HOBOKEN — When it comes to noise in town, Hoboken residents sure are vocal.
Approximately 65 people gathered at Garden of Eden on Washington Street on Tuesday for a meeting held by Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Police Chief Anthony Falco to address a proposed noise ordinance, which will first have to be passed by the City Council.
Residents spoke and traded comments with Zimmer and Falco, as well as Zoning Officer Ann Holtzman, for a little more than an hour on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
Currently, the city relies on the country for enforcement of noise violations, as the city’s code did not meet approval of the state. Now, the new ordinance will hopefully be something “that has a little more teeth to it”, according to Zimmer.
One proposed change would allow the city to enforce its own laws, and would require the training of parking enforcement officers and police department members at a session at Rutgers in March.
The topics of discussion ranged from active chats to zealous screaming when the bars empty out on the weekends.
Many of the residents who came out to speak lived downtown, near the bustling bar scene. Some residents suggested that the bar owners contribute to a fund which could lead to more police workers. Another downtown resident said his property value has gone down because of the noise.
Zimmer said she will meet with bar owners on Wednesday, and will evaluate the feedback from both meetings before the ordinance is codified by the city.
What do you think, Hoboken? Is the mile-square-city turning into a loud, uncomfortable place? Or, are residents overreacting? Leave comments below.
For the complete story on the proposed noise ordinance and public meeting, pick up a copy of the weekend’s Hoboken Reporter. – Ray Smith
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