Dear Editor:
During my two terms as a Commissioner on Hoboken’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, I’ve been honored to represent you on land use projects that impact all aspects of our community. I’ve voted on projects that maintain our city’s charm while ensuring our neighborhoods move forward responsibly. I’ve advocated for small business and to increase our affordable housing inventory all while working productively with everyone to get the job done. However, over the past few years, I’ve observed serious issues facing my home district, the first ward. Many of these problems have largely gone unaddressed by our long-time councilwoman, Terry Castellano, who next Tuesday, is asking voters to re-elect her for a sixth term and extend her time on the council past 25 years.
I like Councilwoman Castellano, but our neighborhood needs a proactive representative, someone who will work with everyone to improve quality of life for our community. Our streets have never been in worse shape, yet our representative opposed an ordinance in 2012 to repave Washington Street, Observer Highway and Sinatra Drive. She recently defended her decision by claiming it contained other spending that was wasteful – this is a thin excuse. It doesn’t withstand scrutiny and fails to put the needs of small businesses, residents, motorists and pedestrians who have all waited over three years for needed repairs to our ward’s main streets. Our seniors, young families and every resident want more parks, yet our representative voted ‘no’ not only the southwest and northwest parks, but also ‘no’ to repairing damages to Pier C caused by Hurricane Sandy and “no” to a 9/11 memorial on Pier A.
Councilwoman Castellano’s attempts to explain away her record, including her ill-advised decision against saving our hospital by selling it to a private entity, are after the fact excuses that now ring hollow. By delaying the sale, the Councilwoman risked not only losing our only critical-care facility, one that generates a half a million dollars in taxes, but also risked losing over a thousand jobs downtown. Having been disappointed in her lack of compromise, I’m stepping up for my community because I know that I can work with everyone, whether I agree with them or not, to ensure my neighbors come first.
As your Councilman, I will fight for common sense issues – pedestrian safety, regular street repaving, and ensuring our streets are clean. I may agree with City Hall, I may not, but I will never put politics before progress. I will use my land use knowledge to advocate for the creation of green space adjacent to the PATH terminal, encouraging outdoor cafes and recreation while resting storm water. I will propose a market-place use within our train terminal, similar to Chelsea Market in NYC. I will fight to keep artists in the Neumann building while encouraging ground floor galleries where they can co-op and sell their work.
I am looking to bring ideas, compromise and vision to City Council and on Election Day, I’d be honored to have your support!
Michael DeFusco
Commissioner, Zoning Board of Adjustment
Candidate, First Ward City Council