Leading up to last weekend’s construction project, we anticipated some challenges with traffic. Despite the best efforts of the Hoboken Police Department, what occurred was unacceptable and spoke to how unprepared other stakeholders were in implementing their traffic control procedures.
As I stated on Monday, I gave Suez Water until 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning to present to me a new plan that would prevent the traffic problems that occurred last weekend, including credible assurances that other jurisdictions would perform their duties in directing traffic.
The plan they presented me with this morning was unacceptable and left me with no confidence that preparations are in place for a responsible traffic control plan this weekend, leading up to the Independence Day holiday.
Accordingly, I have directed that this project be shut down, effective immediately and until further notice. Because of this decision, the exit from and entry to Hoboken from Jersey Avenue will be now open over the weekend, and residents will have all exit and entry roads in the southwest area of Hoboken available for their use this holiday weekend.
My first priority as Mayor is to the safety and well-being of the residents of Hoboken. Until Suez can credibly establish that they are taking our concerns seriously, this project will be placed on hold. Due to the nature of this project, the delays caused will have no negative impact on Hoboken’s water service.
