Commission discusses Mount Carmel donation and preservation training requirement

Commissioners told the Dec. 1 meeting that Dr. Carmelo Karnazes recently donated research materials and writings related to Mount Carmel and Bayonne history, including a 2004 manuscript by Jesse Anna Ramsden titled 'Mount Carmel Historic District, Bayonne, New Jersey, linking the future with the past.' Commissioners discussed scanning the donation, adding it to the commission’s files, and possible public displays in transit shelters or the city museum in connection with a local anniversary.

Separately, the commission noted a requirement that members take a preservation course within 18 months. Commissioners said Rutgers and the New Jersey League of Municipalities were possible providers but that specifics on timing and delivery were not yet available; members asked staff to follow up after the holidays with course details and available formats (online or in‑person).

Commissioners also encouraged minor preservation steps such as cleaning a plaque at Mercer Park and considering reuse of found architectural elements in the museum if they are available. Staff and volunteers agreed to scan donated materials and report back with recommendations for display and archiving.