Hoboken Mayor, NY Waterway Trade Jabs Over Dry Dock

HOBOKEN, NJ — The war for the Dry Dock continues to intensify in Hoboken, with the city’s mayor and NY Waterway trading jabs over the site of a proposed ferry facility earlier this week.

NY Waterway wants to turn the Union Dry Dock property on Sinatra Drive in Hoboken – which it owns – into a ferry repair and maintenance facility. The company claims it would enhance transportation, public security and property values on the Hudson River waterfront.

But many community members have dug in their heels against the proposed location of the new facility, arguing that there are better places for it and demanding that the area be used for open space instead.

This week – fresh on the heels of a controversial pair of studies from NJ Transit – the verbal sparring over NY Waterway’s plan continued.

• See related article: Studies Support NY Waterway In War Over Hoboken Ferry Facility
• See related article: Hoboken Nonprofit Pans NJ Transit Study On Ferry Facility

On Tuesday, Mayor Ravi Bhalla issued a statement about “the future of ferry service in Hoboken.” Bhalla reported:

“This afternoon, I had a very productive conversation with the leadership of one of the region’s leading ferry operators. They assured me that if NY Waterway chose to no longer operate in Hoboken as they have threatened to do on numerous occasions, this ferry company would be willing to go through the process of becoming Hoboken’s ferry operator. This conversation is the latest proof that a ‘transportation crisis,’ as manufactured by NY Waterway, is nothing more than a blatant lie and intimidation tactic. I remain committed to both preserving the Union Dry Dock site for a public park, while also working with a ferry operator to provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation for our residents.”

On Wednesday, NY Waterway president and founder Arthur Imperatore fired back with a reply to the mayor’s statement:

“We never threatened and never intended to withdraw from Hoboken, where we have the highest regard for our passengers. We intend to be in Hoboken serving the public for many years, long after Mayor Bhalla will have left office. This is just the latest example of Mayor Bhalla's total disregard for the truth.”

Catch up on some recent coverage on the battle for the Union Dry Dock below (click headline to read the story).

Hoboken Council Makes 2 Big Moves On Waterfront Development

Eminent domain may be in the cards again for the Union Dry Dock

Court Rules Against Ferry Company On Hoboken Lawsuit

"The court has spoken and we will comply," NY Waterway founder Arthur Imperatore said.

Hoboken Nonprofit, Ferry Company Clash On Dry Dock: Op-Eds

Fund for a Better Waterfront and NY Waterway each offer their takes on a controversial, proposed ferry station at the Union Dry Dock.

Ferry Company Gets Permits For Controversial Hoboken Facility

"It's like putting a Port Authority bus station in the middle of a playground," a Hoboken community member said.

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