Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – April 8, 2014 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Janet Foster, Members John Forte, David Luber, Alberta Marcy, Carmine Toto, William VanRyzin and Margaret Weisgerber; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Member Joseph Longo 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 March 11, 2014, minutes were considered. By unanimous consent, the minutes were approved as written. Follow Up: TCC Applications: There were no applications which would affect the Downtown Historic District and other historic districts or structures. Sign and Façade applications update: There were no pending application to be reviewed. Mr. Solu reported a sign application for a small business will be discussed at the next meeting. Mr. VanRyzin mentioned he was asked for advice by Pat Miller, owner of 20 Green Avenue, property directly adjacent to the Hartley Dodge Memorial. The front porch is being renovated and Ms. Miller is considering removing the brackets on the porch. MHPC commented that the brackets are thought to be original and contribute significantly to the architecture of the home, which is a pivotal part of the streetscape at the beginning of the “Hill” area of Madison. The home is documented in Building by the Book, written by Ms. Foster. Mr. VanRyzin will take this information to Ms. Miller in the hope that she will decide to preserve the brackets and use the savings to improve other parts of the home.. For Discussion: May Day/Environmental Day activities: Mr. VanRyzin will represent MHPC at the Green Fair on Thursday April 24. He showed before and after photos of the Mantone building on Prospect Street to be featured on the 2014 Historic Preservation poster which will be displayed at the Green Fair. Mr. Toto will look for some other past photos of the building when it was used by Mikan Motors, Green Pierson & Morris, Jaeger Lumber and Mantone’s garage to show the evolution to its present state. Mr. Toto said he will bring the gazebo to the Green Fair on April 24. He also mentioned the following upcoming events: On April 23 Mayor Conley will be honored by the Patriot’s Path Council of Boy Scouts at the Park Avenue Club; On April 26 Healthy Kids Day will be held at the Madison YMCA, when the model train railroad car will be open. New Business: Report on the Update of the Morris County Survey: Ms. Foster said she was asked by the County to provide a list of approximately ten new sites in Madison to add to the Inventory of Historic Sites. Discussion followed and some suggestions for additions to the inventory were: • “Geraldine” the historic 1921 Ahrens Fox fire truck • Vinton Road as a streetscape or “mini” historic district • Green Hill Road streetscape/district • Crescent Road streetscape/district • Academy Road streetscape/district • 99 Madison Avenue, past Historic Preservation Award winner • DeBiasse multi-family home on Madison Avenue next to #99 • Drew University Building across from 99 Madison Avenue • “Modern” ranch on Green Avenue, just past Vinton Road • Midwood Terrace near the water tower. • Former Baldan home on Crestview Avenue • Park Avenue, between Elm and James Park • Former Puma property (puddingstone building) on Park Avenue • Madison Public Library • 8 Shunpike Road office complex as an example of 1950’s architecture There was discussion of some other neighborhoods where there have been tear-downs and major renovations, such as Lawrence Road, Albright Circle, Shady Lawn, Grove Street and Knollwood area. Documentation of the history of these areas and developments would be a good future project. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary