Jennifer Suttmeier, unanimously elected as the new chair of the Cranbury Historic Preservation Commission, is set to lead the commission’s ambitious initiatives for 2024. Alongside her, Susan Ryan was appointed as vice chair, Robin Tillou as Administrative Officer/Secretary, and Brendan Houle as Member Liaison. Their appointments marked the onset of a proactive year for the commission.

Significant discussion centered on the expansion of the Village historic district and the process of adding properties to it. The commission underscored the importance of public outreach and feedback, highlighting the need for a survey and inventory of historic houses outside the Village district. The goal is to potentially pursue their designation as historic properties, a move that involves notifying property owners and gathering their input.

The Certificate of Eligibility for the Hamlet was another focal point. Before pursuing a new grant, the members agreed on the necessity to concentrate efforts on acquiring this certificate. Concerns were raised regarding collaboration with Monroe Township, especially as they are not a Certified Local Government (CLG). The commission discussed the importance of interfacing properly with Monroe to include their properties in future grant applications.

A key component of the commission’s strategy for the year is their role in the “Revolutionary New Jersey” event. The plan includes forming a subcommittee to outline goals for 2025 and 2026, which will involve coordinating with multiple boards and commissions, identifying participants, and establishing clear objectives. This event offers an opportunity for public outreach and education on the town’s historical significance and is likely to require fundraising and township funds, prompting the commission’s early planning efforts.

The commission also reviewed the progress on the signage street sign initiative, a project to enhance the visibility and information regarding Cranbury’s historic sites. Sarah Sawant took charge of inspecting the signs and liaising with the Department of Public Works to ensure their appropriate installation. The commission debated the logistics of this task, from the order of installations to the preservation of old signs for a future auction. The discussion revealed a commitment to regular updates on installation progress and the careful planning required for such an undertaking.

Furthermore, the integration of historic signage with the township’s bike plan emerged as a complex issue. The commission expressed the need for approval on sign locations, especially along County Roads, and highlighted the lack of information regarding the bike plan signs. They also addressed concerns about budget hearings for the township, recommending remote participation to stay involved in the process.

The “Gateway” project was also on the agenda, with the commission hoping for a smooth process with the county. The topic of commission training was raised, with members noting an increase in training opportunities compared to previous years. One member shared their anticipation for the State History and Historic Preservation Conference in Jersey City, where they will participate in a panel for public outreach.

The positive response from the audience spurred a conversation on developing educational materials for public outreach purposes, emphasizing the importance of involving young people in historic preservation.

During the meeting, the commission also discussed the need to revisit the shelving needs for books donated to the HPC library and the importance of identifying historic agricultural properties for preservation.

The meeting concluded with the approval of applications for minor and ordinary maintenance and repair, with the chair authorized to approve such applications. A public comment from a resident requested the inclusion of the Hess Farm in the inventory of historic properties, underscoring its importance to local heritage.