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 Tony Soares on -
Actually if the area becomes a redevelopment Zone the land falls under city control.
Not the landowners.
In a redevelopment local zoning can be set aside.
RUHOBO said:I really wanted to let this go but funny how you are bumping it up after the news of PC is going to step down. I think you are missing the point. This is a PRIVATELY OWNED land and the developers will built on the land not the city. The city can only approve what can be built on the land. You might think it's unnecessary but the developer doesn't. The city can say no to condos and have them built industrial complex (as it is zone for). But let me ask you this, how does industrial complex help our town? Do you like what you see when you drive into town on Observer hwy? You know what comes with industrial complex? Trucks, trucks going through our town and tearing up our roads. I'll say it again, why does Beth have to fix all the problems in Hoboken. Where are all the other counsel members doing? I own and my place is in a flood zone (but lucky me my street doesn't get flooded). I'm sending my kid to the public school this fall. But tell me how this has anything to do with the other. I know you have your agenda but it's sad. Someone could easily start a thread stating that Zimmer needs to start......working. My beef with you on this is that she is trying to help the city and you sh!t all over her for it. Why don't you spend your free time trying to fix some of the problems instead of criticizing others for trying.
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Permalink Reply by Andy on -
Agreed. People love to jump all over Beth esp on here. I can think of at least 3 separate instances durring the campaign that this site became a bash Beth Mason site while painting rosy pictures of Dawn. I think we need to give Dawn our support and a chance to make a difference but she is not getting a free pass. If people had focused on Peter instead of bashing Beth during the election we wouldn't have even been in this mess at all because he would have lost the first election. But thats wishful thinking.
RUHOBO said:I'm not here to single anyone out. I know people are getting ready for the special election in November but let's stop with these stupid propaganda.
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Permalink Reply by BJ on
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I don't want to rehash this stuff, but the criticism that Beth received was of her own making. She was selling out the reformers and making deals with the Russos, because she incorrectly thought that was the only way to win. In the end she lost the trust of the reformers and never garnered the trust of those supporting the status quo. Lets remember that this site's goal is to reduce spending and lower taxes. Dawn was the only one of the 3 main candidates willing to state that personnel expenses needed to be cut. Based on this, it would make sense that Beth (and Peter) would be criticized.
That being said, I don't think she should get a free pass. And if I ever see she is doing something that conflicts with her campaign promises, I will be the first to call her on it.
Andy said:Agreed. People love to jump all over Beth esp on here. I can think of at least 3 separate instances durring the campaign that this site became a bash Beth Mason site while painting rosy pictures of Dawn. I think we need to give Dawn our support and a chance to make a difference but she is not getting a free pass. If people had focused on Peter instead of bashing Beth during the election we wouldn't have even been in this mess at all because he would have lost the first election. But thats wishful thinking.
RUHOBO said:I'm not here to single anyone out. I know people are getting ready for the special election in November but let's stop with these stupid propaganda.
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Permalink Reply by georgia on
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Mason is even more dangerous than Peter, that's why the focus was on her! She likes to deceive people and she is arrogant!
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Permalink Reply by TJ on
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I agree that I liked the Beth of old, before she actually was in the spotlight and started doing all the wrong things to get into office. I haven't seen her apologize or for the old Beth to come out. She has been really trying to get publicity lately for everything. I kind of like the baseball idea but she just doesn't have the right goals in general.
I think if we talk so much about a Reporter article maybe someone should link to it??
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