9/26/2007 Update:

Local resident Sean, who runs philly2hoboken.com has an update regarding a compromise that has been reached for this project:

He writes:

“As a result of the public’s concern, the developer compromised by changing the part of the area of the proposed restaurant into a retail store & area for the condo project. Also, the height of the tower was reduced significantly, keeping in-line with the height of the surrounding neighborhood. Gone was the valet parking, and there is a still a point of contention about the parking which we hope to resolve soon.

The developer also detailed multiple structural enhancements, keeping in line with the historic preservation of the site. The Bank sits in a flood plain, and the developer also plans to increase the height of the entire structure (more details on this to follow, from what I understood it would be raised about 5 feet). The facade, windows, moulding and copper treatments would be restored. The sidewalk, lighting and trees would be enhanced or added.”

Read previous updates below, and check his site for the full story.

6/18/2007 Update:

The Zoning Board has cancelled the meeting that was supposed to happen Tuesday the 19th, which means the Jefferson Trust Bank Building item will be carried, along with the rest of the agenda, to July 17th at 7pm. There was some question as to whether the ZBA would consider the Jefferson Trust item while it was still pending at the Historic Preservation Board. A developer proposal to build a seven story parking garage across Newark Street from the Jefferson Trust Condos in between Neumann Leather and the Napa Auto Parts was also on Tuesday’s ZBA agenda, and will be carried to July. Updated the Event Calender accordingly.

6/15/2007 Update:

Hoboken411 reader ‘Furey”, who’s a condo owner in the area had attended the recent meeting regarding this project.

He said:

There is simply no support by the public here, and many members of the committee seriously questioned this project. Everyone loves his idea to restore the Bank and how it could be made to look, but mostly everyone agrees that adding residential units on top of the building isn’t in the best interest of the community. The owner is trying to get thirteen - THIRTEEN - variances for this property.

Read the rest of his observations on his blog, Philly2Hoboken.com. More meetings scheduled this month.

6/9/2007 Update:

Originally, the next Historical Preservation Committee meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 12th. However, the city has moved the date up to MONDAY, June 11th at 7pm. The Hoboken Planning Board meeting is still on for Tuesday, June 19th at 7pm.

5/22/2007 Update:

In case anyone is interested, there will be a low-key review of this proposal in front of the Historic Preservation Committee tonight at 7:00pm (basement of city hall).

There will be an opportunity for the public to comment or “inquire within”. Not many important people will be there it seems, as some have other commitments. However, it has been said that this project/property shouldn’t even be listed by any Realtor since there is no official zoning in place. It may considered unethical, etc..

5/14/2007:

Over at the forever vacant (and still historically intact) Jefferson Trust building on 1st and Clinton, there finally appears to be some action happening.

Here is the letter that has been posted as of late (thanks 411 reader Furey):

“Dear Neighbor,

Below is an artist’s rendering of the proposed changed to the Jefferson Trust Bank Building.

The proposed changes are scheduled to be discussed at the Tuesday June 19th meeting of the Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment, City Hall, at 7pm.

If you’d like to voice your opinions regarding the proposed changes, I urge you to attend.

If possible, please could you notify any of your neighbors who may also be interested in attending.

Bill wfs4@optonline.net

wfs4@optonline.net”

Another reader wrote in that they have requested the city for numerous variances to build this eight-story luxury building and an extension of the bank to accommodate retail space and a restaurant.

This is of great concern to the residents in the area, as it may dramatically block the natural light to nearby residences. It is interesting to note that the residents of his building apparently only received one letter addressed to the Condo Board. It’s possible that many other neighbors are completely unaware of this proposal.

There are other concerns regarding the restaurant and possible bar, which may be within 500 feet of existing bars, which is considered a zoning violation.