Dana Wefer re-elected as Hoboken Housing Authority board chair
Dana Wefer was re-elected as the chairwoman of the Hoboken Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, the seven-member volunteer body that oversees Hoboken’s public housing projects, at the board’s annual reorganization this past Thursday. Wefer received five affirmative votes, and Commissioners David Mello and Judith Burrell were absent for the vote.
Commissioner James Sanford replaced Mello as the vice-chair of the HHA Board, also with five affirmative votes. Commissioners Rob Davis and Jean Rodriguez initially voted against Sanford, but changed their votes after HHA Interim Executive Director Robert DiVincent asked them to reconsider, emphasizing that the vice-chair position only gives its holder the power to conduct HHA Board meetings if the chair is absent.
Interestingly, Sanford is currently serving as an HHA board commissioner in a temporary capacity, as his term ended on May 3, 2015. Two weeks ago, Sanford asked the Hoboken City Council to be reappointed so he could continue to serve on HHA board for another term, but a resolution to that effect was not considered by the City Council at the May 5 meeting.
Zimmer joins mayors calling for renewal of federal transportation funding
On Wednesday, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer joined over 30 mayors from across the United States to advocate for long-term transportation and infrastructure funding at the Congressional level. Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the current federal transportation authorization bill, is set to expire on May 31. Mayor Zimmer and the bipartisan coalition of mayors participated in the effort to persuade Congress to renew this funding for another six years as part of Infrastructure Advocacy Week.
In addition to meeting with Senator Robert Menendez, Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Albio Sires to discuss the need for long-term transportation and infrastructure funding, Mayor Zimmer briefed our Congressional representatives on Hoboken’s Washington Street Complete Streets Redesign to request their strong support for this important project.
“If we as a nation and a State truly want to create more jobs, grow our local economies, and improve the quality of life for our residents, then we must stop with the lip service and start taking action by investing in our transportation infrastructure, a critical component of the ecosystem for job growth,” said Mayor Zimmer. “Now, more than ever, Congress and our State must act to ensure we have the necessary resources to invest in our public transit systems, roads and bridges. In Hoboken, we are continuing the process of improving our own infrastructure with the Washington Street Complete Streets Redesign, and I thank Senator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressman Sires for meeting with me so they can understand the importance of this project to our region.”
The City of Hoboken is preparing a $14 million grant application to rehabilitate and resurface Washington Street through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program. Hoboken recently completed an extensive community-based planning process to redesign Washington Street and enhance and improve safety, comfort, enjoyment, and function for all users. The project will also replace century-old water mains and add a fiber optic spine and electrical conduit to advance the City’s microgrid project for energy resiliency and facilitate enhanced Internet connectivity.
Residents can learn more about the project and how they can support the City’s federal grant application by visiting www.hobokennj.org/washingtonstreet.
Mile Square Theatre and Hoboken Children’s Theater launch merger with new musical for children
Hoboken Children’s Theater has merged with the Mile Square Theatre to form a new omnibus theater company for Hoboken, and their first joint collaboration is a production of a new musical for kids, “Princess K.I.M. The Musical,” based on Maryann Cocca-Leffler’s popular book, “Princess K.I.M. and the Lie That Grew.”
The creative team for this production is led by Hoboken Children’s Theater founder and Mile Square Theatre Education Director Chase Leyner.
“Kids will love following the journey of this little girl who lets her imagination get away from her and tells a little lie that turns into a big problem,” said Leyner. “Our wonderful cast of professional actors will make this a show our family audience will not want to miss.” Directed by Broadway veteran Don Brewer with musical direction by Scott Pearson, this production will be professional theatre for the whole family.
“Princess K.I.M. The Musical” will be presented at The Edge Lofts, located at 14th and Clinton streets on Saturdays from May 16 to June 27 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Due to the Hoboken Hooplah Parade and Carnival, the June 20 1 p.m. performance has been moved to 4 p.m.
Recommended for audiences 4 years and up. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.milesquaretheatre.org.
On May 16, “Princess K.I.M.” author Maryann Cocca-Leffler will be on hand at the theater to sign books after both performances and will give a talk back after the 1 p.m. performance.
On May 17 at 11 a.m, Cocca-Leffler will be at Little City Books, located at100 Bloomfield St., doing a reading and book signing, and cast members will be on hand to do a musical number.
Zimmer to speak before Hoboken Chamber of Commerce
On Tuesday, May 19, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer will be the featured speaker at a Hoboken Chamber of Commerce roundtable discussion on zoning and land use ordinances, transportation, and business at Amanda’s Restaurant, located at 908 Washington St. The event will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Entry to the event is $15 for members and $25 for future members. All members are invited to bring a future member at the member price of $15. Register online at http://members.hobokenchamber.com/events/details/763.
City schedules public meeting on Western Edge Redevelopment Plan for May 21
The general public is invited to a community meeting regarding the Western Edge Redevelopment Plan on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Jubilee Center at 601 Jackson St.
Maser Consulting, the City’s planner, has prepared the Redevelopment Plan for the Western Edge Redevelopment Area with input from Mayor Zimmer and the Hoboken City Council North Subcommittee and is seeking additional input from the community. The Western Edge was designated as an Area in Need of Redevelopment by the City of Hoboken in 2007. The area consists of approximately 11.15 acres on four separate properties located in the western portion of the City of Hoboken at the foot of the Palisades.
The Western Edge Redevelopment Plan provides a framework for the redevelopment of a number of properties in the northwestern portion of the City in proximity to the Ninth Street Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Station. It sets forth standards and guidelines for land use and design, circulation and parking, and open space and recreation. The Redevelopment Plan incorporates flood management strategies outlined in the Rebuild by Design “Resist, Delay, Store, Discharge” plan.
At the community meeting on May 21, there will be a presentation and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions of the City’s professionals regarding the Redevelopment Plan. The plan will be posted on the City website, www.hobokennj.org, prior to the community meeting.
Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition to hold public forum on zoning May 21
Did you know that you can have a voice in how certain construction projects get approved in Hoboken? Do you know when a home improvement project requires Zoning Board approval? Do you want to help shape development projects around the city? Do you know how people become Board members? The Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition is hosting a special public forum, “Planning and Zoning Board Fundamentals,” on May 21, at 8 p.m. in the back room at Willie McBride’s, 616 Grand St., to help explain the Zoning and Planning Board processes.
David White, Esq., of Counsel, Pashman Stein, P.C., will explain how the boards operate, when property owners need to seek approvals for their construction projects, how neighbors are notified, who can present testimony, how appeals process works, and much more. The Hoboken QLC has a long track record of helping rally citizens to attend Zoning and Planning Board meetings, which has resulted in saving important buildings like the Neumann Leathers factory, and influencing decisions about building heights and density. Everyone can play a role — this is your opportunity to learn how. The forum is free. For more information, visit www.qlchoboken.org.
Every Little Movement Academy of the Arts to host dance show to benefit the Hoboken Shelter
Every Little Movement Academy of the Arts (ELMAA) has created an exciting evening of dance to benefit the Hoboken Shelter. The program features performances by students ages 3-13 as well as professional guest artists. The show will take place on June 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Debaun Auditorium, located at 24 Fifth St. Call (917) 945-4064 for information and visit www.everylittlemovement.com for updates.
Founded in 2006 by professional dancer Francesca Todesco, Every Little Movement is a school of dance dedicated to teaching children and adults American Modern Dance. This year, Todesco’s students perform repertory works by Isadora Duncan, the mother of modern dance, including Dances of the Furies. Original works by Todesco will showcase her students’ ability to express emotion through creative movement.
Joining the student performers will be guest artists from New York City. Thoughts in Motion Modern Dance Company will premiere a new work by artistic director, Rae Ballard, whose choreography the Village Voice described as a “dance-theater style which rests on the bedrock of Hymphrey-Limon-Sokolow aesthetics”. Featured works by Catherine Gallant, Alexandra Pfister and Gisele Assi round out this varied and exciting program.
Twice a year ELMAA organizes a Dance Benefit to raise funds for the Hoboken Shelter. ELMAA’s classes take place in the beautiful space of St. John’s Church, located above the Hoboken Shelter.
Tickets cost a $15 minimum donation, $5 for students and seniors, $10 per ticket for groups over 10, and are free for kids
Tickets can be purchased online at elmaa15.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006. They will also be available at the door for general seating.