Former Tow Lot Could Be Site of New Third Ward Park

The now-barren site of a former tow lot next door to the Jubilee Center on Sixth and Jackson Streets—also known as "the Pino site"—has been pegged as the Third Ward's newest park by Councilman Michael Russo. 

Russo hosted a community meeting Thursday night at the Center to solicit input from residents about what they'd like to see in the space. . About 40 residents, members of Russo's family and workers for Russo's reelection campaign attended.

Councilman-At-Large David Mello and Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. were also in attendance. The assemblyman said he would advocate for state funding for environmental remediation of the site which will most likely be necessary.

According to Russo, there is only one other park in the ward, a small "water park" on Third and Madison Streets where children jump in sprinklers during warm weather months. The 1.5 acre Jackson Street site has been accounted for in the city's most recent edition of its master plan which was adopted on Tuesday.

Residents, including some children, suggested a soccer field, an indoor gym, dog runs and a small pool for the park.

Leah Healy, a resident and member of the Hoboken Parks Coalition, said she was wary of "over-planning" which could make it less versatile in a city where open space is precious.

"We have to be careful that we have a maximum flexible use," she said.

"It's a blank canvas, " said Russo who envisions the creation of a formal group - much like the Southwest 6 - to campaign for the aquisition of the land and raise funds to hire a planner.

The council recently approved a $20 million bond ordinance to acquire new park land. Russo witheld his vote to approve that bond on first reading. He said that after a meeting meeting with Mayor Dawn Zimmer and fellow councilmen Peter Cunningham, David Mello and Tim Occhipinti, he approved the second reading of the ordinance. 

Russo is running for re-election this May, against newcomer Greg Lincoln to keep the seat he's held on the council for the last eight years. Russo also served as Council Vice President until Wednesday night when he , following the release of video footage of his meeting with FBI informant Solomon Dwek.

When asked if he would continue to work for the new park if he were not re-elected, Russo said: "Absolutely. I was born and rasied in this city. I will continue to do everything that I've always done... whether I'm elected or not."