Historic bill has $134K for Allentown library

Jenelle Shimko

The Corodemus-Arnone bill, which would provide nearly $7 million in grants for historic preservation projects in northern New Jersey, was released by the Assembly Environment Committee on Jan. 18.

The legislation, sponsored by assemblymen Steve Corodemus (R-11) and Michael Arnone (R-12), will be funded through the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust.

"New Jersey has a very long and unique history, providing a wealth of historical landmarks, buildings and artifacts. As a legislator and a patron of New Jersey’s historic facilities, I feel it is my personal duty to protect our irreplaceable and invaluable resources," Corodemus said.

The bill, A-3127, was released by a 5-0 committee vote and now heads to the full Assembly for consideration. Under the bill, the following Monmouth County projects would receive funding:

• Allentown Public Library, Association for the Allentown Library, $134,000 award;

• St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Freehold, $139,748 award;

• The township of Middletown for the Grover House, Middletown, $278,175 award;

• Children’s Cultural Center at Red Bank Inc. for the historic Shrewsbury Township Hall, Red Bank, $750,000 award; and

• Monmouth University for Woodrow Wilson Hall, West Long Branch, $750,000 award.

"We want New Jersey’s historic sites to be available as an educational tool for our citizens to learn about our state’s distinctive past. The Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund ensures our historic sites will be enjoyed for many generations to come," Arnone said.