Historic Home Could Be Gifted To Parsippany, But Concerns Remain

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Owners of the historic Stephen Condit House offered to donate the property to Parsippany. But while officials want to see the 19th-century farmhouse maintained and utilized, the Open Space Committee decided Thursday that now might not be the best time.

The Beverwyck Road house became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The Condit family long belonged to the Condit family, a prominent name in Morris County tied to other well-known families through marriage. The Parsippany Historical & Preservation Society restored the house — with costs underwritten by Roseland Property Co.

The Hunting Ridge Homeowners Association offered to donate the house to the township, according to the Open Space Committee. The governing body makes initial determinations on which parcels of land the township should acquire.

Mayor Michael Soriano — part of the committee — had reservations about accepting the donation because of costs it could incur, such as maintenance. But Council President Michael J. dePierro said at the meeting that the township shouldn't close the door on accepting it.

"I’d just like to leave the door open when the economy is better and we’re in better shape," dePierro said.

The township faces significant budget issues, which the pandemic exacerbated. Soriano's administration proposed for the township to take out a $5 million loan, which council members have questioned. Read more: Parsippany Mayor Defends Proposed $5 Million Budget Loan

In terms of the Condit House, Open Space Committee members agreed now wouldn't be a good time to accept it. Renovations for the 15-room house cost $660,000 in 1998, according to Committeemember Leonard Cipkins, who says the structure still needs repairs.

The committee decided to send a letter to the owners that the township doesn't want to take the property now but may have interest down the road. Should the homeowners association wish to sell to a third party, township officials will entertain the proposal. Buyers would be expected to maintain the house.

Soriano saw potential for the house to be used for education purposes, giving students the chance to explore Parsippany's historic sites. But he said that would involve a process of volunteers raising money so that a history professional could run a program there.

He also suggested that the Township Council, if interested, should develop a financial and maintenance plan for the property.

"Don’t slam the door, but say ‘not yet,’ as it were," Soriano said. "And when we’re in the clear, we can discuss this further."

Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com.