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Hardship II
Applicants Present Alternative Concept
April 29. The
Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission held a second hearing
on applications for hardship exemptions enabling demolition of the
Embankment. The Conrail/SLH presentation featured a design
concept for half-acre estates atop Embankment
segments that would save "98% of the walls." The applicants'
architect indicated that this was a minimally intrusive use
of the historic structure, and would not require variances. Conrail's
partner would assume the "entrepreneurial risk" for this luxury
housing. This concept, previously reported in The Jersey Journal, was puzzling in the context of a hardship application.
Expert
witnesses sought to demonstrate that more conventional development atop
the Embankment would add tens of millions of dollars in costs over the
same development at grade level, and would not allow a developer to
make a 12% return on current value.
The Commission asked the applicants to supply documentation of the figures they presented.
The applicants will continue their presentation May 4; see item below. |
Hardship III
Mon, May 4, 6:30 pm
City Hall Council Chambers, 280 Grove St
The
Historic Preservation Commission scheduled a third hearing on hardship
exemptions for demolition of the Harsimus Branch Embankment for Monday,
May 4. A real estate appraiser is expected to testify for the
applicants, Conrail and its partner. Comment from the public
may be taken, or may go to a fourth hearing slated for May
11. May 14 has also been set aside, if needed, to complete
testimony and allow the Commission to make its decision. The
Coalition will testify during the public comment period.
If
granted, exemptions would enable demolition of the Embankment unless
prevented by actions of the Surface Transportation Board.
If you intend to testify against hardship exemptions, come prepared. Guidelines are on the Coalition's web site. |
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Action Alert!
If you've waited to file an environmental comment at the Surface
Transportation Board, which is making decisions about the future of the
Harsimus Branch, please do so now. The absolute deadline is May 7, 5 p.m.
2. Enter, in the boxes for Docket No.: AB 167 1189 X
3. Enter your contact information and comment and click Submit.
Your own words will carry the most weight. If you have only a moment, please consider a comment along these lines:
I ask the federal agency with responsibility for
administering the National Environmental Protection Act to authorize an
Environmental Impact Statement for the Harsimus Branch.
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Events of Interest
Historic Preservation Month Events
The Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy opens a month of events as
part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Annual
Celebration. History and architecture tours, lectures, festivals,
and workshops are planned throughout May. The month begins with
the Lafayette Festival and Tour Saturday, May 2, and a tour of
Washington Village in the Heights on Sunday, May 3. This latter
tour is led by Pat Guida, a great friend and volunteer for the
Embankment Coalition. For more information and a schedule,
see www.jclandmarks.org. Weather permitting, the Jersey City Reservoir Alliance kicks
off its season Saturday, May 2, from 10-2, with flower
planting at the Pershing gate and fishing at the Jefferson
gate (the Reservoir is between Summit and Central Avenues).
Meetball Dinner. The Van Vorst Park
Association is holding its 34th annual Meetball dinner
Saturday night, May 2, from 6:30 to 11 pm, at St. Peter's
Prep, Grand and Warren Streets. Tickets: $20 in advance from
area merchants; $25 at the door.
Northern NJ Bike Coalition
The New Jersey Bicycle Coalition (NJBC) was formed in early 2009
to provide a central, unifying force for cycling advocacy in New
Jersey. It is currently promoting "3-foot bicycle
passing" legislation, co-sponsored by Hudson County State Senator Brian
Stack. See the NJBC web site
for information about the group, to become a member, and to get its
monthly newsletter, which includes information on bicycling events. | |
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