Thursday, May 25, 2017

Yes, Let's Preserve These Treasured Edifices!

The New Jersey Senate has provided final legislative approval to a measure sponsored by State Senator Tom Kean (R-21) that funds nearly $3 million in grants awarded by the New Jersey Historic Trust for capital preservation projects. The legislation, S-2911/A-4583, was co-sponsored by Assemblyman Jon Bramnick and Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz (both R-21).

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The Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit is among 25 historic New Jersey locations that will receive a preservation grant under legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean. (Reeves-Reed Arboretum)
“We’re working to provide the resources needed to preserve important historic sites across the state and in our local communities,” said Kean. “These special places provide an important link to New Jersey’s history that we cannot afford to lose.”

The legislation appropriates $2,988,859 from the “2009 Historic Preservation Fund” and constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues for the purpose of awarding capital preservation grants for 25 historic preservation projects that have been approved by the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Garden State Preservation Trust.

Capital preservation grants fund the restoration, preservation, repair, and rehabilitation of historic sites for new or continued use by nonprofit organizations or county and municipal governments. The properties must be listed or eligible for listing in the State or National Register of Historical Places to qualify.

Kean noted that the Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit, also known as “The Clearing,” will receive a $21,000 grant for a preservation project through the legislation.

The Clearing was originally designed by Calvert Vaux, a landscape designer and architect best known for designing Central Park in New York City.

“The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a local treasure designed by one of the foremost landscape architects in our nation’s history,” added Kean. “Supporting the preservation of this historic estate will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy one of the most spectacular gardens in New Jersey.”

The legislation was previously approved by the General Assembly in a unanimous (74-0) vote on March 23rd. The measure now heads to the Governor’s desk.

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