After 'Oversight,' City Of Hoboken To Adjust Awarding Of Contracts For Pier A Vendors

HOBOKEN, NJ — An apparent snafu in awarding contracts to vendors on Pier A — Hoboken's large waterfront park near the train station — is being cleared up, said city spokesperson Marilyn Baer.

Recently, the city issued Requests for Proposals to local businesses to apply to sell items or offer their services at Pier A.

The city received responses from Alessio's, an Italian bakery and deli on Park Avenue, Merry Hot Cocoa, a local hot cocoa truck that offers delectable toppings, and at least one other vendor.

The city chose to award contracts to Alessio's and Merry Hot Cocoa.

Just one problem: as a requirement, the applicants have to have a physical business on the city's tax map, rather than a vehicle.

City spokesperson Marilyn Baer said last Wednesday, "The city was notified of the oversight and is working with all applicants to rectify the issue and accommodate the applicants on Pier A this summer."

A week later, on Tuesday, June 27, Baer followed up: "As an update, the city has resolved the matter and, pending council approval, the three vendors who submitted proposals will be provided kiosks in July."

Baer was asked if that means the council will change the law so that all three vendors comply.

The City Council will get the chance to vote on the changes at their next meeting on Tuesday, July 12.

So, in a few weeks, you may be able to have your cakes at the park and eat them, too — along with goods from at least one more vendor.

Pier A park isn't the only park that will have vendor kiosks in the next few months. Alessio's also has been selected to run a kiosk at the newly opened ResilienCity Park in northwest Hoboken. That kiosk is set to open during the last phase of the project, in fall.