Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – October 9, 2012 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Dana Napurano, Members John Forte; Joseph Longo, Janet Foster, and William VanRyzin; Sign & Façade Liaison Kathy Solu; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members Alberta Marcy; Carmine Toto, Ron Poeter; Council Liaison Donald Links. The meeting was called to order as an open public meeting at 7:50 p.m., in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The September 11, 2012, meeting minutes were considered and the following corrections made: On Page 1, in the section on Residential Design Guidelines, 2d sentence shall read as follows: The sum of $7,500 will be requested for design guidelines and an additional sum of $2,500 for publication and promotion for the 2013 Borough budget. On page 2 in the section on MHPC Budget, the amount of the budget request shall be $10,000. On motion made, seconded and carried, the September minutes were approved with the foregoing corrections. Follow Up: Royal Wave Development – Corner of Ridgedale and Cook MHPC has not been notified of the date of demolition of the buildings on Ridgedale Avenue. The professional photographer is ready to begin the photographic documentation. Mr. Solu will ask Bob Vogel, Borough Engineer, for authorization for the photographer to proceed. TCC applications update: There were no pending TCC applications in the Historic Districts. Sign and Façade applications: Kathy Solu, Sign and Façade Liaison, showed proposed new signage for San Francisco Mercantile in the James Building at 2 Green Village Road. She reported the building owners are working on upgrading the front and rear entrances and the façade of the building. She also reported on progress with the Walgreen’s signage at its new building. For Discussion: Friends of Bottle Hill District Report: Kathy Solu, and Michael and Lisa Sapio were present in behalf of the Friends of BHHD. Their goals and issues continue to be reduction of truck traffic, control of speed, volume of traffic and impact on historic homes on Ridgedale Avenue. Kathy reported there has been very good dialogue and cooperation between the Friends and Bob Vogel, Borough Engineer. Proposed plans were shown for improvement and beautification of Summerhill Park, to make the Park more attractive to visitors and a more important part of Madison’s history. Some ideas for improvements were restrooms, signage, an educational center and a new pedestrian entrance. A second initiative was improved ingress and egress at the Madison Recreation Complex. Several proposed plans were shown and ideas discussed to ease truck traffic on Ridgedale Avenue and reduce traffic congestion at Madison High School during peak school hours. The Friends will request a meeting with the Mayor and Council, the Madison Historical Society and Open Space Committee to present the plans and establish partnerships. Plans also include distribution of a follow up brochure to residents outlining recent developments, plans and goals. Kathy asked MHPC to partner in placing two signs at the beginning and end of the Historic District to increase public awareness of the District. The Borough’s plans for Ridgedale Avenue include repaving, sidewalk improvements and utility upgrades. Ms. Foster will look into grant possibilities because of the location of two historic properties, the Luke Miller House and the Anthony Wayne House, on Ridgedale Avenue. Follow Up: 57 Ridgedale Avenue: Mr. VanRyzin showed plans which were revised in accordance with MHPC’s comments and recommendations at previous meetings. MHPC sent a letter of support setting forth all comments and recommendations. For Discussion: Morris County Historic Preservation Initiatives Update: Funding efforts are underway by the Friends of Geraldine for acquisition of the historic Ahrens Fox fire truck. Possibilities of obtaining a matching grant from Morris County Historic Preservation Trust were discussed. It was recommended that Fire Chief DeRosa seek cooperation from Borough officials in making a grant application. MHPC 2013 Initiatives: The $10,000 budget request for Design Guidelines was presented to the Borough; Support of the Friends of Bottle Hill Historic District in streetscape improvements; Photographic documentation of buildings proposed for demolition on Ridgedale Avenue; Support of acquisition of the historic Ahrens Fox fire truck. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Laurie C. Hagerich, Recording Secretary