Dear Resident,

We’re getting closer to the final design of Hoboken’s soon to be largest park! This once in a lifetime open space project in Northwest Hoboken will add six acres of parkland to our community, and I’m pleased to share with you two proposed designs.

The first option, terrace and trails, includes the potential for a large, open lawn design that can be used for a variety of activities. It would also include multi-use trails throughout the park, an interactive central civic terrace area, and large areas of nature and community gardens.

Our second design, forest and fields, includes an artificial turf multi-use athletic field. It also would include modified aspects of the previous design, including open lawn space, a central terrace area, community gardens, walking paths, and nature areas.

Both designs could include other amenities, including Elementary Youth Play Space and Nature Play Tot Gardens for children of all ages.

If you haven’t shared with us your input, not to worry! You can still participate in our online design survey for the Northwest Park until noon on Thursday, and attend the public meeting on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 7pm to 9pm at the Wallace School Cafeteria (1100 Willow Avenue).

Finally, I’m committed to ensuring the Northwest Park will become a crucial part of our comprehensive flood resiliency strategy. The park will include both the infrastructure to store up to 1 million gallons of rainwater underground, as well as a new flood pump to pump out the water, which will reduce localized flooding events.

National School Walkout to end gun violence

Thank you to all of the students and school administrators who organized a vigil at Hoboken City Hall in support of National School Walkout. We remembered those who sadly perished from gun violence, including those 17 lives lost recently in Parkland. I was truly moved by the empathy demonstrated by our students, who care deeply about ending gun violence. We must work together to do everything we can to keep our communities safe and I pledge to do my part, which is why I signed on to join the Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition. You can read more about the organization here.

Finally, if you’d like to get involved in the civic group Moms Demand Action, which advocates for gun violence prevention and common sense gun safety legislation, our terrific Councilwoman Emily Jabbour founded the Hudson County Chapter and organizes regular meetings in Hoboken. You can email her at hobokenemily@gmail.com for meeting dates and more information.

Sincerely,

Ravi S. Bhalla
Hoboken Mayor