REAL ESTATE

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Historic Preservation Commission*

*But were afraid to ask

Franklin Delano Roosevelt once famously said "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself." A soothing sentiment that applicants before the township of Neptune's Historic Preservation Commission should take to heart.

The Historic Preservation Commission is a must stop for Ocean Grovers before embarking on any exterior alterations to their homes. It's the cost - an advantage - of living in a community that was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1976 and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The Commission came into being as the Board of Architectural Review in 1980, after Neptune Township took control of Ocean Grove. Its purpose was to protect the historic and visual characteristics of the Victorian enclave.

Subsequent ordinances reconstituted the BAR as the Historic Preservation Commission, but not it's goals.

The current HPC seeks to preserve the architectural integrity, craftsmanship and heritage of Ocean Grove and to "Recapture the spirit of Ocean Grove". The Commission assesses applications for proposed work in accordance with governing ordinances and approved guidelines. 'Certificates of Approval' are issued when applications meet approved standards.

The current members of the HPC are dedicated to the goal of sharing information about the benefits of preserving Ocean Grove's heritage with all of the Grove's residents. With the recent influx of new homeowners and visitors to Ocean Grove, the Historic Preservation Commission feels the time is ripe to better inform the public at large about themselves and Ocean Grove.

In their search for a public voice, the HPC stumbled upon a "seasoned Ocean Grover" who has volunteered to assist them in their quest to "Recapture the spirit of Ocean Grove", answer questions poised by the community in order to assist all with their concerns and help educate homeowners and residents about the history and beauty of this nationally recognized seaside community.

So without further ado, meet Miss Victoria Anna.

Victoria Anna has been around since the Historic Preservation Commission, (a.k.a. the Board of Architectural Review) was created back in 1980. She's seen the many changes that have occurred in Ocean Grove through the years.

She was a mere toddler when the Grove was in it's "hey day". The gates would close on Saturday evenings to allow townspeople to walk at about at their leisure. All day Sunday they could walk to church services, visit their neighbors on the many open porches lining the streets, stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy an ice cream cone from Nagle's or Day's unmolested by motorcars.

As a young adult, the gates were ordered open to autos, but something else was also taking place. A stirring of the imagination that ensured that not too many modern intrusions would alter the course of historic Ocean Grove.

During the late 1970s a group of concerned citizens petitioned and won the designation, which allowed Ocean Grove to be listed on the Register of Sites. And this designation directly led to the formation of a board to look after the unique architecture of the town - what is now known as the Historic Preservation Commission.

So - what's to fear about the HPC? Nothing but fear itself - fear of the unknown.

And Miss Victoria Anna will help dispel that uncertainty.

She will answer any questions or clarify any answers that you may have.

Send her your questions here at the Record by e-mailing rhavey@neptunetownship.org, or through the post at Victoria Anna, c/o HPC Office, PO Box 1125, Neptune NJ 07753.

Look for her answers here every week.

– Posted 12/10/04