A 6-acre park with at least 1 million gallons of flood mitigation capacity. Think Pier A in terms of size, except this would be in the northwest sector and address three of the city’s most dire needs, according to Mayor Dawn Zimmer: flooding, parking, and the need for more open space.
That was the proposal put forth by the mayor on Monday, Aug. 31 and considered by the City Council during a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The large parcel of land at 13th and Madison Streets is currently owned by chemical-giant BASF (previously Henkel/Cognis).
Zimmer says the city has experienced about seven flood events since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.She believes that although some residents may think the “Northwest Resiliency Park Project” is too costly, it is pertinent to seize the opportunity.
“It’s something we need to invest in [and it is a] great opportunity to address three challenges in the city,” she said prior to the council meeting Wednesday night.
During the meeting, the council introduced a series of measures that will be up for a final reading at a future meeting: authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire the northern parcel of BASF’s property for the use of a parking garage; a $16.7 million loan ($11.9 million for the Northwest Park and $4.8 million for construction of the Southwest Park), and a $1.6 million parking utility loan for the planned municipal garage.
The introduction of the ordinance narrowly made it through the council. The vote required a two-thirds majority vote and passed on a 6-3 vote.
Among those opposed were 3rd Ward Councilman Michael Russo, 1st Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano, and 2nd Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason.
The plan to build the park will be up for final vote during the Sept. 16 council meeting when the public will have a chance to voice their opinion.
“I’m extremely proud that we’ve gotten to a place over six years that we’re able to focus on these kind of infrastructure projects…” – Mayor Dawn Zimmer
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“The benefit of this park is not only to provide enormously-needed recreation opportunities and open space but an opportunity to…provide some flood alleviation and at the same time provide a park,” said longtime Hoboken resident Leah Healy, who co-founded the Hoboken Park’s Organization.
In the past, the council authorized the city’s application for low-interest funding from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT) for acquisition of the property. In the event the city and BASF don’t come to an agreement on the price, under eminent domain the fair market value would be determined by the courts.
Love boat?
Up for a final vote during the meeting, the council approved the $4.4 million Boathouse Cove designed by Marvel Architects, at 1600 Park and Hoboken Cove. The ordinance passed on a 9 to 0 vote.
Castellano and Mason were initially concerned about the possible tax burden the project would put upon the city.
“We could provide a failsafe within these ordinances and resolutions where if in fact we don’t get these grant funds that we anticipate that the project gets put on hold,” said Russo, echoing Castellano and Mason’s concerns.
However, Director of Community Development Brandy Forbes clarified that in order to gain additional funds for the boathouse, the City Council would first need to approve the design.
“By no means does this resolution say that it must be funded; what it is saying is that yes we support this conceptually,” said Forbes.” A lot of times, granting agencies are not gonna provide that funding with just an idea that’s not even conceptually approved.”
At this time the only funds allocated for the project are a grant received from the Hudson County Open Space trust fund in the amount of $500,000 and a little over $500,000 from the Green Acres Fund.
The ordinance for the two-tiered community boathouse was first introduced in July of this year with an accompanying interim plan for 2016 to implement a temporary pavilion for the future resilience center and boathouse.
Updates on other two ‘resiliency parks’
Currently each of the three parks tied into the Rebuild by Redesign competition are at different phases.
“The BASF Park is at the acquisition phase, the conceptual design for 7th and Jackson Park has been completed, and as for Southwest Park, the design is completed and construction is beginning,” said city spokesman Juan Melli.
During the council meeting, Councilman David Mello said a recent community meeting on Aug. 31 which addressed the park at Seventh and Jackson was one of the highlights since he joined the council.
The meeting was organized by the Community Development Subcommittee chaired by Mello, as well as Councilmembers James Doyle, Tim Occhipinti, and Russo.
As of now, the project boasts approximately two acres of public parks and open space, a municipal gymnasium, advanced stormwater detention to assist in flood mitigation efforts and mixed use residential and retail components along the western portion of the site, next to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line.
The Southwest Park, which was at a standstill due to an archeological review, will begin construction this fall. The park is designed to hold over 200,000 gallons of stormwater runoff.
“I’m extremely proud that we’ve gotten to a place over six years that we’re able to focus on these kind of infrastructure projects and its frankly because we’ve got our financial house in order now,” said Zimmer.
Steven Rodas can be reached at srodas@hudsonreporter.com.
SIDEBAR
‘Helen’s Room’
Former City Hall worker Helen Pompliano, who was known as a kindred spirit in City Hall’s mailroom, was honored at the opening of the council meeting.
Pompliano, 80, who was hired by the city in October 2005, died mid-June of this year from an undisclosed illness after a short time at Hoboken University Medical Center.
“Helen will be remembered for her friendly greeting to all who entered the mailroom and for her attention to detail and efficiency,” read an excerpt from the proclamation awarded to Pompliano’s family during the meeting.
In addition to the proclamation, a plaque reading “Helen’s Room” will be placed in the mailroom of City Hall.