Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – February 14, 2012 Attending: Chairman John Solu, Members John Forte, Alberta Marcy, Ron Poeter, Carmine Toto; Mayor Robert Conley and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Chairman Dana Napurano, Members Janet Foster, Joseph Longo and William VanRyzin; and Council Liaison Donald Links. 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 January 10, 2012, meeting were considered and approved as written. Follow Up: TCC applications update: There were no new applications of concern to MHPC. Sign and Façade applications update: Mr. Solu reported on the following new Sign and Façade applications: The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts is proposing a temporary sign for the front lawn to highlight current exhibitions. MHPC was not in favor of the proposed sign as shown and suggested a sign more easily removable. Mr. Solu will clarify with the Museum whether the sign is to be ongoing or temporary. New door sign for Jules Duffy Design on 2d floor of 7 Waverly Place was shown, as well as new sign for Cambridge Street Papers, lst floor business at 7 Waverly Place. Both were acceptable to MHPC. A new temporary sign for LP at Home at 4 Lincoln Place was shown and found inappropriate. The owner will be asked to submit alternate signs similar to sandwich signs used in other parts of the Downtown Historic District. New permanent signs and awnings for this business were previously approved by the Sign & Facade Committee. A new neon “Open” sign for PC Solutions on Main Street was shown and approved. For Action: 63 Ridgedale Avenue-Certificate of Historic Review/Demolition Permit: Mr. Solu reported that MHPC sent written notice to Borough Engineer Robert Vogel that the John DiSimone application was approved by MHPC, including all recommendations made at the meeting on January 10, 2012. These plans and recommendations for the replacement structure will next be submitted to TCC. For Discussion: 29 Maple Avenue Development Applications: Façade changes for 29 Maple Avenue are being made, and the architect is working with Mr. VanRyzin and Ms. Napurano on materials and elements. Since the property is not in a historic district, compliance with any recommendations made will be voluntary. Bottle Hill Historic District-Speed reduction measures: Mr. Solu reported a group known as Friends of the Bottle Hill District has been formed and is looking into various measures to control speed and reduce danger of accidents on Ridgedale Avenue. The group will be advised to gather the data, discuss the findings with MHPC and then bring the matter before the Borough. New Business: Mr. Poeter reiterated the importance of having accurate minutes reflecting the deliberations of MHPC and memorialization of action items. Both Ms. Napurano and Ms. Marcy review the minutes each month before they are posted on the website. Mr. Poeter reported he is making good progress on updating the Madison Historic Sites Inventory. The data with photographs is now about 90 percent complete. Hopefully he will be able to finish and get the updated Inventory posted on the web in the next few months. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Laurie C. Hagerich, Recording Secretary