Latest news with #JamesBoylan
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
These landmarks make list of 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey
From a Revolutionary War parsonage in Morris County to a long-shuttered chemical office in Perth Amboy, Preservation New Jersey's 2025 list of its 10 Most Endangered Historic Places spans centuries of New Jersey history. It also highlights the risk of losing that history. Announced May 3 aboard the Battleship New Jersey, Preservation New Jersey's 2025 list calls out landmarks facing demolition, neglect or uncertain futures due to development pressure and funding shortfalls. In a special 11th entry, the group's board of directors also included funding cuts to historic preservation programs as a broad threat affecting efforts across the state. 'These places matter,' said group president Paul Muir. 'They tell the stories of who we are and where we've been. By bringing attention to these threatened sites, we hope to inspire action, partnerships and solutions that can save them.' Preservation New Jersey's 2025 list of its 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, includes the Van Houten House in Paterson and other area landmarks. Now in its 30th year, the "10 Most" initiative spotlights cultural landmarks that face threats from neglect, development pressures, insufficient funding or natural hazards. These sites, nominated by the public and selected by Preservation New Jersey's board based on historical significance, urgency of threat and community impact, serve as tangible links to New Jersey's heritage. The Boylan House in Bernardsville 1. Boylan House – Bernardsville (Somerset County) Built in the mid-18th century, the Boylan House at 35 Olcott Square is one of Bernardsville's oldest surviving structures. The property was once home to Dr. James Boylan, a Revolutionary War-era physician and brother of Capt. John Boylan, a prominent merchant in nearby Pluckemin. The house is a rare link to Bernardsville's colonial past and stands within the Olcott Avenue Historic District. It faces the threat of demolition as part of a proposed redevelopment project that would replace it with a mixed-use housing complex. Local preservation advocates have raised concerns about the impact on the district's historic character and are seeking alternatives to preserve the structure. 2. The Universal Building – Jersey City (Hudson County) Located at 50 Journal Square, this eight-story office building was called the area's first "skyscraper" when it opened in 1926. The building once housed WAAT radio and Labor National Bank, but is now at the center of a legal dispute over Jersey City's plans to take it by eminent domain. City officials say the acquisition and demolition would improve public safety and support the broader redevelopment of Journal Square, including an arts district anchored by a new museum and updated public spaces. Preservation advocates, including officials from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, disagree, citing the building's history. Designed by J. Hollis Wells and Clinton & Russell, the former Universal Building features cast stone trim and tapestry brickwork and once housed early radio broadcasts and political offices. Its future remains uncertain amid ongoing court proceedings. 3. Cornelius Doremus House – Montville (Morris County) Also known as the Parsonage of the Montville Reformed Dutch Church, this structure features Dutch Colonial and Greek Revival architecture. Originally built in the 18th century and remodeled in 1840, it retains much of its original look. Though listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house has deteriorated since its 2015 sale. A proposal to cut into its original stonework for an addition was denied, followed by a failed demolition request in 2016. A court upheld the denial in 2017, but the building has remained vacant despite a proposal to turn the site into a public museum, according to Preservation New Jersey officials. 4. 202 and 210 Main St. – Moorestown (Burlington County) Located at a key intersection in Moorestown's historic downtown, 202 and 210 Main St. face potential demolition despite their longstanding role as former residences, now real estate offices. Possible site redevelopment centered on a new residential complex has been proposed and the Victorian-era homes with ties to Moorestown's founding families could come down as a result. Moorestown lacks a historic preservation ordinance, and updates to the master plan's preservation element are stalled due to legal challenges from commercial property owners, according to Preservation New Jersey officials. The Van Houten House is considered to be the oldest house in Paterson suffered a suspicious fire, causing heavy damage. The original part of the house was built in what is today Westside Park in 1741 with an addition in 1831. The fire started around 11:30pm on July 4th, 2019. 5. Van Houten House – Paterson (Passaic County) Tucked inside Westside Park, the Van Houten House is Paterson's oldest structure. Owned by the city and long shuttered, the house includes an early Dutch stone section dating to 1741 and a larger addition from 1831 that reflects changing architectural tastes. The property originally belonged to the Van Houten family before being acquired by the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but remains at risk due to long-term neglect. Perth Amboy Police Headquarters 6. Perth Amboy Police Headquarters – Perth Amboy (Middlesex County) Perth Amboy's former police station, a two-story brick building from 1911, blends utilitarian construction with classical flourishes. The building also once housed the Main Technical Office of the Roessler & Hasslacher Chemical Company, a major global chemical producer in its time and remains largely intact. Still, the building shows signs of wear, and its future is uncertain. The city has moved to sell the property to Kushner Companies, clearing the way for a 600-unit residential development. Demolition could follow despite pleas for adaptive reuse. The Abbot Manor House in Plainfield 7. Abbott Manor – Plainfield (Union County) Abbott Manor, built around 1893 and situated in the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District, has spent decades in legal and regulatory limbo. Though listed on all levels of historic registers, its post-residential use has stirred repeated controversy, starting with a 1950s plan to operate a nursing home in violation of local zoning. Despite opposition, the Colonial Revival mansion eventually served post-acute Muhlenberg patients before closing in 2009. A failed 2012 veterans housing proposal left it vacant and deteriorating. Though sold again in 2024, its future is unclear. Navesink River ice surronds the dock at the Monmouth Boat Club in Red Bank Tuesday, January 21, 2025. 8. Monmouth Boat Club – Red Bank (Monmouth County) Founded in 1879, the Monmouth Boat Club is one of the nation's oldest yacht clubs and the last of its kind on the Navesink River. It now faces severe structural decline. Perched on aging wooden pilings, the historic clubhouse has been slowly tilting toward the water and the risk of possible collapse is rising. Boat club members have been attempting to raise funds to reset the building on a new foundation, but work has yet to begin. The Washington Wells Farm 9. Washington Wells Farm – Skillman (Somerset County) The Washington Wells Farm in Skillman, established in 1750, is closely tied to the Revolutionary War and known for a well where George Washington's troops reportedly stopped to drink in 1778. Despite its historic value, including original colonial features and multiple outbuildings, the property deteriorated under prior ownership. Flood damage in 2021 exposed a small structure believed to have housed enslaved laborers that was later relocated for preservation. Most buildings, including the 1753 farmhouse, show signs of serious neglect, according to Preservation New Jersey officials. 10. Andrew Mershon Tavern – Titusville (Mercer County) Once a landmark along the colonial road to Trenton, the former Mershon's Tavern has a history that spans nearly 300 years. Located in a house first built by Cornelius Anderson, the tavern was later identified on a Revolutionary War-era spy map as simply 'Mershons,' according to Preservation New Jersey officials. Long linked to stagecoach travel and wartime movement, the structure is in poor condition despite maintenance efforts earlier this century. This article originally appeared on These are 2025's 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in NJ
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Annual Georgia burn ban just 2 days away. Here's what you need to know
Starting May 1, 54 Georgia counties will be part of a ban on open burning. The state's Environmental Protection Division said this has been the norm since the summer of 2005. EPD said the burn ban means citizens and businesses are not allowed to burn yard and land-clearing debris from May 1 to Sept. 30, in addition to the statewide ban on burning household garbage. Recreational activity like setting up a campfire or grilling are exempt from the burn ban, though. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: ISIS member accused of 'inciting' New Orleans terror attack arrested in Iraq SCOTUS hearing case of Atlanta family whose home was mistakenly raided by the FBI 2 women stole nearly $500,000 from their former job, Dunwoody police say 'Smoke from open burning can impact both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, especially in children, elderly people, and people with preexisting conditions. When open burning creates smoky conditions, reducing exposure is important for everyone's health," James Boylan, Chief of the EPD Air Protection Branch, said. The following counties will have a burn ban in effect on May 1, organized by region: Mountain District Office (Atlanta): 404-362-2671 – Carroll, Clayton, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Henry, Rockdale and Spalding counties. Northeast District Office (Athens): 706-369-6376 – Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clarke, Hall, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Putnam and Walton counties. East Central District Office (Augusta): 706-667-4343 – Columbia and Richmond counties. West Central District Office (Macon): 478-751-6612 – Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Twiggs, Upson, Meriwether and Troup counties. Mountain District Office (Cartersville): 770-387-4900 – Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Floyd, Forsyth, Gordon, Haralson, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens, Polk and Walker counties. If you plan to burn 'hand-piled, natural vegetation collected on-site' after the burn ban is over, permits are no longer needed. However, EPD said there are new rules for it to ensure safety: Burn location must be no less than 25 feet from any woodlands, forestland or field that contains brush, grass, or other flammable material. Burn location must be no less than 50 feet from structures, which includes homes, outbuildings, sheds, and barns. Burning must take place between sunrise and sunset. Person responsible must attend burning at all times until the fire is completely extinguished and there is no risk for burning to escape control. Person responsible must take reasonable and necessary precautions to prevent fire escape or spread from the original location. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Millions urged to 'thoughtfully consider' new car purchase amid worrying Aussie trend
Young Australians are being encouraged to carefully consider their car choices after new research revealed they face a higher risk of crashes due to poor braking performance in the vehicles they drive. Nationwide, road crashes are responsible for one in five deaths among people aged 15 to 24. According to a recent study led by James Boylan at Swinburne University, this in part can be attributed to the fact that younger drivers are more likely to purchase less safe vehicles. Younger drivers are more likely to drive older, cheaper and less-maintained vehicles due to financial constraints and limited access to safer, newer models. Studies show that budget-conscious young drivers often prioritise affordability over safety features, leading them to purchase cars with outdated braking systems, lower crash safety ratings, and worn-out components. Boylan said those driving modern cars with higher engine power tend to experience fewer harsh braking incidents. Speaking to Yahoo News, Boylan urged young Aussies to "thoughtfully evaluate" their car choices and to fully understand how vehicle characteristics can influence their driving. "We found that young drivers who owned vehicles with higher engine power and higher safety ratings tended to have better and safer braking behaviour," he told Yahoo News. "We recommend that young drivers thoughtfully evaluate a vehicle's features, opting for models with higher safety ratings and avoiding models with very low or very high engine power." Poor braking can be influenced by several factors, including brake system design, vehicle weight, tyre condition and the responsiveness of the braking components. One key issue is longer stopping distances, where a vehicle takes more time and distance to stop after the driver applies the brakes. This can be particularly dangerous in emergency situations where split-second reactions are required to avoid a crash. Older or lower-quality braking systems may struggle to generate enough stopping power, especially when combined with worn-out brake pads or inadequate tyre grip. Brake fade is another problem, which occurs when a vehicle's brakes become less effective after repeated use, such as during long downhill drives or in stop-and-go traffic. This happens because excessive heat builds up in the braking system, reducing friction and making it harder for the car to slow down. Inconsistent braking response is also a concern, particularly in older vehicles or those with poor maintenance. Some cars may have brakes that feel spongy or unresponsive, making it difficult for the driver to gauge how much pressure is needed to stop safely. "[The research] suggests that the safety rating of a vehicle and the engine power of a vehicle are the most influential traits," Boylan said. "We hope that the results of this research incentivises young people to take the characteristics of a vehicle into account before they buy a vehicle, and also that financial incentives be considered to promote the adoption of safer, easier to drive vehicles for young people." Push for more speeding cameras as millions face crackdown Older drivers 'exposed' on Aussie roads after major shift Major change to speed cameras as drivers told to expect 'letters' The study of 35 young drivers used in-vehicle telematics (which involves GPS tracking, onboard sensors and wireless communication to monitor driving behaviour) over a month, to track harsh braking events. Researchers applied linear mixed models (LMM) to assess whether factors like vehicle weight, engine power, model year and safety ratings influenced braking behaviour. The findings showed that vehicles with higher engine power and better safety ratings had fewer harsh braking incidents. The research findings come as Australia introduced a sweeping new mandate at the start of this month, forcing all vehicles sold in Australia to be equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The AEB technology automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent, reducing impact severity or preventing crashes altogether. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
