Five unions, two from the Hoboken police and three from labor, have come out in support of the city’s Garage B proposal ahead of tonight’s council vote.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The PBA and PSOA strongly support the Garage B workforce housing project, as it provides a vital opportunity for officers, teachers, firefighters, and other public servants to afford to live in Hoboken,” Hoboken PBA President Andrew Perez and PSOA President Lt. Jonathan Mecka said in a statement.
“The reality is that it’s becoming increasingly expensive to live and work here. With luxury developments dominating the region, we should jump at this opportunity to create a project dedicated to workforce housing with 20% affordable units.”
They also called on the council to address “the urgent need” for a new police headquarters in the near future.
While the second reading of the ordinance is expected to pass at this evening’s meeting, the vote has gone under a microscope since the Hoboken Planning Board rejected the proposal during a consistency review on Monday, as HCV first reported.
The governing body voted 7-1 against the plan, deciding it was too tall for the neighborhood at 25 or more stories and therefore making it inconsistent with the Master Plan.
Under the proposed redevelopment plan, a developer would replace Garage B, a 40-year-old facility, with a municipal parking garage, along with new ground-floor retail spaces and a mix of workforce and affordable housing.
“32BJ SEIU proudly supports the Garage B Redevelopment Plan, which will create good, family-sustaining jobs and provide much-needed affordable housing for Hoboken residents,” added 32BJ SEIU NJ State Director and Vice President Ana Maria Hill.
“This plan is a significant step toward ensuring that working families can continue to live and thrive in our city. We encourage the City Council to seize this opportunity to invest in our community’s future by approving the redevelopment plan and supporting Union labor and equitable growth for all.”
Pending the council’s approval, the city would then issue a request for proposals (RFP) to qualified developers for concept plans that align with the redevelopment plan, and a public process would be held before a redevelopment agreement is finalized with the developer.
The first reading of the measure was approved on March 3rd by a vote of 5-3, with Council President Jim Doyle, 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano, and 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher voting no.
Fisher, a candidate for mayor, has since explained why she will vote no again, while 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos, another mayoral hopeful, has detailed why he will vote in the affirmative a second time.
“The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters supports the City of Hoboken Redevelopment Plan, which prioritizes good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs while addressing the need for affordable housing,” noted Eastern Atlantic States Council of Carpenters Executive Secretary-Treasurer William C. Sproule.
“This project ensures that experienced union tradespeople will build safe, high-quality housing that meets the needs of the community. We applaud the dedication to moving this plan forward and encourage the City Council to approve it, securing a stronger future for Hoboken.”
The residential component of the proposed redevelopment would include a minimum of 20 percent affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.
The remaining residential units would be designated as workforce housing for households earning no more than 120 percent of the regional median household income.
“Hardworking men and women like those we represent at Local 825 and so many others, such as teachers and police, deserve to live, not just work, in great places like Hoboken, with all of the amenities the community has to offer,” noted Operating Engineers Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee.
“Projects like this are an innovative solution to addressing affordability.”
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla touted the project during his final State of the City address last week and reiterated his support today.
“We are in a housing crisis in Hoboken. We need bold action and leadership – now. The Garage B Redevelopment Plan represents a historical step in addressing the shortage of affordable housing in Hoboken.”
The Hoboken council convenes this evening at City Hall, 94 Washington St., at 7 p.m. and the public session will also stream live on YouTube.
The Bhalla motto: “let’s build what the developers and unions want! They give me endorsements and campaign cash! Who gives a crap about Hoboken residents. They are clueless idiots who will vote for me anyway after I send them mailers (paid for by unions and developers) taking credit for Dawn Zimmer’s work! At least that’s what Vijay told me and he’s so smart that he’s the only person I listen to.
How convenient. The police unions that support just got a ridiculous never been heard of contract from the mayor approved that will cost the city millions in the next 8 years. Developer kick backs on his way out. Smells dirty to me.
Spot on…That note was an embarrassing attempt to force a yes vote. Never once did Bhalla ask, talk to, or mention that the folks in Hoboken are fed up with the over development and no one wants another poorly planned 25 story monstrosity (feed the developers!). Vote no on this and vote no on Bhalla.
Hoboken residents: “We need more cops! give them money and AI cameras! we’re scared of poor people!”
Also Hoboken residents: “ew housing for cops and firefighters, gross, there are too many people here”