The Hightstown Historic Preservation Commission nominated a section of Stockton Street to be recognized as a historic area worthy of preservation.
By: Michael Ross
HIGHTSTOWN Soldier’s Monument and Victorian-era houses comprise a section of Stockton Street that soon may be recognized as a historic area worthy of preservation.
The state Historic Preservation Office, a division of the Department of Environmental Protection, is reviewing an application recently submitted by The Hightstown Historic Preservation Commission for nomination to the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
The area, which stretches along Stockton Street from Railroad Avenue to Summit Street, would be called the Stockton Street Historic District and also would include a portion of Rogers Avenue from Outcalt Street to Stockton Street.
The 14-acre area is roughly four blocks long and includes 56 dwellings, 26 support structures, one monument and one church.
"It’s been a long process, something I’ve stuck with for over four years," Amy Aughenbaugh, former mayor and chairwoman of the project, said Wednesday. "It’s moving forward. That’s what’s exciting about the whole thing."
A letter last month to the borough from the HPO stated, "Listings provide recognition of the community’s historic importance and assures protective review of public projects that might adversely affect the character of the historic property.
"If the Stockton Street Historic District is listed in the National Register, certain federal investment tax credits for rehabilitation and other provisions may apply," the letter continued.
The recognition would not place limitations on private property owners who are free to use, renovate, alter, sell or demolish their properties, according to the HPO.
On March 1, a member of the HPO will give a slide presentation and answer questions during a community meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Borough Hall.
On April 6, The New Jersey State Review Board is slated to review the nomination.
If passed, the Stockton Street Historic District will be listed in the New Jersey Register and simultaneously recommended for the National Register.
The nomination will then be sent to Washington, D.C., for consideration.