the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, amid an ongoing legal dispute between the city and property owners, progress on the landmark Sears Building development on Main Street has stalled. In response, city officials are pursuing a designation that would enable the acquisition of the property through eminent domain.
The City Council recently passed a resolution tasking the city of Hackensack Planning Board with investigating whether the former Sears property qualifies as an area in need of redevelopment with condemnation. This move comes after the council voted to repeal its previous decision designating the site as a non-condemnation development area.
The iconic art deco building has remained vacant since 2020 when Sears closed its Hackensack store. A redevelopment plan envisions a mixed-use residential and commercial project, preserving the building’s façade and its iconic 105-foot tower.
City officials are committed to preserving the building’s historic elements, dating back to its opening in 1932 as the largest department store in Bergen County. However, legal challenges from property owners, including Transform Holdco, LLC, have hindered progress.
Despite a settlement reached in January 2023, subsequent lawsuits by Arcolo Hackensack LLC and related entities have complicated matters. These entities argue that the agreement with Transform was made without their knowledge or consent.
As legal proceedings unfold, the vacant building continues to deteriorate, posing challenges such as illegal parking and dumping. To address these issues, the city is exploring options for redevelopment, including potential condemnation if necessary.
Moving forward, the Planning Board will assess whether the Sears property meets the criteria for designation as an area in need of redevelopment. City officials remain committed to finding a resolution and completing the redevelopment process in a timely manner.
End of an Era