Dear Neighbors, Happy Pride 🏳️‍🌈!  As we head into summer I wanted to update you on what’s happening in Hoboken. Fighting for Fair Rents Last summer, I co-sponsored a resolution urging state legislators to ban landlords from using algorithmic systems that manipulate rent prices and availability—tools that contribute to rising housing costs that force tenants from their homes. But, Trenton has yet to act. Now, Mayor Bhalla and his administration’s support, I am co-sponsoring an ordinance prohibiting Hoboken landlords from using algorithmic rent-setting software to fix rental prices. This action comes in direct response to a lawsuit recently filed by the New Jersey Attorney General against RealPage and certain large property managers, including some that manage Hoboken rental properties. According to the lawsuit, RealPage software allows landlords to share sensitive non-public data to coordinate competitors’ rental pricing decisions, leading to artificially inflated rents, and fewer fairly priced apartments on the market. Our ordinance prohibits landlords from using software, algorithms, or data-sharing platforms to coordinate, recommend, or set rental prices or occupancy levels by using other lessors’ non-confidential data not freely available to the general public. If enacted, this law will serve as an important tool to help create a more fair and affordable housing market for Hoboken renters. Cracking Down on “Warehousing” to Free Up Rental Housing The Council also is considering an ordinance addressing the long-term vacancy of livable rental units—commonly known as “warehousing.” This practice keeps much-needed housing off the market and drives up rents by limiting housing supply. This ordinance would give Hoboken’s Division of Housing greater authority to enforce existing anti-warehousing rules. Currently, landlords can indefinitely delay City inspections by refusing access. This ordinance closes that loophole by making it a violation per unit, if a landlord denies the City access to a dwelling unit during a scheduled inspection.  Penalties include fines up to $500 per unit for a first offense, and fines ranging from $100 to $500 per unit for subsequent violations. Thanks to the Division of Housing and Mayor Bhalla for focusing on this issue at a time when additional housing inventory is in great demand in Hoboken. Congratulations to Mayor Bhalla and Katie Brennan on Winning the Democratic Primary for State Assembly In an historic Assembly election in the aftermath of a federal court’s abolishing the “County line” on New Jersey ballots, Hoboken and Jersey City voters had the unique experience of having a real choice on Primary Day. Voters opted for the independent slate to represent them, rejecting an endless stream of special interest-funded attack mailers leveled at Mayor Bhalla and housing advocate Katie Brennan. I proudly endorsed Ravi and Katie in this hotly contested race, and look forward to continue working with them in their new roles, serving the people of the 32nd Legislative District. Ravi and Katie Celebrating Tuesday Night ResilienCity Park Splash Pad Is Open for the Summer! With summer 🌞heat’s arrival, I am thrilled that ResilienCity Park’s splash pad re-opened Memorial Day weekend, just in time to cool off. I look forward to seeing families enjoy the City’s largest park and splash pad all summer, as we continue investing in safe, inclusive, and welcoming public spaces for all our residents. Hoboken Secures Over $2 Million in Grants for Parks and Resiliency Projects Hoboken has received $1.25 million from NJDEP’s Green Acres Program and is recommended for another $1 million from the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund to support major upgrades at three city parks. Tom Olivieri Park at 1225 Willow Ave will be fully renovated. Plans include a spray park, new lighting, landscaping, a restroom facility, and preserving the park’s mural featuring Tom Olivieri, an affordable housing advocate and community leader. I attended a public meeting at the Wallace School last week, reviewed proposed designs, and heard community feedback.  You can comment on proposed park designs here, and share your design feedback. Final design plans will be shared later this summer. 800 Monroe Resiliency Park will become Hoboken’s 4th resiliency park, managing up to 430,000 gallons of stormwater. This park’s design includes stormwater detention infrastructure, tennis courts, dog runs, shaded paths, and fitness areas. Maritime Park’s design has come together with community input, and includes a new skatepark with ramps, bowls, rails, and beginner features. Maritime Park’s 9-acre site will feature a flexible lawn, educational pier, natural play spaces, and stormwater management systems. This space along our world-class Hudson River waterfront will be a beautiful park that will connect the final piece of our public waterfront— a goal the City has sought for decades. Join Me for June Office Hours Tuesday June 24th at bwè kafe Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 24th at 8 am to join me for June office hours at a great locally-owned and operated 5th Ward business, bwè kafe! Come share coffee ☕️ croissants 🥐 and conversation about the issues that matter to you. What: June office hours with Councilman Phil Cohen  Where: bwè kafe, 1002 Washington St.  When: Tuesday, June 24th from 8 to 9:30 am Staying Up To Date I issue this newsletter every month. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, or X. 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. Paid for by Phil Cohen for Hoboken City Council

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