HOBOKEN – With unofficial reports about the location of a new municipal garage swirling, Mayor Dawn Zimmer has sent out a press release stating that location will not be voted on at tomorrow night’s City Council meeting.
The city has solicited bids from contractors to build the garage. The administration did say that unspecified negotiations have been ongoing, but would not say which property or properties are involved.
The council is expected to vote for a $2 million bond ordinance to build the temporary garage once the city reviews the bids. The request for bids was released yesterday and bids are due back by Friday, May 28. — TJC (Press release follows.)
MUNICIPAL GARAGE UPDATE FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE
There have been erroneous reports distributed throughout the community regarding the status of potential sites for a public works garage. Here are the facts:
There are ongoing negotiations, and we are reviewing all options. No decisions have been made, and all options are on the table. The City is under no contract to acquire properties.
Request for Proposals were issued on Monday, May 17 seeking bids for temporary space for a garage and parking. Responses to the RFPs are required within 10 calendar days and due by Friday, May 28 at 4 p.m.
The public will be apprised of those responses at an upcoming City Council meeting which will be publicly advertised through the local press and on the City’s web site. The public is encouraged to comment on those responses when they have been received.
The Administration, in coordination with City Council President Peter Cunningham, agreed to postpone a vote on a bond ordinance for the temporary structure of the garage facility until the RFP responses have been reviewed. This means that neither the bond ordinance related to the garage nor the garage itself will be discussed at this week’s Council meeting unless it is brought up at the public portion at the conclusion of the meeting.
Planning and preparation for the set up of a temporary site have been ongoing, along with clean up and organizing in preparation for an upcoming move from the current site on Observer Highway.
Once a final decision is made on the new location, with input from the public, then the City will be well positioned to move the municipal garage site to a temporary location.