South Jersey Historic Building Targeted For Demolition As Part Of Road Project
BELLMAWR, NJ (CBS) -- A building that dates back to Revolutionary War times could make way for a ramp as part of a massive South Jersey road project. But a small group of people in and around Bellmawr are working to put the brakes on the planned demolition of the building.
The Hugg-Harrison House has some 2,000 people who have put their names on the line...on petitions...hoping to save the place. Chris Perks is with the Camden County Historical Society.
"The Hugg-Harrison House played an important part in the American Revolutionary War," Chris Perks with the Camden County Historical Society told KYW Newsradio. "Unfortunately, the New Jersey Department of Transportation is planning to demolish it as part of their route 42-295 connector project."
NJDOT actually considered moving the building. But at a price tag of more than 400 grand, the agency, along with state historic preservation experts, determined that was not feasible.
Perks says his forces have an option they're ready to put to good use.
"We would appeal to our elected representatives to intercede on our behalf with the New Jersey Department of Transportation," he said. "I don't know what other recourse individual citizens might have."
He says neighbors can't come up with the money to pay for the relocation on their own, nor can they afford to take the state to court over it.
Barring a change of heart from the state, bulldozers are scheduled to take the building down this summer.