To the Editor:
At the last council meeting, the 46th Street high rise was discussed. Take the emotion and politics out of a constructive discussion, and here were the most valid points to discuss. Tax abatement! This became moot since there is no tax abatement for this project. This administration has only issued abatements in litigation on the three lawsuits which it inherited, so it stated. Sticking to the 46th Street subject, that argument for opposition falls away unless someone can prove that the developer is getting an abatement. People spoke negatively about the terrible school system in Bayonne. This led into the argument that high-rise buildings bring more kids, more taxes. Frustration over our school ranking should be addressed to the Board of Education and or Superintendent. The city has no control over the Board of Education. That emotion and passion about a poor school should be displayed at the appropriate place. The argument that we don’t need to add more kids to a bad school district and the cost associated is worth the discussion. This viewpoint is based on the assumption that paying $2k a month for a studio or for a one- bedroom will bring children. Logically and historically looking at Hoboken or Jersey City, that argument is dismissed. Just the opposite, young professionals will for the most part inhabit these upscale places. Our older apartment buildings and two-family and illegal multi-dwellings are more affordable to the blue-collar family with several kids. Parking is a major concern. This project has 88 apartments and 144 garaged parking spaces which exceeds requirements. There is no argument that it will create more traffic and affect street parking. Last, the subjective view that the project will ruin our city and property values and beauty of the neighborhood is debatable. It seemed more a passionate plea to leave me alone I like the way it is! The counterpoint was that property values will continue to fall if you continue to do nothing . Residents complained the building is too high. What would be the acceptable height? That’s a fair and balanced analysis of the sides to the discussion. Voting with your heart and emotion to not change my world is completely understandable and needs to be respected. However, if “you don’t start swimming you’ll sink like a stone, for the times they are a changing.” To the guy making an accusation about Mack Cali and DeMarco’s brother; unless you have proof don’t waste our time with inflammatory crap which had nothing to do with the discussion. To the other guy who wanted a yes or no answer, this is not a trial or Senate hearing. Obviously you didn’t listen to all the speakers, which makes the issue more than a simple yes or no.
FRANK BARONE