BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD – The precious stock of historic homes in the borough is one step closer to being protected by a preservation ordinance with some teeth in it – a law that its supporters hope will keep historic homes from ending up under a bulldozer.
On April 12, Planning Board members passed a resolution approving a proposed ordinance that would establish an Historic Preservation Advisory Commission and preservation guidelines. The ordinance will now go back before the Borough Council, which can introduce the law and schedule a public hearing and vote on the proposal.
The commission being proposed would have regulatory powers that the existing Historic Preservation Advisory Committee does not.
Wayne Mason, a member of the advisory committee, presented a brief overview of the law the panel has been working on since 2003. The ordinance was initially presented to the council in October.
According to Mason, the ordinance is meant to preserve and enhance the borough’s historic character in order to promote investment, attract quality professional retail and commercial uses, and attract shoppers and tourists.
“The history of Freehold is what defines our town and distinguishes it from surrounding communities. The historic structures in town are tangible reminders of Freehold’s past, provide stability and will contribute to shaping our future,” he said.
Mason said the creation of an historic district will provide a “measure of protection against heavy insensitive remodeling and demolition.”
He said the demolition of the Bartleson mansion on South Street in July 2005 and its replacement by an office building is an example of why a preservation ordinance is needed.
“The Planning Board voted to reject the project. We didn’t have an ordinance to back up your decision and we lost a valuable historic resource,” Mason said. “With this ordinance our historic resources can be given adequate consideration and we are given the opportunity to make better choices.”
The proposed historic district would protect historic properties in the downtown B-1 and B-2 business zones and the corridors leading into those zones that committee members believe are the most vulnerable to the wrecking ball.
The commission, if it comes into existence through the adoption of the ordinance, would review proposed changes to the exterior of structures in the historic district. The historic features of a building as well as the historic character of the surrounding area would be taken into consideration when a proposal to alter the building comes before the commission.
Mason said the review will be controlled by guidelines based on standards set by the federal Department of the Interior. He said those guidelines will be tailored to fit Freehold’s unique historic character.
The commission will make recommendations on specific proposals to the appropriate body – the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the construction office.
Property owners will be able to appeal the commission’s decisions, Mason said.
Borough Engineer James Kovacs told Mason he agrees that Freehold needs an ordinance to protect the housing stock, but asked who would make the decision as to whether a building is safe or not.
Mason said the committee does not have professional construction engineers and that decision would be left up to code enforcement officials.