LEDGER FORUM
What a shame that groups with opposing interests can’t work together to save an important township landmark. According to the May 2 Ledger, the historic Gulick Houses may be lost if the owner meets demolition permit standards. Whether it requires a variance, an adjustment of the bottom line or a compromise of historic use ideals, it is clear that more could and should be done before the wrecking ball strikes.
I followed The Ledger’s reports on the Gulick House proposals over the last few years. Though I have never toured the house, it was easy to imagine beautifully proportioned and refinished rooms serving as gracious sitting areas for the assisted living facility residents. Who wouldn’t prefer to see their mother or grandmother receiving guests in a tastefully restored drawing room rather than a cold, antiseptic facility?
Since no one has come forward with the ability to return this crumbling treasure to the beautiful residence it once was, it is time to consider an adaptive reuse. If the assisted living facility developers can be relied upon to complete a sensitive restoration along with the significant addition they have requested, then it will be far better than letting the house crumble until it is unrecoverable.
I hope the Zoning Board, the developers and the Historic Preservation Committee will try again.
Route 206