Township council voted unanimously to adopt a comprehensive historic preservation ordinance on April 7.
The move is a significant milestone in the township’s effort to safeguard its architectural and cultural heritage and follows years of collaboration among council, the Historical Society of Moorestown, Saving Historic Moorestown and residents, culminating in a robust public process supported by a 2024 grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust.
The ordinance establishes formal protections for historic properties and introduces a framework to guide sensitive alterations and compatible new construction within a historic district, including primarily commercial properties along central Main Street and part of Chester Avenue. It represents a key implementation measure of the township’s updated Master Plan Historic Preservation Element, prepared by Clarke Caton Hintz and recently adopted by the township planning board.
“The township council is deeply proud of our efforts to pass this ordinance, which ensures legal protections for our cherished historic town center,” said Deputy Mayor Sue Mammarella, who spearheaded the initiative. “This achievement was made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of local organizations such as the Moorestown Historical Society, Saving Historic Moorestown and the Moorestown Improvement Association, along with the active participation and commitment of our residents.
“Together, we’ve preserved the heart of our community for generations to come.”
The planning grant funded public outreach efforts by Architectural Heritage Consultants, whose research and engagement efforts – including a well-attended town hall meeting last May – helped shape the ordinance and inform the historic district boundaries.
As part of the ordinance’s implementation, the township will appoint a Historic Preservation Commission to review proposed changes to structures within the historic district and designated sites. In the coming months, the commission will also conduct a public process to develop illustrated Historic Design guidelines in collaboration with Architectural Heritage, providing clear expectations for property owners and supporting long-term stewardship.
In addition to the local district, the ordinance also formally recognizes seven historic sites across the township for their individual significance.
