The new ordinance to block teardowns of historic structures – with changes by Borough Solicitor Tom Coleman after the First Reading meeting at Council – went up on the Borough’s website this afternoon, so it’s now public:
This is the wording that will be up for a final vote Wednesday October 11, 2023 in the Riverton School gym at 6:00 pm.
Riverton moves decisively to preserve our Historic Sites and District.
Last night’s Council meeting in Riverton was a gratifying example of a town’s people all working together as colleagues toward a common goal: stopping teardowns.
Council voted unanimously to introduce a strong new ordinance and move on quickly to Second Reading and a vote.
That vote will take place in a full public hearing in the Riverton School gym on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 6:00 pm (note early time). Please come!
A complete copy of the ordinance should be forthcoming from the Borough Solicitor for release to the public in the next day or so and we will post it here for everyone to read closely.
This new ordinance is based on one of the ordinances from the towns that were specifically mentioned by the Judge at Superior Court when she threw out Riverton’s old ordinance on January 25, 2023. It was modified somewhat for Riverton’s own needs.
Its tough language also parallels ordinances from other beautiful, historic towns in New Jersey who protect their historic charm from teardowns.
402 Midway, the Richardson home, in happier times.
This ordinance was adapted by the ad hoc citizens’ “Historic Preservation Roundtable” that was convened by the HSR after a developer’s lawsuit prompted Superior Court to throw out our old ordinance last January. Pursuant to State law, it will create a Historic Preservation Commission in parallel with the Planning Board.
Simply put, Riverton’s will require review of all demolitions in the Historic District, specifying that a home can only be destroyed if it can be proven that there is no choice available to the owner other than demolition.
Other changes to exterior appearance will continue to be addressed in non-binding advisory services, just as they have for many years with the Architectural Review Committee (whose duties will now be folded into the new HPC).
There continues to be no regulation of paint colors or interiors.
Last night, the Mayor and all Councilmembers spoke strongly in favor of this new ordinance and were deeply appreciative of the volunteer work the Roundtable has put into its creation. The vote to approve introduction was unanimous.
Proudly and unmistakably telling the world that you are crossing the border into a very special place.
It was very gratifying to see an overflow crowd in Borough Hall, with many more attending via Zoom. During the public comment period, there was not a single comment in opposition and many urged moving as quickly as possible, as the Judge’s decision has left our beautiful historic homes defenseless.
The recent demolitions have deeply shaken many of us who love Historic Riverton.
There is good reason to hope that our town will soon have the tools to keep Historic Riverton looking like Historic Riverton for generations to come.
Thanks to everyone’s vocal support for preservation! Persistence pays off.
The Historical Society of Riverton is a 501(c)3 charitable educational organization founded in 1970 to bring together people interested in history, especially the history of the Borough of Riverton, New Jersey.
It’s easy to join us. Dues are very affordable and an active membership amplifies our voice in the community. Larger donations leverage strong volunteerism to make many of our more significant educational and outreach efforts happen. Please click here to help!
Tell us what you like and what you’d like to see more of. Please leave comments below.
Thank you and please spread the word about Historic Riverton, Everyone’s Home Town!
Another loss. Come to Tuesday night’s hearing to support a new ordinance that is ready to go!
On Thursday September 14, 2023, wrecking equipment destroyed in less than a day a charming little home which had stood at 402 Midway for over a century.
Didn’t matter that it was in perfectly marketable condition.
Didn’t matter that it had fine American chestnut woodwork that had never been painted.
All that mattered was that a developer could make a buck by destroying the home and the mature trees, and then subdividing and building three houses on the site.
He could do that because this year he went to court and destroyed Riverton’s Historic Preservation ordinance (and then proceeded to destroy the Groves Mansion on Lippincott Avenue.)
It now looks like Riverton is poised to take strong action against future teardowns – and you can help. There is a new draft ordinance going to Borough Council this Tuesday that promises to give us a solid demolition ordinance every bit as good as the ones that defend other beautiful, historic towns in New Jersey from destruction.
It will be introduced for “first reading” THIS TUESDAY 9/19/2023 at 7:00 PM at Borough Hall.
This ordinance is intended to fully support the “Concept Document” produced by the ad hoc citizens’ “Preservation Roundtable” group this summer. Read that “Concept Document” here.
Council voted to support that document at their meeting in August. That document also explains who the Roundtable are and how Riverton lost the historic protections we’ve thought we had for 25 years.
We believe the Mayor and Council will be on board. Come support them in person (get there early) or attend via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93447182894?pwd=SVN4TjJiM3FicGFxdVduQ2xvTVRBZz09
Now – It’s always frustrating that legislative procedures don’t permit Borough Hall to release working drafts like this to the public pre-introduction. But after Tuesday night, assuming they agree to introduce it, we will make sure everyone can read the proposal for themselves here at HSR – and we encourage everyone to read it, support it, talk it up!
If accepted on Tuesday, we understand that the Mayor and Council plan to schedule a special public meeting in the gym at Riverton School on Wednesday October 11, 2023 at 6:00 pm. (Note the early time.) Public comments will be encouraged and we hope all of our supporters of preserving of Riverton’s history will speak in support of Council’s ordinance.
Please support the future of Riverton’s past!
Meet at the Parish Hall of Christ Church, 4th and Howard Streets, at 6:00 pm, this Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
Starts with an overview of the histories of Riverton’s churches, and then it’s an easy walk to each of them.
All have beautiful interiors and will be open, with a docent to tell us more. All will be open until 8:30 pm.
Family friendly! Free admission, donations to the churches and HSR encouraged.
We hope you can join us!
All three Riverton restaurants … Early Bird, Juanita’s, and Milanese … will be open for an early dinner before the event. The new home décor shop Home Off Main will also be open at 523 Howard Street.
A joint project of Historical Society of Riverton and the Economic Development Committee of the Riverton Borough Council
From 6:00 to 7:00 pm an historic overview of the 4 churches will be held at Christ Church Parish Hall, 4th and Howard Streets)
7:00-8:30 all churches will be open for on-site informational visits
Family friendly! Free admission, donations to the churches and HSR encouraged.
Want more information? Just email RivertonHistory@gmail.com
All three Riverton restaurants … Early Bird, Juanita’s, and Milanese … will be open for an early dinner before the event. The new home décor shop Home Off Main will also be open at 523 Howard Street.
A joint project of Historical Society of Riverton and the Economic Development Committee of the Riverton Borough Council
