The Hoboken Tax Reform Coalition
BETH MASON NEEDS TO STOP...
In the July 25, 2009 edition of the Hoboken Reporter, Timothy J. Carroll authored an article entitled “Mason to fight for minor league ballpark”. As I read through the ideas of her proposal, I was horrified.
Ms. Mason has repeatedly vied for battles of issues that are on the lower end of the importance spectrum which may be why she did not win her bid for office. Rather than spending her time on such frivolous projects, how about focusing on the real needs of the community? Will said baseball field assist in dealing with our current parking crunch? I doubt that a minor-league stadium, which will likely charge ridiculous fees for parking, will do anything but further clog our congested streets, increase petty crimes related to public intoxication, and take parking spots away from our tax-paying residents, not to mention further increase our commuting time to and from Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel.
Will this project solve the flooding problems that are plaguing our businesses and residents in the southwestern portion of our City? No, in fact the amount of policing that will be required of a minor-league stadium will ultimately cost local taxpayers more money in salaries, overtime, and pensions; money that could otherwise be designated to more urgent issues. It is another example of the fiscal irresponsibility and lack of foresight that has unfortunately become synonymous with our City due to wasteful spending from the prior administration of which Ms. Mason was an integral part.
In addition, the proposed new retail space has great potential to drive business away from the southwest quadrant that has not already been wounded by the current financial crisis. We have all seen the empty storefronts that have plagued Washington Street of late. Why would we want to further this trend? Why not attempt to fill the voids that currently exist rather than increasing their number? And a new hotel? Have you not watched the news recently? The hotel and hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by the depression, I mean recession. The hotel that we already have is rarely even close to being filled to capacity.
Let us not forget to discuss Ms. Mason’s current track record working with developers. As part of the committee that was involved in the approving of the Maxwell Place project, Ms. Mason was fully aware of changes that were made to the final plans. Ms. Mason has perpetually dwelled on the fact that the initial plans stated that the lawn on the south side of the property should have a baseball field. What she fails to mention is that the space, which is owned by the Maxwell Place Condominium Association, is supposed to be a lawn as deemed on the final approved plans. And rather than working with her constituents to define terms for reasonable use of the space with the City of Hoboken, Ms. Mason has claimed ignorance.
And finally, speaking of ignorance, Ms. Mason is clearly unaware of the outcome of a recent case in the New Jersey Supreme Court which resulted in the ruling that municipalities “do not have the authority to impose on-site and off-site improvements – including open spaces and recreational amenities”.
Ms. Mason, if you want to do something for our City, rather than creating new problems, let’s address ones that are current: Ridiculously high taxes, overzealous spending, flooding, education, senior services, etc. If you still insist upon ignoring what is really important to your constituents and focusing on the recreational facilities of a city which was initially designed as an industrial pinpoint, may I suggest fixing the portion of the waterfront walkway that is falling into the river? Or better yet, why not find that outdoor pool that was proposed a few years ago. Once these and the slightly more imperative issues are attended to and completed, then we can talk about a minor-league baseball field, hotel, and retail space. Until then, it seems as if you have your work cut out for you!
Ms. Mason has repeatedly vied for battles of issues that are on the lower end of the importance spectrum which may be why she did not win her bid for office. Rather than spending her time on such frivolous projects, how about focusing on the real needs of the community? Will said baseball field assist in dealing with our current parking crunch? I doubt that a minor-league stadium, which will likely charge ridiculous fees for parking, will do anything but further clog our congested streets, increase petty crimes related to public intoxication, and take parking spots away from our tax-paying residents, not to mention further increase our commuting time to and from Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel.
Will this project solve the flooding problems that are plaguing our businesses and residents in the southwestern portion of our City? No, in fact the amount of policing that will be required of a minor-league stadium will ultimately cost local taxpayers more money in salaries, overtime, and pensions; money that could otherwise be designated to more urgent issues. It is another example of the fiscal irresponsibility and lack of foresight that has unfortunately become synonymous with our City due to wasteful spending from the prior administration of which Ms. Mason was an integral part.
In addition, the proposed new retail space has great potential to drive business away from the southwest quadrant that has not already been wounded by the current financial crisis. We have all seen the empty storefronts that have plagued Washington Street of late. Why would we want to further this trend? Why not attempt to fill the voids that currently exist rather than increasing their number? And a new hotel? Have you not watched the news recently? The hotel and hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by the depression, I mean recession. The hotel that we already have is rarely even close to being filled to capacity.
Let us not forget to discuss Ms. Mason’s current track record working with developers. As part of the committee that was involved in the approving of the Maxwell Place project, Ms. Mason was fully aware of changes that were made to the final plans. Ms. Mason has perpetually dwelled on the fact that the initial plans stated that the lawn on the south side of the property should have a baseball field. What she fails to mention is that the space, which is owned by the Maxwell Place Condominium Association, is supposed to be a lawn as deemed on the final approved plans. And rather than working with her constituents to define terms for reasonable use of the space with the City of Hoboken, Ms. Mason has claimed ignorance.
And finally, speaking of ignorance, Ms. Mason is clearly unaware of the outcome of a recent case in the New Jersey Supreme Court which resulted in the ruling that municipalities “do not have the authority to impose on-site and off-site improvements – including open spaces and recreational amenities”.
Ms. Mason, if you want to do something for our City, rather than creating new problems, let’s address ones that are current: Ridiculously high taxes, overzealous spending, flooding, education, senior services, etc. If you still insist upon ignoring what is really important to your constituents and focusing on the recreational facilities of a city which was initially designed as an industrial pinpoint, may I suggest fixing the portion of the waterfront walkway that is falling into the river? Or better yet, why not find that outdoor pool that was proposed a few years ago. Once these and the slightly more imperative issues are attended to and completed, then we can talk about a minor-league baseball field, hotel, and retail space. Until then, it seems as if you have your work cut out for you!
Views: 3
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by RUHOBO on -
Didn't she start this reform thing? Wasn't she the one who started the push for open govt? This wasn't her only goal. In fact, I didn't even know about it till you posted it. Please don't sling the mud so soon. Let's get PC out of office first.
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Permalink Reply by BJ on
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Uhh no. There were reformers before I ever heard of Beth Mason. There has always been reformers in Hoboken, but money and power fosters more corruption in a never ending cycle. Since I have been in Hoboken the reformers have never controlled the Mayor's office or the city council (or the school board for that matter). This election was the closest Hoboken has ever been to having an honest reform minded Mayor and council and you could tell the New Jersey politicians were running scared at what this change would mean for them. Beth Mason's wealth is a positive in that she is not corruptible with an envelope full of cash, however, as the recent election demonstrated, the promise of the mayors office did cause her to make deals with those that have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
That being said I agree with the authors point. Hoboken has major problems not least among them is the lack of open space, flooding, excess residential development, and high taxes. I would like our city leaders to promote projects that are focused on addressing these before trying to build a stadium. I would like a ball park to play baseball with my kid, not to bring my kid.
RUHOBO said:Didn't she start this reform thing? Wasn't she the one who started the push for open govt? This wasn't her only goal. In fact, I didn't even know about it till you posted it. Please don't sling the mud so soon. Let's get PC out of office first.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Dawkins on
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she'd like you to think she did, but far from it. First time Ms. Mason was ever on my rader was the proposed Steven's garage in her neighborhood - a nimby thing, ya' know. That was after the PA referendums and the Vezetti administration.
RUHOBO said:Didn't she start this reform thing? Wasn't she the one who started the push for open govt? This wasn't her only goal. In fact, I didn't even know about it till you posted it. Please don't sling the mud so soon. Let's get PC out of office first.
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Permalink Reply by georgia on
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I totally agree with the article. Good points. Mason has to accept constructive criticism if she wants to stay in office. Lately she has shown nothing but insanity. Mostly by associating herself with morally & ethically compromised people.
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Permalink Reply by Peggy Randall on -
Couldn't agree more! And I found the fact that she attended last night's rally but didn't speak very disconcerting. And I found her inarticulate and unconvincing in her FoxNews interview. The list of critical issues facing this city is staggering. Talking about a minor league ballpark is laughable at this point! Why not stand up in front of the crowd, as an elected official, and call for Cammarano's resignation?? The City Council has been lame at best in their calls for him to resign. I don't want emails from Zimmer or Mason or Bhalia or Mello....I want these people to show up and stand up and be counted....to take charge and LEAD!! One can't help but wonder about all those who refuse to attend and participate in these protests....is everyone in this town on the take?? Think of all the people who weren't there......cops and City Hall workers and firemen and City Council members....everyone who benefits from Peter staying right where he is.
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Permalink Reply by Hemorrhaging Money on -
Thank you for your support of my letter. My aim is to show my Hoboken neighbors that Ms. Mason does NOT look out for our best interests, including those of the people who live in her own ward/backyard. This will be of great importance when, I mean if, Mr. Cammarano finally resigns. She is NOT the person that we need as the next Mayor of Hoboken. It is imperative that we begin to think about this now.
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Permalink Reply by georgia on
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I totally agree.
Hemorrhaging Money said:Thank you for your support of my letter. My aim is to show my Hoboken neighbors that Ms. Mason does NOT look out for our best interests, including those of the people who live in her own ward/backyard. This will be of great importance when, I mean if, Mr. Cammarano finally resigns. She is NOT the person that we need as the next Mayor of Hoboken. It is imperative that we begin to think about this now.
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Permalink Reply by SmartyJones on -
Well to be fair there was some vocal (and loud) requests to honor the people's protest and not have a politician speak. This came after Beth was encourage to speak and had made her way over.
She heard the concern (loud and clear) and then declined to take the mic. She did the right thing.
Yesterday's was the people's day. Thanks for Hoboken Revolt getting on board!
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Permalink Reply by Jack Dawkins on
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I agree as well. This woman already appears to be running for something. I don't know if it is to step in after Cammarano, or some other position (i.e. assembly). If it is as the replacement mayor for Peter, don't think her disastorous showing in the last election will have any impact. There are too many people who simply "forget" or some how "don't think" after all Peter got a lot of votes, didn't he? Also, keep an eye on Russo, there's another one who might have big plans.
georgia said:I totally agree.
Hemorrhaging Money said:Thank you for your support of my letter. My aim is to show my Hoboken neighbors that Ms. Mason does NOT look out for our best interests, including those of the people who live in her own ward/backyard. This will be of great importance when, I mean if, Mr. Cammarano finally resigns. She is NOT the person that we need as the next Mayor of Hoboken. It is imperative that we begin to think about this now.
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Permalink Reply by Andy on
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Russo is screwed again. 5 years since his dad went to the big house for the same thing. No one in their right mind is gonna trust him to step in on anything. The Russo's are done in Hoboken at least for another 5+ years.
Jack Dawkins said:I agree as well. This woman already appears to be running for something. I don't know if it is to step in after Cammarano, or some other position (i.e. assembly). If it is as the replacement mayor for Peter, don't think her disastorous showing in the last election will have any impact. There are too many people who simply "forget" or some how "don't think" after all Peter got a lot of votes, didn't he? Also, keep an eye on Russo, there's another one who might have big plans.
georgia said:I totally agree.
Hemorrhaging Money said:Thank you for your support of my letter. My aim is to show my Hoboken neighbors that Ms. Mason does NOT look out for our best interests, including those of the people who live in her own ward/backyard. This will be of great importance when, I mean if, Mr. Cammarano finally resigns. She is NOT the person that we need as the next Mayor of Hoboken. It is imperative that we begin to think about this now.
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Permalink Reply by RUHOBO on
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seems a lot of you are just worried about her trying to make a move before Zimmer. Did anyone tell Zimmer that bike lane was stupid because we have more important things to do in Hoboken? Was Beth not the president of NJ Foundation for Open Govt. If you don't like her for mayor that's one thing but please stop with the propaganda. Why is it up to her to fix all the problems in Hoboken? Is anyone else offering any ideas? You suggest a lot things in your piece but why did you direct it at Beth only. What are all the other counsel members doing?
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Permalink Reply by RUHOBO on
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btw, I just read the story and I got to say you are way off on your analysis. Anyone who wants to respond should read it first (I'll admit that I didn't at first). I guess you think it's better if they built more condos there instead. Her idea is to have revenue producing project for the city not for developers. Not to mention more jobs. I did enjoy your comment on petty crime and public intoxication as if we don't have that now. She spent her own money to come up with an alternative plan that can benefit the city instead of having a developer built more condos. You are trying to fault her for this?
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