Dear Editor:
The events of the last several weeks have created significant challenges, but our citizens and City workers have come together and demonstrated the community spirit that is such an important part of Hoboken. I spent my first week in office trying to meet with as many City employees as possible to listen to their concerns and discuss ways that the City’s operations can work as efficiently and effectively as possible for Hoboken residents.
Since public safety is one of my highest priorities, immediately after being sworn in, I met with Police Chief Falco, and then with Fire Chief Blohm.
Saturday Aug. 8, Hoboken became the focal point of recovery operations by the National Transportation Safety Board for their investigation of the accident on the Hudson River. Hoboken’s Police, Emergency Management, and Fire Departments, along with our EMS volunteers, did an impressive job coordinating efforts with not only local and state agencies in New Jersey, but also with New York authorities and many federal agencies. As a City we worked to do everything we could to support the NTSB’s investigation, and our efforts did not go unnoticed. The NTSB Chairman, Deborah Hersman, called me on Thursday before her return to Washington, D.C. to express her gratitude for everything that Hoboken did to support their investigation, ensuring that it went as smoothly as possible.
On behalf of the residents of Hoboken I have expressed my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. I want to thank Hoboken residents for their understanding and cooperation as we responded to this situation. Frank Sinatra Park was closed for the protection of the public, including our young people. The park reopened on Thursday, and hopefully the pier at 12th Street will be fully open to the public this weekend.
As your new Acting Mayor, I look forward to working with our City workers, my City Council colleagues, and the people of Hoboken to move our City forward.
Thank you.
Mayor Dawn Zimmer