The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), in keeping with Ordinance No. 2018-15, endeavors to protect historic resources.  Accordingly, the HPC reviews development proposals, when they concern properties or districts listed in the Borough's Historic Resources Inventory.  The HPC seeks not only to promote desirable development of historic properties and to discourage their demolition but also to ensure that new construction is compatible with, but not imitative of, existing historic buildings and structures.  

Formal proposals for development are considered at monthly meetings.  Every formal proposal must be accompanied by an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness.  In order to be considered, a formal proposal must be received at least 10 days in advance.  Informal proposals are not routinely considered.  However, on request, an informal proposal — where development is described at least in concept — may be discussed with one or more members of the HPC in a process that is unofficial and cannot predict future HPC actions.

When reviewing a development proposal, the HPC considers the proposal within an appropriate historical context.  Accordingly, for a proposal relating to a building, the HPC is interested to learn when the building was erected (e.g., 1870) and in what style (e.g., Italianate), in order to determine relevant design imperatives.  If a development proposal is sensitive to relevant design imperatives, then it is more likely to be viewed favorably and the Application is more likely to be "approved."  If not, then the proposal may be viewed unfavorably and the Application may be "denied."  Under certain circumstances where the Application is "approved," binding conditions may be specified, in which case development may proceed but must conform with those conditions.  Under certain circumstances where the Application is "denied," suggestions for future development proposals may be offered.  

For prospective applicants who wish to better understand the HPC's decision-making process, findings and conclusions relating to past proposals for 1 Broad Street and 30 Monmouth Street are provided, as they appear in resolutions from the January 19, 2022 meeting.