Floodgates Of The Future: Mile-Square Hoboken Installs Electric Gates Around City

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken has installed electric floodgates around town that are meant to stop cars from driving into floodwaters during severe storms (as has happened several times; see photo here).

Two years ago, Hoboken first responders had to remove a man who got stuck in his car, surrounded by water, during Tropical Storm Ida. READ MORE: Video Shows Man Rescued In Hoboken Amid Ida

Flash floods have caught even the most cautious people off guard and ended in tragedy. In January, during California's floods, a 5-year-old boy was swept from his mother's arms when the pair were simply driving to school, near a local creek.

Six of the most frequently flooding corners in the low-lying city were slated to get the solar-powered barricades.

But some residents were surprised by the scale of the new implements. First Ward Council candidate Paul Presinzano wrote on Twitter on Sunday, "I’m all for alerting residents of danger/water. However, this looks to be a bit over the top. When elected, I will work towards solutions that protect the charm of our City." Reactions were mixed.

RELATED: Flash Flood Traps Shoppers In Hoboken ShopRite: It Happened That Fast

An earlier list from the city said gates would be posted on these intersections:

• Newark Street and Garden Street
• Harrison Street and Second Street
• Marshall Street and First Street
• Jackson Street and Third Street
• Fourth Street and Monroe Street
• Willow Street and Eighth Street

The city will also install manual gates at Observer Highway and Park Avenue, Second Street and Willow Avenue, and First Street and Clinton Street.

The city will post floodwater monitoring sensors at Newark Street and Park Avenue, Second Street and Clinton Street, First Street and Harrison Street, Fourth Street and Jackson Street, and Seventh Street and Willow Avenue.

This project was funded with money from the federal American Rescue Plan at no impact to the municipal budget, the city said.

For more information on the automated flood warning system, see www.hobokennj.gov/resources/flood-warning-system