Character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the Borough, State or nation; or

Association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or

Association with the lives of persons significant in our past; or

Embodiment of the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, architecture, or engineering; or

Identification with the work of a builder, designer, artist, architect or landscape architect whose work has influenced the development of the Borough, State or nation; or

Embodiment of elements of design, detail, material or craftsmanship that render an improvement architecturally significant or structurally innovative; or

Unique location or singular physical characteristics that make a district or site an established or familiar visual feature; or

Historic resources that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.

Interested parties shall contact the administrative officer regarding consideration of a proposed historic site or district. The Commission may also initiate the designation of a historic site or district. The administrative officer will schedule a hearing before the Commission to review the proposed historic site or district.

The formal historic district nomination shall include: a building-by-building inventory of all properties within the district; color and/or black and white photographs of all properties within the district; a property map of the district showing boundaries; and a physical description and statement of significance which address the criteria for designation set forth herein. The formal historic site nomination shall include: a color and/or black and white photograph, a tax map of the property and a physical description and statement of significance that address the criteria for designation set forth herein.

The Commission shall provide notice to the public of the meeting to consider designation of a historic site or district. Notice shall minimally be provided in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act and by prominent posting in the Borough Hall at least 30 days prior to the Commission meeting. The Commission may give any other notice that it considers advisable to increase public participation. All documents regarding the proposed designation shall be available on the Borough website and in Borough Hall.

Upon review and recommendation by the Commission for designation of the proposed site or historic district, and after hearing the comments of the public, if any, the Commission shall forward the proposed site or district nomination to the Planning Board for consideration.

Notification shall be by public notice in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act and by prominent posting in the municipal building at least 30 days prior to the Planning Board hearing. The Planning Board may give any other notice that it considers advisable to increase public participation. All documents regarding the proposed designation shall be available on the Borough website and in Borough Hall. Upon review and approval of the proposed site or district by the Planning Board, the site or district nomination will be sent to the Borough Council for adoption to amend and supplement the Borough Zoning Ordinance.

All other requirements of the Municipal Land Use Law regarding adoption of development regulations shall be followed.

Allentown Historic District. The designated historic district is set forth on the zoning map of the Borough of Allentown that is incorporated herein by reference.

Editor's Note: The Zoning Map may be found as an attachment to this Chapter 28.

Additional Districts. Any additional designated districts and sites or any changes in the designation of historic districts and historic sites shall be effectuated by amendment of this section in accordance with procedures provided for under Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. and the procedures set forth herein.