Here is a press release from Dawn Zimmer released yesterday regarding the NJ Transit Plan that even one "Develop or Die" Mason supporter reffered to as Oz-like (just a little joke):
ZIMMER RELEASES PROPOSED NEW JERSEY TRANSIT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
"THE PUBLIC SHOULD SEE THE DETAILS BEFORE THE PLAN IS
ADOPTED, NOT AFTER IT IS A DONE DEAL"
Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer yesterday released the proposed $1 billion Hoboken and Terminal Yard Redevelopment Plan , after the Robert's administration refused, so that interested and concerned citizens could have access to the proposal before any decisions are made. Zimmer said, “The public should see the details before the plan is adopted, not after it is a done deal.” The document for the proposed plan, prepared by the project planner FXFOWLE, is now available at http://www.zimmerforchange.com/.
Zimmer said, “So far this process, like so many others over the last eight "Roberts" years, has been conducted from the top down, which is exactly backwards. We need to begin with a thoughtful and inclusive community assessment process and then develop a plan that addresses consensus-driven community priorities."
It is time to stop letting the developers call all the shots. We must end a failed approach to development that has led to a costly stepped up demand in public infrastructure services, driving up our taxes. As currently drafted this plan is more of the same.”
The proposal includes 3,200 new condo units including residential buildings as high as 45 stories, and a 70 story commercial tower. According to Councilwoman Zimmer, research shows that for every $1.00 of new revenues resulting from residential development, cities ultimately have to provide $1.15 in additional services. This means that residential development typically results in a revenue loss to cities, rather than the revenue gain that is often promised. This is consistent with our actual experience here in Hoboken, where the administration’s repeated claims that we could develop our way out of our deficit have proved disastrously false.
The Councilwoman called on NJ Transit to review tapes of the three community meetings already held and to get more direct feedback from the public, then go back to the drawing board.
Zimmer announced that she would also provide the survey, prepared by FXFOWLE and given to "Stakeholders" only, on her web site and urged the public to review the plan and complete the survey. The proposed process involves Council members completing the survey as sole representatives of the public, instead of trying to get more direct feedback from the public.
Zimmer asked: "The people of Hoboken are all 'stakeholders' in this plan and our voices need to be heard. We need to know whether promises have already been made as Mayor Roberts walks out the door. NJ Transit, FXFOWLE, and their supporters in City Hall must listen to the public and come back with a revised plan that fits Hoboken's needs, not the developers."
