Discussion of the redevelopment plan for the Neumann Leathers building will reconvene on Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. in a virtual meeting, after the original meeting was cancelled due to a disruption by an unknown participant.
The meeting was set to take place last year on Dec. 14 when an unknown individual wrote “No one cares lol” on the images presented. The Jersey Journal reported the alleged “Zoombomber” was scribbling and began displaying porn at the meeting.
“The Hoboken Police Department continues to investigate the incident,” said Marilyn Baer, the city’s spokesperson, who added, that if anyone has any information to contact Det. Adam Colon at (201) 420-2100 ext. 3138.
“The City seeks to explore permanent protections for the arts community and revitalize the property to include commercial and residential space, including affordable housing, while also preserving its historic nature. The City looks forward to gaining public input at the upcoming meeting on Jan. 10.”
The Hoboken City Council adopted the Redevelopment Plan for the Neumann Leathers Rehabilitation Area on Dec. 2, 2015 and passed an amendment to the plan on first reading in March 2021.
That plan amendment was tabled on second reading in order to negotiate stronger rent protections for the Industrial Arts community at Neumann Leathers, 300 Observer Boulevard. In March 2022, the City Council formally re-designated portions of the Neumann Leathers Rehabilitation Area as an Area in Need of Redevelopment.
Famously known for producing and tanning leather, the building dates back to the post-Civil War era, according to archives in the Hoboken Historical Museum.
The city has since been working with both the Industrial Arts tenants and the ownership group to explore permanent protections for the Industrial Arts community at Neumann Leathers, a core objective of the Redevelopment Plan, while evaluating the residential density and tax structure necessary to achieve this objective, according to the city’s Nixle alert sent out to residents.
All attendees must register with the name and email prior to joining the meeting. Members can click here to register.
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