More Waterfront Repairs

Below are a few pictures I took of the significant repairs that are taking place on the walkway north of the Tea Building. There is also a picture of the new walkway between Hoboken and Weehawken.

Paddling the Center

When Kayaking the Hudson River, you always get pulled to the center channel. It’s not a bad thing. In fact, on a calm day, it can be quite nice to just float to the middle of the river and have a good look around.

Unfortunately, in the river of Hoboken politics, it is almost impossible to navigate the center channel.

The blogosphere is a wave of vitriol and a reminder of just how divided Hoboken politics are – on both sides.

On one side, you have the so-called “corrupt old guard” – Beth Mason, Mike Russo, Lane Bijardi, Frank Raia, Hoboken411, the “Born and Raised”. On the other you have the so-called “Zimmer Zombies” – Dawn Zimmer, Ravi Bhalla, Michael Lenz, Kid’s First, MileSquareView, 2/3rds of those who comment on HobokenPatch, Grafix Avenger, “the yuppies”.

This river gets narrower, shallower, and more polluted each day.

So here’s what I've seen while paddling the political center channel - and what I've learned from it.

Hoboken City Council – I know, and have had long conversations with, many people who serve on the current Hoboken City Council. And, I should add, there are many bright people on both banks of Hoboken’s political river. But, I am convinced that this city council cannot be fixed – so I have made a decision of how I will, in a small way, help change things. Plain and simple, I will not vote for anyone with direct ties to the blogs listed above. Further, I will only vote for those who do their best to distance themselves from those blogs. I suggest you join me.

Hoboken Schools – Let’s all say it together… “My kid will go to Hoboken’s Public Schools”. See, don’t you, as a young Hoboken parent, feel better. If we - all the parents at the playground - say it, and then follow through, our public schools will improve, and, one day, be great. And best of all, it will not matter who is elected to the school board. I know many of the teachers at these schools – and the ones I know are excellent. It is time to start supporting them. Let me start the movement… my daughter will attend Hoboken Public Schools. Again, I hope you join me.

See, it can be calm out here in the middle. Even peaceful. Happy paddling.

Regarding Saint Pats and Snooki

I told myself I wouldn’t get involved in the St. Patrick’s Day / Snooki debates, but it seems that these two topics have been the talk-of-the-town, so to speak.  And since it's too warm to ski, and too cold to kayak, here goes…

Let me start with a bit of background.  My wife is a retail business owner here in Hoboken.  I work in town.  We raise our daughter, own a condo, and pay loads of taxes here.  Together, we have lived in Hoboken happily for over twelve years.

Unlike most people in the blogosphere, I do not have a crystal ball that allows me to see into the future and know for sure whether or not the decision by Mayor Zimmer to ban the likes of Snooki and her ilk is a good idea. 

On one hand, I have the fear that many Hobokenites have: people will think less of Hoboken.  I know that Hoboken is more than its bar culture.  After many years, Hoboken has succeeded in building a reputation as a great place for families, high quality restaurants, and reputable businesses.  You could say that Hoboken has finally grown up.  We do not want to see that reputation destroyed with “wait, doesn't Snooki live in your town?”

On the other hand, the Mayor just turned away what could potentially be an estimated 7.8 million viewers.  That’s 7.8 million people who will not get to see the New York skyline from our side of the river; 7.8 million people who will not get to see the numerous restaurants, bars, and businesses that make this city thrive.

Is it too much to expect that people who do not watch these shows won’t know or care that they are filmed here?  Or that people who do watch these shows might actually get to see Hoboken as a good place to visit? 

Personally, I don’t watch Jersey Shore, but I do have friends who do.  And before you rush to judgment, many of these friends are older, smart, college educated, and wealthy – go figure.  And, if my MTV-watching-memory serves me, MTV is very good at making the places they send their “stars” look cool, youthful, and nice - even when their “stars” look like buffoons.

Here is what I do know.  Mayor Zimmer – who recently unilaterally moved the much hyped, much celebrated, and extremely controversial Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day Parade to a Wednesday (which the parade committee sited as its sole reason to cancel this year’s parade) - is the same mayor who granted the Cake Boss a permit to film during last year’s St. Patrick's Day Parade: the same parade that shows our city in such a bad light, according to our mayor. 

I’m not sure whether Mayor Zimmer’s decision is a good one or a bad one – only time will tell.  But I am sure that she shouldn’t make decisions like these without consulting her constituents – including both the tax paying residents and tax paying businesses (of which, I am both).  Shouldn't my wife decide whether or not she wants Snooki in her shop?  Not that my wife would want Snooki there, but now the choice has been made for her.

Let me be clear – although I may ultimately agree with the mayor regarding this decision, I do not agree with her rush to judgment to protect the “quality of life” of this town.  

Shouldn’t the businesses of this town get a say when potentially turning away free publicity to 7.8 million people?  I’m curious, what does the W Hotel think about this decision?  What about the trendy Hoboken boutiques?  Or any other business that will provide the tax base to actually improve our “quality of life”?  

Further, how does the mayor defend her “Cake Boss: yes, Snooki: no” logic?  Has the Cake Boss contributed to the overall “quality of life” of this town?  How does a business like First Street Barber feel telling every person walking to stand in line for a cannoli that they can not use their restroom?  How has their “quality of life” improved? 

Frankly, both shows to me are ridiculous – and I can’t understand why anyone would watch either one.  But make no mistake - people do watch these shows.  

For many local businesses, the difference between a good year and a great year is as few as 100 sales.  A parade or silly reality show can make that difference.  And in a microeconomy like Hoboken, those profits then make their way back to the restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, and boutiques that keep our town vibrant.

I’m also surprised at many of my Hoboken friends who now, when discussing these matters, seem like parents from the 1950’s, “we only want wholesome, decent enterprises in our town.”  Since when did we all become the decency police?  Personally, I like the youthful side of Hoboken. I still enjoy the bar culture – and the fact that young people want to move to this town.  I love it when I tell young people I live in Hoboken and they look at me like, “cool”.  Will that change with Snooki?  Possibly, but that's why she wants to come here.  That’s also why bus-loads of college students will drive here from out-of-state for Hoboken’s Saint Patrick’s Day.  Hell, that’s the reason many of us wound up here in the first place.  Maybe even you, Mayor Zimmer.

I know Hoboken has grown up, but I have to ask, when did we all go and get so… old?

A Foggy Winter Morning

With winter temps regularly hitting the 60's, this has been a strange winter indeed. I know that one winter does not deter the climate change skeptics so I have attached the following article and some amazing pics of what happens when warm air meets the cool Hudson. Enjoy.

More of the Same

Above are Satellite Images taken of the Hudson River in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Get ready for more of the same. More rain and more snow are on their way to the northeast. You don't have to be a meteorologist to understand that global warming causes incredible increases in precipitation, especially in temperate climates - and leaves behind great drought in warmer areas (see Texas). Heat causes greater evaporation, and more precipitation, and this past summer, according to NOAA, was the second hottest summer on record in the U.S.

I was fortunate enough to catch one of the last flights out before Hurricane Irene (we flew out of Philly to France for holiday the day before the big storm hit - New York airports were already closed), so I wasn't here to see it. We were very luck that our Hoboken property stayed dry as well. But I can tell by the Hudson River that Irene, and the subsequent Tropical Storm Lee, caused great damage.

A week later, the Hudson still flows muddy brown. The Hudson River Valley has swelled to great heights. And run-off pollutants will continue to threaten our waterway for weeks to come.

I hope to get back in my boat before the cold weather kicks in - maybe this weekend. Of course, the approaching Tropical Storm Maria might change my minds. It's just more of the same.

France Vacation, 2011

Above are a few of the photos from my vacation with family and friends in Le Vernet, France. Baby Paddler loved it. Thank you to Ash, Brittany, and Andy for a great week.

Our River is Safe Again

After a Harlem fire dumped raw sewage into our Hudson River, the NJ DEP has stated the river has been cleared again for recreational use. Read more here. To read more about how the damage has already been done, read here.

I'll see you on the river. Happy Paddling!

Boaters Welcome. Tie Up Anywhere!

I am not sure what the laws are regarding mooring or tying up boats in Weehawken Cove, but lately, there seem to be many. Last year, there were only a few - all belonging to a New York boat club. This year, there are twice as many - most of which are in bad condition and have been poorly moored, anchored, or tied up. Above is a picture of one such boat that has been seen in the cove lately. The boat is haphazardly tied to a pole on the collapsing pier east of the Tea Building. Now take a look at the same boat below.



The above picture was taken only two days later. The boat, filled with personal belongings, is now sunk against the pier.



Worse yet, the boat's belongings are strewn across the Tea Building beach (below).



Now, I am all for the right to waterfront access. It is my opinion, the more people enjoy the Hudson River, the more people will protect it. But boats recklessly tied to collapsing docks or moored by homemade anchors only threaten our beautiful river. Further, we do not know if people are/were living on these watercrafts.

I am amazed that Hoboken and/or Weehawken authorities have allowed all of these boats to just tie up anywhere. (By the way, I have noticed that many of them have come along since the new construction of the waterfront walkway between the two river-front cities. Do the boats belong to the workers? I know the same boat, shown above, was tied up to the newly constructed walkway only weeks ago.) It is my hope that boats like the one above will not be allowed to stay in Weehawken Cove any longer.

Otherwise, I might just have to buy that sailboat I wanted. After all, I know the perfect place to put it.

Lackawanna Ferry Terminal

I love paddling down to the Lackawanna ferry terminal. Each time I do, I am amazed by the restoration of this historic building. You can now see awnings have been added, as well as shiny, round decorative mirrors hanging from the ceiling.

I'm curious, with the construction of, not one, but six terminals, is the city of Hoboken anticipating greater ferry usage by Hobokenites? Is NY Waterway going to be increasing their capacity? Or, is the city of Hoboken anticipating other private-use ferry services? Maybe they will, once again, sail the Yankee Clipper - the ferry from Hoboken to Yankee Stadium? Either way, things are looking great downtown.

More Pier Deterioration

These images were all taken below the sinkhole near Fouteenth Street Pier. I know this story has been discussed ad nauseum in the local press, but until you see for yourself just how much cement sits atop old wooden pylons, it is hard for the average Hobokenite to understand how bad the situation really is.

One Very Big Boat

Fleet week usually brings large military ships to New York's harbor, but this is not a Navy ship. This is simply the largest private boat I have seen in the Hudson. Check out the size of the craft and its three masts compared to the pleasure boat that is next to it. If anyone knows anything about this boat, please comment.

Visitors to Twelfth Street Pier

I paddled over to to the Twelfth Street Pier the other day. To my surprise, in addition to the historic Yankee Ferry that is always there, there were two other boats tied to the dock. One who is making a return visit and one that I had never seen before. The Anne is back (pictured in front). You remember this boat - its controversial Captain, Reid Stowe, spent a remarkable 1,152 days at sea. It left for winter , but has returned. Read more about this amazing ship here. The other boat was enormous! It flew flags from Denmark and had a large crew drinking wine and enjoying dinner when I paddled by. They all seemed very friendly and waved.

These ships add much needed character to our waterfront. I suggest you stop by to check them out before they sail off.

End of Summer Pictures

Since the birth of Baby Paddler, I haven't been able to log as many hours on the Hudson as I did in the past. I have gotten out enough, though, this summer to enjoy the river and take a few pictures. Here are a couple that have been on my camera for a while:



A pleasure boat sunk in Weehawken Cove.



Invasion of the paddle boarders.



New Hoboken Green Space? It is as usable right now as Pier C...



Pier C. Will this ever open?



Progress on the Steven's Institute of Technology waterfront.



What in the world? The Sheraton in Weehawken.



And finally, a picture of the "Anne"- possibly one of the most famous ships to dock on our waterfront. Read more about this remarkable ship and its captain here (from last week's New York Magazine). My friend Steve said it well... "he (the captain) is right in what he doesn't quite say... he deserves more fanfare and recognition." However, as a new father, the story is tough to swallow. From what I've heard, this ship is now docked in Queens.

Have a great fall everyone!

Hudson River Water Quality

Hudson River Water Quality Study

As a Hudson River kayaker I am often asked “is the water clean?” To date, my response has always been “yes”, though I could not provide evidence to support my answer. The following study was done to help answer that question conclusively as well as satisfy my own curiosity.

Materials and Methods

The following experiments were conducted using a LaMotte Water Monitoring Kit. The kit provided all materials and procedures for testing temperature, coliform, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, pH, phosphate, and turbidity. The samples for each test were taken from the mouth of the Hudson River inlet between Weehawken and Hoboken (approximately 200 meters north of the end of the northern-most, collapsing pier in Hoboken). The Hudson River water sample was taken at 3:53pm on ThursdayJuly 29th. The air temperature at the time the sample was 28 degrees C (approximately 83 degrees F). The sample was taken approximately two and a half hours after high tide. There had not been a significant rainfall in the 48 hours prior to sampling. The sample was obtained in a large sterile container held under the water’s surface for 30 seconds.

Temperature Test

Temperature is very important to water quality. Temperature affects the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water as well as the rate of photosynthesis of aquatic plants. Thermal pollution, the discharge of heated water, can cause temperature changes that threaten the balance of aquatic systems (LaMotte Manual).

Coliform Bacteria Test

Fecal coliform are naturally present in the human digestive tract, but are rare or absent in unpolluted waters. The presence of coliform bacteria is a reliable indication of sewage in the Hudson River. Although

coliform bacteria are not pathogenic, they are dangerous to human health. This test indicates total and all coliform bacteria strains present. This test kit will indicate above or below 20 coliform colonies per 100ml of river water (LaMotte Manual).

Dissolved Oxygen Test

All aquatic animals need oxygen to survive. Natural waters with consistently high dissolved oxygen levels are most likely healthy and are capable of supporting a diverse aquatic environment. Cold water holds a greater amount of dissolved oxygen than warm. High levels of bacteria from sewage pollution or large amounts of rotting plants can cause dissolved oxygen to decrease (LaMotte Manual).

Biochemical Oxygen Demand Test

Biochemical oxygen demand is a measure of the quantity of dissolved oxygen used by bacteria as they break down organic wastes. In slow moving or polluted rivers, much of the available dissolved oxygen is consumed by bacteria, robbing other aquatic organisms of the oxygen needed to live (LaMotte Manual).

Nitrate Test

Nitrogen is essential for plant growth but the presence of excessive amounts in water supplies presents a major pollution problem. Nitrogen compounds that may enter water as nitrates, or be converted to nitrates, can originate from agricultural fertilizers, sewage, industrial and packing house wastes, drainage from livestock feeding areas, and farm manures. Nitrates, in conjunction with phosphates, stimulate the growth of algae with all of the related difficulties associated with excessive algae growth (LaMotte Manual).

pH Test

pH is a measure of hydrogen ions in solution. Most natural waters will have pH values from pH 5.0-8.5. Acidic, freshly fallen rain water may have a pH value of pH 5.5-6.0 (commonly referred to as acid rain due to pollution). If it reacts with soils and minerals containing weak alkaline materials, the hydroxyl ions will increase and the hydrogen ions decrease; the water may become slightly alkaline with a pH of pH 8.0-8.5. Sea water will have a pH value close to pH 8.0. Waters more acidic than pH5.0 and more alkaline than pH8.5-9.0 should be viewed with suspicion. Mine drainage and acid industrial wastes are the principal factors in increasing the acidity of water, and alkaline industrial wastes are the cause of high pH values (LaMotte Manual).

Phosphate Test

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for aquatic plants and is fundamental in metabolic reactions. The amount found in water is generally not more than 0.1 ppm unless the water has become polluted from waste water sources or excessive drainage from agricultural areas. When phosphorus is present in excess of the concentrations required for normal aquatic plant growth, a process called eutrophication takes place. This creates a favorable environment for the increase in algae and weed nuisances that produce scums and odors. When algae cells die, oxygen is used in the decomposition and fish kills often result. Rapid decomposition of dense algae scums with associated organisms give rise to foul odors and hydrogen sulfide gas. Inorganic phosphate, which is largely the form of phosphorus required for plant growth, is determined by its reaction with a molybdate solution to form a phosphomolybdate which, when reduced, forms a blue color which is the basis for a very sensitive test for phosphorus. The production of more than a faint blue color in this test is cause for suspicion of phosphate pollution (LaMotte Manual).

Turbidity Test

Turbidity is the measure of the relative clarity of water. Turbid water is the result of suspended matter such as clay, silt, and organic matter. Turbidity should not be confused with color since darkly colored water can still be clear and not turbid. Turbid water may be the result of soil erosion, urban runoff, algal blooms, and, in the case of the Hudson River, bottom sediment disturbances (LaMotte Manual).

Results

1. Water temperature – 27 degrees C (approximately 80 degrees F)
2. Coliform bacteria – positive, above 20 coliform bacteria colonies per 100ml of water.
3. Dissolved oxygen – 8ppm at 27 degrees C equals a dissolved oxygen rate of over 99%
4. Biochemical dissolved oxygen – 0ppm
5. Nitrate – 5ppm
6. Phosphate - >1ppm
7. pH – 7
8. Turbidity- dark disk visible, 0 to 40 JTU

Analysis

Water temperature – the above average temperatures air temperatures of the Hudson River Watershed are effecting the water temperatures slightly. The Hudson River temperature is slightly above average for this time of year.

Coliform bacteria- The study’s confirmation of fecal coliform colony counts higher than 20 per 100ml of Hudson River Water is the most concerning. The study cannot conclude the cause of the fecal coliform levels, but raw sewage contamination should not be ruled out. Rank - Poor

Dissolved oxygen (DO)- A high level of dissolved oxygen is a positive indicator for a healthy watershed. A result over 99% is a very positive sign for the Hudson River. Rank – Excellent

Biochemical dissolved oxygen (BDO)- The BDO is the difference between the DO and the BOD over a five day period. There was no change in the coloration confirming a BOD of 0ppm. Rank - Excellent

Nitrate- a low result for nitrates is a positive sign for a watershed. This study’s result of 5ppm is a moderate result for the Hudson River. Rank - Fair

Phosphate- like nitrates, a low result for phosphates is necessary for a healthy watershed. >1ppm is an excellent result for the Hudson River. Rank – Excellent

pH- There are many more accurate ways of measuring pH than what was utilized in this study. The brackish water of the Hudson River tested slightly alkaline, but well within norms. Rank – Good to Excellent

Turbidity- a lower turbidity equals a higher clarity of water. Rank – Good to Excellent

Application

The test results conclude that there are many positive signs for the Hudson River. The Hudson River ranks fair to excellent in all tests, except one, that help indicate a healthy river. The fecal coliform test is cause for concern. All tests should be duplicated. Further testing for fecal coliform will be necessary.

Discussion

The clean up the Hudson River has been underway for many decades. Many people, however, remain skeptical that the Hudson River is clean enough for recreation activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. At one point, the Hudson River was one of the most polluted waterways in the world. This is no longer true. As this study proves, there are many positives signs of the health of the Hudson. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of “excellent” results this study obtained. Though there is much work to do (I was not surprised by the poor coliform result), I hope this study gives people the confidence to enjoy our river more - to get into that sailboat or kayak, or enter the NYC triathlon. The more people use the Hudson, the more they will take an interest in caring for it.

Back in the Paddle Again

It has been a while since my last post. Unfortunately, numerous family issues have kept me from both my boat and my laptop, but after a difficult Spring, I am hopeful for a wonderful summer. After all, this summer will bring, among other things, Baby Paddler. Needless to say, my wife and I are very excited.

I have been in the boat quite a few times, mostly to relax, but I have numerous ideas for future posts.

The question that I am asked the most is "is the Hudson clean"? I always reply yes, but I will know for sure this summer. When I was a kid, a good friend of my family was an oceanographer who worked at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. He studied waterways all over the world. But if you would have asked him what his favorite study was, he would have told you about the research he did on the salt pond located behind his house. Following in his footsteps, I will be doing my own official study this summer - of the Hudson River. I will be looking at the health (or lack thereof) of the Hudson by studying and quantifying the dissolved oxygen, coliform, pH, temperature, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate levels, phosphate levels and turbidity of our waterfront. Think of it as a grown-ups science fair project. I will post all results right here on Hoboken Paddler.

And, of course, I will also be posting pictures of our ever changing waterfront.