Dear Neighbors,
With summer in full swing 🏖️ here are your monthly updates.
Landmark Legislation Bans Rent Price-Fixing Algorithms
Last week, the Council took a bold step protecting renters passing a landmark ordinance banning anti-competitive practices involving rent-setting algorithms. This law that I introduced, championed by Mayor Bhalla, targets the unfair use of technology by landlords to manipulate rents and reduce housing affordability.
The ordinance prohibits landlords from using software, algorithms, or data-sharing platforms that rely on non-public information from competing landlords to coordinate, recommend, or set rental prices, lease terms, or occupancy levels. It bans the use of any competitor landlord data that is not freely available to the public—including prices, occupancy levels, lease terms—from the prior 365 days. Violators may face fines of up to $2,000 and additional penalties, with enforcement powers granted to the Hoboken Division of Housing. The law also includes a private right of action, allowing any affected tenant to bring claims directly against landlords that violate the ordinance.
This law sends a clear message: Hoboken stands for fairness, transparency, and affordability in our housing market. I’m proud to have co-sponsored this ordinance with Councilman Quintero and will continue working to create and enforce tools supporting fair treatment for Hoboken’s renters. You can read the ordinance here.
Standing with The Jordan’s Tenants
For years, I’ve stood with and supported the tenants of The Jordan as they fight unfair and illegal practices by their landlord. Despite the binding ruling of the Hoboken Rent Leveling Board finding The Jordan subject to Hoboken’s rent control laws, The Jordan management is sending misleading and intimidating “balance notices” to tenants, calculating additional rents owed in addition to the monthly rents collected, as limited by Hoboken’s Rent Control Ordinance. These harassing “balance notices” routinely and falsely assert the right to claim tens of thousands of dollars in additional back rent.
This year, the City has issued multiple violations to The Jordan for its improper and unlawful practices. More violations may follow unless the landlord stops harassing and intimidating tenants. I call on The Jordan to immediately cease its deceptive practices, rescind its inflated and improper rent notices, and comply with its legal obligations.
Thanks to our Tenant Advocate for his continuing partnership protecting our renters, as well as Mayor Bhalla for his unwavering support holding these landlords accountable. I have supported adequately funding our Tenant Advocate and regularly work alongside the Tenant Advocate to address tenant issues large and small. You can read the Tenant Advocate’s recent correspondence to The Jordan here.
$1.5 Million in State and County Funding for Maritime Park
Hoboken has secured $1 million in New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget to support the development of Maritime Park. Assemblyman John Allen submitted this budget funding request, and I thank him for his successful advocacy. Also, Hudson County awarded Hoboken two $250,000 grants through the County’s Open Space Trust Fund. These funds, along with anticipated bonding through Hoboken’s Open Space Trust Fund and other grant opportunities, will help move this project forward.
Maritime Park will be an 8.7-acre park at the former Union Dry Dock site, transforming the former industrial waterfront site into a public space offering recreational, educational, and ecological features. Construction is expected to begin by the end of this year, and will truly mark a milestone in our multi-year advocacy to protect this treasured waterfront space.
Thanks to Assemblyman Allen, Governor Murphy, County Executive Craig Guy, the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, and Commissioner Anthony Romano for investing in Hoboken’s parks. You can learn more about Maritime Park here.
A Vision of the Future Maritime Park
Welcome Hudsonica Dispensary to the 5th Ward
Welcome to Hudsonica Dispensary at 15th & Grand! Hudsonica is Hoboken’s fourth cannabis dispensary, and the first to open in the 5th Ward. This milestone represents more than just a new business opening—it’s a step forward in diversifying our local economy, expanding access to safe and legal cannabis, and generating new sources of tax revenues for our city.
As an advocate for introducing legal, regulated cannabis products to our community, I’ve worked to ensure that we welcome responsible cannabis operators. Hudsonica is a family-owned dispensary offering premium flower, edibles, tinctures, vapes, and more. Whether you’re looking for expert advice or a quick, seamless experience, Hudsonica delivers with personalized service, self-serve kiosks, pre-orders, and local delivery options.
Stop by 15th and Grand and welcome Hudsonica to the neighborhood (you can also say hi to Frank Sinatra on the sales floor) and see why they call themselves “Your Bridge to Everything Cannabis.”
Say Hi to Frank at Hudsonica
Construction Begins on Hudson Place & Warrington Plaza
I’m excited that construction on long-awaited upgrades to Warrington Plaza has begun, and construction on Hudson Place will begin soon. These are major components of the Hoboken Connect redevelopment project— a public-private partnership between the City of Hoboken, NJ TRANSIT, and LCOR— to transform the area into a more accessible, flood-resilient, and welcoming public space at one of our city’s busiest gateways.
As the long-time Chair of the City Council’s Community Development Subcommittee, I proudly guided this project through years of planning and community input alongside the Bhalla administration. This project languished for many, many years, and I’m proud this administration and the Council got this effort across finish line. The final design includes:
- A fully revamped Warrington Plaza and Hudson Place (east of River St.)
- New bike infrastructure and raised pedestrian plaza
- Stormwater drainage upgrades to prevent flooding
- New lighting, planters, and seating areas
Construction on Hudson Place begins around July 20, and Hudson Place (east of River Street) will close to vehicles—though access to the Hoboken Terminal and PATH will remain open.
The larger Hoboken Connect project includes additional, historic benefits:
- A restored Ferry Terminal with retail and event space
- A new NJ TRANSIT Bus Terminal
- A 386-unit residential building with 20% affordable housing
- A 21-story office tower with LEED-certified sustainability features
I am excited to see this transformative project advance. You can learn more about this project here.
At the Hoboken Connect Groundbreaking Earlier this Year
Help Shape ResilienCity Park’s Future — Join the Friends of ResilienCity Park Committee
You can help shape the park’s future! With my encouragement and support, the City has launched a new Friends of ResilienCity Park Volunteer Committee. I encourage ResilienCity Park’s neighbors and those who love the park to get involved.
This initiative, led by the Hoboken Department of Parks, Recreation, and Public Works, is part of a broader expansion of Hoboken’s Friends of Parks program. The committee will play a key role in preserving and enhancing the park’s natural beauty, programming, and long-term value through community engagement, volunteer service, and philanthropy. Volunteer and leadership roles are available. Committee members will work directly with City staff to gather resident feedback, plan events, and ensure the park continues to thrive as a vibrant, inclusive public space. To apply or learn more, click here.
Staying Up To Date
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
(201) 639-4082
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 community service, please consider a contribution in support of my efforts.
