Councilman Cohen’s Newsletter: Celebrating the Expansion of Southwest Resiliency Park, Advancing the Hoboken Trust Act, Fixing Hoboken’s Cannabis Rules, Surveys, Events, and More

Dear Neighbors,

As summer comes to a close, here are your updates.

City Council Advances Hoboken Trust Act

This week, the City Council passed on first reading the Hoboken Trust Act, legislation (7-1, Councilman Presinzano opposed), that I co-sponsored with Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero. This ordinance codifies Hoboken’s long-standing policy as a Fair and Welcoming City, first established by Mayor Bhalla in 2018, and ensures that these protections will remain in place under future administrations.

The Trust Act prohibits using local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement, unless there is a valid judicial criminal warrant. It guarantees equal access to municipal services regardless of immigration status, prohibits bias-based profiling or abuse by municipal employees, and prevents the unnecessary collection of confidential personal information.

This ordinance reaffirms Hoboken’s values as a diverse and inclusive community that protects the rights, safety, and dignity of all who call our city home. The Trust Act also aligns with New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration matters.

Fixing Hoboken’s Cannabis Rules

This week, I proudly co-sponsored an ordinance amending Hoboken’s cannabis ordinance that reaffirms our city’s support for responsible, state-regulated dispensaries in our community — Blue Violets and Hoboken Village — that have operated without complaint for over a year on Washington Street, providing legal adult-use products to our community and providing new sources of revenues offsetting future tax increases for Hoboken taxpayers.

The ordinance clarifies that April 2022 amendments to the City’s cannabis ordinance do not strip approvals from dispensaries that had already submitted complete, successful applications to Hoboken’s Local Cannabis Review Board, following the rules then in effect. This step was necessary to protect small business owners like Max and Lauren Thompson of Blue Violets, who have been singled out for harassment and misguided litigation spearheaded by Council Member Tiffanie Fisher’s Council running-mate Liz Urtecho, despite Blue Violets’ lawfully operating its business as good neighbors since April 2024.

The ordinance cites Blue Violets’ recent, unanimous, victory in the NJ Appellate Division that concluded “the Legislature was concerned about situations in which a developer would spend time and money pursuing an application, only to have a municipality change the zoning to the developer’s detriment while the application was pending.”

Thanks to my Council colleagues for supporting my ordinance (5-3, Council Members Fisher, Presinzano and Doyle opposed), and thanks to Mayor Bhalla for his support. I will continue opposing fear-mongering and misinformation spread about our local businesses and remain focused on ensuring Hoboken remains a vibrant business community where responsible businesses can thrive.

Celebrating Southwest Resiliency Park Expansion

I have been a strong, consistent supporter of improving and expanding the Southwest Resiliency Park, which just celebrated a grand opening—doubling the park’s size and delivering both new recreation and flood protections.

The new park adds pickleball and basketball courts, a playground, swings, picnic areas, shaded seating, restrooms, a splash pad, and a social plaza. Critically, the SW Resiliency Park now can detain 460,000 gallons of stormwater, protecting one of Hoboken’s most flood-prone areas.

Funded entirely through grants and trust funds—with no impact on the municipal budget—this project shows what’s possible when all levels of government work together. Thanks to Mayor Bhalla and his Administration, for realizing this vision initiated by Mayor Zimmer, thanks to County Executive Craig Guy, and to the many residents who helped make this milestone a reality. Together, we’re building a greener, more resilient Hoboken. You can learn more here.

Hoboken and New Jersey Devils Launch Youth Ball Hockey Program

The City of Hoboken, in partnership with the New Jersey Devils, is launching a new Youth Ball Hockey Program starting this October at the recently renovated Johnny Ray McDonald Jr. Hockey Rink at the Multi-Service Center. Open to Hoboken youth ages 5–17, the program will teach the fundamentals of hockey and gameplay in a supportive, co-ed environment. Registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hoboken’s Recreation Division also plans to launch Ball and Roller Hockey Leagues for teens and adults later this year. Those interested can complete the general interest form to receive updates. For more information or to register, click here.

Take the Washington Street Bench Survey

The City of Hoboken, in partnership with the Hoboken Business Alliance, has launched an online survey to gather community input on new benches for Washington Street. Residents are invited to share their preferences on bench styles and suggest potential installation locations. Take the survey by Thursday, September 25th, at 7 pm and help shape future street furniture installations as part of the Hoboken Business Alliance’s Streetscape Plan.

Hoboken’s Fall Arts & Music Festival

Join your neighbors for the Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival on Sunday, September 28th from 11 am to 6 pm on Washington St, between Observer Highway and Seventh St. This event boasts over 300 artists, crafters, food vendors, and local businesses. Two Washington St stages host live musical performances with headliners Toronto-based band Dwayne Gretzky, between Newark St & Observer Hwy, as well as between 6th and 7th St. For details about the festival and the bands performing, click here.

Join Me for September Office Hours Tuesday at Mojo Coffee

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 23rd at 8 am to join me for September office hours at a great locally-owned and operated 5th Ward business, Mojo Coffee! Come share coffee ☕️ croissants 🥐 and conversation about the issues that matter to you.

What: September Office Hours with Councilman Phil Cohen

Where: Mojo Coffee, 801 Bloomfield St.

When: Tuesday, September 23rd 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.