Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners question cooling center hours as heat spurs calls from residents
Summary
At the June 24 caucus commissioners urged the administration to review cooling/warming center hours after residents called during high overnight temperatures; the administration said centers are designed for daytime use but agreed to explore extended hours during extreme heat.
Hudson County commissioners on June 24 questioned whether the county's warming and cooling center schedule adequately protects residents during heat events after multiple calls to the chairman about late‑evening heat.
Commissioner William O'Dea told colleagues he received calls from residents seeking cooling help late in the evening and asked why centers close at 6 p.m. "If you can go out tonight at 8 o'clock and fall asleep on a park bench, I'll give you an award," he said, pressing the administration to evaluate whether closing early leaves vulnerable people exposed. Commissioner Jerry Walker proposed extending hours to about 8:30 p.m. because evening temperatures remain high in late June.
County Administrator Abraham Antun said the county's centers are "designed to be in the daytime" for people without air conditioning, but he agreed to explore changes and asked staff to report back on feasibility. The board also discussed transportation and shelter coordination with municipalities and the sheriff's office.
Why it matters: Heat is a public‑health risk, especially for people without reliable cooling. Commissioners said operational hours should reflect local conditions and suggested exploring later closing times during heat waves.
Next steps: Administration staff said they would examine the question and return with options for extended hours or alternate arrangements during excessive heat, and to coordinate with municipalities and shelter providers.
