County and local officials held a community safety meeting in Jersey City Tuesday in an attempt to calm public fears in the wake of a killing in a city park.
Officials held the meeting at the Gallo Center, just across the parking lot from the lake where 45-year-old Carolina Cano’s body was found in a lake in Lincoln Park. Officials say that she was killed by 33-year-old Jorge Rios while she was out for an early morning jog.
But despite the killing – officials say that the park is still a safe place.
“This park is safe. It was safe and it will be safe in the future,” said Hudson County Executive Bill DeGise.
Hudson County Freehold Bill O’Dea says that there are plans in place to make the park safe with increased security.
“It’s a beautiful park, a safe park and we want people to know all the steps we are taking to keep it that way,” said O’Dea.
Plans include starting a citizen park patrol earlier in the year. The patrols will start next week, as opposed to waiting until Memorial Day. New lighting will be installed, along with additional and more advanced security cameras.
“Jersey City police, corrections, prosecutor, sheriff’s office – our officers work very hard every day to keep every safe in Hudson County,” said Sheriff Frank Schillari.
Some Jersey City residents also made recommendations, including installing emergency call stations and a neighborhood watch-type of program. Those who came to this meeting said that they still have concerns. But between news of an arrest in the killing at the lake and open communication with those meant to keep them safe, they say that it eases some of their fears.
“I didn’t go to the park for about a week. Today was the first day I went back to the park,” said Gloria Mandurville. “Now you’ll partner up with other people.”
The sheriff also suggests partnering up when going to the park. He also suggests that jogger take out their earphones so that they are more aware of their surroundings.
There are now plans to plant a memorial tree for Cano and to hold a run in her honor.