Monday, October 19, 2015
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Prevails in Property Demolition
Stating that the once-iconic and historic home of heiress Doris Duke no longer exist, the township's Historic Preservation Commission voted Thursday night to approve the Duke Foundation's application to demolish the structure.
The commission voted six to one to allow the Duke Farms mansion, which was built in 1893, to be razed, much to the dismay of more than 100 residents in attendance. The commission said that the many changes made to the mansion over the years has taken away from its historical significance.
Michael Catania, the executive director of the Duke Farm Foundation, said the foundation will now apply to the township's building department for a demolition permit. If granted, he hopes to have the structure torn down and the area open to the public by the end of 2016. . .