An open letter to the Hoboken Planning Board:
Shortly the Hoboken Planning Board will rule on an application presented by Stevens Institute for an office building, athletic field, parking garage at Eighth and Hudson Streets. The Planning Board must be aware that its decision is a defining moment in the history of Hoboken. A time when the planning Board consisting of selfless, dedicated civic-minded citizens of Hoboken can serve as a bulwark against the onslaught of a powerful arrogant organization, whose past history is marked by a complete indifference to the concerns of its neighbors.
Stevens is governed only by its own concerns without regard to the effect it will have on the neighborhood. The current project for which Stevens is requesting approval is an egregious example of Stevens’ disregard for the rights of others and is motivated solely by its own self interest and its own aggrandizement. Stevens is requesting approval for a project which would dwarf the surrounding homes and destroy the century old ambiance of the area and debase the historical cultural character of the neighborhood.
In addition to the degrading of the neighborhood’s esthetic values it would create a myriad of problems of more pernicious nature.
There would be an increase of vehicular traffic with attendant congestion and pollution. There would be further burdening of sewage facilities, the disturbing effect of the high intensity lighting, and the foreboding effect of a building overshadowing its surroundings. All of these problems pale in light of the inherent complications related to the construction of a project of this magnitude and complexity.
The intrusion of heavy equipment, the rumbling of multi-ton trucks on the already overburdened congested streets, the deafening noise from pile drivers; heavily loaded dump trucks which can cause irreparable damage to our streets and homes.
I would ask what benefit would the people derive from this project? Increased availability of parking is an illusion. All the slots in the parking deck are allocated to Stevens and as clearly and correctly noted by Mr. John Carbone the Planning Board Counsel in the February 6th meeting there are no provisions to enforce any agreements that Stevens would make to ameliorate the problems caused by this project. A project which arguably can be deemed ill considered and ill conceived that will engender a loss of goodwill for Stevens Institute.
I firmly believe that a rejection of this application will send a clear message that the Planning Board places the interests of the ordinary citizens of Hoboken above entrenched powerful organizations. Rejection of this application is in the best interests of the City of Hoboken and morally in the interest of Stevens Institute.
Joseph Versaci