Plans In The Works To Rebuild Fort Lee Apt. Building After Fire

FORT LEE, NJ — There are plans to rebuild the Linwood Park Cooperative apartment building that was severely damaged and razed following a massive fire that broke out there Feb. 14.

Michele Petrillo, a member of the Board of Directors at the apartment complex said, an architect has been hired as part of the process, but the process has not gone any further. The building will have to be updated to be compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ninety families were displaced as a result of the raging fire that ripped through the 45-unit building. The building was later razed due to the amount of damage it suffered. (See related: Fire Tears Through Fort Lee Apartment Building [Video])

Another 45-unit apartment building, which was attached to the fire-damaged building, had to be evacuated and aired out due to concerns about mold. Residents there have not been allowed back since the fire. Some have been living in the Holiday Inn on Route 4.

"These people lost everything. They can get furniture, they can replace some things, but they can't replace things like family pictures. That is what they cry over," said Petrillo, who meets with victims at the Linwood Park management office on Saturdays. She and others on the board cook breakfast and lunch for the victims. They also distribute grocery store gift cards, soap, and other necessities victims need.

"These families have a hard road ahead of them and help is desperately needed. More fundraisers and more people in the community should get involved," Petrillo said. (See related: Here Is How You Can Help Fort Lee Fire Victims)

The borough launched a fundraiser for the victims of the building that burned down, but ended it two weeks later. More than $37,000 was donated to that campaign. The Board of Directors started another fundraiser nearly three weeks ago, but only $80 was donated as of Monday.

Retro Fitness in Fort Lee is hosting a fundraiser for the victims from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Enrollment fees for new customers to the gym and $1 of every smoothie purchase will be donated to the victims. Victims may also use the gym and showers all day Saturday for free.

There is also a donation center at the management office at 3091 Edwin Ave. for victims. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The items most needed are: Grocery store gift cards, and toiletries, including, combs, brushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, cotton swabs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small tissue packs, baby powder, adult disposable briefs, dental floss, body lotion, deodorant, feminine products, and disposable razors. New clothes with the tags still on them are also needed.

The fire does not appear suspicious as authorities continue to investigate what caused it. (See related: Fort Lee Apartment Fire Does Not Appear Suspicious: Police)

The fire may have started in the building's southwest crawl space, but the exact cause and origin are being investigated by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, Sheriff's Department, and Fort Lee Police Department and Fire Prevention Bureau.

The fire began shortly before 5 p.m. and firefighters battled the blaze until 9 p.m. before finally bringing it under control, NorthJersey.com reported. (See related: Fire Tears Through Fort Lee Apartment Building [Video])

Residents climbed down fire escapes to get out of the building, ABC7 reported.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com