Pennington Borough is taking steps to better preserve its historic character while positioning itself for future preservation grants and technical assistance.
During the July 6 Borough Council meeting, Historic Preservation Commission Chair Eric Holtermann outlined the commission’s priorities, including pursuing designation as a Certified Local Government, expanding protections for historic properties outside the borough’s historic district, preserving downtown trees and improving public education about Pennington’s history.
Historic preservation goals take center stage
Holtermann said becoming a Certified Local Government, or CLG, has become one of the commission’s top priorities after several years of discussion.
The designation would allow Pennington to apply for state historic preservation grants and receive technical assistance from the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office.
“We’ve moved it to the front burner,” Holtermann told council, explaining that the commission has already submitted an ordinance and is working through the remaining application requirements.
The commission is also examining ways to provide local landmark protection for historically significant buildings that lie outside the existing historic district.
Among those discussed were the Toll Gate Grammar School, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District administration building and the Pennington Train Station. While the train station is listed on state and national historic registers, it is not designated as a local landmark.
“We’ve spoken with the zoning board and with the town, and it does seem to be a good thing for all concerned to take a closer look,” Holtermann said.
Another area of focus is the Blackwell property, which borders the Crossroads Historic District. Holtermann said the commission plans to monitor future development proposals affecting the property, and the district will be identified as an overlay zoning district on the borough’s updated zoning map.
Trees, signs and education
Beyond preserving buildings, the commission hopes to better protect Pennington’s historic streetscape.
Because Main Street and Delaware Avenue are Mercer County roads, they are not currently included in the borough’s Shade Tree Commission inventory. Holtermann said the commission has begun discussions with Councilwoman Kit Chandler about working with the county to address the issue.
The commission is also exploring the creation of interpretive signs highlighting the history of significant buildings and locations throughout the borough in partnership with the Economic Development Commission.
Beginning next year, Historic Preservation Commission members will also complete new state-required training under recently adopted legislation.
Holtermann encouraged residents considering exterior work on homes within the historic district to contact the commission early in the process, noting that staff members are available to help guide applicants and that many projects do not require formal approval.
Affordable housing and preservation can work together
Holtermann also emphasized that historic preservation and affordable housing are not competing goals.
He said the commission supports the borough’s affordable housing efforts, noting that historically appropriate conversions of single-family homes into two-family residences are consistent with both the character of the historic district and the borough’s housing objectives.
The commission continues to work closely with Borough Council, the Planning Board, the Economic Development Commission, neighboring municipalities and the Hopewell Valley Historical Society on preservation efforts.
Residents interested in learning more about Pennington’s history will have an opportunity during Heritage Week in September, when the commission plans to host its annual historic walking tour.
Water infrastructure projects move forward
Council also introduced two bond ordinances designed to improve the borough’s water system.
One ordinance authorizes up to $8 million for projects addressing PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” while a second ordinance authorizes up to $3.5 million for replacing lead service lines.
Mayor James Davy said the ordinances establish the funding mechanism but do not mean the borough expects to spend the full amounts.
“This establishes the bond ordinance and the funding mechanism,” Davy said. “We will not be spending this level of funding, and we’ll be taking advantage of low-interest loans as well as loan forgiveness from the State of New Jersey.”
Council also approved a resolution authorizing applications to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank financing program.
Separately, Council President Nadine Stern said Pennington’s 2018 asset management plan will be updated to include the borough’s sewer system and other infrastructure needs. Council authorized Colliers Engineering to conduct a scoping assessment to identify priorities, estimate costs and explore grant opportunities.
Around the borough
In other business, council:
- Heard an update from Councilwoman Amy Kassler-Taub on the borough’s new Adopt-a-Flag program, which debuted during the July 4 celebration. Residents may sponsor a flag for $100.
- Learned about Parks and Recreation initiatives exploring a community bat house program and firefly nursery.
- Recognized Pennington’s recent certification as a Community Wildlife Habitat.
- Adopted a resolution authorizing hunting on designated properties as part of the borough’s deer management program.
- Received an update on summer reading programs and staffing at the Pennington Public Library.
- Heard Borough Administrator GP Caminiti praise new Chief Financial Officer Lubna Muneer for her smooth transition into the position.
- There will be an update coming from MercerMe about a presentation on the old Wells Fargo building
Community honors retiring police sergeant
Council also reflected on the recent retirement ceremony for Sgt. First Class Novin Thomas after more than 28 years with the Pennington Police Department.
Borough Administrator GP Caminiti described the traditional walkout ceremony as “a packed house and a very poignant moment,” thanking the Department of Public Works for helping prepare the event.
“He appreciated it, and I think everyone else did as well,” Caminiti said.
The next Borough Council meeting takes place Monday, August 3, 7 pm. See the Zoom meeting page for details.
