By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — Resident Keith White’s porch was destroyed by a falling tree limb and while he could have simply removed the porch, he took the harder path and rebuilt it, bringing it back to the original historic architectural design.
The council recognized and presented him with a “Steward of Hightstown History” award during its council meeting Monday night.
“The Hightstown Preservation Commission has deliberated the proposed nominees and found that Mr. Keith White, of 137 East Ward St., has been found to the be the most deserving of the award for 2014,” Councilman Connor Montferrat, who is the council’s liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, said as he read the resolution.
The Historic Preservation Commission considered a minimum of three nominees for the award, which recognizes the owner of a historic property who demonstrates a long-term commitment to preservation through careful property maintenance, restoration or rehabilitation.
“The commitment of Mr. White in restoring his property to its original architecture is a strong example of what it means to be a ‘Steward of Hightstown History,’ Councilman Montferrat said, adding that Yanni Moraitis performed the carpentry work for the project.
Mr. White received the resolution and plaque from Councilman Montferrat and Mayor Larry Quattrone along with Historic Preservation Commission Chairperson Richard Pratt.
“This is the first sort of history award and we hope to do this every year,” said Mr. Pratt. “We will vote on it the year after and give it out for the whole year.”
He said the Historic Preservation Commission has been working on the concept for the last four to five years.
“I’m happy that it has come together and we are going to continue it,” Mr. Pratt said. “(Mr. White) said it will stay with the house and hopefully people will see that people cared for the house.”
