NJ Transit Will NOT Buy the Union Dry Dock Property on Hoboken Waterfront

Under weight of substantial public outcry, and the scrutiny of incoming Governor Phil Murphy, NJ Transit will not vote on the purchase of Union Dry Dock—the last remaining puzzle piece in Hoboken’s open waterfront.

“There’s nothing more precious in Hoboken than its treasured Waterfront,” says Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “The preservation and expansion of open space on the Waterfront is critical, as it’s enjoyed by people all over the world.”

NJ Transit’s board held a special meeting today to discuss the acquisition of the Union Dry Dock property, but there was not enough support on the board to carry it through.

Mayor Bhalla, flanked by Hoboken City Council President Ruben Ramos and 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, were joined by members of the Fund for a Better Waterfront, Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition, and other Hoboken residents who attended the meeting to demonstrate the city’s greater opposition to NJ Transit’s plans.

“This is something that unites all of us in Hoboken,” says Ramos, who spoke of the city’s commitment to open access for the entire waterfront. “Our mission is 90% there—that last 10% we’ll get there together.”

Fisher added, “this is the tail end of what has been a three-decade effort by so many people in Hoboken—many of whom are here today.”

The next step is for the City to negotiate with NY Waterway, who purchased the Union Dry Dock property in November.

“New York Waterway is a friend of ours,” says Bhalla, “and we look forward to working with them cooperatively.”