Author Topic: Important Freeholder Meeting This Wednesday (Attend!)  (Read 4323 times)

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Important Freeholder Meeting This Wednesday (Attend!)
« on: July 12, 2005, 01:47:28 PM »
The Bergen County Freeholders will vote on a measure to purchase the S. Goldberg property on River Street on Wednesday night, July 13, 2005, 8:00 p.m.  The Freeholders plan on constructing a new County Police and Public Works facility on this site.

In addition, the Freeholders are expected to pass a bond ordinance that will fund the construction of a proposed 100-room homeless shelter on East Kansas Street.

In the July 6, 2005 edition of "The Chronicle", Freeholder Tomas Padilla advocates an alternate location for the shelter, police and public works facilities, - namely, the J. Fletcher Creamer property on E. Broadway, about ¼ mile away from the proposed site.   

The Hackensack Business Community and several other city officials agree with Freeholder Padilla's position.  Moving these facilities away from River Street, East Kansas Street and Main Street will allow for better, higher tax-ratable projects to be built on these prime locations.  In addition, Main Street’s economic redevelopment will be less hampered by the inevitable increase in homeless activity the new shelter will generate.

The Main Street Special Improvement District (SID) is charged with the daunting task of revitalizing a sizable portion of Main Street.  Towards that end, the SID has made significant strides.  The group is focused, energized and committed to its task.  However, placement of the homeless shelter on the East Kansas Street location poses a serious obstacle to Main Street's growth. 

The Bergen County Jail, Parole Office, Probation Office and other county facilities present enough challenges for the City’s economic revitalization. The City and its business leaders understand the need for the homeless shelter.  Likewise, County leadership should understand the need for Hackensack’s economic development.  The Freeholders should thoroughly evaluate whether or not the Fletcher Creamer property is a viable alternative.  This arrangement could be a win/win for all parties involved. 

Residents are urged to attend the Freeholder meeting Wednesday night and voice support for Freeholder Padilla’s initiative to relocate the proposed county facilities.   The meeting takes place at the County Executive Building, at Essex and Hudson Streets. Click here for Directions.

Note: Freeholder Padilla, The City of Hackensack and Main Street Special Improvement District did not contribute to this article.
« Last Edit: July 12, 2005, 03:31:03 PM by Editor »