By Jane Meggitt, Special Writer
UPPER FREEHOLD — On Imlaystown Road, abutting Imlaystown Lake, sits a plain white building.
Located between the Happy Apple Inn and the bridge, this 19th century structure served as Upper Freehold’s municipal building for generations.
At the Sept. 4 Township Committee meeting, Township Administrator Dianne Kelly discussed applying for a grant from the Monmouth County Historical Commission (MCHC) to maintain the township-owned building with the governing body. She said the dollar-for-dollar matching grants range from $500 to $7,500, with an application deadline of Nov. 1. In the past, a MCHC grant was used to replace the windows in the building, she said.
The former municipal building dates back from the mid-1800s, and was used by the governing body until a new municipal building was constructed in 1975, according to Ms. Kelly. It is included in the Imlaystown Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. However, some of the buildings in the historic district are not in good condition, as a drive through the village will attest.
could use a coat of paint," she said, adding that it could also benefit from complete residing, which would make it historically accurate. However, that would be costly. Ms. Kelly suggested painting the exterior and replacing the metal columns on the front steps. She had already received a $3,000 quote for painting the building. If the committee wanted any structural work done on the building, she would have to contact the township engineer for an estimate, she said.
Mayor Lorisue Horsnall Mount said the township had a responsibility to maintain and take care of the building. The building has a major drawback — it contains no plumbing or bathroom facilities. Mayor Mount said if a bathroom could be put in the building, it could be used as a meeting room for township seniors or other residents. She said she’d also like to have a new door for the building.
Planning Board Chairman John Mele, who attended the meeting, said it might be time for the township to look at pieces of property it owns and discuss whether it really wants them anymore. He said that the owners of the Happy Apple Inn had once mentioned buying the old municipal building, but he explained that there was a process involved with property owned by a public entity that differs from a private seller. Mr. Mele said there are "lots of little pieces" of properties owned by the township, whether through foreclosure or municipal liens.
"Maybe it’s time to have someone buy them and start paying taxes," he said.
Ms. Kelly said that the tax assessor could provide the committee with a list of such properties.
As for the old municipal building, Ms. Kelly said she would find out what could be done for $15,000 — the highest grant amount of $7,500 and the township match — and prepare the application.

