Concerns Over Historic Preservation In Long Valley Addressed By Mayor

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Following widespread public concern, Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello called off the ordinance calling for the dissolution of the Historic Preservation Committee and a complete transfer of power.

The decision to call off the ordinance was made at this week's Township Committee meeting, after several public comments addressed the board disagreeing with the ordinance.

Ordinance 16-22 directed that the responsibilities for application review under the municipal code's historic preservation section be transferred to the Washington Township Planning Board. This ordinance would have had no effect on historic districts or the certificate of appropriateness process, which was a concern of many.

Murello took to social media, addressing many misconceptions that the public had about the proposal, saying, "Since there has been a great deal of discussion and misinformation about this particular ordinance in the public, I feel some clarifications are necessary. Accusations have been made of a 'political agenda' without ever stating what the alleged agenda is."

The ordinance states that the township would have continued to assess development projects in accordance with their aesthetics and how they would treat significant landmarks in the community even if the committee was disbanded.

"Statements imply that without a Historic Preservation Commission the historic preservation ordinance will not exist or that parking lots and Walmart's will pop up in the historic districts. This ordinance does not change the historic districts or alter the certificate of appropriateness requirements, in any other way," Murello said.

The Historic Preservation Commission, which is in charge of overseeing changes to existing properties as well as new construction within three historic districts, currently has four official members, one of whom has resigned effective Dec. 22.

Read more: Proposal To Cut Historic Preservation Committee In Long Valley

According to Township Administrator Andrew Coppola, four members are required for a seven-member board to hear and act on applications.

In theory, the Historic Preservation Commission should have seven regular members and two alternates, officials said. However, since 2018, the Commission has not had seven regular members at the same time.

Eleven members have resigned since 2017, and only one member from before that time remains on the Commission.

In light of this issue, Murello stated that he recently spoke with DEP representatives, who indicated that the Township could be eligible for funds to hire a professional to assist the commission.

"With this information and listening to the public comments, I ask the Township Committee tonight to not move the ordinance forward. Instead, we will apply for state funding for a professional to assist the Commission and set quantifiable goals for the Commission to meet in 2023," Murello said.

According to Murello, the goals include filling all open seats, finishing the annual report by the end of the first quarter, and posting all future and past meeting minutes, which is required to be a National Park Service Certified Local Government.

The township will also request that the state's Historic Preservation Office monitor the Commission's compliance with the certified Local Government requirements throughout the coming year, as they are currently not being met.

If these objectives are not met by the middle of the year, Murello said he will recommend that the Committee pass a new ordinance authorizing the dissolution.

Washington Township is home to many preserved historical buildings, such as the Long Valley Brew Pub, the Schooley’s Mountain General Store and the Phillip Weise House.