Gloucester City - New Jersey

Historic Preservation Commission

The Gloucester City Historic Preservation Commission (GCHPC) meets every 1st Wednesday of the month at City Hall, 313 Monmouth Street at 7:30 pm.

The following members were appointed by the Mayor for staggering terms for the 2013-2016 year:

David Munn - (Chair) Class A Member - Term Exp. 12-2014

William Giesey - (Vice Chair) Class A Member - Term Exp. 12-2013

Fran Pollander - (Secretary) Class B Member - Term Exp. 12-2016

Mary Lou Adams - Class B Member - Term Exp. 12-2016

Adrianne Parent - Class B Member - Term Exp. 12-2013
Paula Conroy - Alternate #1 Class C - Term Exp. 12-2014

Louisa Llewellyn - Alternate #2

History

Established by Ordinance 87-8, Article XX, the Gloucester City Historic District is bounded by Mercer Street on the north, by Jersey Avenue on the south, Ellis Street on the west, and Burlington Street on the east. Also included is Monmouth Street from Broadway to the Delaware River. At the corners of the boundaries, all four properties are included in the District.

This section of Gloucester City contains some of the earliest sites of homes, factories, stores, and public buildings, as well as fine examples of nineteenth century architecture. Included are the sites of Hugg’s Tavern, the first Gloucester County Court House, and traces of a Native American settlement and burial grounds. Also present are the residential structures first built to service the nearby mills, a large collection of vernacular industrial workers homes in various Victorian styles, and the finest collection of wrought and cast iron fences in New Jersey. Although not all structures in the district are considered “historic,” all contribute to the unique fabric of the community.

Purpose

Gloucester City, which is one of the oldest communities on the Delaware River, reflects the style and character of a Victorian Industrial Revolution-era city. To promote the use, preservation, and enhancement of the District is to encourage local pride among the residents. The Commission’s goal is to integrate the historical sites and buildings within the boundaries and the modern environment facing the City, preserving, wherever possible the visual effects and experiences of the City’s historic, cultural, aesthetic and architectural heritage.

Property Owner Responsibilities

The homeowner must apply to the Historic Preservation Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness before a building permit can be granted or before work commences on or about the exterior features of any property within the Historic District. This includes, but is not limited to signs, lighting, fencing, paving, walks, curbs, site furnishings, moving or demolition, or development of a block and lot in the Historic District. An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness must be filed with the Secretary of the Historic Preservation Commission at least five (5) days before the Commission’s monthly meeting, which is held the first Wednesday of each month.

While the ordinance does not require the property owner to rehabilitate their property, it does require the property owner, occupant, and contractors to come before the Commission before making any changes to the exterior of the property.

Upon approval by the Commission, the resolution is presented to the Planning Board, where a final Certificate of Appropriateness shall be granted so that a building permit may be obtained.

Benefits

A Commission review ensures the affected property will retain or recapture its individuality to enhance the entire historic area. This in turn will increase property values and assist in the maintenance of the historic, cultural, aesthetic and architectural appearance of the District.

Application Information

If you are anticipating building, repairing, altering, or restoring a property in the Historic District, you can download an application below or directly contact:

The Historic Preservation Commission Secretary (856) 456-3210

The Gloucester City Construction Code Official (856) 456-7689

GCHPC Application of Appropriateness - Click Here

Design Guidelines for Historic Properties and properties located within the UEZ Zones

Gloucester City Historic District Map - Click Here

Gloucester City Urban Enterprise Zone Map - Click Here

Historic Properties - section 1- Click Here

Maintenance - section 2 - Click Here
Roofing - section 3 - Click Here
Exterior Woodwork - section 4 - Click Here
Masonry & Stucco - section 5 - Click Here
Windows & Doors - section 6 - Click Here
Additions New Construction - section 7 - Click Here
Landscape Elements - section 8 - Click Here
Storefronts - section 9 - Click Here
Signs & Awnings - section 10 - Click Here
UEZ Guidelines - section 11 - Click Here