
2025 is here.
For many, the start of a new year brings hope and the chance to embrace new possibilities. Yet, as we witness the devastation caused by the fires in Los Angeles, it’s hard not to feel a profound sense of anguish for those impacted. In this newsletter, I’ll begin with ways we can support the relief efforts from afar, followed by updates on a few issues (mostly difficult ones) that are top of mind for many. As for Mayor Bhalla’s official announcement on Friday that he will not seek a third term, I’ll address that in a separate newsletter.
- Fires in L.A. – Ways To Help
- 6th Ward City Council Vacancy
- New City Council Leadership for 2025
- 15th Street Reopening Soon – Temporary Changes Ahead
- When Will the Waterfront Barricades Come Down?
- Public Safety Updates: Ensuring a Safer Hoboken
- Renewable Energy Program Billing Issue
- Once Again, We Must Address the Rat Issue
-
14th & Willow: Keeping Pedestrian Safety a Priority
- PATH Hoboken Station Closure: What You Need to Know
FIRES IN L.A. – WAYS TO HELP

I know you join me in heartbreak as we watch the devastating fires in Los Angeles. I personally know some who have lost everything, and many of our Hoboken neighbors too have friends and family impacted. The unimagineable losses as well as the rippling effects throughout the area on all who supported or worked in those communities are overwhelming to absorb.
There is no wrong way to help – whether you want to support national agencies like the Red Cross or Save the Children, or help support first responders or local animal rescues. Help in the way that feels most important to you – every dollar and donation is needed. These agencies have been vetted by various sources and are all providing direct support in the area: California Community Foundation ● Save the Children - Emergency Fund ● California Fire Foundation ● Los Angeles Regional Food Bank ● YMCA Metro LA - Community Response & Action ● L.A. Fire Department Foundation ● Pasadena Humane Society ● Ventura County Community Foundation ● American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles ● Direct Relief ● World Central Kitchen. If you are interested to learn more about providing local help to smaller efforts, Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN) has put together this list: www.bit.ly/malan-fire
6TH WARD CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
In December, we faced the difficult decision of how to address the vacancy left by the tragic passing of Jen Giattino. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, state law requires the City Council to fill such a vacancy within 30 days. If the Council couldn't do so, the seat would remain vacant until the next general election in November which is exactly what happened.
Let me assure you, the City Council did not take this responsibility lightly. The residents of the 6th Ward were front and center in our discussions at every step of the process. Ultimately, we faced three potential paths forward:
- Appoint someone who would uphold Jen’s legacy—her values, her commitment to the 6th Ward, and the platform she was elected on, time and again, by a significant majority of 6th Ward residents.
- Appoint someone whose views did not align with Jen’s, and by extension, the wishes of the 6th Ward voters.
- Leave the seat vacant and rely on her City Council colleagues to step in and support 6th Ward residents while continuing her legacy.
Our first choice was to find someone who could carry on Jen’s work. Unfortunately, in such a short time frame, we could not identify a candidate who met that bar. Faced with the other two options, I—and many of my colleagues—felt strongly that leaving the seat vacant was the better choice for the 6th Ward and for Hoboken as a whole.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

For now, we have an eight-person Council, split between independent members and Team Bhalla members as shown above. Legislation requires at least five votes to pass, six for bond ordinances; any 4-4 tie will fail. While this structure presents challenges, I believe it also offers an opportunity for thoughtful, collaborative policymaking. With this dynamic, we can expect good legislation to move forward and less contentious proposals to dominate the agenda—a positive outcome for Hoboken.
6TH WARD REPRESENTATION
To my neighbors in the 6th Ward: while the seat may be vacant, you are not without representation. In addition to the 6th Ward seat, your votes helped directly elect three At-Large Council Members—Council Vice President Jim Doyle, Councilwoman Emily Jabbour, and Councilman Joe Quintero—to serve your interests and those citywide. Additionally, all eight sitting Council Members, myself included, are committed to supporting the 6th Ward during this interim period.
I have already begun stepping into some of the initiatives Jen was leading, including addressing safety concerns at Church Square Park and Castle Point Terrace and Court Street improvements. My colleagues have also stepped up to ensure the needs of the 6th Ward are met. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us—we’re here for you.
LOOKING AHEAD
The next milestone is the special election in November to fill the 6th Ward seat. If you’re interested in running, I’d love to connect—let’s have coffee and discuss what’s involved. Additionally, I plan to work with our state legislators to address a flaw in the current law. When a vacancy occurs due to the passing of an elected official, 30 days is simply not enough time—especially when those closest to the situation are grieving, as we are with Jen’s loss. I will advocate for an extension to 90 days in such cases and will keep you updated on this effort.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement during this difficult time. Together, we’ll ensure the 6th Ward remains well-represented and that Jen’s legacy lives on.
NEW CITY COUNCIL LEADERSHIP FOR 2025

credit: Hudson County View
At the City Council’s first meeting of the year, CM Jim Doyle was unanimously elected as Council President. Jim has served on the City Council for 11 years and had never sought the presidency until now. It is because of his steady hand and wisdom he brings to this pivotal role that he was the only colleague able to secure the requisite majority. Congratulations to Jim and to CM Cohen who was also elected Vice President in a 5-3 vote.
The Vice President vote was less straightforward. Back in December, like last year, Jim and I began discussions about establishing once again, bipartisan leadership for the year, with the goal of having one leadership role held by Team Bhalla and the other by an Independent Councilmember. We had what we believed was an agreement and the necessary votes: Jim as President and Councilman Ramos as Vice President. However, this plan fell apart when Councilman Russo made what can only be described as a "classic Russo" move: after speaking with me about supporting a bipartisan leadership, he instead agreed to support CM Cohen for VP in exchange for having the two City Council development subcommittees (north and south) into one, and Russo becoming chair of that committee - so effectively putting all development decisions in his hands. Ultimately, committee assignments are determined by the Council President, and I am confident Jim will not agree to this. But as they say, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get” so bless CM Russo for at least trying.
15TH STREET REOPENING SOON – TEMPORARY CHANGES AHEAD

Back in November, I shared that 15th Street would reopen on January 25th. While the reopening is still scheduled for the end of January, it may be closer to the 30th. The good news is that it will definitely reopen before the PATH closure begins on January 31st (more on that below). While the intersection won’t be fully restored, it will have striping and signage to ensure pedestrian safety at crossings.
Shortly after 15th Street reopens, Bloomfield Street will close between 14th and 15th as work continues on the Rebuild by Design project. During this closure, access on Bloomfield will be limited to the residential garage near the 14th and Bloomfield intersection. To accommodate this, a short section of Bloomfield will temporarily shift to two-way traffic, with signs or signals installed to ensure safety.
Please note that access to the LAZ parking garage on Bloomfield will not be available during this time, and no on-street parking will be permitted on Bloomfield north of 14th.
WHEN WILL THE WATERFRONT BARRICADES COME DOWN?

credit: NJ.com
One of the top questions I get is: When will the barricades along the waterfront finally be removed? Unfortunately, the answer is not anytime soon.
The administration is continuing its investigation and design process for repairs to the sea wall in various areas along the waterfront. As Chair of the subcommittee overseeing this issue, I was briefed last week on the extent of the necessary repairs and the potential timeline. While there is still much work to be done, the earliest we might see the barricades removed is next fall. However, depending on permit requirements from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), this could extend into spring of the following year.
WHY IS THIS TAKING SO LONG?
The short answer: it's a big project after years of deferred maintenance. The waterfront was not properly maintained over the past 15 years, and this is the direct result. Moving forward, I have asked that engineers include a comprehensive maintenance plan in their work, which would involve regular inspections, including divers going into the water to identify and address potential issues early. This is something that many of the private owners along the waterfront – including the Hudson Tea HOA – already do.
Additionally, the engineers have completed a preliminary heat map highlighting priority areas for repair that are being addressed in this project. They are also now conducting a deeper dive (pun intended) into other areas of concern. We expect to receive the results of this detailed review in about three months.
INTERIM PEDESTRIAN AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Given the extended timeline, I have asked the city to explore how we can make the west side of Sinatra Drive more accessible and pedestrian-friendly as well as the street itself safer for bike riders during this period. Some steps have already been taken, such as adding crosswalks, but more improvements are needed. These include:
- Adding additional lighting and dividers to slow traffic.
- Exploring the possibility of making Sinatra Drive one-way to improve safety and traffic flow.
However, making Sinatra one-way could create ripple effects across the city, so this option is being evaluated carefully.
IMPACT ON PLANNED SINATRA DRIVE UPGRADES AND MARITIME PARK
The administration and its engineers are working to coordinate the waterfront repairs with the Sinatra Drive improvement and Maritime Park project to expedite completion of all projects.
COST?
A lot. We are still working to better understand the full financial impact of the repairs and will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
I know this situation is frustrating, and I’ll continue to push for updates and improvements while advocating for better maintenance practices moving forward.
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES: ENSURING A SAFER HOBOKEN
Public safety remains at the forefront of everything I do. Over the past couple of months, we’ve made important strides to address safety concerns across Hoboken, particularly in our parks, schools, and neighborhoods. Here’s what’s happening now:
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT CHURCH SQUARE PARK
We’ve taken several steps to enhance safety in Church Square Park:
- Approved new lighting upgrades to improve visibility and deter unsafe activity.
- Upgraded the camera system to a cloud-based platform, which will provide better monitoring and is expected to be installed by year-end.
- Chief Aguiar has increased foot patrols in the park to ensure a stronger police presence and improved safety.
ADDING MORE POLICE OFFICERS
- The City Council voted unanimously to approve hiring 10 new police officers, who will come online in Spring 2026 to further strengthen our police force.
- 6 new police officers were sworn in in December, bringing the department to full staffing levels for the first time in years. This is a significant achievement given that our department has been 15-20% understaffed for the past several years.
MEETING WITH SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES
Councilmembers Presinzano, Ramos, and I have met with school leaders and families to address safety concerns around Church Square Park. Working together, we’re identifying solutions to better protect students and surrounding neighborhoods including expanding the footprint of our School Resource Officer program.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM
Paul Presinzano and I are working with neighbors to consider a Neighborhood Watch program (observe and report), stepping into the role previously led by Council President Jen Giattino. Neighborhood Watches empower residents to play an active role in supporting safer communities.
COMPREHENSIVE LIGHTING REVIEW ACROSS ALL PARKS
As referenced above, we approved a review of lighting for Church Square Park, but I have also heard from many residents about lighting concerns in other parks across the city. During our recent Climate Action and Innovation Committee meeting, Councilwoman Jabbour suggested adding Madison Park last minute to the Church Square Park lighting resolution. Instead of addressing lighting needs in an ad hoc manner, I proposed a more strategic and efficient approach: conducting a citywide review of lighting concerns across all Hoboken parks. Our committee, including CW Jabbour, CM Doyle, and CM Ramos, agreed that this broader effort will ensure we identify where improvements are most needed—such as Elysian Park and Madison Park—while ensuring no area is overlooked and safety concerns are prioritized based on need.
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM BILLING ISSUE

Did you get an exceptionally high PSEG bill this month and are opted into the city’s third-party renewable energy program? I’ve heard from several neighbors who did—and I did as well. My bill was double the prior month, and I was away for half the month. As a reminder, Hoboken’s Renewable Energy Program promises locked-in rates with IDT Energy through October 2026, depending on the selected plan:
- Basic Plan: 11.86 cents/kWh
- Standard Plan: 12.83 cents/kWh
- 100% Green Plan: 12.97 cents/kWh
I have spoken to the administration about this and they will be reaching out to the provider to understand better and hopefully provide an update via nixle to the community soon. In the interim, here’s what I’ve learned so far from neighbors on this amazingly helpful Reddit thread and also shared with the administration:
What happened?
Overcharges: Many residents were charged higher rates—up to 21.5 cents/kWh or more—despite being enrolled in a plan with locked-in rates. IDT Energy attributed this to a "system error" and so far is issuing refunds by check to those who have reached out. I’ve asked Hoboken's Assistant Business Administrator to look into this, as I believe this is a system-wide issue, not just a series of one-offs. I will follow up again tomorrow.
Transition issues
Some residents previously on Direct Energy (the prior supplier) weren’t switched to IDT Energy, leaving them charged at Direct Energy’s higher rates. Others who opted into the Basic Plan were incorrectly charged Standard Plan rates or higher.
What you can do
- Check Your Bill: Look for "IDT Energy" or "Direct Energy" as the supplier and verify the rate matches your selected plan.
- Compare Rates: Confirm the charge per kWh aligns with your plan’s locked-in rate.
- Contact the Supplier: If overcharged, call the number listed on your bill to request a refund.
- Monitor Future Bills: Ensure corrections are made and no further errors occur.
I’ll provide updates as I hear more. If this has impacted you, please feel free to reach out so I can advocate on your behalf.
ONCE AGAIN, WE MUST ADDRESS THE RAT ISSUE

While progress has been made through the multiple ordinances the City Council has passed—such as the 2023 "Lid Law," which requires lidded trash containers—success depends on two key factors: residents doing their part to eliminate food sources and the city actively and consistently enforcing our laws.
We have a situation uptown, as you may have seen at the past few City Council meetings, where my neighbors have come forward expressing frustration and distress over the city’s lack of sufficient action to address a rat infestation in their neighborhood. Their concerns are valid. Rats are not just an inconvenience—they pose serious public health and quality-of-life risks.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING
The root causes of Hoboken’s rat problem are well-known:
- Sustained food sources, such as exposed garbage, pizza boxes, and poorly maintained outdoor dining areas.
- Burrowing areas where rats can nest.
- Construction disruptions, which disturb existing burrows and push rats into surrounding neighborhoods.
While ordinances like the "Lid Law" and requirements for parklet cleaning and construction site baiting are in place, enforcement has been inconsistent, and resources remain limited.
PROGRESS AND THE PATH FORWARD
In some areas, we’ve seen successes. Focused efforts in Marineview Plaza, including extermination and trash management adjustments, have recently reduced rat sightings. Weekly inspections have also been introduced in some hotspots, and targeted extermination is ongoing in high-impact areas. But the uptown neighborhood currently facing an infestation has not seen enough action. As residents have pointed out, the city must do more—and do it faster.
WHAT'S NEXT
- Consistent Enforcement: Laws like the "Lid Law," parklet cleaning requirements, and construction site baiting need to be actively enforced. Without consistent oversight, these rules are ineffective. And we need to solve for any barriers that are keeping the city from enforcing.
- Increased Resources: Hoboken needs more trash and health inspectors to ensure compliance citywide. A focused analysis, like what was done for parking enforcement, could justify these additions. The revenues from increased enforcement would likely cover the costs of hiring additional inspectors.
- Parklet Management: The City Council, along with the Hoboken Business Alliance, is actively working on legislation to strengthen parklet regulations, including seasonal closures, updated pricing, stricter cleaning protocols, and potentially eliminating platform floors altogether. These changes aim to balance support for businesses with the need to address public health concerns.
- Community Involvement: Residents also have a vital role to play. Proper trash disposal and following cleanliness laws are critical to eliminating food sources that attract rats. If you see something, say something - inform your neighbors and / or email [email protected].
SUPPORTING THOSE WORKING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM
While city staff, including our health inspectors, trash inspectors, and constituent services team, are working hard to address this issue, their efforts need to be supported by stronger leadership at the top. Without a unified commitment to prioritizing enforcement and public health, progress will remain uneven and too slow for those most affected.
To my neighbors uptown: I hear you, and I share your frustration. I will continue to push for stronger enforcement, additional resources, and more comprehensive solutions to address this problem.
14TH & WILLOW: KEEPING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY A PRIORITY

credit: Hoboken neighbor
Last week, a couple of neighbors reached out with concerns about the potential closure of sidewalks on the northwest corner of 14th and Willow due to the upcoming construction of a new building. Poles had been installed for what appeared to be future fencing, which would have closed two of the four pedestrian crossings at one of Hoboken’s busiest and most dangerous intersections—for the entire two-year construction period. I know… incomprehensible.
In response, I immediately reached out to the city and county to understand the situation and raised concerns. Not only was this happening without any announced detour plans, but it also raised serious questions about how such closures could even be considered. To be clear, the developer wasn’t at fault here. We have many talented and hard-working professionals in our administration who strive to do right by Hoboken residents. But we’ve seen in many instances, not just this one, how the city is missing a leader who demands that community priorities be front and center in every decision it makes.
The great news is that after reevaluating the situation, the city delayed the fencing installation. I’ve been assured that pedestrian access to this intersection will now be maintained throughout construction.
This resolution wouldn’t have happened without you reaching out to me. Public service and advocacy is a partnership, and this is a great example of how raising your concerns can make a difference. So please, keep it coming. #morevoicesarealwaysbetter.
PATH HOBOKEN STATION CLOSURE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The PATH Hoboken Station will close for 25 days, starting at 11:59 PM on Thursday, January 30th, and is scheduled to reopen at 5:00 AM on Tuesday, February 25th. Below, you’ll find a summary of alternative travel options provided by the Port Authority to help you navigate this closure.
One notable option is the reduced $3 ferry fare (the cost of a PATH ticket) available for cross-honored PATH customers. This special fare is open to anyone taking the ferry during the closure, whether or not you’re a regular PATH commuter. This means even those who normally use the uptown ferry at a cost of $11 each way can benefit from the reduced $3 fare by purchasing these special tickets. To access this discount, you must follow the instructions provided below. Regular ferry commuters should explore this option before purchasing their February pass or tickets, as it could significantly reduce commuting costs for the month.
I’m working with the Port Authority and the City to gather more detailed information on:
- The uptown ferry routes and schedules (to both downtown and midtown Manhattan).
- The NY Waterway buses that transport ferry commuters to their final destinations on the New York City side.
Additionally, with the introduction of New York City’s congestion charge, which has already increased bus and ferry usage (as intended), we expect some chaos on the first day of the closure. Be sure to attend one of the three public information sessions listed below, including the virtual session, to plan your commute effectively and avoid surprises.
Here is the official information about alternative transportation options provided by the Port Authority:
NY Waterway Ferry Service – Hoboken-New York:
- PATH customers will be cross-honored on NY Waterway ferries between Hoboken and New York for the cost of a PATH one-way fare ($3).
-
The special PATH Ferry Tickets can be purchased on the NY Waterway App
- These can be used when displayed with a valid SmartLink, MetroCard, or with a digital cross-honoring pass via the RidePATH App.
- Additional peak-period ferry service will operate every 10 minutes from both Hoboken terminals(NJT Terminal and 14th Street), with extended evening service to Midtown/W. 39th Street.
- NYW is in the process of creating a special landing page on their website specific to the PATH closure
Free PATH Shuttle Bus:
-
Shuttle service will operate 24/7 between Hoboken, Newport, and Exchange Place stations.
-
Weekday Schedule:
- 12 AM - 5:59 AM - service will operate approximately every 15 minutes
- 6 AM - 10:59 AM - service will operate approximately every 5-7 minutes
- 11 AM - 2:59 PM - service will operate approximately every 10 minutes
- 3 PM - 7:59 PM - service will operate approximately every 5-7 minutes
- 8 PM - 11:59 PM - service will operate approximately every 10 minutes
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Weekday Schedule:
-
Weekend Schedule:
- 12 AM - 5:59 AM - service will operate every approximately 15 minutes
- 6 AM - 11:59 PM - service will operate every approximately 10 minutes
Supplemental PATH Service:
- Increased train frequency at Newport (every 2-4 minutes) and Exchange Place (every 5 minutes or less) during peak periods.
- A temporary weekday train line will run between World Trade Center and 33rd Street.
NJ TRANSIT Bus No. 126:
- Enhanced service between Hoboken Station and the Midtown Bus Terminal.
- NJTransit bus schedules and fares can be found here.
NJ TRANSIT Hudson-Bergen Light Rail:
- Additional peak-period service connecting Hoboken, Newport, and Exchange Place stations to the PATH system.
- NJTransit Light Rail schedules and fares can be found here.
January Public Information Sessions
Hoboken Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Hoboken Terminal - Fare Zone
NYC Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Locations: World Trade Center, 33rd Street Station, Newport Station - Fare Zones
Virtual Session Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Meeting ID: 160 867 8279
While I wish this first newsletter of the year could be filled only with lighthearted updates and upcoming events, the reality is that challenges persist. You can always count on me to engage with these challenges, keep you informed, and ensure my advocacy reflects your voice as the driver toward solutions.
As always, please share this with everyone you know who may be interested and reach out any time on any issue important to you: 201-208-1764 or [email protected]. Happy New Year!
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