A Call to Restore Public Seating on Washington Street

This is a copy of an email I sent to four Hoboken city officials.
Hi Folks,
I hope this note finds everyone—and your families—well. And thank you, as always, for your public service.
Originally, I was tempted to title this: “Hoboken to Public RE Amenities: Drop Dead”—yes, straight out of the old tabloid playbook. But let’s get to the heart of the issue.
There are legitimate concerns around e-bike delivery drivers and our unhoused population. That said, the near-total removal of public benches along Washington Street feels like a sledgehammer solution—punishing everyone for a problem that deserves a more thoughtful, nuanced response.
The City Council has passed legislation around e-bike enforcement. But enforcement remains inconsistent, and the city needs to acknowledge a reality: as long as we want the convenience of delivery services, we must also make space for the people who provide them—especially between deliveries. Maybe approach the delivery services? If they are mute to the issue - add a tax to the delivery fee to cover the cost of a waiting area?
As for the unhoused, this is a far more complex issue—worthy of serious dialogue and long-term planning. Communities have a moral and civic duty to care for those less fortunate, provided basic laws are followed. I’ve seen individuals seeking shelter in hospital ERs or choosing the outdoors over shelters they deem unsafe. Is it time we looked at safe, alternative spaces—daytime or overnight—for this population?
Going forward:
Hoboken OWES the greater community places to rest along Washington Street. I say this not just as a resident, but as someone who once relied on crutches and appreciated those benches.
We’ve had countless meetings about parks and redesigning streets—but seemingly nothing on how to address this bench issue creatively and humanely.
I’ll never forget seeing Vinnie Wassman—a war veteran—on the bench at 7th and Washington, often joined by Councilwoman Jen Giattino. Those moments speak to the soul of a city.
Let’s bring the benches back. Not next year. Now. There’s talk of new benches, but in a year where we’re raising taxes, why not simply reinstall the ones we already own? If our current leadership is unable to find a workable solution, maybe it’s time to consider another approach.
While I sent this to four people and copied... - please, someone take responsibility for this.
Thanks again for your time—and your service.
Best,
Barry
Barry Grossman is a 24-year resident of Hoboken. When he’s not working to make the city an even better place, he’s active in the broadcast and live events industry and serves as an adjunct lecturer at CUNY.