HPC seeks help saving Lack Plaza historic train sheds.

Details for the Lackawanna Plaza development plan are in later stages of review before final approval and the board members working for us need our support so we get the best possible plan.  The latest Lackawanna Plaza development plan now has 154 units (down from 380) and is within zoning restrictions.  This plan has also architecture proposed which compliments the historic station and most historical elements are preserved however almost half the train sheds will be destroyed (canopies that cover the train track platforms where passengers stood).
 
The Lackawanna Terminal is an integral part of Montclair’s history and development, especially as we celebrate our 150 year anniversary.  This 1912 station, designed by William Botsford and on the National Register of Historic Places was described by the Office of New Jersey Historic Preservation,  “ the handsomest and best arranged suburban railroad terminal in the United States.”  

 ** Please refer other residents to www.SaveMontclair.org to to understand why Montclair has of much development coming. Join us to get updates directly. Like us on Facebook.

Knowledgeable residents, historic preservationists and board members understand its significance and have asked the developer to revisit this plan seeking ways to save these sheds.  Many residents and board members feel these train sheds are integral to the architectural integrity of the Lackawanna Terminal and believe they are crucial to interpreting its historic purpose.   We all want the best possible plan for our downtown: very attractive residential and business development that compliments the historic station and enhances the neighborhood, beautiful public space and a successful supermarket.  The board members and developers need to know residents care and support this. 
 
Our Historic Preservation Commission will review of this current plan to discuss how the train sheds may be preserved on Thursday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., at the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Ave., Montclair. 
 
The HPC needs support from residents. Your voice and expertise have influence. Please attend the meeting and speak during public comments.
 
If you cannot attend or prefer not to speak, email asap early next week to the assistant planner, Graham Petto at [email protected] for distribution to HPC members.
 
In your public comments or email, consider some thoughts below: 
 
Why the train sheds should not be destroyed. 
 
This iconic station and train sheds are uniquely Montclair historic elements are important in our town’s origin.
 
How the train sheds are integral to the architectural integrity of the Lackawanna Terminal and to interpreting its historic purpose.
 
How Montclair is a town that owes its suburban identity to the train as one of the earliest suburbs in the country.  Destroying that part of its origin story would be a detriment to the community, and particularly as the town celebrates its 150th anniversary.
 
Demolishing these structures erases one of the very things that defines the building’s reason for existence and its historic significance. It strips the building of its historic context. What’s left no longer resembles a train terminal.
 
Montclair’s Master Plan ( guideline for policy) puts a priority on preserving historic assets and adaptively reusing them. The current Lackawanna proposal as it stands now destroys crucial elements of the historic complex and erodes its integrity. This would hinder and the ability of future generations to recognize it as a former train terminal.

** Please refer other residents to www.SaveMontclair.org to understand why Montclair has so much development coming. Join Us to get updates directly. Like us on Facebook.