Dear Editor:
In the April 2nd Jersey Journal, Ben Goldman, one of the at-large candidates on the WIN political ticket, complains that a Weehawken Council meeting focusing on the improvement of Park Avenue was held on the first night of Passover, making it impossible for him to attend. He asserts that holding the meeting that evening was an example of the current administration’s “divisiveness.” At the same time, he takes credit on behalf of WIN for spurring the administration to take action on improving Park Avenue.
While it is regrettable that the Council meeting was held that evening, I am certain it was an oversight and not an intentional effort to keep those celebrating Passover away. However, since the issue of attendance at public meetings has been brought up, I think it’s legitimate to ask Mr. Goldman where he or any of his WIN ticket-mates were the previous night, March 26th, when the Weehawken Planning Board approved Hartz Mountain’s extensive application for additional development at Lincoln Harbor. Frankly, it’s been very puzzling why Mr. Goldman, a leader of Friends of the Weehawken Waterfront, who appeared at virtually every Planning Board meeting concerning the Roseland/Port Imperial development, has been absent from recent meetings focusing on the Hartz application. One would hope that he has not abandoned the Waterfront in favor of another section of town, which is precisely what WIN has accused Mayor Turner of doing in reverse.
Also, where were members of the WIN ticket at what was arguably the most important Council meeting of the year, when Weehawken’s annual town budget was passed? Or for that matter, how many Council meetings have they attended, either before or after they formed the WIN ticket? To be fair, Council meetings are generally sparsely attended. But since they wish to become the new leaders of our town, shouldn’t we expect that they would be interested enough to attend and learn about the affairs of our town government?
Regarding Park Avenue, the notion that WIN was responsible for the administration focusing on it is patently absurd. For years, many groups and individuals in town have spoken of the need to improve Park Avenue. A step towards revitalization has begun with Weehawken’s most famous symbol, the landmarked Water Tower which has been undergoing restoration for over a year. Additionally, the town has been laying the groundwork to avail itself of the expertise of the Main Street New Jersey program in an attempt to create a more vibrant commercial area on Park Avenue. This effort began well over a year ago, at which time WIN could only have been a glimmer in Ben Goldman’s eye.
Let’s hope that, in the remaining month before the election, Mr. Goldman will reduce the rhetoric and focus on the issues at hand. The last thing we need or want in Weehawken is a nasty and “divisive” campaign.
Bruce Sherman