News
Christ Hospital Demolishes Historic Heights Mansion
Palisade Avenue Landmark Latest Architectural Loss in Jersey City
Photo Courtesy of Sgt. Anthony Park Association. |
148-150 Christ Hospital prior to demolitionWe are sad to report that on Wednesday, August 8, a contracted demolition crew started leveling a circa-1873 mansion at 148-150 Palisade Avenue, in the Jersey City Heights, directly adjacent to Christ Hospital--this while all of Jersey City's attention was directed at the crippling downpours and traffic nightmares that unsued.
Below is JCLC's reaction to this inexcusible, unneccesary attack against our history. In addition to the outraged voices of the preservation community, local neighborhood groups, including the Sgt. Anthony Park Association, have expressed their dismay and want answers, accountability and meaningful reparations.
Statement of JCLC President Joshua Parkhurst
 The site on the day of demolition. |
As many of you know, on Monday, August 6, Christ Hospital had applied for a demolition permit for property located at 148-150 Palisade Avenue. The building is an outstanding example of the beautiful 19th century houses that used to line the Palisades.
The Sgt. Anthony Park neighborhood association and the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy have been attempting to dialogue with Christ Hospital to see if the property could be preserved. The City's historic preservation office strongly cautioned against demolition, noting that the property retained its historic integrity.
Earlier this morning, the hospital commenced demolition. The Conservancy and Sgt. Anthony Park Association are appalled not only at the decision to proceed with demolition, but the absolute refusal to even consult with those neighborhood residents who were opposed to this outrageous destruction of a landmark property. When we attempted to contact the hospital for comment, we were told that their representatives were unavailable because of the weather and traffic delays. Interestingly, this did not delay the demolition from going forward.
We also have to, regretfully, note that the city's elected representatives were not responsive during this time of crisis. We also contacted Mayor Healy's office as well as councilman Lipski's office. None of our calls were returned.
Jersey City's "teardown" crisis has reached epidemic levels. It seems that every few weeks we are learning of another historic property that is mercilessly razed, and often replaced with cookie cutter housing which blights the streetscape. This act is particularly appalling, because it was undertaken by a hospital which purports to be in service of the community. Their disregard for both their own historic resources and the input of their neighbors is stunning.
Although it may be too late to preserve 148-150 Palisade Avenue, it is not too late to take the appropriate steps to expose this tragedy and require appropriate countermeasures. The Conservancy and Sgt. Anthony Park Association hope that Christ Hospital will recognize that its actions were unacceptable to the community and that it will take corrective action going forward.
As a start, the hospital should conduct a transparent investigation into its decision making process and hold accountable any officials who allowed the demolition to proceed over the repeated objections of the hospital's neighbors. With respect to the property itself, Christ Hospital should make sure that it allows the public to utilize it as a community resource. One possibility would be the creation of a garden or open space with interpretive signage or monuments that educate the public about the history of the area. With respect to any other historic properties held by the hospital, the hospital should agree to form a committee which includes representatives of the community that will ensure that such landmarks are appropriately protected and preserved.
Finally, the Hospital and its representatives should use their presence and influence within the Episcopalian Diocese of Newark to ensure that other landmarks, most notably St. John's Episcopal Church in Bergen Hill and Holy Innocents Church in Hoboken, are preserved.
The destruction of a landmark is always painful to those who appreciate their community's history. Today's action was no less painful. We hope, going forward, steps can be taken to heal the irreparable damage that was done when a beautiful landmark was destroyed.
Joshua Parkhurst, President, Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy