Beth Mason and Terry Castellano vote down Hoboken’s uptown wet weather pump

From the desk of Hoboken City Council President Ravi Bhalla:

COUNCIL MEMBERS RESPOND TO MASON AND CASTELLANO’S VOTE AGAINST FUNDING A WET WEATHER PUMP

On Wednesday night, due to the “no” votes of Council Members Theresa Castellano and Beth Mason, a flooding solution for western Hoboken was voted down. The city secured a low interest loan to fund a flood pump uptown near 11th Street, which would help alleviate flooding on the west side of town, near the Shop Rite, which has historically seen chronic flooding.

“Council Members Mason and Castellano voted to support this flooding solution on December 16,” said Councilman Peter Cunningham. “However, Wednesday night when it was time to fund the project, they’ve proven that they can only provide lip service to residents when it comes to flooding solutions.”

“Even if the resolution passes eventually, I hope residents do not forget that Mason and Castellano took a stand against providing a sensible flooding solution funded through a low interest loan,” said Council President Ravinder Bhalla. “I don’t understand how these council members could in good conscience vote against a flooding solution that would improve the lives of so many residents.”

“Actions speak louder than words,” Cunningham said. “And when residents still have to pump water out of their homes or wade through knee deep water after a storm, I hope they realize that these two council members voted against a sensible solution.”

Talking Ed Note: Six votes are required to approve a bond effort on the Hoboken City Council. Voting in the affirmative: Council members Peter Cunningham, Dave Mello, Jen Giattino, Jim Doyle and Council President Ravi Bhalla.