After years of complaining about being stuck with long-term leases on many buildings used to provide programs to the public, the Hudson County freeholders took the first steps on Aug. 13 toward the purchase of the Pavonia Avenue building where they meet and where the county has other offices.
The possible purchase of the building comes as the next step in a long process to reduce the costs associated with renting spaces. Two years ago, the county purchased the former Block Drug property on Cornelius Street. This year, they began moving many of the county’s operations there from previously rented facilities around the county.
While Freeholder Bill O’Dea, who has been one of the loudest voices in opposition to continued leasing, said he would rather build a new annex building at the Block Drug site, he realizes the county does not have time to wait. Building a new building would take three years,” he said.
Instead, the freeholders introduced an $11.5 million bond ordinance to pay for the purchase of a building located at 567 Pavonia Ave. where the freeholders have done business for the last 20 years.
Joseph Panepinto, former chairman of the Hudson County Democratic Party, leased the building to the county in 1989. He is asking $12.5 million for it. The freeholders would also have to pay about $2 million for improvements to the facility’s roof, heating system and air conditioning network.
The county is offering about $8.5 million for the property, and for a time has even considered using eminent domain to take the property. This would allow the courts to determine a fair market value for the property.
“The only risk is a lawsuit if the value of property if not settled,” said Freeholder Bill O’Dea. “In that case we are still ahead of the game since paying a mortgage is better than paying rent.”
“That being said I would have preferred a new building on the County Plaza grounds since it would be more energy efficient.” – Bill O’Dea
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“That being said, I would have preferred a new building on the County Plaza grounds since it would be more energy efficient,” he said.
This is not the first time O’Dea raised the issue. In 1999, when the lease came up for renewal, he asked the freeholders to seek a buyout provision that would allow the county to purchase the property at the end of the renewed lease.
The county has been paying over $1 million a year for the building, more than enough to pay for the purchase of the building over the course of the second lease.
Had the freeholders done so, the county could have purchased the building for $1 dollar this year. The freeholders were scheduled to hold a special meeting on Aug. 25 to introduce the ordinance.
Parking for big wigs a problem
Meanwhile union officials are complaining about parking arrangements at the County Plaza (formerly Block Drug).
“I have had several complaints this morning from members that they could not find parking, including handicapped members. I have these complaints in writing,” said Roger Quintana, AFSCME Local 2306, president. “The issue is the huge amount of spaces now reserved for county executives. Not all these spaces reserved are used. Many remain vacant while handicapped search far for a spot. Those who are handicapped have to park far away while the county executives get prime spots up front close to the building.”
Another parking lot on Wayne Street is paved, but not marked, so it remains closed to the public.
“If there are enough spots for all, no one will care how many spots are reserved for the political elite,” he said.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.