From Busses to Ball Fields
During the past year, my administration has explored many important issues. Work has begun on a new master plan, we are moving forward with an innovative plan to improve our schools, and we are making parking conditions more favorable to residents through new parking regulations and plans to create more parking spaces. However, when I travel around the city and meet concerned parents and residents, I hear a strong desire for more open and recreational space in Hoboken. In response to this need, my administration is exploring several opportunities.
I am particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of creating badly needed open space in Hoboken’s northwest area. Recently, City Hall has opened discussions with the owners of Academy Bus Company that would enable the creation of up to three city blocks of open space in the city’s northwest quadrant. The discussions are still in their very early stages, but the outline of the agreement provides for city assistance to Academy Bus to build a state-of-the-art bus terminal on one city block. The community would in turn receive three city blocks which my administration would convert into open space and recreational space.
There are still many details to be finalized. However, should an agreement be reached, I am optimistic that we will be successful thanks to the strong professional relationships that have been developed over the past year between the City Council, planners, other elected officials, and my administration. I am particularly optimistic because this proposal has the strong support of Senator Bernard F. Kenny, Jr., who has fought hard in Trenton for the people of Hoboken on many issues related to open space.
In closing, I would like to commend Academy Bus company for their willingness to keep an open mind as we explore this opportunity for more open space, and I would also like to thank the many residents who have called and e-mailed my office to voice their support for this proposal. Together, I am hopeful that we can soon declare that the concept of Academy Park will be a reality.