Parade plans set
On Saturday, March 6, the Hoboken Saint Patrick’s Day Committee will sponsor the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The event is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. from 14th and Washington streets and travel south on Washington Street. The reviewing stand is in front of City Hall, First and Washington streets.
The entire length of Washington Street and the traversing streets will close to traffic beginning at 12:30 p.m. This will remain in effect until all bands and groups pass the reviewing stand. The northern end of Washington Street from 12th Street to 15th Street will close at about 11 a.m., providing an opportunity for bands and groups to assemble for the parade.
The Hoboken Parking Utility will strictly enforce the parking restrictions along the parade route. Additionally, the Hoboken Police Department will have maximum officers on duty throughout the day and evening to assist the public.
Police will strictly enforce (with “zero tolerance”) violations, including heavy fines for open alcoholic beverages ordinances as well as DWI statutes. DWI checkpoints will be assembled in selected locations as per state guidelines.
For last minute information on the day of the parade, call police at (201) 420-2131.
Clarification
In the last edition, the cover story “Fear and loathing in the Hoboken schools” contained an omission. The article should have noted that when asked to comment for the story, Interim Superintendent Peter Carter said he could not speak about the resignation of Hoboken High School Principal Lorraine Cella because it was a personnel issue.
Stevens garage appeal postponed
The City Council was scheduled to hear a zoning appeal Wednesday night for the garage that the Stevens Institute of Technology is planning to build on Sinatra Drive in Hoboken. However, the meeting has been postponed until Wednesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
The garage was approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustments last year, but local waterfront activist groups are appealing to the council to have the decision overturned.
The Zoning Board approved 19 variances for the large Stevens building, which will also include some classroom space. Part of their plan is also to re-route Fifth Street where it meets Sinatra Drive.
Stevens is planning to use the garage for students and employees, but has promised to allow some sports groups who use Sinatra Field to also have access at certain times.
Taxi and shuttle stand relocated Monday
The Hoboken Terminal taxi stand will be relocated, and a loading zone for shuttle buses will be created at the terminal, effective on or about Monday, March 1, weather permitting.
The existing taxi stand will move east of River Street on the south side of Hudson Place, to accommodate construction of a sewerage pump station by the North Hudson Sewerage Authority. Construction of the pump station is scheduled to begin in March.
Also, to streamline shuttle bus service at the terminal, the city is creating a designated shuttle bus loading zone on the north side of Hudson Place, east of River Street. Permitted shuttle buses will be able to stand in the shuttle zone for up to five minutes Monday through Friday from 7 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.
The area will be designated as a loading zone for local businesses from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be available for parking at other times.
Party for Purim
Chabad of Hoboken’s annual Grand Purim Party will be held at the Elks Club, 1005 Washington St., on Sunday, Feb. 28.
Doors open at 3 p.m. and the reading of the Megillah will commence at 3:30 p.m., followed by buffet dinner, live music, dancing, and traditional hamentashen.
This year’s theme, “Purim at the Circus,” will feature a Kosher circus-style buffet dinner, including concession stands with hot dogs, cotton candy, and popcorn. There will be circus décor and entertainment for the kids, including the Kosher Clown, “Elmo,” balloon shaping, make-up, magic tricks, prizes, and more.
Adults will be treated to sushi, guacamole, chicken wings, an open bar, and a chance to meet many new faces.
All are welcome to join regardless of affiliation or background.
Tickets are available at the door; $25 per adult and $10 per child or Stevens students.
For more information, call Rabbi Moshe Schapiro at (201) 562-7116.
Read Dr. Seuss to kids
The Hoboken school district is inviting residents to read their favorite Dr. Seuss book to students of Connors Elementary School in celebration of Read Across America Day.
The celebration will take place at Connors School, 201 Monroe St., on Tuesday, March 2, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. (at your convenience).
To participate, please RSVP by Monday, March 1 to Amanda Sivo-Jervis, via e-mail at asivo@hoboken.k12.nj.us or by phone at (201) 356-3684.
Books will be provided by the school.
Read Across America was developed by the National Education Association in 1997 and is celebrated on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2.
Want to join a local political committee?
On Saturday, March 13 at 10 a.m., the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition will host an informational forum on the upcoming elections for the Hoboken’s Democratic and Republican committees. The forum will be held at St. Matthew’s Parish Hall, Eighth and Hudson streets.
Hoboken citizens interested in running for the local committee seats are encouraged to attend. A speaker from the non-partisan Citizens’ Campaign of NJ will lead the session and candidate petitions will be available.
Please visit cityofhoboken.com or qlchoboken.org for more information.
HoLa fun day
Hoboken’ dual language charter school, HoLa, will sponsor a Family Fun Day on Sunday, Feb. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 123 Jefferson St.
For more information, e-mail holahoboken@yahoo.com.
‘7th Inning Stretch’ baseball plays
On Saturday, March 13, at 8 p.m., Mile Square Theatre is presenting “7th Inning Stretch,” the annual fundraiser event featuring seven 10-minute plays about baseball. The lineup includes Constance Congdon, Guggenheim Award winner; David Magee, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee for “Finding Neverland;” Chris O’Connor, Mile Square Theatre artistic director, and others.
The performance will be held at Stevens’ DeBaun Auditorium, Fifth and Hudson streets. Reception with free wine and light fare to follow.