Residents Hope To Save Historic Building In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — The sale of a property housing historic buildings has some residents concerned about preservation.

A Facebook page, "Save The Worden House," was recently launched after the township sold its property that housed the historic home (previously Vetwork offices) and the former community hall. The property went up for auction about a year ago following the opening of the new Charles A. Smith Community Center.

These buildings are likely to be demolished by the property's new owner, township officials have said at previous meetings.

"When you destroy your history, you have no future," resident Richard Bidnick pled to the Township Committee at a recent meeting.

Both buildings have a length history in Lacey Township. The Byrd Worden House, built 1863, is named for one of the oldest families in the community, dating back to the beginning of Lacey. The home was once in a different location and was moved to its current spot in the 1980s.

When asked if the building could be moved again, Mayor Peggy Sue Juliano said she had asked the county and they had declined, likely because it would be a high risk.

The concern regarding the former community hall stems from the nature of its existence. When Charles A. Smith, a philanthropist and important figure in Lacey history, died in 1918, he donated a parcel of property to the township in his will. Smith gifted the township $15,000 in order to construct a building in his memory to serve the residents of Forked River.

Bidnick accused the Township Committee of betraying that agreement by selling the property and potentially allowing for the 100-year-old building to be demolished. However, the township argued that by naming the new community center after Smith, they are still abiding by Smith's wishes.

"If someone feels that it's not done properly, they can file an action in Superior Court," said Township Attorney Christopher Connors.