Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – May 8, 2012 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Dana Napurano, Members John Forte, Carmine Toto, and William VanRyzin; Council Liaison Donald Links and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members Janet Foster, Joseph Longo, Alberta Marcy, and Ron Poeter. Also present was Kathy Solu, MHPC liaison to Sign & Façade Committee and also representing the Friends of Bottle Hill Historic District. The meeting was called to order as an open public meeting at 8 p.m., in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The April 10, 2012, meeting minutes were considered and corrected on page 2, paragraph 3, to reflect that the email referred to came from Borough Assistant Administrator James Burnet. The minutes were accepted as corrected. Follow Up: TCC applications update: Mr. Toto reported there were no pending TCC applications in the Historic Districts. The demolition application for 63 Ridgedale Avenue has not yet been filed. Sign and Façade applications: Kathy Solu reported she met with Nicole Francoeur and Craig Erezuma to go over details of the Sign Ordinance and proper interpretation. She reported on pending applications, the first being for Artistic Design for Hair in the Waverly Alley and the second for Bento Grill at 7 Waverly Place. New signs were shown for both, which were approved. The signage at Madison Insurance at18 Main Street will have further changes in the lettering and design. A more appropriate green color has been decided upon. Sign and Façade Committee is looking into solutions to the “sandwich board” issues throughout town and is also discussing blade sign guidelines. John Solu asked Kathy to keep working on shortening the review time to comply with the 10-day cycle period. In this regard it was mentioned that a packet for landlords would be very helpful since they are the first point of contact for prospective tenants. Mr. Erezuma from DDC is working on a Sign Book as mentioned at the last MHPC meeting. Another helpful tool would be a list of graphic artists who are sensitive to keeping the Historic District aesthetically pleasing which could be included in the educational packet. It was also suggested that MHPC and S &F be proactive by contacting the principals of the new Walgreen’s store, about its proposed signage, since this property is adjacent to the Historic District. Friends of Bottle Hill Historic District: Kathy Solu reported the group has reached out to the Shade Tree Commission, the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Committee, and the Environmental Commission to act as partners, and they will initiate discussions to connect the Bottle Hill Historic District with the Downtown District and James Park. It is hoped that grant monies from the County can be obtained for such a project. Kathy also mentioned ownership of one of the salt box houses on Ridgedale Avenue will be transferred to a newly formed LLC whose principals are preservation advocates and members of FBHHD. Green Fair – May 3, 2012: The 3d Annual Green Fair was held on May 3, 2012, and Mr. VanRyzin reported a good public turnout and good reception to MHPC’s display of pictures and materials encouraging historic preservation. For Discussion: Residential Design Guidelines – Request for proposals: This matter will be tabled until a meeting when Janet Foster is present. Other Commission members were asked to look into getting a ball park cost estimate for the Residential Design Guidelines, so that an informed decision can be made. Annual Report and 2012 Initiatives: Mr. VanRyzin will work on preparing a list of initiatives, including making a Historic Preservation Plan Element part of the Master Plan, and estimated costs for same. Ms. Napurano will send an email to Ms. Foster asking her to provide guidance in getting a budgetary number for cost of the Design Guidelines and the Plan Element. It was agreed these are the two most important initiatives for 2012. Some other items in the Annual Report will also be evaluated and prioritized. It was also agreed that the Mayor and Council will be made aware that MHPC will be looking for budget amounts in the 2013 budget, at least to cover professional help in obtaining grant monies from the County. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Laurie C. Hagerich, Recording Secretary