Dear Editor:
Dear Ms. Stack:
This is to acknowledge and thank you for your letter dated August 28, 2000.
As Mayor, I agree with you that the amount of curb cuts in Hoboken has reduced available parking for residents. Unfortunately, zoning approvals for such projects were given prior to my election as mayor in 1993.
Prior to my election, regulations required that one parking space had to be built for each unit developed. This not only took away “street parking’ but also changed the historic appearance of some blocks by removing front stoops and having a series of curb cuts. The law allowed projects of the type you cite in your letter to be built by right and without the requirement of Zoning Board approvals.
After becoming mayor, I proposed zoning changes that prohibit the creation of parking for projects of five or less units. These new regulations ensure that smaller developments on lots less than 50 feet wide, will not result in the loss of “street parking” for on site parking and curb cuts. Additionally, no new curb cuts are allowed 50 feet from a corner.
Please know that I appreciate your concerns about parking in Hoboken. We have been successful in preventing new developments on private property from taking away public parking spaces while at the same time working hard on your behalf to create new public parking facilities such as the automated garage at 916 Garden Street and the planned St. Mary Garage at 4th and Clinton Streets. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me. And thank you for your kind comments about my health.
Very truly yours,
Anthony Russo
Mayor