Hoboken Reporter, April 2, 2000

Dear Editor:

The proposed twin 43-story Millennium Towers project on the Hoboken-Jersey City border is quite literally over the top. The amendment to the Jersey Avenue Redevelopment plan that this developer is seeking would permit this behemoth to rise 365 feet above the Palisades and the same distance above current height restrictions of 110 feet. All of the traffic from this project would spill onto either Jersey Avenue or Grove Street, thoroughfares that are two of only three means of egress and ingress to Hoboken at its southern border. Nothing could be more out of character with the adjacent residential neighborhoods in Hoboken and Hamilton Park which provide an important model for how to build on a human scale.

Before local officials allow this type of development there are several important issues that must be resolved. First, is density. Traffic conditions in Hoboken have reached a crisis level during rush hour. The Jersey City waterfront area, with its Manhattan densities, and considerable land yet to be built on, is not far behind. Higher densities result in more traffic. Limiting densities is the most obvious means of limiting the number of cars on our street system.

The second issue concerns employment opportunities. The Jersey Avenue Redevelopment Area contains numerous companies, both light industry and retail, that provide jobs for area residents. There is also an opportunity to attract additional companies, some of whom may be forced from New York City by the high costs, thus, creating new jobs. A push to build luxury residential buildings such as Millennium Towers in this area will inevitably force light industry out. People paying top dollar for their apartments and homes will not want to live next to a foundry or a chemical company. As a result, many important jobs will be lost.

Thirdly, what precedent will be set by permitting 43 story towers? The potential for a high-rise blight spreading throughout the Jersey Avenue Redevelopment Area up to the base of the Palisades is a very real threat. Millennium Towers is another example of the tremendous influence that developers have with our elected officials. If the City of Jersey City approves these amendments, what is to stop the next developer from asking for the same. Sam LeFrak owns much of the land in this neighborhood and LeFrak's Newport Centre is a good example of what those of us who live in real neighborhoods do not want.

If you agree that the Millennium Towers project should not be built, please come to the Jersey City Planning Board hearing on Tuesday, May 9 at 6:00 pm at City Hall. Additional information on Millennium Towers and what you can do about it, is on our website, www.betterwaterfront.com.

The Mayor, Council and Planning Board of Jersey City should do the right thing. Defeat these proposed amendments that are designed to benefit the developers of Millennium Towers. Protect our quality of life that is being threatened by over-development.

Coalition for a Better Waterfront