South Orange Historic Preservation Commission

The Board voted in the affirmative but also raised alarms about usage in putting conditions on the approval. ‘This building Is geared for growth,” said Board member Michael Miller.

“I think we’ve both tightened up and clarified the old ordinance and made sure that there’s a full opportunity for property owners to be heard,” said Historic Preservation Commission Counsel Bill Sullivan.

“It would really be great if the professionals spoke offline about these things before the meeting so that we don’t have these conversations in real time.” — South Orange Planning Board Chair Harold Colton-Max.

UPDATE: The June 27 Special Planning Board meeting for the JESPY Center site plan has been canceled and will be rescheduled.

Village Green contacted JESPY House to ask about the potential purchase of 66 Prospect Street and an amended plan for JESPY Center; a spokesperson responded, “we’re not issuing any public statement on that right now.”

More testimony on the 4-story, 80,000 sf development is coming at the May 6 South Orange Planning Board meeting.

Currently fewer than 10 properties in South Orange are designated and protected. Officials say they are looking to balance historic preservation with owners’ rights.

JESPY House plans to construct a 4-story building with offices, client service rooms & 6 apartments for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.

Commissioners said they supported JESPY’s mission but hoped for adaptive re-use, or “better” design. Their recommendation is non-binding.

The proposed new JESPY Center & The Hub would provide housing for 66 adults with developmental disabilities — but entail demolition of 4 properties in an historic district.