FBW | December 14, 2013
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The Hudson Riverkeeper has a remarkable story to tell going after polluters of the Hudson River and sparking a movement to clean up rivers across the nation. Paul Gallay, the Hudson Riverkeeper, will relate this inspirational tale on Thursday night, November 21 at the Fund for a Better Waterfront’s (FBW) Annual Fundraising Party. The story echoes a similar grassroots effort in Hoboken to preserve its waterfront for the public’s use for generations to come: led by the advocacy efforts of FBW.
This festive event begins at 7 p.m. Teak on the Hudson, Liberty Realty and Choice Properties are the sponsors. Artisanal Latin American treats will be provided by Zafra Kitchens and its award-winning chef Maricel Presilla. There will be an open bar and a jazz trio, the Riverview Band. Dessert has been generously provided by Choc-O-Pain French Bakery & Cafe. Auction and raffle items will be announced soon.
FBW has organized this affair annually to provide an opportunity for Hoboken area residents to gather and celebrate their outstanding waterfront. It is also an opportunity to learn what still needs to be done by all to fulfill the vision first proposed by FBW some 23 years ago.
For nearly 50 years, the Hudson Riverkeeper has been the clean water advocate for the Hudson River, establishing globally recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection. The Riverkeeper serves as the model and mentor for the growing Waterkeeper movement that includes nearly 200 Keeper programs across the country and around the globe.
Riverkeeper began as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association (HRFA), an environmental watchdog and enforcement organization founded by a group of concerned fisherman. Environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has been one of the guiding lights for the Riverkeeper and currently serves as Vice Chair of its Board of Directors.
FBW began in 1990, after the voters of Hoboken defeated an agreement between the City of Hoboken and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to build a 3.2 million square foot development at Hoboken’s South Waterfront. After this dramatic referendum victory, the nonprofit FBW was formed to develop a plan and a vision for Hoboken’s waterfront.
FBW developed a plan calling for a continuous, public park at the water’s edge clearly separated from the upland private development. Today, the park at Hoboken’s South Waterfront has been the recipient of a series of awards, the most recent being the New Jersey American Planning Association’s designation as one of New Jersey’s 2013 Great Public Spaces.
From the beginning, FBW has been guided by a single unifying vision: to secure an undeniably public waterfront park along New Jersey’s Hudson River – now and for generations to come. FBW believes that successful waterfronts begin with sound planning and time-tested urban design, supported by a steadfast belief that the water’s edge belongs to the public.
Tickets for the event are on sale for $75 and can be purchased online at FBW’s Take Me to the River.
Where: Hoboken Elks Club, 1005 Washington Street, Hoboken, New Jersey.
Date/Time: Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 7 p.m.
For more information contact Executive Director Ron Hine at /ron@betterwaterfront.org.
Related links
Paul Gallay bio
About the Riverkeeper
Plan for the Hoboken Waterfont
Fund for a Better Waterfront History
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FBW Board member Heather Gibbons (the redhead) with husband Dr. Mitch Baruchin and friends.
Hudson Riverkeeper Paul Gallay speaking with FBW architect/planner Craig Whitaker.
James Castiglione with FBW President Jim Vance.
FBW board member Monica Pollock handing out winning ticket in raffle.
FBW Executive Director Ron Hine addressing the crowd.
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