Bike Hoboken 2019 Hoboken City Council election questionnaire: Third Ward
Thanks to Third Ward city council candidates Ronald Bautista and Michael Russo for responding to our questionnaire. Please take the time to read through the responses and go out and vote on November 5th to elect a city council that will work towards creating a more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly Hoboken!
Note: We asked each of the candidates to keep their responses to a yes/no if possible or keep it as concise as possible. We did not edit any of the responses despite some candidates providing lengthier answers — please do not interpret a lengthier response as being a more comprehensive one since we requested brevity. Thank you!
Bike Lanes
Would you support a Protected Bike Lane on Grand St?
Bautista: Yes
Russo: Yes, I support PBL on Grand St.
Would you support a Protected Bike Lane on Clinton St?
Bautista: Yes
Russo: I don’t support PBL on Clinton St. due to the bus traffic and the location of a firehouse and the use for emergency vehicles on that street.
Would you support finding an east-west street where a Protected Bike Lane could be installed, even if it means that some on-street parking must be removed to accommodate?
Bautista: Yes, especially as the protected bike lane could be used as a route for emergency vehicles. It can help improve response times while making our streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Russo: I support an East-West street PBL if it could accommodate on-street parking as well.
Would you support revisiting Washington Street to install the original Protected Bike Lanes?
Bautista: Yes, people are already biking on Washington Street on the side of the car lane (which is dangerous). Shifting the parking so bicyclists of all ages are protected next to the curb can be done in an affordable way.
Russo: Unfortunately, after spending almost $20 million it would not be prudent to revisit the earlier decision.
Do you support the Observer Highway Protected Bike Lane and would you fight to make sure it’s not removed?
Bautista: Hoboken PD showed how travel times had improved right after the protected bike lane on Observer Highway was created. Also, all studies show that the number of cars and car trips are what causes traffic jams. I will fight to keep and expand the protected bike lane on Observer Highway so that it safely connects with Jersey City and the Hoboken Terminal.
Russo: Yes, I support the PBL on Observer Highway and will continue.
Would you support working with Jersey City and the county to create a safe protected connection from Observer Highway bike path into Jersey City Protected Lanes?
Bautista: Yes, as stated above.
Russo: Yes, I would support working with Jersey City and the county to create a protected connection into Jersey City.
If you were on the transportation sub-committee what would be your top 3 items to bring to the city council for a vote?
Bautista: 1) I would work with the administration to engineer a network of safe routes that connect parks, schools, library and transit stations. The goal for this would be to create connected routes with safe pick-up/drop-off parking zones, priority parking for people with disabilities, corner bumpouts, raised crosswalks and protected bike lanes. 2) Expand the Hop bus service into night hours and weekends, increase the frequency, as well as having real-time visibility on Google Maps to increase ridership. 3) There are about 8,900 on-street parking spaces in Hoboken, and the search for this limited type of parking encourages drivers to drive in circles, worsening traffic while looking for parking spots. I will work to make garages more visible and accessible for people by expanding the capabilities of the Parkmobile App, so that it is connected with private and public garages. This way, drivers can easily see all parking alternatives, including on-street and garage parking near them, with the ability to compare prices and pay through their phones.
Russo: As the Chairman of that sub-committee I have continually offered solutions that benefit all the residents of the city. The next items to be considered will all be in support of the Vision Zero plan to ensure the safety of our neighbors.
Would you support and vote for a Protected Bike Lane along the waterfront particularly between 4th and 11th where none currently exist?
Bautista: Yes, I support this as it would help both protect bicyclists and give pedestrians full access to the sidewalk.
Russo: Yes, I voted for the current PBL and will support extending it on Sinatra drive.
Would you support closing Sinatra to car traffic and making it a dedicated pedestrian & bicycle route?
Bautista: I would support making Sinatra Drive car-free every Sunday.
Russo: Since you didn’t specify where on Sinatra, I can’t tell you if I support doing it or not. However, you may or may not be aware of a measure to close Sinatra to vehicles on Sundays, which we have already implemented and have no issues with extending that program.
Would you support narrowing Sinatra (like it currently is now while undergoing Stevens construction) in order to slow cars and create a dedicated Protected Bike Lane?
Bautista: The speed of cars is particularly high on Sinatra Drive, from 4th Street to 11th Street. I would support a protected bike lane to help make the street safer for everyone.
Russo: Yes. Sinatra has a protected bike lane, and I support extending it.
Bike Parking
Are you willing to work to create more space for bicycle parking at the PATH terminal?
Bautista: Yes
Russo: Yes, of course!
Would you support making Hudson Place a pedestrian-only area, moving the cab line elsewhere, and adding more bicycle parking in that area?
Bautista: Yes, the huge volume of pedestrians in that area shows opportunity to make it into a great pedestrian plaza, both improving safety and making it a destination similar to the one at Grove Street in Jersey City.
Russo: Yes, making Hudson Place a pedestrian-only area is something we should do. However, we must conduct a study to ensure emergency vehicles access in the area when needed, such as when the Transit train crashed.
Do you support creating corner parking for bicycles and scooters on every corner in the city?
Bautista: Yes, as it would clear the sidewalks and crosswalks for people of all ages and abilities.
Russo: Yes, we should utilize the corner areas that are already closed to cars, as I have suggested multiple times at council meeting, to the administration and directly to Lime.
Car Storage/Parking
Do you support increasing the cost of yearly parking permits for residents?
Bautista: I believe senior citizens, people with disabilities, and people of lower income should be prioritized and keep the current price. In order to make sure our streets are paved and safe, the monthly price for parking permits for everyone else should be at least the same as what we pay for a monthly Netflix subscription.
Russo: Absolutely not! We cannot pretend that cars are not part of our transportation choices. They are and will continue to be, therefore we need to increase the ability to park these vehicles in our city. We must not treat any mode of transportation as the enemy of another. They are all vital methods to those who rely on them.
How much do you think a yearly parking permit should cost?
Bautista: See above.
Russo: I believe the cost of our taxes should include the right to park on our streets, but I have no issues with the current pricing.
Do you support dynamic parking pricing for Washington Street car parking?
Bautista: I spoke to many drivers who noticed it was easier to find parking on Washington Street when there was dynamic pricing. As a commercial corridor, it would help multiply the use of these parking spaces.
Russo: I supported the initial attempt to do so but discovered, like any creative idea, we need to ensure it’s done appropriately.
Are you willing to trade out on-street car storage (parking) to create loading zones?
Bautista: Yes, but the loading zone should also be available to customers who wish to pop in and out of shops. The city should partner with businesses to monitor these spots. Also, Hoboken should consider not allowing any large-scale deliveries before 9 am or after 4 pm. Bus stops are not for tractor trailers.
Russo: Again, as the Chairman of the Parking and Transportation committee I have already initiated this concept and because of it we now have many loading zones in the city.
Do you support eliminating or reducing parking minimums for new buildings?
Bautista: Requiring parking garages for new buildings is a hidden tax on all Hoboken residents, as it increases the cost (not the profit) of an apartment between 12% to 25%. This also worsens car traffic jams in our city. I am against this hidden tax.
Russo: I support requiring new buildings to provide parking for their residents. We should also require that the landlords provide the parking space as part of the rental fee.
Pedestrian Safety
Do you support curb bump outs?
Bautista: Yes, as they are proven to improve visibility at intersections for both pedestrians and drivers, and make drivers be more careful while making a turn. Also, they cause the same effect as seen at toll booths, slowing cars down as they approach the intersections.
Russo: Yes
Would you support a raised crosswalk in an area like 15th and Garden? Any other areas?
Bautista: Yes, and especially near parks, schools, and transit stations.
Russo: If the city engineer deems it appropriate, I would support raised crosswalks throughout Hoboken.
Number these action items in the order you prioritize doing them, with 1 being the first thing. NA for any you would not want to do.
Ronald Bautista
Action items in order of priority:
- Narrowing streets
- Installing raised crosswalks in high pedestrian areas
- Installing Protected Bike Lanes
- Creating more bicycle parking
- Creating pedestrian only areas
- Increasing the price of car parking for street paving and safety improvements [highlighted text added by Bautista]
Does not support:
- Creating more car parking
- Decreasing the price of car parking
Michael Russo
Action items in order of priority:
- Creating pedestrian only areas
- Creating more car parking
- Installing Protected Bike Lanes
- Creating more bicycle parking
- Installing raised crosswalks in high pedestrian areas
Does not support:
- Increasing the price of car parking
- Decreasing the price of car parking
- Narrowing streets
Personal Statement
Ronald Bautista
I’ve been an advocate for pedestrian safety in Hoboken for many years, an advisor on transit solutions for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, and for institutions like the NY State Department of State I’ve been a consultant on building a stronger relationship between government and the community. I am running for the 3rd Ward City Council seat to fight for a Hoboken that works for all ages and abilities. As the happy father to my 1-year-old baby girl, Sofia, my hope is that she can grow up healthy and safe in our neighborhood. She truly is my inspiration to challenge the status quo and help make our community better.
We currently have a councilman who has been in that seat for 15 years. Our streets have had more than 375 injuries from crashes over the past 5 years, yet my opponent has been passive on pedestrian safety. Right now, we live in the second county with highest childhood asthma cases caused by traffic fumes, and my opponent has done nothing to fight it. I believe we have two choices in life; we either become frustrated with politics and do nothing, or we take a stand.
We cannot afford to wait any longer. On November 5, we can vote to support our engineers in making our streets safer. Together, we can have 100% renewable energy transportation by 2030. I hope to count with the support from our neighbors so I can be their advocate at the Council for a more people-friendly city, with better transit, cleaner air, and safer streets.
Michael Russo
Dr. Michael Russo is a Hoboken native. A proud product of the Hoboken public school system and graduate of Hoboken High School, Michael went on to earn multiple post graduate degrees in Physical Therapy. Dr. Russo founded NJIB, a premier orthopedic & vestibular rehabilitation clinic.
Dr. Russo learned the importance of service to his community early in life, from his earliest days as a Boy Scout, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. The drive to help others continued through his adolescence and young adulthood. His volunteer work as a PAL football coach, an assistant scoutmaster and work as a high school summer supplemental education instructor has given him a unique perspective on the lives of many families, and a great sense of fulfillment.
Dr. Russo has provided pro bono care for athletes at all levels, including student athletes in their early childhood through high school and college. He has volunteered his services since the beginning of his career to various high schools in New Jersey, but most notably his hometown and alma mater, Hoboken High School’s Football program. He also worked with Olympic athletes treating the national Israeli Ice Dance Team.
His service continues volunteering for multiple non-profit organizations like the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation, where he serves as a member of board of trustees. raising money to provide cancer screenings for those without access to these lifesaving procedures. Through these non-profit organizations, Michael is able to help the many residents of Hudson County and raise money for other local charities.
A natural extension of the yearning need to help others, Michael entered a career in public service as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment in 2000. In late 2003, Michael was then elected as the Third Ward Councilman in Hoboken, where he still currently serves. As an avid tenant advocate, he was elected to serve as a commissioner of the Hoboken Housing Authority, by his council colleagues, again having the privilege to serve his neighbors. With his unique expertise in health care, Dr. Russo was also asked to serve on the City of Hoboken’s Health Insurance Commission.
In his private life, Michael married Lisa Baptista in 2009. She is a registered dietitian and certified specialist in pediatric nutrition. Although now she has the most important job of all…being a mom. Happily married and living in Hoboken, Michael and Lisa are raising their four (4) beautiful children Lia Grace, Jack Anthony and their twins Michele Stella and Michael Dean.
Dr. Russo’s education and his caring nature have been the driving forces for his need to help others. However, his family has been his primary drive. It has been Dr. Russo’s faith in God and his love for his family that has continued to keep him in service of others.
