Conference/Public Meeting Agendas/Documents — Packet

25-16.1 Statement of Purpose. The aesthetic value of the Central Business District is especially important to the historic, economic, social and viability of the Township as a whole. Although public initiative is an important incentive for rehabilitation, private investment development is the key for redeveloping the Main Street Corridor and Valley areas to reflect what is unique about West Orange. The amount of interest and variety of private development requires organization and a structured approach. A coordinated effort produces better results more efficiently. (Ord. No. 904-88 § 25-5.10A) 25-16.2 Identity. West Orange has a unique multi-nodal downtown with five (5) distinct sections, the Valley, St. Mark's area, Edison, Tory Corner and the Lourdes. Each of these areas is represented by a landmark or collection of uses that have served to identify the area in history. The Valley and Main Street areas are separated by Highway 280 and are perceived as being more distinctly separated than the Main Street areas. The important point to consider is that the downtown stores form a single business community which is characterized by a single identity. (Ord. No. 904-88 § 25-5.10B) 25-16.3 Cooperative Spirit. In shopping and specialty centers across the country, private development is strictly controlled to everyone's advantage. Downtown West Orange has no such mandate for strict control, but rather seeks to join in with a cooperative spirit. This cooperative spirit is developed through a public/private partnership and is best utilized to understand what is mutually advantageous, and to build a dynamic and coordinated downtown. This alliance of property owners with clear team spirit is essential to success. (Ord. No. 904-88 § 25-5.10C) 25-16.4 Aesthetics. Historical perspective, a building's relationship to its surroundings and sensitivity to detail are the key building blocks to coordinated design. There is great freedom for individual expression and design within these guidelines. Understanding the guidelines provides a basis for unity with great variety. The ultimate benefit is an economically dynamic downtown with harmonious but diversified charm, character and attractiveness. (Ord. No. 904-88 § 25-5.10D) 25-16.5 Usage of Standards. These standards will serve to classify building types, and assist in a determination of the

ersified charm, character and attractiveness. (Ord. No. 904-88 § 25-5.10D) 25-16.5 Usage of Standards. These standards will serve to classify building types, and assist in a determination of the best architectural approach. Furthermore, they will provide a means for materials selection, coloration, and usage, with an end result of a creative yet harmonious design solution. They wish to encourage the generation of well-conceived building and remodeling. They provide directions, suggest positive benefits from historic respect and simplify paths towards sound planning, good design and craftsmanship. It is not the intent of these standards to inhibit creative expression, but to provide a context for diverse yet unified architecture and design. (Ord. No. 904-88 § 25-5.10E) 25-16.6 Rehabilitation and New Construction. a. Restoration. Restoration is quite literally the act of returning a building to its original condition and appearance. This technique is usually reserved for buildings of significant historical or architectural interest or importance. An accurate, well-crafted restoration requires a great deal of research, time, tenacity and expense on the part of the owner. Usually parts of the building, such as ornamentation, glazing, finishes, etc., must be carefully reproduced to match existing detailing to insure the best end product. Historic photographs have been proven to be the best source of visual information to be referenced for accurate restoration or remodeling. 65