Citizens of Hoboken:
Below is a self-explanatory resolution that we are asking the Hoboken City Council to adopt at their next (March 4) meeting. We ask that Council members introduce this resolution and that all citizens who care about their property taxes and quality of life encourage its passage.
Whereas the Mayor has publicly declared his intention to advance several major redevelopment plans by the end of his current term of office; and
Whereas these redevelopment projects will significantly increase Hoboken’s building density, population, costs of governmental services, and stress on Hoboken’s infrastructure and on the quality of life of Hoboken’s residents; and
Whereas the many aspects of the nature and impact of these proposed redevelopment plans and redevelopment agreements are not known or understood by either the City Council or the Citizens of Hoboken; and
Whereas the Mayor and Council have a history of approving redevelopment agreements that may have a negative impact on Hoboken’s environment or property tax rate without fully disclosing to the public the details of redevelopment plans and agreements, including PILOT agreements, which allow the nature and extent of those impacts to be assessed; and
Whereas Hoboken Citizens have, in 1990 and 1992 referendums, twice voted to reject ordinances associated with the implementation of redevelopment agreements and have since lost the right to have a referendum vote on any aspect of redevelopment, due to the 1992 amendment of the New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law (LRHL, NJS 40A:12A-1 et seq.) which governs redevelopment designation and implementation; and
Whereas the May 2009 Hoboken Municipal election process will provide an opportunity for Mayor and City Council candidates to discuss with voters the past and potential future impacts of redevelopment on Hoboken’s environment and property tax rates so that voters may be able to assess candidates’ positions on this major issue and so have an opportunity to guide the future of redevelopment in Hoboken by their collective choice at the polls of Mayor and City Council Members;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that:
(1.) The City Council declares a moratorium on acting on any aspect of redevelopment as defined in the LRHL until after the May Hoboken municipal elections and will refrain from taking any action, including resolutions or ordinances, which move the City of Hoboken further toward:
(a.) the designation that any area of the City of Hoboken is “in need of redevelopment” as defined in the LRHL;
(b.) the approval of any aspect of a redevelopment plan or of any agreement to implement any aspect of a redevelopment plan.
(2.) Prior to any post-election consideration of any aspect of a redevelopment designation, plan, or agreement, the City Council will investigate and establish criteria for evaluating the possible impacts associated with any proposed redevelopment, including payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreements, stresses on and required changes or additions to Hoboken’s infrastructure, and increased building height and density on the quality of life and on the property tax rates of Hoboken and other Hudson County residents.
Daniel Tumpson
Cheryl Fallick