The Historic Preservation Commission was created by Mayor Patrick Brennan and Borough Council on October 13, 2004 by Ordinance No. 04-19. The purpose of the commisssion is to safeguard the heritage of the Borough by preserving that part of the Borough which reflects elements of its cultural, social, economic and architectural history; to preserve the integrity of design of the buildings and streetscapes within the Historic District, and the preservation of Historic Sites; to maintain and improve property values; to preserve and promote the Historic District as an essential element of municipal character and identity and as an important factor in the economy of the Borough; to foster civic beauty; to promote the use of the Historic District for the education, pleasure and welfare of the citizens of the Borough and its visitors; and to further assure that construction, alterations, repairs and replacements such as lighting, fencing, walkways, signs, color and landscaping are compatible with the Borough’s historic, cultural, aesthetic and architectural heritage.
The Historic District is designated as the B-1 Central Business District and the B-2 Neighborhood Business District, as more particularly described and defined in Articles VIII and VIIIA, respectively, of the Zoning Ordinance and such other areas that are subsequently determined to be Historic Districts pursuant to Section 94-51.4
The Historic Preservation Commission of the Borough consists of five (5) regular members and two (2) alternate members appointed by the Mayor. At least two (2) of the regular members shall be of Classes A and B. The regular members who are not designated as Class A or B shall be designated as Class C. The two (2) alternates must meet the qualifications of Class C and shall be designated “Alternate No. 1” and “Alternate No. 2.” The classes are defined as: Class A. a person who is knowledgeable in building design and construction or architectural history and who may reside outside the Borough. Class B: a person who is knowledgeable of or who has a demonstrated interest in local history and who may reside outside the Borough. Class C: any citizen of the Borough who shall hold no other municipal office, municipal position or municipal employment except for membership on the Planning Board.
The initial terms of the five regular members are as follows: One (1) member shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years; Two (2) members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years; Two (2) members shall be appointed for terms of four (4) years. All subsequent appointments shall be for terms of four (4) years or until appointment and qualification of a successor. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term only. The initial terms of alternate members are as follows: Alternate No. 1 shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year; Alternate No. 2 shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years; All subsequent appointments shall be for terms of two (2) years or until appointment and qualification of a successor. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term only. Notwithstanding any other provision, the term of any member who is also a member of the Planning Board shall be coterminous with his membership on the Planning Board.
Powers and duties of the Commission are as follows: to prepare a survey of Historic Sites of the Borough pursuant to criteria identified in the survey report; to ake recommendations to the Planning Board and the governing body on the preparation and periodic updating of the historic preservation plan element of the Borough’s Master Plan, including but not limited to the addition or deletion of Historic Sites and Historic Districts identified in the Borough’s Master Plan; to make recommendations to the Planning Board and governing body on the historic preservation implications of any plan element of the Borough’s Master Plan which has been or may be adopted; to advise the Planning Board on the inclusion of Historic Sites in the recommended capital improvement program; to recommend to the governing body sites and districts to be designated through amendment of this Article VIIIB; to advise the Planning Board on development and zoning applications affecting Historic Districts and Historic Sites, in accordance with the procedures established in Section 94-51.6 of this Article VIIIB; to review all applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness in accordance with the procedures established in Section 94-51.5 of this Article VIIIB; and, to provide advisory, educational and informational services to promote historic preservation in the Borough.
Limitation on duties and powers of Historic Preservation Commission are as follows: No duties or powers of the Commission shall supersede or infringe on the powers of other borough boards or committees.
