Fact Checking the Attacks - NJTransit Legislation

There is a large amount of misinformation coming from other campaigns regarding the NJTransit resolution sponsored by State Senator Sarlo.  You have heard the myths, now look at the facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q .   What is New Jersey Transit proposing to build over the rail yards in Southeast Hoboken and why is it a problem?

A.  New Jersey Transit is proposing a massive new development project that would include a 70 story office tower near the train station  and numerous 45 story residential buildings on the southern side of Observer Highway.  If this project is completed as proposed, it would destroy the “small town”  character of our City and exacerbate the traffic and flooding problems that already plague that neighborhood.  By itself, this project would add 7,000 new residents in just one neighborhood, increasing the population of Hoboken by 15%.  This is not the future envisioned by Hoboken’s Master Plan, or desired by its residents.

Q.  Does New Jersey Transit have the authority to build whatever it wants no matter what Hoboken thinks?

A.  No, but they act like they do.  While New Jersey Transit has publicly taken that position, it is not legally correct.  According to a legal opinion solicited by Mayor Zimmer the project is subject to the approval of the Hoboken City Council as the Redevelopment Agency for the City.

Q.  Who first raised the red flag and led the opposition to the proposed out of scale New Jersey Transit project.

A.  Mayor Zimmer.  Since the project was first proposed, she has attended every public meeting and clearly voiced her concerns.  As a member of the Zoning and Planning Committee of the City Council, she has also attended numerous “stakeholder meetings” and has consistently made her position opposing the project known to all the parties involved.  She has throughout welcomed others, including Beth Mason to the fight.

Q.  Was there a real risk that new legislation could give NJ Transit a blank check?

A.  Yes there was.  In its current form Senator Sarlo's proposed legislation did just that.  That’s why Mayor Zimmer immediately brought the legislation to the attention of the Hoboken City Council and introduced a resolution opposing it.  The resolution passed unanimously.


Q.  What else did Mayor Zimmer do with respect to Senator Sarlo’s proposed legislation?

A.  Mayor Zimmer had already, on a number of occasions, spoken to Governor Corzine about her concerns regarding the proposed New Jersey Transit development.   She discussed Senator Sarlo’s bill with him, and the Governor arranged for her to meet with the Senator.   At the meeting, the Senator agreed to amend the bill to address Hoboken’s concerns.  The Senator then reaffirmed his intention to amend the bill in his public statements.

Q.  What will happen if the bill is not amended, or if the amendment does not give Hoboken the power to say no to the proposed development?

A.  Senator Sarlo gave Mayor Zimmer his word, and she intends to hold him to it.  Nothing has been lost by discussing the matter with Senator Sarlo giving him an opportunity to address Hoboken’s  concerns.  If the final bill is not satisfactory, Mayor Zimmer will do everything within her power to ensure that it does not become law.

Q.  How do Mayor Zimmer and Councilwoman Beth Mason’s views differ on this issue?

A.  When Mayor Zimmer asked the City Council to vote on a resolution opposing Senator Sarlo’s bill, Councilwoman Mason expressed the view that the bill was in a preliminary stage and it was a waste of time for the City Council to even discuss it.    After Mayor Zimmer and Senator Sarlo publicly announced that the Mayor had convinced Senator Sarlo to amend the bill, Councilwoman Mason changed her mind and issued a statement recognizing the urgency of the situation.  Mayor Zimmer welcomes her to the fight, and looks forward to working with her to ensure that Hoboken’s rights are respected.

Q.  Where do we go from here?

A.  The fight to protect our City from overdevelopment is ongoing.  Fixing or, if necessary, stopping Senator Sarlo’s proposed legislation is critical, but it is only one battle in a continuing struggle to retain the character of our town.  Mayor Zimmer understands that the debate over the New Jersey transit project, and other proposed out of scale development being discussed for the Northwest, will continue no matter what happens with Senator Sarlo’s legislation.  She started her career fighting for smart, balanced community based development, and her strong position on this issue has never wavered.