Laurelton seeking historic district status

From the Times Ledger:

Built as a planned community in the earlier part of the 20th century, Laurelton was notable for its variety of Colonial Revival-style homes and landscaped center malls that stretch up and down several streets crisscrossing the neighborhood.

Also notable is the fact that — for the most part — these features have remained intact.

“Laurelton has a high degree of integrity,” said Paul Graziano, a consultant working to have the neighborhood listed on the national and state historic registers.

Developed by state Sen. William Reynolds beginning in the 1910s, Laurelton is a mix of row- and single-family detached homes in a variety of styles. During the warmer months when trees are in bloom, the landscaped malls lend the neighborhood a quiet, leafy feel.

“It’s quite unique to have these malls and there’s a competition among homeowners to see who has the best malls,” said resident David Lucas. “Everyone practically takes care of the malls in the community.”

In 2008, the city rezoned Laurelton to limit high-density development in the neighborhood. Around that time, Concerned Citizens of Laurelton President Kim Francis and Graziano, both members of the citywide Historic Districts Council advocacy group, worked to get the neighborhood initial eligibility for historic registry.

Roughly a third of the neighborhood, or about 1,200 homes, is being considered for the district.