Historic Preservation Commission
The commission is to identify historic sites, districts and landmarks within the boundaries of the Township and to recommend their designation.
Responsibilities
Purpose
The Historic Preservation Commission is to identify historic sites, districts and landmarks within the boundaries of the Township and to recommend their designation. Upon the action of the Township Committee, it will be the duty of the Commission to work with property owners to ensure that any alterations or additions to their property maintain the Township's strongly coherent neighborhoods and preserve the sense of Maplewood as an early New Jersey railroad suburb.
Powers and Duties
The powers and duties of the Commission shall be as follows:
A. To survey buildings, structures, objects, sites and districts located within the Township and to research and evaluate them for their significance in accordance with the criteria established as set forth in § 41-7A of this chapter.
B. To maintain and expand, when appropriate, a comprehensive inventory of such buildings, structures, objects, sites and districts which are worthy of designation under the provisions of this chapter.
C. To propose to the Township Committee those buildings, structures, objects, sites and districts located within the Township which it has found to be worthy of landmark designation and hence should be subject to the provisions of this chapter. Actual nomination to, a finding of eligibility for or listing on the National or State Register of Historic Places is not necessary for the provisions of this chapter to take effect once a property has been designated as significant.
D. To apply for, receive, retain or expend any federal, state or private grant, grant-in-aid, gift or bequest in furtherance of this chapter and to obligate the expenditure of the funds which the Commission may have, or may be appropriated to it, regardless of whether such expenditure will be made in the current fiscal year. Any such moneys given to the Commission shall be added to the Commission's existing budget and shall not be added to the Township's general fund unless the funds may be used for operating expenses, in which case the Township Committee will determine whether to use such funds to offset appropriated funding.
E. To make recommendations to the Planning Board and Township Committee in the preparation and periodic updating of the historic preservation element of the Master Plan of the Township, including, but not limited to, the addition or deletion of historic sites and districts identified in the Township's Master Plan; to advise the Planning Board on the historic preservation implications of any proposed or adopted elements of the Township Master Plan; and to advise the Planning Board and Township Committee on the historic preservation implications of any proposed or adopted zoning or development ordinances.
F. To advise and assist Township officers, employees, boards and other bodies, including those at the county, state and federal levels, on all matters which have potential impact on the historic buildings, structures, objects, sites or districts in the Township or on the physical character and ambience of any portion of the Township.
G. To review and approve or disapprove of all applications for certificates of appropriateness or permits for minor work pursuant to the provisions of this chapter as provided under § 41-10 and to provide written reports on same.
H. To draft and/or recommend to the Township Committee and the Planning Board ordinances or amendments to existing ordinances that would resolve any conflicts which may exist between the preservation principles of this chapter and the zoning regulations of the Township.
I. To advise the Township Committee and the Planning Board on the relative merits of proposals involving the use of public funds to restore, preserve and protect historic buildings, structures, objects and sites, including the preparation of the long-range plans therefore; securing state, federal and/or other grants or assistance in support of such projects; and to monitor such projects once underway.
J. To increase public awareness of the value of historic, architectural and cultural preservation by developing and participating in public information programs.
K. To cooperate with local, county, state or national societies, governmental bodies and organizations to maximize the contributions of the Commission in accordance with the intent and purposes of historic preservation.
L. To make information available to residents of historic buildings or districts concerning guidelines for rehabilitation and design criteria for new construction established under this chapter.
M. To seek any benefits which may be granted under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, or any other state or federal legislation, including, but not limited to, the benefits which flow to communities under the Certified Local Government Program with regard to training, grant funding and technical assistance.
N. To review all proposed nominations for the National Register of Historic Places of property within the Township of Maplewood.
O. To notify the Construction Official of any violation of provisions of this chapter.
P. To advise the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment on applications for development within an historic district or an historic site.
Meetings
Meetings are typically held the second Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
Members
The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of seven members and two alternates appointed by the Township Committee. A member of the Township Committee shall be designated as liaison between the Historic Preservation Commission and the Township Committee.
Current Members
Virginia Kurshan, Chair appointed: 2002 term expires: 12/31/2010
Class C
37 North Terrace
Patty Chrisman, Vice-Chair appointed: 2002 term expires: 12/31/2012
Class C
53 South Pierson Road
Richard Southwick appointed: 2002 term expires: 12/31/2010
Class A
Califon, NJ
Susan Newberry appointed: 2002 term expires: 12/31/2012
Class B
25 Durand Road
Gary Nelson appointed: 2004 term expires: 12/31/2012
Class C
79 Durand Road
Eric Hammarberg appointed: 2003 term expires: 12/31/2013
Class C
93 Oakview Avenue
Joanne Sockle appointed: 2006 term expires: 12/31/2013
Class C
57 Salter Place
Alternate #1 Jon Stout appointed: 2006 term expires: 12/31/2013
27 Warren Road
Alternate #2 vacant
Historic Preservation Ordinance # 2166-01
Historic Preservation Revised Ordinance # 2311-05