Just when you think you've driven a stake through the heart of an alternative fact, it pops out of its coffin!
Oh, boy. Apparently 901 Bloomfield test-polled well, because it has risen from its eternal rest!
Check out this load of reanimated BS:
Now see original post below.
In short: Mike DeFusco blew off (3) ZBA hearings for the condo-conversion variance at 901 Bloomfield.
Uh-huh.
He didn't care about the 901 Bloomfield condo conversion when he could have made a difference.
Read the post.
DeFusco's new argument about $600K "wasted" on a pop-up park which will serve an area of high-residential density, and which can be used by the entire Hoboken community, is entirely subjective. I'd say the majority of taxpayers don't see a park which will serve the community for a couple of years a "waste."
Oh, and historic preservation of 901 Bloomfield in its present state would require far more than $600,000; the developer has pledged $1,000,000 to repair/repurpose the existing structure.
Finally, just remember that the revival of this politician's alternative fact was triggered by a poll which pitched alternative facts.
Where was Mike DeFusco to pitch a community arts center when 901 Bloomfield was vacant, before it was sold to a developer?
______________
Original post: March 6, 2017
How does this..
The vote took place on October 20, 2015.
I really, really wish Mike would run a better campaign- as a former ZBA colleague, it pains me to see him going this route. Obviously he is listening to idiots. One in particular.
Oh, boy. Apparently 901 Bloomfield test-polled well, because it has risen from its eternal rest!
Check out this load of reanimated BS:
Now see original post below.
In short: Mike DeFusco blew off (3) ZBA hearings for the condo-conversion variance at 901 Bloomfield.
Uh-huh.
He didn't care about the 901 Bloomfield condo conversion when he could have made a difference.
Read the post.
DeFusco's new argument about $600K "wasted" on a pop-up park which will serve an area of high-residential density, and which can be used by the entire Hoboken community, is entirely subjective. I'd say the majority of taxpayers don't see a park which will serve the community for a couple of years a "waste."
Oh, and historic preservation of 901 Bloomfield in its present state would require far more than $600,000; the developer has pledged $1,000,000 to repair/repurpose the existing structure.
Finally, just remember that the revival of this politician's alternative fact was triggered by a poll which pitched alternative facts.
Where was Mike DeFusco to pitch a community arts center when 901 Bloomfield was vacant, before it was sold to a developer?
______________
Original post: March 6, 2017
How does this..
Jive with this?
 |
"Crocodile tears" derives from an ancient belief that
crocodiles shed tears while consuming their prey.
|
It doesn't.
In 2015, Mike Defusco had an opportunity with his vote and his voice as a Commissioner on the quasi-judicial Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustments to speak for/against variances requested for the 901 Bloomfield application; the variances needed to convert the existing church to 6 condo units.
In 2015, with his quasi-judicial powers, DeFusco had a voice in the outcome of the project, the decision to allow the variances to be granted, to discuss his community center proposal with the owner.
So where was he?
The 1st zoning board hearing for 901 Bloomfield was on August 11, 2015. The transcript reads:
When a ZBA Commissioner is absent from a hearing that's carried, all he/she has to do is read the transcript before the next meeting.
The 2nd zoning board hearing for 901 Bloomfield was on October 20, 2015. The transcript reads:
The vote took place on October 20, 2015.
The 901 Bloomfield resolution was finalized at the next meeting, on December 22, 2015. DeFusco was absent, but technically was precluded from the discussion because he did not participate in the application.
Why does this matter?
Commissioner DeFusco's dereliction of duty for the 901 Bloomfield Street application was not a matter of public interest and public concern until he made it the subject of a toothless resolution, positing that the church interior could be "saved" if only the City could intervene (it has tried), suggesting that "bulk" could be dumped into the 1st Ward instead (the 1st Ward would never stand for it), and anyone who could not vote "yes" hates puppies (I prefer kittens).
This resolution is has already backfired for DeFusco, politically.
The resolution only highlights DeFusco's indifference to the 901 Bloomfield condo conversion in 2015 back when he had the power to influence a different outcome as a Zoning Commissioner. It is a little too late now, the variances were granted.
Speaking of variances, there's a mistake on the resolution- there was no "change of use" variance; the church is in an R-1 residential district, it is zoned as residential.
Finally, at the City Council, in a heated exchange with Councilmen Ravi Bhalla and Jim Doyle who accused him of political grandstanding, DeFusco defended himself, said he had been rallying for adaptive reuse for 901 Bloomfield for the past year, and to check his "social media feeds."
I did, and found this on Facebook:
I really, really wish Mike would run a better campaign- as a former ZBA colleague, it pains me to see him going this route. Obviously he is listening to idiots. One in particular.
Mike didn't go to those ZBA meetings because he was campaigning. I know that for a fact.
ReplyDeleteIf he cared about preserving that building, he'd have made time to go to those meetings. The man is full of crap.
DeleteWow lotta trolls here all of a sudden. You must be hurting their boy wonder.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to not needing a change of use variance for the project, the second paragraph of the failed resolution refers to an increase in height, which is also not true.
ReplyDeleteWhat a phony. I hear he asked Peter Cunningham to cosponsor but didn't tell him about the December letter from the owner.
ReplyDeleteMike is getting HORRIBLE advice. He should fire his coach.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to Mike's "save the tennis courts" resolution regarding the Monarch property.
ReplyDeleteSmoke and mirrors Defusco.
ReplyDeleteThis should be his new slogan.
Tony and Stan are going at it again on MSV. Here's a video of the action if you don't have the time or inclination.
ReplyDeleteToday in De-Obfuscation (took me a week to come up with one that wasn't schoolyard bullying)
ReplyDeleteApparently a car collision with the light rail in JC has given Mr. DeFusbucket (another non mean one!) another issue to claim concerns him... the light rail crossing in SW Hoboken (FYI, not his ward).
Examples of obfuscate in a sentence
Politicians keep obfuscating the issues.
Their explanations only serve to obfuscate and confuse.
LOL, good one RR! Mike De(ob)Fuscate's next council resolution will be about his concern for the Flint, Michigan water crisis. I'm concerned too, please run for mayor so we can address our mutual concerns, Mike!!
DeleteDeFusco is again late in reacting to and disingenuous in his response to a long standing problem.
DeleteYears ago the issue of Light Rail Crossing at Paterson Plank was brought up and discussed by then Councilwoman Zimmer, Councilmen Occhipinti and Ramos. All of which came to the same conclusion that while Hoboken bore the burden of the problem they were powerless to remedy the cause. Paterson Plank is a Hudson County road.
Hudson County has done nothing to remedy the problem.
The elected representative who should be spearheading a solution is Hudson County Freeholder Anthony "Stick" Romano and he also has done nothing to help remedy the problem.
I do not think that very recent political infighting between DeFusco and Romano will help bring about a positive resolution for Hoboken.
I find it interesting that there hasn't been much focus on the traffic and congestion problems surrounding the PATH/Hoboken NJ Transit station/Ferry in MDF's own Ward 1. Has there been any progress whatsoever on MDF's plans to convert the Rail Station space into retail/food court? How many MDF's resolutions/initiatives have actually been successful, ie, has he been an effective Councilperson?
DeleteMDF recently hosted the developers who want to build a high rise hotel behind the Post Office which would further exacerbate the problem of traffic and congestion around the PATH/Hoboken NJT. I have never heard of him even recognizing that there could be a problem.
DeleteThe retail/food court idea has been around even before MDF was around. NJT always used it as a give back for dramatically increasing the size and scope of it's rail yard development plans. Will NJT now offer it up in hopes of regime change to then get their plan approved ?
I just don't understand why the council couldn't at least open it for negotiation unless they thought it might work. If everyone is SO convinced that it's a political stunt, why not call the bluff?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, which was done last year. And Councilman DeFusco knows this.
DeleteThe owners of the Bloomfield property were approached by the City and the City offered to buy the building in return for granting additional units in another development. In a letter to the Mayor and Council the owners turned the City down.
Before the zoning changes the current owners purchased the building for 2 million dollars in 2013. The zoning changes have increased the value of the property as have the improved economy.
Any cash offer attractive enough to change their minds would have to compensate the owners for their costs and the profits they are slated to make, probably around 5+ million dollars.
That's 5+ million before the City does any rehabilitation or renovation to the building, which we're told is in significant disrepair.
DeFusco knows the City can't reasonably obtain this property and is giving people false hope in a play to anger them ahead of the elections. And in the process exposing his true character.
But the resolution was just to reopen negotiations. Eminent domain was invoked in the council meeting. That could have been used as leverage since it would entail paying only market value - not compensating for potential future profits as well.
DeleteSo that would mean there is reason to believe a second negotiation could go further than the first one.
Councilman DeFusco has publicly written that he does not support eminent domain to obtain this property. He has also written that all options should be on the table.
DeleteI think it's clear Councilman DeFusco wants to say all things to all people. We're all victims of him doing this and creating false choices.
Councilman DeFusco should clarify and if needed apologize.
yes, defusco should apologize for not completely letting the developer in on the city's negotiation tactics. are you crazy ??
Delete@12:12, that's funny - DeFusco doesn't support eminent domain, but wants all options on the table. Soares does't like eminent domain and demonizes the City and the Mayor for using it as a negotiating tool. Clear conflict of interest between DeFusco and Soares right there. Interesting that Soares hasn't attacked DeFusco for his wanting to have ED has a tool to negotiate with the developer... Politics, what a place for cherry picking!
DeleteSo much hatred towards someone that's trying to save a church , where's the common sense when it comes to historical preservation in this town ? Looks like a joke compared to the JC one
ReplyDeleteCommon sense would dictate that a man trying to preserve a historic building would show up at an effing ZBA meeting instead of spending time furthering his political career. The only joke here is you thinking he cares about that building.
DeleteYeah, that's all that's happening here. "Hatred toward someone" who's just tryin' to save a church.
DeleteWow, the political mid-season got here early this year.
Actually the developer approached the city. The city never reached out to the developer. The Mayor told the developer the issue was a non-starter. She wasn't interested from the get-go.
DeleteHow would you know what was or wasn't said between the City and the property owners ? Time to put up or shut up.
DeleteThe public statement by the owner's lawyer at the City Council meeting was very clear, they were not interested .
I don't understand this town's Politics , they keep bonding and bonding and the taxes keep going up for what ? The town is filthy dirty .. too many bro bars and the roads are terrible , add less parking and all you have is a mess
ReplyDeleteDo you pick a topic when you write these, or just drop them wherever you happen to land?
DeleteYou ought to proofread your post about "Politics" (sic) if you are just going to cut and paste it repeatedly as a one size fits all kind of deal.
Delete10:09 by all means tell councilman defusco that you think his idea for bonding to buy the church is a horrible idea.
Delete10:09 Hoboken taxes have been stable in recent years. The increase on property owners in Hoboken has been due to large increases in County taxes.
DeleteFIOS cable news this morning had a piece on Hoboken's AA+ bond rating. Prob why the troll came to dump on the city's bonding.
Deletehttp://hobokennj.gov/2017/03/standard-poors-reaffirms-hobokens-aa-credit-rating/
Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings recently reaffirmed Hoboken’s AA+ bond credit rating, the second highest rating it issues. S&P noted Hoboken’s “very strong economy,” “strong budgetary performance,” “very strong budgetary flexibility,” “conservative approach to financial management” and “prudent financial management practices” which “continue to result in increased reserves each year.”
“Improving Hoboken’s credit rating from just above junk bond status to AA+ is one of my proudest accomplishments,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer.
BINGO
DeleteWhen are we getting city bike in hoboken? That would be great so we can ride to JC or weehawken .. so many selfish people making decisions that affect all of us .. now I need two memberships to move around .. city bike and Suez
ReplyDeletefucking lame. get a blog and post your talking points there. get better talking points while you're at it. the people you're working for hate bikes of all kinds.
Deletehey defuscso. have a look at the total scumbag ops who are attracted to your cause here. if you think they're helping you, you are out of your mind - or listing to idiots. they are making you look like beth 2.0. surrounded by manipulative ops with no scruples whatsoever who only thinking about winning and can only think about winning in terms of "destroying the enemy."
ReplyDeletethey work for you now and this is the perception you are stuck with.
is that what you want?
Why do rich politicians in Hoboken live in Marine View ... don't we need more low income housing ? Totally unfair
ReplyDeleteTotally agreed !!!
DeleteThis is the truth everybody
DeleteCrocodile tears (or superficial sympathy) are a false, insincere display of emotion such as a hypocrite crying fake tears of grief.
The phrase derives from an ancient belief that crocodiles shed tears while consuming their prey. While crocodiles do have tear ducts, they weep to lubricate their eyes, typically when they have been out of water for a long time and their eyes begin to dry out. However, evidence suggests this can also be triggered by feeding.
ZBA is quasi judicial - you say it yourself ! emphasis on quasi! this is the council’s issue to decide. how much the city values preservation is a question for voters, who elect the council members! let ZBA do its job and let the council decide policy questions. go mike!
ReplyDeleteSpin, spin, spin your boat gently down the stream.
Deleteso i guess you would rather have political appointees make the big decisions and leave voters with nothing
DeleteThere are many buildings in Hoboken that someone might think are worth preserving. Councilman DeFusco should draw up a complete comprehensive list of the ones throughout town he thinks are worth preserving together with a plan to acquire them all. The plan should describe the important public use each property will be put to after acquisition and restoration and propose an acquisition and restoration budget. Given the value of Hoboken real estate, $200 million might be a good start.
DeleteSince this is as you say a question for the voters, I look forward to Mike's well thought out comprehensive fully funded historic preservation acquisition and restoration plan.
I'm sure Councilman and reform pioneer Tony Soares is busy working on Mike's platform so perhaps he can fit this in somewhere between "Zimmer is anti-car and only cares about bike lanes," "Zimmer doesn't get anything done," and "Zimmer uses homophobic blogs to bash her enemies."
GA , what's your proposal ? Let's say you were in the ZBA again , do you currently think Dawn is currently trying to move with all these projects because she cares ? or because she wants to be re elected .. I strongly believe politicians in these big positions should not be in their seats for more than 2 cycles , otherwise they start getting tooooo comfortable ( Terri for example ) .
ReplyDeleteSo, GA , what's your take on the situation, and please provide a professional, unbiased opinion discussing the pros and cons of all the members of the council .
I know you have time.
I agree , so easy to point fingers , maybe GA should run for something..
DeleteTony, it's really not healthy to talk to yourself like this.
DeleteFor some folks two terms is too little, for others one term is too much.
DeleteYour post is a bit unclear. What is it you would like GA to submit her "proposal" for? And why is it her job to do that?
Perhaps two terms is enough. But what does DeFusco have to offer that's better than a third term of Zimmer? I'm open to change but not just change for change sake. Why should anyone take DeFusco seriously as a candidate when he's been on the council for only a year and as far as I can tell hasn't particularly distinguished himself when compared to his council peers.
My two cents. I think Mayor Zimmer truly has always wanted to make Hoboken better. Her often hard decisions while in office is testament to that political expediency was not her motivation.
DeleteUnlike previous administrations there has never been any sign of self enrichment by the Mayor or any of those she has brought in to run things.
Bringing Hoboken's finances under control took time, that allowed other projects like the new park space, Washington Street etc... to take place.
I think getting good things done because you honestly care has the added benefit of being a good thing when running for re-election.
Hoboken still has some very big re-development decisions to make that will happen beyond the next election cycle. I would sincerely hope the same good people, with good honest intentions are still in place to make them.
Interesting point about being in a position too long and not caring.
DeleteHow long was DeFusco on the zoning board before he stopped caring and skipped meetings? He's been on the council less than a year and a half and he's already looking to move on.
Not a great track record.
Term limits ?
DeleteI would have voted for Obama again. Just say'n
I agree with all that but I also believe in term limits. If we as voters were asked whether to impose a two term limit on the mayor's office I'd vote for it. If Zimmer voluntarily stepped aside I'd commend her for it, though since we don't have term limits I don't blame her for not doing that.
DeleteSo, given all that I have to be open to change if the change was right. But it seems to me that if I was choosing Zimmer's successor based on a council member's experience and performance on the council, Mike DeFusco's name wouldn't even come to mind. I'd consider Bhalla or Cunningham or Giattino but frankly DeFusco's name wouldn't even make the list.
So tell us, Mike or Mike supporters. What is it about DeFusco that makes him a logical choice to replace Zimmer after one pretty inconsequential year on the council where his main claim to fame has been not being Castellano?
@1:17 - This is exactly why I support Mayor Zimmer. I don't always agree with her objectives (here's looking at you, bike lanes and bump outs on every street) but I know she wants a better Hoboken and works hard at finding the best solution for the city and its residents (and not motivated by what is just best for her).
DeleteLet's point out what she's done:
- Improved our city's credit rating from BBB- to AA+
- 2 flood pumps that has reduced flooding in a city that residents joked would flood if someone spilled a gallon of milk
- Balanced the budget after her first term as Mayor. This follows after NJ State put Hoboken under State Supervision (2008)
- Kept St. Mary's Hospital from closing by negotiating its privatization as Hoboken University Hospital and saving tax payers from losing $52M of the hospital's debt
I'm all for change if the change is better. What would DeFusco be able to accomplish? He's chumming it up with OG pol's. He's been a good cheerleader for his Ward and the Mayor's positive initiatives but has been quick to blame the Mayor for just about every failing from Light Rail crash in JC to bike lanes that weren't shoveled before he could use them. (They were shoveled later in the day. I guess he didn't realize streets and sidewalks were also important.)
DeFusco is coming off as an entitled brat, to be blunt. How about he say what he would do differently? How about he boast about his track record? I guess it's difficult to do when you've accomplished little else than blaming others.
Your not being fair. Mike has a vision for out city. Instead of talking about stuff and not getting it done for eight years like Zimmer, Mike will get things done by creating public/private partnerships so the City can benefit from that private sector "can do" magic.
DeleteThat public plaza by the train station would already be there with the right partnership offer to NJ transit. And Academy Bus would have donated the SW park land to the City for free with the right partnership offer.
Mike will get things done fast and free the old fashioned way. What old timers will recognize as the Hoboken way. And with Remington and Vernick doing all the engineering work you can bet County Boss Joey Muniz will be there for our City with plenty of County support (as long as we don't complain about those pesky county tax increases).
Stop me if you've heard this one...
DeleteThe old fashioned way is what sold out our water rights to Suez, leading to pipes bursting which Mike is complaining about.
The old fashioned way sold out much of Hoboken for developers to add high rises to without any investment or thought into upgrading the infrastructure or redesign of traffic flows.
The old fashioned way for Academy would see us get some kind of promised park (size unknown, but in the previous SW park iteration, saw "public parks" on private roof tops of the developed condos) in exchange for rezoning and more overdevelopment.
The old fashioned way would allow NJT to build a wall of condos between Southern Hoboken and Newport Pavonia. But I'm sure NJT would put in adequate infrastructure to accommodate all those residents, parking, utilities, transportation and widen the feeder roads in Hoboken as well as JC. *wink*
The old fashioned way paved our road to being financially unsound and had us put under NJ State supervision.
The old fashioned way saw private partnerships steal from the funds of the public (Hoboken Parking meters).
Maybe the Mayor isn't interested in self-enrichment, but I think her agenda is slanted and narrow. She's focused on parks and that's a good thing, but there's no money left for anything else. She's focused on Washington Street and, except for the infrastructure that's a big fat waste of money. I don't think she balanced the budget, that was done when she was full mayor. And, 901 Bloomfield aside, she wants everything torn down so it's flood proof, even though we're getting our own wall to protect us from flooding (she did do that). No, I may not like DeFusco as an alternative, but it's time for someone else that will focus on other things that have been neglected.
ReplyDeleteMeet with the mayor and talk to her. I think you'd be surprised how open she is to new ideas.
DeleteWhat are the things you feel have been neglected? You didn't say and since that's meat of your argument it would really be helpful to include. Obviously you don't mean parks or flooding since you acknowledge the mayor has focused on that.
DeleteAlso, I'm not sure what you mean when you say Washington Street is a waste of money "except for the infrastructure." Isn't a street infrastructure? What is money being wasted on that you don't think is infrastructure?
Also can you elaborate on who balanced our budget and when (which I assume is shorthand for fixed our finances with honest fully funded budgets and stable taxes since our budget is technically balanced every year by law)?
Just off the top of my head because the City Administration and City Council wanted to get all the financing in place and coordinate all the parts so it is done correctly. Oh and becauseTerri, Mikey and Beth spent years on the City Council trying to delay things.
DeleteCrickets...
ReplyDeleteTypical for spin. All noise, no substance.
DeleteCrickets? Nope. I did respond, the reply got lost in cyberspace, I guess.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't in my SPAM box, so you didn't respond.
DeleteDoubt it but I know for sure DeFusco removes anything negative from his Facebook page.
DeleteI tend to think of present-day Hoboken being much better than the bad old days of greedy OG pols. But then times like these make me realize that the bad old days are still bubbling right below the surface, eager to reclaim city hall and council. Let the past few weeks of DeFuscomania be a reminder that good government should never be taken for granted. Don't let Cammarano 2.0 fool us again.
ReplyDeleteHoboken in the few short years since Peter Cammarano was sent to prison has changed dramatically for the better.
DeleteFool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.
hey @9:02, where's the footnote? i wrote that EXACT same comment a number of months ago! obviously i agree with "you" but still, LOL! i guess i should be honored. :)
DeleteYeah I saw that nonsense in my FB feed this morning... thankfully I wasn't eating.
ReplyDeleteIt should be noted that the people who actually owned the the building, publicly said they did not want to sell it or make any trade deal. His obvious desperation in trying to make what must be rational decisions into emotional fantasy ones is an indication he is unwilling to honest.
ReplyDeleteDeFusco's total disregard for facts and his continuing petulant childish whining and stamping his feet on the City Council is a clear signal that he does not have the temperament to run anything.
Agreed.
DeleteLet's talk FACTS. FACT: DeFusco has accomplished diddly-squat since arriving in office.
ReplyDeleteDon't give me this BS about how he's "concerned" about this or that. What's he ACCOMPLISHED? Diddly-squat.
On what planet is a guy who's ACCOMPLISHED diddly-squat qualified to be mayor?
< mic drop >
Delete< drop mike >
DeleteHe was personally responsible for installing the Belgian blocks on Newark street and picking out the color for the chairs in front of CVS.
ReplyDeleteThat makes him more than qualified!
����������
Ummm.... Oh no he didn't. Wanna try again ?
DeleteHe complained that private park on the corner of Garden and Newark is supposed to be open to the public during the day... then no follow up.
ReplyDeleteHe floated spending money to redo Court St., then no follow up.
He made noise about the western part of Newark St. redesign, then nothing, not even a comment on his FB feed about the recent public forum.
Sense a pattern?
MDF is trying to find an issue that will gain traction for him... if there are no bites he moves on to the next hopeful fake news issue.
MDF voted FOR the NW park design... he was FOR the park before he was AGAINST it.
DeleteMaybe he has A.D.H.D. ?
Delete