Historic Committee Submits Advisory Letter to Zoning Board to Save Rambo's
Letter asks that Zoning Board not grant variances to developer to save the last building of historical significance to Fort Lee's place in the early film industry.
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The Fort Lee Historic Site, Structure, Cultural & Landmark Committee, a committee within The Fort Lee Historical Society created by ordinance by the Mayor and Council of Fort Lee, submitted an advisory letter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment requesting that the board not grant the variances required by the developer to demolish 'Rambo's Saloon' located at 2423 First Street.
According to the Historical Society executive board, that unamimously voted in support of this letter, the Historic Site committee is charged by the Mayor and Council with the responsibility to advise the Zoning Board of the historic significance of any property that is in jeopardy of being demolished.
Because of its prominent role as a site location in the early film industry that once dominated Fort Lee, Rambo's Saloon is listed on the Bergen County Register of Historic Buildings. However, according to Tom Meyers, founder and Executive Director of the Fort Lee Film Commission and founder of The Fort Lee Historic Committee and member of The Fort Lee Historical Society, that designation offers no real protection from demolition.
"Despite its designation as an historical building on the County's register, the only way that building could have been preserved is through more stringent local zoning laws," Meyers said.
The developer, Joseph Romano, appeared before the Zoning Board Tuesday seeking height, side and back yard variances to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a duplex. The Zoning Board is in the process of reviewing the site plans Romano submitted and the hearing will continue at the April 23 meeting of the Zoning Board.
In their letter to the Zoning Board, the Committee cites that the structure being considered for demolition was built in 1867, was one of the most important film sites in the early years of the film industry, and argues that there is no existing structure left in Fort Lee of similar age or significant importance to film history.
The Fort Lee Historical Society has created a petition to try and save the building from demolition. The petition, created by Historical Society President Donna Brennan, will be delivered to both the Mayor and Council and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The next meeting of the Zoning Board is April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of Borough Hall. This application, along with the letter submitted by the Historic Site, Structure, Cultural & Landmark Committee, will be discussed at this meeting.
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Jerry Wish
11:25 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
I am confused as the current state of the law on this property/subject. If the town elects to deny the builder the ability to demolish this last piece of Fort Lee Film History, can the town now force the builder to sell the property to the Town/County/ or Historical Society? I'm sure with all the historical added value, the property is probably worth a lot more money. Looking at the picture attached to this article, I think it would be wonderful for the Historic Committee to renovate the property and have it look like it did in 1867.
Tom Meyers
4:16 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
The property needs a variance for the dplex the developer seeks to build thus there is a hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Fort Lee Historic COmmittee by ordinance can render and "Advisory" opinion when any historic
structure is threatened with demolition in Fort Lee. This structure is on the county register of historic sites and eligible for the state and national register of historic sites - none of this protects the structure from demolition. Thus the Fort Lee Historic Committee has submitted its Advisoty opnion and the Zoning Baord of Adjustment can consider such opinion in the hearing re the application for a variance to demolish the historic structure and replace it with a duplex. This 'historic' issue obviously does not increase the value of the property as we have lost other properties on the county register of historic sites including The Barrymore House on Hammett Avenue.
Tom Meyers
4:19 pm on Friday, March 22, 2013
If the borough did decide to purchase this historic structure then the structure / site would be eligible for grants based on its placement on the county register and its certain eligibility for placement on the state and national register of historic sites. In addition the building facade could be returned to its original look as the building is in solid condition and matches all the photos from the era of 1908-1920 during its use as a key location in Fort Lee's days as the first American film town.
Thomas A Bennett
7:56 am on Monday, March 25, 2013
Tommy, I will be there in spirit. I believe there is a lot of pressure on the borough to buy this property, and I hope they do. Fort Lee is facing its second lawsuit over the van fiasco, and we haven't heard from three of the families yet. the borough needs some positive news to offset these lawsuits so, maybe the will buy the property to silence some of their critics. Sometimes doing the right thing takes a push from others to get them going. Maybe the Fort Lee Historic Commission should consider suing the borough for the funds to buy the house. Maybe a history minded lawyer will donate his services. Just a thiought.