At the Hoboken City Council meeting on Wednesday, the City Council approved a contract put forward by the administration to demolish a derelict building at 1st and Jackson Streets. The building was severely damaged by a fire in 2012 and has been a blight for the community ever since. The demolition will be paid for by the property owner through a lien placed on the property by the City, due to the fact the neglected building became an unsafe structure and a threat to public safety.
“This building has been an eyesore and safety risk in Southwest Hoboken for years,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “I’m glad to report that we are taking steps to improve the quality of life for nearby residents and holding the property owner accountable for the neglect of the property. I’m appreciative to the advocacy of the public and Councilman Ramos on this important issue, and look forward to the final steps in this process.”
“It is clear that this property has become a hazard to the residents living in the neighborhood and those that walk along 1st Street,” said Fourth Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos. “This has been a long process, but we kept plugging away and fighting for the residents of Southwest Hoboken. I’m appreciative of my council colleagues and administration for being supportive in the demolition of this building.”
In 2019, the City conducted an engineering investigation of the property and determined that the building was structurally unsound. However, no additional maintenance was performed and no schedule of repairs was provided by the property owner. The property owner will have the opportunity to sell the property at fair market value, after repaying the City for the price of the demolition.
