Residents who are concerned about the designation of new historic districts may want to consider the fact that the city’s housing stock is still its main ratable base and its distinctive older homes are a key part of the city’s character. Shouldn’t it follow that preservation is warranted?
Even so, homeowners collectively in any proposed district have a voice in whether the designation actually takes place. A survey by a preservationist yields only recommendations and is not binding. At tonight’s Historic Preservation Commission meeting, the findings will be discussed and perhaps the next step will be outlined.
In the absence of significant industry in the city and with only one major new tax-producing development in the past decade, why not look to preserve the architectural treasures within the Queen City’s borders?
Some individuals have taken that task on personally, restoring former one-family mansions to that status even though more money might be made by retaining multi-family uses that have split up the interiors. There was a strong wave of interest and activity in several of the six current residential districts about 20 years ago, fueled by an organized approach to marketing the city as a treasure trove. Since then, only a couple districts have managed to keep up the camaraderie and excitement of living in historic homes.
The success of any new designated districts will depend on both individual and collective enthusiasm for the responsibility of stewardship for historic properties. Historic preservation put Plainfield on the national map in the 1980s. New districts could engender new interest and prestige for the city.
--Bernice
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I absolutely agree with the entire sentiment of your post Bernice..but I think what most people find disheartening is that we have pockets of beauty surrounding by a cesspool. The city doesn't enforce zoning issues uniformly throughout downtown or the residential areas of the city. We have a city government chasing after uneven sidewalks in front of slum lord buildings. Because who would want to walk on an uneven sidewalk in front of a glaring eyesore. That would be simply unacceptable. If the city is short of zoning inspectors..sit em all down, tell em to beef up fines for REAL VIOLATIONS throughout downtown FIRST and those sidwalks first please before residential areas and then maybe there will be enough money to hire someone else. If zoning laws need to be changed to give them "teeth" as one of our City Officials has so pleasantly begun using, then do it. There are always excuses and shrugging of shoulders when many of the solutions are much simpler than people in city government are willing to acknowledge or accept.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that after so many years this city cannot attract industry. What is the city, the mayor, everyone doing wrong? We give land and tax rights away to build housing that won't change the city. How much money are we spending to attract real business to the city. Our current administration thinks they've done a good job by getting Latino Bars and dollar stores, but that's all they can show for five years being in office. I remember a City Council meeting where the mayor's development person said she was proud of the job she and her people were doing. Unfortunately, I couldn't repress a laugh at the absurdity of that statement and every one else in the room followed suit. It is sad indeed. We need an administration with a plan for Plainfield.
ReplyDeleteWow. It is daunting. And dire I guess. But that's no reason to overlook a ray of hope, a piece of good. Bernice hits the nail on the head. Housing is the Queen City hook. Start there. Stay there. Get the right people in and excited about their homes and then there will be a new audience and appetite for different downtown establishments. But at least prevent further harm to the housing. I'm still a potential Plainfielder...largely waiting for my current place in Queens to sell...but if I am intrigued and pulled enough by 1) the housing stock and 2) the price that I can hold my breath on violence and try to plan on private school if needed, and still dream of a big 'ol porch, doesn't that say something? A lot?!
ReplyDelete@Anonymous--Although we have progress to make as a community, the porches you seek are terrific and varied here, and they often come peopled with great neighbors and cocktails or gardening advice. New folks have moved to my neighborhood from the City recently with just your idea in mind. Keep in mind that in several neighborhoods you can walk to one of the train stations if you commute, which is convenient.
ReplyDeleteThe HPC are ineffective in making sure the districts we have are kept in good condition. What do they do other than declare discticts historic? Maybe if they directed people to how they can get grants for their repairs, maybe if they told people of low interest loans available because they live in an historic district, maybe if they made themselves available to the people to answer questions and allay fears there wouldn't be such an outcry.
ReplyDelete@ Anon 1:41
ReplyDeleteThey're just houses, not a life.
Cocktails on the porch end quickly but private school tuition goes on for a long time. If you're not comfortable spreadsheeting the long term costs and the value trends in Plainfield versus the 100s of other suburban choices then find someone who is. And turn off the HGTV pornography - it'll turn your decision making to mush.
We do have beautiful neighborhoods in Plainfield without question. I totally agree with the sentiments of Rob and Bob there is much to do. Being a part of my historic neighborhood fills me with pride but changing Plainfield for the better fills me with passion.
ReplyDeleteRemember in the movie 'Disclosure' when Michael Douglas's colleague tagged A. Friend e-mailed him, Its not over. Fix the problem! If we want to do more than just sit and enjoy our historic porches we have to fix Plainfield. Frankly, I don't think there has ever been a concerted effort to address our historical 'hotspots.' There are concentrated pockets within our City that have long been considered eyesores. For nearly 30 years there has been incremental improvement but no fundamental change. Its about time we realize we are all in this together.
My porch is beautiful but dinner downtown with the family is the dream that will keep me here forever.