Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – October 8, 2013 Attending: Co-Chairman John Solu, Co-Chairman Janet Foster; Members David Luber, Carmine Toto, William VanRyzin and Margaret Weisgerber; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members John Forte, Joseph Longo and Alberta Marcy; 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 September 10, 2013, minutes were considered. By unanimous consent, the minutes were approved as written. Ms. Foster asked whether the written positive opinion on the 254 Woodland Road Application had been sent. Mr. Solu said there was no request for same but that he would send a copy of the September minutes with MHPC’s positive comments to Planning Board member Ron Poeter for the record. Follow Up: TCC Applications: Mr. Toto mentioned one application, not in a Historic District, which was demolition of the small yellow house, presently used as a dentist’s office, on the corner of Prospect and Keep Street to be replaced with a 2 ½ story dentist’s office. MHPC had no comment, since the property is not in a Historic District. Sign and Façade applications: A new skin care business is opening in the alley at 17 Waverly Place. The requested sandwich sign was denied, and it was agreed the business owner will place a blade sign in the alleyway, as well as a sign in the parking lot and one on the street. Mr. Solu is not aware of any other new applications. For Action: Bottle Hill Historic District Project Update: Mr. Solu reported Bob Vogel will not be doing a re-count of the traffic on Ridgedale because the State funding is based on the high number of vehicles. Mr. Vogel acknowledged receipt of the issues raised by Bottle Hill residents,which are modification of the Sayre Court at Ridgedale Avenue pedestrian crossing, parking space at Summerhill Park for a police car, traffic calming measures at the High School, and re-direction of traffic on to Central Avenue. Mr. Vogel felt changing the traffic pattern at the High School is not feasible, since the Board of Education would have to become involved in any changes. For Discussion: Movie Theater on Lincoln Place: Mr. Toto said he, Craig Erezuma of the DDC and the new operator of the theater have discussed upgrades and improvements to the façade, including building color options, repair of two stained glass windows and restoration and repair of the marquee. Ownership of the building has not changed, but the new operator, Bow Tie Cinema, seems willing to make the upgrades. They are also considering refacing two sides of the building with Garden State Brick. Mr. Toto has also been working on painting other buildings in the Downtown Historic District, such as Rose City Jewelers. Some other changes in the District discussed were removal of paint and improvement of the façade of the James Building and a new pizzeria soon to open in the former Atlanta Bread building. It was noted there have been no new developments with the demolition of 92 Greenwood Avenue. The Jim Burnet application is awaiting word from the State of NJ on whether a building on Green Acres property is allowed and the Investors Bank application is still pending. The new sign at the former Resto Restaurant site was sent back for re-approval so that it complies with sign measurement guidelines. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at8 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary