WEST MILFORD Despite the disagreement of some residents, the proposal to designate part of West Milford for historic preservation leaped its first hurdle on Tuesday night. The town’s Historic Preservation Commission agreed to move forward with the plan; however, the actual designation is still some ways off. The section of roadside properties stretching along Union Valley Road, beginning from the intersection with Macopin Road and heading toward the center of town to Ridge Road, is the commission’s target area. The preservation commission’s appointed consultant Wayne McCabe was on hand at the meeting to present his report. McCabe had been charged with the task of advising the commission, following two public meetings with residents and property holders who will be affected by any change in regulations. In his final report, McCabe advised the commission to review its existing historic preservation ordinance, which was written in 1986. McCabe also advised the historic preservation body to set up a public information and education program, as well as provide training sessions for owners of properties within the designated area. The next stage for the preservation group is to prepare a petition to be presented to the Planning Board. Convincing the board to accept its proposal won’t be easy, however, and opponents to the plan are unlikely to accept defeat anytime soon. Recently elected council member Joseph Smolinski attended the meeting to learn more about the subject should it ever reach the council for a final vote. Smolinski said, “I’m here because I want to hear different comments and opinions. We [the council] would love to see everybody happy, landowners and committees.” Commission member Steve Boshart explained one of his greatest concerns is the gaps which exist along Union Valley Road, the plots of land where no buildings currently exist. Boshart discussed that what could happen to those empty lots might be to the detriment of current homeowners, who have sought to maintain an attractive look to one of the main entry ways into town. Speaking to resident Mike Heller, Boshart said, “What is going to be the mechanism that keeps what you put in from being trumped over by some big corporation coming in and saying, You’re getting the black box because that’s what we put in every town in the country,’ and forcing it down our throats?” Heller is at the forefront of opposing historic designation. He lives on Union Valley Road and his home would be affected by any change in building regulations. Heller has sent many letters and e-mails to council and township officials, as well as built a Web site specifically to argue against the plan. Heller and the commission amicably discussed the pros and cons of the plan and, while never in agreement, both parties seemed at ease which each other’s difference of opinion. Heller, however, took offense at a comment made by McCabe, who said, “I think you are taking a warped view of this ... you are using a lot of terms that really don’t apply here.” Heller responded, “I’m leaving now because you’ve insulted me. I’m a property owner and you’re [McCabe] a nobody. You were paid for by a grant and did absolutely jack nothing.” Then, referring to Historic Commission Chairman Jim Van Hooker whose family sold the house to Heller he said, “Mr. Van Hooker should be investigated for possible conflict of interest on my building he sold me, his wife’s family sold me.” With that, Heller left the meeting. Heller later said he had to leave to attend a plumbing job he had planned to do. The commission has, however, after years of discussion, made one step forward, and for that the members of the historic preservation group feel truly thankful.