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