In a message dated 3/25/2007 6:27:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cjschopfer@gmail.com writes: While some local politicians and administrators really don't care, it's also fair to say that, as fiduciaries for their towns, they have to weigh the relatively clear (economic) benefits of redevelopment to the less tangible benefits of historic preservation. In this case, though, with such a large piece of land and a clearly historic property, I'm surprised a compromise hasn't been reached. An example of such compromise is the "Van Riper House" (aka the Bradbury-Van Riper House): http://www.oldnutley.org/vanriper.html. 50+-years ago, ITT carved out the acre or so on which the historic building sits and gave it to the town, which later contributed it to a non-profit. Thus the land, which had high market value, was put to use economically, and the house, which had concentrated historic value, was saved. As a footnote, the non-profit has struggled over the years to raise the funds necessary to meaningfully restore the house. If I recall correctly, a similar thing happened in Fairfield, NJ with the I do not know what to tell you, but the more you publicize the problem, the more likely that an historic homestead will suddenly be burned down one quiet night. That has been our experience in Westchester County, NY. Whoever owns the houses, owns it. They can do whatever they want with it. Try and buy the house. Best wishes, Kris Liddle ************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.

To all, Clearly the poster is correct here. The house is private property. However, I live in New Jersey and there is nothing more sickening than the zeal planning boards have in granting permits to builders to pave over all the little land left in New Jersey. However, much these boards have to weight economic benefits this choice is a no-brainer. Is this township really going to gain that much more in tax receipts? Is it really going to make or break a fairly tax rich town? The fact is many of these politicians and planning boards are bought off and corrupt taking bribes. Every few months you read in the newspapers how many get caught taking illegal money from builders. That is what is driving the engine of construction. The fact is these boards do not have to grant permits at all. New Jersey is a mess. I get a hard time trying to put up a flagpole or cut down a tree on MY property and yet builders can come in and swath up forests all in the name of progress. Yes, there could be a compromise and maybe now with all the publicity it is possible. Ed In a message dated 3/25/2007 6:27:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cjschopfer@gmail.com writes: While some local politicians and administrators really don't care, it's also fair to say that, as fiduciaries for their towns, they have to weigh the relatively clear (economic) benefits of redevelopment to the less tangible benefits of historic preservation. In this case, though, with such a large piece of land and a clearly historic property, I'm surprised a compromise hasn't been reached. An example of such compromise is the "Van Riper House" (aka the Bradbury-Van Riper House): http://www.oldnutley.org/vanriper.html. 50+-years ago, ITT carved out the acre or so on which the historic building sits and gave it to the town, which later contributed it to a non-profit. Thus the land, which had high market value, was put to use economically, and the house, which had concentrated historic value, was saved. As a footnote, the non-profit has struggled over the years to raise the funds necessary to meaningfully restore the house. If I recall correctly, a similar thing happened in Fairfield, NJ with the I do not know what to tell you, but the more you publicize the problem, the more likely that an historic homestead will suddenly be burned down one quiet night. That has been our experience in Westchester County, NY. Whoever owns the houses, owns it. They can do whatever they want with it. Try and buy the house. Best wishes, Kris Liddle ************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to DUTCH-COLONIES-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message