HOBOKEN, N.J. (WABC) — There’s good news for commuters who depend on Hoboken’s historic train station — a massive renovation project 15 years in the making is finally moving forward.
Over the next five years, the project, known as Hoboken Connect, promises a complete transformation of the Hoboken terminal, including a new bus terminal and ferry terminal, as well as office space and retail space.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy marked the start of the revitalization project on Wednesday.
In addition to new office and retail space, it will bring affordable housing and improved public infrastructure. It will weave together a historic building with modern amenities.
“The Hoboken Connect project, made possible by a combination of vision, tenacity and collaboration between the public and private sectors, will serve as a microcosm of all that my administration intends to achieve,” Murphy said. “In addition to incorporating environmentally sustainable design features, this highly anticipated development will also generate millions of dollars in revenue for both Hoboken and NJ TRANSIT. Just as importantly, this game-changing project will provide economic opportunity for New Jersey residents through affordable housing, public and active transportation options, and thousands of good-paying jobs.”
The project also includes a new bus terminal and better access for bicycles and pedestrians.
Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature appropriated $176 million for the project during the fiscal year 2023 budget agreement.
All improvements will be made using historical preservation guidelines where possible.
The current terminal opened in 1907 and is showing signs of age from roof leaks to rot. Most of the businesses in the terminal never reopened after Superstorm Sandy.
Hoboken Connect has been 15 years in the making. If built, it would bring about 10,000 construction jobs and about 15,000 permanent jobs in and around the terminal.
“Upgrading our transit infrastructure is a cornerstone of building sustainable communities that will pay dividends for generations to come,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and TRANSIT NJ Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scacchetti. “This project is an example of how the public and private sectors can come together to make our cities more walkable and transit-friendly as we continue to limit our impact on climate change.”
The project advertises a European market where passengers can relax, eat and rest from a busy journey.
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