NJ.com published the following article on May 22, 2013. To read the full article, click here.
Wall farmhouses, on municipal property, among most endangered historic places
By Christopher Robbins, NJ.com
on May 22, 2013 at 3:21 PMWALL – You wouldn’t know it from just being there, but when children are enjoying the grassy fields of the community park, playing Pop Warner Football or soccer, they’re standing on one of Preservation New Jersey’s most endangered historical sites.
On Wednesday, the non-profit organization issued its annual list of the ten most endangered historical properties in New Jersey, and the Layton Farmstead, on Baileys Corner Road, was among them.
There are two main farm buildings still standing on the township’s property, the Joseph Layton House, a large 19th century building near the Pop Warner Football field and soccer fields, and the John Layton House, a smaller two-story building also dating back to the 1800s along Baileys Corner Road.
Township Administrator Jeffry Bertrand, surprised that the houses were listed, said that Wall intended to turn the Joseph Layton House into a youth center.
“It was purchased years ago, the concept was to create a youth center, but the project never got off the ground,” Bertrand said. “Later, that evolved into a proposal to create a youth center, but the funding wasn’t there.”
Both historic farm buildings are in a state of disrepair and dilapidation externally, with boarded up windows and ivy and plants growing along their siding and shingles.
Now, though the township would still like to use the buildings as a senior center, they continue to deteriorate.
“There is continued discussion as to whether it would make sense from a funding and feasibility standpoint,” Bertrand said.
Preservation New Jersey claims the Joseph Layton House is used by Wall Township’s police and fire departments for search-and-rescue training, leading to further damage to the interior and exterior of the structure.
The John Layton House, which was its own separate parcel bought later by the township, is in such a severe state of disrepair inside, it may have to be demolished.
“We’re currently investigating whether there is lead-based paint on the structure,” Bertrand said.
The farmstead was once one of the core properties of Old Wall, containing a blacksmith’s shop, mill house and other grain shops, and adjacent to the Bailey’s Corners School and Mrs. Bailey’s Inn.
Though Preservation New Jersey claims that the properties may soon be slated for demolition, Bertrand said Wall is keeping its options open.