By Helen Kull
Last month, while considering the William Green Farmhouse, I mentioned that it is a “nationally-registered historic site.” There tends to be a lot of confusion about “registered historic site” listings and what they mean, and perhaps this is a good time and place to discuss such listings.
The confusion is understandable, since the recognition and protection of the historic places around us is a process which is overseen at a variety of levels by many different entities and acts of legislation.
However, the criteria for historic recognition are similar at all levels, and are based on the criteria established in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966—federal legislation which was passed in the wake of the demolition of many historic properties due to post-WW2 interstate highway and urban renewal projects. Many believe that it was the demolition in 1963 of the old beaux-arts style Pennsylvania Railroad Station in NYC, and the ensuing controversy, that ultimately pushed the legislation forward.
A site must be more than “old” to be considered “historic.” Yes, it should be at least 50 years old, but it should also retain much of its original “look,” or character and integrity. If it’s been permanently remodeled or changed greatly, it’s not likely to be considered historic. Sometimes such altered layers can be peeled back, but rarely.
But beyond its physical integrity, the site should have significance, meaning that the building or site be associated with important or significant people, activities, or events. For example, most pool bath-houses are not listed on the national register. But the architecturally-unique bath house complex at the Ewing Senior and Community Center, designed by world-renowned architect Louis Kahn, is considered significant, and is on the national register. Homes where noteworthy people lived, places where important activities occurred, or buildings with remarkable architecture or engineering are those which can be considered significant. Likewise, if the site has archaeological potential to reveal important information about the past, it also is considered to be significant.
Individuals, property owners, historical groups, preservation organizations, and government agencies are all permitted to submit nominations to have a site considered for listing. The process is then coordinated and facilitated by the state historic preservation office, which notifies affected property owners and local governments, and solicits comments. If the owner objects, the property will not be listed, but may be granted a Determination of Eligibility. If there are no objections, the nomination is reviewed and a determination is made by both the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Registry Review Board.
If approved at the state level, the site is then considered to be “listed” on the State Register. Finally, the nomination is reviewed by the National Park Service, which administers the National Registry of Historic Places Program, and ultimately approves the national listing.
It’s important to note that National Register listing does not obligate property owners to do anything special. It places no restrictions on the use, treatment, transfer, or disposition of private property. It does not require public access, and does not invoke local historic zoning or landmark designation. It merely recognizes the historical, architectural, or archaeological significance of the property, and offers no “protection” to the site.
However, if a federal agency plans a project that will affect the property—like an interstate highway—then a review process is initiated (a “Section 106” review), which attempts to minimize the harm done to the historic property. In this way, some protection is afforded to the site.
A similar process occurs with properties listed on the State register. The State Registry listing does not restrict property owners on the use, treatment or disposition of private property. NJ law does, however, require that any actions by state, county, or municipal agencies or governments which may impact a historic property must be reviewed and authorized by the State Historic Preservation Office.
So what, if anything, does protect historic properties? And at what point are all those “this color paint only” restrictions placed on historic properties? Hint: two words—Home Rule. We’ll look at that next month.
Helen Kull is a member of the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Commission.
Do you have a Ewing story to tell, or wish to share a memory of a Ewing place that doesn’t exist anymore? Contact Helen at ewingthenandnow@gmail.com.
