Dear Neighbors,
Last week, we lost Jen Giattino, a great Hoboken public servant. Jen’s death has shocked and saddened our community. Jen gave so much to our City that she loved, and her loss, at age 53, is simply unfathomable. At Jen’s funeral Wednesday, Rabbi Robert Scheinberg shared beautiful reflections on her “magnificent life” that you can read here.
Jen’s loss has affected so many of us deeply. From the time I volunteered on her 2015 re-election campaign, to the years we served as fellow Council Members and as Co-Chairs of the Hoboken Relief Fund, a not-for-profit we formed in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting local businesses and their employees at a very dark time, Jen and I collaborated in ways large and small to make our community a better place.
Give a family member a hug, look out for your neighbors, check in on a veteran or an elderly person living alone, or take some time to reach out to someone who may need your help—and think of Jen.
Jennifer Giattino
Reflections on Last Week’s Election
Last week, Hoboken’s tenants won a major victory thanks to Hoboken voters who, by a 3:1 margin, stood up for our community’s values, protected renters, and Hoboken’s rent control protections. Together, we ensured that current rent control protections remain intact and below-market rental units will continue to exist in Hoboken’s housing market, one of the most overheated, expensive housing markets in the nation. I was proud to stand alongside Mayor Bhalla and 6 of my Council colleagues to firmly oppose the landlord-led charge to gut rent control and support our tenants. Thanks to the many voters who overwhelmingly rejected the referendum.
We elected Andy Kim to the United States Senate. Andy Kim will be the first Korean American U.S. Senator, and he ran on an impressive record of service. Congressman Kim has served New Jersey well, building on his service in Afghanistan for the State Department during the Obama Administration. We also re-elected Rob Menendez for another term in Congress, and I know that Congressman Menendez will continue to work hard to serve Hoboken and all the residents of the 8th Congressional District. Congratulations to Senator-Elect Kim and Congressman Menendez.
As we process the news that Donald Trump is President-Elect, many are experiencing a range of emotions. While we recognize and accept the outcome of this free and fair election, and wish the next President and his administration success, there are good reasons to fear that a second Trump Administration will be even more destructive to the rule of law, the tenets of democracy, and personal freedoms we have taken for granted, than the first Trump Administration. I have heard constituents’ deep concerns, fears, frustrations, and uncertainties about our nation’s future.
In times like these, our community’s strength and solidarity are more important than ever. As we face an incoming administration likely to test our resolve and push policies contrary to our values and principles, let’s commit to continue to care for ourselves and our neighbors. Our strength lies in unity, supporting members of our community who feel vulnerable, and supporting advocates and organizations that reflect our shared values. When the Trump administration takes unlawful actions, tramples on human rights, attacks law-abiding immigrants who seek to participate in the American dream, or attacks our reproductive freedoms, we will need to stand up for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Groups like The American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, and State Democracy Defenders Fund were critical in challenging executive overreach during President Trump’s last term, and will be there again. Organizations like First Friends, HIAS, Kids in Need of Legal Defense New Jersey, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, The Lighthouse, and Welcome Home Jersey City all provide vital services and representation to refugees and asylum seekers in our region. Lambda Legal stands up for the civil rights and the non-discriminatory treatment of members of the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ community, and the Hudson Pride Center supports the well-being of our LGBTQ+ community. All these organizations will play critical roles during the next four years. Please consider volunteering for or supporting any or all of these organizations.
Our community is our strength. Together, steadfastly, we will navigate the challenges ahead with courage, compassion, and strength, and we will march together — as we have marched together — toward a future that reflects the promise of our great nation.
Public Safety Meeting
A special public safety community meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, November 18 at 5:30 pm at City Hall (94 Washington St., Council Chambers, entrance on Newark Street). Hoboken Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, Hoboken Police Chief Steven Aguiar, and Mayor Bhalla will be available to discuss public safety issues, including a recent incident at Church Square Park.
The speakers will address what is being done to keep residents and visitors safe at Church Square Park, and throughout Hoboken. Residents are encouraged to watch the meeting live on Hoboken’s YouTube page given potential space constraints.
The Hoboken PATH Station Will Temporarily Close From January 31st to February 25th
Starting at 11:59 pm on January 30, 2025, until 5 am on February 25, 2025, the Hoboken PATH station will be fully closed. This closure will allow for critical track and station upgrades as part of the PATH Forward program, a comprehensive effort to enhance safety, reliability, and passenger experience. While these improvements are much-needed and will ultimately benefit all riders, the closure will present real challenges.
The Port Authority, in coordination with regional transit partners, has developed several alternative transportation options to help mitigate the impact. Here is an outline of the support measures:
- Shuttle Buses: Free PATH shuttle buses will connect riders from the Hoboken PATH to the Newport and Exchange Place stations, which will have increased PATH service to accommodate travelers.
- Expanded Ferry Service: PATH customers will be cross-honored on NY Waterway ferries. NY Waterway will run ferries every 10 minutes during peak hours, with extended operating hours and additional weekend service. Crosstown bus service from the West 39th Street terminal will also be available.
- NJ TRANSIT Enhancements: The frequency of the 126 bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown will increase, and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate with additional service during peak periods.
- Increased Area PATH Train Frequency: During rush hour, trains at Newport will arrive every 2-4 minutes, and at Exchange Place every 5 minutes or less.
The Port Authority has been hosting public information sessions to provide more details and answer questions. There will be a virtual meeting on December 10 at 6 p.m. (Register here).
This 25-day closure will allow the Port Authority to efficiently complete vital track replacement, platform restoration, and station infrastructure improvements. Completing this work over 25 days avoids the alternative of rolling weekend closures for over a year with significant, ongoing schedule disruptions. I know these disruptions will make for a challenging February—especially for commuters. Thank you in advance for your patience and resilience. The City is committed to working with our regional transit partners to monitor this work and address concerns as they arise.
Coffee with Cohen next Monday at Tosti Cafe
On Monday, November 18th at 8 am I will host November office hours at a great locally-owned and operated 5th Ward business, Tosti Cafe! Join me for coffee, croissants, and conversation about the issues that matter to you.
What: November office hours with Councilman Phil Cohen
Where: Tosti Cafe, 1024 Washington Street
When: Monday, November 18th from 8 am to 9:30 am
Staying Up To Date and Seeking My Assistance
I issue this newsletter every month. You can stay up to date by following me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Threads. If you have any questions, or I can be of assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact me at HobokenPhil@gmail.com.
Phil Cohen
Hoboken City Councilman
Hoboken, New Jersey
HobokenPhil@gmail.com
(862) 234-9053
P.S. You can learn more about me and my ideas for Hoboken (as well as read this newsletter and prior newsletters) on my website philcohen.org.
P.P.S. If you liked this Newsletter, and want to support my work, please consider a much-appreciated contribution supporting my community efforts.
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Paid for by Phil Cohen for Hoboken City Council |
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