Merry Christmas 2024

I close my eyes remembering Christmases past. Friends and family now gone. Peace and pain...Love and loss.....I open my eyes, and I feel the warmth and blessings of the present. I breathe deep a hope...always a hope, for the future.  

Merry Christmas 2024 to all.

Hoboken BOE Launches Survey for New 5-year Strategic Plan that Includes Facilities

We need to wonder how much confidence can anyone place in a survey conducted by a Board of Education that paid for a faux "blue ribbon" award, that tried to push a secretive $330 ($241 Million + interest) million bond referendum over the 2021-22 holiday season, raised 2025 taxes by 14.99%, and a superintendent that lied about having a doctorate for over a decade?

Some may ask, what is so bad about a survey? Well...a survey can be strategically designed to influence public opinion and/or outcomes by framing questions to elicit responses that align with predetermined goals. For instance, the Hoboken Board of Education might use leading or biased questions to generate favorable data supporting policies they wish to implement. Given the Board's controversial history—such as the inflated claims of "blue ribbon" awards, the rushed $330M bond proposal with minimal community input, significant tax increases, and oversight failures regarding administrative credentials—residents may view such a survey skeptically. If trust in the Board's integrity is low, the survey could be seen as a manipulative tactic rather than a genuine effort to gauge public opinion. This lack of credibility undermines faith in the process, especially if the survey results are later cited as "proof" of public support for contentious or unpopular initiatives. -Dr. Petrosino 

The Hoboken Board of Education launches a survey to gather feedback for a five-year strategic plan that includes facilities upgrades.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“The Hoboken Public School District is embarking on a comprehensive journey to develop a new 5-year strategic plan, a guiding document that will direct all district actions and decisions in the coming years,” Hoboken Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson wrote in The Herald last week.

“Central to this process is the revision of the district’s vision and mission statements, along with the establishment of strategic goals. Two of these goals will be particularly significant: one anchored in The Portrait of a Hoboken High School Graduate, which will define the skills and attributes our students should possess upon graduation, and the other in the district’s Long Range Facilities Plan (LRFP), which will ensure that our educational facilities support these aspirations.”

She continues that she is currently working with the district’s architect, facilities director, and BOE Facilities Committee to update the LRFP, as well as engaging with students about The Portrait of a Hoboken High School Graduate.

The online survey is due on December 13th and asks for a tagline, vision, and mission statements, as well as evaluating district goals that include supporting students and teachers needs, implementing innovative programs, and maintaining safe facilities.

A vision statement outlines a school district’s long-term goals and aspirations.

In Addition to an Increase in Rent, Marine View Residents Offered Opportunity to Own Their Apartment in Hoboken

 Marineview Towers residents were offered the chance to buy their own units at affordable prices. Built in 1975, the two apartment buildings. have a combined 432 units/25 stories. The address is 10 3rd St, Hoboken, NJ 07030. 

The proposed rent increase for 2025 as explained in the documentation below is around 9.5%

For those wondering about the rough estimate of buying an average apartment in Marine View--- here is a very preliminary calculation. 

To estimate the monthly mortgage payment for an apartment selling for $450,000, several factors need to be considered:

1. Down Payment: Typically 20% ($90,000) is standard, but it can vary.
2. Loan Amount: For a 20% down payment, the loan would be $360,000.
3. Interest Rate: Current mortgage interest rates for excellent credit (e.g., a 750 credit score) are around 6.5% for a 30-year fixed loan as of late 2024. Rates may vary based on market conditions and lender offers.
4. Loan Term: Usually 30 years.
5. Property Taxes and Insurance: Varies by location but can add approximately 1.25%-1.5% of the home’s value annually.

Estimated Calculation (Assuming a 20% Down Payment):

• Principal and Interest: For a $360,000 loan at 6.5% interest for 30 years, the formula yields about $2,276 per month.
• Taxes and Insurance: Adding roughly 1.25% annually ($450,000 x 1.25% = $5,625/year or $469/month).

Total Monthly Payment:

Approximately $2,745/month, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.

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