The character of Middletown's historic district is at risk due to the county's plans to install a traffic signal and reconfigure the roadway that runs through the area, according to group of local preservationists.

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Preservationists want to calm traffic in the historic district. More than 50 residents have signed a petition asking the Township Committee and theMonmouth County Planning Board to rethink plans to install a traffic light at the intersection of Church Street and Kings Highway.

"Shortsighted planning is currently endangering this historic neighborhood," the petitions states. "The residents and congregants of the properties comprising this HistoricDistrict are concerned that the county's proposed installation of a traffic light and road reconfiguration at the intersection of Church Street and Kings Highway does not include any consideration for the preservation of the Historic District."

In addition, the petition states that the current high volume of traffic also threatens the survival of the district.

The old church on the corner of Church Street and Kings Highway, Middletown. "The current speed, volume and weight of commercial traffic on Kings Highway is an environmental intrusion into this Historic District," the petition states.

"We seek to introduce traffic control measures to reduce the speed, volume and weight of the vehicles along Kings Highway west of Route 35 and the surrounding streets including the outright exclusion of commercial traffic through the Historic District."

The Middletown Village National Historic District runs for about a half- mile along Kings Highway

It includes three churches dating to the 1830s: Christ's Church (Episcopal), Reformed Church and Old First Church (combined Baptist and United Church of Christ), the latter built on the site of a 1687 structure that was New Jersey's first Baptist church.

The nucleated-grid land pattern in the district is unique. It exists as it did 400 years ago.

"The unfortunate disregard for historic preservation has resulted in the disappearance of character across much of New Jersey," the petition states. "Those of us who value our heritage and communities' quality of life should not be placed on the defensive by ill-considered county projects that prevent further preservation efforts. Historic preservation is a key public issue to both the citizens of this area and to the larger community."

The petition challenges elected and appointed officials to include historic preservation as an integral part of planning and public investment.

"While we understand and appreciate that the engineers employed by the county are currently acting in good faith to improve traffic conditions on County Road 50," the petition states, "we believe that insufficient consideration has been given to the environmental, historical and aesthetic impact of the proposed road reconfiguration and traffic signal installation."

The Middletown Village National Historic District also includes the Taylor- Butler House, a Victorian mansion situated on 5 wooded acres.

The house was built in 1853 by Joseph Dorset Taylor and his bride, Mary Holmes Taylor.

The house reflected the wealth and status that the couple acquired in New York's China trade, as well as their pride as descendants of one of Monmouth County's oldest families.

The house stayed in the family until 1930 and was restored in the 1940s by architect Henry Ludwig Kramer. The house is an example of the Victorian Italianate style.

The Monmouth County Historical Association purchased the property from the estate of George W. Butler who lived there since the 1950s and planted many of the holly trees on the grounds.

Also among the early settlers of the Middletown Village National Historic District was Richard Hartshorne, New Jersey's first attorney.

Mary Lou Strong, chairwoman of the Middletown Landmarks Commission, said she agrees with many of the positions outlined in the petition.

Although she said Monday that she had not seen the petition, she repeated many of the sentiments listed by resident Robert Phelan in the petition.

"It's an extremely sensitive area," Strong said. "In other towns such as Elizabeth and Newark, their historic sites seem to be built upon, which loses some of the atmosphere. It is important that we do not ruin the character of the area."

Strong said that while traffic lights benefit public safety, they intrude on the history of the area.

"It's an area that deserves preserving," Strong said. "It's important that we don't change what is there."

The petition also lists ideas for further discussion regarding traffic issues in the Historic District, including signage that directs vehicles to the Garden State Parkway via the Historic District.

The petition requests removal of the signs to direct the heavy flow of traffic along state Route 35 rather than encouraging the use of local roads.

"Furthermore, the Historic District is heavily traveled during peak commuter periods by those driving outside areas to the NJ Transit Middletown train station," the petition states.

Calls to the Monmouth County Engineer's Office were not returned by press time.

Phelan said that in the end the group signing the petition wants to protect the integrity of the Historic District.

"Residents of this 350-year-old hamlet agree that something must be done," Phelan said. "But we have steadfastly resisted the rush to install an ill-conceived traffic light within the historic district. The proposed industrial light would be a modern intrusion that could create long lines of idling cars and destroy the district's historic character."