Millburn Town Planning Board Weighs Historic District Designation
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
04/03/2024
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Recording Published:
04/03/2024
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Duration:
29 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Millburn
- Meeting Overview:
The Millburn Town Planning Board recently deliberated on the proposed designation of the Short Hills historic district, a significant initiative aligning with the Master Plan’s historic preservation element. The ordinance, numbered 26672 24, was the main business item, drawing attention to the inclusion of specific properties and the boundaries of the proposed historic district. Key points of discussion at the meeting included the fate of Chadam Woodland, the status of the Rackets Club, and the incorporation of the railroad bridges within the district’s limits.
The board meeting concentrated on the intricate details of the proposed Short Hills Village historic district, which raised the issue of balancing historical conservation with modern development interests. A representative from Topology, the township’s planner, confirmed that the ordinance was consistent with the township’s Master Plan, particularly the historic preservation element that was adopted in 2023. The proposed ordinance aimed to preserve the area’s historical character while still allowing for thoughtful development.
Chadam Woodland, a property recently approved for development, became a focal point as it was identified as non-contributing to the historic district. Despite this designation, its inclusion in the historic district was a matter of debate, highlighting the complexities of demarcating historical areas when they intersect with development interests. The chair of the Historic Preservation Commission provided insights into the significance of the district, emphasizing the need for a careful approach in selecting properties for inclusion. The rationale behind the inclusion of specific properties was scrutinized.
The status of the Rackets Club was another contentious topic. The club was not included in the historic district at that time, prompting plans for further discussions and educational efforts with its members. The aim was to ensure that stakeholders were well-informed about the benefits and implications of being part of the historic district before any potential inclusion.
Further extending the scope of the historic district, members discussed the incorporation of the railroad bridges, which served as historical markers within the area. The potential benefits of locally designating these structures were considered, recognizing the bridges’ roles in the historical landscape of Short Hills Village.
As the meeting progressed, the board grappled with the boundaries of the proposed historic district. Concerns were raised about the exclusion of certain properties and whether they merited inclusion based on historical significance. The discussion was not just about the past but also about the future implications for the properties in question, including the potential impact on the Rackets Club.
Ultimately, the planning board moved to adopt a resolution reporting back to the governing body on the referral to the planning board. The resolution was amended to reflect the title of Short Hills Village historic district. This step marked a progression toward formalizing the district’s status.
Annette Romano
Planning Board Officials:
Beth Zall, Gaston Ryan Haupert, Corey Biller, Alison Canfield, Michael Cohen, Debra Nevas, Frank Saccomandi, Sujatha Shanmugasundaram, Srini Vijay, David Cosgrove, Michael Zion, Steven Warner (Board Attorney), Martha Callahan (Township Engineer)
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Meeting Date:
04/03/2024
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Recording Published:
04/03/2024
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Duration:
29 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Millburn
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