Dear Editor:
We are extremely disappointed the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (the “DEP”) approved Shipyard Associates’ permit to construct Monarch at the Shipyard on the pier directly east of 1500 Hudson St. in Hoboken. We believe the approval is in direct conflict with many Coastal Zone Regulations put in place to regulate development along the river front and also conflicts with Shipyard Associates’ original permit to construct the Shipyard complex along Sinatra Drive. The DEP’s approval of Shipyard Associates’ original application from 1997 was contingent upon the creation of recreation and open space on this pier.
Additionally, the most recent review process by the DEP was a mockery of the DEP Vision and Priorities and DEP Transformation Plan set forth by Commissioner Bob Martin. These two documents are proudly posted on the homepage of the DEP at www.state.nj.us/dep. These documents call for transparency and stakeholder involvement in the permit review process. The DEP refused to hold a public hearing during the review period and has indicated they will not issue any documentation as to why they approved this permit.
Mayor Zimmer has promised to appeal the DEP’s approval and we strongly urge the City Council to appropriate funds for legal costs. We believe it would be more cost effective to the city to have the DEP rightfully deny this project on appeal rather than go through the upcoming approval process of the city’s Planning Board.
Regards,
Nick and Kristen Rossi