Headaches Linger At Montclair Building Months After Ida: Report

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Condo owners and a pair of businesses at a Montclair building are still struggling to get back to normal, nearly two months after devastating damage caused by Hurricane Ida, a report says.

The William Hughes Building at 511-515 Bloomfield Avenue saw massive damage from the storm and resulting flooding. It houses three businesses, Mesob, Ani Ramen and The Shade Store, as well as nine condominiums.

Ani Ramen has since opened, but the other businesses and the condos are still awaiting town inspections before they can reopen. The condo association’s president said that residents may be allowed back in the building by Nov. 1. But concerns over future flooding remain, Montclair Local reported.

Read the full article here.

An online fundraiser has raised more than $5,600 to help rehab the building as of Friday.

The campaign organizer wrote in September:

“As many of you know, the town of Montclair felt the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida this past week, with the corner of Park and Bloomfield Avenue being hit particularly hard by the flooding. During the storm, The William Hughes Building at 515 Bloomfield Avenue, which is home to nine residential and three commercial units, saw water levels rise over five feet, knocking down walls in the shared basement and threatening the structural integrity of the building.

“The entire basement — where the electric, gas and water systems are housed — has been destroyed. Residents will likely be without essential hot water or gas for weeks.

“As with many other buildings, flood insurance was not an option as Montclair is not considered a flood zone. Most costs for fixing the nearly 100-year-old building will be out of pocket, with initial estimates of potentially $100,000+ in repairs.

“This building, both commercial and residential, has been integral to the community for many years contributing to the revitalization and growth of the neighborhood. Whether you’ve stopped in for a meal or popped in to visit one of the long-time Montclair residents, 515 Bloomfield could use your donation to bring this vibrant building back to life.”

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