Opposition from FBW, artists and local residents has preserved the iconic views from Hoboken’s beloved waterfront park
FBW | September 30, 2024
The City of Hoboken made no public announcement but quietly withdrew its proposed controversial $500,000 sculpture for Pier C Park as part of its Public Arts Program. The artwork by Harmke Datema of the Netherlands consisted of two staggered steel arches with decorative glass that would have spanned nearly the entire 164-foot length of the existing fishing pier. The City’s decision was reflected in the June 18, 2024 meeting minutes of the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee which read, “Harmke project is facing push back and does not have support. Will not be moving forward. Administration will not be submitting for approval.”
After the proposed artwork came up for a hearing before the Hoboken City Council in May, opposition was voiced by the Fund for a Better Waterfront (FBW), the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, artists and local residents.
FBW pointed out that the imposing sculpture was not compatible with the original, carefully conceived design for Pier C Park by world-renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh. FBW wrote to the City, “The enjoyment of the natural environment would be diminished. The scale and placement of this piece are discordant with the setting.” In its letter to the City, the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association wrote that the proposed sculpture is “totally inappropriate for a fishing pier.”
In response to the May City Council public hearing, Irene Sobolov wrote, “So many, including myself and my family, fought for years to make that waterfront accessible and the view unobstructed. . . Some spoke last night of public art enhancing a space, drawing tourists and revenue. I can’t honestly think of any location on the planet that is less in need of any enhancement or further draw of tourists. The area is itself a work of art. The view iconic worldwide.”
FBW and others also objected to the failure to establish a vigorous, public vetting process for this proposed artwork. FBW had not been consulted, despite its 34-year history advocating for Hoboken’s waterfront. At its June meeting, the Arts Advisory Committee stressed the need for an improved public process, including more community engagement, surveys and public suggestions.
On June 25, 2018, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla issued Executive Order #4 establishing Percent for Art Funding. This order authorizes that all City bond ordinances include an additional 1 percent of the bond value to support the implementation of public art.
At its September 16th meeting, the Hoboken City Council unanimously approved a $250,000 statue of LGBTQ+ icon Marsha P. Johnson. She lived in Hoboken from 1980 until her death in 1992. The proposed location is the northwest corner of Stevens Park. Completed public art projects include large murals at Tom Olivieri Park, designed and painted by Tom’s son, Teofilo Olivieri, and local artist Ray Guzman, and a series of utility box murals along Washington Street.