Anthony Russo

Anthony Russo (December 22, 1946 – April 19, 2021) was the 38th mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, serving from 1993 to 2001, during which he prioritized improving the city's infrastructure and revitalizing its downtown area. He was especially instrumental in securing funding for a new light rail station, which has greatly enhanced transportation options for both residents and visitors. One of Mayor Russo's most significant achievements was the development of the South Waterfront area in Hoboken. With the support of the Hoboken Waterfront Corporation, he collaborated with professional planners to create a South Waterfront Redevelopment Plan that prioritized community concerns about development. This plan aligned with the principles of the Fund for a Better Waterfront and resulted in the conversion of all land and piers along the river into a public park, including the widely popular Pier C Park. Mayor Russo played a crucial role in securing funding from the Port Authority for the park's construction, which features innovative play equipment for children. As a former teacher, Mayor Russo's commitment to education was evident throughout his career, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that Hoboken's schools provided high-quality education to students. Mayor Russo's contributions to Hoboken are vast and impactful, and his legacy continues to live on in the many improvements he made to the city. He will always be remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents and a tireless advocate for Hoboken and its residents. Biography In the 1993 election that got him into office, Russo beat his main opponent, Ira Karasick, by 7,023 to 5,623 votes. During his two terms, people who were loyal to revitalizing the city of Hoboken were put into every facet of its government including the Hoboken municipal boards. Russo was credited with hiring top-flight Municipal directors with the goal of shrinking and eventually eliminating Hoboken's structural budget deficit and expanding the tax base. Investment in Hoboken's housing stock soared under Russo's administration and the long dormant waterfront was built with first class office, hotel and residential space. Part of the waterfront redevelopment plan included the creation of large waterfront parks, including Pier A and Frank Sinatra Park.