Redevelopment of the Church of the Holy Innocents Site

Building on A Firm Foundation

All Saints Episcopal Parish owns the Church of the Holy Innocents’ site which consists of three National Register historic structures on 6th Street located on Willow and Clinton. For many years, All Saints has worked on a redevelopment plan for that site. Unfortunately, several major questions linger: Will the two buildings that are to remain in place survive the demolition of the center building and the construction of a nine story tower that is to house three floors of a school and 45 to 50 residential units? What are the risks to the integrity of the remaining buildings, and can those risks be mitigated?

The Answer

The “Technical Notes” (summaries of expert advice) from the Technical Preservation Services staff at the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service note that “early planning offers the opportunity to identify these risks and to determine successful ways to avoid them.” In the construction trade the “opportunity to identify” is known as a geotechnical/engineering study. It uses soil borings to determine subsurface conditions; assesses construction methods to minimize or avoid the potential impacts of activity on the historic properties, and provides a list of related costs. The Park Service advisory
further notes that this type of action ultimately saves time and money, and is cost-effective when it takes place before final decisions are made.
(“Preservation Tech Notes – Temporary Protection Number 3”)

The Problem

A Geotechnical/Engineering Study is expensive. All Saints Episcopal Parish has spent more money and time on the planning process than it contemplated. Rising prices, the passage of time and changes to the plan have pushed the planning process far over the initial budget. The Parish contends that the studies are not necessary at this stage and most certainly not required as part of the application now before the Zoning Board.

The Way to a Resolution

In order to assist the Parish at a time when it pleads that it has no money for further studies, the QLC has met with Rev. Geoffrey Curtiss and offered to raise $7,000 to pay for the study so it is made part of the Zoning Board application. The Parish declined the offer.

Hearings before the Hoboken Zoning board of Adjustment will continue on this matter Thursday, May 3, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Hoboken City Hall.