Inventory of historic sites to aid preservation efforts

PLUMSTED - The Township Committee is preparing to establish, by ordinance, the Historic Preservation and Design Review Advisory Committee to review proposed actions to historically significant properties listed on the official historic sites inventory map and to assist in the Land Use/Planning Board decision making process.

According to Mayor Ron Dancer, Plumsted now has its first His toric Preservation Element as part of the township's official master plan as a result of $20,000 in funding from the state Department of Community Affairs Smart Future Grant.

The Historic Preservation Element identifies and establishes the first complete inventory of 175 historic structures and sites in Plumsted. This historic sites inventory map will provide the foundation to develop a short-term strategy with a long-term vision to preserve and enhance not only Plumsted's rural character, but its historic resources as well, Dancer said.

In an effort to preserve the community's historic structures, the Historic Preservation and Design ReviewAdvisory Committee will have the authority for a period of 30 days to withhold the issuance of a demolition permit for a historically significant property listed on the official historic sites inventory map. During this 30-day consultation period with the property owner, alternatives to demolition and potential funding sources for restoration would be pursued, according to the mayor.

The Historic Preservation and Design ReviewAdvisory Committee will also have the authority to assist the Land Use/Planning Board in its decision making process with recommendations for properties listed on the historic sites inventory map prior to final approvals.

The Historic Preservation Element will also help lay the foundation

for the development of a cultural

heritage tourism

market in Plumsted to

further promote the township's economy,

Dancer said.

Additionally, the

township will now be better

positioned to obtain more state and federal historic preservation grant funding, with Plumsted now having a Historic Preservation Element in its master plan, as well as the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation fund.

The Township Committee will be appointing members to the Historic Preservation and Design Review Advisory Committee with representatives from the Planning/Land Use Board; the New Egypt Main Street Design Committee; the New Egypt Historical Society; the Plumsted Business Merchants Association; and citizen members at large.

Any local resident who would like to be considered for an appointment may submit a letter of interest to the mayor and Township Committee.