Dear Neighbors,
Here are the latest summer updates:
Keeping Our Parklets Clean
Thanks to so many residents for sharing feedback regarding our efforts to control the rodent population, which I addressed in my last newsletter. While the updates to our garbage ordinance addressing residential trash do not go into effect until August 24th, many residents have already switched to garbage cans with secure fitted lids depriving rats of accessible food sources on garbage pickup nights, and already making a big difference. According to the city’s professionally contracted exterminator, the change to containerized garbage is the best thing that can be done in a city like Hoboken to address this important quality of life issue.
A number of you have shared concerns about outdoor dining establishments as another source of food for rodents. At next Wednesday’s Council meeting I will introduce amendments to Hoboken’s Municipal Code strengthening the current outdoor dining regulations and requiring more from Hoboken businesses that operate outdoor parklets.
The new requirements for outdoor dining establishments. including those with outdoor parklets include:
Daily Vigilance: Businesses will be expected to carry out daily inspections and regular cleaning of all outdoor dining areas, including sidewalks, curbs, and underneath parklets.
Regular Pest Control: Regular extermination inspections and treatment of outdoor dining areas will be required.
Structural Modifications: Outdoor dining structures may be required to be modified in order to facilitate City inspection and to deter pests from harboring at these locations, such as adding trap doors and mesh screening. These alterations will improve cleanliness and prevent rodents from occupying these structures.
And More: The proposed ordinance encompasses a range of measures designed to comprehensively address cleanliness and pest concerns. Restaurants that fail to maintain these standards risk losing their outdoor dining privileges.
The goal is to balance a special part of Hoboken’s business community and visitors’ and residents’ ability to enjoy dining al fresco with strengthened requirements to reduce Hoboken’s rodent population.
Tattoo Parlor Ordinance
Last month, I introduced ordinances that repeal Hoboken’s long-standing ban on new tattoo parlors operating in our City. My July 21 newsletter (you can read here) describes how Hoboken Body Art was a valued 5th Ward business for more than 20 years before closing its doors last January. I believe the City Council’s 1998 tattoo parlor ban is a relic from a time when tattoo parlors and their customers were stigmatized.
Wednesday night, the Tattoo Parlor ordinances that I introduced in July return to the Council for second and final reading. This legislation generally permits tattoo parlors to operate in Hoboken's commercial districts, ending the ban that had been in place since the 1990s, and updates our zoning code accordingly. Thanks to many of you who have reached out to me to express your support for this effort. You can learn about these ordinances here and read them here.
🚴♂️Community Biking News 🚴♀️
Supporting a Permanent Bike Lane on the 14th Street Viaduct
The 14th Street Viaduct serves as a vital link between Palisade Avenue and 19th Street for residents from Hoboken, Jersey City, and Union City and, as demonstrated by recent Viaduct construction that closed off a portion of the Viaduct, the Viaduct reasonably can accommodate a multi-modal protected bike path. I look forward to sending Hudson County a clear message that Hoboken wants to collaborate with the County and Union City and Jersey City to promote safe cycling commuting between our communities, and make this vision a reality.
Citi Bike Expansion
I'm pleased that our much loved and well-used Citi Bike program is expanding to even better serve our community. As a member of the Council’s Transportation Subcommittee, I have worked on introducing a brand-new docking station with 24 docks in the bustling Hoboken Terminal area, on River Street near First Street. This new docking station represents a 19 percent increase in the number of Citi Bikes available at our NJ Transit/PATH transportation hub. To learn more about the City’s Lyft bike share program click here.
A New Citi Bike Station at 1st and River!
Other 🚴♀️ New Bike 🚴♀️ Initiatives
- Last month, the City finished the enhancements of the Sinatra Drive protected bikeway between Newark and Fourth Street. You can check out a new anti-slip Endurablend surface, a lovely planted median, and 21 well-placed bicycle docks.
- The City installed a brand-new bicycle and pedestrian counter at Newark Street and Sinatra Drive to better track daily and annual totals of bicyclists and pedestrians in the area.
Check out the New Cyclist and Pedestrian Counter!
Importantly, the Sinatra Drive Redesign Project is on track for constructing a long-desired protected bike lane from Fourth Street to Maxwell Place Park along Sinatra Drive. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, which will significantly enhance and expand Hoboken's protected bicycle circuit for riders of all ages and abilities — one of my campaign pledges when I ran for office in 2019.
800 Monroe Resiliency Park Survey
As your Councilman, I proudly championed the Monarch litigation settlement that ended the threat of 11-story condos being built over the 15th Street piers and deeded to the City the 800 Monroe property as community space, instead of the then-planned 150+ condo Ironstate project.
Last week we had a major milestone to transform the 800 Monroe property when two preliminary concepts for what will become the city’s fourth resiliency park were presented at a community meeting. For those unable to attend, the City has created an online survey seeking your feedback.
Both designs — the Meandering Trails design and Linear Trails design — encompass a range of amenities such as tennis and pickleball courts, dog runs, experiential gardens, tiered seating, interactive water elements, passive lawn areas, and shade canopy structures. Both designs incorporate measures to mitigate sound, ensuring minimal disturbance to nearby residences caused by park activities like tennis and pickleball.
Your survey responses, as well as the feedback in the community meeting, will play a pivotal role in shaping the final park design, scheduled to be publicly unveiled this Fall. To participate in the online survey, click here. The survey remains open until 6 pm on Friday, September 1st. For more information about 800 Monroe Resiliency Park and to access the presentation on the two concept designs, please click here.
Hudson County Meeting Regarding Pickleball Under the Viaduct
Hudson County has scheduled a community meeting on Monday August 21st at 6 p.m. at 14th & Adams St. to discuss its draft plan to potentially activate space under the 14th Street Viaduct. I understand the County has proposed to install two portable pickleball courts with retractable fencing designed not to impact our community events under the viaduct such as the Uptown Farmer’s Market or our Artisan Markets.
Hudson County owns, operates and maintains the 14th Street Viaduct as well as the spaces below the Viaduct. Last week, the County’s contractors installed some temporary fencing for new lighting upgrades and installation under the viaduct which generated a lot of questions from neighboring businesses and residents. I encourage folks to come out Monday night if you have questions or concerns so they can be addressed by the County’s representatives.
New Hours for Sinatra Drive Summer Streets
Sinatra Drive Summer Streets’ hours have been updated, now running from 8 am to 4 pm (previously from 8 am to 8 pm) along the stretch between Fourth Street and 11th Street. Summer Streets will continue taking place on Sundays on August 20th, August 27th and concluding September 3rd.
The new hours were determined following a comprehensive two-day observational analysis by the Transportation and Parking Department and Public Safety Department, which determined that there was significantly more public usage of the closed street during morning and early afternoon hours. To learn more about Summer Streets in Hoboken, click here.
Coffee with Cohen
On Monday, I hosted my 84th Coffee with Cohen community event with a special guest from Hoboken Rainbow Family, an organization dedicated to increasing visibility and normalizing the presence and lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families in our community.
Thanks to Uncle Milton’s Cafe, a great locally-owned and operated 5th Ward business, for hosting my August office hours and thanks to the neighbors and friends who stopped for coffee, croissants, and lively conversations addressing pedestrian safety, pickleball under the Viaduct, planning a Pride 🏳️🌈March, and addressing hate speech in our community.
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.
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Paid for by Phil Cohen for Hoboken City Council |
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