Eastside Neighborhood designated a National Historic Landmark District

Eastside Park Historic District approved by the State of NJ

Paterson, NJ (PRWEB) April 3, 2004 --The Eastside Neighborhood Association has been successful in their endeavor to designate the eastside neighborhood a National Historic Landmark District. The newly designated district will be named the Eastside Park Historic District, which is one of the largest residential historic districts in the state of NJ and the first residential historic district in Paterson. Words cannot express the excitement this designation has created in our neighborhood." said Michael Lemme, President, Eastside Neighborhood Association. Everyone has worked very hard for so many years to restore their homes and the neighborhood, and this designation is a reward for the years of hard work." Lemme continued. The Eastside Neighborhood Association (ESNA) received a $19,500 grant from the State of New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural affairs in the Department of State in 2003 to have the nomination prepared. Phillip Esser and Paul Graziano, a pair of cultural resource consultants completed the nomination on behalf of ESNA and submitted the final draft in August, 2003.

The historical importance of Paterson began when Alexander Hamilton as President George Washingtons Secretary of the Treasury envisioned harnessing the power of the Great Falls to provide the power that would operate factories, which soon shaped Americas first planned industrial city. The Eastside became a place where powerful and wealthy industrialists built magnificent homes, parks and monuments during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many structures still stand today as a tribute to these pioneers of the industrial revolution.

As the popularity of the Eastside increased in the first years of the 20th century, numerous period revival style homes were built. Today, these homes, intermingled with the grand homes of the industrialists provide a visual history lesson in popular architectural styles of the past.

ABOUT THE EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIAITON

The Eastside Neighborhood Association is a non-profit community organization whos primary goal is to effect change in law and Government enforcement to improve the quality of life in the Paterson community, prevent community deterioration, to foster acceptance by the community of all races, creeds, national origins, sexual orientation, color, religion, sex, handicap or familial status to allow all to live together in peace and harmony. To formulate and promote marketing and publicity programs highlighting the advantages of living in the city of Paterson. To seek out and address incidents of home abandonment and violation of community laws and regulations which result in vandalism or the destruction of property and to work in conjunction with the Paterson Police Department to prevent burglary, breaking and entering, loitering and potentially socially abusive action. To search for, discover, and authenticate such historic or unique homes, buildings, and natural landmarks as exist in Patersons Eastside; to assist local organizations and citizens groups or property owners to recognize the heritage of such homes, landmarks or buildings and to preserve, repair, restore or maintain such sites. Since ENSAs founding over 20 years ago, they have raised more funds, and restored more public property than any other local Paterson organization. For more information,
call (973) 345-2700, visit their web site http://www.eastside-neighborhood.org