Verona Event Space Shut Down After Shooting In Parking Lot

VERONA, NJ — An event space in Verona has been temporarily shut down after a shooting took place in a nearby parking lot earlier this month.

Verona Police Department, officers got multiple 911 calls around 11 p.m. on March 15 about gunfire in Municipal Lot 1 near Park Place. When officers arrived, a large crowd was leaving a party at the Palmetto Venues event space. Witnesses said that several guests got into a dispute that ended with an exchange of gunfire in the parking lot.

Two men with gunshot wounds were treated at the scene and taken to University Hospital in Newark. Two other people – a man and a woman – also suffered gunshot wounds, but were taken to nearby hospitals before police arrived, authorities said.

“This appears to be an isolated incident between individuals attending a private party at Palmetto Venue,” police said, adding that there is no threat to the public.

>> Read More: Gunfire Wounds Several People After Party In Verona

Palmetto Venues released a statement about the shooting, saying that it is cooperating with police on their investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident that took place on Saturday night in the municipal parking lot adjacent to Palmetto Venues,” the statement said. “We take great pride in hosting events that bring people together in celebration, and it is heartbreaking to see an evening meant for joy overshadowed by violence. Our prayers are with those who were injured and the community of Verona.”

“We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this matter and remain committed to working together to ensure the safety of all who walk through our doors and the broader community,” it continued. “We sincerely thank our clients, the Verona community, and our neighboring friends who have reached out to offer their support.”

TEMPORARY SHUT DOWN

Palmetto Venues – which is located across the street from Verona Park – has been banned from using the property as an event space for now, town officials say.

The property’s use had already been under review prior to the shooting.

Verona officials issued an update on the situation in the wake of last week’s town council meeting.

“Prior to and independent from the events which occurred over the weekend, the township had begun reviewing the Palmetto Venues property file in response to incoming complaints received,” officials said. “The events over the weekend resulted in the township expediting and completing a zoning review of the property and business.”

The township is committed to reviewing any other potential code compliance matters, officials said.

Their statement continued:

“Based upon the zoning review, it was determined that the business was improperly given a zoning permit and certificate of occupancy based upon the decision of a former employee who was not authorized to issue such a decision. Therefore, the continued use of the property as an event space is neither permitted nor authorized. The business owner and property owner have been notified of these findings and have been provided 45 days to either terminate the event rental space use or to seek relief from the Board of Adjustment.”

SECOND UPDATE

Verona officials provided another update the following day.

“Additional hazards have been identified by the Fire Prevention Bureau and are being communicated to the business owner,” officials said. “They will be notified that all such hazards must be corrected before they can operate in any manner during this 45-day period. Additional property maintenance, zoning and construction compliance matters will also be communicated from the appropriate departments. All such communications are currently being prepared by the applicable departments.”

“The township is taking this matter at hand very seriously,” officials continued. “Your patience and cooperation while the Verona Police Department investigates this incident and while the township handles the issues identified, is greatly appreciated.”

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