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Commission readies design guidelines, 250-page survey for state review and public access
Summary
The commission reported completion of design guidelines and a 250-page intensive property survey; staff will submit the survey to the state (the primary funder) for review, add two library-ready copies to the Red Bank library and post materials on the borough website once finalized.
Commissioners said Jan. 21 that the commission’s design guidelines and an intensive 250-page architectural survey are complete and will be published for public access.
Karen Schmemell reported that two library-ready copies of the documents will be donated to the Red Bank library and that the survey will be submitted to the state for review because state funding supported the work. The design guidelines have been placed on the borough’s historic-preservation web page, including a short presentation and a PowerPoint intended to help property owners and reviewers use the guidelines.
Karen said the council reviewed the guidelines at first reading and that a second reading and adoption were scheduled to follow, which would add the guidelines to the historic preservation ordinance and give them formal regulatory effect. She encouraged commissioners to consult the survey and guidelines when an item affecting a surveyed property appears on an agenda.
The commission discussed pursuing another Historic Trust grant to update the historic-preservation element of the borough’s master plan or to fund another intensive survey area. Members also raised the idea of installing uniform building plaques or QR codes that would provide date and design information, acknowledging such a program would require funding or grant support.
Staff said the Borough maintains a small budget for commissions through the planning and zoning department and that gap funding for grants (for example $15,000 cited for prior work) may be available on a limited basis.
The commission agreed to pursue grant opportunities and to continue discussing modest programs such as plaques or QR-code walking-tour integration in coming months.
