Councilman Cohen’s Newsletter: Proud to be Elected Council VP, Hoboken PATH Closure Updates, A Big Victory for Blue Violets and More

Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year! Here are your updates.

Honored to Serve as Council Vice President

Thanks to my Council colleagues who elected me to serve in Council leadership as Council Vice President for 2025. I look forward to collaborating with Council President Doyle and all my Council colleagues to address the challenges facing Hoboken. As Council Vice President, I look forward to continuing the work of making Hoboken an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

With Rebecca and Anna after being sworn in as Vice President

Hoboken Supports the NJ Climate Superfund Act

I’m proud to share that the Hoboken City Council passed a resolution supporting the New Jersey Climate Superfund Act (S3545/A4696). The New Jersey Climate Superfund Act is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to:

Assess damages caused by climate change over the last 30 years.
Require fossil fuel corporations to fund a “Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program.”
Provide municipalities like Hoboken with dedicated resources for climate adaptation, infrastructure upgrades, flood prevention, and more.

Having lived through Superstorm Sandy, we in Hoboken know the devastating impacts of climate change firsthand. Unanimously adopting this resolution with Mayor Bhalla’s strong support, Hoboken becomes the first New Jersey municipality to endorse this legislation, continuing our leadership on environmental issues. I am proud to have co-sponsored this resolution and thank our Assemblyman John Allen for sponsoring this important legislation.

Starting January 30, Hoboken’s PATH Station Will Close for 25 Days

I want to share important updates about the Port Authority’s looming Hoboken PATH Station closure, scheduled to begin at 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025, and expected to last 25 days, with the station reopening at 5:00 AM on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The Port Authority has reported that this closure is necessary to conduct critical, long-delayed, infrastructure upgrades.

During this closure, the Port Authority has coordinated with NJ Transit, NY Waterway, and other transportation partners to provide alternative transportation options for commuters and PATH customers.

The Port Authority has worked to provide transportation alternatives for PATH customers they are below to help you plan your transportation needs:

Alternative NY Waterway Ferry Service

PATH riders can use NY Waterway ferries between Hoboken and New York at the cost of a PATH one-way fare ($3).
Special PATH Ferry Tickets can be purchased via the NY Waterway App and used with a valid SmartLink, MetroCard, or digital pass from the RidePATH App.
Ferries will run every 10 minutes during peak hours from Hoboken Terminal and 14th Street, with extended evening service to Midtown/W. 39th Street.

Free PATH Shuttle Buses to Newport and Exchange Place Path Stations

Free shuttle buses will operate 24/7 between Hoboken, Newport, and Exchange Place stations on the following schedules:

Shuttle Weekday Schedule:

12:00 AM – 5:59 AM: Every 15 minutes
6:00 AM – 10:59 AM: Every 5-7 minutes
11:00 AM – 2:59 PM: Every 10 minutes
3:00 PM – 7:59 PM: Every 5-7 minutes
8:00 PM – 11:59 PM: Every 10 minutes

Shuttle Weekend Schedule:

12:00 AM – 5:59 AM: Every 15 minutes
6:00 AM – 11:59 PM: Every 10 minutes

Supplemental PATH Train Service

Increased train frequency at Newport (every 2-4 minutes) and Exchange Place (every 5 minutes or less) during peak times.
A temporary weekday train line will run between World Trade Center and 33rd Street.

Increased NJ TRANSIT 126 Bus Service

Increased service between Hoboken Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Additional NJ TRANSIT Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Service

Additional peak-period service connecting Hoboken, Newport, and Exchange Place to PATH between 6-10 AM and 3-7 PM.

For additional details about PATH closure, travel alternatives, and schedule updates, visit the Hoboken Station Closure Web Page. The Port Authority will conduct a virtual information session on Tuesday, January 21st from 6 to 8 pm, and you can register here. If you have any questions or concerns about the PATH closure, please reach out to me at HobokenPhil@gmail.com.

Major Victory for Blue Violets Dispensary

Recently, the New Jersey Appellate Division ruled in favor of Blue Violets and the small business’s owners, Max and Lauren, allowing them to continue lawfully operating their dispensary at 628 Washington St. Blue Violets has operated as a good neighbor in our business community since last April.

The ruling is a victory for fairness and protecting a business that followed the rules, got their necessary legal approvals, and invested the owners’ life savings in a local business despite politicians who shamelessly stoked community fear and demonized the business and their supporters.

I have spoken out against stigmatizing cannabis and cannabis users and provided critical support in the face of organized opposition. Hoboken’s dispensaries provide adults the benefits of access to legal products that are in great demand and enjoyed by their customers.

I am glad that Blue Violets and other responsible dispensaries will continue operating in our community — bringing new services to our business community and a welcome new revenue source (Hoboken collects 2% from every dispensary sale) in a challenging fiscal year.

Help Shape the Future of Tom Olivieri Park

Hoboken has launched an online survey to gather community feedback for planned improvements to Tom Olivieri Park, a special 5,000-square-foot pocket park near 13th St. and Willow. Last renovated in 2014, the park features a playground, spray park, murals, and passive space. Planned upgrades could include new furniture, landscaping, playground equipment, and lighting.

Community feedback will guide the design process. Take the survey by January 24 at 6 pm at hobokennj.gov/tomolivieriparksurvey. You can learn more about this park improvement effort here.

Join Me For January Office Hours Tuesday Morning at bwè kafe

On Tuesday, January 21st at 8 am join me for January office hours at a great locally-owned and operated 5th Ward business, bwè kafe! Share coffee ☕️croissants 🥐and conversation about the issues that matter to you.

What: January office hours with Councilman Phil Cohen

Where: bwè kafe, 1002 Washington St.

When: Tuesday, January 21st from 8 to 9:30 am

Staying Up To Date

I issue this newsletter every month. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, or Twitter.

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 like this Newsletter, and want to support my work, please consider a contribution in support of my community efforts.