New York Waterway currently has a facility in Weehawken Township that is facing backlash from local residents. The residents made attempts to meet with political officials to address their concerns, but have been unsuccessful. One of the main issues is the air and noise pollution from the facility that is very close to residents. New York Waterway’s maintenance facility was originally in Hoboken, and due to backlash from their mayor, its facility was pushed one community north to Weehawken, where the mayor has not has not provided any public commentary on the matter. Locals have also elaborated on NY Waterway’s shady past behaviors and do not trust that what they are doing in Weehawken is as advertised. Residents, who have been battling NY Waterway and the township for years, feel like they are getting the short end of the stick, especially compared to Hoboken. While the NYWW facility was supposed to be a temporary site, it appears that it has evolved into a permanent site. One of the main problems is that the township does not have the authority to shut down a facility through eminent domain. It appears that the overall issue is that there is a compromise that cannot be reached. 

The angle I want to report on is specifically the long political battle Weehawken residents have had over the past number of years, where they are lacking in political influence/having their voices heard. In terms of research, I’m sure that I can find sources from the Weehawken Life facebook page and information from past council meetings. I also discovered the names of some of the main advocates against NYWW, such as Cassandra Porsch. Dr. Harold Davis is a member of the community who is a valid source to discuss the health perspective/argument.