The City of Hoboken wants your opinion. If you live in the Hoboken area, you may be interested in the redevelopment of the Western Edge vicinity. The Western Edge has been scrutinized and marked as an “Area in Need of Redevelopment” since 2006. More than one plan has been drafted, but for various reasons met with resistance from residents. The topic is evidently really important to the people in Hoboken.
Now a new plan is being drafted and the City Council wants to get it right this time. A public meeting where you can voice your opinion is scheduled for August 20, 2014. In the meantime, an on-line survey is available so you can let them know your specific concerns. It appears that the council really does want to know what we think. This is a chance to really make a difference in the development and beautification of our Western Edge area.
The survey begins with some general questions about where you live and work. It asks how often you visit the Western Edge, and how often you use the Light Rail. Then it moves into what you want to see done in the area. You can vote on which types of services you would like to see there. There’s even a question on how many stories the buildings should have. They also want to know how important live/work housing would be in the area. That is a significant topic to address.
Other issues addressed are the streetscape, and what should be preserved. They want to know how important green building design is to you, and whether there should be a hotel included in the plan. If a bike path is important to you, you can tell them. Also a recreation/walking path is mentioned, as well as the amount of open space. Then they want to know if they should include a community center, and how important a parking garage is to you.
It appears most of these topics were raised in the objections to the previous drafts of the redevelopment plans. I guess the ball is in our court. It’s a speak now situation for the residents of the Hoboken area.
What would you like to see in the Western Edge?
Edward