St. Ann’s Festival continues
The St. Ann’s Festival continues through Thursday, July 26. The festival takes place on the west side of Hoboken on Jefferson Street between Sixth and Eight streets, and on Seventh Street between Monroe and Adams streets.
The popular event, which began Friday, July 20, features rides, games, crafts, food, beer, raffles, and lots of live entertainment. See our story from last weekend’s edition at hudsonreporter.com.
Shipyard Associates files complaint against county boards
The developers of the proposed Monarch at the Shipyard development, Shipyard Associates, L.P., have filed a complaint against the Hudson County Planning Board alleging that the board’s decision to deny the application was “not based upon adequate findings or conclusions as required by law.”
The project calls for two 11-story residential buildings just east of the Hudson Tea Building near the waterfront. The application was recently changed to two 10-story towers.
The Hudson County Planning Board denied the project in February.
Shipyard attorney Kevin Coakley said last week that the Planning Board only has jurisdiction over the project’s impact on county drainage and the affect of traffic on county roads.
“There was no draining going into the country drainage system [in our application],” said Coakley, “[and] there was a traffic report showing a very small amount of traffic going into these units.”
“The decision of the [Planning] Board to deny the application without any foundation was shocking,” added Coakley.
The complaint also names the Hudson County Board of Freeholders as a defendant. According to the complaint, the Board of Freeholders denied Shipyard’s request for an appeal, and affirmed the Planning Board’s decision. The complaint also says that the freeholders did not act in a timely manner before making their decision.
On the local level, the Hoboken Planning Board denied the application with prejudice earlier this month.
County Planning Director Massiel Ferrara declined to comment.
John Campbell, an attorney for the county Planning Board, did not return requests for comment.
Last week, County Director of Communications Jim Kennelly said, “Our Planning Board believes that its [ruling] process was sound.”
The city has filed a legal complaint alleging that the developer is in breach of the 1997 Developer’s Agreement, which included the provision of a tennis pavilion, tennis courts, parking spaces and public access improvements. The complaint also seeks compensatory damages and attorney fees.
City will hold community meeting for Church Square park improvements
The city will hold a community meeting to solicit public feedback on the final conceptual plan for Church Square Park on Thursday, July 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The meeting will take place in the gazebo in the park at Fifth Street and Park Avenue.
Mile Square Theatre will hold monologue audition class
The Mile Square Theatre, at 720 Monroe St., will host a monologue audition class Tuesdays and Thursday evenings until Aug. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The class is taught by Broadway actor Matthew Lawler and is open to 13-16 year olds. Students receive instruction in selecting, rehearsing, and performing a contemporary monologue, which they will then perform for New York City casting director David Cady of Donna DeSeta casting.
Tuition is $260. For enrollment and registration information, email mattlawler@hotmail.com.
Union City and Secaucus pools open to Hoboken residents
The Union City Pool at Ninth Street and Palisade Avenue is open to Hoboken residents Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m. and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Residents can use the pool for free until Sept. 4.
Additionally, Hoboken residents may use the Secaucus municipal pool at a reduced rate by filling out an application. Visit www.hobokennj.org for more information.
20th Annual National Night Out scheduled for Aug. 7
The 20th Annual National Night Out events will take place in Hoboken on Tuesday, Aug. 7.
Hosted by Hoboken Police Chief Anthony P. Falco Sr., the event aims to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnership, and send a message to criminals to let them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
To participate, contact Sgt. Melissa Gigante at (201) 420-2100.