Hoboken Volunteers Beautify 6th Street

Hoboken Volunteers, a local non-profit group that helps civic-minded residents connect with organizations in need of volunteer help, partnered with the Hoboken Housing Authority on Sept. 21 for a community planting event on 6th Street.

Volunteers planted a dozen Green Giant Arborvitae Evergreen trees on 6th Street in an effort to beautify the walkway and create a natural sound barrier for residents who live in close proximity to the light rail. 

“There’s aesthetics and then there’s functionality,” said Chris Rubino of Monroevia Growers, a family business that co-sponsored the community planting day. “The functionality of this will help to mitigate noise from the Light Rail for the HHA [and other] residents.”

The event was also funded in part by proceeds from a Belgian Beer Nite, held Aug. 15 on the Dubliner's rooftop. Soil, compost and supplies for the planting were provided by the 14th Street Garden Center.

Fourth Ward councilman and mayoral candidate Tim Occhipinti, who founded Hoboken Volunteers, said he intends to make the community planting day an annual event.

“Hoboken Volunteers is proud to be a part of such a rewarding event for the community,” Occhipinti said in a statement. “Planting these trees doesn’t just improve the community cosmetically; it also improves the quality of life for our residents."