In 2019 and 2020, the Montclair Historic Preservation Commission reviewed nomination proposals to designate two Township neighborhoods, the Oakcroft and Wheeler Street neighborhoods, as Local Historic Districts. The Oakcroft and Wheeler Street neighborhoods were identified as potential historic resources in the Historic Preservation Element of the Township Master Plan, adopted in November 2016. The HPC ultimately withdrew their nomination of these districts following opposition from the residents of the two neighborhoods.
Cultural resource surveys and draft nomination proposals for these two neighborhoods were prepared for the Township by Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects. The surveys and nominations were funded by a Historic Preservation Fund grant awarded to the Township by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office.
The draft nomination proposals are available for download below:
What Does Historic District Designation Mean?
Local Historic Districts help to safeguard the heritage of Montclair by preserving resources within the Township which reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic and architectural history. Local Historic Districts also helps to maintain and develop an appropriate and harmonious setting for the historic and architecturally significant areas within the Township.
In accordance with the Montclair Historic Preservation Code, the Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for proposing districts that are found worthy of landmark designation to the Township Council.
In Local Historic Districts, a Certificate of Appropriateness is issued by the Commission for certain exterior modifications only.
A Frequently Asked Questions document regarding historic district designation has been prepared to address a number of questions.
About the Districts