Dear Neighbor,
Happy fall 🍁🍂 here are your October updates.
Election Day is Coming
Election Day is coming — Tuesday, November 5th. It’s important that we all participate in what promises to be one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes. The presidential election isn’t the only important one on Hoboken voters’ ballots (I am proudly supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz). An important local question also appears on the ballot.
Vote NO on the Hoboken Public Question
This November, a toxic Public Question is poised to gut Hoboken's Rent Control Ordinance. Deceptively promoted by corporate landlords and their lobbyists as supporting affordable housing, if passed, this Question would reset all below-market rent-controlled units to market rate upon any vacancy, in exchange for a single $2,500/unit payment (less than an average Hoboken monthly rent).
In July, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution I introduced urging voters to VOTE NO on this Public Question. I am asking all Hoboken residents to join with the 9 City Council Members, and Mayor Bhalla, and — VOTE NO.
Helpful Voting Information for Hoboken Voters
There are three ways to vote: Vote by Mail, in-person early voting, or in-person voting at your polling place on Election Day.
Vote by Mail (VBM)
To submit your completed VBM, you can either mail it from a US. Postal Service mailbox, drop it in one of Hoboken’s three secure drop boxes (Hoboken City Hall on Newark St., Stevens Institute Gateway Bldg at Hudson & 6th, or Monroe St. between 7th & 8th), or at the County Board of Elections at 257 Cornelison Avenue in Jersey City. VBMs must be returned or placed in a secure drop box by Tuesday, Nov. 5th before 8 pm.
Early Voting Starts October 26th!
Registered voters can vote early and in person at City Hall’s first-floor conference room. Voters should enter on Newark St. — Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm or on Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Election Day In-Person Voting
Residents can vote at their registered polling locations on Election Day. Polls open November 5th from 6 am to 8 pm. Find your polling location here or here.
A New Affordable Senior Housing Complex is Coming to the 5th Ward
As your Councilman and as chair of the City’s Community Development Subcommittee, I’m excited that a new 5th Ward development at 11th and Willow will bring 36 units of senior affordable housing. This project will become Hoboken’s first 100% affordable senior housing project in 30 years.
I’m excited that a city surface parking lot will be transformed into 100% affordable housing for our seniors. This project has been a top priority for me and the Community Development subcommittee for the last four years. This development will provide forever housing for our seniors living on fixed incomes in the city they love.
The renaissance of this lot has special significance. In 1973, there was a tragic tenement fire here, leading to the loss of 11 lives. After years of planning and persistence, we will turn this space into a special community space. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
Thanks to Mayor Bhalla, Community Development Director Chris Brown, my Council colleagues, and the project’s not-for-profit developer, Community Investment Strategies, for their commitment to creating a fully-funded, affordable housing project in the 5th Ward.
♻️Hoboken Secures Over $1 Million for EV Chargers and Vehicles ♻️
As a supporter of Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan, I am pleased to share Hoboken has secured over $1.2 million in grants to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and to electrify the City’s municipal fleet. This grant will advance the city's Climate Action Plan goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero energy by 2030.
The City received $250,000 from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to install DC fast chargers at its new Department of Public Works facility, and a $1 million grant from the NJ DEP to fund public EV charging stations. You can learn more here and here.
$1 Million Federal Grant to Establish City Division of Urban Forestry
The City plans to establish a Division of Urban Forestry in 2025, supported by a $1 million grant from President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and the U.S. Dept of Agriculture. This grant will fund a 5-year urban forestry initiative to expand Hoboken's tree canopy, improve stormwater management, and combat climate change. The project includes planting 300 new and replacement trees, launching a green workforce program training local residents in tree maintenance, and educational programs at Hoboken schools. You can learn more about this green 🌳 initiative here.
Hudson County Caseworker Community Hours
Hudson County’s Department of Family Services and Reintegration, in partnership with the City of Hoboken, offers weekly office hours at the Multi-Service Center. Residents can visit the center every Monday from 9:30 am to 2 pm to receive assistance from County caseworkers on various social services.
This program will provide support for services including:
- Social services and case management
- SNAP benefits
- Temporary rental assistance
- Emergency housing
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Residents are encouraged to bring relevant paperwork and ID. No appointment is required. For assistance, residents can contact the City's social workers, Lori Hetzel and Bianca Hoffer, at (201) 420-2000, Ext. 1312 or Ext. 1314.
2026 World Cup Survey
An online survey has been launched to get your feedback for local events during the FIFA World Cup 2026, with matches taking place at MetLife Stadium. City officials and Assemblyman John Allen’s office recently met with the NY/NJ FIFA Host Committee to promote Hoboken as a key location for tournament festivities. The City is seeking resident feedback and your ideas on options like fan zones, cultural showcases, live screenings, and youth soccer clinics. Your input will help guide the planning of inclusive, family-friendly celebrations. Take the survey here before 6 pm on November 1st.
Coffee with Cohen … the home edition on Monday
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, or Instagram. 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 much-appreciated contribution to support my community efforts. Thanks so much!
