Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – January 8, 2013 Attending: Chairman John Solu, Members John Forte, Janet Foster, David Luber, Alberta Marcy; Carmine Toto, William VanRyzin and Margaret Weisgerber; Mayor Robert Conley; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Chairman Dana Napurano, Member Joseph Longo, Sign & Façade Liaison Kathy Solu; and Council Liaison Robert Catalenello. 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 December 11, 2012, meeting minutes were considered and on motion made, seconded and carried, were approved as written. Follow Up: TCC applications update: There were no pending TCC applications in the Historic Districts. Sign and Façade applications: There were no new Sign and Façade applications. For Action: A T & T Cell Tower Application: A T & T has given notice that a new cell tower is proposed to be attached to the Borough water tower on Route 124 near the former Bayley-Ellard property. Maps and drawings were shown of the site and properties within one-half mile of the proposed tower. Since there are no properties on the National Register or over which MHPC has advisory control, there were no comments made on the application. 7 Waverly Place façade change Application: Craig Erezuma, Architect, brought plans for façade upgrades to the Searing Building (formerly the Methodist Church) in behalf of the owner John Dalena. The building was damaged in the recent storm and MHPC had reviewed emergency repairs at its November meeting. Since then the owner has decided to make additional façade changes and upgrades and to use materials more in keeping with the scale and architecture of the building. Proposed plans and samples of materials were shown. Comments included a recommendation that the 2d level vertical sections be doubled. MHPC indicated its color preferences for siding and roofing materials. The owner was asked to provide MHPC with final plans and designs when the building permit application is made. Ms. Foster will draft a letter with MHPC’s recommendations and color preferences and circulate to all members prior to sending to the owner. Follow Up: New Commission members David Luber and Margaret Weisgerber were introduced, followed by introduction of all Commission members. Mr. Solu distributed 2013 meeting dates, Historic Sites Map and MHPC contact list. For Discussion: Election of MHPC Officers for 2013 On motion made, seconded and carried, Mr. Solu and Ms. Foster were elected Co- Chairmen and Ms. Marcy was elected Secretary for 2013. 2012 Accomplishments/Annual Report Draft: Mr. VanRyzin reported he has made good progress on the 2012 Annual Report and asked for suggestions for accomplishments and attachments to be included in the report. Suggestions included: • The restoration project for 57 Ridgedale Avenue, which could be used as a future model for property owners as an example of preserving a home with unusual architecture and preserving the streetscape in a historic district. • MHPC’s guidance on the demolition and new construction at 63 Ridgedale Avenue. • Mr. VanRyzin will bring a draft of the report to the February meeting for members to review and the final report will be submitted to the Mayor and Council in March. There was discussion of ways to improve lines of communication between MHPC and the Mayor and Council. The Mayor said he was sure the new Council Liaison would help with this effort, and there will be a leadership training session on February 2, which also will help. Ms. Foster hopefully will facilitate a training session for new MHPC members, which might include members of the Planning and Zoning Boards. A long- term goal of MHPC has always been to bring about a more integrated relationship among these Boards and MHPC. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Laurie C. Hagerich, Recording Secretary