Dear Neighbors,
It’s been quite a week. Here are your updates regarding the latest in our Mile Square City.
Water Main Rupture Updates
This has been a long and challenging week for Hoboken residents, including water service interruptions and a boil water advisory notice from Tuesday evening through yesterday morning. While thankfully the boil notice advisory has been LIFTED, residents are strongly advised to take the following steps:
- Run your faucets for 3-5 minutes to flush your service connection and interior plumbing with water from the service main.
- Empty and clean your automatic ice makers and water chillers.
- Drain and refill your hot water heater if the temperature is set below 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Service connections with a water softener/cartridge filter(s) should be run through a regeneration cycle or other procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
- Water reservoirs in tall buildings should be drained and refilled (as applicable).
People have asked me what the City will do to assess the causes of this emergency and hold responsible parties accountable. Now that the state of emergency is over, the city will turn to thoroughly investigating the circumstances of this break and take all appropriate actions to protect our interests. I will share with you the results of that investigation when it is complete and commit to you to work with Mayor Bhalla and the Administration to ensure that the City and its residents are properly compensated for these events.
Through the Windows Art Installation
As a trustee for the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), I am excited that the HBA and Main Street Pops once again will partner to showcase our local artists and our local businesses. Artwork created by local artists will be displayed from May 1st to mid-June in our vibrant local business community. Last year, over 75 local businesses showcased the works of over 50 artists.
Are you a local artist who would like to show your work? Click here to register. Are you a Hoboken business that wants art lovers to visit your store? Click here to sign up.
An Incredible Milestone for the Hoboken Shelter
Congratulations to the Hoboken Shelter, its leaders, its incredible volunteers, and to our community for supporting and sustaining this special not-for-profit organization for more than 40 years.
3 Million Meals Served — Just Amazing
Sinatra Drive Redesign
The City of Hoboken, along with Mayor Bhalla, announced the final concept design for the Sinatra Drive Redesign Project. This project will enhance access and safety along the City’s spectacular 0.7-mile waterfront corridor by integrating green infrastructure and Vision Zero upgrades.
After the December public planning session, I received feedback from residents of 1000 Hudson St. who were concerned about parking spaces lost to the neighborhood. So, I collaborated closely with Parking and Transportation Director Ryan Sharp and we worked to ensure that a revised, final design, would shift the protected bike lane onto the Union Dry Dock site, creating 66 parking spots including parking on both sides of the street, where previously, there was only parking along the Elysian Park side of Sinatra Drive. The revised design will improve parking for 5th Ward residents and visitors, and also provide a protected bike lane featuring two new rows of street trees flanking the bike path. To learn more about the project and see the final designs approved by the City Council last month, click here.
Improving Access to the Monarch Site
As a long-time supporter of connecting our waterfront and making it fully accessible to the public, I am pleased to see that construction has commenced on the former Monarch property. During this phase, the City will undertake short-term improvements during the two-month construction period, including the installation of a paver walkway to link the existing waterfront walkway, removal of the former fenced-in trash area, upgrading of site fencing, and removal of debris.
Weehawken Cove Restoration
The second phase of the Weehawken Cove restoration project has begun. With the long-awaited removal of abandoned sailboats complete, this phase will rejuvenate the cove's ecosystem and protect the area breached by the Hudson during Superstorm Sandy by natural means. These efforts include building a living shoreline to foster the growth of marine mollusks and filter feeders, fixing the 16th Street bulkhead, enhancing the surrounding waterfront walkway, installing new drainage, and upgrading existing lighting and seating.
Completing Phase 1 of Weehawken Cove’s Restoration
For more information on the Weehawken Cove project, click here. To learn about the weekly construction schedule for Weehawken Cove and the Monarch Site, click here.
What a season! 🏀 Congrats to the Redwings! 🏀
Congratulations to the Hoboken High School boys' varsity basketball team on a remarkable run this season. Last Friday, they won the semi-finals of the Group 2 Section 1 NJSIAA championships defeating Weehawken before a spirited, capacity home crowd, earning a trip to the State Sectional finals.
Hoboken’s Victorious Semi-Final Result
Monday evening, I supported the #2 seeded Redwings on the road in Newark at the Championship game against #1 seed Essex-Newark Tech. It was a heartbreaker decided in the final seconds. Congratulations to every player on a great season, as well as their families, coaches, Hoboken High School administration, and faculty.
Tipping off the Championship Game
Recycle Your ♻️ Reusable Bags ♻️and Support the Hoboken Food Pantry
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 74th Coffee with Cohen community event where I discussed the water main break, Hoboken High Basketball, Sinatra Drive Redesign, plans for the design of Maritime Park on the site of the Union Dry Dock property, and more. I also addressed questions regarding the water main break. Over 100 people have watched this event and you can check it out here. This event — and many past Coffee with Cohen events — are recorded and hosted on my Facebook page which you can watch here.
Staying Up To Date and Seeking My Assistance
I regularly 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.
