Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is calling for a new eminent domain process to acquire the Union Dry Dock property, where New York Waterway is aiming to host their ferry refueling and maintenance station.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Unfortunately, months have gone by without any movement on a compromise solution that would prevent a heavy refueling station at Union Dry Dock,” Bhalla said in a statement.
“At the same time, New York Waterway has broken a promise to hold back while negotiations continue, by putting forward meritless lawsuit against the City in an effort to immediately start building a heavy refueling station.
To this end, I believe that it is time to once again begin eminent domain proceedings. This morning, the city appraiser was granted access to Union Dry Dock to come up with an updated appraisal of the property. This is a necessary and required first step to bring back eminent domain proceedings before the City Council to directly acquire the land.”
Back in November 2017, the city council approved a measure to use eminent domain to acquire Union Dry Dock, though that was rescinded the following April.
The city had previously offered to purchase the property for $11.6 million and released an engineering study that pegged the Lackawanna Terminal as an alternative site for NY Waterway.
Pat Smith, a spokesman for NY Waterway, showed optimism that they would still acquire the waterfront property in the 2nd Ward even if eminent domain proceedings move forward.
“We have dealt with this issue before and remain confident that New Jersey’s leaders will
continue to recognize the critical role Union Dry Dock plays in assuring NY Waterway
will be able to provide essential commuting and emergency service,” he said.
Activists and groups, including the Fund for a Better Waterfront, have called on Gov. Phil Murphy (D) to step in and preserve the property for the Mile Square City, but thus far he has not publicly weighed in on the issue.
Bhalla expressed frustration over this fact, noting that a lack of cooperation in Trenton has left the city little choice but to again execute eminent domain.
“Negotiations are a two-way street, and my administration has gone above and beyond to accommodate the requests of the Governor’s office. However, given the lack of progress, we must protect the interests of the City of Hoboken,” Bhalla stated.
“Now is the time to once again begin eminent domain proceedings so we don’t lose the opportunity to transform Union Dry Dock into a public, waterfront park for good.”
Additionally, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher said she supports the mayor’s decision.
“This is make or break for Hoboken’s waterfront. I don’t envy Mayor Bhalla’s position on UDD and Monarch, but am very thankful and happy to stand with him as he continues to fight for us on both,” she said.
Wasn’t going to work out last time and it won’t this time. So this is political grandstanding with no positive result. NY Waterway has a right to do business. Hoboken has the right to work with them to mutual benefit.
Maybe so, but at least the mayor will get to hand out lots more contracts (our tax dollars buying and repaying favors)
If the contracts go to Lime users, that’s more work for the Lime Maids!
Who cares at this point? Let’s just stop the fueling station.
Not a fan of the guy but this needs a 9-0 approval!
You need to put your white privilege in check. Mayor Bhalla can do whatever he likes and if it works out great and if it doesn’t you’ll only complain because you’re a racist. If you respond to me, be sure to do so by addressing me properly by name and title. So let it be written; so let it be done.
You are not helping Fisher, Giattino or Cunningham with this sort of crap.
Mr Horse Poo.
Don’t be a Nancy….
A childish jerk like you doesn’t belong on the NHSA.
Oh that one is funny!
Everyone is Tony…. just like LB thought…
Roman, get help before you lose every last friend and supporter you had!
The City council and the town votes for him by huge majorities every time- he answers everyone’s complaints faster than the others
You have falsely addressed me although both you and your white privilege were appropriately warned. Your racist reign on the NHSA will end along with your $5,000 stipend. So let it be written, so let it Bhalla done.
Who’s facing a court date in Hoboken? Only person I know is she who can’t be named as mucho whining will commence and cause consternation on the Ravi Bhalla paid political operative payroll.
Identify everyone else but pretend you are a mysterious stranger.
Shut up Horse.
If you think he’s a racist why do you stay on his blog? Racism must not be that important to you.
Sounds like Tiffanie Fisher “declared war on Phil Murphy†too. Guess that wasn’t part of the desired narrative on the I Hate Bhalla blog.
Maybe Ravi Bhalla can use all the city attorney money he’ll waste on this for nothing on something more useless like on his paid political operative’s legal fees.
The only ones getting PAID are one broken-down, disheveled Juice Boy dragging 40lb scooters one by one up his building stairs into his rental dump, and one nasty, two-faced, gossip-lovin’, rumor-spreadin’ Skyline rodent who’d better answer the doorbell when the process server comes a-callin’… Ding dong! Ding dong! 😂😂😂😂😂
The only dumpster diving is by Ravi Bhalla’s paid political operative who is trying to cover up her trial. Why don’t you tell the truth about it finally?