How do you like the 14th Street Viaduct design so far?

As everyone in Hoboken knows by now – the 14th Street viaduct uptown has been undergoing a restoration and expansion for the past year or two already. Estimated date for completion is sometime around January or February 2014. But what do you think of the actual design?

Is the fancy design necessary? Wasteful? Or good for property values?

Naturally – the most important part of a piece of infrastructure like this is functionality. Does it work? Will it last? How much will it cost? Who is paying for it? (Public money is being used one way or another – either locally, statewide or even federally).

But I noticed that this new structure – while coming along nicely, is receiving a fancy brick-work façade.

While I agree it will fit in a lot nicer with the other cookie-cutter condos in the area (and might even add a bit of “character” – and feel a bit more like a “neighborhood”), but I wonder how much extra money it added to the total cost, instead of say – a solid concrete structure.

And What about ongoing costs? Does this brick like outer shell require less or more maintenance in the future?

Lastly – do you think that a “fancier” viaduct actually augments this neighborhood, helping maintain or even increase property values?

What if it did cost a lot more to look this way. Are you OK with it? Or would you rather they just cover the fundamentals?

Technorati Tags: 14th Street Viaduct, construction, Hoboken, infrastructure, New Jersey, NJ, photography, Property values

Tribeca West comes to Hoboken

Just about a year ago – one of Hoboken’s older single-family properties (with a yard!) was leveled to make room for this: Tribeca West.

Tribeca West, located on the SW corner of 10th & Jefferson Streets, is a modern building featuring 14 one, two and three-bedroom units from 800 to over 1,600 square feet. Many have decks, balconies and even private roof-top patios.

The building’s tagline is “Manhattan Living Comes West.”

About Tribeca West condo in Hoboken, NJ

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“With convenient deeded ground level parking on-site, this elevator building is built with reinforced structural concrete for the ultimate in soundproofing.

Experience “Green Living” as the building will be LEED certified with many energy efficient features including a Solar Thermal Hot water system to greatly reduce electric and gas expenses.

At the corner of 10th and Jefferson St., Tribeca West is conveniently located within a few blocks of bus services, the lightrail, shuttles to the PATH and is just steps from Shoprite.

Live and enjoy all that the “Mile Square” city has to offer in this unique luxury building.

Experience Manhattan Living West of the Hudson at Hoboken’s Tribeca West!!!!!!!!!!!!”

From what I can tell – this looks like a fine building. The top units will set you back over a million dollars, though.

However – what I’m trying to figure out is the marketing aspect behind this project. Perhaps someone can clue me in exactly what part of this building resembles “Manhattan Living?”

I mean there are many modern, upscale properties in town. And the neighborhood this property is in doesn’t quite bring memories of NYC to me. But maybe I’m missing something.

Either way – if this helps them sell more units, good for them!

You can contact the agent in charge of Tribeca West, Rich Turnbull by calling hime at (201)914-1362 or emailing rich@sellinghoboken.com if you’re interested in finding out more.

Description: Tribeca West Condo
Address: 928-930 Jefferson St., Hoboken, NJ 07030
Sales Contact: Rich Turnbull (201)914-1362
Online: thetribecawest.com

Technorati Tags: 10th Street, apartment, Building, condo, Condominium, Hoboken, Jefferson Street, New Jersey, NJ, Real Estate, Rich Turnbull, shoprite, Tribeca West

Burnt out Zaklama building for rent in Hoboken, NJ

I found this sight quite funny and sad at the same time.

Remember that Zaklama property (Nardine’s) at 1st & Jackson that burnt to a crisp back in late 2011? Well – there’s a big “for rent” sign on it now.

On the surface, it looks ridiculous. Who would want to rent out a useless crumbled property? “So you’re saying I can erect a new building with my own money, then continue paying you rent for it?”

Either way – you might also remember that 4th Ward Councilman Tim Occhipinti suggesting that this property (and the one across the street) get converted to some useful park space. That’s probably going nowhere fast because the current administration doesn’t like supporting anything unless they can take credit for it.

Ironically – there are plenty of things they can take credit for! Potholes, closed parks, lack of focus on infrastructure, and much more!

But if you’re interested – call Sherif Fanous at (201)401-1677.

Technorati Tags: 4th Ward, First Street, Hoboken, Hoboken For Rent, Jackson Street, Nardine's, New Jersey, NJ, Real Estate, Sherif Fanous, Tim Occhipinti, Zaklama

Visionary ideas for NW Hoboken, but nothing ever done

Hoboken has long had various “working” documents regarding the “future” of a particular area or neighborhood. Whether it’s a “Master Plan” for the entire city, or localized initiatives like the SW6 “Vision,” the Western Edge, and even the NJ Transit redevelopment plan.

I think what most of these plans have in common with each other is A) they’re used as political footballs, B) they get adopted slowly or not at all C) changing administrations can cause unraveling. It seems that the regardless of the plan, when you have government as the principle driver or player, that you can bet the process will be long, painful and inefficient. Even if government is minimally involved, they throw a stick in the spokes of progress when they do meddle (like the Monarch project uptown).

Sort of the same thing is happening with the NW area of Hoboken.

While some buildings move forward in or on the fringe of the NW (Edge Lofts, 1415 Park, etc.), the entire area for the most part remains dilapidated. And there are no future plans to do anything with the exception of the three Rockefeller blocks. So it’s kind of a uncoordinated mess.

Years ago, the Dean Marchetto architectural group was commissioned to show what was possible in the northwest section of Hoboken. They visually demonstrated three concepts of how the NW area could be developed / re-purposed. With proposed parks in each concept ranging from four, 10 and upwards of 52 acres of new open space.

The video is about 15 minutes long, and is fun to watch, even if just for giggles. The first half talks about the history and challenges – the second half discusses the goals and reviews the three concepts.

Technorati Tags: Concepts, Dean Marchetto, Hoboken, New Jersey, NJ, NW Hoboken, Open Space, Park, Real Estate, redevelopment plan, Rockefeller

Hoboken reval meeting tonight

Talk about a political football. The Hoboken reval (revaluation of properties for taxation purposes) has been kicked around so long – the city is now over two decades overdue. And tonight, the city is holding a special “council meeting” over at the Hoboken High School auditorium at 7pm.

Appraisal Systems was hired by the city to be the company to perform said “revaluations.” Whether they are truly objective – or figure out a way to subjectively “adjust” the values in Hoboken in favor of what Mayor Dawn Zimmer and her cronies want remains to be seen. How transparent, fair and honest this process will be could quite possibly be a mystery unless you’re a fly on the wall of the secret back room.

However – one Hoboken resident shines a little more light on the shenanigans at city hall…

Letter: Hoboken reval another Zimmer pie in the sky

“In 2009, Dawn promised Hoboken Revolt that the reval would be done right away. But she didn’t take action on the tax maps for over two years into her term.

Now four years later she’s finally holding a public meeting to talk about the reval?

A few thousand yuppies voted for her based solely on her promise for a reval. They were so sure that she would bring their property taxes down. I’m sure they feel duped despite all the good news spewing out of her spin department.

The property tax revaluation is right up there with her flood protection sea walls and six acre park in the southwest.

It’s all pie in the sky. She’ll promise any kind of pie to get elected.”

Isn’t it interesting how politicians strive to “schedule” their real world civic obligations according to election timetables?

Technorati Tags: Appraisal Systems, Hoboken, Hoboken Reval, Hoboken Revaluation, New Jersey, NJ, property tax revaluation, Property Taxes, Property Value

Odor continues at Willow14

Over 150 people in the area of 14th & Willow have favored the internet page dedicated to getting to the bottom of the situation regarding the Willow14 project.

5th Ward “Councilman” Peter Cunningham, along with other so-called officials will be holding a meeting at Carpe Diem (14th & Grand) tonight at 7pm, if you’re interested in hearing their spin what they have to say.

Stop Willow 14 group struggles to get answers

Concerned citizens have a contrary stance to the official position, and will also have a future meeting on what actionable steps can be taken:

“The Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) overseeing the cleanup, Juan Salguero, advised that this site hit a water line and have been pumping and storing petroleum contaminated water at the site causing even more odors than ever if that is even possible. This resulted in a Mack-truck sized container of smelly contaminated water (uncovered) sitting on 1300 Clinton Street (not the developer property even) for at least a month. Despite complaints to the DEP and the City, nothing was down about it. The Hoboken Health Commissioner Frank Sasso even said it didn’t smell, except for a slight “moth ball” odor.

I have asked Peter Cunningham these questions and have received no response…

1. Can you please explain to me and supporters of the Stop Willow 14 online facebook community why the above was allowed without one fine and why the odors of the past 2 yrs go on without 1 odor nuisance issued?
2. Please explain what you plan to do to help the over 155 voters / supporters of the online community to fine this site and stop the smells?
3. Please explain to me why you are hosting meetings with the developers vs. one without them to discuss what you plan to do against them? Clearly meeting with them is not the solution. You tried that well over a year ago and we have inhaled toxic fumes ever since.
4. Why do so many people in the community smell the odors and yet you, the DEP, and city officials fail to do so year in and year out?

I honestly believe the actions (or better said, lack there of) of the City, Health Officials (so counter to what the people are experiencing) should be investigated by the FBI or other proper authorities. I am looking into who to call to file a formal complaint.

Lastly, the DEP has said in a statement that we will have to experience these odors for another year. I don’t understand how that is acceptable.

Peter Cunningham’s love fest with the developers tonight is just more hard evidence showing his lack of willingness to fight for the citizens to stop the odor complaints.

I won’t even go into the host of other issues – like the construction vehicles that get endless free reign to park in the Rite Aid parking lot and on our streets, while residents get trapped in by their cars and must adhere to parking rules that Willow14 is “magically” immune to.

Our fight to stop the toxic smells from Willow 14 continues. Thus far, we have lost at every single step of the way. But, hopefully, with the rise of Stop Willow 14, Peter Cunningham will begin to realize he is out-numbered and will take action – if not motivated by the citizens right to breathe, perhaps better motivated by his need to save his skin come re-election. After all, Stop Willow 14 has more LIKES than he does. He should work for the people, not against them!

PS – A team of pro-Stop Willow 14 people plans to have their own meeting. The meeting will be about what to do about Peter Cunningham, the Hudson Regional Health Commission, etc. people who refuse to help us and have, in fact, proven to be against us. If necessary, we will file whatever complaint is needed with proper officials to look into why they year in and year out are FAILING to acknowledge any odor and refuse to issue an odor violation when 155 LIKE a site solely dedicated to this cause. It doesn’t make sense. The disconnect is discerning at best. Will keep you posted on that meeting.”

Click to see all previous updates…

Technorati Tags: 14th Street, Advance Realty, apartments, development, For Rent, Gasoline Land, GasolineLand, Hoboken, Luxury, Mixed use, New, New Jersey, NJ, Real Estate, retail, Willow 14, Willow Avenue, Willow14