Kiosks Could Breathe New Life Into Hoboken Waterfront: Councilors

HOBOKEN, NJ — Those empty kiosks going unused along Hoboken’s waterfront? They can be put to better use, a pair of city councilmen say.

Councilman Mike DeFusco and Council Vice President Ruben Ramos recently put forth an idea to help breathe new life into the Pier A waterfront: let small businesses set up shop in the “neglected” booths.

On Friday, Ramos and DeFusco announced plans to introduce a city ordinance that would update zoning definitions, permitting Hoboken-based small businesses to utilize new and existing kiosks on the waterfront to “expand their visibility and activate the waterfront all year long.”

“I have always believed in establishing innovative and proactive policies to help small businesses succeed in Hoboken, which is why I’m excited to introduce legislation to help activate neglected kiosks,” DeFusco said. “We as a local government should be capitalizing on public spaces and placemaking to make our city a more vibrant and welcoming place for makers, creators and innovators.

“I’m looking forward to working with the entire City Council and mayor to reinvigorate kiosks and implement a plan to make our waterfront an ever more desirable place to grab a cup of coffee while supporting small businesses,” DeFusco added.

Ramos said that growing up in Hoboken, the community never had the opportunity to access open space along its own waterfront

“I have always been proud to have helped lead the push to responsibly develop our waterfront and create a place that everyone can enjoy,” Ramos said. “Now we have the opportunity to do more by supporting local businesses. Activating kiosks is a sensible plan that will help bring an economic boost to our city and I’m excited to one day soon enjoy the new charm of our waterfront with my family.”

• See related article: Hoboken Council Approves 'Small Business Expansion' Plan

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