Submitted by Jennifer Jaruzelski
In celebration of National Preservation Month, the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) invites all residents to a special program on May 21, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at 425 E. Broad Street in Westfield, New Jersey. Jonathan Kinney, Historic Preservation Specialist with the NJ Historic Preservation Office, will speak on designating historic properties and what it means for the homeowner and community. The presentation will immediately follow the regularly scheduled HPC meeting.
“We look forward to welcoming Jonathan to Westfield and hope interested homeowners will take this opportunity to learn more about the benefits of historic designation and new developments at the state level,” said Kelly Kessler, chairman of the HPC. “This program is part of the commission’s efforts to actively engage the public in efforts to preserve Westfield’s unique architectural heritage.”
Over its 300-year history, Westfield has accrued an extraordinary variety of building styles and periods, including Colonial era farmhouses, Victorian “Queen Annes,” Edwardian mansions, 1920s cottages, Art Deco storefronts and more. Recognizing the cultural significance of this rich historic and architectural heritage, the Historic Preservation Commission was established by municipal ordinance in 1984.
Historic preservation provides many tangible and intangible benefits to residents and the community at large. It preserves the legacy of important figures and significant events, serves as a catalyst for property values, and helps cultivate the unique character of the town. It strengthens civic bonds and community pride by creating a “sense of place.”
“Home buyers commonly cite beautiful neighborhoods, a charming downtown and excellent schools as their primary reasons for moving to Westfield, and historic preservation plays a role in all three,” said Ms. Kessler. The unique character of the town in turn helps drive the economic viability of Westfield by making it a desirable community in which to shop, work and live.
“Westfield’s historic properties, planned communities, and diverse housing stock are a unique asset worth protecting,” said Ms. Kessler. “Historic preservation provides one of the few defenses against ‘tear downs’ or inappropriate development. Designating an historic property helps protect it against demolition or encroachment and ensures it will be passed on to future generations.”
The presentation by Mr. Kinney is part of an ongoing series planned by the HPC to highlight topics related to preservation. On June 14 at 7:30 p.m., the commission will host the Harry Devlin Awards ceremony honoring outstanding restoration efforts. Future programs include a workshop on historic architecture by Greg Blasi of Vincentsen-Blasi Architects and an illustrated talk by local historians Robert Wendel and Neal Acito. For additional information on the commission or designating an historic property, please contact hpc@westfieldnj.gov.
(above) Turn-of-the-century architectural gems line the Kimball Avenue Historic District.
