Dear Neighbor,
Here’s your update on the latest in the Mile Square City.
Big Progress on the Northwest Resiliency Park
I have worked on and championed Hoboken’s Rebuild by Design flood resiliency program for years. So, it is exciting to see the final vision of the Northwest Resiliency Park come into view. Not only will this park be the City’s largest park, but this effort includes subsurface infrastructure to retain up to 2 million gallons of stormwater runoff as well as a flood pump in a neighborhood that has experienced devastating flooding, as recommended by the Rebuild by Design project.
The Northwest Resiliency Park will be a game-changer — designed with active and passive recreational spaces incorporating our community feedback, that will enhance the quality of life for residents of the 5th Ward, and be enjoyed by Hobokenites for generations. Last week, the multi-purpose field’s turf was installed and the field is expected to open to the public this Spring. The rest of the park will open this Summer, and I can’t wait for the ribbon-cutting ceremony!
The New Northwest Resiliency Park Field is Looking Good!
Celebrating 3 Million Meals Served at the Hoboken Shelter
My family have been long-time supporters and volunteers at the Hoboken Shelter where my wife has served on the Shelter Board for over a decade. So, on March 10th, I joined Rebecca and many leaders, supporters, and volunteers of the Hoboken Shelter for a special celebration when the Shelter served its 3 millionth meal to a Shelter guest. Since its founding in 1982, the Hoboken Shelter has helped hundreds of thousands of people who sought food, shelter, and support services.
Congratulations to Executive Director Jaclyn Cherubini, past and present staff, volunteers, board members and supporters who made this incredible milestone possible.
Celebrating 3 Million Meals Served at the Hoboken Shelter!
Hoboken’s FY2023 Budget Workshops
At our Wednesday Council meeting, the Council voted to accept the introduction of the Administration’s proposed 2023 municipal budget, which focuses on critical infrastructure investments, Vision Zero safety upgrades, and quality-of-life improvements. The budget includes millions of dollars in investments in upgrading Hoboken's infrastructure, including replacing aging water mains, installing water pressure and leak detection sensors, and constructing new parks and electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the budget allocates resources to expand social services, support those in need of housing, and enhance recreation programs.
The proposed budget includes a municipal tax increase of approximately 7 percent, (or a $13/month increase for an assessed $526,800 home) however, the City Council is hosting budget hearings in an effort to better understand the revenues and expenses for this fiscal year and seek to identify potential savings before finalizing the budget this Spring.
The Council’s Finance subcommittee has scheduled nine budget workshops over three days, via Zoom. Yesterday, the first workshop featured four presentations (the Administration, Corporation Counsel, City Clerk, and Community Development). The remaining workshops are:
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Public Safety – 6:00 pm
Health & Human Services – 7:00 pm
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Transportation & Parking – 6:00 pm
Environmental Services –
6:30 pm
Water Utility – 7:15 pm
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A copy of the City’s introduced budget is available here. For more information on the budget process and links to watch departments’ presentations, click here.
CAPS Public Safety Meeting Next Week
Chief Aguiar at a CAPS meeting at Johnny Pepperoni’s last year
Multi-Service Center Survey
On March 9th, I participated in the first community planning session for the revitalization of the Multi-Service Center. Participants heard from Mayor Bhalla and design professionals about the present use and future options for the 124 Grand Street site. Attendees identified features they most would like to see included at a revitalized Multi-Service Center. If you were unable to attend, you can provide your input through an online survey set to end March 24th at 6 pm.
Some Folks’ Ranked Priorities for the Multi-Service Center
The two-story Multi-Service Center presently functions as a resource for seniors, recreation, City department offices, non-profits, such as the Hoboken Family Planning Clinic, and a branch of the Hoboken Library.
Art in the Park Registration is Open
If you have kids aged 1 to 4, sign them up for the City's Art in the Park program, a five-week creative arts program for children. My daughters loved this Hoboken gem when they were little, and your little ones can enjoy it too!
A 2002 Hoboken Reporter story shows my (now 23-year-old) daughter enjoying Art in the Park with a friend
The program in Elysian Park starts June 20 and runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Wednesdays at Stevens Park with fun activities such as crafts, story time, music, and sing-alongs. Each class lasts for 45 minutes, and participants attend five classes for $45. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register here or contact Geri Fallo (gfallo@hobokennj.gov) for more information.
Register for Hoboken Bike Camp
This summer, Hoboken residents can participate in the Hoboken Bike Camp, a partnership between the City of Hoboken, the Hoboken Family Alliance, the Hoboken Public School District, and ICan Bike. The program teaches people with disabilities how to ride a two-wheel bike, offering five days of 75-minute sessions starting June 26. The camp is free for Hoboken residents. To register, click here.
COVID Vaccinations and Vaccination Records
To get current information on Hoboken’s COVID vaccination clinics click here. If you are a Hoboken resident and would like a copy of your vaccination record, please contact LMedeiros@hobokennj.gov. Vaccination records are also accessible for all New Jersey residents through the Docket app.
Coffee with Cohen
On Tuesday, I hosted my 75th Coffee with Cohen community event at bwé kafe, a terrific locally-owned and operated 5th Ward coffee shop.
Thanks to bwé kafe for hosting my 5th Ward office hours this month and thanks to the neighbors who stopped for lively conversation and questions about the New York Waterway lease, helicopter noise, parking, public safety, and more over coffee and pastries before starting their work day.
Ready for my 75th Coffee with Cohen event!
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 concerns, or if 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.
