Dear Editor:
Hoboken is a great city to live in. As a fairly new resident, Hoboken’s wonderful parks, clean streets, fantastic views and friendly neighbors have impressed me. Hoboken offers many wonderful opportunities for dining, shopping, recreation, housing and education. However, I believe there are two things that Hoboken and New Jersey Transit can do to make Hoboken the best it can be for differently- abled citizens.
First of all, the Hoboken government needs to install pedestrian lights that also have sound capabilities on Washington Street. Crossing Washington Street can be dangerous, as cars sometimes drive very fast, but without pedestrian lights, it is more dangerous than it has to be. I have gotten used to timing my Washington Street crossings with the streetlights that drivers use, but people who do not have full eyesight capabilities cannot enjoy this luxury. Modern pedestrian lights clarify who has the right of way, but they also come with voice features that will tell waiting pedestrians to “Wait” or to “Cross Washington Street” when it is safe to do so. Making this simple installation will greatly improve safety in our city. Secondly, differently- abled people may have trouble using the PATH System that is such vital transportation to and from Manhattan. Indeed, I recently broke my foot and was able to take an elevator down to the Hoboken PATH Station, but I had to use crutches to walk up three flights of stairs at the Christopher St. exit. Residents in wheelchairs do not have that option. There is an elevator at the 33rd Street PATH Station, but I will argue that each stop on the PATH Stations need to be individually equipped with elevators. This is crucial, especially since for a short time last month, the 33rd Street elevator was not functioning. We need to advocate to the New York/ New Jersey Transit for full elevator functionality in all PATH Stations.
Kindest Regards,
Elizabeth C. Medlin