6 Down, 8 to Go...

..or maybe not.  But first...

Big props to HHA Chairwoman Dana Wefer!

On December 11th, Wefer announced six of the fourteen generators ordered for the HHA with federal grant money after 2012's Superstorm Sandy, would finally be leaving their parking lot!

After 18 months, its not a moment too soon!

Because we remember what the Hoboken Reporter wrote last February:

... HUD said, the generators were delivered in fall on purpose. At the time, HUD, Garcia and the vendor were aware that inclement weather might be looming, but the manufacturer wanted to prove that its new model generator, more powerful than previous iterations, could withstand the elements. 

Surely, HUD didn't deliver the generators two years early to sit for two winters in the parking lot "on purpose."

GA wishes the 6 generators leaving the parking lot a bright future- full of electricity, in their new HHA homes.   Happy trails, big metal friends!

But... there seems to be a problem with other 8.

Here is what Wefer said on the Hudson County View video clip:  "we will be installing six of the generators in the next month... and we're still going to have 8 others that really aren't right for the space."

Aren't "right" for the space?  What does that mean?  What space are they "right" for?

This space?

It was Mayor Zimmer who had pointed out in her May 1, 2013 letter to former HHA Director Carmelo Garcia:

Good catch, Mayor!

The Vision 20-20 contract was awarded without back-up generators!  Wow.

In April 2013, a RPM Development was selected to build Phase I of Vision 2020 as the Executive Director lobbied the City Council for a "resolution of need."

16 back-generators had been ordered, the first installed on a rooftop in June 2013...

... while 14  were delivered to the HHA parking lot but not installed "on purpose" because the manufacturer wanted to show us how their "powerful model" can "withstand the elements!"

Now, in December 2014, 6 can be installed but the other 8 are "not right for the space..."

Does this refer to the need to raise the electric sub- panels?  It doesn't sound like it... it sounds like a design or engineering issue. Generators sit on platforms, outdoors.  Hey, HoboJoe- you out there?

"Not right for the space... "

What a mystery!

Meanwhile, GA hears that residents have grown so fond of the hulking, shrink-wrapped generators that they've organized a going-away party, complete with pony rides and a balloon-animal making clown.

See you there, in the parking lot at Fourth and Harrison.    

Bon voyage!