Strong District Associations Vital to Preservation

The Historic Preservation Commission's recent "Sleepy Hollow" discussion also touched on the need for strong associations in the city's six residential historic districts.

The discussion centered on a proposal to mark the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood with signage and ornamental planters as a marketing device to attract buyers from New York. It was a tactic familiar to local preservation advocates who showcased historic homes with house tours during the 1980s, aiming to attract folks with the means and interest needed to restore and maintain Victorian mansions. While historic districts are defined by ordinance, the Sleepy Hollow signage discussion was a bit problematic, as the neighborhood has been defined only by custom or opinion.

Anyway, the fortunes of the six named districts - Crescent Area, Van Wyck Brooks, Hillside Avenue, Putnam-Watchung, Netherwood Heights and Broadway - have depended largely on how well property owners have been able to organize to uphold historic preservation goals. As noted in this October 2011 blog post,  it's an ongoing need. The most active and well-known districts have been able to blend camaraderie with diligence in upholding preservation standards. They tend to be the ones with a majority of owner-occupied homes, while districts with rental properties and absentee landlords are much harder to organize.

The bellwether district may have been Crescent Area, which received local designation in 1978 and state and national designation in 1980. Much credit goes to the late William Hetfield for promoting historic preservation there and also in the city's original commercial district on North Avenue. More recently, Maria Pellum tried hard to reorganize the Crescent association, compiling a data base of owners and educating newer residents about preservation.

Two of the most lively district organizations are Van Wyck Brooks and Netherwood Heights, which engage residents in activities while also inviting the public to events such as house tours. Hillside Avenue is just now enjoying a renaissance led by Peter and Libby Price. Less is heard from Putnam-Watchung and Broadway .

Except for the latter two, all have Facebook pages. Van Wyck Brooks has a new web site with enticing photos of its eclectic housing stock, and includes directions for a walking tour. The Netherwood Heights web site has fascinating historic data.

All too often the strength of a district association depends on efforts of an individual and when no successor takes over, the association falters. Associations with boards are better equipped for continuity. Without a viable organization, it is harder for the city and the HPC to support a district.

As long as the city's housing stock is its main revenue source and historic housing is its calling card to the world, the preservation movement must be fostered. Those who take on the task deserve praise and thanks from all of us.

--Bernice