Berkeley Heights Township : Statement Of The Mayor, Town Council & Truth And Racial Healing Committee

Press release from the Berkeley Heights Township:

December 21, 2021

It has come to our attention that racist language and a swastika were inscribed on the wall ball and court at Lower Columbia Park this morning. Berkeley Heights is an inclusive and welcoming community, and this type of behavior will not be tolerated or ignored and must be fervently condemned by every one of us. We are committed to identifying and holding those responsible accountable as there is no room in our community for any action that propagates hate, racism, sexism, or bias of any kind.

Police Chief Jason Massimino and the Berkeley Heights Police Department have launched an investigation. As with any bias crime, this incident will be reported to the Union County Prosecutors Office and the New Jersey State Police. The Berkeley Heights Police Department urges anyone who witnessed this event (or any event in the future) to call the Berkeley Heights Police Department at (908) 464-111 immediately. This ensures an investigation can be undertaken quickly and those responsible brought to justice.

These horrendous images have been removed by the Township Department of Public Works. We thank everyone involved in reporting this incident. It is incumbent upon all of us to demand better and create an environment where all our residents feel welcomed and safe in their community.

Mayor & Council 

Mayor Angie Devanney

Council President Jeanne Kingsley

Council Vice President Manny Couto

Councilwoman Gentiana Brahimaj

Councilman Álvaro Medeiros

Councilman Stephen Yellin

Councilman Jeff Varnerin

Members of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Committee 

Mayor Angie Devanney

Councilman Jeff Varnerin

Councilman Stephen Yellin

Father Andy Prachar

Lieutenant Ed Gaffney

Chief Jason Massimino

Alexis Jenkins

Kyle Brogden

Vani Chitturi

Dennis Kim

Joy Young

Steve Hopkins

This press release was produced by the Berkeley Heights Township. The views expressed here are the author’s own.