Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – September 8, 2015 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Janet Foster; Members John Forte, David Luber and Margaret Weisgerber; Council Liaison Patrick Rowe; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members Joseph Longo, Alberta Marcy, Carmine Toto and William VanRyzin. The meeting was called to order as an open public meeting at 7:35 p.m. in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. The July 14, 2015, minutes were considered. By unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. Follow Up: TCC applications update: 286 Kings Road Subdivision Plan: Joseph Iossa and Nicholas Mazzocchi, representatives of Millenium Development Group, were present and showed plans for demolition of a historic home at 286 Kings Road on the corner of Division Avenue, which is on MHPC’s Inventory, and creation of 6 new lots. MHPC asked if the developer would consider rotating the existing home in order to preserve it. Mr. Iossa stated the home has little historic value remaining and its condition is irreparable. Photographs were shown to support this assessment. Commission members agreed the condition of the home was very poor. A letter will be written indicating the plans were reviewed and no comment made. Sign and Façade Applications update: There were no new Sign and Façade applications. For Action: Review of 216 Greenwood Avenue Restoration Project: The architect for the project, John James, showed plans in behalf of the owners Mr. and Mrs. Gavin for restoration and additions to the existing home located on the corner of Greenwood and Lorraine Road. He explained the owners wish to maintain the character of the home and be sensitive to the streetscapes of both streets. The plans call for a new free standing garage facing Lorraine Road, a small addition on the south side of the house and a new porch on the opposite side. A new portico in the front of the home is also proposed, as well as an addition in the back to accommodate a master bedroom on the 2d floor. Plans were presented and reviewed. One recommendation was to consider another style for the front door more in the style of a Federal farmhouse. MHPC was pleased with the massing of the additions in keeping with the style of the existing home and with the owners’ decision to renovate rather than demolish the home. The commission thanked the owners and architect for bringing the plans for review and will write a letter of endorsement to the owners and the architect. Mr. Solu introduced Deborah Hess, owner of the Sayre House on Ridgedale Avenue and member of Friends of Bottle Hill Historic District, who was attending the meeting as an observer. Review of 34 Walnut Street Final Site Plans: The final plans and application have been submitted to the Planning Board. It was noted the plans were simplified since first reviewed and many of MHPC’s recommendations on design elements were incorporated into the final plans. Because the property is adjacent to and in close proximity to the Bottle Hill Historic District, MHPC is offering advice on the building elements and their impact on neighboring properties. MHPC’s only comment after review of the plans was a request to see samples of the materials to be used. For Discussion: Bottle Hill Historic District Road Construction: Mr. Solu explained there were many issues with retaining the blue stone for the sidewalks. However 342 feet of blue stone was saved and will be placed in front of Ms. Hess’s property. There is not enough to place in front of the Luke Miller House. Ms. Hess expressed thanks to the Commission for preserving the history and character of Ridgedale Avenue and for making efforts to retain the blue stone. Mr. Solu and Ms. Weisgerber have been observing the work and feel the contractor and workmen are doing a good job and the project is progressing well. Mr. Forte noted that at the next Planning Board meeting the application for demolition of the house on Madison Avenue near Danforth Road will be reviewed. There was discussion of the subdivision application for 173 Ridgedale Avenue and the issues surrounding the pond, which could be placed in jeopardy by the proposed development. The matter is awaiting hearing in the Planning Board and there are many issues to be resolved before a decision is made. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary