UPDATE: See below for a related breaking report on breaking information on the recent election campaigns, courtesy of Grafix Avenger!
He’s gone but not forgotten. The musical answer on Jeopardy would lead some Neil Young fans to answer in the form of a question “Who is Johnny Rotten” but the question of rotten is swirling around the now bounced out of elected office Carmelo Garcia.
Again.
There’s no clarity on his overdue campaign reports in his controversial bid last November to obtain a council seat. As it currently sits, the violations of state law under NJ ELEC, the campaign watchdog agency are mounting.
Concerns about helicopter tourism is becoming a bigger issue on both sides of the Hudson River as more residents complain about the practice.
In NJ, the Assembly is raising awareness and putting a spotlight on the issue. Hoboken has seen a dramatic rise in helicopter flights especially near the river and over the northern end.
In addition, the security of the numerous helicopter rides over urban areas adds to failing security questions. Bombs can be easily affixed to a hijacked chopper with absolutely disastrous results.
Hoboken blasted with seasonal climate change and the turn of the calendar is nothing in comparison to Hoboken politicos spiking traffic here who are back in the fray for 2016.
As New Year lingers in the backdrop of corruption accusations pointing at Mayor Dawn Zimmer and many lie in wait to see the final verdict on Observer Highway, Rebuild by Design, the all season hoped weather solution will see more resident scrutiny.
The bizzare corruption charges hysterically targeting the mayor and lauded by some (this is Hoboken after all) are being openly mocked and derided as ignorant by others. Even the Feds and its usual bureaucratic expectations may be surprised at the vehement opposition mounted to Concept Plan A with its proposed design element of a wall on upper Garden Street.
An Open Letter to Our Neighbors and Friends:
This Thursday, disgraced Hudson County politico, Carmelo Garcia, will hold his farewell party at the Hoboken Elks Club. His departure from state and local politics should come as a great relief to tax payers and proponents of open and honest government. But before Mr. Garcia is officially off the state payroll, we’d like to highlight some of his actions over the past couple of years so that the voting public can have a closer look at the type of “public servant” he really was.
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After the pomp and circumstance got out of the way with the unofficial swearing in of newly elected and re-elected ward council members, the new Hoboken City Council got down to business.
First order of business the council re-org. Councilman at-large Dave Mello immediately nominated Councilwoman Jen Giattino for Council President. It’s her second time doing the honors.
The newly voted Council President immediately returned the favor, nominating Mello for Council VP. He too assumes a second one year term in the role but it comes in successive years.
The Reach Higher BoE coalition announces:
Tonight’s City Council’s meeting comes off cycle and early in the 2016 calendar.
Momentous changes will be arriving out of the gate. Rotation of the council leadership is first on the agenda but not before the public ceremony swearing in of the new council and official introduction of first ward councilman Michael Defusco and second ward councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher.
Things get red hot immediately with the agenda showing the council intends to act on openings at the Hoboken Zoning Board. Will replacements be activist in their judicial decisions opening the reins or will the City Council retain its powers as the central redevelopment agency?
City of Hoboken announces:
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Last week, the contractor hired by Hudson County for the Observer Highway repaving project completed the paving of Observer Highway from Hudson Street to just west of Henderson Street. The project contract runs through April 2016, and additional work to complete the project is ongoing.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT?
Between 2010 and 2012, there were an average of 37 crashes per year along Observer Highway, making it one of the most dangerous roads in Hoboken. The project is designed to reduce the high crash rate, improve traffic conditions, and improve pedestrian safety.
WHEN WILL THE NEW TRAFFIC LIGHTS BE ACTIVATED?
The new signals are a key component of optimizing traffic conditions. New traffic signals have been installed at Bloomfield Street and Park Avenue, and outdated signals at Henderson Street, Willow Avenue, and Washington Street were replaced with modern signals. Wiring and activation of the new signals is underway and is expected to be completed in the next four weeks. Until the new signals are activated, the existing traffic signal at Observer Highway and Henderson Street/Marin Boulevard will be adjusted to allow for more efficient traffic flow. Police officers will be on hand on Monday to observe conditions and assist with the flow of traffic during peak periods if needed.
HOW WILL THE CHANGES AFFECT TRAFFIC?
Once the new traffic signals are activated and the old signals are deactivated and removed, the timing of all signals will be optimized and coordinated to improve traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. A detailed traffic analysis has been conducted indicating that travel times will be improved as a result of the roadway redesign.
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