Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced that the City will seek to enter into a formal partnership with Hoboken Community Center to discuss options for redeveloping the former YMCA recreation space at 1301 Washington St This marks a major milestone toward transforming the decades-old site into a modern 21st-century community center designed to meet the growing needs of Hoboken residents Originally opened in 1927 as the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA the facility served generations of Hoboken residents until its recreational operations ceased in 2010 due to funding constraints The City now seeks a formalized partnership with the HCC a non-profit organization that currently owns the property to revitalize the 37,500-square-foot space that includes an indoor pool and basketball court the property would be renovated with additional amenities as determined through an open public engagement process “This is a transformational step toward reinvigorating a long-vacant space that once served as a cornerstone of community life in Hoboken,” said Mayor Bhalla “Our partnership with the Hoboken Community Center is a true win for Hoboken and I look forward to working closely with the community to create a welcoming space where residents of all ages can connect and grow I also want to thank Councilmembers Emily Jabbour and Tiffanie Fisher as well as the late Councilmember Jennifer Giattino who helped make this milestone a reality.”   “The Hoboken Community Center looks forward to entering into formal discussions with the City of Hoboken to explore opportunities to revitalize the building as a community center and provide much-needed programming and facilities for Hoboken’s youth senior citizens and families,” said Ken Nilsen President of the Hoboken Community Center (HCC) Board of Trustees the HCC is committed to restoring critical community amenities — including a community-based pool and meeting spaces — for the benefit of all Hoboken residents.” The framework for this partnership was developed over several months of discussions through collaboration between the Bhalla Administration led by Business Administrator Jason Freeman The HCC maintains three missions: affordable housing for 96 low-income single men a food pantry serving over 4,300 registered households and the redevelopment of the space at 1301 Washington St as an asset to serve the recreational and cultural needs of the City of Hoboken The HCC food pantry distributions will continue at 1301 Washington St until the HCC’s new location at 122 Adams St The Hoboken City Council will vote on a resolution authorizing the proposed partnership during its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday Should the Council vote to approve the partnership the City and HCC will sign a Letter of Intent serving as the first formal step in the partnership Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here Game Recap: Men's Lacrosse | 5/3/2025 10:07:00 PM Thanks for visiting NJ — The City of Hoboken’s Department of Transportation and Parking today invited the community to provide feedback on proposed curbside management and mobility strategies through an online survey and at two upcoming public meetings The project team will use this feedback to create Hoboken’s first Curbside Mobility and Parking Action Plan which will influence how the City manages curb space to better serve residents and visitors while furthering the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and injuries by 2030 The strategies proposed in the survey are based on resident input received through a year-long public engagement effort that included public meetings feedback from over 60 business owners and visitors and meetings with stakeholder groups such as the Hoboken Business Alliance and members of the Hoboken City Council The proposed strategies include: expanding neighborhood loading zones to curtail double parking; “smart” loading zones priced accordingly to increase turn over and improve availability for delivery vehicles; formalized stops for Hop buses and other activations like bike parking and bike share stations for daylit intersections; expanding the Corner Car program; creating a live mobile app-based parking availability map; and more The City’s Curb Reimagined project team developed these proposed strategies following a comprehensive analysis of parking and mobility data from garage and on-street parking transactions A summary of this analysis is included in the 40-page Curb Reimagined Foundations Report, which is a baseline assessment of current conditions of the curbside as well as other trends that affect how users interact with streets in the city It highlights how curb space is currently used identifies key challenges and opportunities and shares community feedback gathered to date The report serves as a launchpad for defining a more flexible and equitable curbside system that aligns with the City’s broader goals of safety “With over 270,000 linear feet of curbside in Hoboken how we manage that space directly affects quality of life for everyone “This report is a critical step forward in helping us understand where we are today so we can better utilize our curbside and ensure it is safer taking us one step closer to our Vision Zero goals I invite everyone in Hoboken to provide feedback to ensure that your voice helps us to reimagine our curb space for the better.” ‍ The report outlines four key findings that will shape the next phase of planning for the final Curbside Mobility and Parking Action Plan: The report also emphasizes the importance of adopting new technologies as these innovations will modernize Hoboken’s curbside space to meet a wider range of needs As the City enters the next phase of planning community members are encouraged to share their thoughts to help shape the future of curbside space in Hoboken Residents, businesses, and visitors can learn more about the Curb Reimagined project and take the survey at hobokennj.gov/curbmanagement The survey will remain open until May 30 at 11:59 p.m the City will host two public engagement sessions to gather public input An in-person community engagement session will be held on Wednesday at Wallace Elementary School at 1100 Willow Ave A virtual community meeting will take place on Thursday, May 22, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is available online at hobokennj.gov/curbmanagement.‍ This press release was produced by the City of Hoboken The views expressed here are the author’s own Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. 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Bhalla and the City of Hoboken invite residents and visitors to the annual Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival on Sunday between Observer Highway and Seventh Street The event attracts over 30,000 visitors each spring and showcases the city’s vibrant cultural scene It features live musical performances on two stages taking the Observer Highway stage at 4:30 p.m celebrated and known for her Grammy-nominated #1 pop ballad “I Still Believe,” has captivated audiences with her Spanish albums including Te Sigo Esperando (RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum) which earned two Latin Billboard Awards in 2002 the lineup this Spring will feature new acts and some returning favorites on two stages located on Washington Street between Sixth Street and Seventh Street The Observer Highway Stage line-up, located on Washington Street between Observer Highway and Newark Street, is as follows: The Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival is funded in part by a grant from the NJ Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism (www.visitnj.org) and is sponsored by Ironstate and the Hudson County Division of Parks & Roads Wheelchair-accessible seating can be made available for each performance with a week's prior notice Please contact Hoboken Cultural Affairs at 201-420-2000 Ext Accessible restrooms will be located near the main stage on Observer Highway and on Washington Street at Third Street For more information on the festival and performers, visit https://www.hobokennj.gov/departments/cultural-affairs The City of Hoboken and North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA) today announced the installation of five new stormwater pumps at ResilienCity Park a critical milestone in Hoboken’s and NHSA’s long-term effort to combat flooding and improve climate resiliency As part of Phase III of NHSA’s H6/H7 Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) the pump installation is a transformative development in the City's efforts to manage stormwater and reduce sewer overflows during heavy rainfall events Mandated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) includes projects to increase treatment plant capacity and build detention facilities for better stormwater management NHSA is the first wastewater authority in New Jersey to complete its CSO LTCP and gain approval from the NJDEP underscoring its leadership in environmental protection The H6/H7 project will modernize Hoboken’s sewer infrastructure reduce the risk of flooding and enhance water quality This includes constructing a high-level storm sewer system that will work alongside the new stormwater pump station and the 1-million-gallon storage tank beneath ResilienCity Park The new ABS/Sulzer Submersible Non-clog Pumps will be able to push approximately 30 million gallons of stormwater per day (or 20,000 gallons per minute) out of the storage tank to the Hudson River during a storm event The stormwater removed will free up capacity at the treatment plant and reduce combined sewer overflows to the river “Today’s announcement is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to protect Hoboken residents from flooding,” said Mayor Ravi S we are investing in critical infrastructure to create a more resilient city for future generations.” ‍ said: “The installation of the pumps at ResilienCity Park is a milestone for our Longterm Control Plan and a major step in mitigating flooding and contributing to a cleaner Hudson River NHSA’s investment in the pump station and necessary sewer upgrades around the park is close to $100 million $58 million of which came from the Biden infrastructure program This is an indication of how seriously NHSA takes its responsibility to the community we thoroughly endorse the NJDEP’s long-term effort to make the Hudson River swimmable once again  I would like to thank the Mayor for his constant cooperation and Congressman Rob Menendez for his support for this project.” “This is an important environmental and quality of life project for Hoboken and NHSA’s entire service area,” said Congressman Rob Menendez “I am proud to have supported the federal funding that made this possible and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community This is yet another example of the importance of continued infrastructure funding something I will continue to advocate for in Congress." Hoboken’s low-lying topography and aging sewer infrastructure make it vulnerable to flooding with as little as 0.8 inches of rain per hour overwhelming the system now serves as a critical detention space for stormwater during peak rainfall helping prevent overflow of the combined sewer system and flooding in streets and basements the H1 flood pump in southwest Hoboken and the H5 flood pump in northwest Hoboken have been instrumental in preventing flooding during approximately 88 percent of rainstorms they have the capacity to pump out approximately 90 million gallons of stormwater per day The addition of this third pump station at ResilienCity Park significantly expands the pumping capacity and ensures improved coverage in Hoboken’s northwest neighborhood Phase II of the H6/H7 project also includes new storm sewers and a force main along the Adams Street corridor These improvements connected the ResilienCity Park storage tank to the NHSA outfall at 15th Street further improving stormwater management in Northeast Hoboken Phase III is currently underway and includes new sewer lines and curb inlets to capture runoff and alleviate drainage and potential flooding issues across Northwest Hoboken The City is also expanding the Southwest Resiliency Park to further reduce stormwater entering the combined sewer system The expanded park will detain over 260,000 gallons of stormwater and provide valuable open space amenities for the community These efforts build on Hoboken’s larger climate adaptation strategy which includes a citywide network of resiliency parks and green building design guidelines for new developments all designed to absorb and manage stormwater Together with NHSA’s gray infrastructure improvements including stormwater detention tanks and increased treatment plant capacity Hoboken is implementing a comprehensive urban flood mitigation system This coordinated strategy is central to Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan and Resilience Master Plan which aim to reduce the impacts of extreme weather For more information on Hoboken’s flood mitigation efforts, visit www.hobokennj.gov/resources/stormwater-flood-mitigation.   For updates on construction projects, visit www.hobokennj.gov/hoboken-construction-updates.   About North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA) The North Hudson Sewerage Authority (NHSA) is a regional authority responsible for providing wastewater treatment and stormwater management services to the communities of Hoboken and sustainability of the region through innovative infrastructure projects and environmental protection initiatives Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced Phase 1 of the Church Square Park Improvements Project will begin this week following years of community engagement and planning The project aims to enhance the park while preserving its historic character Church Square Park is bordered by Garden Street Phase 1 of the park’s upgrades will include the construction of a new playground for children ages 0-5 the replacement of the former playground with a new lawn area the installation of a landscape buffer along the dog run to mitigate sound These upgrades align with the Church Square Park Vision Plan which was developed through a year-long public planning process involving in-person and virtual meetings and surveys “Church Square Park is a vital gathering space used year-round by multiple schools and neighbors,” said Mayor Bhalla making these upgrades essential to keeping it safe we’re ensuring this historic park continues to serve our community for years to come I’m grateful to the residents who helped shape this vision to enhance the park and look forward to seeing these improvements in the months ahead.” The new playground for children ages 0-5 will be located in the southwest section of the park along Fourth Street near Willow Avenue It will feature inclusive and educational play elements such as ramped play structures integrated into the existing tree canopy The former toddler playground will be transformed into a green lawn space with plantings and seating for passive use the City will also install a landscape buffer for the dog run along Willow Avenue which will consist of a concrete curb fence with acoustic soundproofing material and shrubs while preserving the existing trees a new accessible restroom and utility building will be installed near Garden and Fourth Streets contractors will begin with site mobilization including the installation of temporary fencing throughout portions of the park’s Phase 1 areas as well as upgrades to the park’s sewer connection on Willow Avenue at Fourth Street Temporary work zone restrictions and sidewalk closures will be in place on Willow Avenue between Fourth Street and Fifth Street Temporary road closures may be in effect between 10 a.m Truck and emergency vehicle access will be maintained under the direction of the Hoboken Police Department and Office of Emergency Management Phase 1 construction is anticipated to take approximately five months For a weekly construction schedule, go to www.hobokennj.gov/construction.   For more information on the project and the Church Square Park Vision Plan, go to https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/church-square-park-vision-plan The City of Hoboken today announced the construction of new electric vehicle charging stations as part of its continued expansion of the City’s publicly accessible EV charging network Two new DC fast chargers will be installed at Seventh and Jackson Resiliency Park and on Garden Street near Observer Highway The City has also recently added two Level 2 chargers on Fourth Street near Garden Street and two DC fast chargers are now available on the 600 block of Washington Street These new charging stations expand access to electric vehicle charging furthering the City’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality “This investment in clean transportation not only supports our residents who drive electric vehicles but also brings us one step closer to achieving our ambitious climate goals,” said Mayor Ravi S “By expanding access to EV charging across the city we’re making it easier and more convenient to choose greener more sustainable transportation options.” The new chargers will add to Hoboken’s municipally managed and publicly accessible EV charging network currently the most extensive in New Jersey which includes 28 Level 2 charging ports and 10 DC fast charging ports Since the launch of Hoboken’s public EV charging station program in July 2021 more than 48,000 charging sessions have been logged helping thousands of drivers reduce their carbon footprint The program has helped the community avoid an estimated 582,651 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions which is the equivalent of planting 14,940 trees and letting them grow for 10 years The City’s on-street electric vehicle charging stations continue to outperform their off-street network peers in Hoboken demonstrating the growing demand for convenient electric vehicle charging in a city where most residents do not have access to off-street charging The following are the top three most-used locations in 2024: The installation of these charging stations supports the City’s commitment to ensuring that every resident lives within a five-minute walk of a publicly accessible EV charging station The initiative directly supports Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan which outlines a path toward carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero energy by 2030 For more information about Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan and sustainability efforts, visit www.hobokennj.gov/sustainability The new chargers are being installed at no cost to the City through a public-private partnership with Volta The City of Hoboken today unveiled the engineering designs of the first phase of Maritime Park located at the former Union Dry Dock site along Hoboken’s waterfront The designs include a new skatepark with both street and transition/bowl style features public plaza inspired by the palisade cliffs living shoreline to promote educational opportunities and restore natural habitats and a temporary learning nursery and tree staging area The engineering designs were created following a comprehensive public planning process which included online surveys Based on community feedback from an in-person skatepark meeting and over 250 survey respondents 63 percent of whom identified as skateboarders the skatepark will include features that cater to skaters of all skill levels including Maritime Park Phase I will also include a living shoreline of natural marshes and tide pools that will be accessed through a step-down feature called the “Hudson Step Down” allowing for educational opportunities and additional seating Shoreline components will include rock sills as well as wave attenuation structures to minimize the effects of erosion and allow for transitional uplands with native plantings that will restore the biodiversity and ecology of the area The new habitats are anticipated to attract a variety of species like Atlantic mud crab and filter feeders like ribbed mussels that will also contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem by promoting nutrient cycling and water filtration will also integrate a learning nursery and tree staging area to grow native plantings which will be used for later phases of the park's buildout to ensure plants acclimate to the site a public plaza will be constructed near the skatepark made of natural materials and landscaping reminiscent of the topography and ecology of the Palisade cliffs and prominent park signage welcoming visitors to Maritime Park we are finally able to see the transformation of a former industrial site into a beautiful waterfront park for all to enjoy,” said Mayor Ravi S “I’m thrilled that this first phase includes brand new skate features and its seamless integration into the rest of the waterfront park this park will not only provide key amenities to the public including its active features but will also further our commitment to environmental stewardship I look forward to seeing Maritime Park come to life as a centerpiece of our waterfront!” The entire Maritime Park site, formerly a working dry dock, is about 8.7 acres in size, including 4.5 acres of land and 4.2 acres of water. The City announced the acquisition of the site in 2022 in one of the most consequential land transactions in the City’s history allowing Hoboken to connect one of the final pieces of the waterfront for public use The Bhalla administration and City Council worked in tandem for years to ensure the land was preserved for public use and is now making progress towards fulfilling the decades-long effort of connecting the entire span of Hoboken’s waterfront walkway The final concept envisions recreational spaces an expanded beach with a new Learning Pier for marine education and a play area featuring natural materials and structures The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway would also be extended along the river’s edge to complete the final segment of Hoboken’s waterfront and the park would also include a community building with public meeting space Maritime Park will also integrate resiliency features including on-site stormwater management through rain gardens and bioswales and a robust tree canopy to reduce the impacts of the urban heat island effect The project team also designed the park’s programming and topography in a manner that anticipates sea level rise over the next century The City will seek to bid and award a construction contract for Phase I by the fall of 2025 Additional information about the waterfront project, as well as details on future community meetings and public engagement opportunities, can be found at hobokennj.gov/maritimepark. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken’s Division of Cultural Affairs today announced the launch of expanded art programs for youth and teens this spring will run for eight weeks from March 17 through May 17 at the Multi-Service Center Senior Room and the ResilienCity Park Community Room at 13th and Adams Streets “These programs reflect Hoboken’s commitment to providing accessible high-quality arts education for our youth,” said Mayor Bhalla “From painting and sewing to theater and dance these classes offer creative opportunities that will help inspire confidence I’m proud that we are expanding these offerings including more options for children with special needs to ensure all of Hoboken’s youth can benefit from these enriching programs.” The Division of Cultural Affairs initially launched the art programs last fall with over 130 participants the Division will offer more sessions this spring giving more children the opportunity to participate in various creative programs designed to inspire and develop artistic skills The City will also offer new classes such as Art in the Park offers an eight-week indoor/outdoor program with activities such as arts and crafts My Mini Museum invites children aged 5 to 7 to join an art exploration club where they can use renowned artists as inspiration to create their own works of art teaches participants how to design and create their own fashion pieces using upcycled clothing where children between the ages of 6 and 16 will learn the basics of hip hop while developing rhythm Classes will also be available and specifically designed for children with special needs provide an introduction to improvisation and theater activities A new Theater Sports class has been added this spring offering a deeper dive into these skills with a focus on performance Registration for all programs will open on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. at hoboken.recdesk.com The rehabilitation initiative stems from a June 2024 investigation following a sinkhole near Sybil’s Cave conducted by Colliers Engineering & Design and geotechnical borings to assess the seawall’s condition was caused by the loss of historic fill beneath the seawall the City expanded the investigation of the subsurface structures along the waterfront from Pier A along the City’s southern border to the former Monarch site in the north This approach uncovered additional areas of erosion and water infiltration from the Hudson River The City anticipates conducting repairs to stabilize and replace the seawall and walkway along the eastern portion of Sinatra Drive from the gazebo at approximately Seventh Street to the existing skate park at approximately Ninth Street near the most significant erosion Other repair areas include the waterfront along the former Monarch site at 15th Street and Shipyard Lane the southern portion of Sinatra Park near the boat launch and ramp as well as a portion of the waterfront walkway near the southernmost entrance to Pier C Park the City will resurface Sinatra Drive between First Street and Fourth Street The Administration will now seek Hoboken City Council approval on a $30 million bond for project costs A portion of the recommended bond amount would include an annual inspection of waterfront structures to avoid the prior neglect of vital waterfront resources that spanned decades the City will seek New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection approvals to begin construction in the Spring of 2025 the City will begin construction of the Sinatra Drive Redesign Project which will improve waterfront access 2025 at 1:21 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A bartender in Hoboken stole a credit card from the bar and used it to make purchases NJ — After a credit card was stolen from a downtown bar in Hoboken The Hoboken police said that someone reported a credit card stolen at a bar on First and Bloomfield streets on Feb police headed to a Jersey City residence to arrest a man for the theft was arrested on charges of theft and fraudulent use of credit cards Police said that the card was discovered missing in February and used to buy approximately $350 of merchandise shortly afterward "A follow-up investigation led by Police Officer Ray Calderon identified Reyes as the actor and discovered he stole the credit card while working as a bartender at The Ferryman," police said Reyes was processed on theft and fraud charges at Hoboken Police Headquarters Police discovered that he had another warrant from Hoboken for not paying He was given court dates for the warrants and taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced the official arrival of the City's first fully electric garbage truck and two HOP shuttle buses marking a major milestone in Hoboken’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable municipal fleet Funded in part through a nearly $700,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) the new vehicles are now part of Hoboken’s growing lineup of 30 electric or hybrid vehicles that comprise the municipal fleet which will replace an existing diesel hauler is significantly quieter than its predecessor and will begin servicing Hoboken neighborhoods in the coming weeks In addition to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing noise pollution the electric vehicles are expected to improve overall air quality while offering a smoother “This is a big moment for Hoboken,” said Mayor Ravi S “By putting our first electric garbage truck and HOP shuttle buses on the road we are taking real action to reduce harmful emissions and protect our environment they are also much quieter than the diesel models they replace That means less noise in our neighborhoods and a better experience for everyone who lives and works in Hoboken I look forward to these vehicles being put into service in the weeks ahead.” the three electric vehicles are projected to save the City over $1.1 million in fuel costs while also reducing maintenance expenses associated with traditional diesel engines they will eliminate the annual consumption of over 17,500 gallons of diesel fuel Electric waste management vehicles and shuttle buses offer significant environmental advantages often achieving less than 15 miles per gallon and are major contributors to noise and air pollution The electric alternatives will dramatically reduce noise pollution and cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions which are a leading factor in ozone pollution totaling nearly 2.3 million grams over their useful lifespan The rollout of the electric garbage truck and buses directly supports the City’s Climate Action Plan with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero energy by 2030 Phasing in electric and hybrid vehicles is one of eight priority actions identified for reducing emissions from City operations For more information about Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan and sustainability efforts The City of Hoboken today announced non-profit New Jersey Youth Soccer awarded the Recreation Division’s soccer program the Recreation Program of the Year presented by MLS GO The award was given at the 35th Annual New Jersey Youth Soccer Awards Dinner presented by RWJBarnabas Health in front of a sold-out crowd of over 1,000 attendees and Public Works and continues to expand its offerings for both youth and adults “Hoboken is honored to receive this recognition from New Jersey Youth Soccer,” said Mayor Ravi S “Our Recreation Division has seen major improvements and expanded offerings for children ever since Jessica began working for the City nearly two years ago Thousands of Hoboken children have benefited from her modernization of the recreation department I offer my sincere congratulations to Jessica as well as Director Aviles and their entire recreation staff for this well-deserved recognition.” “We are honored to celebrate the City of Hoboken with the NJYS Recreation Program of the Year presented by MLS GO.” said Evan Danby “It was inspiring to see the city relaunch its program with such enthusiasm and success while providing quality soccer opportunity for so many young players.” Hoboken’s Recreation Division offers a variety of athletic programs as well as additional instructional programs Participation has also grown significantly increasing from approximately 3,000 children in 2022 to over 8,200 participants in programs throughout the year To learn more about the City’s Recreation Division, go to www.hobokennj.gov/departments/recreation. To learn more about available programs go to,  https://hoboken.recdesk.com/Community/Home.   and Fire Chief Anton Peskens today announced new City regulations to better protect Hoboken residents from fires caused by uncertified lithium-ion batteries following City Council’s approval of the “Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Ordinance.”   created under the guidance of Chief Peskens and Hoboken Fire Marshal Stephen DiVincent and/or use of second-hand lithium-ion batteries The law also prohibits the charging and/or storage of a lithium-ion powered battery or a lithium-ion battery powered mobility devices in common areas of residential properties with three or more units “The City of Hoboken supports the safe use of micro-mobility vehicles and that includes the safe use of the batteries that power them,” said Mayor Bhalla “We have seen what type of destruction second-hand and improperly used lithium-ion batteries have caused in neighboring communities and we will do whatever we can to keep our residents safe from these devastating fires.” “We are not banning e-bikes or e-scooters in Hoboken,” said Director Ferrante “These regulations are crucial for public safety reasons and will keep our residents and visitors safe from the fast-moving and all too often deadly fires that are associated with the batteries those devices use.” “Lithium-ion batteries can pose serious fire risks if not handled as we have all sadly witnessed in other communities,” said Chief Peskens “Stricter guidelines and regulations allow us to reduce these risks as well as better protect both first responders and the public.” “These fires have caused millions of dollars in damage and put countless lives at risk but they are preventable,” said Fire Marshal DiVincent Prevention is always the smartest strategy.” “We thank the City Council and Mayor Bhalla for adopting new legislation that strengthens battery safety and takes a strong step toward protecting residents” said Andrew Wilson “By addressing high-risk batteries and unsafe storage practices these regulations effectively enhance public safety while ensuring residents maintain access to the essential transportation devices they rely on.”   The Hoboken Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Law will take effect on March 11 following a public awareness and education campaign Residents and commuters are reminded that the Port Authority of NY and NJ will close the Hoboken Terminal PATH Station 24/7 25 for significant track and station upgrades the Port Authority has coordinated with NJ Transit and other transportation partners to provide alternative transportation options for commuters and PATH customers The City also continues to collaborate with all transportation agencies and stakeholders to help minimize disruptions during the closure Residents are encouraged to leave extra travel time and prepare for increased traffic around Hoboken Terminal due to additional buses the Hoboken Terminal Hop pick-up and drop-off location will be temporarily moved to the bus shelter on the north side of Hudson Place east of River Street See below for more information on the Hop relocation The Port Authority will provide the following transportation alternatives for PATH customers: Ferries are scheduled to run every 10 minutes during peak hours from Hoboken Terminal and 14th Street in Hoboken, with extended evening service to Midtown/W. 39th Street.For more information on NY Waterway Ferry Service, including a step-by-step guide on how to purchase and use the special PATH Ferry Ticket, go to: https://www.nywaterway.com/path.aspx Free PATH Shuttle Buses to Newport and Exchange Place PATH Stations   PATH will provide free shuttle buses that will operate 24/7 between Hoboken and Exchange Place stations on the following schedules: Supplemental PATH Train Service will also be provided:   Increased NJ TRANSIT 126 Bus Service between Hoboken and Port Authority NJ Transit will supplement its regular Route 126 bus service along Washington Street Additional New York-bound buses will begin at the Hoboken Bus Terminal To accommodate the staging of additional commuter buses parking will be removed from the south side of Observer Highway between Bloomfield Street and Park Avenue 24/7 and on the east side of Washington Street between 10th and 11th Streets NJ Transit advises customers using the Route 126 bus service that they may encounter more crowded conditions than usual and that they should allow for extra travel time For more information on additional buses, staging locations, and gate assignments in New York, please see the NJ Transit website:www.njtransit.com/hobokenpath NJ TRANSIT Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Service NJ Transit’s website states it will continue to operate the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) on its regular schedule to and from Hoboken Terminal HBLR service is available between Hoboken Terminal and PATH’s Newport and Exchange Place stations for transfer to PATH trains Please note, an NJ Transit Light Rail ticket is required to ride the HBLR. Riders must validate their ticket before boarding. Tickets can be purchased in the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App or at an HBLR vending machine. For additional information, on the NJ Transit Light Rail tickets, go to www.njtransit.com/tickets/light-rail-tickets HOP drop-off relocated & Citi Bike Valet to remain operational   the Hoboken Terminal Hop pickup and drop-off location will be temporarily moved to the bus shelter on the north side of Hudson Place east of River Street The usual south side location will be used for Port Authority shuttles to Exchange Place and Newport PATH stations during this period This will require the temporary removal of parking on the north side of Hudson Place between River Street and Warrington Plaza the Citi Bike Hoboken Terminal valet on River Street between Hudson Place and Newark Street will remain operational during weekday morning and evening rush hours for as long as ridership levels justify For additional details about the Hoboken PATH closure, travel alternatives, and schedule updates,visit the Port Authority’s Hoboken Station Closure Web Page. For further details and updated travel information on NJ Transit services, sign up for My Transit Alerts, download the NJ TRANSIT app, and follow them on Social Media the Hoboken Police Department will participate in the National Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Take Back Day National Take Back Day provides residents with a safe and anonymous way to dispose of unneeded or expired prescription drugs which can often become a gateway to addiction and other solid forms of prescription drugs in the lobby area of the following locations:   “Unused or expired medications can pose a serious public safety issue and this event is an easy and effective way to reduce that risk,” said Police Chief Steven Aguiar “I encourage all residents to take a few minutes and drop off unwanted medications with our officers You can help make a big difference in keeping Hoboken safe.”   E-cigarette and vaping devices will also be collected but only if the batteries have been removed consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the device for proper disposal Learn more about National Take Back Day at https://www.dea.gov/takebackday Bhalla today announced the City of Hoboken’s new Director of Transportation and Parking Steven Weber who joins the Administration with more than two decades of experience in transportation planning and public policy His career includes senior management roles for large cities “Steven brings a wealth of experience and creativity to Hoboken making him the ideal leader to guide our city’s transportation and parking initiatives,” said Mayor Bhalla and infrastructure will be critical as he provides safe and efficient transportation options for our residents I am excited to welcome Steven to our team and I look forward to working with him as we continue to improve micromobility and infrastructure across Hoboken.”   Weber served as Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Planning and Project Development at the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) where he led key initiatives to expand Bus Rapid Transit programs He also led the Transportation team for PlaNYC New York City’s comprehensive sustainability plan and established the Office of Freight Mobility to enhance deliveries while minimizing community impact During his time at NYC DOT and as a Lower Manhattan Borough Commissioner Weber managed multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects including the revitalization of Lower Manhattan following 9/11 overseeing $138 million in street reconstruction efforts and coordinating public infrastructure and utility construction with private commercial and residential development projects “I am honored to join the City of Hoboken and excited to work with Mayor Bhalla and his administration to advance safe and sustainable transportation initiatives,” said Weber “Hoboken’s commitment to innovation and mobility is inspiring and I look forward to contributing to projects that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”   Following a nationwide search that garnered over 40 applicants  The Administration will seek the advice and consent of the City Council at the Feb Weber holds a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Certificate in Environmental Studies from Dickinson College 2025 at 7:15 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Hoboken police arrested a man who was wanted in Texas and discovered a baby in his car NJ — When the Hoboken police caught a Bronx man who was a fugitive from Texas was charged on March 28 with being a fugitive from justice Officers Brian Kim and Marvin DeJesus were on patrol in the area of First and Washington streets and saw a vehicle improperly parked near a crosswalk When they approached the vehicle and got closer they saw a baby sleeping on the back seat and not in a car seat and noticed an open alcoholic beverage container in the cup holder near the driver’s seat It was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant from Texas He was placed under arrest and taken to Hoboken Police Headquarters he was taken to the Hudson County Correctional Facility When asked about the baby and possibly other charges Hoboken police spokesperson Marci Rubin said The child was left with another adult who was on scene." The City of Hoboken today announced internationally renowned artist Brenda K Starr will headline the annual Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival scheduled for Sunday celebrated and known for her Grammy-nominated #1 pop ballad “I Still Believe,” first popular in the late 1980s has captivated audiences with her Spanish albums including Te Sigo Esperando (RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum) Starr to headline this year’s festival and bring her incredible talent to the City,” said Mayor Ravi S “From live music to local artisans and great food the Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival has something for everyone and highlights what makes Hoboken such a special place to live to come and experience this wonderful cultural celebration.” The highly anticipated event attracts over 30,000 visitors each spring and showcases the City’s vibrant cultural scene on Washington Street from Observer Highway to Seventh Street to streamline the vendor and sponsorship registration process In addition to simplifying the registration process the platform will provide residents with a digital map of vendors for the festival and allow them to purchase tickets for future events like the annual Spaghetti Dinner Block Party Vendor registration for the Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival is scheduled to open on Monday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. and will close once vendor capacity is reached. Vendors can visit https://eventhub.net/ to access the portal and begin the application process at that time First-time users will need to click “Log in,” create an account by selecting “participant,” and then provide the required information Vendors can contact the Division of Cultural Affairs for assistance with registration at CulturalAffairs@hobokennj.gov The Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival is supported in part by a grant from The NJ Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism - www.visitnj.org. For more information, contact the Division of Cultural Affairs at CulturalAffairs@hobokennj.gov The City of Hoboken today announced that a federal court has dismissed in its entirety a lawsuit filed by the ownership of The Jordan upholding that the property is subject to rent control The ruling represents a milestone victory for Hoboken tenants and reinforces the City’s commitment to preserving housing affordability the Rent Leveling & Stabilization Board determined the property was subject to rent control because tenants were not provided with sufficient notice that the property was exempt from rent control or rent leveling in compliance with the City of Hoboken’s Municipal Rent Control Ordinance filed its initial suit against the City and the Board challenging the Board’s determination the property owners filed an Amended Complaint which the City and Board challenged each filing Motions to Dismiss United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey William J Martini issued an order to dismiss the case upheld the Board’s decision that the property was subject to rent control due to the Landlord’s failure to provide the required notice of exemption to tenants my administration has invested in housing affordability and fighting corporate landlords who jack up rents and price out tenants from their apartments in Hoboken,” said Mayor Ravi S “This ruling by the federal court is a major victory for tenants in Hoboken The Jordan corporate landlord’s attempt at ‘forum shopping’ was an abject failure as the Court tossed their claims in its entirety and didn’t even entertain their arguments The City of Hoboken will continue to enforce its rent control ordinance to protect the residents of the Jordan.” of the law firm Antonelli Kantor Rivera and his legal team for their aggressive defense of the Jordan’s continued assault on the rights of tenants in Hoboken,” Bhalla added “I want to assure Hoboken tenants that we will continue to aggressively defend against corporate landlord attempts to gauge rents and displace families in our community.” “I am thrilled for the residents of The Jordan who have been fighting for years for their homes for legal Rent Control protections to apply,” said 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen who represents the residents of The Jordan “I pledged to the residents of The Jordan that I would stand alongside them and work with Mayor Bhalla to take on The Jordan’s well-funded corporate landlord that has refused to comply with Hoboken’s rent laws and threatened these 5th Ward residents with eviction and extortionate demand letters  I call on The Jordan’s management — at long last — to comply with Hoboken’s Rent Control Ordinance and be a good neighbor to the people of Hoboken.” The City of Hoboken continues to offer free legal services to Hoboken tenants in need Any Hoboken resident having an issue related to tenancy or housing matters can contact Hoboken’s tenant advocate To schedule an appointment, go to https://sobelhancannonllp.simplybook.me/v2/ Those seeking an appointment should provide a description of the issue in advance Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced 17 recipients of this year’s Youth Climate Action Fund awarding each youth-led project a $5,000 microgrant to implement innovative this year’s total of $85,000 in grant funding supports a variety of youth-led projects Hoboken’s youth are showing us what climate leadership looks like,” said Mayor Bhalla they’re driving real change and making a tangible impact across our square-mile community The City is proud to support the next generation of climate champions and we thank Bloomberg Philanthropies for making their projects possible.” The Youth Climate Action Fund empowers local youth aged 15 to 24 years old to design and lead climate-related initiatives This year’s projects address a wide range of environmental issues and running educational campaigns to spur change The City first participated in 2024 awarding 11 youth-led projects $50,000 through Bloomberg Philanthropies The 2025 Youth Climate Action Fund recipients are: A diverse selection committee made up of educators and members of the Youth Advisory Council evaluated and selected the projects for funding To learn more about each project, visit www.hobokennj.gov/resources/youth-climate-action-fund The Youth Climate Action Fund is made possible through a global initiative led by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy are collaborating as learning partners The program supports youth-led climate solutions through grant funding and technical assistance at no cost to taxpayers Bhalla and the City Council sub-committee on public safety today announced a preliminary agreement to increase the Hoboken Police Department's Table of Organization (TO) from 146 to 156 officers The ordinance to expand the TO will be introduced for first reading at the City Council meeting on Dec If adopted on first and second reading by the Hoboken City Council this increase will allow the City to recruit more officers and provide additional foot patrols to better serve the Hoboken community 31 Church Square Park incident and immediate arrest of the perpetrator which underscored the importance of increasing police visibility and engagement throughout the city “Expanding the Hoboken Police Department is critical to keeping our community safe and ensuring residents are protected in their neighborhoods,” said Mayor Bhalla “I also recognize that increasing the table of organization by 10 additional officers is only just the beginning and I will be asking the City Council to consider doubling this number in the new year I also look forward to working with Police Chief Steve Aguiar and Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante to adopt additional measures to bolster public safety including the installation of new cameras in public spaces The Hoboken Police Department has faced challenges in attracting eligible recruits in recent years Only nine Hoboken residents passed the most recent NJ Civil Service Commission Law Enforcement Examination process compared to over 79 residents in 2017 the Hoboken Police Department began recruiting outside of Hoboken to help fill open positions which has led to 23 new hires this year The Hoboken Police Department also attends job fairs across the region posts open roles on several employment websites launches recruitment campaigns that feature literature in multiple languages and videos on social media Eligible candidates for future positions must be New Jersey Residents between 18 and 35 years old with a High School diploma or equivalent and promotion & advancement opportunities The starting salary is $46,483 with annual salary increases up to $125,822 by the eighth year of employment not including overtime and outside employment opportunities Those who want to learn more about how to join the Hoboken Police Department can find more information at https://hobokenpdnj.gov/employment-opportunities/. The City of Hoboken today announced it is making parking more convenient by allowing parkers at municipal Garage B to pay directly from their phones using the ParkMobile app This new digital offering provides drivers with an alternative to traditional payment kiosks giving residents and visitors an easier and faster way to manage their parking "Expanding digital tools like ParkMobile at Garage B reflects Hoboken’s commitment to improving accessibility and convenience for our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Ravi S “This option allows drivers to skip the kiosk and pay from their phones Drivers can use the ParkMobile app by setting up a new account or logging into their existing account used for on-street metered parking in Hoboken locate the zone number posted in the garage scan the QR code on the ticket provided when entering the garage and exit after paying through your mobile device The mobile payment option is exclusively available to daily and hourly parkers at Garage B Monthly parkers will continue to receive invoices directly from the City’s vendor While the new system offers the convenience of mobile payments garage users can still use the existing pay stations at Garage B if they prefer Pending the success and popularity of the service at Garage B the City will explore expansion of the program to other municipal garages For more information on using the ParkMobile app visit www.parkmobile.io or download the app from your mobile device’s app store