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| Photo Courtesy of City of Hoboken Website |
A letter from NJDOT Local Aid and Economic Development Director Michael Russo to Mayor Dawn Zimmer stated: "On behalf of Governor Chris Christie, I am pleased to inform you that the City of Hoboken will receive an allotment of $80,000 for Hudson Place Sidewalk Improvements."
"We are so thankful to the NJDOT and the Christie Administration for providing this important funding," said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. "This is one of the highest pedestrian traffic areas not just in Hoboken, but in the entire state of New Jersey. It's a critical junction in our transportation network and the first thing most visitors experience when they arrive."
In 2008, the City was originally awarded $80,000 in funding through the NJDOT’s Safe Streets to Transit program to improve the sidewalk along Hudson Place near the PATH entrance -- the highest pedestrian volume area in Hoboken. The funding went unused and was discovered by the Zimmer Administration in late 2009. Recognizing that a much better solution would be possible with additional funds, the City prepared a plan and submitted the proposal to the State of New Jersey for consideration.
An additional $80,000 was secured, and the total $160,000 in funding will be used to enhance pedestrian safety along this important segment. The plan includes wider sidewalks, shortened street crossing distances, and expanded pedestrian space adjacent to the PATH head houses.
"Tens of thousands of residents and visitors walk along this narrow sidewalk every day," said Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs. "We're going to transform this area into a space that is safer for pedestrians, more welcoming to visitors who arrive by public transit, and more fitting of the important role it plays in the lives of the community."
Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/zimmer-administration-secures-additional-state-funding-for-hudson-place-pedestrian-safety-improvements/
My comment: Every little bit of grant money we get outside of the City and county taxes benefits Hoboken and it bottom line. Increasing revenue from outside sources (grants, etc.) was an issue discussed in the last Mayoral campaign and it is good to see Hoboken finally getting some grants coming in the door for important issues such as pedestrian safety. ◦
