The City of Hoboken began construction to make accessibility improvements at the former Monarch site today, which includes removing debris, upgrading fencing, and installing a paver walkway.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
During the estimated two-month construction period, the city will connect the paver walkway along the west side of the site with the existing waterfront walkway as well as removing the former fenced in trash area.
The city also plans to provide access to the Hudson River estuary at Weehawken Cove next to the site to allow for paddle sports and relocate the Harborside Park boathouse container to the former Monarch property.
“Hoboken is committed to upgrading our waterfront all the way from Pier A to Weehawken Cove, and I’m glad to share that these short-term improvements will further beautify our northern waterfront area,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“We are able to take on these improvements thanks to our historic acquisition of the Monarch property two years ago, a possibility that seemed remote a decade ago. I look forward to working with the community to further revitalize our waterfront at the Monarch site and other areas in the months and years to come.”
The city acquired the property, originally slated for two 11-story residential towers, for the purposes of public open space through a three-way land swap with Ironstate Development in November 2021 to end the Monarch project litigation.
That agreement also included the city’s acquisition of 800 Monroe St. for the purpose of a public park.
In regard to the monarch area is there going to be made access to fishing? I’ve fished that area since the early 70’s and also fished the 4 party boats which was the palace and the sea star! I lived in the yellow flats across from the YMCA in the good old days.
Thank you