Dear Editor:
Q: Why is the City of Hoboken in the business of operating parking garages? A: Because it’s a profitable business that provides a valuable service and creates jobs. Q: Then why doesn’t the City run restaurants, bodegas, and luxury rental buildings as well? A: Because these businesses are more effectively operated as private enterprises…well so too are parking facilities.
Hoboken should not be in the business of operating garages. The Hoboken Parking Authority, which has gained notoriety with the continuing debacle at the 916 Garden St. “automated” parking facility, should be dissolved. Its assets should be sold to the highest bidder(s). Such a sale would generate a cash windfall for Hoboken and a stream of recurring property tax revenue – taxes the HPA does not pay. If the City so desired, recurring revenue could be increased through a garage receipts tax.
Q: Isn’t this a great way to generate cash for the City? A: Yes, it is. Especially since it would also free City government to spend more time addressing needs it is uniquely positioned to meet, such as fixing the atrocious condition of many of our streets and sidewalks, or greening our City with more and better cared for street trees. These and other projects could be funded through the HPA asset sale.
Enlightened governments all over the world continue to rid themselves of bloated and inefficient state run enterprises. It’s time for the City of Hoboken to follow suit.
Steve Fahmie