Based on the current forecasts I’ve been reviewing, the shape of this system may spare northern New Jersey, though not the Carolinas or eastern Massachusetts. Fingers crossed this holds and Hoboken is spared as we continue digging out, not to wish misfortune on anyone else, of course.

What to know this morning:

You will see front loaders and trucks around town as the City continues its snow removal efforts.  For today:

• ALL of the Emergency Snow Routes are now open for parking

• Street cleaning remains suspended until further notice

• Meter enforcement has resumed

• Transit is operating as close to schedule as possible. Ferries continue to deal with ice in the river, which is causing delays. Yesterday, many neighbors reported long lines on uptown bus routes. Based on what I am hearing, this may be due to concerns about ferry service combined with an accident that reduced access to the Lincoln Tunnel during commuting hours.

What I am hearing from residents:

• Snow removal plan.  At this point, the big question is when and how the remaining snow will be removed from Hoboken. We raised this at last night’s City Council meeting and were told by the administration that crews continue to focus on corners, crossings, and schools, and the mayor and city leadership are meeting today to discuss next steps and hope to announce a plan later today. While safety must always remain the top priority, I emphasized the need to more heavily weigh quality-of-life impacts in that plan, as neighbors are increasingly frustrated by the lack of parking, streets narrowed by snow mounds that create makeshift angled parking where none exists, and challenges with drop-offs and deliveries in already tight spaces. Councilwoman Imus also raised the importance of prioritizing accessibility, including clearing handicapped parking spaces and loading zones for residents who rely on them.  

• Garbage Collection:  Yesterday, residents raised concerns about both getting cans to the curb and whether Cali could actually access them. We were told that Cali would go over snow mounds to collect trash, but I am curious how this worked in practice. Let me know how it went on your block.

• Legal drop offs. Several neighbors asked how to get groceries - or kids / aging parents - from their car into their home when parking is limited. There’s no perfect answer. As we work through snow removal, this is a do-your-best moment. If you can, drop groceries with a friend or neighbor before parking, or ask for help unloading so you can move your car. And if you’re the driver behind someone doing this, please be patient. Even without snow, I’ve watched people honk as a senior carefully exits a car on a narrow street.

• Who is responsible for snow blocking driveways.  This came up twice yesterday.  We had a situation yesterday where a couple in their 80s could not get their car out of their garage because a large snow mound was blocking their driveway. If the snow mound is IN THE STREET, it is the responsibility of the city. If it IN THE APRON, the area between the sidewalk and the street, it is the responsibility of the property owner.

• Overnight plowing.  We asked whether overnight plowing, similar to what Union City is doing, could help speed up snow removal. The concern raised by the administration was overnight noise. I live in a building that likely would not be very impacted by this, but I want to hear from those who live on more narrow streets. Please share your thoughts and weigh in via the survey.

Patience, friends, is not only a virtue, it is also the neighborly thing to do in Hoboken.   Avoid honking your horns, or racing through an intersection.  And reach out for help when you need it to make a situation better.  Hoboken’s single best quality - our superpower as I have been known to say - is our crazy sense of community.  Use it.  Be it.  #BeHoboken.  

And pray for no more snow this weekend!!!!

Do not hesitate to reach out to discuss this or anything else important to you.  My number is 201-208-1674.