There is hereby created a Historic Preservation Advisory Commission,
referred to in this chapter as the "Commission." The purpose of the
Commission shall be to carry out the responsibilities set forth in
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-109 through 40:55D-111; in addition, the creation
of the Commission is intended to further the following general purposes:
A. Encourage the continued use of historic resources and facilitate
their appropriate reuse.
B. Safeguard the heritage of the Township by preserving resources which
reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic and architectural
history.
C. Maintain and develop an appropriate and harmonious setting for the
historic and architecturally significant buildings, structures, sites,
objects or districts within the Township.
D. Stabilize and improve property values and discourage the unnecessary
demolition of historic resources.
E. Foster and enhance civic beauty and neighborhood pride.
F. Promote appreciation of the historic districts which may be established
in the Township for the education, pleasure and general welfare of
the citizens of the Township and its visitors.
G. Encourage private reinvestment in existing or new structures in a
manner that preserves, restores, repairs or is compatible with the
original architectural style which is characteristic of any historic
districts which may be established in the Township.
The Commission shall have the following powers and duties.
A. Carry out the responsibilities set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-109 through
40:55D-111.
B. Recommend to the Planning Board and the Township Council sites to
be designated as historic landmarks in accordance with any procedures
which may be set forth in this chapter.
C. Recommend amendments from time to time, as circumstances warrant,
to the historic landmark designation list and landmark map, including
changes or extension of the boundaries of any historic district and
creation of new historic districts, in accordance with any applicable
provisions of this chapter.
D. Research and reevaluate properties listed in the cultural resources
survey against the criteria for the National Register of Historic
Places and prepare nominations for the consideration of the State
Historical Preservation Officer. Such properties shall be reviewed
in consideration of, but not limited to, the criteria for historic
designation as established by the Office of New Jersey Heritage and
the National Park Service.
E. If the Township is certified under the state's Certified Local Government
(CLG) Program, the Commission shall, in accordance with the state
CLG guidelines, review and comment on all state and national register
nominations for the historic landmarks within the Township.
F. Advise the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment on development
that affects historic landmarks, in accordance with any procedures
set forth in this chapter.
G. Review actions, including those involving construction and/or zoning
permit applications, which affect the exterior appearance of historic
landmarks or architectural features within the historic district,
in accordance with any procedures set forth in this chapter.
H. Assist and advise other municipal agencies and public bodies in the
understanding of historic landmark significance and techniques of
historic preservation.
I. Collect and disseminate material on the importance of historic preservation
and techniques for achieving same.
J. Report at least annually to the Planning Board and the Township Council
on the state of historic preservation in the Township and recommend
measures to improve same.