Sale of Historic Woman's Club Sparks Community Debate

Last week's announcement by the Maplewood Township Committee that the township intends to purchase the Woman's Club property for $1 million has set off a spirited debate about plans for the historic building, and the overall development strategy for the town.

The purchase, for half the listing price, came after the collapse of the deal between the club and local philanthropist Tom Kerns. Kerns said he backed out for personal reasons, but some have surmised he grew frustrated by delays stemming from an ongoing lawsuit involving the Zoning Board of Adjustment's decision to grant a variance for the site.

Township committee members said they are currently assessing the property's condition and restoration needs, and are exploring partnerships with local non-profits or private entities to operate and maintain the building.

Serious negotiations will not take place until after the bond ordinance is introduced on Monday, March 4, said Mayor Vic DeLuca. A final hearing will take place on April 2.

Maplewood Planning Board Chair Tom Carlson said while the board was committed to historical preservation, renovation of the building was a "steep challenge" and he speculated that the township could choose to demolish the building or sell it to a developer. 

"There's a great sentiment to preserve the building because the public is fond of it," he said, "but no one wants to spend public money."

"No one is saying we want to flip the building," said DeLuca. "It's a false issue." DeLuca also reiterated his desire to preserve the building to use it for public, community events. (Read his original statement here.)

"It would be terrible to lose that building," said township committee member Jerry Ryan, calling it a "last resort." He also said he does not want to sell the property and would like to find a partner to run it.

Meanwhile, the Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is considering recommending to the township committee that the Woman's Club, built in 1930, be designated an historical landmark, said chair Virginia Kurshan. (For more information on the building's history, see the PDF attached to this article.)

DeLuca said he had spoken to Kerns to get a preliminary idea of renovation costs, and that Kerns had planned to restore the building to a "much higher standard" and that the township's plan would be less costly.

The committee said acquiring the property's 60-some parking spaces was a key factor in their decision to place an offer.

"We have been thinking about parking in Maplewood Village with the redevelopment of the Post Office site for a long time," said DeLuca. "So when this (opportunity) came available, it was a natural."

Carlson said the Woman's Club lot could be reconfigured with the adjacent one on Highland Place to create a small, two-level deck. DeLuca said the township could consider charging money for commuter parking in designated spaces, which would bring in revenue.

As for the lawsuit, DeLuca said that the township could put restrictions on the hours of use, a sticking point for the neighbors who brought the suit. "Tom Kerns had a different business model that would require him to run it for a profit to recoup his costs," said DeLuca. "(The township) would want a significant return but we are not a profit making enterprise."

Reached by phone last week, Felice Londa, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said, "We are just concerned about the intended use and the impact on the surrounding residential neighborhood."

Carlson said the purchase would present unexpected challenges and opportunities, especially when viewed as part of the township's overall development plan that includes the Post Office site.

"Do we have a clear objective for what we want in Maplewood?" he asked hypothetically. 

"I view the anticipated purchase as a ‘win-win’," said township committee member Kathy Leventhal, who said she favored preserving the building as a venue. "When compared to the opportunity to enhance the quality and history of our town, the cost and budget increase seem worth it to me."