Spring has sprung in Hoboken, and residents in Ward D have received some exciting updates on the various projects underway in the area. In an email release to the community, Ward D Councilman Ruben Ramos shared news on the Southwest Park Expansion, HHA/Multi Service Center Planning, the opening of the Northwest Park Multi-Use Field, EV charging stations, expanded access to Mama Johnson Field, plans for a Southwest Fest event, ongoing efforts to tackle the city’s rat problem, and the return of the Southwest Farmers Market.
Construction of the new Southwest Park Expansion remains on track, with a start date of this fall. The park will include a children’s playground, a basketball court, six pickleball courts, underground retention tanks to hold over 400,000 gallons of water, and drainage improvements to help alleviate flooding in the area. The project will take approximately 18-24 months to complete and promises to be a welcome addition to Southwest Hoboken.
Public planning meetings for the Hoboken Housing Authority Redevelopment Plan and Multi Service Center rehabilitation were held in March, with both meetings receiving phenomenal public engagement. Planners are now analyzing the data collected and creating concepts to share with the community at upcoming public meetings.
On April 3rd, the new multi-use field at the Northwest Resiliency Park opened, providing more field space for the growing number of kids and youth recreation in Hoboken. The full opening of the park is scheduled for June 11th, which will include significant resiliency features such as a new flood pump system and the ability to retain over 2 million gallons of water, both of which will help alleviate flooding in Southwest Hoboken. The park will also feature a new cafe, a splash park and ice rink, a basketball court, and passive areas for all to enjoy.
As more residents consider purchasing electric vehicles, the City Council recently approved charging stations for Southwest Hoboken, with construction set to begin soon at locations on 1st and Marshall Drive, Observer Highway by Southwest Park, 5th and Jackson Street, and Newark Street between Adams & Grand.
Residents will now have expanded access to Mama Johnson Field, which will be open between 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily. The City of Hoboken will oversee opening and closing of the field and lead in field maintenance.
In an effort to bring even more energy to Southwest Hoboken and showcase the neighborhood, plans are underway for a Southwest Fest event on June 3rd from 1-7 PM. The event will feature food vendors, performances, and various activities for all to enjoy. The community is encouraged to perform or volunteer for the event.
Tackling the growing rat problem in Hoboken continues to be a priority for the city, with increased funding recently allocated to address the issue. The main driver for rats is access to a food source, so residents are encouraged to store their trash outside in tightly closed receptacles to help combat the problem.
Finally, the Southwest Farmers Market is back on track and set to start on June 1st, with confirmed vendors including Stony Hill Farms, Pickle-Licious, Catch of the Hamptons, and Willets Own Meats.
Ward D residents are encouraged to share this news with their neighbors, and Councilman Ramos is available to answer any questions or concerns via phone, text, or email.