To Preserve, Not Perish: County Announces Grants For Historic Properties
Grants available for the acquisition, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration and preservation of historic properties in Bergen County
The Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board announced Tuesday that grants for historic properties are available from the Bergen County Historic Preservation Trust Fund, which is part of the Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
According to county officials, the Historic Preservation Trust Fund is offering competitive matching grants to municipalities, the county and non-profit organizations for the acquisition, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and the preparation of plans and reports associated wtih the implementation of capital historic preservation projects.
In order to be considered for a grant, all properties must be located in Bergen County and listed on, or eligible for listing on, the New Jersey Register of Historic Places either individually, or as a contributing part of a historic district.
Despite the rich history a particular site may have attached to it, obtaining funding is difficult, particularly in the current economic climate. A recent article in River Dell Patch reported that the Historic Steuben House at New Bridge Landing is currently in a funding fight with the DEP. According to the article, following the April 2007 Nor'easter, legislation was approved in 2009 to transfer administration of the Steuben House and surrounding parkland from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission once a master plan was completed. The master plan was adopted in September 2010.
According to the article, years later the funding is still no where to be seen, even though the Commission approved a $149,000 budget in May 2011 for the reopening of the Steuben House for school groups and the public in general.
The letter of intent to apply for the Historic Properties grant is due on July 19 and the grant application is due on August 30.
For additional information, or to apply for the grant, click here.
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