Historic Preservation Commission

About the Commission

In accordance with the Municipal Land Use Law, the 11-member board, appointed by the Mayor, is responsible for preparing and maintaining a survey of more than 300 historic sites, recommending the designation of historic sites to the Council and reviewing permit applications for designated structures. The Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) also advises the Planning and Zoning Boards on all applications for development, including historic sites designated in the Master Plan and the Bergen County Historic Sites Survey (BCHSS).

The MHPC is appointed by the Township to safeguard the community's architectural, archaeological, scenic and cultural heritage by preserving, protecting, and conserving historic:

• Cemeteries
• Objects
• Roads
• Sites
• Structures 

The Township of Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission is governed by a Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Mahwah Historic Sites Committee (HSC) introduced the first Ordinance in 1978, and in 1981 several homes were designated as local historic sites. In 1990, the HSC was renamed the Mahwah Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC), and the Ordinance was amended to conform to the Municipal Land Use Law. Nine years later, the Ordinance was amended again, resulting in several changes to the list of designated sites. In October 2001, the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office recognized the MHPC as a Certified Local Government.

Past Accomplishments

The Mahwah HPC is committed to educating residents about the benefits of preservation. In 2016, the HPC received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, to create the Mahwah Historic Sites brochure. In 2003, the HPC received a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, State Historic Preservation Office, to commission an architectural survey of the Cragmere section of Mahwah.  In 2001, the HPC received a $12,000 matching grant from Bergen County and the Township to supervise a restoration project of more than 40 historic gravestones. With support from the HPC, in 1998 the Quackenbush barn was spared from demolition and relocated at Winter's Park. In 1994, the HPC conducted a rescue dig at a site slated for development. The dig uncovered an Indian campground and 3,000 year old pottery shards.  

Historic Preservation Awards

Annually, the Commission presents historic preservation awards to recognize individuals and property owners who have contributed to the preservation of Mahwah's historic resources. Starting with the 1994 holiday season and continuing annually until 2003, the HPC has offered for sale a holiday ornament decorated with a local artist's drawing of one of the Township's historic sites. These ornaments are available for sale at the Mahwah Museum. The HPC also works closely with the Mahwah Museum Society by sponsoring preservation related workshops in the newly acquired Township Museum.