Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – June 9, 2015 Attending: Co-Chairman John Solu and Co-Chairman Janet Foster; Members David Luber, William VanRyzin and Margaret Weisgerber; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members John Forte, Joseph Longo, Alberta Marcy and Carmine Toto; Council Liaison Patrick Rowe. The meeting was called to order as an open public meeting at 7:40 p.m. in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The May 12, 2015, minutes were considered and were corrected as follows: In the New Business section, Sentence 1, shall read as follows: “An agenda item for the June meeting will be to discuss correction of a technical imperfection in the creation of the local Bottle Hill Historic District from Park Avenue to the Florham Park border. The BHHD was listed on the National Register and it extended only to the Luke Miller property. The district established by local ordinance would extend to the Florham Park border.” The second sentence of that section shall be deleted and the third sentence shall remain. By unanimous consent the minutes were approved as corrected. Follow Up: Demolition of 173 Ridgedale Avenue application: Commission members reviewed a letter from MHPC to the Planning Board, the applicant and applicant’s attorney with specific comments on the application and the plans for new homes at 157, 165 and 173 Ridgedale Avenue. After review and additional comments, the letter was approved and will be sent forthwith to the aforementioned parties to be included in the Planning Board’s package. Sign and Façade applications update: New signage for Rocco’s at 36 Main Street was reviewed. There were issues with the size and material of the blade sign, as well as the size of the lettering on the door and windows. Mr. Solu will attend the Sign & Façade meeting on Thursday June 11 to convey comments, but generally MHPC was in favor of the sign’s colors and lettering. For Action: Review of Application for 34 Walnut Street immediately adjacent to Bottle Hill Historic District: Revised Plans were presented by architect Nancy Dougherty. Owner Richard Romano representing 34 Walnut Street LLC was also present. The plans were revised to take into account comments made at the TCC meeting and by MHPC after review of the plans at the May meeting. One significant change was to divide the 11 residential units into 2 buildings, one with 5 units, a sage green color, simulating a residence, and the other, a red building with 6 units, representing a barn. Changes in the windows and trim also reflected recommendations of MHPC. The new plans reflect the architect and owner’s efforts to simplify the elements, break down the massing and be sensitive to the surrounding neighbors. MHPC was in favor of the 2 buildings shown and other changes made. A letter of support will be sent to the Planning Board, the owner and the architect in time for the Planning Board’s review of the application. Review of Application for Subdivision at 161 Madison Avenue: The Tudor home is on MHPC’s Inventory of Historic Sites. Plans were reviewed showing demolition of the home and creation of 2 new lots with replacement homes. MHPC had no comment on the plans and will send a letter to the applicant and the Planning Board. Review of application for Subdivision at 223 Main Street: The property is between Samson Avenue and Dunkin Donuts. Plans showed the existing 2-story frame house to be demolished and a new building constructed using the same footprint. The new building will be a commercial real estate office. MHPC had no comment. New Business: Bottle Hill Historic District Light Fixtures: Mr. Solu reported Mike Piano has found appropriate historic light fixtures for BHHD which will cost $1,400 each. Further details will be available for the next meeting and funding sources will be investigated. Bottle Hill Historic District Ordinance review: There was discussion of the need for legal guidance in developing a plan or strategy for the correction of creation of the Local Bottle Hill Historic District. Ms. Foster will speak with Council Liaison Patrick Rowe about the necessary steps to bring this about. There was also discussion of proceeding to develop design guide lines for the BHHD. One possible source of funding suggested was the Open Space Fund. Mr. VanRyzin will submit an application for funds when he attends the next meeting of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary