It's really time for Hackensack to think about designating an official historic district. And that block of Lookout Ave would certainly qualify.
I live in an historic district now, and I can really see what it means in terms of keeping up property values. The designation adds a sense of distinction, and is also instrumental in attracting buyers. There are people who want to live in a historic district, and it becomes a point of marketing. Sure, there is a downside in terms of existing homeowners having to preserve the facade, and needing to get approvals from the historic commission. But it's worth it. Certainly for that block, and the adjacent blocks of Hamilton, Anderson, Clinton, and Euclid, as well as a good stretch of Summit Ave.
As suburban areas in cities everywhere get older, what will eventually happen is they'll either become historic districts, or they'll go the other direction --- into decline and subject to conversions into 2 and 3-family houses, either legally or illegally. It's well-known that the current administration in Hackensack and the folks in the building department are loathe to see the latter happen, but we can't guarantee that will continue in the future. You never know WHO is going to be running Hackensack 25 years from now, 5 years from now, or 5 months from now. Or what State or Federal mandates could come down from the geniuses in Washington and Trenton for affordable housing, etc.
Adding a historic district designation is another layer of protection, something that could have helped with the "hospital" proposal on Summit and Prospect Avenues.