Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – July 9, 2013 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Janet Foster, Members Joseph Longo, David Luber, Alberta Marcy, Carmine Toto, William VanRyzin and Margaret Weisgerber; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Member John Forte and Council Liaison Robert Catalanello. 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 June 11, 2013, minutes were considered. On motion made, seconded and carried, the minutes were approved as written. Follow Up: TCC applications update: There was one new application adjacent to the Downtown Historic District. A proposed new retail and office complex, including Investors Bank, is proposed at 134 Main Street, formerly the site of the Jaguar car dealership. The new building will be similar to the Walgreen’s Building with parking in the rear. Since the site is outside the Downtown Historic District MHPC had no comment, except to express its appreciation for the opportunity to review the plans. Sign and Façade applications: There was one Sign and Façade application in the Downtown Historic District, a new sign for Shady Salon J, the business replacing Madison Insurance on Main Street, which sign was approved. The owner was requested to paint the white picket fence and the door to match colors of the building. For Action: Cole Park Fountain Rehabilitation Report: Cathie Coultas in behalf of the Borough Parks Advisory Committee gave background on the Cole Park Fountain and told of plans for its repair and restoration. An estimate in the amount of $9700 has been obtained, of which $1700 has been raised from private donations. The balance of $8000 has been applied for from the Open Space Fund. MHPC had concern about plans for future use of the park and recommended preparation of a long-term plan to lay the groundwork for future National Register designation for the park and any future grant application for funds from the Morris County Historic Preservation Fund. Luke Miller Forge Restoration Project: Ms. Coultas next presented plans of the Madison Historical Society for restoration work at the Luke Miller Forge. Pictures were shown of the proposed work, mostly in the interior, to remove the remains of the 1960’s apartment and replace with more historically accurate walls and floor. Since the property is owned by the Borough, Ray Codey is completing the State Application for Project Authorization Under the NJ Registry of Historic Places. The Mayor and Council have approved of the project by Resolution. Carmine Toto has submitted a $6000 estimate for the work, and these funds have been raised by the Historical Society. There are plans to use the Forge for educational programs in the future. MHPC recommended preparing a comprehensive plan for purposes of future grant applications. MHPC will write a letter of support to be included with the State Application. Walking Tours of Downtown Historic District: Ms. Coultas next told of plans for free walking tours of the Downtown Historic District to coincide with the weekly Farmer’s Market. Tentative dates are July 25 and August 22 at 2 and 4 pm. Two tours are being considered, one through the Downtown Historic District and the other walking to the Public Safety Building to visit Geraldine, the historic 1921 Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine. MHPC and the Madison Historical Society will partner in conducting the tours. 92 Greenwood Avenue: Representatives of Alan Andreas, Architect, brought plans for construction of three new homes after demolition of the Comstock home at 92 Greenwood Avenue, which is on MHPC’s Inventory of Historic Sites. The owner did consider various ways to move and preserve the home, which were deemed not economically feasible. Every effort will be made to salvage and preserve as many historic elements of the home as possible. MHPC recommended careful and thorough documentation, including scanning of the original 1908 plans for the house, and professional photographs of the inside and outside of the home, to be placed on file with the Madison Historical Society. MHPC is not in favor of the demolition but acknowledges that it is allowed by zoning regulations. 15 Green Hill Road: An addition in the rear of the dwelling, which is on MHPC’s Inventory of Historic Sites, is proposed. MHPC is strongly in favor of preserving the streetscape in this neighborhood, and will convey to the owner that MHPC’s support for the aesthetics of the addition will be helpful in obtaining variance approval. MHPC will write to the applicant recommending an appearance in August for review of the plans. 31 Greenwood Avenue: Preliminary plans prepared by Rosen Group for renovations, including enclosure of a front porch, under consideration at 31 Greenwood Avenue were reviewed. MHPC will write to the applicant to appear at the August meeting for formal review. Design Guidelines (Vendor Quotes): This matter will be tabled pending discussion with Borough Engineer Robert Vogel. For Discussion: Review of MHPC Website content: Mr. Longo is ready to make changes once members let him know their suggestions. He will change the heading “Luke Miller Property” to be more inclusive of other properties on the Inventory. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Laurie C. Hagerich, Recording Secretary