Dear Neighbor,
As we thaw out from an icy ❄️ stretch, here are your latest updates.
Hoboken Housing Authority Redevelopment Plan
For many years, the goal of rehabilitating and upgrading the Housing Authority (HHA) has been elusive, and a controversial subject. That’s why I am so pleased that the Hoboken City Council recently unanimously approved an ambitious plan to revitalize and restore the HHA’s housing infrastructure without displacing its current residents.
The HHA’s plan has been broadly embraced by Mayor Bhalla and his Administration, the leadership of the HHA, the residents of the Housing Authority, and the City Council. The plan calls for newly constructed or totally renovated, modern, efficient housing, replacing 1,354 units. This comprehensive plan integrates upgrading the area's stormwater and sewer infrastructure to mitigate flooding, enhancing transportation and circulation access, establishing a Jackson Street commercial corridor, and introducing community features such as recreation spaces and a Marshall Street resiliency park.
With a phased approach, spanning at least the next decade, the HHA will manage the construction of new buildings, starting on empty lots, so 2,500 HHA residents can efficiently move into new homes, minimizing the residents’ temporary disruptions. After ensuring no displacement of existing families, new additional units will also be built on the HHA campus for additional residents. 15 percent of these units will be affordable units, and 10 percent will be workforce housing units, catering to households with incomes ranging from 80 percent to 120 percent of the Area Median Income.
For additional details on the Hoboken Housing Authority Redevelopment Plan Project, click here.
Fox Hill Holiday Party
During the Holidays, I celebrated a special Christmas dinner on the Housing Authority campus at Fox Hill Gardens where we shared a festive meal. For a special treat, we enjoyed a live performance from Danny Matos y La Zaborinquen that I was proud to sponsor — 💃 and had lots of fun dancing together 💃. You can hear the sounds of Danny Matos and his salsa band, and see the fun dancing here.
New ♻️ EV 🚙 Charging 🚗 Stations ♻️
I continue advocating for new and convenient EV chargers in our neighborhoods. So, I am pleased to share that two new level 2 EV charging stations in the 5th Ward are up and running at 13th & Adams and on 12th Street between Adams & Jefferson next to ResilienCity Park — making EV ownership easier and our community greener and more sustainable. Even better, you can charge your EV at these locations until April 30th, 2024, with a $0 charging fee!
For more information on how to charge your vehicle at Hoboken’s public EV charging stations, and the locations of Hoboken’s public EV charging stations, click here.
Hoboken Pride 🏳️🌈Advisory Committee
As a long-standing supporter and ally of our LGBTQIA community, I am delighted that Mayor Bhalla issued an executive order creating the Hoboken Pride Advisory Committee. The Hoboken Pride Advisory Committee is dedicated to increasing awareness of LGBTQIA+ community issues, cultivating a culture of acceptance, bolstering the pride community within the City, and advocating for inclusivity for all individuals.
The committee will include a City Council representative appointed by the Mayor, two Council appointees, a municipal employee, two Hoboken business owners, two Mayoral appointees, a Public Safety Department appointee, an educational appointee, an appointee from the local faith community, and the City’s LGBTQIA+ liaison. Would you like to serve on the Pride Advisory Committee? Hoboken residents can apply here.
Standing Up for Essential Workers
Last month, I stood alongside 32BJ-SEIU and its NJ Director Kevin Brown at two important events — on the podium at 32BJ’s Strike Rally in Newark, with thousands of 32BJ members in attendance; and in Jersey City alongside New Jersey Commercial Cleaners while their leaders conducted high stakes negotiations seeking a fair agreement for equitable wages, comprehensive healthcare, strengthened pension plans, and more.
I am happy to report that the strike was averted when 32BJ-SEIU successfully reached a tentative agreement benefiting over 10,000 commercial cleaners, including those who work here in Hoboken. The agreement includes substantial wage increases, the extension of paid time off to include Juneteenth, broadening pension coverage, and safeguarding all existing benefits. Congratulations to the leadership and members of 32BJ-SEIU for securing a remarkable agreement commensurate with the value of our essential workers.
Coffee with Cohen … the home edition
For my January Coffee with Cohen . . . the home edition I welcomed special guest, newly-elected Hoboken Council President Jen Giattino. We discussed her goals and aspirations as Council President for 2024, her favorite new businesses in the 6th Ward, projects and initiatives she's excited about for the 6th Ward, and I also shared many community updates. Over 100 people have watched this event and you can see it here.
Staying Up To Date and Seeking My Assistance
I issue this newsletter every other Friday. 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. 
