Dear Editor:
My name if John Heliker. In late October of 2002 a friend and I tried to get a meeting together to form a landmarks conservancy group here in Hoboken. The object of the group would be to save historically and/or architecturally important buildings from alteration or destruction.
Flyers were put up and also handed out. Not one person showed up for the meeting! I truly thought at least some of the ‘old timers’ here would show up. I was very depressed.
Here are some of the important structures ‘lost’ since about 1980.
A two-story transitional ‘Federal/Greek Revival’ style house on 2nd Street between Washington and Hudson Streets.
The ‘Martha Institute’ on the corner of Park and 6th Streets. Built in 1886. Demolished in April 1999 and since rebuilt.
The ‘El Presidents Building,’ a 1910’s dance hall on 7th Street off of Madison Street. Demolished September 1999.
The ‘Bat Building’ at 4th and Jefferson Streets. A late 19th century factory, partly cast iron with two large stone bats at each end of its cornice. The bats were supposed to be replaced on the present building. We’re still waiting! Bat building demolished in November 2000.
Fantastic wooden bridge over Harrison Street. Demolished fall of 2001.
A section of paved cobble stones at Observer Highway and Jackson Street. Unceremoniously dug up in August of 2002.
I truly live in a town where money and developers rule!
Why should I bother?
You can call me at 201-792-2019.
John Heliker