Bhalla talks climate change, affordability, & more in final Hoboken State of the City

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla discussed climate change, affordability, Vision Zero, public safety, and much more in his final State of the City Address as the Mile Square Theatre last night.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Hoboken Division of Housing Director Vanessa Falco, Chief of Administrative Services Daisy Amato, Office of Constituent Affairs Director Nora Martinez-Debenedetto, and City Engineer Olga Garcia introduced Bhalla, whose remarks lasted about 45 minutes.

“When I took office seven years ago, Rebuild by Design was in its infancy and struggling against pressures inside and outside of our city. Now, thanks to our advocacy, the State has invested another $100 million into RBD, and this major climate adaptation project will be the most consequential project of our lifetime, and set a national model for cities across America,” he stated.

“Once completed, this flood protection system will not only safeguard Hoboken against storm surge, but it will also provide community amenities at Harborside Park, including a playground, an amphitheater, gardens, and an open plaza as well as a sliding gate
that you’ll never see on ordinary, sunny days, but it will deploy when necessary to fully connect the ‘Resist’ feature across 15th Street, keeping the Hudson River from flooding our homes.”

Also touting the city’s resiliency parks and their collaborative efforts with the North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA), the new Youth Climate Action Fund, and Maritime Park at the former Union Dry Dock site, Bhalla also focused on affordable housing efforts.

“It’s more important than ever before for cities, like Hoboken, to do our part to address the growing housing crisis and our constitutional obligation to provide affordable housing,” he noted.

“That’s why my administration is asking the City Council to move forward on a historic project to create hundreds of units of workforce housing at the current site of Garage B, transforming an aging and costly garage into a mixed-use, transit-oriented property.”

He noted the project, which is expected to be up for second reading before the council next week, would be a mix of affordable and work force housing, which he called “one of the boldest affordable housing initiatives that we have introduced in recent memory.”

The Mile Square City mayor, who is seeking a state Assembly seat in the 32nd Legislative District instead of seeking re-election, also expressed satisfaction over a six-story building with 36 unites for senior approved by the zoning board in September.

Bhalla was also enthusiastic about the Hoboken Housing Authority redevelopment plan, which aims to rehabilitate 1,354 existing homes, the Vision Zero efforts that have prevented a traffic fatality for the past eight years, and public safety upgrades.

“Today, we began installing up to 30 A.I.-equipped cameras in Church Square Park, giving the Hoboken Police Department more tools to investigate and respond to incidents faster. And that’s just the start, more cameras will be installed in parks across the city to keep our parks safer,” he stated.

“But technology alone doesn’t cut it. While last year, we increased the Police Departments capacity by 10 officers, I recognize this is not enough. So tonight, I’m urging the City Council to approve the hiring of 20 new police officers so that Chief Aguiar can create a dedicated Community Policing Bureau and bring back on-street foot patrols.”

He also called the PD’s arrest rate “exceptional” and exclaimed that violent crime is down 14 percent before asking for a moment of silence for late Council President Jen Giattino.

” … Let’s keep pushing and dreaming of a Hoboken that is stronger, greener, safer, and more united than ever before. Because when Hoboken faces a challenge, we don’t turn away. We rise, we adapt, and we lead the way forward,” he concluded.

“Thank you, Hoboken, for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in our shared vision. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve you as your mayor. And while this is my last year as Mayor, my commitment to this city will never fade. Good night, and may Hoboken continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, one of five announced candidates for mayor, said in an email blast that she would double down on resiliency and public safety efforts if elected, as well as working hard to bring people together.

“I will build a Hoboken where small businesses not only survive but have the support to thrive, because they are the heart of our community. I will focus on ensuring that recreation programs are expanded so every child, every family, and every resident has the opportunity to enjoy the parks that are their backyards,” she wrote.

“I will continue to prioritize infrastructure investments to keep our streets safe, our water clean, and our city more resilient … I am energized to continue our progress but to push further, to be bolder, and to ensure that Hoboken works for everyone.”