Metuchen Loses Historic Downtown Building; Mayor Calls For State Law Change

METUCHEN, NJ — Demolition began this week at a historic building at 280 Amboy Avenue, at the corner of Main Street, prompting Metuchen Mayor Jonathan M. Busch to call for changes to state preservation law.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Busch said he was "really upset that we are losing another piece of Metuchen's history," even though the structure had, in his words, "unfortunately fallen into significant disrepair over the years."

"Buildings like these are more than wood and brick," Busch wrote. "We pass them on our walks and drive by them on our way in and out of town. They become part of the fabric of our everyday lives and, over time, part of how we recognize our community."

Busch said residents have asked in recent years "what more the Borough can do to better protect historic structures like this one," and that the Borough Council has spent significant time considering the question.

He said the borough explored adopting a historic preservation ordinance but "found that the State's framework is far more burdensome than many people realize," noting that in towns with such ordinances, homeowners can be required to get approval before making exterior changes like "replacing windows, constructing additions, installing siding or roofing, and undertaking other improvements."

Busch said residents "consistently" told the borough they wanted "stronger protections against the demolition of structures like this" without new restrictions that would affect their ability to maintain their own homes. He said the borough looked for "a better path" and "a targeted approach" but ultimately learned that "current state law simply doesn't allow municipalities to create that kind of practical middle ground."

"That's why we are now working with our State legislators to change New Jersey law," Busch wrote.

He said Metuchen and other towns "should have the flexibility to adopt practical, common-sense preservation tools that reflect our local values," including the ability to require documentation of a structure's history, explore preservation alternatives, or require that a building "be offered for private sale for a meaningful period to determine whether preservation is a viable option."

"Demolition of historically significant structures should be the last resort," Busch wrote.

Busch called the building's loss "disappointing," noting it "has stood for generations and has long been part of the gateway to our downtown." He said he hopes the moment "ultimately leads to meaningful changes in New Jersey law so communities like Metuchen have better tools to preserve the historic places that have helped define us."

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