Rent control: The votes have been tallied
The readers have spoken, and the result may come to a surprise to some. Last week, we asked “Is rent control in urgent need of reform?” Approximately 75 percent of you answered one way. To see the results, check out www.hudsonreporter.com, and click on the story “Waiting for reform.”
Hoboken provides alternative way to sign up for recreation programs
The city of Hoboken is introducing online registration as a new alternative for residents to register for recreation programs. Beginning with the 2010-2011 Winter registration programs, residents will be able to register and pay online through “CommunityPass,” a secure and easy-to-use online registration system. As of Friday, Nov. 5, residents can visit http://www.hobokennj.org/register to register for programs. Those interested in volunteering or coaching opportunities can also sign up online.
This weekend: The Hoboken Artists Studio Tour!
On Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7, from noon until 6 p.m., Mayor Dawn Zimmer, The City of Hoboken, The Hudson Reporter, and the Hudson County Division of Cultural & Heritage Affairs will present The Hoboken 30th Annual Artists Studio Tour, a free self-guided walking tour of artists’ studios, galleries, and community exhibition spaces. Over 150 artists’ works will be showcased in 41 venues. The tour takes place all throughout Hoboken, at spots that include The Monroe Center, the Friary, 619 Jefferson St., and the Neumann Leather building at 300 Observer Hwy. For directions or further information, visit the city website at www.hobokennj.org, or call (201) 420-2207. You’ll find a copy of our guide to the tour inside this newspaper, or go to http://issuu.com/hudsonreporter/docs/hobarttour.
Blood drive to aid local boy
Ricky Roman Jr. is a 7-year-old with a serious medical condition. Diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, he needs blood donors to step up and lend a hand. On Saturday, Nov. 6, from noon to 6 p.m., those who wish to help can donate blood at the Ringside Lounge-Upstairs, at 475 Tonnelle Ave., Jersey City. A bone marrow test and non-invasive oral cheek swab will be included. Donors must bring a signed I.D. and know their Social Security number. Please eat and drink fluids before donating. For more information, call Danny at (201) 936-3306.
Sires granted another term in 13th Congressional District
On Nov. 2, Albio Sires, the incumbent congressman for the 13th District, won another term in office.
Within just a couple of hours of the polls closing, Sires was reported as the winner in Hudson, Essex, Middlesex, and Union counties, achieving an average of over 75 percent of the vote between the four counties.
Sires, who has been in office since 2006, faced three challengers to maintain his seat in Congress this year, including Republican challenger Henrietta Dwyer, who earned an average of 21 percent of the vote. Third party challengers Anthony Zanowic and Maximo Gomez Nacer received 2 percent or less in each county.
The 13th Congressional District covers four counties, including a majority of Hudson County municipalities like Guttenberg, Hoboken, Union City, Weehawken, and West New York, as well as parts of Bayonne, Jersey City, and North Bergen.
More portions of waterfront under construction
Additional portions of the Hoboken waterfront walkway will be closed following the street collapse near 14th Street and Sinatra Drive North last month.
“The Waterfront Walkway north and east of the Hudson Tea Building will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Additionally, the short section of the promenade from the southern entrance of Pier A south to Warrington Plaza, which is owned by New Jersey Transit, will also be closed to pedestrian traffic,” according to a city press release.
Last Wednesday, the City Council went into executive session following the public portion of the council meeting and was alerted of the decision at that time. A city press release outlined a timeline of events that date back to 1995, which includes detailed explanations about the past construction of the road.
Boswell Engineering, the city’s engineer, guided the city through the process, and Mayor Dawn Zimmer has decided to close sections of the waterfront. The city is currently arranging for divers to inspect the entire waterfront. Part of the problem, which have previously been reported on in The Hoboken Reporter, has been the “teredos”, or what are commonly referred to as shipworms, which are known to burrow into wooden platforms along the river.
The Zimmer Administration has collaborated with Hudson County to make sure the road collapse is fixed and the waterfront pier is secure, according to a release.
Repairs on 14th Street are expected to continue until May 2011
Hoboken resident and former commissioner honored by Mayor Zimmer
Vincent J. Wassman, who has served on the Historic Preservation Board for more than 20 years, was honored in a proclamation for his service throughout Hoboken in Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s office on Monday afternoon.