Dear Editor:
In Hoboken, the idea of a swimming pool is a good thing especially since we are not able to make use of the polluted Hudson. Of course, swimming pools are high maintenance in terms of upkeep; cleanliness, safety and infrastructure issues. Then there is the matter of yet more traffic and where to park the cars and buses which will transport the majority of remaining families and children who live on the west side of town to the overcrowded east side where the pool is planned on the top heavy waterfront.
Since our current mayor expresses on a regular basis his concern for “Hoboken’s children,” I am sure he is aware that children and their families have departed during his tenure because they could no longer afford to live here To be a friendly family town means providing reasonably priced and sized housing as well as affordable places to shop and eat, neither of which Hoboken can boast of as a priority during the past eight years. There is McDonald’s! As for the traffic jams. During the past eight years, I and many others have suggested the idea of peripheral parking including trolley-like vehicles along main thoroughfares to transport people which would be free or (minimal cost) friendly and fun for local residents and visitors. The suggestion was made to no avail. Why? Could it be our very in the black, prosperous Hoboken Parking Authority doesn’t envision enough dollar signs from developers coming from this approach?
As an alternative to addressing luxury items only, why don’t we, as a community, go back to some basics which might allow families to return and stay here like affordable living areas, supermarkets, shops and recrreation. Hoboken United has committed itself to restoring some balance and support for diversity in our currently strained and polarized little city. I’m for that!
Jean Forest