Closter Design Guidelines for Landmarks and Landmark Districts, Closter Historic Preservation Commission, Borough of Closter, New Jersey, 2006

The PDF of the guidelines attached to this catalog record does not include pages 48-51. From introduction: "Closter’s historic buildings and districts reflect the community’s rich heritage and give it a strong sense of place. Early farmhouses and their barns and other accessory buildings evoke the community’s agrarian past. Closter retains an outstanding number of stone houses that are examples of the unique regional type of building associated with the Dutch-American cultural group. The sturdy walls and foundations of local stone in their materials and workmanship recall specific places and times. The early growth of our new nation is documented in Closter’s handsome Federal period and Greek Revival style houses. The community’s history as a railroad suburb after 1859 is visible in the many picturesque late-19thcentury residences located near the railroad station. The “Main Street” commercial area along Closter Dock Road and the infill of the earlier residential areas with interesting early 20th-century architecture typical of early automobile suburbs evidence the continuum of history. The prefabricated Lustron House reflects technological advances of the mid-20th century. The diversity of Closter’s historic environment is well documented in publications and in historic sites surveys. The Borough of Closter recognizes that the preservation and protection of its historic landmarks and districts are important to the community. The historic properties contribute to the community’s unique sense of place, inspire civic pride, and enhance knowledge of local heritage. Their preservation contributes to economic welfare through stabilized and improved property values and through reinvestment in the historic properties. Since the enactment of the State of New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, Section 107 of Title 20:55D, many local municipalities, including Closter, have passed local historic preservation ordinances. In 1998, the Borough created a Historic Preservation Commission, and in 2001, the Borough adopted a revised historic preservation ordinance which was amended in 2002. The Closter historic preservation ordinance includes the following policy goals: Safeguard the heritage of Closter by preserving resources within the Borough which reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic, and architectural history. Encourage the continued use of historic and/or noteworthy buildings, structures, objects, and sites and facilitate their appropriate reuse. Maintain and develop an appropriate and harmonious setting for the historic and architecturally significant buildings, structures, sites, and districts within the Borough. Stabilize and improve property values within the Borough. Foster civic pride in the history and architecture of the Borough. Encourage proper maintenance of, and reinvestment in, the buildings and structures in the Borough. Regulate appropriate alteration of historic sites as well as new construction within or near historic districts to ensure compatibility with the existing environment and the Master Plan of the Borough. Discourage the unnecessary demolition or other destruction of historic resources. Further the public’s knowledge of the history and development of the Borough, as well as its appreciation of the Borough’s historic sites. Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity, continuity, and interest in the Borough and its neighborhoods. Encourage beautification and private investment in the Borough. Promote the economic welfare of the Borough through the preservation of historic sites and landscapes." Funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Borough of Closter administered by the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Closter Design Guidelines for Landmarks and Landmark Districts, Closter Historic Preservation Commission, Borough of Closter, New Jersey, 2006

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