Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – February 10, 2015 Attending: Co-Chairman John Solu; Members, John Forte, David Luber, Carmine Toto, William VanRyzin and Margaret Weisgerber; Council Liaison Patrick Rowe; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Co-Chairman Janet Foster; Members, Alberta Marcy and Joseph Longo. 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 January 13, 2015, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent were approved as written. Follow Up: TCC Applications update: TCC applications will be reviewed in Action items. Sign and Façade applications update: Mr. Solu showed photographic renderings of the proposed new signage for property in the Downtown Historic District at 6 Main Street which had been commented on at the January meeting. There are no other sign applications pending. For Action: 29 Crescent Road 2 Lot Subdivision: Photos and plot plan for proposed subdivision were shown. The plans call for demolition of a historic home at 29 Crescent Road, which is listed on MHPC’s Inventory, with 2 new homes to be constructed. Although no variances would be required; MHPC commented that there may be issues affecting the streetscape because of massing of the replacement structures and set back issues. Historic documentation of the existing house before demotion will be requested. 180 Kings Road 2 Lot Subdivision: Plans were shown of concepts for a 2 lot subdivision after demolition of the existing home. This application was referred to MHPC for comment by the Planning and Zoning Boards. One proposal showed 2 rectangular lots, one conforming and one non- conforming. Another plan proposed 2 triangular conforming lots. MHPC recommended that the driveway for the corner lot face Bruns Street and noted that there may be issues with streetscape and massing of replacement structures. 26 Green Village Road, St. Vincent Martyr Church: Plans for proposed addition to the St. Vincent Martyr School, which is in the Historic District, were reviewed. The renovations to the historic Church building were previously reviewed and commented on. The materials for the school addition will match the existing Parish Center. MHPC noted there is no issue with line of site to the Church when approaching from the south. MHPC approved the plans with matching materials. 173 Ridgedale Avenue 3 Lot Subdivision: This property is in the Bottle Hill Historic District across from Madison High School. The pond on the property is protected under the Environmental Protection Agency. Multiple variances would be required for the 3 lots after demolition of the historic home. Preliminary plans were reviewed for 3 new homes, and it was noted complete drawings with details of colors and materials will be needed before final review. MHPC commented that 2 lots, instead of 3, would be preferable and historic documentation of the home to be demolished will be required. In addition MHPC strongly recommended that efforts be made to save the home, since it forms a vital part of the Bottle Hill Historic District, which represents a cross-section of Madison’s history, with homes from the 1700’s, 1800’s and 1900’s. MHPC will bring attention to the increasing frequency of loss of historic buildings from the Inventory since it was started in 1989 by sending a letter to the Mayor and Council stating that this is an issue and to make them aware that the history and character of Madison are being lost. The letter will further state that MHPC objects to the plans on the basis of massing, impact on the streetscape of Ridgedale Avenue and impact on the history and character of the town and recommending that the home be preserved. Further, MHPC recommends revision of the zoning laws to prevent further loss of historic buildings and shrinkage of the Inventory, including the home at 29 Crescent Road and 180 Kings Road. For Discussion: Redevelopment of the former Green Village Road School property: Preliminary site plans for the project, which is a special Redevelopment Zone, were reviewed from a historic preservation and aesthetic perspective because of the property’s location across from St. Vincent RC Church and adjacent to the Downtown Historic District. Comments included: • All facades are to be treated as fronts because of proximity to the Downtown Historic District. • Design of buildings should not attempt to copy already existing buildings in the Downtown Historic District because that takes away from the unique character of these buildings. • Driveway on Green Village Road does not adversely affect site line of St. Vincent’s RC Church. • New buildings should comply with Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in materials, scale and proportion. • New buildings should not compete with or have impact on the historic buildings in the Downtown Historic District. A letter to the Planning Board with the above comments will be sent. MHPC does not feel the plans adversely affect the adjacent Downtown Historic District and the existing buildings and reserves the right to comment further when final plans are submitted. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary