Listen to this article

The basics:

• Hoboken Business Alliance, city launch zoning code modernization effort
• Public kickoff meeting gathers input from businesses, residents
• Proposal aims to streamline permitting, expand commercial uses
• Will develop draft amendments after months-long public review process

The Hoboken Business Alliance, in partnership with the City of Hoboken, has launched a series of community meetings aimed at updating and modernizing the city’s commercial zoning code. The effort seeks to better support local businesses.

A public kickoff meeting took place April 14 at St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Church. During the event, residents and business owners were invited to share feedback on proposed changes designed to make it easier to open, operate and expand businesses in Hoboken.

The initiative marks the start of a broader, months-long review process in which the alliance and city officials will gather input from stakeholders across Hoboken.

The goal is to identify ways to streamline permitting, expand allowable commercial uses and reduce barriers that can delay or prevent businesses from opening. The initial session focused on gathering feedback to help shape potential reforms in key commercial areas. It focused on sections including the Hoboken Terminal District, the Central Business District along Washington Street and several neighborhood business corridors.

Mayor Emily Jabbour described Hoboken as a city where small businesses and entrepreneurs can take root and succeed. She also stressed the commitment by leaders to continually improve how Hoboken supports them.

Seeking to serve ‘today’s needs’

“By working closely with the Hoboken Business Alliance and engaging directly with residents and business owners, we are taking a thoughtful approach to evaluating and updating our zoning processes and regulations to better reflect today’s needs,” she said. “This effort is about ensuring our policies evolve alongside our community, making it easier for businesses to open, grow, and contribute to vibrant commercial corridors across our city without negatively impacting its character or resident’s quality of life.”

James Runkle is president of the Hoboken Business Alliance Board of Trustees. He said that Hoboken is known for its tight-knit business community.

“And this collaboration with the City of Hoboken is an important step in ensuring that businesses of all sizes can continue to thrive,” said Runkle. “The current zoning framework includes detailed categories and requirements that can present challenges for some businesses looking to open or expand.

Zoning plays a critical role in shaping our commercial corridors, and hearing directly from business owners will help us uphold Hoboken’s legacy as a place people want to do business while strengthening our local economy.
—James Runkle, president, Hoboken Business Alliance Board of Trustees

“Zoning plays a critical role in shaping our commercial corridors, and hearing directly from business owners will help us uphold Hoboken’s legacy as a place people want to do business while strengthening our local economy.”

Watch this space

Feedback collected during the kickoff meeting will inform a set of recommendations. The Hoboken Business Alliance then plans to present the findings to the City Council.

The group is also working with the city’s zoning office. They will collaborate to explore ways to expedite approvals and shorten timelines for new business openings.

Community input will serve as the basis to developing draft zoning amendments. The measures will also undergo additional public and stakeholder review before any adoption decision.

The initiative is funded by the Hoboken Business Alliance. HBA has engaged planning firm Phillips Preiss to provide technical support. The firm will also offer analysis of how current zoning rules impact businesses.

The group expects to announced additional public engagement opportunities as the process continues. The outreach reflects a joint effort to strengthen Hoboken’s commercial corridors and improve conditions for business growth.