Greetings from Puerto Rico!
Other than a brief Tsunami alert, so far it is the sunny Puerto Rico I love. If you haven’t been, I highly encourage you to visit.
This newsletter has just a few updates that are either time sensitive, or addressing questions I have gotten this week:
- URGENT: Tom Olivieri Park Survey – Deadline Tomorrow!
- Hosting A Super Bowl Party Tonight? Donate Extra Supplies
- Clearing the Air: Parklet Ordinances, Rat Mitigation, and What’s Really Happening
- Four Question Survey - Where Do You Stand On Parklets?
- Urban Market - Countdown to Opening!
- Where and How to Find Me on Social Media
- TIME SENSITIVE: PATH Closure – NYWW updated ferry schedules for Monday
URGENT: TOM OLIVIERI PARK SURVEY – DEADLINE TOMORROW!
We need more responses! If you or your family use this park, please take a few minutes to share your input.
The survey was set to close, but I was able to get it extended one last time until Monday 2/10 at 6 PM. So far, just over 200 people have responded—let’s make sure more voices are heard!
ABOUT THE PARK
Located at 13th & Willow, this 2 Ward pocket park features a playground, spray park, mature tree canopy, and passive space, along with two murals that will remain as part of the park’s identity. This little park is small but mighty, seeing heavy daily use while also serving as a tribute to the victims of the Hoboken Fires and honoring Tom Olivieri, a champion for tenant rights during an important time in our city’s history.
After hearing from many of you—especially about the need for a bathroom—I pushed for these upgrades, and the City agreed to move forward. Future improvements will hopefully include a much-needed facelift, better accessibility, and other community-driven enhancements to ensure the park remains such an inviting space for so many in our community.
Take the survey now! **Tom Olivieri Park Improvements Community Survey**. Thanks for participating!
HOSTING A SUPER BOWL PARTY TONIGHT? DONATE EXTRA SUPPLIES!
If you end up with extra cups, napkins, plates, utensils, snacks, food and/or beverages, the Hoboken Shelter will happily accept! It's a small way to help those in need while clearing out your excess party supplies. You can drop off at 300 Bloomfield St, entrance on 3rd. Also, the shelter is specifically looking for plastic spoons, so if you have any, please donate or buy off their Wish List here: Hoboken Shelter Amazon Wishlist
As for me—I’ll be hanging on to my Buffalo Bills gear for next year… there’s always hope!
CLEARING THE AIR: PARKLET ORDINANCES, RAT MITIGATION, AND WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING
I want to address a rumor that has been circulating from multiple sources:
- There was NO ordinance to remove parklets on any City Council agenda.
- The City Council HAS NOT voted on any ordinance to remove parklets.
What was voted on last week’s City Council agenda were two separate ordinances aimed at strengthening cleaning and compliance requirements to better address the rat crisis affecting many neighborhoods.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING
- Ordinance 1: had a 2nd and final reading and was voted down 3-5. I voted no.
- Ordinance 2: an improved version of Ordinance 1, passed unanimously 8-0. Its second reading is scheduled for February 19th.
These ordinances do not remove parklets but instead ensure they are properly maintained and cleaned—a growing concern in areas where parklets are not in compliance. Both ordinances:
- Require that parklets be constructed to allow daily access to the area underneath the floorboards (current laws do not specify this).
- Require daily sweeping and washing of parklets.
- Increase power washing frequency from regular to weekly.
- Increase extermination frequency from regular to monthly.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Rats continue to plague the city, and eliminating food sources remains the most critical step in addressing this public health issue. The ongoing crisis in the 2nd Ward has highlighted gaps in enforcement, as the administration has not been consistently applying the city’s Lid Law or Parklet Cleaning laws—both essential in reducing available food sources for rats. Many of my 2nd Ward neighbors have been at every council meeting, demanding stronger action. The two proposed ordinances are direct responses to these concerns.
COMPARING THE TWO ORDINANCES
-
Ordinance 1 (sponsored by CM Russo & CM Ramos)
- Required all parklets, even compliant ones, to fully reconstruct their floorboards to allow daily lifting for cleaning underneath.
-
Ordinance 2 (sponsored by myself & CW Jabbour)
- Takes the same goal of improving access underneath parklets but allows multiple structural solutions beyond just lifting the floorboards, including hinged trap doors, open bases, or other designs that allow full cleaning access.
Ordinance 2, if passed, goes even further to help ensure parklets maintain a clean and rat free environment:
- Imposes a deadline to comply: For parklets that are currently not in compliance, owners must bring them into compliance within 30 days or remove the parklet altogether. This replaces the longer “3-strike” process that required multiple summonses and court proceedings before removal of a parklet.
- Increases health inspections from annual to quarterly.
- Grants the Health Department direct oversight of compliance.
- New applications must prove compliance with Hoboken’s Lid Laws.
- Annual renewals require certifications from the Health Department, Zoning Officer, and proof of no outstanding violations.
- Ensures trash storage follows Hoboken’s laws.
- Prohibits using parklets for storage, except overnight or when the restaurant is closed. During open hours, parklets must be fully set up with tables.
Ordinance 2 is a proactive step toward better maintenance, stronger enforcement, and a cleaner, healthier city. While its success depends on proper enforcement, I have been speaking directly with the city for the past several months, pushing them to step up and take action. I will continue advocating to ensure these measures are properly implemented.
FOUR QUESTION SURVEY - WHERE DO YOU STAND ON PARKLETS?
Since we’re on the topic of parklets, I want to hear from you.
About a year and a half ago, I sent out a two-question survey while the City Council was considering a moratorium on new parklets. Unfortunately, the results weren’t reliable because the survey was spammed by those who wanted to see parklets eliminated.
Now, I’d like to get a current sense of where people stand—should parklets stay in some capacity, or should they go? And just as important, why? I’ve put together a short, 4-question survey to better understand your views:
Survey Questions:
- When you go to restaurants, do you like to eat at parklets?
- Which ward do you live in? (This helps identify differences across neighborhoods.)
- Pick the statement that best represents your view on parklets.
- Depending on your response to the above question, you'll be asked to share your reasoning (multiple choice).
This time, the survey is limited to one response per person to prevent spamming. To do this, Google Forms requires you to sign in, but I will not see your email address nor will I have access to it. This is simply a built-in feature to ensure the results are representative. For the survey to be truly informative, I need as many responses as possible. Please take a moment to share your input! TAKE THE PARKLET SURVEY HERE.
URBAN MARKET - COUNTDOWN TO OPENING!
I have it on good authority... that this market will open in 17 days! Let the official countdown begin!!!!! As we get closer I will share reminders and encourage you to come out and support them on their opening day!
WHERE AND HOW TO FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
In today’s world, social media is a powerful tool for raising issues and awareness, and I think that’s a good thing—more voices in more places. I am routinely active on social media and respond when I’m tagged or when I see something that warrants a response. The platforms where I engage the most in back-and-forth discussions are:
- Facebook – both personal and City Council page: Tiffanie for Hoboken.
- Reddit via the Hoboken community: Hoboken, New Jersey
I also use Instagram, but primarily to post a combination of personal and Hoboken updates rather than as a space for interactive discussions.
As I prepare for the mayoral campaign, I will have assistance monitoring social media to help me stay engaged. Running for mayor is all-consuming, and having help will ensure I can keep up with the conversation. Communication has always been one of my strengths, and I intend to maintain that, even as my focus expands.
WHY I’M NOT IN THE HOBOKEN MOMMIES FACEBOOK GROUP
I get asked this a lot recently, likely because of the mayoral race, and some have asked why I don’t engage in the group. When I explain, the person asking always seems surprised...
I have reached out to the group administrators, but I am not a group member because I am told the group’s rules do not allow me to join. Membership is limited to those with school-aged children, which means elected representatives who don’t meet that criteria—including three of the eight council members—cannot participate. I have been told that I get tagged in posts—but please know that I don’t see those tags unless someone sends me a screenshot. And then I will always I respond, albeit indirectly.
If allowed, I would be happy to join better serve the community, especially those families who use this group to raise issues and concerns. But in the meantime, this is how you can reach me directly:
- Texting or Calling me – 201-208-1674
- Sending me an email – [email protected]
- DM’ing me on any of Instagram, Facebook, Reddit or Twitter/X.
- Tagging me in other large FB groups like Hoboken, Rat Free Hoboken or Hoboken Uptown
TIME SENSITIVE: PATH CLOSURE – NYWW UPDATED FERRY SCHEDULES FOR MONDAY
PANYNJ, NY Waterway (NYWW), and NJ Transit continue to adjust transport options during the PATH Closure based on ridership trends and feedback. While I do not yet have an update on the Light Rail issues, NY Waterway issued updated ferry schedules on Friday, effective Monday morning.
As always, please check NYWW’s website for the latest schedule information.
KEY CHANGES TO FERRY SCHEDULES
After reviewing the new schedules and speaking with PANYNJ, the most notable changes impact ferry service from NJT / Hoboken South:
-
Morning Commute:
- Midtown Route: Frequency reduced from every 10 minutes to 15 minutes.
- Brookfield Route: Frequency increased from every 10 minutes to 8 minutes.
-
Evening Commute (Brookfield to NJT / Hoboken South):
- Two separate schedules—one for peak days (Tuesday to Thursday) and one for lower-volume days (Monday & Friday).
Additionally, for morning commutes from 14th St / Hoboken North to Brookfield:
- Frequency reduced from every 8-14 minutes to every 15 minutes.
WHY CAN'T THEY JUST ADD MORE BOATS OR TRAINS?
I know firsthand how frustrating service changes can be. However, adding more boats, trains, or shuttles isn't as simple as it sounds. Several factors impact scheduling, including:
- Docking & passenger flow: The timing and crowding of ferries, ensuring safe docking, and allowing passengers to board and exit efficiently.
- Train operations: The timing and safe operation of trains at each stop, along with passenger flow.
- Fleet availability: The number and size of boats and additional trains/cars in service.
- Crew capacity: Availability of experienced ferry crew members, train engineers, and drivers.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE 14TH ST / MIDTOWN ROUTE?
Initially, I thought additional boats were being added to the 14th St / Hoboken North to Midtown morning commute—but they weren’t. And yes, I am disappointed and continued to advocate. But after last Wednesday’s unexpected 8:23 AM cancellation due to crew shortages, and the disruption this caused, service seemed to stabilize on Thursday, and I’m hopeful that continues. I was told that with the recent route reshuffling, extra capacity is available to address problem routes if needed.
UNDERSTANDING THE FERRY SCHEDULE CHANGES
Because the feedback I receive is often by terminal—with many of you comparing the frequency of all routes rather than just one—I created terminal-based schedules below to give a clearer picture of how NY Waterway is structuring its service. Please continue to share your observations and let me know if you’re seeing any specific challenges so I can pass them along! I will be back for the Wednesday morning commute:
- Morning Commute: From 14th St / Hoboken North
Those marked with X are just the lines that have been the pain points. NYWW will be keeping an eye on these. Please note: If you are going to Brookfield, please take one of the Brookfield boats. I am currently unclear whether the Pier 11 boats will be making a stop at Brookfield.
- Morning Commute: From NJT / Hoboken South
Starting at 7:20 am, boats to Brookfield will increase to every 8 minutes until 8:48 am. Same as above: If you are going to Brookfield, please take one of the Brookfield boats. currently unclear whether the Pier 11 boats will be making a stop at Brookfield.
- Evening Commute: From 39th Street / Midtown
The feedback I had been receiving is that the boats to 14th / North were delayed at that 3 boats for NJT/South would go before the next uptown one. Please keep me posted on how things are working with all the changes.
- Evening Commute: From Pier 11
I believe departures from Pier 11 home remain the same.
- Evening Commute: From Brookfield
A little more complicated and a lot longer, this table shows how the M/F schedule compares with the T-Th schedule. Column on right has the increased frequency of boats to NJT every 8 minutes between 4:48pm and 6:30pm. The net effect is three extra boats added shown with the x and outlined in green.
So about that Super Bowl ... wishing everyone rooting for the Eagles or Chiefs, that their teams succeed! Bills fans are already energized, coming off Josh Allen's MVP award, for SuperBowl 2026!
As always, please share this with everyone you know who may be interested and reach out any time on any issue important to you: 201-208-1674 or [email protected].
Tiffanie Fisher
Hoboken City Councilwoman
Engage. Inform. Advocate.
“More Voices are Better”
If interested in helping me explore running to be your Hoboken Mayor:
- join Team Tiffanie
- donate to Team Tiffanie via website or paypal
Learn more: www.Hoboken2ndWard.com
Do you like this post?
Showing 1 reaction
Sign in with
Facebook Twitter