Over the past four years, I’ve led the conversation to revitalize Hoboken Terminal as a destination for makers, creators and innovators by bringing a European-style market to our city. This summer, as Chairman of the Council's development subcommittee, I advanced a plan that would incorporate this very concept into the Hoboken Yard Redevelopment plan, which was then approved by both the Council and Planning Board.
Any ordinance requires two votes from City Council to pass, but the mayor failed to hold any community workshop leading into that second vote. Since there has been no chance for residents to offer comments on the plan, we as a legislative body chose not to vote until after a public discussion. This past Tuesday night, the City held a robust meeting attended by over 100 residents and all nine members of the City Council, but noticeably absent was Mayor Bhalla. Instead of communicating with residents face to face, the Mayor chose to again hide behind our emergency alert system to protect himself from criticism surrounding the changes he requested to the plan. All the while, I fielded dozens of questions from my neighbors on his plan, because I believe in the benefits it brings to our community.
My takeaway from Tuesday night’s meeting is this: Hoboken residents need more information about certain impacts this project will have on our city before we put it up for a final vote on the Council. Once we share the results of traffic and other feasibility studies, I am confident we will be able to advance this project -- one that encourages makers, creators innovators and small businesses to invest in Hoboken. Until then, I’m always available to answer any of your questions and share with you why I know redeveloping our terminal creates endless opportunities for Hoboken.
PRESERVING HISTORIC HOBOKEN
Creating new districts in our city -- whether it be residential, business or historic -- allows us to build up our neighborhoods while also protecting the integrity of what’s already standing. As one of our nation’s fastest growing mid sized cities, Hoboken is known for its brownstones and small town charm… and it’s up to us to keep it that way.
That’s why I’m proud to have worked with the administration, the City Council and the Historic Preservation Commission to sponsor an expansion of our historic district as well as identify over 20 historically significant sites within our city. By designating these locations as an important part of our local history, we are able to ensure that any type of renovation or alteration done protects all historic elements and characteristics of the site. In return, owners will see their property values increase and positively contribute to the unique charm of our most historic neighborhoods.
This is a great opportunity for us to preserve our city for generations to come. In the coming weeks, we plan to consider adding additional lots to the plan that are currently owned by Stevens Institute of Technology. Working collaboratively on projects like this, big or small, that benefit our community is what new energy and new ideas is all about.
EXPLORING A PUBLIC POOL IN THE FIRST WARD
As the Chairman of the Southern Development subcommittee, I was proud to work with the administration to successfully secure funding to conduct an engineering study to begin making necessary repairs to Municipal Garage D. While we await reports from the professionals who will inspect the sustainability of the garage on Hudson Street, it’s important to start identifying ways for us to better utilize this space.
One way I believe we can maximize community benefit is exploring the option to build a pool on the roof of the structure. In addition to the pool, this presents us with the opportunity to bring more green space to our neighborhood by building a community garden.
As it is with all new development, we need to be mindful of how projects like this will impact residents living in the area. A competing plan for the site was introduced by the administration which would build basketball courts in between the two high rise buildings, bringing light and noise pollution into the neighborhood. We simply can't afford to further negatively impact the quality of life in Hoboken, which is why before we make any decisions, I’m committed to hosting neighborhood meetings for everyone to voice their opinions on any proposed project.
HATEFUL RHETORIC IN OUR OWN BACKYARD
Last month, the mayor’s own political blogger chose to pen a homophobic attack on on me littered with disturbing references, including if I was “looking for a date,” doing “chinups in the men’s room stall” and “arm-pit sniffing,” among other salacious remarks. As the first openly gay man elected to municipal office in Hudson County, it’s abundantly clear what her intentions were when publishing that post.
The entire post evokes the troubled history of members of the LGBTQ community, which is completely out of step with Hoboken’s values as a progressive city. Unfortunately while the mayor promotes Hoboken as an inclusive community accepting of everyone, he is being complicit in setting us back in the progress we have made in achieving true equality by allowing his own political blogger to make derogatory statements. I’m thankful for my friends at the New Jersey LGBTQ Caucus and Victory Fund for speaking out about this divisive and hateful rhetoric coming from our own backyard. Comments like this have no place in Hoboken, regardless of where we stand politically.
Had a great meeting with the Victory Fund earlier this month to discuss how we have changed the political conversation in Hoboken to promote love and acceptance in our city. With the mission of bringing more LGBTQ individuals into elected office, I am so proud to have their support and endorsement this Election Day.
ELECTION DAY IS 19 DAYS AWAY
I have been so proud to serve Hoboken for the past nine years, first as one of the youngest commissioners on the City’s Zoning Board and for the last four years, as your First Ward Councilman. I’ve always been one to stand up for my beliefs, ideas and making government work better for all of us -- it’s actually what inspired me to first get involved in the first place.
Running for office is a noble decision and I treat those who run against me with respect, which is exactly why it’s troubling to see my opponent relying on a campaign built on a foundation of lies to secure public office. Without a track record to run on, she has unfortunately been hard at work attempting to discredit all that we have accomplished over the past four years to compensate for her campaign’s empty cannon. Even as this campaign heads into its final days, my opponent has put forward no comprehensive plan for the First Ward, or Hoboken as a whole and is yet to tell voters where she stands on the most important issues of this election.
My opponent is a taxpayer funded political aide to the mayor, her boss, and was promoted to the Office of Constituent Affairs last year shortly before she declared her candidacy. Many of her “accomplishments” are as a city employee paid to help residents and plan events, not as a community advocate. This summer, I asked her to take a voluntary leave of absence from her city hall job given the clear conflict of interest it poses with her simultaneously being a candidate for local office, she declined.
You may have heard some misleading information from my opponent, which is why it's time to set the record straight. We cannot not let four years of progress be erased from our city. You can read more about what we have accomplished on my website.
We are now just 19 days away from an important City Council election where I’m seeking re-election. In small municipal elections like this, the stakes are high and every single vote counts. It’s unlikely that my opponent would’ve taken a stance against her boss’ ill-advised plan to raise parking rates over 200 percent, sized back the mayor’s tax increase or be willing to shine transparency on the fact that he accepted a second job at a politically connected law firm.
LET'S DEBATE THE ISSUES
Last month, my opponent chose to skip out on a debate that would have allowed voters to hear from both candidates about how they will best serve our community. The First Ward deserves better than this. This coming Tuesday, the Quality of Life Coalition is hosting a joint ward debate and I will again be there to share my vision for the future of Hoboken with you. The debate is being held at Stevens DeBaun Auditorium, beginning at 7 p.m. Hope to see you there!
I’m so grateful for the support of a diverse group of First Ward residents because without your friendship and belief in me, I honestly would not be able to continue our grassroots movement, alone.