Permission sought to demolish 111 First St.
Friday, May 27, 2005
By BONNIE FRIEDMAN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Representatives of Lloyd Goldman, the owner of the former tobacco factory and onetime artists enclave at 111 First St., appeared before the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission this week, urging the panel to allow the owner to demolish the 383,000-square-foot structure on the grounds that it is unsafe.
Daniel Horgan, an attorney for New Gold Equities, said recent studies conducted by Frederick Porcello, an engineer for the owner, show that the foundations are made of rotted wood and are in imminent danger of collapse.
"We have grave concerns that the building could collapse without warning," Horgan said. "To continue to ignore this is something New Gold can't continue to do. No one is going to save this building."
The roughly 70 artists who rented studios at 111 First St. settled an ongoing dispute with their landlord when they agreed to vacate their studios by March 1 in exchange for forgiveness of roughly eight months of back rent and a $35,000 payment to tenants' attorneys.
Goldman has filed several lawsuits against the city, challenging both the validity of the Powerhouse Arts Redevelopment Plan - which mandates that 10 percent of units in the area be set aside for affordable live/work space - and the building's historic designation.
Several of the former 111 First St. artists turned out for the meeting, hoping to lend support to the building that was once the focus of so many hopes and dreams.
"One-Eleven was a magical place and the building still appears to be salvageable," said Paul Sullivan, a former 111 First St. tenant. "I think with the right owner and the right atmosphere at City Hall that the building could be a great building again."
But Horgan disagreed, estimating the cost to repair the 19th century building at more than $71 million. He also disputed the historical aspect of the structure, saying whatever benefit was once there is now gone.
Horgan continued to blame city officials for failing to attack the problem. Two weeks ago, Horgan said he sent a report along with a letter asking building code officials to close sidewalks and streets around the building because of unsafe conditions.
To date, Horgan said, he has not gotten a response from city officials.
David Donnelly - a special assistant to Mayor Jerramiah Healy - who has been handling issues surrounding 111 First St. did not return phone calls seeking comment.
The city will present its case to the board on June 13.
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Friday, May 27, 2005
By BONNIE FRIEDMAN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
Representatives of Lloyd Goldman, the owner of the former tobacco factory and onetime artists enclave at 111 First St., appeared before the Jersey City Historic Preservation Commission this week, urging the panel to allow the owner to demolish the 383,000-square-foot structure on the grounds that it is unsafe.
Daniel Horgan, an attorney for New Gold Equities, said recent studies conducted by Frederick Porcello, an engineer for the owner, show that the foundations are made of rotted wood and are in imminent danger of collapse.
"We have grave concerns that the building could collapse without warning," Horgan said. "To continue to ignore this is something New Gold can't continue to do. No one is going to save this building."
The roughly 70 artists who rented studios at 111 First St. settled an ongoing dispute with their landlord when they agreed to vacate their studios by March 1 in exchange for forgiveness of roughly eight months of back rent and a $35,000 payment to tenants' attorneys.
Goldman has filed several lawsuits against the city, challenging both the validity of the Powerhouse Arts Redevelopment Plan - which mandates that 10 percent of units in the area be set aside for affordable live/work space - and the building's historic designation.
Several of the former 111 First St. artists turned out for the meeting, hoping to lend support to the building that was once the focus of so many hopes and dreams.
"One-Eleven was a magical place and the building still appears to be salvageable," said Paul Sullivan, a former 111 First St. tenant. "I think with the right owner and the right atmosphere at City Hall that the building could be a great building again."
But Horgan disagreed, estimating the cost to repair the 19th century building at more than $71 million. He also disputed the historical aspect of the structure, saying whatever benefit was once there is now gone.
Horgan continued to blame city officials for failing to attack the problem. Two weeks ago, Horgan said he sent a report along with a letter asking building code officials to close sidewalks and streets around the building because of unsafe conditions.
To date, Horgan said, he has not gotten a response from city officials.
David Donnelly - a special assistant to Mayor Jerramiah Healy - who has been handling issues surrounding 111 First St. did not return phone calls seeking comment.
The city will present its case to the board on June 13.
- bill 5-31-2005 8:38 pm