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 BJ on -
Why is it that the fact that she is spending her own money on something always indicate it is something that is good for Hoboken? I think these consultants she is so fond of hiring always want to recommend something that is bigger then what Hoboken needs. I am not against her proposing an idea for this area of town, but I find that just because she spent some money on a consultant we are expected to give this idea more consideration then anything else.
This is the problem I always have with Beth. I don't see her trying to build consensus. If she would had suggested forming a community panel to review ideas for this part of town, and offered to fund documenting the design of whatever ideas this group recommended, then I would have a different perspective.
RUHOBO said: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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Permalink Reply by Jack Dawkins on
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RUHOBO: Who says we have to build anything there? There is no reason to buy into Ms. Mason's "develop or die" philosophy.
RUHOBO said: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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Permalink Reply by RUHOBO on
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BJ, I'm not saying it's good but it certainly isn't bad like the orig poster said. If she didn't have a consultant you really can't pitch an idea unless it looks professional. Sure she could draw something on the paper and get laugh at or have it done professionally so people can take you seriously. I think the point is that the developer is going to built more condos there unless someone offers another idea. It's not like this is city land and the city can decide what they want to do with it. This land is privately owned and she is trying to influence them to built projects that can help create jobs and money for the city. She could have done nothing like the rest of the counsel and let the developers do what they want or offer ideas that can benefit the city. Even if you disagree with the plan don't fault her for trying.
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Permalink Reply by BJ on
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I don't fault her for trying. I fault her for not trying to include the Hoboken community that will be directly impacted into this process. To me it comes across as self centered for her to, with the help of her consultants, put together her own plan without soliciting the opinion of Hoboken citizens that would have an interest in what is built there.
RUHOBO said:BJ, I'm not saying it's good but it certainly isn't bad like the orig poster said. If she didn't have a consultant you really can't pitch an idea unless it looks professional. Sure she could draw something on the paper and get laugh at or have it done professionally so people can take you seriously. I think the point is that the developer is going to built more condos there unless someone offers another idea. It's not like this is city land and the city can decide what they want to do with it. This land is privately owned and she is trying to influence them to built projects that can help create jobs and money for the city. She could have done nothing like the rest of the counsel and let the developers do what they want or offer ideas that can benefit the city. Even if you disagree with the plan don't fault her for trying.
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Permalink Reply by RUHOBO on
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For the last time, please read the article before you post. Jack Dawkin, the land is privately owned so the developer WILL build something there. BJ, the Hoboken community should have a say in public matter but this is PRIVATELY owned land so the owners will want to make money on the investment. Don't think the Hoboken community suggestion of building more parks is going to fly. The sad truth is that the developers will just build condos there and take the money and run. BM suggestion will be ignored but let's fault her for trying because everyone else is trying so hard.
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Permalink Reply by Hemorrhaging Money on -
In response to RUHOBO, I have read the article several times.
With so many other projects that require our attention, a minor league ball field, a hotel, and more retail space (that can remain unoccupied) is not what Hoboken needs right now. I am not saying that the space should be occupied by residential development either. What I am requesting is that Ms. Mason focus her energies on things that Hoboken urgently needs: Lower taxes, better schools, a flood solution for SW Hoboken, etc.
Yes, the land may be privately owned, but that does not mean that it should be developed into a minor league ball field for our police to man. Have you ever been by the Bears' Stadium during a game? Do you really think that a "dry" stadium will attract sports fans? No. Thus, the need for more police and sanitation which will ultimately cost us more money that could otherwise be put to better use. (And let us not forget the parking and traffic nightmares that it will produce so close to the Lincoln Tunnel!)
Ultimately, the City can approve or deny permits to build (obviously putting aside the current situation regarding Mr. Cammarano). The City does not have to approve more residential development when so many current projects are not even close to being filled to capacity. Even if a project were approved for residences, the developers would lose money if they can't occupy what they build (condo or rental).
Again, we need to refocus our efforts on SAVING TAXPAYER MONEY, not creating new outlets that will require its expenditure.
And to answer the unstated question, no I am not currently a supporter of Ms. Zimmer either.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Dawkins on
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sure RUHOBO, it's privately owned land zoned as industrial. At most that is 4 stories and probably more likely 2 or 3 stories. MAYBE it has 60% lot coverage allowed, I'm not sure. So THAT is what the developer can build. No residential, frankly, I'm not sure if it can even be commercial, or retail. So if the private owner is intent on building something - let him/her/them build within the context of how the area is ZONED. No variences, no redevelopment, no PPP. The citizens of Hoboken have no responsibility to make that land more valuable to the developer, period, end of story.
RUHOBO said:For the last time, please read the article before you post. Jack Dawkin, the land is privately owned so the developer WILL build something there. BJ, the Hoboken community should have a say in public matter but this is PRIVATELY owned land so the owners will want to make money on the investment. Don't think the Hoboken community suggestion of building more parks is going to fly. The sad truth is that the developers will just build condos there and take the money and run. BM suggestion will be ignored but let's fault her for trying because everyone else is trying so hard.
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Permalink Reply by Sven on
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RUHOBO said: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?
Unfortunately, there is the Beth of yesteryear who fought all sorts of worthwhile battles for the betterment of Hoboken, and then there is the Beth of the last few months, who - among other things - befriended the Russo's to get elected, who voted for a bunch of connected crooks to get a free pass for another 10 years of almost tax-free living in Church Towers, who put a bunch of status-quo candidates on her ticket in the last election, and who refused to vote for the city-council resolution to strip the Mayor of his power to appoint the zoning board members just last Wednesday. Now she is coming out with this BS about a baseball stadium in Hoboken. She must be completely out of her mind! Has she ever been around the Meadowland complex before or after a game (and there are plenty of access roads/highways there). How in the heck are people going to get into and out of Hoboken for a game without bringing the traffic in the entire city to a screeching halt?! And all of this for a few minimum-wage jobs surrounding the stadium? You've got to be kidding me!
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Permalink Reply by RUHOBO on
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ok my last post on this. JD, if you read the article it said the developer is going for 300 condos and retail on the bottom. I don't know the zoning code but just going off the article stated by the writer. To HM, I would hope a mayor can multi task in office. The problem you stated are problems we have been living with for years. Should we stop all projects till the schools are better? Hell, we may never see a building go up or a park built for the next 50 years. You focus on saving tax dollars. There are two ways to do that and one is to cut cost and the other is to make more revenue. You keep bring up problems this town has been dealing with for years and put it all on Beth because she made this proposal. Why don't we close the bars so we don't need for more police and sanitation which will save us more money that could be put to better use. btw, the pool idea is a money pit for the city.
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Permalink Reply by Andy on
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In all seriousness, look into a way to increase tax revenues on alcohol in Hoboken. Its our #1 business every night of the week. I'm obviously not a lawyer so I don't know any of the legal possibilities but it makes perfect sense. Charge a surtax on every beer/wine/cocktail served in Hoboken. You could fund a huge portion of the budget w/ all the "tourism" we get every weekend.
RUHOBO said:ok my last post on this. JD, if you read the article it said the developer is going for 300 condos and retail on the bottom. I don't know the zoning code but just going off the article stated by the writer. To HM, I would hope a mayor can multi task in office. The problem you stated are problems we have been living with for years. Should we stop all projects till the schools are better? Hell, we may never see a building go up or a park built for the next 50 years. You focus on saving tax dollars. There are two ways to do that and one is to cut cost and the other is to make more revenue. You keep bring up problems this town has been dealing with for years and put it all on Beth because she made this proposal. Why don't we close the bars so we don't need for more police and sanitation which will save us more money that could be put to better use. btw, the pool idea is a money pit for the city.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Dawkins on
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the developer is "going for 300 condos," but the developer is also anticipating that the areawill be declared a redevelopment zone. It hasn't been. If there area is not declared a redevelopment zone and if the zoneing board does not grant varieances, the developer can only build according to how the area is currently zoned.
RUHOBO said:ok my last post on this. JD, if you read the article it said the developer is going for 300 condos and retail on the bottom. I don't know the zoning code but just going off the article stated by the writer. To HM, I would hope a mayor can multi task in office. The problem you stated are problems we have been living with for years. Should we stop all projects till the schools are better? Hell, we may never see a building go up or a park built for the next 50 years. You focus on saving tax dollars. There are two ways to do that and one is to cut cost and the other is to make more revenue. You keep bring up problems this town has been dealing with for years and put it all on Beth because she made this proposal. Why don't we close the bars so we don't need for more police and sanitation which will save us more money that could be put to better use. btw, the pool idea is a money pit for the city.
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Permalink Reply by Hemorrhaging Money on
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RUHOBO you are clearly missing the point. No, not all projects should cease until things are better in the schools. That is an over-simplification and you know it. All UNNECESSARY projects should cease, such as more housing to be left unoccupied. In the interim,
1. Fix the schools (Beth won't. Her kids are shipped to over-priced private schools in NYC)!
2. Fix the flooding issues (RUHOBO, do you live anywhere near SW? This is from 7/29/2009: http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2009/07/flooding_in_hoboken_...)
3. Fix our taxes . (RUHOBO, do you own? Did your bill go up by 47%?)
4. Fix the damn tire-eating potholes in the streets
I could go on and on, but the point is that we need to fix what we have before we start expanding. Otherwise, it will be a recipe for more unoccupied spaces (residential and/or commercial) in our already ailing City.
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