Thoughts on Flooding

“Unfortunately the 4th Ward is below sea level which adds to the problem of flooding. I recommend a large capital investment in the infrastructure and definitely more interagency/intergovernmental cooperation between NJ Transit, North Hudson Sewage Authority, City of Hoboken and the County of Hudson.”

To achieve a genuine solution to this problem we need substantial funding and should seek funding from the Federal, State and County governments. Also, I believe developers seeking to exercise their rights as property owners should be made to contribute towards the funding needed to solve this problem and not be given a free ride as was done by past administrations.
When you really analyze the area under the proposed SW Plan today, what do we have? Numerous parking lots and underutilized buildings that provide no protection against flooding. The new development proposed in the plan will in-fact reduce the impact of storm water we experience today.
Let me get specific:
(1) Surface parking lots and older buildings allow for NO water to penetrate the soil.
(2) New building standards capture water on the roof and store it in tanks beneath the building prior to being discharged into the system. It holds water back and allows it to be released slowly, thus reducing backups.
(3) The Plan proposes green roofs and open space that will help reduce the amount of water that ends up in the system. Again, reducing backups. 4) New development will also be required to provide additional upgrades that currently are not in place.
I recognize that this solution cannot be achieved overnight so some short term plans are:
(A)Unclog our sewers more frequently
(B) With the use of modern technology we know when a storm is approaching so we must make sure the Hudson County Sewage Authority is ready with its equipment before the storm hits.”

I want to know your thoughts. Please leave a comment or suggestion

My thoughts on the Southwest proposal.

Southwest Hoboken is the first impression visitors have of Hoboken when they enter it from the south. The Area's once rich industrial history is know struggling to survive and market pressures are seeking change. Through this struggle, an opportunity to create another strong neighborhood within this great City is now before us all- but a comprehensive Plan that considers the entire City is necessary.

The Southwest Redevelopment Plan is what is best about Hoboken- an eclectic mix of ideas and inclusive thought that embraces all cultures and social strata. While the Plan is located in the Southwest and a 4-acre park will be created there, the Plan's creation has the entire Hoboken community in mind as it works to implement the City's Master Plan.

The creation of additional affordable housing, traffic and stormwater infrastructure improvements are merely a few aspects of the Plan that will serve us all as the Plan seeks to ensure developers that will implement the Plan do not merely make their money and run leaving the taxpayers of this City holding the bag. While additional studies are necessary to ensure the City gets everything it needs, the City's future is solidified through the vision presented in this Plan. No longer will zoning variances give away open space, affordable housing opportunities and other improvements. Studies must be conducted, but based on the Plan's vision. If some amendments to the Plan, based on these studies are required, the City will make them, but the Plan is necessary to ensure the Southwest is developered in a uniform fashion. We must not lose this fantastic opportunity, by sitting back and waiting.

The Southwest Redevelopment Plan ensures that new development pays its share of the improvements necessary to make this portal into Hoboken the "Gateway" this great City deserves. An area surrounded by rail and future redevelopment projects in Jersey City, the Southwest can become, through this Plan, a truly unique place within and amongst Hoboken- much like many of New York City's unique and diverse neighborhoods. The Southwest is our opportunity.

Click here to access the entire plan in PDF format

My Thoughts on Park space...

“Park space is the centerpiece of the Southwest plan and contains strict criteria for how it should be designed. We are looking to create a minimum of a 4 acre park in the Southwest section of town. It will be one of the largest parks in the City of Hoboken . I believe that we need more active recreational opportunities for our residents—not just lawn space.”

What are your thoughts? Please let me know.

Biggest Issues Facing Our Ward.

“Because of our social/economic and cultural diversity, we must find the way to build a more inclusive neighborhood and remove the “us” vs. “them” mentality. In so doing, we will then be able to harness the creativity of our residents to solve the problems of traffic, flooding, lack of open space and affordable housing.”

Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you.