In protest the district electoral commission refuses to continue its work.

She said New Jersey has more than 400 historical societies and 100 historic district commissions.

Mr. Shannahan said state law gives such power only to historic district commissions.

Larry Noyes, appointed this year as chairman of the historic district commission, said that over the years there had been lax enforcement.

That shouldn't be a problem, said Jacqueline Salame, the chairwoman of the historic district commission.

The historic district commission, he said, would not be "an engine of oppression" to homeowners.

Mr. Bergmann is an authority: he is chairman of the town's historic district commission.

An attempt to provide a basic managed service in the spring of 2007 failed because of a ban by the district commission.

Ms. Christophersen said her main regret was that the local historic district commission did not act sooner to save the house.

The owner of an antique home should seek an additional referral from the local landmarks or historic district commission or a statewide preservation agency.