Grundy Reporter

Morris Township Historic Preservation Commission met June 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Call to Order: Carol Barkin, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Attendance: Carol Barkin, Judith Sacks Bliss, Erich Huhn, Sarah Harris, Craig Goss and Sue Young

Review and Approval of March 2018 minutes: Review of the minutes, Judith made a motion to approve as read, motion seconded and minutes were approved.

Old Business:

a. Puff’s Tavern: No activity from our intern as yet. Erich proposed a site visit.

b. Knox Artillery: The Pierce properties on Mendham Road at the bend across from Burnham Pool have been updated, repaired and cleaned up significantly, perhaps for rent or sale – a great improvement. Lynn Laffey, Asst. Director of Historic Sites for County Park Commission, and her Drew students are seeking permission to conduct an archaeology study on the Knox Hill property owned by the County. Perhaps we can encourage other private owners to allow official study of land at Jones Drive and the Knox Artillery location.

c. Signage: We are making progress. The proofs for the new Pruddentown signs have been approved by Carol – we need to pick the location for the signs. Signarama will be creating the 2 signs, the DPW will find posts and put the signs up when the signs are finished. We need to establish the correct locations for the signs.

d. SHPO: Paterson Conference. Erich submitted his poster in the contest, unfortunately, he says the contest was “rigged”. Carol noted that Paterson and Cape May have very strong HPCs rules and regulations. They have weekly monitoring, each project is approved by the Board, much public outreach and annual reporting. Any violators are fined. The residents seem to be in agreement with the efforts of the HPCs. A redevelopment corporation is restoring older buildings for adaptive reuse in Paterson. She noted that Dover had the strongest HPC ordinance in Morris County-a 90-day relief if a building is to be torn down, giving the town and their HPC time to save.

e. Colgate-Mennen: selection of a developer has been established for the over 60-acre parcel. Carol has still not heard about saving the historic stone wall and pillars. Can these be moved to a better and more useful location? These artifacts are located in Morristown, not Morris Twp.

New Business:

a. Carol would like to create a Historic Preservation Signage program for Morris Twp. to encourage owners of historic homes to preserve and maintain their homes. This would include an education program encouraging them to apply. The criteria would have to be established as part of the program and in the end, the committee would award a Historic Preservation plaque to be put on the house or building.

b. Mr. Anzul – 157 Sussex Avenue – wants to create a living space for his parents and in-laws. We see no issue there.

c. Portico for 131 Sussex Avenue home – house is set back far enough that this will not be a problem.

Other Matters:

a. Discussion about follow up to projects

a. MUUF – there has been clearing of the land along Columbia Road. We should check this out. The neighbors are still pursuing their lawsuit.

b. Anne and John Beattie’s house is on the Historic National and State Registry. The brick addition was built in 1812, the wooden part was brought up to its current location from its original location closer to the Whippany River. They have one of the 3 existing lime kilns still intact in the County and it’s visible from Washington Valley Road.

c. Fairchild Bridge – still under discussion by SHPO and Marion

d. Still looking for a confirmation to the HPC open vacancy.

b. Educational project for 2018

a. Foote’s Pond program at the Library

b. Walking tour of Normandy area

c. Bus trip to different historic locations in the Twp.

i. Delbarton, Washington Valley School House, Knox Hill (at the stone marker) to name a few locations

c. Craig noted that trees have been cut down at 122 Mt. Kemble Avenue. The ongoing development plans for the joint project (Morristown and Morris Twp.) at the Mt. Kemble area where the hospital, the Parking lot, the Bargain Box and 4 older homes are located are of great concern who live in the area.

Adjournment:

Next Meeting will be July 31, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

https://www.morristwp.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06262018-913