The Jersey City Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing to decide the fate of St. Peter’s Prep buildings located at 137-155 York Street has been postponed.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The hearing, which was originally scheduled for tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., has been pushed back until April 28th, multiple city officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The Jersey City Historic Preservation Committee unanimously (6-0) voted down allowing the demolition of the buildings nearly three years ago to the day, as HCV first reported.
“There’s no reason why that place should be torn down. Over the last 20, 25 years we’ve destroyed the history of Jersey City,” Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano said at the hearing.
St. Peter’s, who has owned the buildings since 2004, appealed the decision and will now be heard before the zoning board, with their plans calling to convert the Paulus Hook Historic District property into a parking lot.
One nearby resident, George Miller, said there is a large opposition to tearing down the buildings.
“Neighbors have organized themselves to oppose the proposed demolition of these historic buildings,” he said in an email.
“They believe we have a unique opportunity to preserve these important links to the early history of downtown Jersey City for generations to come and reaffirm our commitment to the city’s historic districts.”
St. Peter’s Prep has argued that the building suffered massive damage, particularly the foundation, during Hurricane Sandy and tearing it down is the most prudent decision to make given the circumstances.
