Dear Editor:
800 Jackson Street, the latest high-rise proposal at the Hoboken-Jersey City border has resulted in an outcry throughout our communities. A coalition of Hoboken and Jersey City groups has joined forces to oppose this project. The Mayor and City Council of Jersey City have voiced their opposition. The Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and State Senator Bernie Kenny have also weighed in against the project. Protesters picketed Hoboken City Hall on April 7 and on April 19 unveiled a 300-foot long (the length of the building) black shroud at the top of the Palisades, representing the potential loss of views. At its last meeting, the Hoboken Planning Board recommended that the project’s height be restricted to the height of the Palisades.
This public outcry over the development at 800 Jackson Street in Hoboken’s Northwest Redevelopment Area is due to myriad problems. This massive structure will rise two to five stories above the top of the Palisades, blocking spectacular views for a 300-foot length that have been enjoyed by all from Paterson Plank Road. The new 9th Street Light Rail stop will be hidden behind this building with its rear wall just 10 feet from the station platform, thus causing commuters to be sequestered unsafely between a three-story parking garage at the base of the building and the Palisades cliffs. The project also flies in the face of Hoboken’s new Master Plan which recommends that this land be preserved as public open space. While Hoboken’s professional planners worked hard to ensure a greenway along the edge of the Light Rail tracks, others at Hoboken City Hall were working behind closed doors to cut a deal offering up the land to the politically connected designated developer, Dean Geibel.
Hoboken Mayor David Roberts has responded to the concerns raised. He has stated that the project should not rise above the top of the Palisades and the recommendations of the new Master Plan must be considered. With the support of the Mayor, Hoboken City Council members Michael Cricco, Tony Soares, Carol Marsh, Michael Russo and Teresa Castellano were successful in tabling the amendments to the Northwest Redevelopment Plan that would enable this project at its April 21 meeting in a 5 to 4 vote.
While the tabling of the amendments was a positive first step, the amendments could return to the Council and the developer can still build a substantial building on the site without amendments to the Redevelopment Zone. We will all need to remain vigilant and make our voices heard at the Hoboken Council and Planning Board to ensure that this massive building at 800 Jackson is not approved.
It is not too late for the Palisades to be preserved as the remarkable natural resource that defines the western edge of Hoboken and serves as a majestic platform for Jersey City Heights and the many communities to the north.
The Fund for A Better Waterfront
Riverview Neighborhood Association
Hudson County Alliance
People for Open Government
Quality of Life Coalition
Residents for Responsible Development