Future of Historic Paramus Farmhouse in Jeopardy

The Paramus Historic Commission is hoping to save the Van Saun/Ackerman farmhouse on Howland Avenue from demolition.

Matthew Corso, commission chairman, plans to speak at the Thursday night Planning Board on behalf of this historic home which he claims has been previously approved for subdivision to make way for two new McMansions.

The applicant is slated to go before the board Thursday to request an extension as it is on the verge of expiration.

Corso urges others to attend the meeting to help save the house.

The house dates back to the 1800s and has been on listed on the Bergen County Historic Sites survey for the borough, according to Corso. The house is located just west of Van Saun Park which was named after the family which owned this house and surrounding farm land at one time, he says.

"This house is part of the historic and cultural fabric that has come to define Paramus history and its demolition would be an absolute atrocity," said Corso. "The Howland Avenue corridor and Van Saun Park are absolutely integral parts of our community and have a deeply embedded history."

Aside from its historical significance it's been noted for "its achitectural significance in style, size, rarity of design and rarity of building type" on the historic registry, Corso reports.

The borough has already lost other historic buildings in the Howland Avenue corridor including the borough's first library - the Emily Howland House and the Banta House which was burned in a fire, he said.

The Planning Board meeting is set for Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m.