Jersey City, NJ – August 7, 2024 — Tensions between Hudson County and the City of Hoboken have escalated over a resurfacing project on Park Avenue, highlighting significant issues related to drainage and infrastructure that have sparked public concern.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla have found themselves at odds following reports of serious deficiencies in the ongoing Park Avenue resurfacing project, managed by Smith-Sondy Asphalt Construction Co. The project, intended to improve 17 blocks of Park Avenue, has come under scrutiny for problems that could potentially lead to severe flooding in the area.
Mayor Bhalla has expressed urgent concerns about three major deficiencies reported in the project:
Paving Over Drainage Outflow Pipes: The new asphalt appears to have covered several critical drainage outflow pipes, which could obstruct proper water drainage.
Incorrect Roadway Regrading: The asphalt has been laid at such a level that the road is now at or near curb height in numerous locations, impeding effective drainage and potentially increasing flood risk.
Paving Over Water Main Valves: Several water main valves have reportedly been paved over without being reset, as required after the city’s recent water main replacement project.
The Mayor’s office has expressed concerns that these issues, compounded by the recent heavy rainfall, have already led to higher-than-usual flood levels along Park Avenue. Residents have reported significant flooding, exacerbated by the new road conditions.
In response, County Executive Craig Guy provided an update stating that Hudson County has been actively addressing these issues. According to Guy, the County first received reports of drainage problems on August 2 and resolved them by August 6. Additionally, he mentioned that all catch basins on Park Avenue were cleaned out, and issues with curb elevations are being rectified.
Guy defended the County’s handling of the project, emphasizing that Hudson County has been in frequent contact with Hoboken officials and had meetings leading up to the project. He disputed Mayor Bhalla’s claims of inadequate inspection protocols, labeling the assertions as “unfounded and dishonest.”
Despite these assurances, the Mayor’s office has criticized the County for what they describe as a lack of timely and effective communication. Mayor Bhalla has noted that attempts to discuss these issues with the Hudson County Engineer were met with cancellations and unreturned calls, further fueling frustration.
Amid the ongoing dispute, Bhalla is calling for increased transparency and the involvement of an independent inspection team to assess and address the project’s issues. He has requested a detailed action plan from the County, including specific steps to correct the deficiencies and a strategy for better communication with the public.
Residents of Park Avenue are feeling the immediate effects of the situation, with heightened concerns about potential flooding and property damage. Many have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of effective oversight and rapid response to the project’s problems.
As the situation develops, both Hudson County and Hoboken officials are under pressure to resolve the issues swiftly and restore confidence among affected residents.