U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, Bob Menendez (both D-NJ), as well as U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8), are joining Hoboken officials in calling for the U.S. Army Corps to have a public hearing on the future of the Union Dry Dock.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We respectfully request that the U.S. Army Corps (Army Corps) hold a public hearing to collect additional information from residents and stakeholder on the proposed activity [Union Dry Dock],” the three federal lawmakers wrote in a joint letter to Army Corps Regulatory Branch Chief Stephan Ryba on May 25th.
“As you may know, the proposed activity has garnered significant public interest from our constituents, and we recognize that the Army Corps carefully considers all written comments submitted through the mail. We believe a public hearing will allow for comprehensive public record for the Army Corps to consider.”
As it stands now, New York Waterway wants to use the waterfront property as a ferry docking and refueling station, while most Hoboken residents want to see the piece of land converted into a waterfront park.
NY Waterway has previously said that they will have to vacate their Weehawken facility by Friday, June 1st.
In a tweet, Mayor Ravi Bhalla said thanked Booker, Menendez and Sires for their efforts in the matter.
“Thank you @SenatorMenendez @SenBooker @RepSires for supporting #Hoboken’s request for a public hearing from the @USACEHQ regarding the Union Dry Dock matter,” he wrote.
“The people of the @CityofHoboken deserve the opportunity to express their thoughts on this crucial matter.”
Earlier this month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers called for increased public input on the Union Dry Dock project.
History has clearly shown that NewYork Waterways and New Jersey Transit can not be trusted to act in anyone’s best interest other than their own. Sunlight works.