Saving Montclair's character: stronger Historic Preservation, Map of Town's Historic Assets and Preservation Guidelines

This week, Montclair’s Historic Preservation Commission  or HPC elected a new Chair and Vice Chair and strengthened their expertise with new members.  This all-volunteer board is responsible for encouraging the protection of Montclair's architectural heritage and increasing public awareness of the Township’s historical and cultural resources, including buildings, streetscapes and landscapes.  Designation of historic districts and individual properties add additional guidelines for protections.  The HPC members deserve our public support while they do this work for the town and for us.

Montclair’s village-like business districts and the abundance exceptional residential architecture has been the magnet that continues to attract residents and then businesses to service them.   Preserving Montclair’s historic and small town character is crucial and under constant threat from developers pursuing large new construction which is out of character and proportion to our neighborhoods. 

In addition, here is the new link to the Interactive Map of the Township’s Historic Inventory Viewer.  As of 2016, Montclair has four locally designated business districts and only 19 individual properties with local historic designation which may be seen on this map.  Home owners who believe that they have significant historic architecture may apply for historic designation at the planning office.  Designation can add both economic value as well as the importance to the owner,  neighborhood and town.  

Design Guidelines are available here to help guide property owners in preserving historic assets.  Guidelines primarily are concerned with preserving the frontal exterior which is seen by the public from the street.  
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