Dear Editor:
There has been some speculation lately about the Open Space Committee and the new park initiative. We thought it best if we came out of hiding (kidding) and expressed our thoughts for the record.
First, we thank the Mayor for taking the time to meet with us for those 10 weeks. It was a valuable learning experience. Although we were disappointed that we were unable to assist in the drafting of his plan, we remain optimistic that we had some impact. We are pleased that 1600 Park Ave. will now be designated as active space and understand that the City intends to purchase this land outright.
Although we did not see the plan before its public unveiling, some of our concerns appear to have been considered in the park initiative and some concerns have not: The Committee was set up to find ways to save the park areas listed in the (MP) Master Plan. When the conversation shifted to relocating portions of the 20 acres, our concern was and still is, will the City guarantee that any alternate sites would be firmly secured before the original park sites are built upon?
We believe that the original park sites in the MP were well chosen in that they were spread throughout the City. Trading acres for acres (and/or roof tops) may not accomplish this goal of serving all Hoboken neighborhoods.
Our major concerns with any redevelopment zone is ensuring that proper due diligence is done. With an accurate accounting of the value of the property, the value of the zoning considerations and a list of non-negotiable developer givebacks, the proposal could be sent to many developers for RFP (request for proposal.) The City would then be in a position to choose the best plan.
In past agreements, including Hoboken Cove where the City actually owns the land, deals were struck with developers limiting the type of activities that could occur in that park. The Committee was promised that we and other members of the public would have input in future agreements to negotiate the strongest deal possible for the citizens of Hoboken. The developers want to “protect their interests.” We want to ensure that Hoboken’s interests are firmly protected in writing as well.
Many of our concerns were put to the test at the recent Council Meeting where a proposed MOA (Memorandum of Understanding) with a developer was passed. This MOA gives the developer exclusive rights for three years to a major piece of parkland proposed in the Master Plan. The developer maintains the right to back out, yet the City has no such right. No other commitments have been made to secure any other alternate park locations, leaving us with little leverage when it comes time to negotiate those deals. The MOA calls for a pool and community center, which is wonderful; however, as written, the developer “my elect to avoid its obligation” if they deem it economically unfeasible. The developer promises 5.5 acres of “open space”; however, it is unclear how much of this is actually on a roof, in a courtyard or simply landscaped walkways between buildings.
This document does not reflect many things we discussed and were promised in our Open Space Committee meetings.
Members of the Open Space Committee
David Carty
Renee Condon
Irene Sobolov