Bloomfield Officials Hunt For Possible 'Historic' Sites In Town

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Have you ever found yourself saying “This place should be a historical landmark?” Here’s your chance to make it so, Bloomfield.

On Monday, Bloomfield officials announced they’re trying to identify properties with a “significant architectural, cultural and historic value” for possible designation as local historic sites.

Town officials have contracted with Richard Grubb and Associates (RGA) to carry out a survey of potential historic sites, which will take place this summer and fall.

Bloomfield residents may see RGA staff in their neighborhood photographing properties from the sidewalk or public right-of-way for the survey. All RGA vehicles are marked with the RGA logo, and staff will not enter private property without permission, officials said.

The findings will be made available to the public at the completion of the survey.

Residents who have questions or who want to share information about a local property can contact Planning Director Bonnie Flynn at bflynn@bloomfieldtwpnj.com, or 973-680-4192.

“I’ve always been impressed with how much pride Bloomfield residents have in the historic character of our town,” Councilman Rich Rockwell said.

Rockewell, who serves as liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, said the town is fortunate to have a historic district that has been on the state and national registers of historic sites since 1978. However, it also has many properties outside the Historic District that are worthy of recognition and preservation.

“We’re excited to be surveying other areas of town for sites to be added to our historic inventory to give them the recognition and protection they deserve,” Rockewell said.

“Protecting the historic charm of our incredible community while proactively searching for additional properties that we can protect is something that the council and myself have prioritized,” Mayor Michael Venezia said.

“It is my hope that this survey will identify properties that we can add to our inventory of historic sites, which is already very robust,” Venezia said. “I am grateful for the hard work that the Historic Preservation Commission puts in to make all of this possible.”

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