[Previous] [Main Index] [Next]

"A national coalition is forming to save the historic Hackensack Water Co., and its 100 years of technology: - August 2001"

Press Release by Water Works Conservancy, Inc.

Mr. Schuber's reversal has galvanized a major outcry of dismay from historical preservationists, historical organizations and citizens throughout the state and nation, including Oradell's favorite son, USN Captain Walter M. Schirra, Jr., one of the original seven US Astronauts. In addition to its designation as "An American Treassure," the site hass been voted a state and national historic site, has been listed on the NJ Register of Historic Sites and has National Landmark potential. Robert M. Vogel, Curator Emeritus of Engineering and Technology, Smithsonian Institution, has called the Pump House "the history of the Industrial Revolution in one building from steam to electricity," for its intact, rare and important time line of technology from 19th Century steam to 20th Century electrical equipment. "This technology is irreplaceable," stated WWC Vice President, Dr. Charles Lawrence, P.E.

Preservationists, organizations and citizens both locally and nationally have been protesting through letters of support, phone calls and offers of help to WWC and to Bergen County, in an effort to make sure that the site is saved. Of major concern is the County's lack of care of the site. Despite a $1.1 million fund left by the Hackensack Water Co. to the County and a $575,000 stabilization grant from the NJ Historical Trust Fund, the County has allowed deterioration of the site for 11 years. Currently, there are new holes in the Pump House Roof over a wooden, weight bearing beam, and several small sections of the brick wall on the Filtration Plant have collapsed and are in danger of further collapse from water infiltration. "Every drop of water that falls does increased damage to this 'American Treasure,' " stated Maggie Harrer, WWC's Board President.

Groups that have written offering support for full preservation of the site include: The New Jersey State Office of Historic Preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation New Jersey, Save America's Treasures, Architects League of Northern New Jersey, New Jersey Society of Architects, AIA, Bergen County Association of Administrators, Bergen County Historical Society, County of Bergen Historic Preservation Advisory Board, the Society for Industrial Archaeology - both the national and the local Roebling Chapter, Water Landmarks Committee of the American Water Works Association. Utility and Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey, the Borough of Oradell as well as politicians on both sides of the aisle and literallly hundreds of citizens.

The historic Hackensack Water Company site located on Van Buskirk Island in Oradell, NJ, an Official Project of Save America's Treasures, has been the center for six years of a grass-roots historic preservation battle. In July, Executive Schuber proposed a new "Preservation Plan" in a letter to three nearby towns, Oradell, New Milford and River Edge. This plan calls for: the total demolition of the historic red brick Romanesque Revival Pump House and its 100 years of technology, leaving only a few archways, although not very high, and a remnant of the 19th Century 4-story Allis Chalmers steam engine, "Old Number 7," as a "sculpture piece" in a "garden like setting;" the demolition of all but the laboratory end of the Filtration Plant and creating an amphitheater with 300 seats over the ruins of the Filtration Plant as part of a "passive park." Robert Vogel has called Schuber's proposal "utterly ludicrous."

In County Executive Schuber's letter detailing this plan he asked for response from the public, but only one answer space was designated, a "Yes" in support of County Executive Schuber's plan. The letter failed to mention 6 major facts:

1. That another viable proposal exists for full preservation of the site - the WWC's plan.

2. That the full cost of Schuber's plan ($5 to $10 million - although Schuber is denying any knowledge of the cost of this plan) would be born by the Bergen County Taxpayer whereas the WWC proposal would be funded privately leaving only approximately $3 to $4 million cost of the park to be paid by Bergen County taxpayers.

3. That there is serious danger to the river and the environment form this almost total demolition of the 19th Century plant, and potential destabilization of the land including a major water pipeline and sewer pipeline.

4. That counter to Schuber's assertions, the Borough of Oradell strongly supports WWC's proposal.

5. That the County has already expended over $300,000 in funds to a "consultant" from Boston who has failed to win grants for the park and created proposals for the site that are entirely unworkable.

6. And, finally, with the site on the NJ Register of Historic Sites, Schuber's "create-a-ruin" plan must first be approved by the NJ DEP Commissioner, which is highly unlikely.

Oradell Councilwoman Linda Besink countered Schuber's characterizaiton that the town of Oradell had withdrawn its support for the project and therefore the County was planning to bulldoze it. Ms. Besink stated that "As someone who voted on both Oradell Resolutions, I couldn't disagree more with Mr. Schuber's characterization of Oradell's support/" She explained, "The Borough of Oradell cannot shoulder the financial obligation for the site, but very much supports the WWC proposal. In fact, the final clause in the first Resolution voted in May was inserted in order to manifest the support for the WWC plan and to request that the County negotiate with WWC and bring this debate to a happy conclusion." That Oradell Borough Resolution passed by a 6-0 vote. In July, a second Resolution was passed by the Oradell Borough Council, again stating support for the WWC proposal and urging the County to negotiate with WWC to preserve this "American Treasure." A recent independent poll in Oradell showed that 67.1% of the voting population supported the WWC plan.

Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, wrote County Executive Schuber and offered the help of the Trust and its experts, urging Schuber to work with the WWC in these words: "A feasible reuse plan has been developed by the WWC . . . The Conservancy's proposed affiliation with the Smithsonian Museum (the first of its kind in New Jersey) and reuse plan are extremely innovative. . . Public-private partnerships succeed most often when there is a strong and active nonprofit like the WWC . . . Critical now is a working agreement between the County and the Water Works Conservancy, Inc."

NJ DEP Assistant Commissioner Can Wild, in her letter to Schuber about the Registration of the site stated, "Regarding my decision to include the Hackensack Water Company in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, I feel that the strong documentation of the Hackensack Water Company nomination reflects the importance and significance of this property. I understand your [the County's] concerns for the enormous stewardship responsibility required for maintaining an industrial resource of this nature. The staff at the Historic Preservation Office will be available to assist you as you formulate plans to facilitate optional use and preservation of the complex."

Barbara Mitnick, the Chair of the NJ Historic Trust Fund Board, commented at the June Board Meeting, "These sites, designated by Save America's Treasures, are chosen very carefully and are heavily scrutinized. They are very important sites historically. This is not just some little local or County historical site. You don't just knock down an 'American Treasure' without making every effort to save it." The NJ Historical Trust offered County Executive Schuber the help of their office and experts to make sure there was a full preservation effort.

Clifford Zink, a Preservation Consultant instrumental in saving the Roebling Complex in Trenton, wrote the folloiwng: "When a dynamic organization like the Waterworks Conservancy proposes a visionary plan to preserve historic buildings while presenting educational opportunities for school children and adults to learn about history, technology, and the environment, it's a win-win situaiton for all. When a volunteer organizaiton like the Waterworks raises substantial fund up front and persists in its visionary quest despite disheartening bureaucracy and parochial attitutdes, it has demonstrated the tenacity necessary to get the job done and do it well."

"I believe TRC could help all of the stakeholders, Bergen County, the Borough of Oradell and the Water Works Conservancy, refine and implement plans that meet or exceed our economic, environmental and social objectives" wrote Edward J. Malley of TRC Companies, Inc. in a letter to County Executive Schuber, offering help to find complete funding for the WWC proposal. (TRC helped find the funding for the successful Lowell, Mass. Knitting Mill restoration.)

Bjorn von Euler, Director, Corporate Communications, ITT Industries, stated in his letter to County Executive Schuber, "As the world's premier producer of pumps and a very active participant in the field of water conservation, we commend WWC for their efforts in the preservation of the historic Hackensack Water Company site. The legacy of the New Milford Plant is captured in one word: foresight. And a demonstration of true leadership and care. Care of the citizens, local industry and the environment. Your [WWC's] project is well described by those key words. The legacy must continue . . . the WWC project can play a very important role locally, regionally and globallly [in building awareness and educating about water, its use and misuse]."

With this level of local, state and national support, the only question remains is why is County Executive Schuber delaying this important preservation and environmental project? For further information, please contact WWC, 201-967-0133.