By BRIAN DONOHUE
If you own a house on Washington Street, can you use asphalt shingles when you repair your Second Empire mansard roof?
If you own a building on Broad Street, how should you paint your Italianate-style metal cornice?
The Borough of Red Bank’s Historic Preservation Commission hopes to settle these kinds of homeowner questions with long-awaited, hot-off-the-presses, Historic Design Guidelines. The guidelines are the subject of two public meetings this week..
The 94 page-report is the product of a months-long effort to create guidelines for development and renovations of buildings in the town’s two historic districts, the Washington Street and Broad Street Historic Districts. A second part of the project includes a building-by-building survey of the Broad Street Historic District.
“Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or an architect, these guidelines are designed to be your practical companion” the report reads. “They provide clear, straightforward advice to guide your decisions, ensuring that your project not only enhances your property but also contributes to the charm of the surrounding district. These guidelines are not just theoretical-they are based on established preservation principles and are tailored to Red Bank’s unique context and character.”
Once adopted formally by the Borough Council, the HPC will use the guidelines to approve or disapprove building owners’ applications for renovations, additions or other changes.
The report includes a historic overview of Red Bank’s architecture, which proves a highly interesting read even for those who don’t live in a historic district. It expounds on the importance of preserving that architecture, and goes into detail on the specific methods and materials that should be used to do it.
The goal, HPC members say, is to give homeowners clearer guidelines when beginning changes so the process goes more smoothly when applications go before the HPC and land use boards for approval.
The report was funded by a $60,000 grant from the NJ History Trust, and the process was overseen by a five-member committee: HPC Members Marjorie Cavalier, Karen Schmelzkopf, and Anthony Setaro; Red Bank RiverCenter Executive Director Marin Bennet, and Red Bank Director of Community Development Shawna Ebanks.
The report was completed by Steven Smolyn of Architectural Heritage Consultants, a firm has done similar work for Hoboken, Cape May, Glen Ridge and Moorestown.
Click here to download the guidelines.
This Historic Preservation Council is scheduled to vote on whether to formally adopt the guidelines at a special meeting Wednesday, 6 pm at Borough Hall, 90 Monmouth Street.
The document will be the subject of a public presentation at the Red Bank Public Library the next day, Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 pm. (The calendar on the borough website lists the time as 9 a.m, which seems to be in error.)
Residents can also attend the Thursday meeting via zoom at this link.
Residents and property owners of the borough’s two historic districts are encouraged to attend.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
