The attorney for the developer and the Planning Board attorney said "Make an offer!". The historic Zabriskie Tenant House at 273 Dunkerhook Road in Paramus, New Jersey, (20 miles from New York City) was built by the Zabriskie family ca.1786 and then lived in by the Bennett, Stewart and Sisco families, African Americans who were descendants of the Zabriskie's slaves. They built up a small community along Dunkerhook Road that lasted from about 1830-1930 and included a church. The only remaining buildings from this community are this house and one other. It is one of few remnants of early African American history of Bergen County. A developer has an application for a subdivision and seeks permission to demolish the house, which is on Paramus' landmark list and on the State and National Registers. At the third hearing on the matter, on April 7, the Planning Board stated that they will *only *deny permission for the demolition* if* someone makes a written offer for the property that meets or exceeds the developer's (unknown) contract price. * However, there is no mechanism to do so. The Planning Board wants to say they've done everything they can, but they haven't. * We need a land-use attorney and/or a buyer. And everyone needs to check the preservation ordinances in their community and establish or support an Historic Preservation Commission. (Paramus doesn't have one.) ANNOUNCEMENT: Opportunity to buy an historic house (on the National Register) in Paramus, New Jersey, (20 miles from New York City). However, 273 Dunkerhook Road is not exactly for sale. A developer has a contingency contract to buy the property and is asking permission to demolish the house. However, an offer before April 28, in writing, matching or exceeding the developer's (unknown) contract price, rescues this house from demolition and gets you a very nice place to live. So, if you have around $600,000-$700,000 (the contract price is rumored to be around the current assessed value of $662,200) and you want to live in an 18th century sandstone house with an 1850's addition it's worth investigating. Property is about 200' x 250' and has the house in question, a second house, a large garage, and a defunct pool, as well as large, beautiful trees, and backs onto a county park. The historic house has original sash in some of the windows, an original door, fireplace ready to be exposed and maybe used, original trim and is reported to be in excellent condition. Principle Parties: Paramus Planning Board, (201) 265-2100, x 620. Chairman: Martin Schwartz; Attorney: John Ten Hoeve. Attorney for the developer (Quattro IV LLC): Mark Sokolich (201-224-4000 ). Owner: Margaret Horton. None of these parties has authorized me to make this announcement. Check your wallet, hire a lawyer, and come to the Planning Board meeting on April 28 at 7 pm at Borough Hall, Paramus. Back Story: For a report of the latest Planning Board meeting see: http://paramus.patch.com/articles/attorney-for-developer-seeking-to-demolish-historic-dunkerhook-house-make-an-offer For information about the house and the fight to save it see: http://bergencountyhistory.org/forums/index.php/topic,1732.0.html and http://bergencountyhistory.org/forums/index.php/topic,2499.0.html Peggy W. Norris [email protected] PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO EVERY LIST WHERE FOLKS CARE ABOUT HOUSES AND PRESERVATION!