Dear Editor:
The Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition commends the community group Hudson Street Alliance and the Stevens Institute of Technology for setting an excellent example for ensuring that development projects meet the needs of the community. The residents of Hudson Street came together to express their concerns logically and clearly, and Stevens listened and responded, opening a dialogue that led to better solution for the community. We hope this example will be followed again in the future.
As a result of their efforts, the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment is now considering an application from the Stevens Institute of Technology for a revised version of its proposed Academic Gateway project. The initial version of the project, which would replace a surface parking lot and a building on either side of 6th and Hudson Streets with two buildings connected by a sky bridge, met with stiff resistance from neighbors, who organized the Hudson Street Alliance.
Stevens reached out and met several times with the Hudson Street Alliance to listen to their concerns. Ultimately, the university responded with revisions to the plans that reflect a sincere effort to compromise. The height of the proposed buildings was reduced by 25 feet, the upper floors were recessed and a portion of the building’s mechanical equipment will be housed below ground instead of adding to the height and bulk of the building. The sky bridge connecting the buildings has been made more transparent, and a proposed patio area has been eliminated, retaining the surface street to minimize impact on traffic circulation and parking.
This project has several other positives: The impact on our city’s infrastructure will be reduced by using “green” building standards, resulting in a LEED-certified building. The architecture is suited to the context of the neighborhood and provides a community benefit by enabling Stevens to continue to grow and innovate.
Since its founding in Hoboken 145 years ago, Stevens Institute of Technology has been an important, integral part of Hoboken’s history, culture and economic success and identity. Its reported economic impact on Hoboken and the state of NJ exceeds $164 million annually, through payroll taxes and spending at our local businesses by students, faculty and visitors. Stevens students also give back directly to Hoboken by engaging in community service.
It’s for these reasons that the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition is lending its support for the Stevens Gateway Project. The Coalition hopes that the Zoning Board will approve the project.
Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition:
Mary Kelly, Coordinator
Melissa Abernathy, Assistant Coordinator
Tom Chartier
Ines Garcia-Keim
Eduardo Gonzalez
Helen Manogue