Dear Editor:
The following is an open letter to the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment:
On December 15, 1998 the Hudson School sought approval from your board to allow the construction of a new school building at the corner of 6th and Park Avenue. The result of the approval of their application was the demise of the historic 1866 Martha Institute.,
Now over two years later, the Hudson School has begun its process to build a new building. Under sworn testimony, at the December meeting, the Hudson School said they would use special provisions in executing the pilings to support the new structure. They agreed to pre-drill for the pilings to minimize the possibility of structural damage to the neighboring buildings. Once again, this is documented sworn testimony that was given under oath. Now we find that on Monday, March 5, the Hudson School’s construction company will begin to drive 95 pilings approximately 35 feet each into the ground and will not pre-drill as promised.
Since 1995, the Hudson School has repeatedly changed their position regarding this project.Their actions leave us with little faith that they will do what was agreed upon without a watchdog group in place. The historic Martha Institute is already lost. Now, we are concerned that the 1858 Hoboken Community Church, which lies only a few feet away from the pilings is at risk.
We the undesigned residents petition you to enforce the testimony as given before the Zoning Baord of Adjustment. And, to have your attorney, Carl Schaffer, do his job to see that any permits granted to the Hudson School reflect the sworn, under oath, testimony.
We anxiously await the completion of the school building that is to replicate the historic Martha Institute. We will watch each step along the way very closely. Make the Hudson School build the building they promised, in the way they promised!
Connie Ceppola, John W.Grouls, Ann Mastrofilippo, Edward Shirak, Sr., Betty Shirak, Debbie Culhane, John DePalma, Pantaleo Piccininni, Loretta Capraro