Residents split as Hudson planning board opens hearing on Bliss Towers redevelopment

The Hudson City Planning Board opened a public hearing on a redevelopment proposal for Bliss Towers at 41 North 2nd Street and heard more than a dozen residents and advocates. Speakers who oppose the plan flagged the site's brownfield status, potential asbestos and lingering contamination and asked for clearer remediation plans, timelines and protections for neighbors during demolition and piling work. "So it's gonna be built on a brownfield," said Emily (speaker 7), adding concerns about asbestos and management capacity.

Supporters—many long-time residents and housing advocates—said the towers are deteriorating and that cleanup funding and modern remediation techniques can make the site safe. "After more than 50 years, replacing this towers is no longer a preference. It is a necessity," said Kai (speaker 16), who introduced themself as founder and director of 411 advocacy and resourcing. Commenters pressed the board for transparency on timelines and tenant return policies and emphasized the project's phased approach: phase 1 to provide new units, phase 2 to enable demolition and full redevelopment.