Hoboken prepares for Hurricane Sandy, calls for volunteers
Hurricane Sandy could potentially reach Hudson County as early as Sunday. The mayor held a press conference Friday at City Hall to update the public on precautionary measures.
The city is calling for as many volunteers as possible as early as tomorrow to help get the word out and man call centers so that the police and fire departments can concentrate on emergency calls. Volunteers will be meeting Saturday at 221 Jackson St. at 11 a.m. and also Sunday at City Hall at 11 a.m.
The mayor said the city has been mobilizing their teams (parking, fire, police, etc) as well as directly coordinating with PSE&G, who have already been securing power lines.
At this time, the city is not calling for an evacuation, but residents in ground floor and basement apartments are encouraged to start thinking about where to go just in case. If need be, shelters will be set up at Wallace School and a back-up shelter will be at Hoboken High School.
The mayor urged the public to make plans to move their cars, as flooding is anticipated. Western Hoboken is traditionally known to be flood-prone. A flood pump is operational, but very heavy rain can still result in flooding. As a result, residents who park on-street are strongly urged to avoid flood-prone areas.
The mayor also encouraged the public to stay out of the flood waters, even after the storm, because the waters are not just rain water but also the result of a combined sewer system.
“We are taking this storm very seriously,” Mayor Zimmer said. “Obviously we are hoping for the best, but we are preparing for the worst.”
Barricades have been pre-positioned if needed to close off streets and “No Parking” signs posted in the most flood-prone areas. North Hudson Sewerage Authority has been clearing out catch basins.
Due to the possibility of very strong winds, residents and businesses are asked to bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies and secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.
FEMA advises residents to take the time now to put together a family emergency plan and emergency kit. Some of the items in a basic emergency kit include: one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation; at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food; battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio; flashlight and extra batteries; and First Aid kit.
Residents who do not have a land line or have not received emergency notifications in the past are urged to sign up for the City’s Reverse 911 system by visiting www.hobokennj.org/emergency. Residents may also sign up for non-emergency related alerts at www.hobokennj.org/alerts.
‘Naked in F Sharp: An Un-dress Rehearsal’ musical is Sunday
“Naked in F Sharp: An Un-dress Rehearsal,” a musical comedy, will take place at the Hudson School, 601 Park Ave, Sunday Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. The musical features pianist Pamela Ross and cellist Adrian Daurov. Admission is free. After the performance, the audience is invited to participate in an informal conversation with the artists.
To reserve seats or for more info call Evelyn Bonilla (press and publicity) at (973) 943-7396.
Rebuild Hoboken Charter School benefit is Monday
A benefit and auction to rebuild Hoboken Charter School will take place Monday Oct. 29 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the W Hotel, 225 River Street. The event is $90 per person and a portion of the ticket and auction items are tax deductible. Tickets are available online at www.HCS-PA.org. Alcoholic beverages are courtesy of Sparrow Wine and Liquor Company.
New Jersey Transit not buying Union Dry Dock
Days after the Reporter ran a cover story about the proposal, NJ Transit said it will not buy the Union Dry Dock site, a more than 100 year old ship repair operation on the Hoboken waterfront.
Mayor Dawn Zimmer released a memo to the City Council about the issue last week, saying NJ Transit informed her of their change in plans earlier that day.
School board slate told to return money
The city ruled last week that campaign contributions by Councilwoman Beth Mason to Board of Education election ticket Move Forward, have to be returned within 30 days. City Clerk Jim Farina wrote to the treasurer of Friends of Beth Mason, saying that the $7,116 contribution from last month exceeded the municipal code limit of $500 from political action committees in local elections. The ordinance was passed in mid 2011, according to a statement from city attorney Mellissa Longo. Mason responded in a public letter saying, “The NJ Office of Legislative Services issued an opinion to the Mayor and City Council that this law violates our State Constitution and The Citizen’s Campaign, the state leader in promoting campaign finance reform, is also in agreement.”
Mason also said, “The governing body whish sets donation limits is the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission and I am well within the legally permitted contribution amount.”
Large-scale marijuana investigation hearing set
Five defendants that have been indicted on a large-scale marijuana investigation, had their first pre-trial hearing Monday. The drug case began when more than 30 pounds of suspected marijuana was allegedly delivered to Nick’s Candy Store, 111 14th St., in April. This resulted in the arrest of two men, store owner Jigar Mujundar and Shyan Ganatra. The investigation later led to the discovery of more than 50 marijuana plants in Edison and the arrest of three more men on the lease of the residence: Keith Kinzler, Parker Feldman, and Justin DePaula. The five men are facing charges that carry up to 20 year prison sentences. Hudson County Assistant Prosecuter said Friday that there were no further developments in the case.