Hoboken Drain Paving Update: Are Ditch Issues Fixed? Mayor And County Spar

HOBOKEN, NJ — What happened was just this.

A storm began to twitch.

County contractors paved over a ditch (or several).

The county says they're fixed.

But which ditches were fixed?

And which will still have to be fixed?

After Hudson County workers accidentally paved over sump pump drains and trenches in Hoboken during roadwork last week — an issue first reported by Patch this week — city officials blasted Hudson County officials, who said in a new message Wednesday that most of the issues have been fixed.

But Mayor Ravi Bhalla begs to differ.

Hoboken officials were furious that the county paved over residents' drains as part of paving on Park Avenue, especially before a major storm hit the area.

In addition, Tropical Storm Debby is fewer than 700 miles from Hoboken, expected to bring more than 2 inches of rain through Friday. (See exactly how far the storm is with links here.)

On Wednesday, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said the county should have corrected the problem more expediently.

"This is completely unacceptable on the part of Hudson County," he wrote. "To be clear — my office, along with multiple Councilmembers have raised the major drainage issues left behind by the County’s contractor on Park Ave for days and have been ignored. Hoboken deserves better and I ask County Executive Craig Guy and his staff to act on this immediately without further delay, especially given the severe weather. Thanks to Councilmembers Emily Jabbour, Paul Presinzano and Jen Giattino for advocating on behalf of our residents."

Patch readers made frustrated comments about the situation.

"Wonder how much taxpayer money is going to take to fix this," wrote one.

Water Main Valves Buried, Too

Workers also paved over "a handful of water main valves" said a spokesperson for Veolia water on Wednesday night.

"Veolia personnel are working with the contractors to resolve the issue," the spokesperson said.

And Then...

Late Wednesday, Bhalla sent an updated message to County Executive Guy, saying an Office of Emergency Management employee observed water levels on Park Avenue that were higher than during the past flooding.

Bhalla criticized the county for various problems during the paving, saying, "I am troubled by Hudson County’s lack of action and insufficient response to these valid concerns despite over five days to act on the drainage issues."

By 5 p.m. Wednesday, Guy's office sent a statement in response, saying, in part:

"Hudson County officials first received notice of two clogged sump drains on Park Avenue on Friday, August 2; this issue was resolved by Monday, August 6. On Sunday, August 5, we received reports of one clogged sump drain, and this issue was resolved on the same day.

"Today, August 7, County staff and contractors cleaned out all the catch basins on Park Avenue, removing debris and contractor’s millings. We received reports about flushed curbs at certain locations on the project site and we are working with the contractor to rectify these issues. From day one of the project, the County’s project manager has been on location providing constant inspection and guidance.

"Today, I visited the site and spoke with residents who were impacted by this project. They were thankful for the County’s immediate response and efforts to address their concerns.

"Mayor Bhalla’s assertion that our County staff does not have appropriate inspection protocols in place is again unfounded and dishonest. Should the mayor wish to see all the communications and meetings regarding this project, we will be happy to share this information with him."

Guy had sent a previous statement Wednesday morning:

Statement From County Executive Craig Guy

"As County Executive my administration has prioritized making critical infrastructure improvements to our County, and that includes our county streets. Throughout July and into August, the County has worked with the City of Hoboken and a hired contractor to repave parts of Park Avenue in Hoboken. This project was much needed, and crews worked throughout the day, often in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, to complete this project.

"But let me be clear: any mistakes made by the county contractor have been – and are being –remedied. County staff has been available to address all community concerns and will continue to work with local officials to resolve any issues.

"Additionally, any comment suggesting that the County is not responsive is unfounded and dishonest. We have provided timely updates to local officials since the start of this project and these local officials were made fully aware of the scope of the project."

But some were not impressed. One commenter said:

Read Prior Reporting

• County Workers Accidentally Pave Over Drains In Hoboken Before Storms
• Street Closures At Hoboken Borders 'Unacceptable,' Councilwoman Says