Red Bank Council Champions Historic M Boat Club Preservation
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
04/18/2024
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Recording Published:
04/18/2024
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Duration:
109 Minutes
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Towns:
Red Bank
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County:
Monmouth County
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State:
New Jersey
- Meeting Overview:
The Red Bank Borough Council recently discussed a series of initiatives aimed at preserving the town’s historical heritage, with the M Boat Club’s request for support in its preservation efforts taking center stage. The club, which has been an important part of Red Bank since 1879, is seeking a grant from the New Jersey Historical Trust to repair its deteriorating substructure. The proposed plan, estimated to cost $2.5 million, includes raising the building to minimize flood damage and ensuring ADA compliance, with construction anticipated to start in September or October of 2025.
The council debated a letter of support for the grant application, emphasizing the need to review the letter’s contents before finalizing their endorsement. The potential height increase of the building due to climate change concerns was a point of contention, along with the necessary approvals from the EPA and the New Jersey Historical Trust. Despite the debates, the council expressed tentative support for the application, contingent on further review of the letter of support.
The M Boat Club’s historical significance was underscored during the discussions. Serving as a recreational boating facility and a venue for social and educational events, it has also been a promoter of environmentally friendly sporting activities. The boat club’s preservation was fully backed by the Red Bank Historic Preservation Commission, which considered endorsing the grant application to tackle the structural issues. The commission also examined a comprehensive list and drafted a letter to Irving Place residents regarding the designation of individual properties as a historic district, including a provision for residents to object if they wished to exclude their property from the district.
Furthermore, the council engaged in detailed deliberations over proposed renovations to 17 Broad Street. The applicant’s plans for two separate businesses—a retail component and a combination restaurant with possible liquor service—sparked discussions on the facade replacement and exterior design alterations, including new doors and windows. The council scrutinized the color selections and materials in accordance with historic preservation guidelines, emphasizing the need for historical accuracy and aesthetic compatibility.
In a related matter, the council discussed architectural details of the Daris Building, focusing on the Terracotta facade and window design. The first fireproof building in Red Bank, its historical value was debated, with particular attention paid to the existing letters on the building and the design of the awnings. The council sought further information and clearer presentations on the proposed design elements.
Discussions also covered the design of windows and awnings for additional buildings in the borough, touching on whether styles should match the art deco design or conform to the style of adjacent buildings. The council agreed to revisit these recommendations for further review.
An update was provided on a grant application submitted to the New Jersey Historic Trust for a historic architectural survey and design guidelines, with the council awaiting the decision on the grant and discussing future applications related to historic preservation.
William Portman
City Council Officials:
Kristina Bonatakis, David Cassidy, Nancy Facey-Blackwood, Ben Forest, Laura Jannone, Kate L. Triggiano (Deputy Mayor), (Town/City Manager)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
04/18/2024
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Recording Published:
04/18/2024
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Duration:
109 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Red Bank
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