Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation Commission- February, 2011

CONCEPT REVIEW:

Tom Ruegg (Owner) and son Brian Ruegg  - 8 Village Road, Block 17, Lot 60 (Historic District: New Vernon)

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS:

Arshad Zakaria (Owner), 1 Spring Hollow Lane, Block 47, Lot 37, ( Not in a Historic District/Not an Independent Contributing Site)

PLANNING BOARD APPLICATION:

Morris/Post & Rail Partners (Owners) 48-52 Red Gate Road, Block 4, Lot 11-12, Historic District: Silver Lake

 CONCEPT REVIEW:

• Tom Ruegg (Owner) and son Brian Ruegg  - 8 Village Road, Block 17, Lot 60 (Historic District: New Vernon)  Mr. Ruegg appeared before the HPC as part of a concept review for his recently purchased property.  The Commission was quite familiar with the property and home, as it held a special site inspection there in February 2010 at the request of the previous owner’s representatives.

Mr. Ruegg, the current owner, wishes to build a second floor addition over the existing kitchen addition, thereby tying in to an upstairs bedroom and enlarging a closet, as well as adding a 20 x 25 ft garage which will be connected to the original house by a new breezeway.  The owner stated that the original siding is wood clapboard (currently covered by aluminum) and they plan to use wood in the new construction with a probable asphalt roof.  The owner stated a desire to reconstruct a previously removed front porch that extended across the length of the house.  The HPC advised that they would be supportive of restoring the porch as original. 

The owner also proposes to install an 8 ft x 40 ft storage container on the property to temporarily hold tools during construction.  Mr. Ruegg mentioned that the Township prefers a timeline for construction equipment.

The owner discussed a subsequent phase that would involve the construction of a +/-30 ft x 40 ft detached workshop with residential apartment above.  The commission suggested that the owner consider the entire site development (i.e., new road access, possibly septic work) at the out-set of the project to ensure compatible viability of the various building and site components.  The Commission further commented on the positive impact created by detached accessory structures and the contribution that they make to the scale of the village setting.  The Commission also suggested that the workshop appearance be consistent with barn structures within the relative vicinity.  Commission members expressed concern that the inclusion of dormers will detract from the simplicity of a barn structure.

The owner explained the development of a new access drive.  The commission offered advice as to the myriad of approvals that may be required in order to achieve the desired site development.  The Commission agrees that the overall impression of the lot will depend on where the driveway will be.  The Commission suggested that the owner get a civil engineer involved regarding septic system and Township’s zoning ordinances, such as lot coverage amounts.

Generally, the Historic Preservation Commission feels this is a positive direction for this property. This is a contributing structure in the New Vernon Historic District. 

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS:

•  Arshad Zakaria (Owner), 1 Spring Hollow Lane, Block 47, Lot 37, ( Not in a Historic District/Not an Independent Contributing Site)  – The owner is proposing to remove the existing entry drive and masonry pillars topped by lighting fixtures.  The owner then proposes to construct a new entry drive with masonry pillars and lighting fixtures approximately 12 ft to the west of the original.  This will have the effect of reducing the overall Lot Coverage on the property.  The Commission has no comment as this property is not in an historic district and the proposed work will have no additional adverse effect upon the Streetscape.

PLANNING BOARD APPLICATION:

• Morris/Post & Rail Partners (Owners) 48-52 Red Gate Road, Block 4, Lot 11-12, Historic District: Silver Lake - Owners propose a lot line adjustment of a previously approved subdivision.  The Commission has no comment as there will be no additional impact upon Streetscape.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Continued Discussion of Harding Township School’s proposed roof repairs and possibility of  replacing 165 corbels along the roof of the original school building.  D. Denson and D. Maselli looked into the merits and estimated cost of the approximately $10,000 project.  D. Denson wondered if local groups might be interested in helping cover the costs of the project and perhaps the Commission could approach the New Vernon Historical Society to see if there was any interest in holding a fundraiser for this effort.  Members of the HPC will approach the Historical Society and report results at the next meeting. 

Camaratta, 35 Pleasantville Road  Dave Denson took a tour of the house on Pleasantville Road during the Board of Adjustment’s site inspection. The damaged house is proposed for demolition; Dave found nothing worth saving of historic note.

The Commission congratulated D. Maselli upon hearing of his selection as the subject of an article to be published in Park Place magazine. Dan mentioned that he would be speaking about why he chose to live in Harding, so the Commission happily suggested the inclusion of such terms as “rural and historic Harding,” “streetscape,” etc....wherever possible during the interview process.