QLC and Hoboken Heritage
Join together to Present a Strategy to Save the City’s Historic Religious Properties

On March 11, 2008, the Quality of Life Coalition, Inc. joined with Hoboken Heritage in presenting an evening with Partners for Sacred Places, a 20-year old national organization that works with religious organizations to improve their management and preservation of historic buildings under their control. Elizabeth Terry, director of training for PSP explained how two five-day sessions can be put together for congregations to learn how to think creatively, learn basics of fund raising and how to develop exterior resources. The training sessions require sponsorship by local groups such as Chambers of Commerce, municipalities themselves or local groups interested in historic preservation. Sponsoring groups arrange for outreach to local congregations, provide meeting facilities, and produce publicity. The religious organizations that opt to participate (up to as many as 12 are possible) pay a pro rata share of the total cost for two five-day events conducted by professional trainers. The total cost can range from $24,000 to $29,000.

Every religious organization in Hoboken was invited to the March 11 meeting. The response from the community has been very encouraging. Many of those that found the date inconvenient have subsequently indicated interest in participating. Two councilpersons, Beth Mason and Nino Giacchi along with the president of the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment, Dominick Lisa were in attendance. Several members of the Hoboken Historic Preservation Commission were also on hand.

An Exploratory Committee is being developed by Hoboken Heritage and QLC which will meet in April to discuss opportunities, options and organization. Representatives of all faiths are invited to contact the following persons for further information.

Allen Kratz, Hoboken Heritage, 201-214-7476

Helen Manogue, QLC, 201-963-3511

Last revised on January 18, 2008

The Quality of Life Coalition
P O Box 1195
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone - 201-963-3511