Human Services News

The City of Hoboken invites residents to a community meeting on Thursday, May 17, 2012 to solicit input on the community’s desire for improvements to Church Square Park. The meeting will take place on the 2nd floor of the Hoboken Public Library, located at 500 Park Avenue next to Church Square Park, from 5pm to 8pm.
“Church Square Park is used by so many people for many different purposes, so we want to hear everyone’s ideas on how we can improve the park for our entire community,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

Reconstruction is underway on the waterfront soccer field at Sinatra Park and the walkway at Castle Point. In late 2011, the Department of Environmental Protection and Army Corps of Engineers approved the City’s plans to reconstruct the collapsed field and walkways. The City has awarded a contract for the reconstruction of the field and walkway specifying a completion date of December 21, 2012 and a $1,500 per day penalty for each day the project is completed late.

The New York Red Bulls Believe program will be returning to the City of Hoboken this spring season. The program began in Hoboken in 2011 and was held in the spring and fall. Believe is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl who has special needs.
“I thank the Red Bulls for continuing to provide this free program that gives every child, regardless of their ability, a chance to learn and play sports,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

Local children helped Mayor Dawn Zimmer cut the ribbon and re-open Jefferson Street Park this afternoon. The pocket park is located on Jefferson Street between 1st Street and 2nd Street and was upgraded with new playground equipment and safety surface as part of a city-wide parks improvement project.
All members of the community are invited to attend the re-opening of Legion Park, located at 1225 Willow Avenue, on Tuesday, April 17 at 4pm.

Local children from Connors Elementary School and a neighborhood child care center joined Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Director Pellegrini this afternoon to cut the ribbon and re-open Jackson Street Park. The park was upgraded with new playground equipment and safety surface as part of a city-wide parks improvement project.
“The year of the parks is well underway, and we’re looking forward to upgrading more parks and building new ones,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “I thank the children for joining us today, the City Council for supporting these parks upgrades, and I invite everyone to come and enjoy this beautiful park.”

Jackson Street Park
The work to install new playground equipment and safety surfacing at three Hoboken parks is nearing completion. Final remaining work items and safety inspections are being conducted at Jackson Street Park and Jefferson Street Park. The parks are expected to open sometime next week. Construction is in progress and almost complete at Legion Park on Willow Avenue, which is expected to open shortly after the other parks.

Jefferson Street Park
New playground equipment and safety surfacing is being installed at three Hoboken parks. Construction is currently in progress at Jefferson Street Park and Jackson Street Park. Work is scheduled to begin next week at Legion Park on Willow Avenue. Parks will be temporarily closed while construction is in progress. The scheduled completion date is April 15, however the City and contractor are working aggressively, including working on weekends, to complete construction sooner.

Below is an announcement from the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services:
As expected, New Jersey is experiencing an increase in norovirus outbreaks and DHSS reminds residents to take precautions to protect their health. Colds and flu are not the only infections that thrive in the winter. Norovirus – sometimes called the stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis, or food poisoning – also likes the colder weather.
“The best way to avoid the norovirus is to wash your hands often using soap and water,” said Deputy Commissioner Dr. Arturo Brito. “Alcohol-based hand cleansers are not effective against this virus.”
Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness, which begins suddenly and usually causes stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some people may also experience low-grade fever, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. Most people recover quickly, but serious complications can occur – particularly in those with other medical conditions. Those infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin to feel sick until as long as two weeks after recovery.

Mayor Zimmer provided residents with an update on the 611 1st Street/97 Jackson Street property that caught fire in mid-December. Click here to view her letter and additional documents.

The Hoboken Health Department will host a free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 11am to 2pm. The clinic will take place at the Multi-Service Center, located at 124 Grand Street. All dogs and cats must be securely fastened with a collar and leash or in a carrier and accompanied by an adult. Dog owners must have a 2012 Hoboken dog license which can be obtained on site. Proof of Hoboken residency is required. License fees are $10 if the pet is spayed/neutered and $14 for non-spayed/neutered. Click here to view the flyer with additional important information.