Hoboken Councilman Ramos Addresses Tax Hike, Pedestrian Safety & Traffic in Latest Newsletter

Summer is almost here!  I wanted to share with you some important updates that effect our fourth ward neighbors.

Mayor Bhalla presented his budget to the City Council in April with a 5.6% tax increase.  Quite frankly, I was surprised by the magnitude of this increase.  As always, I am working with my colleagues to produce an outcome that lowers this impact on our residents.  The potential increase is driven mainly by increases in labor costs including several new positions created this year that did not exist in our budget a year ago and that I feel have not been justified by the administration.  Hoboken has a lot of needs and potential future costs associated with new parks, schools and municipal facilities that we need to understand better before increasing the burden to taxpayers today.

Starting in June, Southwest Park will welcome a new Farmers Market selling fresh produce and baked goods.  The market will be open every Thursday starting June 9 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the north side of Observer Highway between Jackson Street and Harrison Street.  Thank you to the many neighbors who helped me advocate over the past few years to bring this to our neighborhood.

This year I chair the City Council’s Parking and Transportation Subcommittee.  I have asked that the County reconsider 1^st Street to add east bound stop signs at multiple intersections.  The County had reviewed this in 2017 and determined that stop signs were not warranted at that time.  However, in the five years since there has been an increase in traffic and vehicles driving at high rates of speed.  Also, in 2019 I co-sponsored a resolution asking the County to review the intersection of 14^th and Willow and make certain, immediate changes to help improve the safety at what is Hoboken’s most dangerous intersection.  The County has made several improvements and has completed a study that I have requested to be made public.  This is not in the 4^th Ward, but it is an area that all residents go through when coming and going through the north end of Hoboken or going to the soccer field at 1600 Park.

Many neighbors have reached out to me about the uptick in homeless individuals.  Sadly, this is an issue that is being seen across all of America as well.  There are many resources within Hudson County that are dedicated to helping these individuals but it doesn’t seem like there is enough.  If you ever see a homeless person who seems to be in distress please call 911 to report.  If you personally feel threatened or that your property is being encroached upon please call the non-emergency line for the  Hoboken Police Department at 201-420-2100.  And if you know someone who is homeless or has housing insecurities, please call the City of Hoboken’s Office of Constituent Services at 201-420-2000, ext 1311 who should be able to direct you to the best resources.

Community Lifestyle is an organization which offers a number of children’s programs to our lower income neighbors including co-ed flag football, free summer camp and swimming lessons.   It is an organization I have supported for years and is in the middle of its annual fundraising campaign.  They rely on grants and donations from individuals to provide these great programs for those children who need it the most.  I hope you will consider supporting their organization.  You can see more information about the organization here: Home – (communitylifestyle.org)

Have a safe and enjoyable long Memorial Day weekend and remember to think about and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Please share with your neighbors and feel free to reach out if you have any questions, concerns or comments. Councilmanramos4@gmail.com or 201-401-7947.

Councilman Ruben Ramos

Hoboken City Council, 4^th Ward

Real Leadership for a Better Hoboken