Hoboken’s rent control changes will be delayed
Just like many times in the past 37 years, Hoboken’s tenant advocates have succeeded in suspending recent changes by the City Council to the city’s Rent Control Ordinance.
Three changes to the ordinance were passed unanimously by the City Council on March 2, but the changes will now have to wait.
After the council vote, rent control advocates took to the streets and gathered 1,442 signatures to suspend Ordinance Z-88, which includes the three amendments.
The amendments limit tenant reimbursement for illegal rent overcharges to two years and make it easier for landlords to provide documentation for seeking a vacancy decontrol. Landlords are also required to distribute a pamphlet outlining tenant’s rights and obtain signatures confirming delivery whenever a change in rent or tenancy occurs.
Tenant advocates claim that the changes weaken Hoboken’s rent control law and harm tenants, while Council President Beth Mason, the chair of the subcommittee, stated that the council believes the changes went “down the middle.” Landlord advocates have said the changes do not go far enough, but they saw it as a good first step.
Now, the ordinance will be suspended until it comes up for a public referendum, or until the City Council withdraws it.
“If the City Clerk certifies the referendum petition as having a sufficient number of signatures from registered voters in Hoboken, the City Council must vote to either repeal the law or place it on the ballot for a democratic vote,” according to a release from tenant advocates.
The clerk’s office was unable to confirm last week if the issue would appear on the ballot.
In related news, tenant advocate and attorney Cathy Cardillo filed an “order to show cause” in Hudson County Superior Court on Monday, naming the City Council, Mayor Dawn Zimmer, and the city of Hoboken as defendants. Cardillo’s filing states that the council members, because they could be affected by the law financially, had a conflict of interest in the vote to change the ordinance. The lawsuit also states that the defendants violated the Faulkner Act by enacting similar provisions, such as the limitation of tenant rebates, to those that were defeated by a referendum in 2005.
OLG needs used pianos
Our Lady of Grace Church is seeking two used pianos in good condition. They need to be decent quality but do not have to be concert instruments. If you have one to donate, please call the rectory at (201) 659-0369 or e-mail David Lamb, organist and music director, at
davidelamb@comcast.net.
Hudson School takes on bullying through Spoken Word Artist Pandora Scooter on April 6
Pandora Scooter, a national touring spoken word artist, will visit the Hudson School, 601 Park Ave., on April 6 at 8:30 a.m. Her show “OUTwordlyFabulous” is tackling the subject of bullying.
In view of the recent rash of suicides, gay lesbian bisexual and transgender youth and adults are looking for a strong voice – and an out leader. Scooter, a leading GLBT activist in New Jersey, would like to help contribute to creating this support system for youth across the country.
Register to vote in board elections by Wednesday
The voter registration deadline for upcoming Board of Education elections is April 6, Wednesday.
The register to vote, visit www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/hudsonctyvoterreg.pdf.
To vote by mail, the deadline is April 20. Visit www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/elections/default.htm for the form.
Election Day is April 27.
Bayonne Medical Center CEO to speak about hospital changes
The Gary La Pelusa Association will be hosting its’ monthly meeting on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at 18 West 23rd St. in Bayonne. The guest speaker will be the President and CEO of Bayonne Medical Center, Daniel Kane.
Kane received the 2010 New Jersey Hospital Association Distinguished Service Award for his years of service and leadership to the Bayonne Medical Center.
Kane will be speaking on behalf of the hospital regarding the changes that have taken place over the last few years. The meetings are open to the public.
They may be of interest to some Hoboken residents, as a company that is co-owner of BMC is negotiating to buy Hoboken’s hospital.
For more information, contact Gary La Pelusa at (201) 823-1868 or garylapelusa@aol.com.
State pitches in for uptown road collapse construction
The State Department of Transportation agreed to help with Hoboken’s Sinatra Drive road collapse cleanup and construction with a $1.5 million payment, according to a report in the Star Ledger The county owned road collapsed on Oct. 8, and officials have said the road will be operable again in late May. The cost of the entire project is $1.7 million. The construction is being done by Langan Engineering of Elmwood Park.
City shows off new EmNet system
With the installation of 15 new flooding monitoring units throughout Hoboken, Mayor Dawn Zimmer said on Wednesday morning that the city will now be able to detect flooding events and gather data in real time.
Fifteen new manhole covers with sensors attached were installed in the city of Hoboken earlier this month, and Zimmer, joined by Luis Montestruque, president of Indiana based EmNet, showed off one new sensor on Garden Street between First and Second. The sensors are installed underneath manholes, and can detect when water is rising in the area in order to determine the flow of the water throughout the city.
The data is monitored by EmNet, and they are working with the city and the North Hudson Sewerage Authority to collect analysis, according to Zimmer.
A similar system has been installed in Manhattan to detect steam, according to Montestruque. The sensors can also be moved if it’s determined that enough data has been gathered in one location.
The City Council unanimously approved funding for the new sensors on June 16, 2010, for $165,525. Professional services by EmNet and analysis for a period of one year with an option to extend were included in the resolution.
Hoboken High School to host Open House on April 8
Hoboken High School is opening its doors to the public on April 8 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. for their annual Open House. Information about academic and extra-curricular activities will be on display, and teachers, administrators, and staff will be available for questions. For more information, call the main office at (201) 356-3703.