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Harvey Cedars tables ordinances on historic house donation and move after residents press for details
Summary
The borough tabled ordinances that would have funded a $60,000 move of a historic residential structure and accepted a donation from the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth after residents asked why the bond ordinance was not pursued and sought clarity on CAFRA/DEP approvals, rezoning and the timing of the donation.
The Board of Commissioners tabled two related ordinances Oct. 20 after multiple residents raised questions about a proposed relocation and donation of a historic residential structure.
ORIDINANCE #2025-24 proposed appropriating $60,000 for the movement of a historic residential structure and authorizing the issuance of $57,000 in bonds or notes. ORDINANCE #2025-25 would have authorized acceptance of a donation from the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth and related services. Both ordinances were tabled by unanimous vote.
During the privilege-of-the-floor segment, Mary Ellen Vatalaro asked why the borough had not pursued a bond ordinance to fund the project; Mayor John M. Imperiale and other commissioners said they were following legal advice and that if the project changes there would be more discussion. Bob Palestri asked about the property’s status with CAFRA and DEP approvals; Mayor Imperiale said the borough had reviewed its master plan and zoning ordinances and would not rezoning the property at this time and that a letter stating that position had been sent to the Sisters of Charity and their professional team.
Zoning Officer Cecilia Morillo explained that even if CAFRA and DEP approvals exist, subdivision would proceed through the Harvey Cedars Land Use Board and the resulting lots would be subject to borough zoning requirements. Commissioner Paul G. Rice told the audience the borough would not accept anything that carried an expectation of a quid pro quo.
Residents pressed for a clearer accounting of costs. Fred Schragger asked for an itemized list of moving costs and raised potential legal problems with accepting the house; no cost estimate was presented at the meeting. The ordinances’ tabling leaves the funding question unresolved: ORDINANCE #2025-24 had specified a $60,000 appropriation with $57,000 in bonds or notes to finance the move, and ORDINANCE #2025-25 would have formalized acceptance of the Sisters’ donation.
The commissioners indicated attorneys for the borough and the Sisters of Charity would coordinate on timing and next steps. No further action was taken at the Oct. 20 meeting; the items remain tabled pending legal review and additional discussion.
