Tensions are flaring up in Hoboken as the city and Hudson County clash over problematic roadwork on Park Avenue. The work is causing real headaches with drainage, increasing the risk of flooding and frustrating many residents.
As both sides exchange barbs, the community calls for urgent action and improved oversight.
Let’s unpack this drama to see what’s happening and how it might pan out for everyone involved.
- The roadwork on Park Avenue in Hoboken caused severe drainage issues, including blocked drainage pipes, leading to flood risks.
- Hoboken’s Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy are publicly clashing over how the problems have been handled and communicated.
- Locals are concerned about increased flooding and property damage, pushing for better oversight and quicker solutions.
Heated Dispute Erupts Over Drainage Issues in Hoboken
Things are heating up between Hoboken and Hudson County officials––they’re going at it over some serious drainage problems on Park Avenue caused by recent road resurfacing efforts.
The trouble began when county workers accidentally sealed off critical sump pump drains and trenches during the work. Ever since, the exchanges between both sides have been nothing short of sharp and critical.
Hoboken NJ Flooding Concerns: Hudson County’s Response Ahead of Tropical Storm
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy admitted that mistakes were made during the roadwork but stressed that the County has been working to fix the problems.
He explained the steps the County has taken since the issues were first reported, like unclogging the blocked drains and cleaning out catch basins on Park Avenue.
“Let me be clear,” Guy stated, “any mistakes made by the county contractor have been––and are being—remedied. County staff has been available to address all community concerns and will continue to work with local officials to resolve any issues.”
Despite Guy’s reassurances, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is still unhappy with the County’s response.
Bhalla has expressed frustration over what he sees as a slow and inadequate reaction to the problems, especially with Tropical Storm Debby approaching, which could bring heavy rain to the area.
Mayor Bhalla’s Concerns and Public Comments
Mayor Bhalla has been very critical of how Hudson County has handled the Park Avenue roadwork, pointing out three major problems that are worrying residents:
- Covered Drainage Pipes: The roadwork has blocked the drainage pipes needed to drain water and prevent flooding properly.
- Road Height Problems: The new asphalt was laid too high, almost level with the curbs, which could cause more flooding because the water can’t drain off the road properly.
- Covered Water Valves: Important water valves were paved over during the roadwork without resetting, which is a serious issue after the city’s recent water main replacement project.
These issues, combined with the heavy rain, have already led to more flooding than usual on Park Avenue, worrying both residents and city officials.
Hoboken News: Tensions Rise Between Mayor Bhalla and County Executive Guy
Mayor Ravi Bhalla is upset with Hudson County’s handling of Hoboken’s drainage woes, calling it “completely unacceptable.” He’s pointed out that they ignored earlier warnings about the problems.
County Executive Craig Guy hit back, saying they fixed the issues fast. He mentioned that they cleaned up the drainage basins on Park Avenue and sorted out the sump drains quickly.
Guy also slammed Bhalla’s claims about poor inspections as “unfounded and dishonest.” The back-and-forth has only ramped up the tension, with Bhalla pressing for more to be done and Guy insisting they’ve done enough.
Potential Hoboken Flooding: Seeking Solutions Amid Growing Disputes
As the disagreement between Hoboken and Hudson County officials continues, there is growing pressure to resolve the issues quickly to regain public trust and ensure the safety of Hoboken residents.
Mayor Bhalla is pushing for an independent inspection team to give an unbiased view of the project and recommend what needs to be done.
Now, Hoboken residents hope their concerns will be addressed before another big storm hits, potentially turning the city’s streets into flood zones.
Although the Mayor’s office and the County are expected to keep working on solutions, the ongoing tensions suggest this issue is far from settled.
For more Hoboken news, read about the man charged with “Free Palestine” graffiti.
