7/4/2009 Evening Update:

411 NOTE: This is probably the last photo update before the big show – if you have fun or unique pictures or videos you’d like to contribute – please feel free to email me at Hoboken411@gmail.com (I spoke with a couple friendly 411 fans with über-fancy cameras and lenses that might send in a few).

Almost ready to go!

(See notes below…)


(Note: in no particular order – and not post processed – sorry – too many!)

Crowd creeping in!

Spent the last 2.5 hours checking out the city – Here’s what I witnessed near the “stage” uptown…

  • For one – the southernmost barge is directly across from 14th Street in Hoboken – excellent vantage point!

  • The second barge also has a good view in Hoboken

  • The crowds are calm and peaceful and well-behaved. Not as packed as you might suspect – but there’s over an hour left before the big show.

  • Good police presence – with cooperation from outside communities for ambulatory aid.

  • Some food vendors looked rather upset (the Crab Cake guy had no people!)

  • Most onlookers seemed to be from out of town. My guess is 75% or more.

  • The boats were lined up near 11th Street

  • Elysian Park or the walkway north of the Hudson Tea building might be good alternatives to watch.

  • They’re trying to shut Hudson Street and Washington – but keep letting some cars through to alleviate congestion.

  • Police are now noticing an extreme increase in PATH traffic.

  • Some kids are setting off fireworks already in the NW part of town – Oscar had three heart attacks already.

  • Have a great time and enjoy the show!!

7/4/2009:

First of all – Happy 4th to everyone!

Still Calm in Hoboken

I spent the past couple hours milling around north Hoboken – and below you’ll find my photostream of what I saw – along with my brief observations.

One thing I haven’t been able to confirm yet – and have received conflicting reports – is exactly where the southernmost fireworks barge will be staged – and when. Some have said they move it slightly south (near Maxwell Place) – others still think it’ll be more at the northern border of Hoboken (at the edge of Weehawken). I expect the barges to start going into place in a couple hours – and then we’ll know for sure!


(FYI – I didn’t spend time post-processing these photos, so some may be a bit dark – sorry!)

So what is going on?

Here’s what I learned and saw:

  • For starters, if you listen to the Hoboken411 Live Police and Fire Action Channel – you’ll overhear quite a bit of preparation and communication. Sounds very organized. Good job guys!

  • Hoboken is still quite calm and peaceful. The general consensus amongst various city workers is, that action will really start picking up around 6pm.

  • The food vendors are beginning to setup along Sinatra Drive (a fried calamari truck too!)

  • The first aid squad uptown is manned and ready to go.

  • The Hoboken Cove Boathouse near Maxwell Place has been converted into a temporary Uptown Police Command Center.

  • Eight Port-O-Johnnie’s setup from Maxwell Place north – the remaining 22 south to Pier A Park.

  • Some Hoboken businesses decided to close – others are hoping to capitalize on the added traffic.

  • A whole bunch of newly added hot dog carts dispersed in the area.

  • It was a pleasure to walk down the middle of Sinatra Drive without any traffic!

I’ll do one more “sweep” later in the afternoon to compare the changes!

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