Dear Editor:
This was an historic week for the City of Hoboken.
Last Wednesday, in a community celebration, we broke ground on a crown jewel for our waterfront: New Jersey’s first W Hotel.
This event was significant for several important reasons. W Hotel, part of the Starwood Resorts family, is a global chain, operating luxury properties stretching from North America to Asia.
This is a symbolic gain for Hoboken, marking our community’s emergence as one of the metropolitan area’s premier business and tourist destinations. Moreover, it has practical benefits to serve our residents and visitors. I would like to thank all of those who contributed to this collaborative effort:, namely Congressman Robert Menendez, State Senator Bernard Kenny, Jr., County Executive Thomas DeGise and the entire Hoboken City Council.
Construction of this building will create hundreds of construction jobs and permanent positions upon its grand opening in 2007. Already, southern waterfront development has resulted in the creation of nearly 3,000 jobs at the adjacent office buildings over the past four years, creating employment opportunities for Hoboken residents while providing an economic stimulus for our local retailers and restaurateurs.
Completion of the W Hotel will provide our community with much needed lodging and banquet space to accommodate large weddings and other special events. This facility will also further link our economic and social ties to New York City.
I have always been proud of Hoboken’s residents and businesses. They reflect a unique diversity and character. I welcome the W Hotel chain to our community as Hoboken continues to move forward.
Mayor David Roberts