Jersey City files last-minute legal challenge to stop closure of Heights University Hospital
Earlier in the day, dozens of protesters gathered in front of the hospital. Two people were arrested for trying to enter the facility through a back door.
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Jersey City filed a legal request to stop the closure of Heights University Hospital Saturday night following a turbulent protest at the health care facility. It was rejected by a Superior Court judge.
Heights University Hospital, one of only two hospitals in Jersey City, is owned by Hudson Regional Health. The City of Jersey City's corporation council, at the direction of Mayor James Solomon, filed an emergency injunction to prevent HRH from closing the hospital.
"Today is a tough day. I'm disappointed the judge ruled against us, but we are going to keep fighting. The people of Jersey City Heights deserve access to health care," Solomon said.
The original deadline for the closure was set for Saturday evening.
Earlier in the day, dozens of protesters gathered in front of the hospital.
"I was born in this hospital almost like 27 years ago. So, it's really important that we have adequate health care in Jersey City. There's already like two or three hospitals that closed here," said Jersey City resident Suhas Vittal.
Police say they arrested two protesters for allegedly trying to enter the hospital through a back door.
"Everyone should protest peacefully. My focus, though, is on the billion dollar corporation that's trying to take health care away and threaten the lives of my residents," Solomon said.
Hudson Regional Healthcare said it can't afford to keep it open, with a loss of over $70 million last year.
HRH wants to build residential housing on the site, according to city officials.
"HRH dismantled healthcare in the heights to encourage building luxury housing," said Jersey City Councilman Tom Zuppa. "That's not going to be something we can stomach."
HRH, however, told News 12 the housing would be a combination of market rate and affordable units.
