The Hoboken Business Alliance, in an effort to create a best-in-class environment on one of Hoboken’s primary commercial corridors, recently worked with partners to install new bistro lighting on Washington Street, from Newark to 15th Street.
This investment was done in partnership with the Hoboken City Council and PSE&G. The effort was the first public realm improvement to be implemented through the HBA’s Strategic Plan. The project is part of the organization’s larger vision to create a unified and welcoming environment along Washington Street.
The new bistro lighting is part of the Hoboken Business Alliance Strategic Plan, which outlines key findings and recommendations for how the organization can implement improvements across Hoboken to kickstart the next phase of the city’s economic evolution.
Developed with Streetsense, a global creative collective, and with input from business and property owners, Hoboken leaders, government officials, and residents, the plan identifies solutions to address shared challenges within the business community, including lighting and sidewalk improvements, to keep Hoboken’s resilient, diverse economic mix a leading destination in the region and beyond.
The new lighting will illuminate the nearly two-and-a-half-mile stretch with 4,750 warm-toned light bulbs spanning 15 blocks on both sides of the street. With 26% of Hoboken’s retail square footage dedicated to food and beverage establishments, lighting upgrades provide a sense of place in addition to safety features that invite residents and visitors to experience the city’s many shops and restaurants from day to night.
HBA Executive Director Roxanne Earley said the impact is evident.
“New and improved lighting on Washington Street is an exciting advancement for Hoboken and brings a major element of the HBA Strategic Plan to life,” she said.
“This vision has been in the works for years, and we are appreciative of the work our partners, the City Council, and PSE&G provided to help the HBA implement and expand upon existing lighting. Illuminating the street for people to enjoy when they dine outdoors and support local businesses is part of our larger effort to ensure Hoboken’s local economy continues to grow and thrive and we look forward to enjoying, alongside our community, the ambiance and benefits the new lights provide.”
Tiffanie Fisher, the 2nd Ward councilwoman, agreed.
“When we first lit up Washington St. with a temporary installation, businesses and residents loved it,” she said. “Credit to Greg DellAquila, the HBA’s former president, who had this transformative
vision to ‘Light up Hoboken.’ And many thanks to PSE&G and all involved who kept pushing to make this dream an incredible reality.”
Dell’Aquila said he’s proud of the progress.
“Hoboken’s vibrant community deserves a setting that reflects its energy and charm,” he said. “The new bistro lighting on Washington Street is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the city’s public spaces and supporting local businesses.
“This project was an important part of creating a more inviting and secure atmosphere for residents and visitors. The collaborative efforts between the HBA, the City Council, and PSE&G have turned our vision into a reality, and I am excited to see Hoboken lit up for all to enjoy.”
For more information about the Hoboken Business Alliance Strategic Plan, visit this link.
