I’ve lived in Hoboken for 27 years and Hoboken’s been promised a swimming pool more than 27 times, with nearly every candidate for Mayor or City Council making one promise or another. Mike Russo, a Mayoral Candidate, is the latest: with a very ambitious plan. I can’t dispute the beauty of his plan: but it’s too much, more than we need and just isn’t realistic. Even if it could happen without bankrupting the city: it’ll be a long way off. My six year old needs a place to swim before she’s my age.
So my answer is straightforward, immediate and in three parts:
1- I’d look to use the Hop shuttle for hourly service to nearby public pools, some of which are even free (Firefighter Memorial Park). Even bringing Union City residents back to shop and enjoy Hoboken. This would be on weekends during the summer when the Hop shuttles aren’t even in use. This could start on Memorial Day weekend 2026 (less than a year from now). And if I do not get cooperation from the administration (which I would need): I’ll fund my own shuttles for Hoboken residents out of my own pocket.
2- I would partner with in city indoor pools to rent pool time when available. This might seem impossible or terribly costly: except I’ve already done this for my business: I found space in Hoboken for the children in my camp to swim and even take swim lessons.
3- I would break ground on a pool. Everyone running is saying this, but I will help Hoboken get this done in an efficient, affordable and timely manner, like a couple years. Hard things: that’s what I do.
Always keep in mind that a council-person is part of the legislative body: I’m primarily voting on things – so for anything I’d like to get done, I’ll need the administration to allow me to help and I might even need the city council to approve the costs involved.