Westfield's Controversial Historic Preservation Ordinance Passes

WESTFIELD, NJ — After months of discussions and revisions, the Westfield Town Council passed its revised Historic Preservation Ordinance on Tuesday night, with one "no" vote and one abstention. They also voted unanimously in favor of a resolution that may make homeowners eligible for five-year tax abatements, the town clerk confirmed.

The new historic ordinance was controversial. Proponents believe it will protect the town's many historic homes from losing their character or from being demolished. But opponents have felt the ordinance ties owners' hands when they want to make changes to their property.

Republican Councilman Mark LoGrippo voted against the revision and Councilman Jim Boyes abstained.

The companion resolution will ask the Planning Board to review the possibility of allowing homeowners to get a five-year tax abatement for certain types of rehabs. That resolution passed unanimously.

On Tuesday, Mayor Shelley Brindle said in her remarks to the council, "Ultimately, I believe we found a very balanced and sensible approach to preserving our historic homes and the concerns of property owners. As I’ve said before, I recognize that for some this is not politically popular, but its intent is supported by many and consistent with the commitment I made, along with many on this council, to make historic preservation a priority."

She said, "This ordinance will ensure that going forward we have some sensible review processes in place before we lose any more historically significant buildings to tear downs."

Of the companion resolution, she explained, "We are voting on a resolution that will ultimately enable the town to provide five-year tax abatements on the value of improvements to historically designated homes. Similar to the process we just went through for our downtown, we will be voting on a resolution referring a town-wide 'area in need of rehabilitation' study to the Planning Board for review. An ordinance will then be drafted that would apply the 'area in need of rehab' designation to only historically designated homes to allow for the tax abatement, providing further incentive for property owners to consider voluntarily designating the historic homes that meet the HPC criteria."

Earlier this summer, a resident started a petition against the ordinance. You can find it here.

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