Preservation Is Open Space Concern, The Arc’s Use Is Dennis Zoning Matter

CREST HAVEN – “We think the project is valuable. We think it should be supported. We were aware of the (1989 zoning resolution), but the township (Dennis) is the one that needs to be looking into its resolution and its approvals and stepping in, if, in fact the use of the building is other than what is permitted,” said Freeholder Will Morey Feb. 23. “That is the area we intend to pursue,” Morey added.
He was responding to Diann Walters of South Dennis inquiry into The Arc of Cape May County’s Open Space project to restore its administration building in the Joseph Falkinburge house, built in 1806, on Route 47, South Dennis. The building is listed on the state and national registers of historic places.
Morey said the Open Space board’s reason to participate was “preservation of the property and make certain Cape May County residents have the opportunity to view the building to the extent of use of the building.
“We considered it an important property in the county to make certain residents have the opportunity to see it. We don’t expect a great volume. With respect to any other issue, it’s local,” said Morey.
Walters replied, citing an engineer’s report of the structure that said there were structural problems with the building due to it being used as an office.
“By giving non-profits grant money to be in one of these historic buildings, and ultimately they’re basically destroying the property by the use that is going into it. You’re giving a non-profit grant money I think you’re opening the door to other non-profits to start buying historic homes and using them as businesses, that, according to their engineer, they were not built to handle,” Walters said.
“There are many homes with historic values that have alternate uses,” said Morey.
Walters said Falkinburge property is zoned Village Residential, and that, were The Arc a corporation, it would not be permitted in that zone.
“I am suggesting from a historical preservation perspective, we are supporting, participating in the preservation. That is something the county wishes to do,” Morey added.
“We are not in a position, and we shouldn’t be involved in trying to police the building as to use. That is municipal issue and that’s really where the issue should reside. We want to make sure to preserve the building while issues are being resolved,” he added.
Morey noted it was a 50 percent match that The Arc is making to do the exterior preservation. Part of the county requirement, he said, is that since taxpayers’ funds are being used, a requirement is that there be “appropriate access for residents and or taxpayers to visit the building.”
“To what extent? What are they possibly going to see?” quizzed Walters.
“If they are interested in the building’s significance for its historic value,” said Morey.
“We’re not talking flea markets?” said Walters.
“Those uses have to be permitted by the municipality. We are about preserving the building. How the building is used is another matter,” said Morey.
Planning Director Leslie Gimeno said the Open Space Board approached The Arc and asked it to develop a public use plan of whatever scope they feel appropriate and reached out to Dennis Township’s combined land use board and asked for an interpretation of that plan, and determine whether or not it’s allowable under the variance, and, if not, what would be?
 “At this point there is no recommendation from the freeholder board until that issue is resolved, primarily at the municipal level. Then they are coming back to the Open Space board for the blessing of the public access plan.”
Thus, said Gimeno, the matter rests with Dennis Township Zoning Board.