The Historic Sites Council hears an application related to the Union Hotel, a 2016 PNJ 10 Most Endangered Historic Place in NJ…
The NJ Historic Sites Council (HSC) held a marathon meeting on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 to review an application regarding encroachments upon properties listed on the NJ Register within the Flemington Historic District. The HSC only has jurisdiction over the Hunterdon Bank Building, which is currently owned by the Borough, and is pending sale to a developer. Per the application, the facades on two sides of both the Bank Building and the Union Hotel would remain intact, with 3-story additions on one side of each, and a 7-story addition to the rear. The application called for a complete gut of the interiors of both buildings. The development also includes the demolition of 5 contributing buildings in the District.
The HSC voted to temporarily deny the application, asking for additional information related to structural integrity of the Bank Building, archaeological resources, and details as to how the size and scale of the surrounding buildings would affect the Bank Building. Preservation New Jersey issued a letter relaying its concerns and recommendations related to the development proposal on October 25th, and the Borough submitted supplemental information to the Historic Sites Council on November 3rd. In the meantime, the Friends of Historic Flemington continue to question the Borough’s motives, recently receiving a ruling in their favor regarding the Borough’s failure to comply with the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). The Borough also furthered its due diligence, with the Planning Board declaring the Redevelopment Plan consistent with the Master Plan on October 31st (report pending). However, with two incumbents losing seats on November 7th, the Council tabled the vote on the Courthouse Square Redevelopment Plan.
Related News Articles:
Flemington delays vote on redevelopment – myCentralersey.com
Union Hotel Plan ‘Consistent’ with Flemington Master Plan, Board Decides – TAPinto.com
State delays decision on fate of Flemington redevelopment – myCentralersey.com
Flemington faces new lawsuit over Union Hotel redevelopment – NJ.com
Flemington board recommends expansion of Union Hotel redevelopment area – NJ.com
Flemington OKs redevelopment agreement for Union Hotel – myCentralersey.com