Some of the 51 families made homeless by the March 17 fire at 917 Clinton St. may not be able to return home for another two to three months.
According to Raul Morales, senior vice president for Applied Housing Management, 33 families were scheduled to return home Friday following a safety inspection. Of the remaining 18, some 11 are expected to return within three weeks. The final seven families – who occupied the fourth floor, the origin of the fire – won’t likely return for two to three months.
“We’re extremely hopeful that everything can be done and approved and they can move back in by Friday,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer.
Morales said that he is currently trying to settle the seven families in other Applied Housing-owned apartments.
“With those tenants, I’m trying to relocate them in other buildings,” said Morales, adding that the relocation won’t take place until mid-April or May.
“The apartments are not vacant yet,” Morales continued. “So I need about 15 days.”
Officials said that many of the families are either staying with friends, family, or at the Howard Johnson Hotel at 1300 Tonnelle Ave. in North Bergen, which is being paid for by the Red Cross.
Joseph Branco, owner of the nightclub Room 84 and member of the Hoboken Rotary Club, announced a fundraiser for Thursday, Mar. 29 at Room 84 at 6:30 p.m. The event, at 84 Washington St., will be hosted by the club as well as 5th Ward Councilman Peter Cunningham. The food will be supplied by Anthony David’s restaurant.
Branco also announced the formation of the “Community Services Committee,” a committee that was launched to help victims of a natural disaster. Branco, the chairperson of the committee, said that the group was formed as a branch of the Rotary Club after the fire at 300 Washington St. last month. He is currently working with Councilman Peter Cunningham and the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management to identify fire victims in need.
Branco said that victims of the fire in need of assistance, as well as those interested in providing help, can email josephebranco@yahoo.com for more information.
“Thank God there were no injuries in the building and everything worked out O.K.” – Raul Morales, Applied Housing
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A community rallies to help
According to city spokesman Juan Melli, no serious injuries occurred during the fire. Four firefighters suffered minor injuries, including a hand wound and smoke inhalation. Two civilians were also taken to Hoboken University Medical Center for minor injuries, while another four were treated at the scene but refused additional medical attention.
Melli also said that with the assistance of the Red Cross, a shelter was set up in the cafeteria of the Hoboken High School on the night of the fire.
“We’ve really appreciated the support that we’ve gotten from the Red Cross,” said Zimmer.
Zimmer also thanked the Hudson County OEM and the assisting fire departments.
“We’re just so grateful that they together prevented a major disaster,” Zimmer continued, “and we’re thankful that no one was seriously injured and that no one died in the fire.”
Although the full results of the investigation report have yet to be released, Morales said last week that the fire was likely caused by a candle, and damaged two apartments. Morales also said that the fire spread from one room, through the common area, and into the hallway of the fourth floor. Most of the damages, however, occurred internally from the firefighting effort, such as water damage.
“We have a lot of damage by the department trying to stop the fire,” said Morales, adding that approximately 25 framed doors had been busted open.
Morales also said that much of the repair effort will be dedicated to cleaning the building.
“If we don’t do the cleanout, the smell stays on the fourth floor,” said Morales, adding that the cleaning will start once the Fire Department provides a report. “As soon as we get the report from the Fire Department, we can get the permits to do the cleanup. Everything is going to change.”
“We’ve been talking to the tenants, and I think everyone is o.k.,” said Morales. “Thank God there were no injuries in the building and everything worked out O.K. for a tragedy like this.”
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.