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http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/ocean/102903FARMHOUSE_O29.html
October 29, 2003
Wal-Mart gets OK for new site in Lacey
By JARRETT RENSHAW Staff Writer, (609) 978-2015
LACEY TOWNSHIP - The future of an 18th century farmhouse is in the hands of Wal-Mart and the state, as Wal-Mart received local approval to build a new store on the 10-acre site where the historic farmhouse sits.
The Planning Board approved the application last week for the company to build a 142,047-square-foot store north of Haines Street and west of Route 9.
The company now must apply to several state agencies for approval, including the Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection.
Good Luck Farm started in 1789 and was owned by a prominent family, the Van Arsdales. The L-shaped, 21/2-story house retains most of its original elements.
The farmhouse, which is not protected as a historic landmark, and the 10 acres of land are privately owned. It is in the commercial zone along Route 9.
According to Louis D'Arienzo, director of Lacey Township community development, the township talked about moving the farmhouse to another location, but the project would be an "expensive logistical nightmare."
D'Arienzo would know, because he was instrumental in saving the historic Wharton House when he oversaw its move from Route 9 so several commercial establishments could be built.
"It is a monstrous task, requiring a lot of money and a lot of support. It cannot be taken lightly," he said.
Lacey Historical Society President Eleanor Dilton agrees.
She said moving the farmhouse would be nearly impossible. She suggested the best method would be to take it apart and rebuild it somewhere else. She declined to comment on what should happen to the farmhouse, saying her position with the society keeps her out of political issues.
D'Arienzo said the future of the farmhouse is out of the township's hands and any decision on it will come from the state when the company submits its application.
Wal-Mart has three options, D'Arienzo said: "They can leave it as it is and build around it. They could move the farmhouse to another location or they could remove the historical items in the farmhouse and preserve them."
The director said the most likely scenario is the third one - preserving the items.
Those opposed to the Wal-Mart have cited traffic problems and quality of life more than the historical landmark.
Others say residents should stay out of the debate.
"If the owner wants to sell, why should we stop them?" asked Otto Polgardi, a Lacey resident.
The township did not have much room to negotiate in favor of the farmhouse during the application process. The Route 9 corridor is zoned commercial and the land's owners were looking for a buyer.
The township cannot arbitrarily deny applications. D'Arienzo said the state requires each township to set qualifications and regulations, and Wal-Mart fulfilled its requirements.
If any organization wants to move the farmhouse at their expense, the township would assist in organizing the project, provided it did not interfere with the construction of Wal-Mart, he said.
October 29, 2003
Wal-Mart gets OK for new site in Lacey
By JARRETT RENSHAW Staff Writer, (609) 978-2015
LACEY TOWNSHIP - The future of an 18th century farmhouse is in the hands of Wal-Mart and the state, as Wal-Mart received local approval to build a new store on the 10-acre site where the historic farmhouse sits.
The Planning Board approved the application last week for the company to build a 142,047-square-foot store north of Haines Street and west of Route 9.
The company now must apply to several state agencies for approval, including the Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection.
Good Luck Farm started in 1789 and was owned by a prominent family, the Van Arsdales. The L-shaped, 21/2-story house retains most of its original elements.
The farmhouse, which is not protected as a historic landmark, and the 10 acres of land are privately owned. It is in the commercial zone along Route 9.
According to Louis D'Arienzo, director of Lacey Township community development, the township talked about moving the farmhouse to another location, but the project would be an "expensive logistical nightmare."
D'Arienzo would know, because he was instrumental in saving the historic Wharton House when he oversaw its move from Route 9 so several commercial establishments could be built.
"It is a monstrous task, requiring a lot of money and a lot of support. It cannot be taken lightly," he said.
Lacey Historical Society President Eleanor Dilton agrees.
She said moving the farmhouse would be nearly impossible. She suggested the best method would be to take it apart and rebuild it somewhere else. She declined to comment on what should happen to the farmhouse, saying her position with the society keeps her out of political issues.
D'Arienzo said the future of the farmhouse is out of the township's hands and any decision on it will come from the state when the company submits its application.
Wal-Mart has three options, D'Arienzo said: "They can leave it as it is and build around it. They could move the farmhouse to another location or they could remove the historical items in the farmhouse and preserve them."
The director said the most likely scenario is the third one - preserving the items.
Those opposed to the Wal-Mart have cited traffic problems and quality of life more than the historical landmark.
Others say residents should stay out of the debate.
"If the owner wants to sell, why should we stop them?" asked Otto Polgardi, a Lacey resident.
The township did not have much room to negotiate in favor of the farmhouse during the application process. The Route 9 corridor is zoned commercial and the land's owners were looking for a buyer.
The township cannot arbitrarily deny applications. D'Arienzo said the state requires each township to set qualifications and regulations, and Wal-Mart fulfilled its requirements.
If any organization wants to move the farmhouse at their expense, the township would assist in organizing the project, provided it did not interfere with the construction of Wal-Mart, he said.
