sure that we continue to right size the market and people have to understand yes, you can get a letter of approval from the Mayor, you can get resolution from city Council, support from C RDA, but your business will not open unless you get permission by the CRC.

So we all -- we don't want to over saturate the market in Atlantic City, so it is taking a pause to make sure that we roll this thing out right.

It has been slow statewide and we want to make the best decision.

>> I hear that but I did want to know, was their pushback to the city's plan to become a hub for cannabis question mark >> no, it was simple.

You opted in or out.

We made that decision very early on.

That we were going to be participants.

It has generated jobs, generated new construction of new interest and development opportunities in that great city of Atlantic City.

It's going to be a win-win for everyone involved.

>> right now, what remains the biggest challenge for expansion of cannabis operations?

>> well, the biggest challenge is that, you know, some people get comfortable with the condition of approval.

The condition of approval is what it is.

It is a condition of approval.

No one is approved until they meet the standards by the state of New Jersey.

We want to support business.

We support everyone that came here with the understanding knowing that everyone is not going to make it and we do not want 40 dispensaries in the great city of Atlantic City.

So it is not an overall pause, we are just working with the C RDA and pausing to just make sure we are on the same page and we get to a number we want to be at.

>> let's talk about the anticipated Green Zone.

We know that plan includes a cannabis hotel, museum, multiple consumption lounges.

What is the status of that development?

>> this is not stopping the business in Atlantic City.

It is basically making sure that we ate right size the market.

That we are all on the same page with how many -- we have never, ever, ever establish that.

There's a lot of interest.

Every major company in the country wants to be in Atlantic City.

We want to make sure we're doing it right so it is alive and well.

>> for those who have had their business plans paused, what can they expect question mark which is the future hold for them then?

>> well again, there is confusion of the message on last night's council agenda, that was the last ones that we're going to put on the agenda for a while.

I mean, people were still going through the process, going through the approval, that does not stop.

When they get the green light from the state of New Jersey, someone who got approved for recreational the other day, they were currently opening as a medicinal facility at the -- in other open for recreation.

Were not stopping them.

We just want to sit back, get on the same page and kind of gage what is too much for the city of Atlantic City.

It's a good thing.

We are open for business, we encourage everyone to come to any city.

The time is now, we are red-hot as a city.

We've got a lot of momentum.

And keep the sparks going, no pun intended.

>> no one is stopping, just a temporary pause.

Thank you for joining me.

And stocks continue to climb now for the ninth straight day, here is a look at how the markets closed today.

♪ >> school may be out for the summer but summer youth employment program in Newark is teaching students to kickstart their future.

The program offers students ages 14 to 24 exposure to apprenticeships like carpentry.

The training, becoming part of Newark's goal to keep kids safe, inspired and out of trouble.

Melissa Rose Cooper reports as part of our ongoing series chasing the dream that focuses on justice, poverty and economic opportunity.

>> the events, occasions and memories I have already experienced at Barringer high school will always stick with me along with the bonds that have been forged from sweat and hard work.

>> opportunities like Charles has thinks to the carpentry training program at Barringer high school.

After entering as a sophomore from Trinidad in 2021, like a says learning to build aside a great impact on his life.

>> the carpentry program has taught me what a good day work really means.

Coming in early and being one of the last to leave, staying until the job is done and not being put off what could be done today for tomorrow.

I've learned to work with people and events that will further my career in education.

I have greatly increased my instruction -- construction skills and router operation, finish carpentry, vanishing and inside construction.

Interactive skills.

>> the training as part of the goal to keep kids off the street through a summer youth employment program.

Nearly 3000 students across the city are participating in various work programs.

>> the city's summer youth employment program is not just focused on sending youth and people to work.

We value the importance of youth and young adults being fully prepared to enter the workforce and having transferable skills to carry them through life.

>> almost $3 million in private donations and funding from the city will help ensure kids in the program have what they need to be successful.

The mayor said it has come along way since he was a teenager.

>> there is a long-term kind of development that exist now that did not exist to them.

The kind of career readiness, workplace skills being developed, soft skills, financial literacy.

All of these things that are important and engaging kids and experiencing careers in trying to figure out what they want to do with their life before they make decisions that they cannot reverse.

>> an important focus of the program, say officials say kids should be presented with all available options instead of just college.

>> the majority of the kids are not choosing college as an option coming out of high school.

And so what are those kids doing?

Well, it a lot of those kids when they graduate either find jobs that are not meaningful, not able to take care of them or a lot of them get them selves in a trouble.

So by the time they come to my office for us to assist them there creating roadblocks that we have to take away because we have not given the children these other options to go into.

We only use college or the mentality of college as the pathway to be successful.

>> kids in the program say it is a life-changing.

That's >> teaching them play feeding lessons.

>>Perjury has taught me prioritizing what is important.

Putting your safety and others safety first.

Carpentry taught me the confidence as a female that I can succeed in carpentry and whatever else I want to accomplish.

>> student say one of the goals is to build homes that can be donated that can be donated to help people in need.

A chance to pay it forward to the city that's pushing them to achieve their dreams.

For NJ Spotlight News, Melissa Rose Cooper.

>> that is going to do it for us tonight, but a reminder to download the NJ Spotlight News podcast, so you can listen anytime.

I am Raven Santana.

For the entire NJ Spotlight News team, thank you for being with us, have a great night and we will see you back your tomorrow.

-- we will see you back here tomorrow.

>> members of the New Jersey Education Association, making public schools great for every child.

RWJBarnabas Health, let's be healthy together.

And Orsted, committed to the creation of a new long-term, sustainable, clean energy future for New Jersey.

♪ Major funding for chasing the dream is provided by the JP be foundation with funding from the Peter J Peterson and Joan fund.

>> orstead will provide renewable offshore energy, jobs, educational, supply chain and economic opportunities for the Garden State.

And Orsted, committed to the creation of a new long-term, sustainable, clean energy future for New Jersey.

♪ >> online at U.S.. or stead.com.

♪