Hoboken Business Administration Jason Freeman wrote in a January 31st memo that “unfortunately, the fear of deportation acts as a significant deterrent” for licensing e-bike delivery drivers.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“First, we want to make it clear that we support efforts to curb activities, such as e-delivery bikes on sidewalks, that cause a pedestrian safety hazard to residents and visitors. However, we share reservations that prevent us from endorsing the current proposal despite its well-natured intention,” he wrote to 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano, as well as the Public Safety and Transportation and Parking Subcommittees.
“Our concerns are nuanced and warrant a more detailed discussion. After careful consideration, it is apparent that a considerable portion of our e-delivery driver community compromises undocumented individuals who are looking for work. Unfortunately, the fear of deportation acts as a significant deterrent, hindering these drivers from willingly entering a police station or municipal building, providing identification, or partaking in any mandatory tests.”
He also said the proposal “burdens law enforcement excessively,” as well as it is possible this could end up costing the city money in the long run.
On Friday, Presinzano, along with 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo and 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos, announced they were introducing local legislation to license e-bike delivery drivers, which includes city-issued fluorescent vests that have their registration number, as HCV first reported.
Additionally, licensing will require reviewing state and local laws pertaining to safely riding on Hoboken’s streets, taking a short quiz, and paying an annual $5 license fee, while a fine of $50 will be assessed if the ordinance is not followed.
Presinzano said today that while he did not meet with Freeman or his office directly, he had communicated with several other members of the administration, also pointing out this was a focal point of his campaign.
“Pedestrian safety was a huge part of my campaign and I pledged to introduced this very piece of legislation, so I don’t know how anyone in this administration can say this is a surprise,” he stated.
There is also a massive education and rollout period before June 2024 when it take effect, so there is ample time to adapt and make changes if needed. Additionally, the timing of this memo’s public release is certainly convenient: I hope the administration is not anti-pedestrian.”
In response, city spokeswoman Marilyn Baer said the lines of communication are still very much open.
“We appreciate Councilman Presinzano’s advocacy on this important topic, and the administration looks forward to working with the Council and relevant stakeholders to craft legislation that is effective at making a safer environment for pedestrians and e-bike delivery drivers.”
The Hoboken City Council convenes at City Hall, 94 Washington St., at 7 p.m. this evening, at the meeting will also stream live on their Facebook and YouTube pages.
Deport the illegal aliens. They are taking away jobs from Americans and especially hurting the minority community.
You know that’s crap, but carry on.
Why do you think laws should not apply to your “new voters?”
No illegal migrant is above the law.
Using the word “nuanced” in this context does not get the administration off the hook – are there any solutions coming from City Hall?
They’ll do what government always does. Don’t enforce the laws, wait until someone gets killed, and then act outraged.
It passed