Historic property reveals secrets of multifamily living

In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the historical and current use of a property located at 189 Main Street in Flemington, New Jersey. The property, originally built as a single-family home in the late 19th century, has undergone various ownership changes and transformations over the decades.

The property was first owned by prominent attorney Henry Flood and his family, who resided there until the early 1900s. It transitioned to various owners, including Adam Robbins and the Keller family, before being sold to Alex and Mary Hady in 1927. Notably, in 1938, the building was repurposed as state police barracks, a function it served until 1959. This change marked a significant shift from its original residential use to a multi-occupancy arrangement, housing multiple unrelated individuals.

Documentation presented during the meeting included newspaper articles and historical records that confirmed the building's use as barracks and later as a four-family rental property. The current owner, Doug Siebert, who purchased the property in 1996, testified that it has consistently been used as a four-family rental since his acquisition. He provided evidence of the property being registered with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs as a multi-family dwelling, along with inspection records affirming its compliance with state regulations.

Siebert emphasized that the property has been fully leased throughout his ownership, with multiple tenants residing in separate units. The meeting highlighted the ongoing debate regarding the property's classification and its historical significance, as well as the implications for zoning and housing regulations in the area.

Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of preserving the historical context of the property while addressing current housing needs and regulations in Flemington. The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of the property’s status and its role within the community.