Monday night, myself and other tenants from my condo gathered in our fitness room (which serves as our temporary conference room), to listen to Dean Marchetto (Architect) and representatives of Trammel Crow Residential (Developer) present their vision of developing land where the Neumann Leather Building is located at 300 Observer Highway.
If you haven't heard, they are In Contract. I decided to make this in a FAQ form, for easy understanding of what they told us, and what I can remember the residents asking. There were lots of questions and Mr. Marchetto and the representatives from TCR were extremely considerate, patient and forthcoming with their answers.
But I also added in a new element with The Spin Doctor, who will remain anonymous, contributing to my story. I planned to just write a FAQ, but the Spin Doctor, an avid reader of my site, saw it when I posted it and feared I was misled. So, I have the (Q)uestion, (A)nswer, and Spin Doctor - (SD) comments. The answers were what the tenants were told at the meeting. The spin is what The Spin Doctor says about my answers (which are basically what TCR representatives Rich Murphy and Tricia Gutowski told me).
Spin Doctor: TCR and Marchetto are coming to Jefferson Trust seeking support because they are not getting it from inside the Neumann community or from key decision makers in the city. Many others who have seen the TCR proposal are against their plan to demolish the entire historic Neumann property, removing all buildings and existing uses in an unimaginative and destructive way. The Neumann Leather Tenants Association and Observer Highway Redevelopment Advisory Committee are working on plans to redevelop and revitalize Neumann Leather without destroying it.
Q: WHAT? The building is SOLD?! A: Not sold yet, under contract. Under Contract means that TCR has made and offer and deposit on the property. SD: Under contract also means if TCR can't come to a consensus on a plan to develop the site in whatever it considers a timely manner they can decide to take their losses and move on to the next project without paying the full purchase price for the Neumann Property.
Q: Oh great, another monstroustity is getting built? What are the details, man? A: TCR claims it will be a 5 story building. They said that the building that's going up at the Municipal Garage, would dwarf this project. The city currently allows for larger buildings that line Observer Highway and they could have proposed "a 12 story design", but TCR was aware of the residental backlash against the urban sprawl currently going on in town and loves us, the people, so much. SD: The city zoning code does NOT allow for 12 stories on the Neumann Leather property. 415 Newark was built through zoning variances, not current zoning. Neumann is currently zoned industrial, which allows buildings no higher than what you see there today. 12 stories is NOT currently allowed for the Neumann triangle.
Q: They are extending Clinton Street? That sucks! A: TCR claims this is not correct and a "misperception of many residents". They aren't creating an "extension", it will be for pedestrians only and blocked for use by any vehicle traffic. Designed with cobblestones, trees and artisan street lamps, it will be more like a Italian plaza-esque design for the extension of the first floor commercial customers. It would be similar to what was done at 11th street at the Maxwell project. SD: Do not fall for the line that Clinton Street will not be extended through the new project, because it will. TCR and Dean Marchetto can say they don't "plan" on it being a through street, but they know Hudson County is likely to insist on it if the city allows TCR to clear the entire Neumann property for development. Planners at the county and city level have been talking about connecting Newark and Observer via Clinton for decades. Newark and Observer are county roads and the type of redevelopment TCR is proposing at Neumann cannot be done without a county permit. When TCR applies for the permit, the county will tell them to drive the road through the property. Marchetto knows this, and this is why I believe he designed the project this way. One of the reasons given for the "need" to extend Clinton is to allow ambulances to get to Hoboken University Medical Center faster via a straight shot down Clinton. If it looks like a road, it's a road.
Q: That area is in a flood plain, anyone who buys there is so screwed. A: That's true, it is in a flood plain and the architect and developers are well aware of this. First they plan to make a "Green" building, using many enviromentally friendly measures. The first floor will only have commericial zoning, or the garage. Dean Marchetto developed 300 Newark Street, which is across the street. SD: Nearly all of Hoboken is in a flood plain. Lots of developers are saying they are building green buildings, but Dean Marchetto is also the architect of Dean Geibel's Metrostop building with all the "Think Green" ads you see. The truth is Metrostop is not even close to being a green building according to LEED standards. Don't just take a developer's word that they are building a "green" building. Ask for their LEED certification information.
Q: Are they condos or rentals? How many? A: 275 Rentals. TCR is well aware of the current market and plans rental units. If the housing market changes, they may change that, too. SD: This is what they say today, but as history shows us developers in Hoboken often start with plans that have a tendency to get bigger as the years go on.
Q: What will be on the first floor? A: They have a (approx) 375 car garage, designed for 1.5 cars for every renter. They are fully aware that not every renter will own a car, but also very aware of the terrible parking situation in Hoboken, and are designing a building with easing street congestion. SD: A 1.5 parking spot-per-renter ratio would be frowned upon by the city's planners. Besides, just because there are parking spots for every renter doesn't mean the new residents will use them. There are more than enough spots at the Archstone at 77 Park, but many renters balk at the $225 a month fee and just park on the street, adding to congestion.
Q: Wait! What if they have extra parking there? What will they do? Daily space rental? Monthly rental? A: No definite plans with that action, but they were leaning against daily rentals. SD: They will likely lease the parking to a contractor like Central Parking or Little Man, who will manage daily and monthly rental operations. Don't let them tell you otherwise. These are the economics of parking facilities in Hoboken.
Q: Any plans for a park or green space?? A: No plans for a park, but the rooftop will be a "green roof", with real grass rooftop. Neighbors looking down on the Neumann Leather building will see this.
Q: But Neumann Leather has STARVING ARTISTS!!! What of them?! A: Actually, there is a plan to create a seperate building (it's located near the corner of Newark and Willow) which will be 5 stories and only house studio space for artists, which will be rented at below market costs. SD: We are heaing TCR is reaching out to artists groups outside of Hoboken to supplant the artists who now have studios at Neumann. Their plan appears to be to remove everyone from their Neumann spaces, destroy the building and start anew. This will take several years, and people currently in Neumann may be unlikely to return if TCR turns the keys over to a "new" artists building to an outside group.
Q: What? That's bullshit, TCR wouldn't do that. A: TCR reps made it very, very clear that the community angst was their main reason for the low building height, the artists studios (at below market prices to assist those current, real starving artists), the green building materials, and the Clinton Street pedestrian walkway. SD: You were probably right the first time.
Q: What about the industrial people in Neumann Leather, what about them? A: Sadly, there wasn't a plan to accomodate the industrial tenants. SD: TCR has no plan to accommodate any existing tenants of Neumann Leather at this time, not just the light industrial tenants. No existing tenants have signed on with the TCR plan.
Q: What kind of commerical properties will TCR allow on the first floor? I don't want a McDonalds there! I don't want a nightclub/bar there! I don't want a restaurant with a liquor license there! A: TCR stressed they were on the same page and weren't going to allow something like McDonalds, but would be amenable for something like a Starbucks (which I think is great). They would be interested in restaurants, but not interested in a liquor license variance. Maybe something like a gym could be located there (Wouldn't it be cool to have a Crunch Fitness located there? I think so. They wouldn't need a pool, they would have one instantly when it rains) SD: If TCR says they are interested in providing space for restaurants there is nothing they can do to stop anyone from bringing a liquor license there. Any restaurateur who leases space in TCR's building could buy one of the available "pocket" liquor licenses and place it at Neumann. Hoboken has a 500 foot rule that bars restaurateurs from getting liquor licenses, but the next bar is far from Neumann Leather.
Q: If they allow commericial projects what about trash? We don't want litter all over the streets like Garden of Eden did on Bloomfield! A: There are two internal loading docks designed in the building, unlike GoE which didn't have one. The one entrance will be on Willow between Newark and Observer Highway. The other will be on Newark, between Clinton and Grand. The design of the loading docks will be to minimize noise and parking issues that trucks create on such streets like Washington.
Q: TCR should just buy the land and make one big park! A: TCR was farily blunt, but direct about their intentions. They aren't going to sugar coat it, they are a company that develops projects like this across the country. They designed this property with the intention of making most of the people happy, but realizing that not everyone in Hoboken is going to be happy. They are a company that, like any company in America, wants to realize a profit. They don't make money in litigation, they don't want to get tied up in a courtroom over this project. They want to make a project that will make their company money, and keep the surrounding residents content with their project. SD: Which is why they are selling their project so hard to immediate neighbors, because it is not going over well with others in town.
Q: Couldn't you just keep the building intact and build rentals inside it like they did with other buildings in town? A: Neumann Leather building is very old. It isn't up to current construction techniques that protects against earthquakes (yes, this is a law for our area). There's also enviromental contamination (asbestos, industrial chemicals that have been used there over the years), and when doing the demolition, they are very aware that they will be EXTREMELY careful about this. They won't implode the building, they have a plan for a controlled removal of the structure, to minimize dust and contamination. SD: If an Earthquake hits Hoboken we are all in trouble. This is a non issue designed to obfuscate. As for environmental contamination, the extent of it is unknown at this point, but not considered to be significant. Neighbors would likely face greater jeopardy in the demolition of the site than they would from the rehabilitation of historic structures. This is a smokescreen.
Q: Do you have pictures? A: They have pictures and floorplans. It isn't final yet, and I hope to get it up here soon.
Q: Who will manage the building? A: TCR will have an on-site management company.
Q: Hoboken should stay like it did! Change is bad! A: Yea, that's just not going to happen. TCR claimed that the city collects about $125,000 in taxes from the Neumann Leather site? With the new plan they project the city would collect about 10x in yearly taxes from the rentals and commerical customers. With our current fiscal situation in the city, this will contribute to helping Hoboken generate revenue. SD: First of all, that $125k number does NOT come from the tenants. It comes from the property taxes paid by the owner of the property. The tenants themselves contribute millions to the Hoboken economy by employing people and being a part of the community they work and in many cases live in. These are your neighbors. As for the potential to bring in "ten times" the revenue to the city, studies have shown for every dollar in new residential ratable tax revenue gained, municipalities spend more than a dollar to provide essential services (trash/police/fire) for the new units.
Q: Why is TCR approaching the neighbors of this project? What's in it for them? A: TCR is trying to learn from the mistakes of other developers and design a project that the majority of residents will find suitable, but also realizing that "you can't make all the people happy all the time". They want to create something that makes them a profit (This is America, folks), but also doesn't have the entire community up in arms over their project and trying to get it blocked (This is Hoboken, folks). SD: That's a nice sounding story, but others believe they are approaching neighbors after receiving lackluster and negative responses to their plans from others who want to see the Neumann Leather complex fixed up and revitalized, not destroyed and replaced. The NLTA and OHRAC are working on alternative plans that they look forward to sharing with the residents of Jefferson Trust and the entire City of Hoboken.
Q: Why your condo building? How many people live in your condo? A: We have 100 tenants (renters/owners) that live across the street at 300 Newark. TCR said they are meeting with neighbors about this, and had met Observer Place residents last week about it. In our building we had flyers put up in the hallways and at the elevators for days. About 15 residents showed up on Monday night at 7pm.
Q: Do they plan a similar public forum at City Hall? A: We didn't ask this, but from the Spin Doctor, i'm sure they won't.
For some reason most people have difficulties listening to instrumental music. If you don't mention that the music is instrumental most will say, "when do the vocals come in," or (a favorite of mine), "is this instrumental?" with a tone and a look as if you asked them to sample milk that has gone bad. Russian Circles are spoiled milk. There are times when their music flows pure and unaffected and at others it can bubble and explode and make you feel woozy. There is power in three and some of the loudest, abrasive, dynamic and creative music I own comes from trios. Russian Circles are a trio whose compositions are emotional and physical. The music arches and dives; both constructing and deconstructing. At times they sound like an orchestra and others you might think the band is taking five. Smoke em' if you got 'em. Instrumental music requires listening and concentration. To most people music is on in the background like wallpaper to accompany their work day, transportation or other activities that demand their attentions. Instrumental music, like Jazz, first requires you to pay attention, get familiar with the instruments, the sounds and the structure. You may not feel it the first time sometimes it takes repeated listening. You need to get inside the music. I don't necessarily have a problem with Pop music but it is like popcorn. If you like it you can digest A LOT of it at once and describe each bite while still chewing. Instrumental music isn't like that at all. A single song can have many, many parts and each with its own personality, sound and shape. The final composition is more about how you get from beginning to end fitting each part into the others connecting melodies, sounds, tones, rhythms and ideas. Russian Circles push themselves musically, technically, and if you have ever seen one of their videos on YouTube, physically.
I have yet to see them live and will not miss them at Maxwell's Sunday February 24th.
Maxwell's 1039 Washington Street Phone Number for Listings: (201)798-0406
Controversy swirled around a heartbreaking loss for Kobra Kai this week at Momma Johnson's field in Hoboken, NJ. After battling back several times, the game changed in the blink of an eye, on a heated and heavily debated foul or fail ball call.
Kobra Kai came out swinging early in the nights opening game of action. After local celeb Ryan "Rachel" Rae and "The BIG Guy" Jon Cokines got aboard, J "The Glove" Mammen drove them in with a two RBI shot to start the scoring. "The Glove" was then driven home on an RBI by EZ Ed Haft who would score himself on a Mark "The Spark" drive-- giving the Kai's an early 4-0 lead. After a tough defensive inning marred by several errors, due mostly to players in foreign positions, the team fell behind 5-4.
The game would continue in a back and forth battle filled with exciting plays a plenty! The base paths were on fire as players blazed round and round in the high scoring affair. The most eye-popping play came midway through the game. After a Mammen single, EZ Ed hit a rope to second base handcuffing the defensive player. As the ball kicked off the 2b's chest, Mammen attempted to jump the deflection but was clipped by the defender sending him head over heels into the air. Despite the gymnastic-like effort he was out! Defensively the team was inconsistent at best. A long ranging catch would be followed by a badly missed ground ball—plays like these led to several unearned runs. The biggest defensive debacle came in the top of the sixth. With the bases loaded, a deep pop ball clearly in foul territory was called FAIR! This call was made by the home plate umpire, but wasn't heard by the outfielders -- why?... because the ump couldn't be heard over the field referee calling the ball FOUL!! In the midst of the confusion and chaos 4 runs scored on what can be best described as the most bogus grand slam in kickball history. Kobra Kai managed to keep their composure and shut down the rest of the lineup to end the inning, but the damage was done.
Heading into the 6th inning Kobra Kai trailed by 5 runs. The gritty group rallied to score 3 and sat in striking distance trailing 12-9 with their last at bats still to come....or so they thought! After closing the gap to 3 the game was called an inning early due to the "70-minute rule" even though the game started late and had only run 55 minutes. So with the heart of the lineup rearing to go the Kobra Kai kids had the game swept out from underneath them. This injustice snapped their winning streak and dropped them to 3-3 on the season. An official dispute to league officials is pending!
Big ups go out to the entire team for a tremendous overall effort. Despite being seriously shorthanded player and personnel wise, they battled to the bitter end. Kudos to everyone going out for team drinking afterwards and representing on the beer pong table. Everyone held it down, even in the face of EZ Ed's horrific and distracting dance steps! The image of his "Q-tips" move is still burnt into the back of this reporter's retinas!!
Game Notes:
Bryant Jones shined in his first base debut w/several sparkling catches to go with his 2nd home run of the season. Could we have a first baseman controversy brewing as starting 1B "Mercedes" Mike makes his return next week?
Bill "North of the Border" Jennings proved Canadians can do more than just skate and shoot slap shots with what is believed to be his first big grab in the outfield.
J. Mammen notched his league leading 5th triple of the year
Even in the loss, Ryan Rae proved her pitching arm has what it takes to take the rubber if needed again. Great defensive effort too, kicking a ball to first base to get an out.
Casey "The Iron Man" Gleason proved her metal batting in two slots in the lineup due to the team being shorthanded. Great job.
Finally, both teams were wowed by several Goldbergenstein plays from his "secret playbook"
See everyone next week.!
See everybody next week at Momma Johnson's legendary field for more Kick A#$ Kickball Action!
Superb hitting, swift base running, and solid defense were the keys to the game for Kobra Kai last night. The team really kicked into high gear scoring a season high 8 runs in an important win. The defense was solid-- outside of a player collision in center field! Thankfully no one was seriously injured in the play, besides the obvious embarrassment of dropping a routine pop fly in the process! On the base paths Kobra Kai really burned it up. Jonesy once again showed his wheels racing up and down the lines to create an early run. After battling quad injuries for weeks, J "The Glove" aka "Flash" Mammen looked like he regained his speed lighting it up between the bags for two triples. Even the "Big E.Z." Ed Haft got into the action showing his deceptive base running skills, as the all-star 3rd baseman scored on a heads up play.
It was a virtual hit parade for the Kobra's on their way to evening their season record at 2-2. From top to bottom the lineup produced with hits coming from almost every slot in the lineup. Whether it was a "Rocket" Dorick single out of the two-hole, a base knock from the team's Spark Mark "The Lion" Hunter, or a Bill "Still searching for a Nickname" Jennings' rally-starting strike, every player contributed. The team definitely fed off of their crowd support too-- The "Dog-Pound" was in full effect with Lady, Brady, and Cooper kickin’ up the energy level! Woof!
After leveling their record at .500 the gang looks to get over the hump next week. If they continue to play the way they did this past game, I see big things come playoff time for this team of dreamers. Just imagine-- after winning the "Dodge Ball" championship this past winter following it up with a "Kickball" title! That dream might just become a reality if Kobra Kai keeps playing like this!
Game Notes: - Big Kickin’ Mike Mantore continued his assault on the homerun record adding another dinger last night. - Michelle Mikros made her Kobra Kai debut. - Herb Mitschele was lost for the year to marriage—we wish him well!
See everybody next week at Momma Johnson's legendary field for more Kick A#$ Kickball Action!
Ryan (don't call me Rachel Ray) Rae did more than just run on Dunkin' last night, as the pseudo celeb knocked in the game winning run for Kobra Kai. After clawing their way back into striking distance, Kristen "Rocket" Dorik started the last inning rally with a single. Big Kickin' Mike Mantore then drove the love of his life home (Dorik) with a powerful homerun blast (his second of the day). After a hit and some brilliant base running by B. Jones, as he beat out two consecutive close plays at 2nd and 3rd respectively, the bases would be loaded. With the ducks on the pond Ryan Rae came to the plate. After rallying to tie the game 8-8 at this point, one more hit was needed to complete the dramatic comeback and Rae delivered! Donuts all around!!
Game notes: Sue "The Voice" Bottone proved it takes a lot to slip any balls between her legs in one of the more bizarre at bats every seen! Bottone managed to catch the ball between her thighs applying a vice-like grip on the defenseless little red rubber ball…ouch!
In another classic play, Bill Jennings lost a towering pop in the lights, but did a fantastic job using his face to keep the ball in front of him….nice facial Bill! Speaking of balls to the face-- Dorik had a stellar defensive game from the pitching rubber using her patented catching style-- ball bounces off arms, banks off face, drops softly back into her hands...you just can teach that technique, it's all raw athletic ability! Making his Kobra Kai debut last night was league bad boy Mike "unsportsmanlike like" Fazio. Fazio lived up to the hype by earning the first Unsportsmanlike Penalty doled out this season, but followed it with a mammoth home run blast. The Big "EZ" Ed Haft again flashed the leather, making an incredible leaping catch look EZ. "The Glove" Mammen scored 2 runs keeping him on pace to win the "Derek Jeter Runs Scored" award even though he may now join the Yankee all-star on the DL, as they both struggle to return from debilitating quad injuries! In other award news Mantore blasted his 2nd and 3rd homeruns on the season producing 5 RBI's. He sits a top the league in both categories. In another less-than-conventional at bat, Goldberenstiein aka GBS, had an incredible knee ball strike to score a key hit in the game. We may not see another hit like his for years to come!
Overall it was a much needed win both statistically and emotionally for Kobra Kai. Things won't get any easier, but the gritty bunch seems poised to make a playoff run! See everybody next week at Momma Johnson's legendary field for more Kick A#$ Kickball Action!
The excitement was palpable last night as Kickball officially "Kicked" off!
After Mother Nature played havoc with last week's opening games schedule, every team was in full action last night at Momma Johnson's field in Hoboken, NJ. After two earlier games featuring match ups between teams such as "Drunk and Looking to Score" and "Kick Kick Kick...Boom!" the stage was set for the primetime event in the chilly evening air...
"Kobra Kai" vs. "We've Got the Runs."
It was truly a David and Goliath game featuring an upstart team of kickball neophytes (Kobra Kai) and a proven squad that boasts multiple championships in recent years (We've Got the Runs). Clearly from the outset Kobra Kai was at a disadvantage not only in experience, but in a serious lack of players! Several key members were a scratch from the lineup-- including one individual that clearly still fears facing teammates of die hard true-blue Giant's fans after her Patriots were upset in the greatest Super Bowl ever! Despite playing shorthanded though, this rag-tag group struck first with a surprising 2-0 lead. After J "Flash" Mammen used his 4.3/40 speed to set the base paths ablaze, Big Kickin' Mike Mantore used his lethal left leg to push Mammen across home plate. Defense was the name of the game over the next several innings as both teams flashed the leather so to speak. After put outs by EZ Ed Haft and solid pitching from staff ace Kristen "Rocket" Dorick, "We've Got the Runs" lived up to their namesake scoring two runs of their own to tie the contest at 2-2. Kobra Kai would comeback to score the go ahead run in the top of the 6th. In what looks like a lethal one-two punch, Mammen doubled and again was driven home by Mantori to go up 3-2. After another inning and a half of defensive wizardry, the stage was set for a late night comeback. With a man on third and one out, a deep drive to left center cemented the comeback win for "We've Got the Runs."
Outmanned and outgunned, Kobra Kai's tough-as-nails team of scrappers played with pride nearly defeating a seasoned team that proved why they've been to the top of the kickball mountain-- and are poised to do so again. Kobra Kai looks to rebound next week by booting the competition out of the park. Kickball "insiders" report hearing buzz about a new Crane Kick batting technique several team members have been secretly working on. Allegedly legendary underground kickball master Pat "Mr. Miyagi" Morita has been spotted hanging around Kobra Kai team headquarters...stay tuned.
The smell of champions permeated the air last night at the Boys & Girls club of Hoboken, NJ. The gymnasium pulsed with the kind of energy reserved for only the biggest games in the most revered sports. This night would be no different as the title was on the line in the grandest sport in all the land-- DODGE BALL! Three teams would enter the evening vying for the coveted championship cup-- one would emerge victorious...The Hoboken Motorboaters! It was a hard fought round-robin affair that on more than one occasion teetered on the brink of chaos. Several official stoppages were necessary to keep players from all three squads in line. To the casual viewer it appeared to be all out warfare with balls furiously flying back and forth. "Direct hit on the shoulder...you're out" the referee exclaimed! "Catch! One player can come back on" and "Foot was over the line! You're gone!" could be heard yelled over and over as the teams battled to a fevered pitch. But the true beauty of the game couldn’t be seen or heard by the fans. It was the behind-the-scenes action and attitudes that championships are won or lost on. "Play hard, play smart, play together" could be heard coming from the Motorboaters team huddle. "Target the weaker players first and eliminate them from the game-- it's about numbers." A smart strategy as the night would prove. By playing the "numbers" game the Motorboaters ended up with the only number that mattered in the end...the #1!
Congratulations go out to the entire team of: Bill Jennings, Casey Gleason, Joe Gordon, Ed Haft, Jon Cokines, Melissa Ryan, Marcie Press, Michelle Mikros, Mike Mantori, Jason Mammen, Jim Maughan, Mike Fazio, Bryant Jones, Kristen Dorik, Eileen Manzella, Carolyn Wassong, and The Kodiak Bear.
Team Awards:
The "Peter La Fleur" Offensive MVP - Mike Mantori The "White Goodman" Defensive MVP- Jason Mammen The "Patches O'Houlihan" Leadership Award: Kristin Dorik The "Peyton Manning Laser Rocket Arm Award": Jim Maughan, Jon Cokines The "Moe Sizlack" Drinking Award: Ed Haft The "Greg Louganis" Dives a lot Award: Bryant Jones The "Aunt Jemima" Bandanna Award: The Kodiak Bear The Sportsmanship Award: Mike Fazio Championship "Play of the Game" Award: Eileen Manzella for catching the bald headed guy w/the poor attitudes ball!
"Motorboaters Raise Anchor, Pull "Aweigh" with Victory"
The Hoboken Motorboaters regained their dominate form last night at the Boys & Girls club in Hoboken, NJ. Coming off a sinking performance in there last game where they looked lost and adrift at sea, some questioned whether this team had the resolve to steer their way back to the top of the standings. Well the gutsy squad answered the bell big time! Despite the fact that the Motorboaters were missing several of their "big guns" they came out with a fresh attitude and blazing confidence. Hustle, intensity, and pride was bursting from deep within their beings as they immediately raced to their first win of the night. Every member displayed the heart and courage of a true champion, and the grit to battle through the most rigorous night of competition yet. Several keys plays were made by "Mercedes Mike" who once again was at the helm leading his team to victory. It should be pointed out though that he clearly was built for speed and not the long haul, as he tired quickly in the faster paced games this week! The Motorboaters also welcomed "Coco Puffs" Cokines back into action after missing the last game. His 6'5" - 220lb - laser rocket arm was a huge plus, especially with his father playing on one of the other teams the Motorboaters faced. Finally, the moment of the night came in the third contest of the evening. The Motorboaters were down to their final player going up against an entire team single handily. It looked dire for Jason "The Glove" Mammen at this point, but that's when he proved his nickname catching 3 balls in a row including a lunging effort, as well as making to kills including the game winning knockout. It was a comeback of epic proportions that will endure the test of time live on in historic dodge ball legend. The heroic finish electrified the entire gymnasium, and most notably the Motorboaters themselves who fed off the energy to dominate their remaining games.
After finishing the night 4-0 the Motorboaters sit at 11-5 in the standings and the question remains... is this team for real? Can they continue to play great and make a run for the championship? Or are they simply a good team that shows signs of greatness, but is marred by inconstancy week to week. We certainly look forward to finding out at next weeks crucial matches!
Despite heavy drinking at the post-game happy hour, it was a sobering experience for "The Hoboken Motorboaters" on the court this week. The team was clearly feeling high coming off an impressive 4-0 drubbing of the competition just 1 week ago at the Conners School, but this week would be different...much different. Perhaps lacking focus and unable to match their energy level from the previous week, the squad struggled early. After losing their opening game the Motorboaters were taking on water and in danger of being capsized. The team was shorthanded missing several key stars, as well as facing a disadvantage with a shorter court at the Boys & Girls center. This handcuffed the hard throwing team preventing them from asserting their naturally athletic dominance. Despite these potentially debilitating factors the Motorboaters bailed themselves out, rallying to come up with two victories late-- appearing to grow stronger as a team in the later games. Overall they escaped the evening going 2-2 bringing their overall league record to 6-2. They will look to regain their championship form and swagger in time for next weeks pivotal match ups!
Kudos goes out to the entire team for stepping up late despite early struggles. The outstanding effort award of the night goes to "Mercedes" Mike for great overall play. Jason "The Glove" Mammen again led the squad defensively with several big catches. The post-play party award goes to The Ladies of the team led by Kristin "It’s not pronounced DORK" Dorik who rocked Lounge 11, then ripped up Rock Band late night. Special thanks to "The Maestro" Maughan for his dedicated camera work throughout play. Injuries of note were sustained by "Coco Puffs" Cokines (rotator cuff), "The Maestro" (groin), and Gabriell Kodiak/Tristan Cavanugh/Eliss Ripley (identity crisis).
See everyone next week for another epic battle of DODGE BALL!
Red & White rubber balls furiously flew about downtown Hoboken, NJ last night. As teams gathered at Conners Primary School for an epic dodge ball competition, we were taken back in time as memories of grammar school gym class flooded the frigid January air. Memories that would soon be forgotten as one particular team swaggered onto the hallowed court floor.
They are "The Hoboken Motorboaters"-- which in all reality should be named "The Hoboken Destroyers" or "Battleships" rather than after a speedboat. For this is a powerful squad comprised of 14 elite members highly trained in the D's of dodge ball.
Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge.
It took one game for the obvious to be realized-- this team did not belong, nor could they be matched. "Light blue team you will obviously be getting bumped up 1 or 2 levels higher. This is a casual league and it's obvious that...well, you will be getting bumped up"Zogs sports official Chris would announce after the first pummeling the Motorboaters dished out. Compiling a perfect 4-0 record on the night there was never a doubt in the air. It was clear this team was the New England Patriots of the league. With players like Jim "The Maestro" Maughn and John "coco puffs" Cokines firing lasers they were a dominate offensive force. Not to be lost was the defensive effort and prowess this unique bunch displayed. Key plays were made by stars like Eileen "Clutch" Manzella, and everyone’s all-star Ryan "Kodiak, aka Brown Bear" Goldberg, with his eye popping gymnast-like maneuvers throughout the contest. Really it was a complete effort from Captains Krissy "don't call me krist-IN" and Marcy "Darcy" to "Mercedes" Mike Mantore and B. Jonesy straight out of Weehawken N-J.
After victory was complete the "Motorboaters" descended on Lounge 11 to finish the night in dominating fashion by out drinking the competition as well. Impressive efforts were again displayed in flip cup wins proving this team is out for GOLD on and off the court! Next week they will take their act to the next level-- and as far as this reporter can tell, whomever they play better be prepared to handle the pain of defeat...by way of little red balls.
