Dear Neighbors,
Here are your summertime 🌞 community updates.
Confronting Antisemitism
Finally, thanks to the many members of our community – including many I have never met – who reached out to me to express their solidarity and support — standing against hate and standing up for the values of respect, diversity, and generosity of spirit that make Hoboken the special community we call home.
Tattoo Parlor Ordinance
“We were one of the first to challenge the preconceived stigmas attached to this art form and remained the oldest in the county and among the oldest in the state. Hopefully, that will be remembered after our absence.”
After seeing many tributes to Hoboken Body Art, I learned that in 1998 the City Council banned new tattoo parlors from opening, but “grandfathered” existing establishments — like Hoboken Body Art. The Council’s 1998 tattoo parlor ban reflects an era when both tattoo parlors and their customers were stigmatized.
As a Trustee on the Hoboken Business Alliance, and recognizing that Hoboken Body Art operated as a good neighbor for many years next to Anthony David’s Restaurant — one of the fine dining establishments in our City — I worked with the Corporation Counsel’s office and drafted two ordinances allowing tattoo parlors to operate. These ordinances, which last week passed unanimously on introduction, return for a final vote on August 23rd. The legislation allows tattoo shops to operate in Hoboken’s commercial districts if they meet all applicable State tattoo parlor regulations. I welcome your thoughts and encourage folks to participate at the Council’s August 23rd meeting.
New Municipal Bike Racks Installed Near Trader Joe’s
So, dust off your bikes, grab a shopping bag, and pedal over to this popular 5th Ward market, knowing your bike will be securely parked while you shop!
Three Important Community Surveys:
Maritime Park Survey
The planners and landscape architects that I and my Council colleagues approved retaining earlier this year have prepared three draft concepts incorporating a blend of civic, ecological, and recreational elements, offering a vision for our long-awaited access to this approximately 8-acre piece of Hoboken's waterfront — property that has been inaccessible for decades.
The first concept, "Civic Pier," aligns the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway along Frank Sinatra Drive. It aims to create a vibrant waterfront destination centered around community gatherings and immersive river experiences.
The Civic Pier Plan
The second concept, "Habitat Terraces," integrates the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway through the heart of the park. It will provide opportunities for public enjoyment and education while embracing native ecologies.
The Habitat Terraces Plan
The third concept, "Waterfront Promenade," places the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway along the water's edge. The concept redefines and celebrates the water's edge, fostering immersive and active recreational programs.
The Waterfront Promenade Plan
916 Garden Parking Garage Survey
My family is and has been a tenant of the automated 916 Garden Parking Garage since the garage first opened, over 20 years ago. Due to aging technology and outdated internal infrastructure, the garage has reached the end of its mechanical life.
As a member of the City’s Transportation and Parking Committee, I have been actively involved with creating an online public survey designed to collect community feedback on the garage site’s future. Feedback obtained from the online survey will play a crucial role in informing the City's decision-making process regarding the future of this City property. Options include:
- Retrofitting the software and mechanicals to maintain a garage on-site;
- Considering alternative community uses for the site;
- Selling some of, or all, the property; or
- A combination of the above options.
To participate in the survey and provide your input, please click here. The survey closes at 12 pm today. A separate survey will issue to the tenants of the 916 Garden Street garage to further gauge their feedback.
Church Square Park Survey
Church Square Park is due for a makeover! The City recently initiated an online survey to gather community feedback on two draft concept designs for the Church Square Park Vision Plan.
The first concept, "The Oval," proposes a reimagining of the park by relocating active elements to the park's perimeter while restoring the historic oval as a tranquil space for leisurely walks, gatherings, and relaxation.
“The Oval”
The second concept, titled "The Central Spine," envisions a division of active and passive areas along the park's historic spine.
“The Central Spine”
The final park design will be implemented gradually over the upcoming years as park repairs and upgrades are planned or required. To participate in the survey, click here. The survey is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm on July 28. For additional information about the Church Square Park Vision Plan, 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 also are accessible for New Jersey residents through the Docket app.
Coffee with Cohen … the home edition
I hosted my 83rd Coffee with Cohen community event on Monday featuring special guest John Allen, Candidate for NJ State Assembly representing the 32nd District.
More than 70 people have already watched this event, which you can watch here. This event, and many past Coffee with Cohen events — are recorded and hosted on my Facebook page and you can watch them here.
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 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.
