Awaiting a repeat of history

Historic designation debate on two Princeton sites to resume

By: Nick Norlen
   After spending the summer on the backburner, debates about proposed historic districts in both Princeton Township and Princeton Borough will likely heat up as the weather cools off.
   Fall should bring renewed discussion of potential historic designations for the Deer Path and Clover Lane neighborhood in the township and for homes on Library Place, Hodge Road, Boudinot Street and Bayard Lane in the borough’s western section.
   Although the two neighborhoods differ in character — the former is known for its mid-century modern architectural style featuring carports and a mix of slanted and flat roofs, while the latter boasts various styles of mansions — historic designations proposed for both caused a stir among homeowners earlier this year.
   In the borough’s western section, advocates for the designation said it would protect the character of the neighborhood, while opponents claimed it would restrict the rights of property owners.
   Democratic mayor primary candidate Kim Pimley, a Library Place resident, received much of the financial support for her campaign from her neighbors, who publicly voiced opposition to the designation.
   But during the course of the public debate, supporters of the designation began a campaign to raise money to commission an architectural study of 60 homes in the neighborhood.
   "The effort is really to prevent tear-downs, prevent McMansions, and generally keep the character of the neighborhood," said leading proponent and Library Place resident John Heilner.
   But the group is "really kind of taking the summer off," he said, noting that neighbors will likely reconvene soon.
   Mr. Heilner said the group will gauge prices from different firms, but that he expects the cost to be in the range of $20,000.
   While no money has yet been raised, "a number of people have committed to contributing," he said.
   By his count, "more than half of the houses in the proposed area" support the designation, he said.
   Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman said the borough is waiting to hear from the Historic Preservation Review Committee about the scheduling of further discussion.
   "I fully anticipate that it will be discussed in the fall," she said.
   Mayor Trotman said the committee was charged at the last meeting with keeping the residents informed of any potential actions as well as compiling information about whether a study of the neighborhood’s architecture is warranted.
   In the township, residents of the Deer Path and Clover Lane neighborhood with opposing viewpoints have cited similar benefits and concerns.
   While others tread the middle ground by voicing favor of heightened zoning regulations — rather than a historic designation — the Historic Preservation Commission determined that the area was at least eligible for a historic district.
   "We thought that there was a distinct character and style that was recognizable," said Historic Preservation Commission Chairman David Schure.
   He said consultant research commissioned by the board factored in their decision that both the architectural style and landscape characteristics "create a sense of place or a neighborhood that aren’t like other places in town."
   Mr. Schure said the next step is for the issue to come before the Township Committee.
   Township Committeeman Chad Goerner, who acts as the liaison to Historic Preservation Committee, said that’s where the issue came to a halt in the spring.
   "We kind of put things on hold for the summer because we wanted to have full consideration when everyone is back in town," he said.
   Mr. Goerner said he expects to pick up the topic in September, and said he is scheduled to meet with Historic Preservation Officer Christine Lewandoski on Monday to discuss the feedback gleaned from the public meetings in June.
   While he said "it’s difficult to get consensus," Mr. Goerner said he wants to make sure the Township Committee is aware of all the options.
   Although Ms. Lewandoski has recused herself from formal preservation discussions due to a personal connection to the area, she is working with Mr. Goerner and Regional Planning Director Lee Solow behind the scenes to come up with potential alternatives to a historic district, Mr. Goerner said.
   According to Mr. Goerner, those could include zoning changes, a modification to the historic preservation ordinance, or some sort of preservation district designation.
   He said it’s a consideration that will be taken seriously, especially given the prevalence of tear-downs, which can lead to the construction of McMansions or "starter castles."
   Noting that many seniors are looking for one-level housing, Mr. Goerner said he believes that the Clover Lane and Deer Path neighborhood is "attractive to a lot of people — not just families."
   He added, "We also have to think about the fact that it’s important that we have a diversity of housing sizes and styles. In order to continue the diversity that we have in Princeton, we need to maintain and foster the diversity of our housing stock."