Dear Editor:
After Sunday’s rains, I awoke this morning to hear Hoboken featured on radio news for the flooding conditions in its southwest corner. The news mentioned that the expected installation of additional pumps would help mitigate future problems. It didn’t note that the past installation of a pump was supposed to prevent the present mess. But attention was definitely paid to the fact that the flooding contained sewage sludge and other forms of human excrement. As you know, this is due to the fact that our fair city is served by an antiquated, century-old combined storm and sanitary sewer system.
It should be obvious to all that now is the time to advocate for not only additional pumps (assuming that they will work) but also for a thorough and costly city-wide installation of separate storm and sanitary sewers. Cost should not be a problem. After all, Hoboken’s recent 47 percent municipal tax increase required no special consideration. And now that the new budget includes its famous 5 percent cushion there should be enough for at least a down payment on this necessary upgrade to our town’s infrastructure. While you’re at it, please consider moving all electric and telephone wires to underground conduits, to avoid future storm-induced blackouts.
If you need a slogan, how about “Get the S*** off our streets?”
Respectfully,
John Glasel