At issue is a massive mixed-use development proposed by RomulusDevelopment Corp. of West Bergen, NJ headed by trucking magnate ArtImperatore, and Roseland Property Co. The numbers are staggering,especially to opponents: over 1,600 residential units, 1.3 millionsf of offices, 300,000 sf of retailing, a hotel, a retirementfacility and over 6,000 parking spaces would comprise Port ImperialSouth. The developers would add a ferry terminal adjacent to alight rail station. Also planned are bike paths and a waterfrontwalkway (the latter required by the state for any waterfrontproject in Hudson County).

The project has plenty of support--and plenty of opposition. Aformal vote hasn't been scheduled yet, but the planning board hasendured two dozen often acrimonious hearings in the last 10 months.At issue for the opposition, who call themselves Friends of theWeehawken Waterfront, are everything from the way it might changethe community (traffic, noise, pollution, building heights), towhether it might obscure residents' stunning Manhattan views.

If the latest hearing is any indication, more controversy liesahead. One supporter, a lifelong resident Jerry Nicol, brandedopponents as "carpetbaggers," suggesting they are newer residentsmore interested in views than in putting Weehawken on the map. JillHartman, Weehawken's planning consultant, pointed out that theproject would ensure residents' access to the waterfront.