Dumpy areas upgraded in Hoboken

3/16/2011:

14th Street Retail – visual improvements

Back in 2008 – I posted a story about “Dumpy areas in Hoboken,” which spoke about 14th St. & Bloomfield – and how it looked somewhat “ghetto-like.” That’s still somewhat cruddy (although Puerto Spain touched up their exterior a bit.)

But right across the street wasn’t much better. However, since the fire at Nick’s Candy Shop a year ago – they’ve pulled together and spruced up a whole row of stores – including the new Hoboken Hair salon (and the for rent space in the middle).

Gotta say, starting to look much, much better!

Urban Revitalization Needed!

5/16/2008:

Have you noticed that certain spots in Hoboken just look downright awful and out of place? Almost dumpy and “ghetto-like?” Sore thumbs in the middle of million-dollar condos?

One such area that stood out for me last week was this spot on 14th and Bloomfield. We have Puerto Spain – missing a sign, the bagel shop, which seems closed most of the time with that ugly metal shutter, and the liquor store, which also has a deteriorating sign and outdated store-front.

This, and several other areas in Hoboken are in need of “urban renewal” or something along those lines. While we have a Historic Preservation Committee, I believe we also need a “Minimum Exterior Aesthetics Committee” as well. Heck, I’ll even volunteer to be the “$1 per year advisor.” We can negotiate volume contracts with a sign & awning company, a building contractor, etc. and help provide affordable options for local businesses to spruce things up.

Don’t other cities have some kind of “Urban Re-vitalization” department, or something similar?