Councilwoman Fisher Thanks Residents for Attending Community Meeting on Hoboken Railyard, Questions Mayor’s Absence

HOBOKEN, NJ — Last night, over 100 residents and the entire City Council attended a community meeting to share their feedback about the long discussed Hoboken Yard Redevelopment project. During the meeting, the project’s developer, LCOR, and other stakeholders presented residents with an overview of the plan and how it will affect Hoboken in the future. Conspicuously absent, however, was Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

Before presentations began, Council President Jen Giattino expressed she would not hold a vote on the project at tonight’s City Council meeting to allow for further review, but immediately after the meeting ended, the administration sent out a Nixle alert taking credit for the postponed vote.

During the meeting, neighbors raised a number of questions about traffic and parking, the environmental impacts of the building and the extent of future development. Brian Barry, of LCOR, presented their plan and gave important context to it. A representative from Maser Engineering gave some color on the traffic study they conducted, but failed to elaborate on exact findings.

“I am glad that Council President Jen Giattino’s plan to have the resolution tabled is what will happen. We said from the start that 24 hours would not be enough time to receive resident feedback on this important legislation that will affect existing Hoboken residents, business owners, and municipal services,” said Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher. “I think last night’s meeting was extremely constructive, because so many people with differing opinions came together, and we all came out a little more knowledgeable. I was disappointed Mayor Bhalla did not attend the meeting to hear directly from his constituents, but I am glad we did right by the residents of Hoboken in ensuring no decision will be made tonight. I am open to hosting another public forum before a vote takes place. I can promise to be there, and hope that Mayor Bhalla can make time to attend, as well.”

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