Hoboken Schools Referendum: Another Councilman Gives His Position On Hotly Debated Project

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken Councilman Ruben Ramos Jr. sent out a message on Tuesday saying he'll vote "No" in a referendum next Tuesday for a proposed $241 million Hoboken High School building project, because he believes the plan — which will include changes and upgrades for other school facilities as well — needs more input. The city's mayor and a councilwoman have endorsed a "yes" vote.

Ramos, who teaches eighth grade social studies in Paterson, said, "My view is that the plan as proposed is a huge miss at an opportunity for the city of Hoboken and the Hoboken Board of Education to work collaboratively to meet both our educational and community needs."

He added, "In 2018, I made such an attempt to try and have a school incorporated within the Southwest Redevelopment Plan. The cost of the school construction would have been in the $35 to $40 million dollar range and would have been built adjacent to the Southwest Park Expansion."

The district has answered 21 questions from the public about the project, including about costs and timing. Click here.

Heated Rhetoric From Both Sides

Rhetoric about the project has become heated since it was first shared with the public a little over two months ago.

Some say the price is too high and needs more public discussion, while supporters argue that the district's buildings are aging, more families are staying in town, district experts worked on the details long before it was released, and it doesn't make sense to wait any longer — particularly as interest rates will rise.

So far, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has supported the project, as has his ally Councilwoman Emily Jabbour. Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, like Ramos, said she supports the idea of new school facilities but will vote "no" to encourage more input. (Read more about the council's views here.)

How To Post A Letter About The Hoboken School Project On Patch

What About Other Officials?

Several officials have held off on saying which side of the debate they're on.

Council President Michael Russo recently posted a poll to see how the public feels. Councilman Phil Cohen has posted links to details of the plan, but has not sent a public message for or against it.

Ramos, who represents the city's 4th Ward, which contains much of the city's public housing, wrote:

"Hoboken residents have been put in the untenable position of a ‘take it or leave it’ approach that has unfortunately divided our community. If input from the multiple community stakeholders had been sought it would have been a more collaborative approach and brought everyone to the table."

He added, "One of the issues is the inclusion of 'community space' within the proposed new school. Historically members of the public have had very limited, if any at all, access to the current school facilities such as the pool and track. I propose we become creative and think of how existing BOE assets as well as city assets."

He added, " Emotions have been extremely high on both sides and that is predominantly due to the lack of transparency and input the public deserves."

"The 4th ward is home to a large number of students in our educational system and home to the largest share of the high school students," he noted. "As their Councilperson and your councilperson, I want what is best for them and you."

Post Your Thoughts On The Project Instantly

Interested parties can post letters and thoughts about the project on Hoboken Patch using the links in this story: How To Post A Letter About The Hoboken School Project On Patch

The district has held several open hearings in person at Hoboken High School, as well as a webinar and some meetings and Zooms with parents.

The district released a new video about the project over the weekend. Click here.

READ MORE: $241 Hoboken High School Project Webinar Set For Thursday; More Residents Submit Letters

Last Day To Vote By Mail

Today (Tuesday, Jan. 18) is the last day to apply to vote by mail in advance of Tuesday's referendum (see more about that and print a ballot using links in this story).

Check the school district webpage for updates.

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