Original Post 9/23/2010: Here is a press release from the Hoboken Rail Yards Task Force on the upcoming NJT railyards project meeting ....
Hoboken Rail Yards Task Force Encourages Community To Attend Mayor’s Forum on NJ Transit’s Proposed Property Development Plan
Hoboken, NJ – Sept. 22, 2010 – On Monday, Sept. 27, from 7-9 pm, Mayor Zimmer will host a meeting in the historic Hoboken train station waiting room for the community and City Council members to see NJ Transit’s latest development proposal for a small portion of its 52-acre property on Hoboken’s southern border.
The Hoboken Rail Yards Task Force, a group of concerned community members who are working together to help ensure an open and community-based approach to developing this important piece of land, encourages everyone to turn out at this event. “It’s important for residents to show New Jersey Transit that we care what happens at this historic site and gateway to our city,” says task force member Diana Davis.
The rail yards along the southern edge of Hoboken have served as a highly efficient transportation zone for more than a century. The terminal itself is on the National Register of Historic Places. New Jersey Transit and FX FOWLE, a planning company hired by the previous city administration, presented a plan in September 2008 that was roundly criticized by many citizens. “The plan was a wake-up call for many local voters, who viewed overdevelopment as one of the issues of the 2009 political debate,” says task force member Terry Pranses. While the Mayor’s administration has undertaken initial steps for community-based planning for this by soliciting proposals from leading urban planning firms, NJT appears to have developed a plan, at least for a small portion of the site.
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| Depiction of FXFOWLE's Final Proposal and the largeness of its scale - for reference only |
We strongly urge citizens to attend this important meeting and to view, along with Mayor Zimmer, New Jersey Transit’s proposed plan for a portion of the Rail Yards.
About the Hoboken Rail Yards Task Force:
The Task Force was formed in the wake of the third public meeting held by the City to present the NJ Transit Rail Yards redevelopment plan, when it was made clear that the designated planners, FXFOWLE, had incorporated none of the feedback expressed by members of the community at the previous two meetings. The group advocates development of the rail yards in a scale and manner that complements the larger community it will be joining. New development at this crucial site will impact Hoboken for many generations. For more information, contact Diana Davis at 201-927-8395.
Here are a few more depictions of the now defunct FXFWOLE plan for reference only:
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| Depiction of the prior FXFOWLE plan from Observer Highway- Holy Infrastructure needs Batman! |
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| Very tall office towers depicted in prior FXFOWLE plan- out of scale with Hoboken to many including a 9-0 vote against by the City Council. |
