Township Demolishing Eyesore Building

After more than a decade of complicated legal wrangling, the Township of North Bergen is in the process of tearing down an eyesore property at 116 73rd Street.

The building, formerly an 18-unit condominium on a residential street, fell into disrepair over the years as tenants and owners moved out. It has been abandoned for about 12 years. However, the Township’s efforts to take possession of the property and demolish it were legally hampered by the numerous owners and lien holders.

Recently Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Town Commissioners passed a resolution authorizing the Township to acquire assignments of the remaining tax liens on the property, held by three individuals and one entity.

Demolition of the four-story, 38 by 100-foot property began on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 and is expected to take about two weeks to complete. The contractor hired to conduct the work began by collapsing the top floor and then gradually imploding the building to minimize disturbances to the neighborhood.

Once the building has been completely removed, the Township will hold public meetings with residents in the area to gather thoughts on next steps for the vacant property.