Mahwah April 8, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Cragmere property receives historic site designation by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Council has adopted an ordinance to designate a two-lot property at the corner of Armour and Mahwah roads in the Cragmere section as a historic site. A township ordinance permits the council to designate certain properties as historic sites, but Township Administrator Brian Campion explained to the council that it is not the township’s policy to force property owners to put their properties on the list of historic sites. In this case, however, the owners of the property, John and Brenda Edwards, requested the designation. The ordinance defines a historic site as one that has been identified in the township’s master plan as having historical, archaeological, cultural, scenic, or architectural significance. The ordinance lists 24 sites that have been designated as historic sites, including the Waterman House on Alcott Road, the next street east of Armour Road. John Edwards advised that his house, known as the Ellis House after his grandmother’s maiden name, was built in 1912 and 1913 by his grandparents. The house was completed in 1914. Edwards said the building reflects the style of house that was built in the Cragmere section in those days, and he wanted his house designated as a historic site to help preserve the character of Cragmere. Edwards explained that the designation would especially preserve the exterior appearance of the house and that any change to that exterior would now have to be carried out under the guidance of the township’s Historic Preservation Commission. According to Campion, there is no economic benefit to be designated as a historic site, although it may be possible to obtain grant money for restoration purposes, and there are some restrictions placed on a property that is designated as an historic site. Councilman Roy Larson pointed out, for instance, that once a property is on the list the property owner cannot knock down the house on the lot and put up a new home. Campion agreed that it difficult to demolish a house that is designated as a historic site. Cragmere was developed as a summer getaway for wealthy New York industrial families. The area was designed and laid out to gives each home a rural quality. (continued on page 13) Cragmere celebrates 100 years The Mahwah Museum will hold its April history program, “100 Year Celebration of Cragmere” on Thursday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Betsy Ross School, 20 Malcolm Road, Mahwah. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Cragmere. A unique real estate development for its time, Cragmere is located on Oweno, the former estate of Colonel Ezra Miller. Cragmere had its own roads, water system, recreation club, and even a horse and buggy to take New York commuters to the station and back. Each home was unique. Tom Dunn, a 40-year Mahwah resident and current president of the Mahwah Museum Society, has been studying the history of Cragmere since 1974. He will share some new photos and information about “Cragmere in the Ramapos.” Admission is free. For information, call (201) 5120099 or e-mail mahwahmuseumsoc@optonline.net. The Mahwah Museum located at 201 Franklin Turnpike in Mahwah is open on weekends from 2 to 4 p.m. 3-25-09 Joan/Janine Prudential4x3.5(3-25-09) 4x3.5 XXX 8 pt. X height Spring specials available now for a limited time only. Call Robin at 973-636-7000