Metuchen is a historically significant town; being founded on March 20, 1900, the town itself represents a bygone era at the turn of the century. The true richness in architecture from this point in the past is under the threat of today, however. The property of 31 Woodbridge Avenue has fallen victim to this peril and was knocked in December 2023 down regardless of its classical value. The abode, which once was a vintage symbol of old-fashioned style, is now only an empty plot where a previous mighty home once stood.
The issue at hand is that there is no ordinance to maintain historic houses in the Brainy Borough. Investors purchase these properties with no intention of protecting them and then demolish them to make a profit by constructing contemporary real estate on the site. The Metuchen Historic Preservation Committee is under the leadership of Nancy Zerbe but they have been successful despite their significant efforts to push for a mandating preventing these violations from occurring yet again. During a reevaluation of Metuchen as a town with land usage in the region and for creating particular zones, somewhat of a step was mentioned to possibly be taken for laws preventing developers from ruining reminiscences of the past. Nonetheless, as stated by Borough Attorney liaison to the M.H.P.C. Tyler Kandel, this “master plan” will not be effective until at least 2025.
This is an urgent matter, as there are no guidelines to stop more unregulated losses of living portrayals of the 20th century. More than 165 properties in the township have been recognized as being historically significant and could be at risk of succumbing to the past instead of being preserved in the present. Buildings with older charms such as these cannot simply be replicated, especially with the equivalent of specific and intricate craftsmanship with the houses being of only their time. They make up the character of Metuchen- the coexistence of the structures that are cornerstones of the municipality and today’s differing society overall are essential to the integrity of the locality. Preserving older buildings provides a sense of culture and an insight into the past, and without taking a measure to take these areas out of jeopardy, there will be absences of ages for future generations to comprehend the importance of.
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