HOBOKEN — Now that a developer will soon be building on the site of Hoboken’s municipal garage on Observer Highway, the city must find a place to build a new garage for its vehicles. The current garage site, located in a pricey area not far from the train station, was sold under the administration of Mayor David Roberts in order to get millions of dollars for the city budget.
Residents of the area near Jackson and Sixth streets are concerned that the city is quietly planning to move the facility to the open plot of land on Jackson and Monroe between Sixth and Seventh streets.
A note e-mailed to neighbors says: “This Wednesday’s (May 19, 7pm – 10pm located at 94 Washington St) City Council agenda includes a public hearing and final vote on the relocation of a municipal waste garage to the open plot of land on Jackson and Monroe between 6th and 7th streets.”
In order for there to be a hearing and final vote, the council would have had to have already voted to introduce the ordinance IN PUBLIC at a previous meeting. So is it true that they are planning to move there, and that there’s a final vote tomorrow night?
New city spokesman Juan Melli responded, “The Mayor is proposing a Bond Ordinance for $1,980,000 for the environmental review of potential sites and the building of a public works garage to replace the existing location on Observer Highway. Numerous sites have been proposed, and we are investigating locations in the City. The City is under no contract to acquire properties at this point. Putting this process in place will allow the City to move quickly to acquire property if a location is determined.”
Okay, but is this property at the top of the list? A followup question was asked. In the meantime, if you are concerned about that neighborhood, show up at tomorrow’s meeting, which will also be broadcast live here at www.hudsonreporter.com.
UPDATE: Melli responds: “No, the city is not voting on a specific property. I’ll have more info for you very shortly.” Stay tuned!