Fair Haven's Borough Council voted tonight to move forward with the acquisition of a waterfront home to create a passive park. Located at the end of DeNormandie Avenue, the piece is known locally as the Williams/Robards house.
Charles Williams, a free black American, built his homestead in 1853, long before the Civil War. The house had additions over the years, but retains it's hidden staircase, wavy glass windows and original cooking fireplace. The land itself is well suited for a park, it is level, without wetlands and boasts a magnificent variety of specimen trees.
Mayor Michael Halfacre, Borough Council and Fair Haven Administrator, Mary Howell have identified State, National and Monmouth County sources of funding to assist in the purchase of this park land. It is anticipated that this funding will alleviate much of the expense of the purchase for taxpayers.
It has been my pleasure working with Mr. Williams' decendants, brothers Don and Bob Robards in the sale of the property to my home town. The park will be named in honor of the Williams/Robards family, a fitting tribute to a family that has contributed to Fair Haven for 155 years.
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