UPDATED: Forced Out Of Hoboken Because The Rent Is Too Darn High?

HOBOKEN, NJ — While the coronavirus pandemic has left more apartments in Hoboken empty than usual, the average rent of more than $3,000 per month is still unaffordable for many families in town.

[See links to virtual meeting below]

In the city's public elementary schools, 52 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, meaning a family of three earns less than $3,289 per month.

The mile-square city has more than a dozen apartment buildings that are designated as various forms of affordable housing, including the Hoboken Housing Authority federally subsidized low-income units, but the wait list is long and turnover is slow.

A study by RentCafe last year said that rents in Hoboken and Jersey City are among the highest in the state.

Council Vice President Vanessa Falco said that at the virtual forum on Tuesday, she plans to bring "all parties to the table to identify viable solutions to secure dozens of new affordable housing units in 2021."

Among other topics, Falco plans discuss a proposal to build a five-story building at the corner of Willow Avenue and 11th Street that would be designated entirely as affordable housing for low and moderate income individuals over age 55.

She and Zoning Subcommittee Chairman Councilman Mike DeFusco also are working to update the city’s zoning code to incentivize more affordable housing citywide, said a spokesperson. The council will consider changes next year.

“I've witnessed ... the cost of living skyrocket in Hoboken over the past two decades, forcing countless families to make the difficult decision to move out of their hometown,” said Falco, chairwoman of the Affordable Housing Subcommittee. She said coronavirus made the situation worse.

She said she wants to ensure that "anyone who calls Hoboken home can continue to do so, regardless of their economic class.”

DeFusco said, “Hoboken’s greatest strength is in its diversity of residents ... This is a city for everyone, not just the wealthy, and by revising dated zoning laws to work better for all residents, Hoboken can build its middle class and entice makers, creators and innovators to bring their talents into our community.”

Tuesday night’s community meeting will be held virtually on Zoom at 7 p.m. and streamed live on the city's Facebook and YouTube pages. Anyone wishing to attend can do so by entering the meeting ID: 827 4083 9295 and passcode: 237450 or by phone call: 646-876-9923. The Facebook link is here.

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