Good morning and Happy Friday!  

We made it!  It is gorgeous out - all sunshine and warming.  Which means more melting.  

But… as I mentioned repeatedly, these mornings are still below freezing, so what we are waking to is wet sidewalks and black ice.  I saw a woman completely wipe out in front of Starbucks this morning, and several people slipping on the sidewalk along Hudson.  Before the sun hits, and warms up and melts the ice, these hidden pockets are pretty dangerous.  So… let me here you say it loud and proud….

Speaking of ducks… Tomorrow morning is going to be gorgeous as well - more sun and even warmer temperatures.  If you like wildlife, come join us at 10:30 am with Hoboken’s resident bird expert who has partnered with the Hoboken library for “Gulps with Gulls”.  Click image to register (free - just so they can have enough coffee and cocoa)

This is their second event - the first was on a Thursday afternoon and we had about 20 people join.  It was freezing cold and no sun, but we saw amazing birds like Mergansers, Buffleheads (my favorite), Long-Tailed Ducks, Scaups and Goldeneyes (very James Bond-y…).  

Tomorrow morning will be much warmer, full sun, and Jeff will bring a telescope for you to see these birds.  If you have binoculars bring them too.  It is a great learning event, and also just a great way to spend an hour on our amazing waterfront!

• At this point, I am not sure if the city plans to do snow clearing beyond the street sweeping schedule and reliance upon daily melting.  I see what you see, which is swaths of parking spaces and loading zones that were empty during the storm and are filled with snow.  I took this last night on 15th in front of my building - a solid foot of snow still across a giant loading zone that can accommodate up to 8 cars that serves an area with the highest residential density in Hoboken.  It will melt for sure, but…how long.

• The city is looking for more VOLUNTEERS to assist certain neighbors with sidewalk clearing.  Those over 60 and/or with disabilities can sign up for help and those who want to volunteer can register here.
  • https://hoboken.seamlessdocs.com/f/SnowRemovalRegistration
  • https://hoboken.seamlessdocs.com/f/VolunteerRegistrationSnowRemoval 
  • Please note this is NOT a guarantee of assistance.My guess is the ask will be greater than the volunteers.  But if you are feeling generous and want to add your name to assist, your neighbors will greatly appreciate it!

• Discounted, $6 dollar overnight parking rate is available for Hoboken resident parking permit holders in municipal garages - this is always available. Park by 6:00 pm and exit by 8:00 am. This option is especially helpful for commuters, and if you are able to use it, please consider doing so to help free up space on the streets as we continue recovery.

For regular updates, follow the city here:

• Twitter/X: City of Hoboken and Hoboken OEM
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• Instagram: City of Hoboken and Hoboken Public Safety      

REMINDER:  For emergencies, call 911 or 201-420-2100 for the local dispatch.

While I have you, one more fun thing…tomorrow night (Saturday) there will be a rare six-planet alignment - aka a “planetary parade” featuring Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets will appear in a line along the western horizon shortly after sunset. While four are visible to the naked eye, Uranus and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope.  I have an app called “Sky Guide” on my phone which is useful - you shake it and hold it up in any direction and it tells you what you are seeing in the sky.  Super cool.  

In our area tomorrow night, the sky is supposed to be perfectly clear - or perfect for viewing!  So two reasons to get those binoculars out of the closet this weekend!!!

Hope to see you tomorrow morning at 10:30 at the Gulp with Gulls!  Do not hesitate to reach out to discuss this or anything else important to you by email or by phone at 201-208-1674. #SunshineMakesTheHeartSing.  

Tiffanie Fisher

Hoboken City Councilwoman

Engage. Inform. Deliver.

“More Voices are Better”

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