Background
Surprisingly, there is currently no protection in the form of regulation or incentives for the Borough’s non-residential historic structures.
Imagine Mountain Lakes without the beautiful puddingstone walls and bridges, the Station, St. Peter’s Church, the Community Church, Briarcliff School, and the Midvale Road stores.
Loss of these structures (or their alteration in a way that is not consistent with their historic character) would have a profound impact on the character of the community as a planned residential park designed by Herbert Hapgood in 1911.
The Historic Preservation Committee has proposed an ordinance that will protect important historic structures.
The ordinance is based on the recommendations contained in the Borough’s Master Plan and in consultation with Borough officials, and local communities such as Chatham, Chester, and Millburn which have similar goals.
Everything you need to know about the proposed ordinance is below.
Take Action
To show your support for protecting historic non-residential landmarks, please email borough council members and say, “YES, I support the proposed ordinance protecting our important historic landmarks.”
Email your Council Members at: dShepard@html.technology, lBarnett@html.technology, tMenard@html.technology, dHapper@html.technology, jHorst@html.technology, cKorman@html.technology, aLane@html.technology.
Learn More
Current draft of the proposed ordinance (most recent version submitted by HPC to the Borough Council in February — not formally introduced by the Borough Council).
Description of Historic Landmarks (providing background on each of the proposed landmarks taken from the Historic District Application and HPC Audio Walking Tour script), along with an explanation of the basis for landmark designation, using the criteria for designating historic landmarks found in the draft historic preservation ordinance.
Letter from the HPC Chair to the Borough Council (“The Case for Landmarking”) encouraging action on the proposed ordinance.
Brochure (PDF) that was mailed to Borough residents.
Link to the Facebook page for more information and to comment.
2019 article by the NJ Historic Trust called, “Dispelling Common Myths: An Organizing Tool for Historic Preservation Advocates,” which addresses many of the misconceptions around historic preservation ordinance.
