Once the Waldwick Community Alliance signed the lease for the historic railroad station on Hewson Avenue with New Jersey Transit last month, Alliance members got busy cleaning out the building in anticipation of its formal “viewing” on the night of the Murder Mystery fundraiser. To their surprise, the 1876 structure was in excellent shape. “It’s really amazing. Structurally, it’s sound. The walls are not cracked; they just need paint,” commented Alliance Vice President Doug Cowie during a Saturday morning work session. The cement floor, which features a diamond pattern, “does not have one crack. It’s hard to believe,” he said. All work done on the station, however, needs state approval, so the Alliance has commissioned a scope of work study at a cost of $16,000 as the first step in that process. Wayne McCabe & Associates of Newton is expected to take about 10-12 weeks to complete the study so it can be submitted to county and state agencies and NJ Transit. The entire restoration is estimated to cost $1 million. “It’s anyone’s guess how long the approval process will take,” Cowie said. “Once approved, we can work on financ- WCA commissions study on train station needs ing, grants and finally the physical work. What we do first will be determined by the results of the study, but it will likely involve installing a new roof and replacing the building’s sill plate along the foundation and doing site work and re-grading of the land around the building to prevent further water damage,” he added. Cowie and several other volunteers have cleaned out trucks full of debris accumulated before the station was officially abandoned in the mid 1970s. They also opened windows for ventilation and light and are in the process of repairing roof leaks caused by a temporary tarp put up by NJ Transit before the lease was signed. “There were no signs of vandalism whatsoever,” Cowie pointed out. The 800-sq. ft. building has a waiting area with a high tin ceiling and a pot belly stove as the only source of heat. A ticket room, which doubled as a telegraph room and luggage storage area, still has the connection wires used to communicate with the main station in Jersey City. The coal room still has a few shovels full left. Two bathrooms, the men’s room accessible only from the outside, lack any plumbing whatsoever. (continued on page 18) ���������������� June 3, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 15 ���������������������������� Above left: An old bathroom. Above right: A bench in the waiting area. Top: Debris sits outside of the station. Right: Joseph Salvi making repairs. Far right: Doug Cowie and Jerry Pignatelli stand next to a pot belly stove. Eating is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Experience La Vie En Rose. Your senses will surely thank you. SKIN CARE & NAIL STUDIO By Appointment Only The finest in total body grooming We will now be open Friday and Saturday Evenings until p.m. Please join us for Tapas or Dessert on our Sidewalk Café. ~ B.Y.O.B. La Vie En Rose brings a European flair to Waldwick. We invite you for a healthy breakfast, have salad, soup or sandwich delivered to your office, or even cater your own afternoon tea. 10 Facials • Waxing • Pedicures • Massage Make-up Application • Hair Services 201-689-1770 140 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 07463 Cookies, Cakes & Tarts baked fresh daily. 10 W. Prospect Street • Waldwick • 201-652-8880