HOBOKEN, N.J. (WCBS 880) — A years-long dispute over a prime piece of land on the Hudson waterfront is now over.
Along most of Hoboken's waterfront you'll find bike and jogging paths, lush green lawns and gorgeous views, then you get to what's known as Union Dry Dock, an area of land sectioned off by tall fences and barbed wire.
The area belongs to the New York Waterway and for years, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla says the city has been arguing with New York over what to do with the land.
Now, finally, the two have come to an agreement.
"The city of Hoboken has agreed with New York Waterway on the purchase of the property," Bhalla said.
The city will pay $18.5 million for the land and most of the funding will come from an already established trust fund.
"This piece of property was the last remaining piece of that puzzle to create a walkway through the entire city," the mayor said.
Bhalla says the purchase will now go on to benefit the entire community.
"It creates access to what will be a beautiful park for everyone to enjoy," the mayor said. "It gives us a fresh start, a new beginning."
Bhalla says the design of the park will be determined by the community.
New York Waterway, after initially holding onto the land as a potential maintenance facility, is now looking at expanding operations upriver in Weehawken.
The Hoboken mayor believes that move for the agency will also benefit New Jerseyans.
"That will be to the benefit also of residents, when we think about having a robust mass transit infrastructure," he said.
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