The Hoboken City Council will vote on whether or not to authorize the planning board to look into a redevelopment proposal that includes renovating the local hospital at Wednesday night’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Topology NJ LLC is pleased to provide this proposal for professional planning services for the deliverable of an Area in Need of Redevelopment Report without Condemnation per New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL),” a March 25th letter from Topology to Hoboken Community Development Director Chris Brown says.
” … We are excited for the opportunity to assist the City of Hoboken with continuing to advance the local planning objectives.”
The four addresses that could potentially be reviewed are 122 Clinton St., a CarePoint Health Neighborhood Health Center, 328 Clinton St., the MidTown Garage, 300 Willow Ave., which is the hospital portion of the Hoboken University Medical Center, and 307 Willow Ave. – a building directly across from the hospital.
The HUMC is technically still part of the CarePoint Health family, though it is expected to be part of Hudson Health System along with Christ Hospital in Jersey City and the Bayonne Medical Center, which would be run by the principles of Hudson Regional Hospital.
HRH received the certificate of need from the New Jersey Department of Health from the BMC last week as CarePoint is still in the midst of Chapter 11 bankruptcy to secure $67 million in financing, as HCV first reported.
Hoboken 3rd Ward Councilman Dr. Michael Russo, a mayoral candidate who is sponsoring the resolution, said the vision is to upgrade to a “premier medical city” without getting into specifics.
For years, I have been a steadfast advocate for Hoboken’s hospital, its dedicated workers, and the unions that represent them. Our hospital has been a critical safety net for our residents, ensuring that no one is left without quality healthcare,” he told HCV.
“But now, Hoboken has an incredible opportunity to go beyond just maintaining a hospital—we can ensure something truly transformative. As a medical professional, and a member of Hoboken’s Hospital Authority, I recognize the chance to create a state-of-the-art medical facility that exceeds the current hospital’s capabilities for our community. This is not just about upgrading infrastructure; it’s about elevating healthcare in Hoboken to a level unmatched anywhere else.”
Another mayoral candidate, 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos said he was committed to improving the hospital without showing his hand on how he would vote this week.
“It is no secret that our local hospital is in need of substantial upgrades and improved services,” he began.
“I look forward to exploring options to create a new and improved hospital that will be trusted by our residents and better serve our community, if the right opportunity presents itself. I look forward to continuing this process in the weeks and months ahead.”
Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, who is also running for mayor, echoed a sentiment that was similar to Russo’s and was clear she will be voting in the affirmative.
“Hoboken residents deserve high-quality health care that is accessible, affordable, and local; this project gives us an opportunity to provide that for our community. In addition to improving medical care in Hoboken, this redevelopment would also bring jobs to our city to support our local economy,” she declared.
“I’m looking forward to supporting a pathway for the city to have a state-of-the-art hospital that focuses on providing excellent care for Hoboken residents, who must be our primary concern as this project develops. For too long, Hoboken University Medical Center has failed to meet Hoboken’s needs, and redeveloping gives us an opportunity to change that.”
The fourth and final declared mayoral candidate on the council, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, said this is poor urban planning, highlighting that it will cause a multi-year disruption to 850 parking spaces and require significant upzoning for a luxury high rise.
“There are too many unanswered questions for this to move forward. And if we’re going to upzone in the heart of Hoboken, then at a minimum we should have an airtight commitment to build a new elementary school—I’ve already connected the developer with Superintendent Dr. Johnson to explore that,” she stated.
“And critically, if these hospitals are once again going to be run by a for-profit, we need binding guarantees they will stay in Hoboken and serve our community for the long haul.”
She is also the chair of the Hoboken University Medical Center board, stating that she spoke to Gov. Phil Murphy (D), County Executive Craig Craig, as well as state Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32) and Brian Stack (D-33) to step in and assure the hospital stays open when their future was less certain.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who is seeking a state Assembly seat in the 32nd Legislative District instead of seeking re-election – also a CarePoint board member – said he is in favor of the plan.
“Hoboken University Medical Center is an invaluable part of our community, but it’s time to build a hospital that can not only meet our needs but exceed them,” he noted.
“By prioritizing improvements with the tools available to us through redevelopment, we can create a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will ensure the health and well-being of our residents that our community deserves. At this point it’s critical for the council members and I to work together to take initial steps to move this process forward.”
Finally, 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano, like Fisher, said he did not like the administration’s approach on this one.
“Our hospital is vital to Hoboken’s well-being, and any decision about its future must be carefully considered. This isn’t about grand promises or fluffy headlines—it’s about addressing real concerns for our residents and hospital employees. We need to protect jobs, benefits, and the communities interests while ensuring the best outcome for Hoboken,” he declared.
“Why haven’t we asked the community for their input before moving forward? The bankruptcy proceedings are still unresolved—shouldn’t we wait for that to be settled? We have one chance to get this right. Let’s make sure every decision is thoroughly considered and in Hoboken’s best interest.”
If the planning board study is approved, they will decide if redevelopment is appropriate for the area, and if it is, council will then begin a public planning process for a redevelopment plan.
In a statement, HRH expressed confidence that they could work with all stakeholders to reach a common goal.
“In Hudson County, a critical misalignment occurred when the healthcare facilities were separated from property ownership, and in the bankruptcy process we re-connected property ownership with healthcare operations under a common ownership However, even within a status of mutual ownership/operation, at more than 100 years old, Hoboken University Medical Center has lost contemporary relevance,” they said.
“This is an opportunity to deliver high-performing healthcare for Hoboken and Hudson County residents. We look forward to working with the Administration, the relevant City Boards and Agencies, and the Council on vetting the stakeholders’ priorities and arriving at a workable and rewarding plan.”
The Hoboken City Council meets Wednesday at City Hall, 94 Washington St., at 7 p.m. and will also stream live on their YouTube page.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a statement from Hudson Regional Hospital.
Mikey says “Our hospital has been a critical safety net for our residents, ensuring that no one is left without quality healthcare.”
LOOOOOL! You can probably count on one hand the number of people who have received “quality healthcare” from HUMC. Although if they went to HUMC, they might be missing a finger or two. They’re also usually leave there missing tens of thousands of dollars in insanely overpriced medical expenses.
Remember the Russo Rule :
“You do for me, I do for you”
These guys have a lot of cash to “do”
If they get their hands on Hoboken’s hospital property they will have a lot more
The hospital serves people from outside Hoboken with non-insured residents amd illegal migrants. So it’s guaranteed to tun up big numbers in the red until the State of NJ cries uncle.
Russo was part of the Beth Mason gang who tried to see the hospital closed when the City of Hoboken was on the hook for $55 million in bond guarantees. Now he’s squawking how he saved the hospital. What a liar!
The reason Russo backs this is of course the big developer features so he can get $$$.
Same as Ramos and Little Emily. They don’t care about the devastating impact on Hoboken parking, traffic and congestion. Cheesy pols who will sell Hoboken out for a nickel.
The only adult here is Councilwoman Fisher who is considering the actual impact to Hoboken and its residents.
oh, looks like a troll from the Fisher camp is still attacking everyone who is pulling ahead of her
Another bunch of Nimby’s that don’t want anything in Hoboken they wouldn’t care less. If the hospital closed she will drag this process out for decades like she did with the monarch project so she could preserve her own view.
Her buddy Toni is on the board of that hospital and that hospital has gotten worse and worse
It’s a shame you’ve chosen to get so personal and nasty but then, that’s the Maga way. Rather than discuss the facts and issues you divert to insults and gossip.
It’s a shame but it’s what we’ve grown to expect of you people. Yawn.
$100 says you don’t live near the hospital and would not be affected on a daily basis by the construction etc etc.
Tony, I always admired your goaltending for the Blackhawks. Interesting comment, even though you died in 2021.
Question: why is it that you make reference to “Russo” and “Ramos”, but feel obligated to call Jabbor “Little Emily”? Why the need to be a condescending sexist?
I’m pleased to see the operatives come out into the sunlight and cry about their poor candidates selling Hoboken out to the big developer money. Think the other comment was about brainpower and critical thinking ability. Jabbour doesn’t exhibit much other than being another follower.
If you know Hoboken’s corruption history even a little you have to wonder about small minds who are so easily swayed by a Michael Russo of Russocorruption.com fame? How little Emily knows, got a council seat on a shady Ravi ticket and how then get so taken by him?
Back to you Big Developer shills and your purchased candidates.
Dude, I know reading can be difficult sometimes but my question was a simple one: Tony mentions “Russo” and “Ramos”, but for some reason (perhaps known to you, please share is so) feels the need to be a concesendingly sexist by referring to Jabbour as “Little Emily”. I don’t care who you support, that’s a d*ck move.
Also, don’t get all high and mighty with me. I’ve lived in Hoboken since 1987, have never worked for any campaign, and am 99% sure I know more about city politics than you. I also never have, nor will, vote for a Russo.
Did you know that Emily pushed for the school debacle spending and bragged it should be hidden from the public?
Or her condescending support for Ravi’s massive spending for personal gain and major tax increases?
Sounds like others know a lot more than you. Smarten up!
No, you don’t know more about Hoboken and Emily’s awful record. Others do! Cry about it.
Dearest Tony and Lou. I’ll go slow this time, perhaps it will be easier to follow.
Simple question: why refer to “Russo” and “Ramos”, but feel compelled to refer to Jabbour as “Little Emily”? That’s it. Her position on the issues has nothing to do with this question. Please, explain to us why that’s not condescendingly sexist.
We’ll wait.
Bobby, simple answer: “Tony” is an incel. Women- especially successful ones- make him insecure and uncomfortable.
Why support Fisher? Because she once tried to fundraise $10K for him, so there’s that debt of gratitude tho i know for a fact she personally dislikes him. Moreover, she is financially secure- attractive for a grifter like him who borrows money but never pays it back- including PPP loans.
Just imagine how Jabbour pisses him off, she’s a threat to his queen, and successful in life- with a loving husband and kids. His own solitary sexless existence sucks and that shames him. He is thus compelled to demean her. That, my friend, is why he must call Jabbour “Little.” I hope that answered your question.
FWIW, women vote in larger numbers than men, and will not appreciate condescending, sexist language directed at a female candidate. Any female candidate. All female candidates. Keep pointing it out tho!
Thanks so much for that explanation, @Here’s your answer, Bobby H. I don’t know who “Tony” is IRL but that makes a lot of sense. And damn straight that sexists will continue to be called out.
Can’t wait to see the redevelopment plans to tear down Russo Towers I mean Church Towers.
Those building looking old and shabby.
Clear out the old build new.
15 years ago, Mike Russo and his allies tried to destroy the Hospital and leave the City with at least a $56 million hit to taxpayers.
This was not bad judgment. It was an intentional strategy to hurt Hoboken because he and his cronies believed, probably correctly, that Mayor Zimmer would be blamed rather than Russo and his confederate Beth Mason.
The hospital has served the Hoboken community for the past 15 years very much despite the best efforts of Mike Russo and Beth Mason to intentionally destroy both the hospital and Hoboken’s finances.
It’s worth noting that saving the Hospital and eliminating the risk represented by the City’s $56 million guaranty was not only necessary for the health and welfare of Hoboken residents, especially it’s seniors, it was also a necessary pre-requisite of the City climbing out of junk bond status and eventually gaining the AA+ bond rating that Mayor Bhalla inherited.
The city has one interest here and one interest only – to ensure the survival and success of the hospital as a full service hospital providing high quality hospital services for the health needs of the residents of Hoboken – especially it’s seniors and other vulnerable communities.
Given Russo’s history, it’s hard not to be suspicious of the redevelopment process being introduced here. No one should forget that Mike Russo bragged to Solomon Dwek – the FBI confidential informant who was offering bribes to elected officials – that he (Mike Russo) would be in a position to use the Redevelopment Process to deliver favors to developers in exchange for campaign contributions.
The development designation is not a bad idea. It would give Hoboken flexibility that might help going forward to enable the the Hospital to survive and thrive for the long term.
But the devil is in the details. Given Mike Russo’s history, as well as Mayor Bhalla’s record of putting his political ambitions first and foremost,
caution is called for and nothing Mike or the Bhalla Administration says should be taken at face value.
Hoboken’s vital interests are at stake here and if past is prologue, neither Mike Russo nor Mayor Bhalla have Hoboken’s best interest as their primary motivation.
All true and no need to let history and Russo corruption repeat. Everyone associated with this attempted heist of a hospital developer deal is dishonest and inherently disqualified to be Hoboken mayor.