BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. —— A decision on whether the Liberty School property on Tenafly Road should be declared “an area in need of redevelopment” was postposed until Jan. 4 by the Planning Board at its Dec. 7 meeting.
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The January meeting will be held at 8 p.m., Municipal Court, 73 S. Van Brunt Street.
The fate of Liberty School’s future use has been discussed by city council members throughout 2017, and the decision to possibly designate the area for redevelopment may influence what future use is selected for the 115-year-old school building.
During a presentation by T&M Associates, Planning Board members were told that Liberty School met two criterion to be qualified for redevelopment: the area around the school is dilapidated and in disrepair, and that it may also qualify as a “smart growth” area.
Smart growth is development that that serves environmental, economic, and comunity purposes, and enhances public spaces, transportation, and the downtown.
Told the Liberty School area showed a “pattern of dilapidation and disrepair of grounds,” Planning Board member David Maron took exception.
Maron asked whether the building had structural defects as opposed to weeds and “poor housekeeping.”
Stan Slachetka, a planner with T&M Associates, said while the study did not evaluate electricity, plumbing, or other structural conditions at Liberty School, the property demonstrated dilapidation and possible structural damage.
Mayor Frank Huttle III disagreed with criterion that the school fit criterion as a “smart growth” area, saying that designation was considered a decade ago and rejected.
If the Planning Board recommends designating the Liberty School for redevelopment, the City Council then decides whether to accept or reject the recommendation.
If approved as an area for redevelopment, city attorney William Bailey said earlier “the second step is what is the appropriate use for the property.”
If it is designated for redevelopment, it may help facilitate its development for market-rate housing, or senior housing, or as a community center, based on the direction a majority of City Council members approve.
“Ultimately it’s the start of the discussion as to what’s going to happen with Liberty School,” said Council President Wayne Hamer at the Nov. 21 council meeting.
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“You won’t get to weigh in on what’s happening but you certainly get to understand what’s being considered,” he added.
Almost since its purchase in 2003, along with Lincoln School, community residents have called on council members to protect Liberty School, citing its historical significance. In addition, several efforts are ongoing to repurpose the school as a community and arts center to benefit all residents.
Earlier this year, Councilman Eugene Skurnick, who departs the council Jan. 2, urged a request for proposals be issued to turn the school into residential housing in hopes of increasing city tax revenues.
That proposal is on hold. The school currently provides office space for four parks and recreation department employees.
Throughout the fall, residents have repeatedly called for preserving the school as a community center at council meetings.
Resident Amy Bullock said the community center idea has been advocated in previous city master plans, public workshops, and recently an online petition, with efforts for the center dating to 2009.
Previously, local Historic Preservation Advisory Committee chair Will Lee has advocated for preserving Liberty School.
Reached Dec. 11, Lee said that he believes that the north, south and east facades of Liberty School should be preserved. He said that the school’s historical features could be preserved and also possibly accommodate affordable housing or housing for seniors.
Lee said even if declared an area for redevelopment, “council members have a tremendous amount of flexibility to do what they want to do.” He said he hopes with two new council members in 2018, more emphasis will be on preserving the building. “The only question that is relevant is: ‘Is it more likely to be saved if it is declared an area for redevelopment’?” asked Lee.
He said “adaptive reuse” of the building could occur if the council hired a consultant who would preserve its historic features and develop it for senior housing or a community center.
“Central to Englewood’s history as a community as well as to the history of public education (locally), Liberty School remains a building of great architectural significance and integrity which should be preserved,” he wrote recently.
Liberty School “has been seen as architecturally significant from its construction until now,” Lee added.
Both Liberty School and Lincoln School were purchased by the city in 2003 for $11.5 million. Liberty School currently houses four employees from the city parks and recreation department.
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At most 2017 public meetings, at least one or two residents have used the “public comment” period to urge council members to take action to preserve or protect Liberty School from development by using it for a community and arts center.