Bergenfield historic site in question after caretaker evicted

The future of a historic site in Bergen County stands in question after its caretaker is evicted from the premises.When the Marchbank family sold the Bergenfield site two years ago, it required the town

News 12 Staff

Nov 19, 2006, 2:21 AM

Updated 6,608 days ago

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The future of a historic site in Bergen County stands in question after its caretaker is evicted from the premises.When the Marchbank family sold the Bergenfield site two years ago, it required the town to keep the caretaker of the property. Kevin Desmond has lived on the site as the caretaker for the last eight years. Desmond provides his labor in exchange for residency. He also has an antique restoration business in one of the barns. Now, Bergenfield officials have informed Desmond that his services are no longer needed, leaving others to worry about what will come of this unique piece of history. Before the property was sold, the Marchbanks also secured a historic preservation easement for the site, so that it can never be developed. Desmond has been given until December 31 to vacate the premises. However, Philip Marchbank says the town already hasn't lived up to its promise to fund the upkeep of the buildings. There is rotting on the porch, furnace is broken, and water is seeping through the ceilings in the house. Mayor Richard Bohan insists that regardless of the caretaker, the site will be preserved.