Mountain Lakes was conceived early in the century as a residential park, where sturdy craftsman homes would be designed for family living in a garden setting. Throughout the Borough, a harmony of landscape and design creates a strong sense of place. Gently curving streets, the use of native fieldstone, the individualized versions of the "comfortable home" and a planned informality of landscape defined the community that developed between 1910 and 1931. This park-like environment is central to our quality of life.

Since 1931, new homes have been built among the old, and new neighborhoods have been established. Throughout these years, the pattern of development has been maintained in harmony with the natural setting. It has been enhanced as woodlands have matured and as the Borough has acquired large tracts of undeveloped property. Indeed, professional planners cite Mountain Lakes as a unique example of a community that controlled its growth through extensive ownership of public open land.

The blend of architecture and landscape, and the control of development, are established elements of the life of our community. That they be continued is assuredly in the public interest. The mission of the Historic Preservation Committee is to ensure this heritage.

EARLY HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN MOUNTAIN LAKES

The following are the major events and significant issues relating to Historic Preservation in Mountain Lakes¹.

• In 1978 the Borough Council established a Landmarks Committee with the task of identifying major historic resources in the Borough.
  
  
• In 1985, Chairman of the Landmarks Committee John Steen, in response to a request from the Borough Council, reported on the Committee's vision for historic preservation in Mountain Lakes. That vision included application for state and national historic district registration.
  
  
• In 1986, Mountain Lakes celebrated, with various events, the 75th anniversary of its beginnings as a planned residential park community. This sparked a greater interest and awareness of the Borough's history on the part of many of its citizens.
  
  
• In 1987, Mr. Steen recommended to the Borough Council that state and national historic district registration be applied for in order to establish official recognition of the substantial historic significance in Mountain Lakes. For financial reasons, that recommendation was not pursued.
  
  
• In 1988, the Borough Council became concerned about the demolition of houses that were part of the original development of Mountain Lakes as a planned residential park community (the Hapgood Homes). As a result, the Ordinance Committee of the Planning Board was asked to recommend an ordinance for the establishment of a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The commission was established in 1990 and completed a survey of all houses in the Borough.
  
  
• In 1992, the Borough Council created the position of Borough Historian (with the appointment of John Steen) in recognition of the importance of the many historically significant sites and features in the Borough.
  
  
• By 1992, the HPC had developed specific recommendations for a historic district and standards for historic preservation review procedures and design criteria, at the request of the Borough Council. These were presented to the community in a series of open meetings in 1993. Substantial public concern was expressed that the specific proposals would infringe on individual property rights. As a result, the recommendations were not adopted.
  
  
• Subsequently, in late 1993, the Borough Council, with the support of others concerned about historic preservation in the Borough, determined that a new approach should be pursued. As a result, the HPC was reconstituted as the Historic Preservation Committee with a revised mandate. Public education should be the main thrust and should include efforts to foster a greater awareness in the general public of what is historically significant in Mountain Lakes, its great importance to the character and unique sense of place of the Borough, and to the preservation of property values.
  
  
• In 1994 and '95 the Arts and Crafts Quarterly magazine sponsored two symposia, part of which included bus tours in Mountain Lakes. It appears probable that these will continue in the future and that they will promote a broader appreciation of the significance of Mountain Lakes to the history of this design movement.

¹ Material for this section was taken from the Borough of Mountain Lakes Master Plan, adopted October 24, 1996.

RECOGNIZING HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE

At the request of Borough Council, the HPC submitted in 2004 an application for Mountain Lakes to become a historic district listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. This distinction will qualify Mountain Lakes for federal, state and county assistance for historic preservation of publicly owned structures, and will raise Mountain Lakes’ profile as a community of significant relevance.

PRESERVING AN HISTORIC HERITAGE

The Borough’s Master Plan outlines the importance of historic preservation. It states two specific historic preservation objectives:

1. To promote the preservation of Mountain Lakes’ historic pattern of development as a planned residential park community through the continuation of established land use development policies.
   
   
2. To promote the preservation of specific historic sites and features, especially of Craftsman-influenced homes, through a better understanding among Borough citizens, public officials, property owners and prospective developers/redevelopers of what is historically significant.

The Borough Council has charged the HPC with activities that assist the Council in meeting those goals.

WHAT THE HPC OFFERS

• Archives of historic photos, film, documents, maps, newspapers, directories, etc. Contact the Library at 973-334-5095 for an appointment with the archivist.
  
  
• Oral histories of current and former residents, through its Oral History Project.
  
  
• Architectural Salvage -- Collection of original house parts (ie., doors, windows,m chestnut trim and hardware) available for use in renovated historic Mountain Lakes homes
  
  
• A Plaque Program, with personalized brass plaques that designate historic homes by date and original builder number
  
  
• Public Education Programs, for residents young and old
  
  
• Advice and counsel on historic preservation matters to Borough Council