The Quality of Life Coalition (QLC) is exactly what its name implies. It is a coming together, a coalescing, of various groups and individuals concerned about the air, earth and water, about the density of development, the need for open space, the lack of parking, the flooding, and the host of difficulties that militate against a good and healthy living environment in this densely populated urban city.
The Hoboken streetscape and the city’s old and historic buildings are the charms that make Hoboken unique and desirable. Preservation of those gifts from the past is among the Coalition’s objectives in its continuing efforts to keep Hoboken as “a special place on the Hudson” as described by the Regional Plan Association (The Lower Hudson, RPA 1966).
About the Committee for a Green Hoboken Participation in the Committee for a Green Hoboken is open to anyone interested in reducing the CO2 outputs of our community and making Hoboken more environmentally sustainable.
Since forming in September 2007, the Committee has grown to more than 30 volunteers, with a working committee that meets monthly. To date, QLC and the Committee have succeeded in pushing for the city’s adoption of a resolution to join the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, committing the city to audit and reduce its CO2 emissions by 2020, which should also reduce its energy bills.
The Committee reached out to the NJ Board of Public Utilities to make sure Hoboken got to the front of the line for grant money towards the energy audit. The audit process is underway and the Committee remains a stakeholder. The Committee has also raised awareness of ways in which individuals can reduce their CO2 emissions through its “Wake Up to Green” seminar series, “Easy Being Green” monthly tips, by hosting an expert panel on how to reduce energy consumption in condo common areas and within homes, as well as through participation in events around town.
For more info visit: http://www.qlchoboken.org
Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition to Distribute Four Thanksgiving Awards
at November 9 Event
On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition will conduct its sixth year of presenting Hoboken Thanksgiving Awards. Three citizens and, for the first time, a for-profit organization will be honored. The three citizens will be lauded for their free contributions of time and talent for the betterment of the City of Hoboken. The fourth award will be focused on sustainability and utilization of new techniques in the workplace. PSE&G is underwriting the event which will be held at Hoboken Historical Museum, Hudson at 13th St. A reception will follow the event.
Recipients of the awards are as follows:
Community Service Award to Valerie D’Antonio, the talented volunteer for many causes and on behalf of numerous committees.
Environmental Award, In Memoriam to Marjorie Laue, the avid gardener for her efforts in the development of green gardens in the city.
Community Awareness Award to Mark Singleton for his extraordinary work involving the care of the poor and shelter for the homeless.
QLC’s Green Award to Jason Scott and Chris Viola, owners of The Taco Truck and restaurant for their “green” store and contributions to the city’s tree planting program.
The Hoboken Thanksgiving Awards were initiated in 2005 by the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition as a means of expressing gratitude for the energy and talent provided by ordinary citizens who volunteer their time and talent without remuneration for the benefit of the city. “These awards provide an opportunity for the Hoboken community to bring its many-times unspoken expressions of thanks and gratitude to full voice,” says Helen Manogue, Coordinator of QLC. “The new QLC Green Award has been created in order to point out what a business entity can do to assist the city in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and clearing the air.”
The event is open to the general public. Admission is free.
QLC/CGH celebrates with city on award from Sustainable Jersey.
ReplyDeleteOn Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer accepted the Leadership Award on behalf of the city from Sustainable Jersey at its annual luncheon in Atlantic City.
The mayor has been the leading advocate for the greening of the city.
The Quality of Life Coalition and its Committee for a Green Hoboken extend congratulations to her and the City of Hoboken for the award and for having begun the process of fulfilling the city’s 2008 commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Sustainable Jersey is a group that provides certification of sustainability efforts undertaken by municipalities in the state.
The QLC and its CGH are delighted to see recognition of the city’s work.
The QLC is well aware of those efforts since it and the QLC’s Committee for a Green Hoboken have partnered with the city from the start. The QLC initiated the city’s adoption of the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement in 2008 and under the leadership of JD Capuano, first chairman of the QLC’s Committee for a Green Hoboken, assisted the city’s Environmental Services department in planning for and implementing an audit of municipal buildings in 2009. CGH also provided the research and direction in 2010 that led to the adoption of single stream recycling in the city. Two of the QLC’s board members, Tom Chartier and Brad Miller serve on the newly created Green Team.
The Coalition also congratulates the city employees who have worked to gain certification of the city to a Bronze status which designation will assist in obtaining funding for future green projects. David Calamoneri in Environmental Services has guided the city’s implementation of green projects since 2008. Recently Ryan Sharp in Parking and Transportation, supported by Director Ian Sacs, and Chris Brown in Community Development assigned by Director Brandy Forbes joined forces with Calamoneri and Maricela Rivera in completing a critical audit of the city’s entire automotive fleet. .
Other projects that have earned credit and points for the city with Sustainable Jersey are the Farmers’ Markets sponsored by the Quality of
Life Coalition and overseen by the Coalition’s John Branciforte and Calamoneri; the tree planting last summer funded in part by a donation from The Taco Truck and matched at the direction of the mayor for a total of 100 trees planted. The city’s Shade Tree Commission also played an active part in the planting of the trees. The first audit and its implementation gained points from Sustainable Jersey as well as the partnership with citizen groups and the city’s
Shade Tree Commission members Steve Fahmie