Halloween, one of the nation’s favorite holidays allows children and adults alike to take part in festivities like dressing up as your favorite movie character and participating in the annual Ragamuffin Parade, go trick-or-treating for candy, and sipping on hot cocoa while watching classic horror films.
For Hoboken, it is more than just a holiday, it’s a lifestyle. Hobokenites take pride in being the go-to town in the state for an authentic Halloween experience, thanks to residents that whip up uniquely spooky decorations beginning October 1st. Hoboken during the month of October is our own little Salem, full of the Halloween spirit. In true Mile Square fashion, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite decorated homes.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla Announces He Will Not Run for Re-Election
After two terms of serving as Hoboken's Mayor since 2017, Ravi Bhalla announced he will not run for re-election for a third term this November. Mayor Bhalla sent out the following statement to Hoboken locals on Friday, January 10th, 2025 to announce the news.
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
"I write to first and foremost wish you and your family a Happy New Year! 2024 was a year of tremendous progress for Hoboken, which I know we will continue in the New Year.
Serving as your Mayor these past seven years has been and will continue to be the privilege of my lifetime. I am immensely proud of the historic improvements we’ve made together on everything from securing the former Union Dry Dock site for public use, creating a model for pedestrian safety through our Vision Zero campaign, opening what is likely the country’s largest resiliency park at ResilienCity Park, and so much more.
After conversations with my family, I have decided not to run for re-election this November for a third term as Mayor. While I plan to pursue public service through a different path, I wanted to let you know that 2025 will be my last year as Mayor of our great City.
I’m more than confident about the future of Hoboken, and the path our team has paved for whomever is elected as your next leader. Our waterfront is now, once and for all, free from development. We have adopted redevelopment plans that maintain the charm and character of our City, while providing needed revitalization. We’ve preserved over 10 acres of land for public parkland, without sacrificing major concessions. And we have continued a model of transparency for major city projects, that I am fully confident the public will press for going forward.
Fortunately, Hoboken is home to a number of talented public servants and activists, and I have no doubt that the future is bright. I also have full faith that the voters of Hoboken will select a trusted leader to bring our City to even greater heights in the years ahead.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to extend my gratitude for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as the Mayor of Hoboken, and I'm confident in the coming years, the best is yet to come.
Sincerely,
Ravi Bhalla
Mayor"
Mayor Bhalla also announced the news via Instagram. See the full post below.
View this post on Instagram
Back in December of 2023, Mayor Bhalla announced his run for Congress in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District in the Democratic Primary. His opponent was Democrat Rob Menendez, son of Senator Bob Menendez. Menedez won the election.
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