Councilwoman Mason: Monarch Construction Project Will Adversely Impact Hoboken Community

The below article is an opinion piece submitted to Hoboken Patch by James Barracato on behalf of Councilwoman Beth Mason.

Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason has called on the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders to vote against a controversial development plan known as the “Monarch at the Shipyard” project.

Mason believes that the project will adversely impact the Hoboken community. Hudson County Freeholders will vote on whether to uphold the county planning board’s rejection of the project at their next meeting on October 28.

The Monarch project includes plans to build two high-rise towers located at Sinatra Drive and Shipyard Lane in Hoboken. This is in direct opposition to the city’s and the developer’s original intention for the area, which was to create a waterfront walkway, tennis pavilion with several courts, and parking.

“The proposed site for the Monarch project was originally designated for public use, including a waterfront walkway, tennis courts, and additional parking for all residents to enjoy,” Councilwoman Mason said.

“Replacing those plans with two high-rise towers will negatively impact Hoboken residents by putting an additional strain on our roadways, sewage, and public transportation systems,” Mason added. “We must remain focused on improving our residents’ quality of life, and that is why I am calling on Hudson County Freeholders to vote down the Monarch project.”

Mason, who represents Hoboken’s 2nd Ward on the City Council, has been a leading advocate for constituents who are opposed to the project. She recently asked Hudson County Freeholders to host its October meeting in Hoboken, making it easier for the residents who will be impacted by the project to attend.

Earlier this year, Mason met with members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation to talk about the negative impact the Monarch project would have on the Hoboken community. Today, she called on both federal and state officials to join residents in opposing the contentious project.

“The people of Hoboken and the county planning board have made it clear that this project is not in the best interest of our community,” said Mason. “I hope that our federal and state elected officials will join us in opposition of the Monarch project.”

In the coming weeks, Mason will be organizing residents to attend the October meeting. She is committed to ensuring that her constituents are represented fairly and that their voices are heard by Hudson County Freeholders prior to the vote.