Stafford Adopts Historic Preservation Ordinance

STAFFORD, NJ — The Stafford Town Council adopted an ordinance to establish historic preservation in the town at a recent meeting.

The ordinance establishes a new chapter of the township code titled "Historic Preservation," Mayor Greg Myhre said. The intent is to preserve historic structures around Stafford through assistance by the Historic Preservation Commission, Myhre said. The township has been trying to enact an ordinance like this for a long time, residents said.

"I think (the ordinance) is a unique Stafford Township solution to a problem that balances the needs of homeowners with the long-term economic benefit of the community," Tim Hart, a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, said.

"It's been a long time," Hart said. "Stafford has tried for a long time to come up with an ordinance that is a Stafford solution, and I think it's finally here."

"This has been decades in the making," Jason Hazelton, president of the Stafford Historical Society, said. He acknowledged the hard work of the Historic Preservation Commission and the governing body members that collaborated on the ordinance.

However, not all were in favor of the ordinance.

"There is quite a bit about this ordinance that I find problematic," Councilman Paul Krier said. He said he did not object to historic preservation, but instead took issue with aspects of the ordinance.

One major issue Krier had was that there were about 169 properties named in the ordinance, and he did not know if all of the property owners were aware of the ordinance.

"A huge feature of this ordinance is that it puts a mandatory deed restriction on the property that requires certain actions should they choose to modify or sell or demolish the buildings that they live in," Krier said.

Krier objected to the government telling property owners what they can do with their property. He said that this is "exceptional" and an overreach.

"This is like the Homeowner's Association from hell," Krier said.

Krier said he would prefer if the ordinance was "opt-in." He also said he would prefer if it was limited to public properties.

Myhre told Krier that it was the government's job to decide zoning. Myhre added that all property owners were notified and he did not think any of them spoke out against the ordinance.

"I don't see it as really being overly restrictive," Myhre said.

Myhre said his goal is to "steer this town in the best direction possible" but also, to preserve its history.

"If we lose all or most of these buildings - our town's changing every day - it's really going to have a much different look," Myhre said.

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