2/8/2010 Update:

Heavy hearts at scene of the blaze

The fire is out, but sadness and the smell of smoke still hang in the air on the 100 block of Park Avenue. No serious injuries were reported following last night’s three-alarm blaze, but apartments in three buildings have been trashed by fire, smoke and water damage. This block is unique in Hoboken, as most of its homes are set back to the rear of the lots. The wood-frame buildings are very old and connected without modern firewalls. This design allowed a fire in one of the more run-down buildings on the block to spread quickly into some of the most meticulously kept homes on the street. People in the neighborhood are asking why, and wondering whether it could have been prevented.

Scary moments on “Ottomanelli Drive”

The fire started on the south side of 128 Park, and quickly moved through a shared wall with 126 Park. 126 and 124 are owned by Onofrio and Lucia Ottomanelli. The two three-story buildings were connected and extensively renovated to include modern apartments, as well as a carport for Mr. Ottomanelli’s antique autos and an extensive Italian front garden with meticulously kept trees and shrubs. The Ottomanellis took great pride in their home. One of their tenants said they loved living there as well, as he watched firefighters aim water hoses at flames near what was his bedroom.

126/124 and 128/130 like night and day

In contrast, 128 Park is a two-story building that – other than the dated siding – doesn’t look like it’s changed much since it was built. 7 people rented two apartments in the small house from an absentee landlord. At the scene, one of the tenants complained of ongoing maintenance issues, including water leaks, a second floor that appears to be sinking, and mice. From the street the second floor windows are not straight and true, showing potential structural issues that pre-date the fire. Though problems with an old electric service were not on the list of tenant complaints, investigators will be looking into whether overloaded circuits could have been the cause of the blaze. It’ll take time for an official cause to be determined, and anything said at this point is pure speculation.

Politically connected Atty. owns building where fire started

Hoboken411 has learned that 128 Park and the equally dingy 130 Park next door are investment rental properties owned by politically connected Hudson County attorney Frank Leanza.

In addition to being the Municipal Judge in Guttenberg, Leanza also serves as the Secaucus Town Attorney, and counsel to the West New York Housing Authority and the North Hudson Sewerage Authority.

Just last week Leanza appeared in front of the Hoboken City Council seeking an easement for the NHSA to allow outflow pipes to run across city-owned land at 1600 Park Avenue.

Hoboken Firefighters did the heavy lifting in frigid, smoky conditions assisted by mutual aid from Jersey City FD and North Hudson Regional Fire. HPD, HVAC and the Office or Emergency Management were also on the scene.

SEE YESTERDAY’S BREAKING STORY AND PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP…

2/7/2010 6:50pm Update:

Fire is done, and crews are beginning to pack up equipment and head back to their respective headquarters.

2/7/2010 5:44pm Update:

FD ordered to evacuate one building

Jackie and a couple other Hoboken411 readers sent more fire scene photos from 2nd and Park… Other bystanders have said that the structures were seemingly out, just smoking – and then out of the blue – flames just came out of nowhere. So far buildings at 128, 126, and 124 Park Avenue have been affected.

2/7/2010 5:10pm Update:

Fire at 128 Park spreads to two other homes…

Hoboken411 reader Melanie sent in some shots of the fire near 2nd and Park. Apparently, the fire has spread to two neighboring structures. Sucky way to spend Super Bowl Sunday!!

2/7/2010 4:45pm:

Fire in two story residential

Reported moments ago on the Hoboken411 Live Police and Fire Action Channel – Working fire at 128 Park Avenue… FD on scene as of 4:45pm.

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