Full Notification

Below is an update from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla regarding the Northwest Park and Union Dry Dock

Northwest Park
 
I’m pleased to report that on Wednesday, Hoboken moved forward with funding authorization to construct the City’s Northwest Resiliency Park, which will soon become the City’s largest park at five acres.  Thanks to the authorization from the Council, we are now able to move forward with the necessary steps to build our resiliency park, which will include active and passive amenities as well as above and below ground infrastructure to reduce flooding. I look forward to breaking ground on construction with our community later this year. 
 
Union Dry Dock
 
Thank you to the hundreds of residents who came out earlier this month to preserve Union Dry Dock property for a public park.  I appreciate the Fund for a Better Waterfront and all the participating community groups for standing unified on this critical issue.
 
On March 15, Senator Brian Stack, my staff and I met with Governor Phil Murphy’s administration and New York Waterway regarding Union Dry Dock. This resulted in a productive discussion where we were forthright with the Governor’s staff of the substantial environmental risks, among a host of other issues, should Union Dry Dock be turned into a refueling station.  As I’ve stated previously, placing this refueling facility in the middle of a residential neighborhood would be an environmental disaster and would jeopardize the health and safety of our residents and visitors.
 
I want to express my sincere thanks to the Governor for his team hearing our concerns loud and clear in person, and for facilitating the ongoing discussions, as well as Senator Stack for his strong support for our position. While a resolution on the matter has not yet been reached, I’m confident that a resolution will be reached that protects Hoboken’s environment and waterfront for the long term.
 
To be clear; on certain matters, the City of Hoboken is ready and willing to compromise. For example, the City will partner with New York Waterway to identify an appropriate location; the City will compromise in the form of a temporary lease pending the development of an alternate location if necessary; and the City will compromise in the form of purchasing the Union Dry Dock property for a fair price which will result in a cost savings of over $11 million to New Jersey Transit.
 
However, the City of Hoboken will not compromise the health and well-being of children and our families, and will not compromise on the detrimental impacts a refueling station would have on our waterfront. 
 
Finally, regarding potential activity on the actual Union Dry Dock property, New York Waterway has agreed to remove two ferry engines, two barges, pipes, and a vessel from the property.
 
I look forward to continuing the discussions with the Governor, and will keep you updated as our efforts progress.
 
Sincerely,
 
Ravi S. Bhalla