Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – July 8, 2014 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Janet Foster; Members, John Forte, David Luber, Carmine Toto and Margaret Weisgerber; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members, Joseph Longo, Alberta Marcy and William VanRyzin; Council Liaison Robert Catalanello. Marilyn Musielski, a member of the public, was also present as an observer. 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 June 10, 2014, minutes were considered. By unanimous consent, the minutes were approved as written. Follow Up: TCC Applications update: Mr. Toto reported there were no applications in Historic Districts to be reviewed. Sign and Façade applications update: There were no applications for new signage in the Downtown Historic District. For Action: Review of St. Vincent’s application: Before presentation of the plans, it was noted that Commission members who are members of St. Vincent’s Parish, Mr. Forte and Mr. Toto, are recused from commenting but are permitted to remain in the meeting and hear the plans. Sean Reilly, of Kerns Group Architects, accompanied by Father George Hundt, presented design concepts for additions and modifications to St. Vincent Martyr Roman Catholic Church, a landmark Norman-Gothic building situated on the corner of Green Village Road and Wilmer Street. The presentation included historical background of the Church, description of the surrounding neighborhood, photographs of the façade and the 1976 addition facing the rear parking lot on the South side. Plans were shown of the proposed interior renovations as well as two additions on the North side facing Green Village Road and on the South side facing the parking lot. A major reason for the renovations is to provide better handicap accessibility for ingress and egress and handicap accessible restrooms in the South Addition. Two minor modifications to the façade are also planned: The entrance facing Wilmer Street, which is partially-handicap accessible, will be made fully handicap accessible, and the entrance on the driveway side will be closed off and inside area used as a reconciliation space. On the outside the former entrance will be used as a shrine or quiet area for prayer. There will be further study on use of this space. Probably a liturgical element will be used. The plans also include updated landscaping, a new plaza for gathering on the North side of the Church and fully handicap entrance from Wilmer Street. Variances will be required for set-back and impervious coverage. Mr. Reilly explained that great care was taken to have the two additions use architectural elements and materials to match the existing facade and the 1976 addition so that the new parts will blend as closely as possible with the existing structures. Comments from MHPC were favorable and included: • The Church is to be commended for its efforts to provide better accessibility and areas for gathering and for being sensitive to the architectural integrity of the existing Church and to the streetscape in the massing of the additions. • Mr. Solu asked whether historical photos of the original doors on the West entrance could be located and whether the original doors could be brought back. • Appropriate lighting and landscaping are included in the plans. Mr. Reilly said the next step would be an appearance before the Zoning and Planning Boards in the fall. MHPC agreed a letter in support of the application would be prepared indicating the plans were reviewed and found fully acceptable. MHPC recognized the Church’s efforts to provide better accessibility and being sensitive to the streetscape. For Discussion: Bottle Hill Historic District road construction: In the absence of Borough Engineer Robert Vogel, there was no news on this project. Unless any emergent matters arise, the August meeting will be cancelled. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary