Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – January 12, 2016 Attending: Co-Chairmen John Solu and Janet Foster; Members David Luber, Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich; and Council Liaison Patrick Rowe. Absent: Members John Forte, Carmine Toto and William VanRyzin. 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 December 8, 2015, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. Christopher Kellog, a Madison architect, was welcomed to the meeting. It was noted that Alberta Marcy, Joseph Longo and Margaret Weisgerber have completed their terms. Mr. Kellogg and two other persons will shortly be appointed by Mayor Conley as Commission members. Follow Up: TCC applications update: There were no new TCC applications. Sign and Façade Applications update: There was one new Sign and Façade application to be reviewed after action items. For Action: 125 Green Village Road application review: Owner Tal Kolmas was present and brought plans for an addition in the rear of his home, which is part of a protected streetscape. The project will require a variance for impervious coverage. Since there will be no impact on the streetscape, MHPC has no objection to granting of the variance. Ms. Foster will write a letter to the owner to support the variance application. 144 Green Avenue application review: A 2 lot subdivision is proposed with multiple bulk variances in order to create a non- conforming lot and save the existing home from demolition. MHPC was in favor of creation an irregular lot in order to save the existing historic home at 144 Green Avenue, which is part of a protected streetscape. When the plans for the new construction are ready, MHPC would request an opportunity to comment on style, scale, elevations, materials and compatability with the neighborhood. Ms. Foster will write a letter with these comments to the owners. Shunpike Road application review: Plans were reviewed for 7 lots to be merged into 3 new lots to be developed into a new neighborhood on a cul-de-saq. Existing house and out buildings will be demolished. Although the property is on a list of historic sites, it is not part of a streetscape and MHPC has no comment. MPHC reorganization/appointment of officers: New appointments will be made as previously noted. Mr. Solu and Ms. Foster will continue as co-chairpersons and Mr. Luber agreed to serve as secretary. If circumstances change in the future, new appointments can be made and officers changed. Sign & Façade Applications: Mr. Solu showed proposed new signage for a new restaurant, Nahm, in the premises on Main Street formerly occupied by Garlic Rose. The adjoining store, Garden State News, will also have new awning and signage. Both awnings shown were white lettering on black background. MHPC approved of the uniform colors and style of the awnings but would like to see the temporary sign removed over the handsome central doorway between the two store fronts. It was noted that MHPC had no opportunity to review façade changes (new windows) and would ask that in the event of any future façade changes, the new owner come before the Commission for comments. St. Vincent Martyr Roman Catholic Church: Revised plans were reviewed with explanatory letter from architect Sean Reilly, for design of refinement of the roof on the addition to the North façade of the Church. MHPC agreed the refined roof has less impact on the building and shows the façade and the Rose Window to a better effect. MHPC supports the proposal to handle the revision as “field changes” and no additional review is necessary. Mr. Solu announced a workshop on January 16, at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship about Architects Collaborating with Nature led by architect Bill Reed. An agenda item for the February meeting will be discussion of efforts to preserve historic homes in Madison. Mayor Conley will be invited to the this meeting to discuss this and other issues. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary