Community Corner
Swede Run Barn Restoration Takes Hit
Supporters found out recently they won't be able to use money from Moorestown's Open Space Trust Fund to help pay down the project debt—but the township still might be able to lend a hand.
Efforts to expedite the restoration of the Swede Run Barn took a hit recently after supporters learned they couldn’t use township funds to pay off the project’s debt.
Julie Maravich, one of the project organizers, said , but still owe $12,000 on work that’s already been completed, plus another $4,000-$5,000 to put in new doors and door jambs to finish the restoration.
Organizers had sought assistance from the township, in the form of a possible dispensation from the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. But according to township manager Scott Carew, the township can’t spend that money on the work already completed because it exceeds the $17,500 bid threshold, and the workers involved weren’t paid under the prevailing wage rate—both caveats of public finance law.
“It’s very frustrating,” said Maravich, explaining that the project’s supporters—a number of them members of the Historical Society, like herself—took it on because the township balked at the cost of the restoration after estimates came in too high. And paying prevailing wage wouldn’t have been possible on some elements of the project due to the level of expertise needed.
For example, she said they had to bring someone in to create custom hand-forged strap hinges for the doors: “You can’t go out to bid on that.”
Maravich said it’s likely she’ll have to do more fundraising in the near future to pay down the debt. However, she’s hopeful the township can help fund the remainder of the restoration.
“Even if we could just get $5,000, we could finish it,” she said.
Since the unfinished portion of the project is under the bid threshold, Carew said it’s possible the township could assist with funding and he plans to sit down with project organizers, along with financial officer Tom Merchel, to figure out if, or how, the township can help.
“We’re just a bunch of citizens trying to get something done,” said Maravich.
The historical society is still accepting donations. Donations by check should be made out to The Historical Society of Moorestown with “barn restoration” on the memo line. Donations should be mailed to Julie Maravich, 660 Chester Ave., Moorestown, NJ 08057.
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