The mayors of Weehawken and West New York are in talks to bring Formula One racing to their waterfront streets in 2013. After the news broke last week, it traveled faster than a Grand Prix race.
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and West New York Mayor Felix Roque issued a joint press release on Wednesday saying, “In these uncertain economic times when every direct and indirect revenue source is vital, our own Formula One race could be a very positive boost to our citizens. This said, we need to ensure that the financial benefits from the privilege of having these races in our towns are equitably shared and that no tax dollars are used.”
‘We need to do our due diligence first.’ – Mayor Richard Turner
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Local races would reportedly be held on River Road and Blvd. East, so that TV footage would show the New York skyline in the background.
While the event might bring revenue to local businesses, it also has the potential to tie up heavily traveled commuter thoroughfares to and from Manhattan. Still, both mayors said they had not gotten any concerned calls from residents on Wednesday, when the news broke. Approximately a dozen residents interviewed on Boulevard East that afternoon were actually unaware of the news, while two more said they knew about it but didn’t have an opinion.
However, Melanie Shammout, a Weehawken resident who was relaxing at Hamilton Park on Wednesday, is a NASCAR fan. She said she welcomed the event. As far as it affecting her daily routine, she said, “We’ll see how it goes.”
“Great things are coming to West New York and Weehawken,” said Roque. “We were once known as the embroidery capital of the world, and with Formula One racing, we will be a greater place to visit.”
He added, “This will help bring jobs, help local area businesses, bring in revenue for both towns, and lower taxes.”
On the issue of traffic tie-ups, Turner said, “We are currently having open discussions with the office of the governor, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, and NY Waterway [the local ferry company].”
He said that the bottom line will be “making sure the towns receive proper reimbursement and remuneration for the honor of holding the event.”
“We need to do our due diligence first,” he said. “So if the [Town] Council says it works, it works. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”
Turner added, “In these difficult economic times, and if it costs you nothing, you go to do it.”
Officials in both town halls said they received many media inquiries on Wednesday morning, but no calls from constituents about the issue.
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Gustavo L. Adrianzén may be reached at editorial@hudsonreporter.com.