By the adoption of the 1990 Master Plan with
the Historic Preservation Element and the subsequent adoption of the
Historic Preservation Land Use Ordinance by the City of Somers Point
governing body, there is created a Somers Point Historic District
within the City of Somers Point which is identified on the City of
Somers Point Zoning Map. The Somers Point Historic District consists
of three zoning districts: the Historic Village Commercial, the Historic
Village Residential and the Historic Village Waterfront. The regulations
therein are contained below and will be supplemental to those otherwise
in force in this district. In addition, all structures listed in the
City of Somers Point Historic District Survey Form (dated September
8, 1986, prepared by the Historic Store) as "on" or "eligible for"
or "possibly eligible for" the State Register of Historic Places are
hereby designated as landmarks. The regulations pursuant to this designation
are contained below and shall be in addition to those otherwise enforced
in the zoning district of which the landmarks are a part.
The purpose of the Somers Point Historic District
is to acknowledge the special and unique character of Somers Point's
bayfront and riverfront village areas consisting of the abovementioned
three zone districts. These districts include the residential and
nonresidential land uses representing the community's growth and change
during the nineteenth century when maritime businesses and activities
were an important part of the city's economy. The Somers Point Historic
District is also established to provide special provisions designed
to preserve and protect the historical nature of the bayfront and
riverfront villages, while at the same time encouraging renovations,
rehabilitation and new construction compatible with existing aesthetic
patterns to promote and continue the revitalization of Somers Point's
downtown area. The intent of all standards and guidelines in the Somers
Point Historic District is to safeguard the heritage of the city by
preserving that part of the city which reflects elements of its cultural,
social, economic and architectural history and to promote the use
of the historic area for the education, pleasure and welfare of the
citizens of the city and its visitors.