The victory for historic preservation in Stafford Township was hard won.

In a vote of 5-1-1, the governing body adopted on second reading the ordinance that will add a layer of protection (a layer 22 pages thick, to be exact) to about 170 historic structures in town.

The no vote came from Councilman Paul Krier, who likened the legislation to “the homeowners’ association from hell” and cited government overreach.