POLITICAL THEATRE: Hoboken Mayor to Deliver His Second ‘State of the City’ Address at Different Venue

(ABOVE: Mile Square Theatre’s production of It’s A Wonderful Life; 11/29/2016—photo by Joe Epstein/JoeEpsteinPhotography.com)

Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced that he will hold his second annual State of the City address on Monday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m.  Traditionally, the Mayor’s speech highlighting accomplishments and initiatves has been held at DeBaun Auditorium on the campus of the Stevens Institute of Technology.

This year, however, Bhalla will be taking the stage at Mile Square Theatre, Hoboken’s renowned professional theatre (1400 Clinton Street).

“Mile Square Theatre is one of the most well-respected cultural institutions in the entire State of New Jersey, and I’m proud to host my second State of the City at their theatre,” said Mayor Bhalla. “Advancing the arts in Hoboken is a priority of my administration, and I look forward to providing the public an update on this topic and several additional priorities for the upcoming year.”

Mile Square Theatre opened its new theater space in 2016 — photo by Joe Epstein/JoeEpsteinPhotography.com

The public is invited to attend what will be a relatively intimate address. Mile Square Theatre’s capacity is 120—roughly one-fourth the size of the room at DeBaun. While seats will be available free of charge, attendees will need to reserve their spot via a link that the City says will be provided, “later this week.”

Incidentally, Stevens Institute of Technology—which has historically hosted this event—is currently suing Hoboken over the City’s insistence that the university pay parking permits for its ongoing construction projects. While Stevens is in the midst of ongoing construction to accommodate the institute’s tremendous growth, the City recently enacted a new pricing structure for Temporary No Parking signs.

Stevens sought exemption from the pricing citing its non-profit status, at which point the City specifically removed language in its ordinance that offered such an exemption. After attempting to find a suitable alternative, Stevens filed a lawsuit as the City of Hoboken attempted to enforce charges that would end up costing the institute $4 million. According to a representative from Stevens, there is “no resolution yet.”

Hoboken Mayor Ravinder S. Bhalla

Mayor Bhalla’s State of the City address, his second as Mayor, will be held at Mile Square Theatre—1400 Clinton Street; Monday January 27 at 7:00 p.m.

We will update this article to include ticket information once it becomes available.

Mile Square Theatre’s 2020 Season begins on January 24 with a ballet interpretation of Snow White. CLICK HERE for more information.

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