We Exhibit Preservation Ethic
Jean Jones
Staff Writer for The Bridgeton Evening News

As Cumberland County celebrates its 250 years of progress, there is ample reason to be thankful that a certain lack of progress has preserved the natural and cultural resources of the area.

"I think much of it is due to economic conditions in the county. In other areas there has been a push to redevelop. We have to be on guard to make sure that doesn't happen here," said Tim Brill, assistant planning director in the Department of Planning and Development and a proponent of historic preservation.

"We are really fortunate to have so much historic fabric remaining in our county," he said. "It is one aspect that contributes to our quality of life."

Brill said he believes there is a pretty deep appreciation for the natural settings which exist here.

"We are very rich in natural and historic resources. We have a respect for living in balance with nature. I'm thinking about recent efforts in places like Greenwich, where they have had a long master plan update that is just drawing to a close. There is a strong sense that we need to look at cultural landscapes -- we are very cognizant of protecting views."

Brill said we in Cumberland County have been fortunate to have so much of our past still around us, but we need to educate people in how to preserve it for future generations. How much will be left in another 100 years, or even 50, will depend on us.

"The Delaware Bay Schooner Project is a wonderful look back into the past. Fairfield Township just celebrated its 300th anniversary and Hopewell is gearing up for its 250th. A lot of folks are starting to recognize how important the path is to where we are and that they must pass it on to their children," he said.

"Look at East Point Lighthouse. Thousands of people flock there. It is not only a landmark for the boating public, it's part of our heritage. The Coastal Heritage Trail has helped being folks together to look at the different themes. It's not just maritime, it's leisure time, the cultural aspect of maritime history and seaside communities.

Taken from The Bridgeton Evening News;
250 Years of History Special - 6/26/1998