For years the answer to “Why is this building different from the three other buildings near the shul?” has been that the Palisades in Fort Lee did not have a Shabbat elevator. But just in time for Pesach, the building is turning one of the four elevators into a Shabbat elevator. This is exciting news for this 41-story, 538-unit building.
Prominent Properties realtor Roberta Friedman, who lives in the building, asked Linda Stamker, another realtor, who serves many in the community, to meet with the board president and the managing agent to present why having a Shabbat elevator would be mutually beneficial. At the end of the month, the elevator will go live.
According to Stamker, “Century Tower, River Ridge and The Atrium all already have Shabbat elevators. When we met with the Palisades management, we talked about what an opportunity it would be for them to open themselves up to the Jewish community, who were limited to living in buildings with amenities that better served their lifestyle. The Palisades is now a great option for more people. It’s a pet-friendly condo that offers apartments, townhouses, rentals and purchases. It has a fitness center, outdoor pool, onsite convenience store, indoor parking, valet parking for guests, dry cleaning services and a children’s playroom.”
Friedman told the Jewish Link, “I’ve lived in Fort Lee for 40 years and moved to the Palisades 15 years ago when I was downsizing. The grounds are beautiful with magnificent New York City views. The building just renovated the lobby, hallways and all common areas and the garage renovation is nearly complete. Retrofitting one of the elevators is another way to update the building and make the building more appealing to people looking to be in close proximity to the Young Israel of Fort Lee.
The rabbi of the Young Israel, Rabbi Zev Goldberg, who had previously met with a Palisades board member, reflected, “I am delighted that there is now another luxury building that is accessible for those who are Shomer Shabbat. The Palisades is a great option that is across the street from the Young Israel of Fort Lee. The Fort Lee Jewish community is so special and now even more people can take advantage of all that this area has to offer.”
By Sara Kosowsky Gross
