Local Beat is the NJ News Commons’ weekly roundup of the best reporting by community news sources.
COOPER TO ACQUIRE LOURDES, CREATING LARGEST HEALTH SYSTEM IN SOUTH JERSEY
Two of the largest hospital groups in Camden City have proposed a merger, Matt Skoufalos of NJ Pen reports, as Cooper University Health Care announced this week its intention to purchase the Lourdes Health System. Cooper says if the acquisition gets regulatory approval, it would create the largest health system in South Jersey and fourth-largest in the state.
BELMAR MAYOR LAUNCHES BEACHFRONT FUNDRAISER TO ASSIST RESIDENTS OF SMALL TEXAS COASTAL TOWN
During the Labor Day weekend, donation collection boxes will be placed at all of Belmar’s beachfront entrances, TAP into Belmar/Lake Como reports, with all money raised going to residents in Rockport, Texas, which was hit by Hurricane Harvey. Belmar’s mayor noted that Rockport is similar to Belmar in its population and was hit as hard with Harvey as Belmar was with Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
MORRISTOWN BOARD REJECTS REQUEST TO SUBPOENA PARKING OFFICIAL FOR POWERBALL WINNER RESTAURANT PLAN
Morristown’s top parking official won’t be forced to testify at a hearing regarding the plans for Sandi’s SoulBites, a restaurant being pitched on Bank Street by a 2010 Powerball jackpot winner. The restaurant owner, Sandra McNeil Rogers, has been seeking a zoning variance to operate without having to provide parking, Kevin Coughlin of Morristown Green reports. A nearby building owner is objecting to the plans.
NEW JERSEY OFFERS ‘CARE CAM’ TO NURSING HOME PATIENTS, FAMILIES
A state-run program that installs hidden cameras to protect the elderly from abuse is being expanded, Jeanette Beebe reports for NewsWorks. The Safe Care Cam, launched in December, works by lending small surveillance cameras disguised as everyday objects to New Jersey residents for up to 30 days. Previously the cameras were only available to families who had home health aides or live-in caretakers; now, it can be used in nursing homes and assisting living facilities.