What I would love to see from Beth Mason or Mike Russo is a list of sites that are acceptable to them. The bonding ordinance would allow for the possibility for the garage to stay put for up to a year or possibly more should that option need to be taken. To not approve limits the Administrations options and will cost the taxpayers of Hoboken even more in interest. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Here is Beth Mason's full email blast below:
Dear Friend,
I am writing to you today with an important message. I need your help to protect our neighborhoods. This Sunday, June 13th at 7 pm, the City Council is having a special meeting where the Mayor will ask the Council for the authority to borrow $15 million to relocate the Hoboken Department of Public Works Garage (commonly referred to as the “Municipal Garage”). As you may be aware, this garage houses garbage trucks, plows, maintenance equipment, and dangerous chemicals, such as oil, antifreeze, and cleaning products.
Both the City Council President and the Mayor’s Spokesman have stated that strong consideration is being given to relocating the garage on the campus of Steven’s Institute of Technology. If this relocation takes place it will:
- Recklessly waste tax dollars
- Decrease the property value of your home
- Create a public safety hazard
- Increase traffic in our neighborhood
- Reduce parking for residents and students
- Destroy our recently revitalized roads
My husband, Ricky, and I have lived in Hoboken longer than any other place in our lives. Our daughters Shipley and Virginia were born here and are being raised in Hoboken, which is very much our family’s hometown. In fact, we became civically involved over a decade ago when a former Mayor and Stevens Institute of Technology threatened to build a garage on 8th and Hudson Street, which would have permanently ruined the unique small town feel of our neighborhood.
No matter what our race, age, religion, political party, or income we have always worked together to protect our neighborhoods and to make Hoboken a better place to live and raise a family. Many of us are very busy working, raising families, and even caring for elderly relatives. As someone who serves on the City Council, is raising two daughters, and helps care for my elderly father-in-law who recently moved to Hoboken to be closer to us, I absolutely understand the value of your time. However, I ask that you please set aside a few moments to contact me at (201)-916-8244 or Beth@MasonCityCouncil.org so we can stop the relocation of this garage from changing the face of our neighborhood as we know it.
Thank you for allowing me the time to speak to you about this important issue. I will continue to provide you with updates as they develop. In the meantime rest assured that I will stand up for your family and mine as I make your voice heard on the City Council and continue to be a fighter for all of us.
Beth Mason
Hoboken 2nd Ward Councilperson ◦
