Rats, Rent Control, And Recreation Center Project Up For Comment At Hoboken Meeting

HOBOKEN, NJ — Ever since the Hoboken City Council passed its Rent Control Ordinance in 1973 — joining other New Jersey cities passing laws to prevent surprise rent hikes — controversy has ranged over how to fine-tune the laws to ensure tenants can afford to remain in their homes, while landlords earn enough money to maintain those homes.

Over the years, landlords have fought for changes, only to have tenant advocates push back with legal challenges.

The city of Hoboken recently considered new changes to the law, which were then opposed by a taxpayers' group associated with landlords.

On Wednesday, the City Council is set to consider appointing former Judge Barry Sarkisian for $10,000 to "to assist the City with review of the City’s rent control ordinance."

When asked for a reason for the contract, city spokeswoman Marilyn Baer said, "The city is seeking to contract with an attorney who will conduct a review of the city's Rent Control Ordinance to provide suggested revisions and clarifying amendments to improve transparency and consistency."

Baer did not respond by press time when asked why this is being done now.

Cheryl Fallick, a longtime volunteer with the Hoboken Fair Housing Association, said on Tuesday that the resolution concerns her.

"Rent control in Hoboken has required heroic efforts on the part of tenant activists in Hoboken for more than 40 years," she said, "and naturally there is a concern whenever our elected representatives consider changes to the law, because it inevitably leads to proposals that weaken those protections. Unfortunately, retaining the housing stability that strong rent protections ensure and addressing our ongoing displacement has never been a priority in Hoboken despite any rhetoric to the contrary."

Rent control limits increases to usually 3-8 percent each year, based on federal economic indicators. However, the law includes several provisions to help landlords such as 25 percent vacancy decontrols, the ability to pass along surcharges, and more. READ MORE: Hoboken Rent Increases Are Driving Tenants Up A Wall

Oh, Rats

Meanwhile, the city will also consider a resolution Wednesday to award a $27,244 contract to Alliance Pest Services, the low bidder for rodent control services.

Residents have said they noticed an increase in rats in Hoboken over the last year. READ MORE: Hoboken To Vote On Hiring Exterminators

Will Recreation Center Be Built On Poggi Property?

The city also appears to be considering another site in the northern end of town to build its proposed recreation/public safety/library complex. Earlier this year, the city took steps to bring a private building, Poggi Press, under eminent domain, but the owner fought back.

As the city considers another 15th Street property, Charlie Poggi passed along a statement through a spokesperson this week.

"I am pleased that the city has finally found a permanent home for it DPW garage by working with a willing seller to obtain a suitable site," Poggi said. "I want to thank the four members of the city council who supported me and my right to develop my property for the past year, however, I am continuing to seek their support as I once again ask the city to release its grip on my property and remove it from the clutches of eminent domain.

"I hope that Wednesday’s bond ordinance will propel the city to terminate its eminent domain action against me and formally declare that I once again, own 1501 Adams Street. At the very least, I hope the administration will engage in conversation with me."

Baer confirmed that the city "is in discussions with Jefferson Street Partners regarding property within the North End area."

The city may take a first vote to bond to acquire the property Wednesday.

How To See The Council Meeting

The City Council meets Wednesday at City Hall at 7 p.m. The meeting also can be viewed on Facebook with this link.

The meeting agendas on the city website also list other directions to watch and participate via Zoom. Here are the agendas.