City Preservationist Resigns, Feted by HPC

Gail Hunton, the city's historic preservation consultant since 1983, has resigned and a search is on for her successor.

Members of the Historic Preservation Commission thanked her Tuesday night for her years of service.

Hunton said she came here initially due to the enthusiasm of some city residents for preserving Plainfield's historic housing stock. As she leaves, the city has ten historic districts and 19 sites with local, state or national designations. The HPC was formed to uphold a land use ordinance on preservation and can issue a "certificate of appropriateness" for changes to historic buildings. The commission has also developed design guidelines, all with the help of Hunton's expertise.

Historic Preservation Commission and Gail Hunton (center, rear)

Hunton credited local activists including Rosemary Haness and the late William Hetfield for work in the late 1970s and early 1980s that resulted in designation of the North Avenue, Hillside and Crescent Area historic districts. Besides consulting on new designations and legislation, she has traveled from her Monmouth County home monthly for the HPC meetings, where she provides guidance as the members hear applications for certificates of appropriateness.

Detail of cake for Gail Hunton's farewell at the HPC

As Hunton noted, many of the early preservation advocates have moved from Plainfield or passed away. She expressed hope for a new generation of activists for the cause.

As someone who arrived in Plainfield in 1983 and began writing about the city soon after, I can say that with all the changes in the historic preservation movement, Gail Hunton has been the constant. Her service has been invaluable to Plainfield, where interest in its eclectic Victorian housing stock has drawn hundreds of visitors, many new homeowners and much positive attention.

--Bernice