Hoboken property damaged by fire in 2011 to become new park

HOBOKEN – In 2011, a fire at a two-story wooden structure in southwest Hoboken displaced five residents, sending out plumes of smoke throughout the neighborhood. Although a tragedy for some, the City Council has turned the situation into a positive by authorizing the city to enter into a 20-year open space easement with the owners of property at 1st and Jackson streets for a new park.
“For the last several years I have been advocating on behalf of our neighborhood for a solution to the quality of life issue regarding the properties at 1st Street and Jackson Street,” said 4th Ward Councilman Tim Occhipinti. “I’m thankful to Mayor [Dawn] Zimmer and my council colleagues for working with me in finding an amicable resolution which adds much-needed open space in our neighborhood.”
The agreement comes a year into litigation with the owners in addition to a $67,000 tax lien (imposed by law upon a property to secure the payment of taxes) when the owner failed to maintain the site, according to city officials.
City spokesman Juan Melli said the city is now doing its legal due diligence before the official execution of the agreement.
“These neglected properties have been a nuisance and drag on the neighborhood for too long,” said Mayor Zimmer.
As part of the agreement the city will pay to remediate and build a park, with a percentage of which will be reimbursable to the city if the owner of the property disrupts the easement at any point in time during the 20 year term.
According to the city’s release, following full execution of the easement agreement, the city will schedule a community meeting to flesh out ideas for the park. In addition, the agreement requires the property owner to demolish 605-615 1st St. (formerly Nardine’s Restaurant) and if not demolished by April 2016, the city will be authorized to demolish the property itself.
“Through this agreement, we will finally clean up this eyesore and bring some green space to the area. I look forward to working with residents and hearing their ideas for how to develop this neighborhood park,” added Zimmer.