(Fanwood, NJ) – The Borough Council approved a resolution Tuesday night setting a public hearing for Tuesday, February 17 at 7 pm on bidder pre-qualification regulations for the exterior restoration of the Historic Fanwood Train Station.
The Borough received a $500,000 state grant last year in support of the project. The Train Station was built in 1874 in the Victorian Carpenter Gothic style and was part of the new rail line from Westfield to Plainfield. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
According to the resolution, the project will involve specialized historic restoration work including slate roofing restoration, copper flashing, rough and finish wood framing restoration, window restoration and replacement, wood siding restoration, brick masonry restoration, and surface preparation and painting of exterior historic wood finishes.
“The Borough has prepared proposed bidder prequalification regulations for the exterior restoration of the Fanwood (Community House) Train Station Project to ensure that only qualified historic restoration general contractors with demonstrated experience in similar historic preservation projects are eligible to bid on this specialized work,” the resolution states.
The Borough is required to hold a public hearing on the proposed prequalification regulations before they can be submitted to the Director of the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services for approval, the resolution states.
The council also passed a resolution authorizing the execution of a mediation agreement between the Borough and the Fair Share Housing Center for the Borough’s Fourth Round fair share obligations for affordable housing within Fanwood.
Planning Board Attorney Diane Dabulis said the Fair Share Housing Center challenged Fanwood’s agreed upon 109 units per its affordable housing obligation. She said as part of the mediation agreement Borough has agreed to increase its set aside for rental affordable units in housing developments from 15% to 20%.
Planning Board Attorney Diane Dabulis discusses the mediation agreement between the Borough and the Fair Share Housing Center for the Borough’s Fourth Round fair share obligations for affordable housing.
Members of the Martin Luther King Day of Service Committee were in attendance and received copies the MLK Day Proclamation read by Councilwoman Patricia Walsh.
A resolution was approved to appoint Joseph Marranca as a member of the Fanwood Volunteer Fire Department.
Elizabeth Jeffery, director of economic development, said the owner of Houdini Pizza Laboratory, has signed a lease for an 1874 Coffee Shop and is looking to open around St. Patrick’s Day in retail space next to Fanwood Clipper on South Avenue.
Councilwoman Patricia Walsh with members of the Martin Luther King Day of Service Committee after they were presented with copies of the Borough Council’s MLK Day Proclamation
She said the developer of Carano Square at the former A&P site on South Avenue has applied for permits for the foundation and footings for the first building of the project, which will contain a restaurant and the new location of Fanwood Liquors. The liquor store will have a temporary location while the building is under construction.
Borough Administrator Jesse Moehlman said the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts has approved the Fanwood and Garwood shared municipal court. He said the new court will begin operations on February 1.
Councilwoman Patricia Walsh said the Historic Preservation Commission has announced that in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Borough will have a Lego Build on Saturday, March 21 in the cafeteria at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. Pictures of historic homes and buildings have been taken and a brochure will be distributed explaining the project.
Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell said the State Legislature has passed the Stop the Stuff bill, which requires fast food establishments to only distribute plastic utensils and condiment packets to customers who request them. The new law takes effect on August 1.
Council President Gina Berry announced that outgoing Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation on e-bikes, which requires the operator to be at least 17 years of age, hold a valid New Jersey driver’s license and have the e-bike registered and insured. Operators of motorized bicycles must be 15 and have a valid motorized vehicle license.
Council President Gina Berry.
