Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – April 9, 2013 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Janet Foster, Members John Forte, Joseph Longo, David Luber, Carmine Toto, and Margaret Weisgerber; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members Alberta Marcy and William VanRyzin, and Council Liaison Robert Catalanello. Sign and Façade Liaison Kathy Solu was also present. Prior to the meeting being called to order, Joe Longo told about recent updates to the website. It was agreed a slide show of buildings and sites of historic and architectural significance will be posted on the website for Preservation Week in May. The meeting was called to order as an open public meeting at 7:40 p.m. in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The March 12, 2013, minutes were considered. On motion made, seconded and carried, the minutes were approved as written. Follow Up: TCC applications update: Mr. Toto reported there were no new applications in the historic districts. Sign and Façade applications: Kathy Solu reported there are no applications ready for review in the Downtown Historic District. Per information received from Nicole Francoeur, there are several applications in preparation stages, including a new hair salon at 6 Main Street in the former Madison Insurance site, a new restaurant opening at the former Broccolini’s site, as well as new signage for Walgreen’s, which will expand into the front portion of the building facing Main Street. Ms. Solu also spoke about an art poster project under the joint sponsorship of the DDC and the Madison Arts and Culture Alliance. Original art work by Madison artists will be displayed on banners hung from poles on Waverly Place. There were questions about whether the display will be permanent and how it will affect the streetscape on Waverly Place. Ms. Solu will get more information from Jim Burnet, Assistant Borough Administrator. For Action: 2012 Accomplishments/Annual Report: Mr. VanRyzin sent the final copy of the 2012 Annual Report, which was approved by those present. The Report will next be sent to the Mayor and Council and posted on the website. For Discussion: Design Guidelines (Vendor List and Deliverables): Ms. Foster reported the RFP for Residential Design Guidelines is now in the hands of Borough Engineer Robert Vogel awaiting his sending it to a list of vendors who meet the qualifications for historic preservation work outlined by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office. New Business: Morris Place wall repair: Pictures were shown of a wall on Morris Place that had partially collapsed because of pressure from a tree growing too close. The Shade Tree Commission recommended removing the tree, which could be easily replaced in a better location, in order to save the wall. MHPC was strongly in favor of repairing the wall, rather than replacing it, in accordance with the standards of the Secretary of the Interior. MHPC would strongly encourage the owner to abide by these standards in making repairs to the wall. It was agreed that historic walls throughout the Borough of Madison will be a focus of Preservation Week to bring awareness to the importance of walls in uniting streetscapes. It was reported that Friends of Bottle Hill Historic District have made written request to the Borough Council for budget funds for future projects in the BHHD, such as more accessible parking for Summerhill Park, and historic looking light fixtures with low intensity light source. There was a progress report on the restoration work being done at 57 Ridgedale Avenue by the Friends of Bottle Hill Historic District Partnership. Pictures were shown documenting the uncovering of historic stone work, hogging within the walls, and other historic elements. Work is proceeding on the façade upgrades for 7 Waverly Place, and pictures were shown of the progress. Ms. Foster discussed the Commission’s letterhead with Theresa DelVecchio. Most other boards and commissions send official correspondence through their Council Liaison on the official Borough of Madison letterhead. It was agreed MHPC will investigate a new letterhead to identify the Commission more closely with the town as a whole. A local designer will be consulted and some other designs for letterhead will be considered. Mr. Longo gave an update on the 1921 Ahrens Fox Fire Truck funds raising, amounting to about $85,000. There are plans for a fund drive in the schools, and the truck will be displayed at upcoming Borough events, such as May Day. The grant application has been submitted. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Laurie C. Hagerich, Recording Secretary