Since bustling crowds of students have returned to Hoboken, the campus has been a whirlwind of activity. Between new students adjusting to independence for the first time to past ones settling in for the year, there has been a lot to take in. But while the majority of students have been away at internships or just enjoying the beach, there have been some major changes happening around the city in our absence: The city has become a little bit brighter over the summer. An observant individual may have already noticed the bistro-style lighting that was installed between lamp posts all along Washington Street.
The installation is about 15 blocks long and absolutely stunning. These lights, spanning from Newark Street to 15th Street, were originally just a temporary installation from the Hoboken Business Alliance, who had a vision to “light up Hoboken.” However, they became an absolute hit with residents and businesses alike, and for good reason. The entire street has a certain warmness and charm to it now that can’t be well described. At a glance, one can understand the appeal; It looks fun and lively in the summer heat, but come fall, it will add a cozy and warm feeling. The wonderful hazy lights also increase the curb appeal of businesses to potential customers. But street lights aren’t the only thing that brightened up the night sky this summer.
For the first time in over a decade, the Macy’s firework show for the Fourth of July happened on the Hudson River side of Manhattan rather than the East River. For many Hoboken residents, the idea of the fireworks show happening practically in their backyard was exhilarating. On the flip side, this meant that people from New York and other parts of New Jersey would be flocking to Hoboken to see the show.
Given the limited number of parks and piers in a city that’s two square miles large, many locations were closed off for the evening. Swarms of people still came to watch the fireworks dance on top of the New York skyline, which was beautiful. Thankfully, despite the traffic and the number of people, no serious accidents occurred, and people had a great Independence Day watching the fireworks together.
These times when the city is awash in light are special. Whether they are seasonal, or here to stay, they make our lives brighter. It brings communities together and makes us see the beauty in things that we take for granted in our everyday lives. Sometimes, it takes some darkness to force ourselves to illuminate, and really appreciate, what is already there.
