HOBOKEN — The Board of Public Utilities suspended last week a “submetering” program at Hoboken’s Marine View Plaza buildings in the southeast corner of town. The moderate income buildings were part of a two-year experiment to let tenants pay based on their own energy usage rather than having a flat rate.
Some tenants complained that the amounts were out of whack, with certain people paying more when they used less. However, others disputed this.
Several people wrote letters to the Reporter about the program, including this from Councilwoman Theresa Castellano three weeks ago:
Dear Editor:
Having served as the 1st Ward Councilwoman, I have had the opportunity to lobby on behalf of my constituents on many levels. I am pleased to announce the sub metering system at Marine View Plaza is finally being investigated.
After approximately 2 years of “detective work” the Board of Public Utility has voted unanimously to issue a “show cause order” to the landlords effective immediately.
What we need now from as many tenants as possible, yet again, are more letters supporting the suspension of the sub metering system. The deadline to submit letters is November 10, 2009. If you need any help, please call me (201-656-9449).
As everyone is aware, these initiatives are not successful without cooperation. As Marine View Plaza’s Councilwoman, I would like to thank all the residents for having patience and faith through this long ordeal. I want to thank Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack, Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, and Freeholder Anthony Romano. And a special thanks to Housing, Mortgage, and Finance Agency Executive Director Mary Della Vecchio and our agent Walter Roman.
To those residents who were not negatively affected, note the majority of your neighbors have been suffering.
In closing, we are moving forward with the next step to insure the relief to those tenants who have been treated unfairly. I will continue my efforts to make sure that this gets resolved as quickly as possible.
According to the Jersey Journal, the BPU chose on Nov. 20 to suspend the program for the time being.