Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – January 10, 2012 Attending: Chairmen Dana Napurano and John Solu; Members John Forte, Janet Foster, Joseph Longo, Alberta Marcy, Ron Poeter, Carmine Toto and William VanRyzin; Council Liaison Donald Links and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. The meeting was called to order as an open public meeting at 7:35 p.m., in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The minutes of the December 13, 2011, meeting were considered and approved as written. In addition to the applicant John DiSimone, his wife, mother and attorney, there were ten audience members present, as listed on the attached sheet. New appointments to MHPC made by Mayor Robert Conley were introduced: Joseph Longo and Alberta Marcy were appointed to 4 year terms; Ron Poeter was appointed to a 2 year term; and Janet Foster was appointed to replace Russell Stern who resigned. Follow Up: TCC applications update: Mr. Toto reported there were no new applications of concern to MHPC. The Sign and Façade report will be given after the Action items. Mr. Solu spoke with Borough Attorney Joseph Mezzacca about procedures for meetings where Commission members may have a personal or financial interest in a pending application. Mr. Mezzacca’s recommendations are in the Memorandum attached. For Action: Demolition and replacement structure at 63 Ridgedale Avenue: Owner John DiSimone in his third appearance before MHPC brought new members and those not previously present up to date by recapping his previous two plans for the replacement structure. He then showed the revised plans incorporating all comments and recommendations of MHPC from the two previous meetings, as well as elevations of the two side facades and the back facade. Mr. DiSimone also had samples of materials, which he felt were of the highest quality and would stand the test of time. Ms. Naparuno commended Mr. DiSimone for his hard work in making the revisions and felt the third application was responsive to all of MHPC’s concerns and recommendations, especially in reducing the massing, attractive side views and better overall proportions and breaking up the front façade into multiple pieces. Comments by other Commission members were generally favorable. MHPC recommended use of corbels on the upper section of the home only and to use crown molding on the lower section. MHPC agreed the final revision fits very well into the Bottle Hill Historic District and is a good transition between the neighboring Salt Box homes and the Victorian home on the other side. The meeting was then opened for public comment. Among those speaking were Fran and Chris Clinton, Lisa Sapio, Kathy Solu, Paul Baumgartner. They were very much in favor of the third revision of the plans and thanked Mr. DiSimone for being sensitive to their concerns. Mr. Baumgartner had a concern about water run-off onto his property on Walnut Street. Mr. DiSimone said he felt the run-off would be reduced because of new requirements for an underground water storage pit on new construction. The neighbors expressed a desire to form a neighborhood association to preserve the historic character of the District and to promote traffic-calming measures on Ridgedale Avenue. The public portion of the meeting was then closed. In summary, Mr. VanRyzin read portions of MHPC’s Design Guidelines which he felt Mr. DiSimone had complied with. Commission members who were eligible to vote, being VanRyzin, Napurano, Forte, Longo and Poeter all voted affirmatively to approve the demolition application and the third application for construction of the new dwelling with the recommendation that crown molding be used on the lower section of the home and corbels on the upper section. Ms. Napurano will write confirming letters. MHPC Reorganization/Elections: The following slate of officers was nominated and unanimously elected for the year 2012: Dana Napurano and John Solu, Co-Chairmen; Alberta Marcy, Secretary. Sign and Façade applications update: Mr. Solu reported LED sign ordinance and regulations are being studied by the Zoning and Planning Boards. Discussion followed about the need for nurturing and not placing too much regulation on local businesses versus MHPC’s mandate to maintain pleasing aesthetics and preserving the character of the town. Unregulated LED signs might lead to negative aesthetics. Mr. Solu mentioned some local gas stations have put up LED signs to comply with corporate directives. Mr. Solu will convey to Sign and Façade Commission that MHPD is considering development of LED guidelines and will discuss the matter further at the February meeting. Since the matter is under review, there should be no summonses issued for violation of the present Ordinance prohibiting LED signs. Mr. Solu showed sign proposed for a new insurance business at 6 Main Street. MHPC recommended a more subdued earth-tone color and painting of the front door in a more appropriate color. For Discussion: Annual Report and 2012 Initiatives: The Annual Report for 2010 and 2011 was completed and sent to Commission members for review. The Report, as well as 2012 Initiatives, will be discussed at the next meeting. Date of February 11, from 9 to 11:30 was set at Hartley Dodge Memorial for a training session for new Commission members, Council Liaison and to refresh all members. Ms. Napurano reported receipt of two letters, the first regarding work in Madison to be done by PSE &G and the second from the State of NJ stating that larger lights are required for the underpass on Waverly Place at the Madison Train Station. Ms. Foster will draft a letter commending Weichert Realtors for the restoration work on the porch where corbels were replaced at its building on Prospect Street. That building is eligible for inclusion on the Inventory. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m. Laurie C. Hagerich, Recording Secretary