More open space and recreational venues are opening up this weekend in Hoboken. Last night Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced that the open streets pilot program was expanding, while the city’s dog parks and tennis courts in Columbus Park would be opening on Saturday. A blood drive has also been scheduled for Wednesday, June 10.
Here are the details in the Mayor’s nightly update from Thursday:
Open streets to continue this weekend
I’m glad to share that we are once again creating open streets this upcoming weekend to help residents with extra room for social distancing while enjoying the outdoors. This weekend’s open streets, totaling 17 blocks, will help connect the new park at 7th and Jackson to Columbus Park, with vehicular traffic restricted on the following streets:
- Jackson Street between 2nd Street and 7th Streets
- 7th Street between Grand Street and Jackson Streets
- Jefferson Street between 6th and 8th Streets
- Adams Street between 6th and 9th Streets
- Grand Street between 7th and 9th Streets
As has been the case in previous weekends, Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) will be on hand to help assist residents who need access to garages and vehicles. Block parties, congregation, and lawn chairs on the open streets are prohibited. Thank you to Director Ryan Sharp, Greg Francese and Lt. John Petrosino for continuing to make open streets possible for our residents.
Dog parks to open Saturday
Construction on the brand new, K9 dog turf at our renovated Church Square Park and Stevens Park Dog Runs is nearly complete! This renovation was a popular request from dog owners, and I’m glad to share that these two new dog runs, as well as others throughout the City, are opening to the public starting this Saturday at 8:00 am. To ensure everyone’s safety, we are introducing the following rules and requirements while utilizing the dog runs:
- Social distancing: all dog owners must maintain at least six feet of separation at all times
- Face masks or face covers are required at all times. Dog owners without a face mask or face cover will be denied entry
- Dogs must be licensed with the City of Hoboken
City staff will be on hand to ensure the social distancing, face mask and capacity requirements are followed. To ensure appropriate social distancing can occur, capacity limits have been established:
1. Church Square Park (Large Dog Run Capacity: 20 people, Small Dog Run Capacity: 10 people)
2. Elysian Park (Dog Run Capacity: 15 people)
3. Harborside Park (Dog Run Capacity: 15 people)
4. Hudson Street (Large Dog Run Capacity:10 people, Small Dog Run Capacity: 5 people)
5. Stevens Park (Dog Run Capacity: 15 people)
6. Southwest Park (Dog Run Capacity: 10 people)
7. 14th Street Viaduct (Dog Run Capacity: 10 people. NOTE: The Viaduct Dog Park will be closed when the adjacent COVID-19 testing center is open to the public, 8 AM-4 PM Monday – Friday and 8 AM- 12 PM Saturday)
8. Maxwell Park (East Dog Run Capacity: 5 people, West Dog Run Capacity: 5 people)
Hoboken property tax payments due June 1
As a reminder, Hoboken’s property tax payments are due on June 1, 2020. We previously extended the grace period for payments from May 1 to June 1.
Michael Chang Tennis Courts at Columbus Park to open on Saturday, May 30
I’m glad to share that in partnership with Hudson County, we are re-opening the Michael Chang Tennis Courts at Columbus Park on Saturday, May 30. This is an activity that has natural social distancing and one I believe can be enjoyed responsibly. We are opening the courts to singles play only, with the exception for members of the same family or household able to play doubles. When traveling to the courts, walking through Columbus Park and waiting for a court, please wear a face mask and remain six feet away from others at all times. Please also take the following precautions, as recommended by the United States Tennis Association (USTA):
- Use two cans of tennis balls that don’t have the same number on the ball, and assign one set of tennis balls to one partner and the other set to the other.
- Proceed with play, making sure to pick up your set of numbered balls only. Should a ball with the other number wind up on your side of the court, do not touch the ball with your hands. Use your racquet head or feet to advance the ball to the other side of the court.
Other precautions should be taken, including:
- Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment. Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks or towels.
- Use your racquet/foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Avoid using your hands to pick up the balls.
- Maintain physical distancing if changing ends of the court.
- Remain apart from other players when taking a break.
Thank you to County Executive Tom DeGise and Freeholder Anthony Romano for the assistance in re-opening the courts.
Blood Drives Scheduled
The next city-sponsored Blood Drive with Vitalant New Jersey is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 from 12-6 pm at the Multi Service Center (124 Grand Street). You must have an appointment to donate; if you signed up, please remember to honor this appointment and come wearing a face mask. If you are symptomatic or have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID, you will not be able to donate. To sign up for an appointment to donate, please go to: https://donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/52508
On the following day, Thursday, June 11 from 8am to 3pm, the All Saints School is also hosting a Blood Drive with Vitalant New Jersey at 701 Washington Street. You must have an appointment to donate and can sign up at: https://donor.cbsblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/52520
Essential businesses employees and customers required to wear face masks
As a reminder, all employees in all Hoboken businesses and all customers within those businesses must wear a face mask or face cover. If you observe any employee, which include cooks, waitresses, receptionists, or anyone else not wearing a face mask or face cover, please send an email to covid19@hobokennj.gov.
Thank you,
Ravi S. Bhalla
Mayor