WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED
Promises Made, Promises Kept
“When I make a promise to my consitutuents, I intend to make good on it. Throughout my time as Councilman, I have made sure to follow up on my promises and deliver results to the people of the 3rd Ward.”
– Councilman Michael Russo
Dedicated. Proven. Leader.
- Ensured the Third Ward was included in the city’s repaving schedule during the past four years. We have had a record number of streets repaved in the Third Ward and throughout the city.
- Lobbied for pedestrian safety, including new stop signs, ADA compliant corners and other improvements across the Third Ward.
- A health advocate for residents with disabilities, assisted with many important needs including housing and parking.
- Worked with my council colleagues to ensure our uptown waterfront is accessible for public use for today and future generations.
- Secured a $15M funding for a new park in the Third Ward, at 800 Monroe Street.
- Designated our Housing Authority property, including the Christopher Columbus Gardens buildings on 8th and 9th Streets, as an area of redevelopment. This paved the way for an unprecedented repositioning, giving our families the same quality of life enjoyed by other residents of the city, fulfilling another promise to bring new affordable housing and middle-income housing opportunities to our residents.
- Ensured the addition of a major park and recreational complex on Jackson Street from 6th Street to 8th Street. The park, plaza and new recreation center have developed into a true multi-use facility. It has hosted movies under the stars, community and cultural festivals, various athletic leagues and during COVID as a facility where both testing and immunization were provided.
- Our Madison Street Splash Park has already undergone a major renovation since its grand opening and is one of the city’s best and most utilized parks.
More To Come…
- Delivered a “West End Park” which adheres to the wishes of the 3rd ward residents and quadrupled the open space in our neighborhood at zero cost to the taxpayer
- Delivered an indoor recreational facility and gym in the 3rd ward for our neighbors to enjoy.
- Delivered the only, currently operational, underground water detention system to mitigate flooding in the 3rd
- Created hundreds of new parking spaces for public use.
- Increased community policing in the 3rd ward.
- Secured funding for roadway resurfacing t/o the 3rd ward; 4th, 5th St., Jackson St., Monroe St., Madison St., Grand St., Clinton St.
- Advocated for multiple transportation options for our neighbors in the 3rd Ward; Hop Bus Services, Senior Shuttle Services, Light Rail Services, Bus Services, Bike sharing, Car Sharing, Scooter sharing.
- Traffic calming and beautification throughout the 3rd ward using various roadway-surfacing techniques and pedestrian safety advances.
- Fought for the protection of local, state and federal housing initiatives focusing on Hoboken’s middle-class residents.
- Continue to identify land for smaller pocket parks throughout the 3rd
- Advocated for inclusionary parks for our neighbors with special needs.
- Established a “new standard” of community amenities and flood mitigation with all new development.
- Secured a better deal with Hoboken/s Water operator to ensure millions of dollars were invested to upgrade our system while holding water rates at current levels.
- Led the way to upgrade Madison St park, Hoboken’s premiere Splash park.
- Secured funding for Upgrades to Midtown Garage ensuring the health and safety of our neighbors in the 3rd
Giving the 3rd Ward of Hoboken a Voice
In Hoboken city government, experience matters. Over the past several years, I’ve been fighting hard to bring real results for the third ward on the City Council. One area in particular is transportation and infrastructure, which is always a challenge in Hoboken. As Chair of the City Council’s sub-committee on transportation, I’ve been able to help improve the quality of life by working in tandem with the Mayor’s office as well as with my colleagues on the council.
Here are some of the other big wins we have achieved during my time representing the 3rd Ward of Hoboken-
Ensuring Our Roads Are Safe
This year, we have had a record number of streets repaved in the third ward and throughout the City. I successfully negotiated adding additional streets in our neighborhood to the repaving program, including Jackson Street.
Lobbied for Pedestrian Safety
One example of the many safety improvements for the third ward was the new stop sign at 3rd and Madison, to make sure all children attending the new park can get their safely.
Assisted Disabled & Handicapped Residents with Parking
All residents who need a helping hand receive their fair shake from the City. To that end, I assist residents on a monthly basis with handicapped parking permits and other important needs.
Secured Additional Grant Money for Transportation Projects
Over the past two years, the City has received nearly $2 million in grant funding from Governor Murphy for road repaving and other projects. On the Council, I fought to ensure the 3rd Ward was prioritized in the improvements with this grant funding.
Completed the Washington Street Project
Working with Transportation Director Ryan Sharp, we ensured the makeover of our main road was completed this year and without any further delays. Through Mayor Bhalla’s new Vision Zero initiative, the City is looking to make comprehensive changes, so we have zero pedestrian fatalities or injuries by 2030. As a part of this safety initiative, as Chair of the Transportation committee, I’ve been given the opportunity to serve on the Vision Zero Task Force. This means that all of our neighbors now have someone they can turn to and give feedback as we come up with our recommendations to the City. Over the next four years, this will continue to be a major priority for me, and I welcome the opportunity for you to give me any thoughts or recommendations you may have for our Vision Zero program.