Supreme Court hears dispute between New York and New Jersey

By JESSICA GRESKO
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is hearing a dispute between New York and New Jersey over New Jersey’s desire to withdraw from a commission the states formed decades ago to combat the mob’s influence at their joint port. The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor was created in 1953 when the mob had infiltrated the port and was demanding payments from workers and shippers through extortion and violence. The commission has one commissioner from each state and oversees licensing and inspections at the Port of New York and New Jersey. New Jersey lawmakers say changes in the industry have lessened the influence of organized crime at the port and reduced the need for the commission.