 |
left side: Retired war veteran, Mr. Garrison, waves a photo of his landlord, developer Seth Martin, to the camera and public. Garrison is the sole tenant of a building, 315 Washington Street, that is in construction.
|
UPDATE: See GA note under DAVE MELLO'S CLASSLESS EXIT
Yes, I watched the whole thing. Here are stories from last night, in no particular order.
THE LONE TENANT OF 315 WASHINGTON STREET
This is disturbing; a man who put his life on the line for this country in dire need.
Mr. Garrison is a retired War vet, and now the sole tenant of 315 Washington Street. It is not clear when the building was vacated, but according to Garrison, the City has condemned it on the basis that is not structurally sound. At prior meetings, he has spoken about lack of heat and other utilities. He has been fighting the building owner to provide him with a comparable place to live (in Hoboken) but says he has only been offered a small apartment near Journal Square. It appears Garrison does not plan to budge from 315 Washington until he is offered comparable living conditions in Hoboken.
While he praised the Tenant Advocate services, he said that the City does not have the budget for the TA to represent him as his attorney. So, Garrison has been coming to meetings, and asking for guidance.
Last night, was a shock. Mr. Garrison spoke about the poor condition inside of the buildings, "holes in the walls" and ongoing construction that was making him progressively physically ill.
Ongoing construction? In an occupied building?
How was an occupied building permitted? Something is WRONG here.
GA did a little digging and found out that 313-315 Washington Street applied for multiple variances from the Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 21, 2017, and those variances were granted on April 18. In short, the scope of work is the gut renovation of 6 existing apartments and 2 storefronts, to create 6 duplex apartments with 1 accessory apartment on Court Street (7 apartments in total) and to combine the 2 storefronts in to one large commercial space.
So, now we know what the developer intends to do with the building. The question is, why hasn't the developer provided Garrison a comparable apartment in Hoboken?
It looks like demolition has begun. If so, at a minimum, breathing in construction dust is harmful. This situation needs to be remedied.
Let's not point fingers. Please help Mr. Garrison.
ORDINANCE FOR BALLOT PROPOSITION TO HOLD RUN-OFF ELECTIONS
It passed.
Mayor-elect Bhalla and Councilman Doyle were the only "No" votes.
What more is there to say? The people (and special interest money) will decide.
TIFFANIE'S "MUNICIPAL AUDIT COMMITTEE" RESOLUTION
Corporation Council Brian Aloia told the Council in no uncertain terms, (after he'd researched the law and vetted her concept by the League of Municipalities) that Fisher/Giattino's resolution violated the Faulkner Act and was illegal.
Councilwoman Fisher wasn't having it. She spoke at length and posited several different imaginary scenarios whereby this "municipal audit committee" might make small "$100" line item suggestions or could find something much larger. The word "investigation" came up. That gave me the distinct impression her true intention was a fishing trip into the City's books of an investigatory nature- with political benefits.
Just my gut, but I would not be surprised if the Councilwoman was thinking about 2021.
So, the discussion got heated when Ravi said it was disrespectful of Fisher not to call him or contact him about this Resolution prior to putting it on the agenda, since it necessitated cooperation of members within the Executive Branch of his Administration. He's right of course. Why didn't she call him?
Result: Fisher's illegal resolution was tabled, and the discussion ended when Fisher told Corporation Counsel that she would prove him wrong (on a matter of law). Wow.
ORDINANCE FOR BALLOT PROPOSITION TO HOLD RUN-OFF ELECTIONS
It passed.
Mayor-elect Bhalla and Councilman Doyle were the only "No" votes.
What more is there to say? The people (and special interest money) will decide.
TIFFANIE'S "MUNICIPAL AUDIT COMMITTEE" RESOLUTION
Corporation Council Brian Aloia told the Council in no uncertain terms, (after he'd researched the law and vetted her concept by the League of Municipalities) that Fisher/Giattino's resolution violated the Faulkner Act and was illegal.
Councilwoman Fisher wasn't having it. She spoke at length and posited several different imaginary scenarios whereby this "municipal audit committee" might make small "$100" line item suggestions or could find something much larger. The word "investigation" came up. That gave me the distinct impression her true intention was a fishing trip into the City's books of an investigatory nature- with political benefits.
Just my gut, but I would not be surprised if the Councilwoman was thinking about 2021.
So, the discussion got heated when Ravi said it was disrespectful of Fisher not to call him or contact him about this Resolution prior to putting it on the agenda, since it necessitated cooperation of members within the Executive Branch of his Administration. He's right of course. Why didn't she call him?
Result: Fisher's illegal resolution was tabled, and the discussion ended when Fisher told Corporation Counsel that she would prove him wrong (on a matter of law). Wow.
HOW TO SHORTEN A 5-HOUR COUNCIL MEETING BY (AT LEAST) 2 HOURS...
...stick a sock in Councilman Mike Defusco's mouth.
Seriously. Dunno why but he's even more in love with the sound of his own voice, it's a voice forever scolding the little people. All night! Waving and poking his pen in the air like a conductor to a symphony of bullshit, completely clueless to the suffering of his audience.
Think I'm exaggerating? Early in the meeting, DeFusco spoke three separate times to oppose a one-word change in an ordinance; the change recommended by Hoboken's Planning Board.
Think I'm exaggerating? Early in the meeting, DeFusco spoke three separate times to oppose a one-word change in an ordinance; the change recommended by Hoboken's Planning Board.
DeFusco turned this one word removal ("unencumbered") into his own Benghazi.
No, no! Table it! Why remove one word when we can remodel the entire frigging "Zoning" Chapter!
A friend in attendance texted:
Omg this is awful
Yeah.
More awful: DeFusco suggested to a witness, a contractor, that his company had colluded with City Hall to release a large change order after the election. Thankfully, that was ignored because slander can be expensive for the City of Hoboken.
DAVE MELLO'S CLASSLESS EXIT
GA would like to say that Dave Mello proved his critics wrong. He didn't.
At the end of the night, in the "New Business", Mello read an emotional speech, a heartfelt retrospective of his 8 years on the Council, and gave tribute to people who were instrumental to his many successes. It was very nice. Then, he thanked the Council effusively one by one, complimenting each person: Peter Cunningham... Jen Giattino... Tiffanie Fisher... Ruben Ramos... Michael Defusco.... that was it.
Classless, petty Mello omitted "Ravi Bhalla" and "Jim Doyle" from his prepared remarks. Really, Dave? Is that how you wanted to go out? As far as I know, you were sucking up like a Hoover to get on Ravi's ticket.
But really, he made himself look small.
My theory is Mello's Council suck-up is about keeping his seat on the HHA; Mello has the designated "City Council" HHA seat. If I understand precedent, now that he's off the Council, the seat can be re-assigned. Am I wrong?
GA Note: I was wrong! Thanks to the reader who sent me this note:
Nancy, point of clarification; the "city council" HHA appointment is just unwritten protocol. It does not need to be a council person (as opposed to how the planning board council designee must be). So Mello's HHA position is safe for many years. He was just being Dave.About the snub, he is angry at Ravi for excluding him from the ticket. Have we seen the last of him? Hope so.
SINATRA
During the public portion, Ed Shirak sang Sinatra. Go to the videotape.
2017, the year i was proven wrong about how jen, tiff, possibly peter (still tbd) and now mello are civic leaders with integrity who rise above petty and vindictive actions to do what's best for the city. what a disappointment these three (maybe four) turned out to be. all the work to get them elected to council seats, down the drain.
ReplyDelete2017, a pretty shitty year all around. make us proud, ravi.
My advice to Bhalla would be to always ask for the opposite of whatever he wants.
Delete-No way we should take that deal with Suez. There must be plenty of others offering the same service at a fraction of the cost.
-Anyone but that godawful Brian Assadourian. Let's give Tony another chance.
-Santacon is awesome! Barf is the new glitter. We should keep it forever.
The douchebags will fight him at every turn now. Use what you can.
Great job, GA. Also one crying shame after another. Did any of the people who once collected signatures to do away with the runoff explain what had magically happened to change their minds? Did anyone mention the fiasco in the runoff in Ward E of JC as a window into things to come? Too far away? Hoboken is "special"?
ReplyDeleteGA thanks for raising the plight of Mr. Garrison. I hope his situation is resolved appropriately and satisfactorily and soon given the construction in his building
ReplyDeleteAs I wrote before, it's clear Tiff, Jen, Peter have crossed over. They should be held accountable for the epic and dangerous waste of time that defeating this ballot measure will entail. I am sure the developers and VBM harvesters are salivating at the chance of grabbing back power by tiring all of us with more elections, and especially a December election when it's cold and people are tired of elections. The last thing people want after an election is another election, complete with commercials, social media posts, stuffed mailboxes, and attacks everywhere.
Sorta sad that David thanked Jen and Tiffanie. I thought he knew that they were the loudest most aggressive voice against him all along from what I heard through the years... That said, as I heard it, Dave really made his own grave with his less than collegial behavior, Tiff and Jen were just digging him in faster... Whatever. It's done now.
Generally speaking, it's amazing how many people in this town burn bridges that they may need to one day walk back across. Amateur hour. Doesn't anyone play the long game anymore?
There's got to be more to this story. I can't believe they started construction without notice. And while I can appreciate that he wants the same type of apartment in the same location, I can also appreciate that the owner of the building wants to maximize his/her investment returns.
ReplyDeleteI do thank Mr. Garrison for his service to our country, but I don't think that entitles him to living wherever he wants at the price he wants. If it does, we're going to have a real housing crisis as every veteran gets to pick their location and cost of living in that location.
Snoopy, it's actually the law that a landlord has to provide an equivalent dwelling when they displace tenants, it has nothing to do with a sense of entitlement. The law was cited at the meeting and Garrison knows his legal rights. Maybe a lawyer can jump in.
DeleteI understand he gets an equivalent apartment. Is the law clear on it has to be in the exact same zipcode? My thought is, Journal Square may be equivalent given it would also be near a transportation hub.
DeleteNot a lawyer but looking at some guidance on NJ eviction law...
Deletehttp://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/codes/publications/pdf_lti/evic_law.pdf
The definition of "Comparable housing" appears to lie in NJSA 2a:18-61.7
a. "Comparable housing or park site" means housing that is (1) decent, safe, sanitary, and in compliance with all local and State housing codes; (2) open to all persons regardless of race, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status or sex; and (3) provided with facilities equivalent to that provided by the landlord in the dwelling unit or park site in which the tenant then resides in regard to each of the following: (a) apartment size including number of rooms or park site size, (b) rent range, (c) apartment's major kitchen and bathroom facilities, and (d) special facilities necessary for the handicapped or infirmed; (4) located in an area not less desirable than the area in which the tenant then resides in regard to each of the following: (a) accessibility to the tenant's place of employment, (b) accessibility of community and commercial facilities, and (c) environmental quality and conditions; and (5) in accordance with additional reasonable criteria which the tenant has requested in writing at the time of making any request under this act.
Mr.Garrison or a lawyer would have to argue that the Journal Square unit does not meet the legal criteria for "Comparable housing". Perhaps some mediation which includes the owner of the building, Mr.Garrison, and a reasonable tenant advocate could be fruitful. In any case living in a building the it being gutted should not be happening, the work should stop until Mr.Garrison is relocated.
I think he should be forcibly removed. I'm not a landlord, but I'm not particularly partial to people holding other people's assets hostage.
DeleteDon't worry snoopy, next election cycle, some developer shill will be mayor and the CC will be packed w/ developer shills. Rent control will die a glorious death then all b/c a bunch of butt hurt Giattino supporters wanted to get payback and repeal one of the best things reform accomplished over the last several years.
DeleteLOL DOR
DeleteGA: Page 34: https://www.lsnjlaw.org/Publications/Pages/Manuals/TenantsRights.pdf
ReplyDeleteThank you, snoopy. I'd reserve judgment until we know more about the situation. I'll definitely update. Mr. Garrison strikes me as a victim, not a hostage-taker.
DeleteI suspect Mr. Garrison's problem is his lease payment is so low, he couldn't find an "equivalent" apartment in Hoboken (nor could the landlord) that was available and he thinks it is his God given right to live w/in the same 1 mile square area forever. Sorry, but life really doesn't work that way. I agree w/ Snoopy - he is holding that property hostage holding out for a better offer.
DeleteThanks GA. I just never believe this stuff on its face. The building is condemned yet he's "living" in it. How? Why? If it's condemned he should have been forcibly removed by the sheriff after a court ordered his removal. If that didn't happen, then how is the DoB allowing construction to occur? Is it possible that he's breaking & entering to live there?
DeleteConversely, did the landlord not go through the proper channels? If so, how were construction permits issued & work allowed to start? I don't know the answers. Just putting out some thoughts.
Mr. Garrison's landlord is a total sleaze bag. I hope Mr. Garrison prevails.
DeleteIt seems to me the City shouldn't be involved in evaluating whether Mr. Garrison has been offered fair compensation - that is a private landlord/tenant dispute that a court would have to decide unless there's some kind of law giving the City authority (and it doesn't seem like that's the case). But the City has to assure public safety - including the safety of Mr. Garrison. That means the City needs to ensure he doesn't stay in a building condemned as unsafe. That kind of puts the City between a rock and a hard place because it can't force the landlord to up the offer (which may or may not be legally sufficient), but Mr. Garrison can't be permitted to continue living in a condemned unsafe building.
DeleteIn the 70's, fires cleared tenants out. Making a building unlivable is another method.
ReplyDeleteThis man lives in the first ward. What is DeFusco doing for him?
ReplyDeleteAt the Council meeting DeFusco loudly announced "First thing tomorrow morning" he was going to speak with "the attorney" about what can be done for Mr. Garrison, (not sure what he meant- maybe our Tenant Advocate?), but see nothing on his FB page about it. (That's actually what I was looking for over there when I found the "Evil diamond men") Since DeFusco banned me from commenting (Dear Leader-style), I can't ask there.
DeleteIt seems like the landlord orchestrated the condemnation so he could take advantage of "vacancy decontrol" and charge market rate rents. Let the sleaze bag renovate around Mr. Garrison, have him move into a renovated unit as swing space until his own unit is renovated, and then let him move back into his apartment at the current rent. Meanwhile, Mr. Garrison should contact the VA, if he hasn't done so already: https://www.va.gov/homeless/endingvetshomelessness.asp
ReplyDelete