In what will most likely be the final hearing on the Neumann Leathers buildings, the Zoning Board will meet this Thursday night at 7 p.m., in City Council chambers at City Hall. Zoning Board Chairman Dominic Lisa said on Monday that the board would like to wrap up the hearings that have spanned roughly seven meetings since last summer.

Developer Trammel Crow Residential would like approvals to demolish the numerous old factory buildings and create a mixed-use condo building with a pedestrian plaza that is an extension of Clinton Street, between Newark Avenue and Observer Highway. Opponents of the plan -- artists and small businesspeople who work in the buildings -- have created an alternative proposal that would allow for the building to be rehabilitated, although funding has not been secured.

The meeting will have the final expert - an architect - testifying for the objectors, the Neumann Leathers Tenants Association. The witness will give testimony, then be subject to cross-examination, board examination, and public questions.

Each side will then give summary arguments for and against the zoning variances sought by Trammel Crow. The board will listen to members of the public weigh in on the decision. Each person will be allotted three minutes to speak. Then the board will make a final decision.

"I might go to midnight if I have to," Lisa said. "I'll see how the board feels. I'm hoping we come to a conclusion."