Dear Editor: As Mayor, I would like to take this opportunity to address concerns many residents have expressed regarding the proposed development of 1600 Park Avenue. During the past few years, several proposals have come before the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment suggesting various development configurations for this site. Originally, the developer wanted to build a 24-story, 270 foot high project with 351 units. Last year the developer scaled back his proposal. Now the proposal is 184 feet high at 18 stories with 344 units. While the developer has attempted, through an open forum, to inform the public of the project and amenities he is hoping to add, the proposal falls far short in one specific regard, namely, it would exceed the allowable height restrictions of Hoboken’s Zoning Code. The height restrictions and maximum densities of the Zoning code are in place to ensure that residents are protected from projects that would negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods with regard to the generation of additional traffic, air quality, noise and quality of life. Last year, my administration sponsored two ordinances to reduce density and the City Council wisely endorsed them. When the previous versions of this project were proposed last year, I publicly expressed my opposition several times. To date, I have not seen any benefit to changing my position. Along with Second Ward Councilman Richard Del Boccio who represents the ward in which the project would sit, and Councilman Michael Cricco, who represents the neighboring Fifth Ward uptown, I stand in opposition to this project, even in its current “scaled down” configuration. The zoning regulations allow an 8-story structure on this site. This should be the only type of project proposed. I see no reason for the Zoning Board to grant a height variance from the allowable height of 80 feet. Therefore, I hope that the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment takes into consideration the will of the public, as it usually does, and holds firm to the City code and density ordinances by rejecting the latest proposal for 1600 Park Avenue. Anthony Russo Mayor