Business

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—This year, many Rutgers University students are spending more on ATM fees, after the school inked a deal giving Chase Bank an exclusive monopoly on all of the campus' money machines.

The deal eliminated on-campus ATM's operated by PNCBank, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.  It also pushed out two popular university-affiliated credit unions, each with a decades-long connection to the community.

Credit unions are similar to banks, except they are owned and democratically controlled by their members. 

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—At their 6:30pm meeting tonight, the city council will decide whether or not to grant a six-figure tax break that will excuse Boraie Development from paying some of their property taxes if they go through with plans for a new highrise building at 135 Somerset Street.

The deal, which has already drawn some criticism, would save the powerful developer about $156,800 annually, but would deprive the city's school district of more than twice that amount.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—At tonight's Planning Board meeting, the nine-member board will go through the annual ritual of choosing one of their own to chair their important monthly meetings.

For the past two years, the board unanimously chose Robert John Colona, known to most as "Bob," a friendly fellow who was very active in the city's government and local politics, also serving his city as a member of the Citizens Taxi Service Council and the Environmental Commission.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Don 't let the enormous "Block R" on the side of the building fool you, the city's first downtown dormitory is not owned by Rutgers.  And, according to the Daily Targum's Brianna Provenzano, it may soon change hands.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The city's Planning Board voted unanimously on Tuesday evening to approve the demolition of six buildings and a garage to make way for a new, more compact campus for the New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS).

The new development was spurred by financial constraints currently facing the 227-year-old seminary, and the dilapidated condition of their campus, according to city officials.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The centerpiece of New Brunswick's new tallest building, a Barnes & Noble bookstore, opened yesterday on Somerset Street.

The store will serve as the main bookstore for Rutgers University.  Until last week, the University bookstore was located in the Ferren Mall and parking garage, where it first opened in 1982.

In a similar setup to the old location, students can obtain their required textbooks in the basement of the new store.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - The Court Tavern hasn't changed much over the years, but it sure is changing quick now.

Last Thursday, a worker was spotted taking down the bar's signage.

As owner Mike Barrood prepares to re-open the historic rock club and dive bar, he and his workers are spending more and more time fixing up the establishment.

TRENTON, NJ—The management at Johnson & Johnson is facing lawsuits from shareholders over countless problems with products and widespread use of kickback payments to boost sales.

However, investors and the company's management have recently come to a tentative settlement to restore high standards when it comes to these issues, according to an Associated Press report.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Restaurant Week is fast becoming a New Brunswick tradition. And, each year since its inception, it has lasted two weeks, despite its name.

The organization that manages New Brunswick's Special Improvement District, New Brunswick City Market, is sponsoring the third annual incarnation of the popular event inspired by New York City's.

So when you're getting a sub at Jersey Subs on George Street between July 14-28, don't forget to mention it's Restaurant Week.  You'll get $2 off.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—A new 7-11 store is set to open very soon at the intersection of Paterson and George Streets in downtown New Brunswick.

It will be the city's second 7-11 convenience store, and it will be located just 400 yards away from the other one.

A man who identified himself as the boss of the existing store said he was "disgusted" with the corporation's decision to open another store so close to his.

His store opened in 2006 as part of the first downtown dormitory for Rutgers University, Rockoff Hall.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Anish Joshi loved New Brunswick.  He lived in One Spring Street, a highrise condominium complex that was until recently the city's tallest building.

He worked across the street at 53 Paterson Street, where he ran his own legal practice for years.  Joshi also served as a member of the city's Environmental Commission.

He recieved the 2012 Professional Acheivement Award from the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association.