Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – January 14, 2014 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Janet Foster, Members John Forte, David Luber, Alberta Marcy, Carmine Toto, and Margaret Weisgerber; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members Joseph Longo and William VanRyzin, and Council Liaison Robert Catalanello. The meeting was called to order as an open public meeting at 7:30 p.m. in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The December 10, 2013, minutes were considered. By unanimous consent, the minutes were approved as written. Ms. Foster commented that use of the cast iron street light, referred to on page 2 of the minutes under New Business, would give a cohesive attractive look along Kings Road, where same or similar fixtures are already in place. Follow Up: TCC Applications: There were no TCC applications affecting property in the historic districts. One application for a subdivision on Belleau Avenue was mentioned, which led to discussion of the list of large properties compiled in the 1980s by Ron Poeter. There was discussion of whether MHPC should be pro-active in efforts to preserve these spaces. Making the list public would increase awareness about the continued loss of open space. It was noted there are presently no tools in Madison to stop a legal subdivision. The large apartment building on Green Village Road recently demolished and its replacement were also discussed. Sign and Façade applications update: Mr. Solu reported there are no new applications pending. The signage at the Boyce Building at 12 Main Street reviewed at the December meeting is still being negotiated with the tenants and building owner. MHPC and Sign and Façade would like to see a more cohesive use of colors and design. While the discussions have been positive, the business owners are aware that compliance is voluntary. For Action: MHPC Reorganization/Elections: After discussion, it was agreed the members and officers from 2013 would continue for the year 2014. Mr. Solu and Ms. Foster will serve as Co-Chairmen and Ms. Marcy will serve as Secretary for 2014. For Discussion: Annual Report: Mr. VanRyzin continues to work on the Report, which should be finished in February. 2014 Initiatives: It was noted MHPC’s budget for 2014 is $3,300, about one-third of the $10,000 requested. Among the possible 2014 initiatives discussed were: • Focus on the 10th Anniversary of the Bottle Hill Historic District and recognition of the Ridgedale Avenue reconstruction and improvement project (paving, curbing, sidewalks, lighting) now underway by the Borough.  • Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of listing of the Downtown Historic District on the National Register. • Entering into a contract with the professional consultant for the Residential Design Guidelines. Ms. Foster will look into whether the 2014 budget amount could be used as a deposit with the balance to be paid from the 2015 budget. • Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Borough of Madison. The assistance of Borough Engineer Robert Vogel will be requested so that the Residential Design Guidelines project can move forward with the current 2014 budget amount and anticipated 2015 budget amount. It was agreed MHPC representatives would appear at a Council meeting in the near future to make a public statement about the successful preservation efforts of the past 25 years, which should be continued. New Business: Kalyani Bhatt, who was in attendance as an interested observer, was introduced. She is an architecture student attending Wellesley College and very interested in architecture and historic preservation. She was invited to attend future meetings to learn more. There was an update on the work at 57 Ridgedale Avenue, which is nearing completion. A banner will be placed on the property denoting that the work is a rehabilitation project and naming the many parties who have donated time, services and money for the project. Ms. Marcy gave out a list of meeting dates for 2014 which will be posted on the website. Since there is no new Council liaison or new Commission members, the educational/training session planned for February will be deferred. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary