Hoboken Rally Planned In Support Of Eminent Domain At Dry Dock

HOBOKEN, NJ — A rally to support the city’s possible seizure of the Union Dry Dock will take place on Wednesday evening, organizers say.

On Sept. 4, a group of Hoboken residents and local environmental activists will rally at 6:15 p.m. on the steps of City Hall prior to the City Council meeting. That evening, the council is expected to vote on an ordinance that will allow the city to use eminent domain to force the sale of the Dry Dock, the site of a controversial, proposed ferry facility.

The Sept. 4 rally is sponsored by the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse, Resilience Paddle Sports and the Fund for a Better Waterfront. Hundreds of people showed up for a similar event last March.

NY Waterway wants to turn the Union Dry Dock property 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 some 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.

Last week – fresh on the heels of a pair of studies from NJ Transit that support the company’s claims – 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

A recent appraisal has determined the Dry Dock’s value to be $13.1 million, $1.6 million more that NY Waterway paid for the property in November of 2017. If NY Waterway refuses the offer or fails to negotiate in “good faith,” the city can then move to take control of the site through eminent domain.

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.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Hoboken Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com