Submitted by Maureen Strazdon
Preservation isn’t the opposite of development and Cranford needs to grow and be dynamic to remain viable. But that development needs to be carefully considered and planned, with an overall vision that includes all aspects of the past, present, and future. That is the position that the Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB), a Township-appointed resource, has taken on planning and development in Cranford this past year, advising the Township Committee that planning which includes preserving the unique character and feel of Cranford will continue to make the town a desirable location for living and working and a model for sustainable growth.
In addressing the draft plan on Redevelopment of North Avenue, HPAB noted that several state-recognized historically significant resources could be impacted by the redevelopment activity and that the plan differs from Cranford’s historic downtown development pattern. Also, HPAB pointed out that redevelopment in the flood zone, especially near the State-recognized North Cranford Historic District (NCHD), is of concern. HPAB’s view is that only by comparing a variety of alternatives can an informed decision be reached.
Earlier in the year, in response to other development proposals, HPAB advocated enhancement of the Master Plan and Downtown Standards and stated a desire to work with Township officials and committees in developing those plans. To that end, HPAB is supporting the DMC in their Strategic Plan and in their efforts to have Cranford designated as a Certified Local Government.
The inventory of Cranford’s historical resources that was compiled by HPAB in 2016 is the beginning of a comprehensive approach to assessing Cranford’s historic resources and can support the design and style guidelines as recommended in the DMC Strategic Plan, as well as the Master Plan for use by the Zoning and Planning Boards. According to Kinney Clark, HPAB member and author of the report, the survey will help develop an objective basis for decision-making and help establish a community vision for how best to incorporate historic resources into the development plans for Cranford. The 980-page report, Phase I Cranford Historic Resources Survey: Review of Existing Documentation, Baseline Inventory, and Survey Updates, includes descriptions, maps and supporting materials detailing many of the significant buildings and other assets throughout town. It details resources identified in studies done by various government and private organizations over the years. A Library exhibit in May featured the report, and Mr. Clark made a presentation on the report at the Community Center in November.
Recently the resource report has been expanded to include a story map that provides a more visual presentation of the information and enables users to click icons to view an image and details for each documented resource. It can be accessed on HPAB’s website, preservecranford.com.
In addition to advising the Township of Cranford on laws and activities impacting preservation, HPAB also completed several other projects to further its mission of aiding in the preservation of Cranford’s architectural heritage through documentation and education of the public as to the value of preservation. These included applying in May for a Certification of Eligibility with the NJ State Historic Preservation Office for the Masonic Building on Union Avenue North. A Certification of Eligibility is a formal finding that a property or area is eligible to be designated as historic by the State and verifies its historical significance. HPAB will continue to apply for certifications of other buildings and districts.
HPAB continues to work with other organizations in town to further mutual goals. HPAB presented the Annual Preservation Award jointly with the Cranford Historical Society to the owners of 203 Holly Street, conducted a History Walk in conjunction with a Municipal Alliance event, and participated in the DAR flag pole ceremony.
To recognize historically significant buildings HPAB has designed and is offering a bronze plaque to the owners of 54 buildings that were identified as significant in the Resources Survey, and more buildings will be determined to be eligible for the plaques as further surveys are completed.
Copies of HPAB’s “Cranford’s History and Architecture – A Journey Through Time” DVD that highlights many buildings and architectural styles around town are available at several stores in Cranford and online on the HPAB website, www.preservecranford.com, for $15. HPAB’s map of Cranford that is color-coded with the years houses were built is also available downtown and on the HPAB website.
HPAB is a Township Committee established by an Ordinance in 1993. Members of HPAB for 2017 were Vic Bary, Kinney Clark, Bill King, Maureen McDougall, Pria McNeil (student member), Ron Meeks, Teresa Montani, Loretta Smith, and Maureen Strazdon (chair). Associate members were Thomas Connolly, Michael Mason, Julie Murphy, Nancy Price, and Stephen Price. Patrick Giblin served as Township Committee Liaison.
For more information about Cranford history and HPAB activities, visit HPAB’s website (preservecranford.com) and HPAB’s Facebook page. HPAB met every month, except for August, usually on the fourth Thursday at the Community Center. All are invited to attend.
