Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – September 11, 2016 Attending: Co-Chairmen Janet Foster and John Solu; Members, John Forte, David Luber, and Carmine Toto; Council Liaison Patrick Rowe; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members, Karen Jeisi, Chris Kellogg, Mary Ellen Lenahan 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 July 11, 2016, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent were approved as written. For Action: Sign and Façade application: 20 Waverly Place: Dr. David Beck, a chiropractor, has applied for a changeable sandwich board sign with black background for his office at 20 Waverly Place. It was noted McCool’s Ice Cream store already has a similar changeable sign on the sidewalk. HPC noted the sign does not harm the Historic District visually but there is concern about the number of such signs already in the Downtown and its visibility behind parked cars. A letter will be sent to Dr. Beck and the Sign & Façade Commission with MHPC’s comments. Downtown Historic District Green Village Road Sidewalk Improvement Proposals DDC: DDC Chairman Mike Copas was present to speak about placement of benches in the Spring of 2017 on the East side of Green Village Road opposite the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, where civic events are often held. Photos were shown of benches in a backless design to allow people to face the street or the storefronts. Mr. Copas also asked for comments on the DDC’s proposal to install water fountains in several downtown locations to provide filtered water to people and pets. This proposal was previously discussed at MHPC’s June meeting, when MHPC expressed concern about excessive clutter in the downtown area and was not in favor of adding new fountains. Photos of some fountain designs were reviewed and discussion included:  There are already several fountains in place in the downtown area, with the possibility that these could be restored and/or upgraded;  Location of any new fountains is a key issue;  The downtown already has many benches, tables, planters, utility boxes, signs, and fountains and is in danger of becoming overly cluttered.  MHPC is committed to retaining the character of historic fixtures and when new items, such as the fountains, are introduced, they should be of the best modern design possible in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards;  The DDC is willing to attempt restoration or upgrading of two existing fountains, one in Rose Garden Park and the other on Main Street near the METC, and placement of a 3d new fountain, possibly at Lincoln and Waverly Place. It was agreed DDC will do further study and work with the Borough’s Public Works Dept. on a plan for placement of new well-designed, functional fountains. DDC will return to MHPC in the winter months with a plan for the fountains, as well as a plan for placement of two benches on the East side of Green Village Road, both projects projected for the Spring of 2017. MHPC asked that DDC give an update on the light fixtures to be placed in the Waverly Place Railroad underpass. Mr. Copas invited MHPC to present any ideas for improvements in the downtown area. Mr. Solu will investigate with Richard Romano and Friends of the Madison Train Station whether there are some historic artifacts from the Madison Train Station renovation and landscaping project that might be put on display at the Train Station. MHPC 2017 Budget: It was noted that in previous years MHPC’s budget requests have not been favorably considered by the Borough. A 7 percent reduction in MHPC’s funding has been suggested by the Borough. It was agreed that a 10 percent increase will be requested in view of added responsibilities for the Recording Secretary. Old Business: Downtown Historic District Sidewalk Repair Project: Mr. Solu reported that the wall under the clock on Waverly Place has been reconstructed using a more historic looking brick and topped with blue stone. MHPC is pleased with this improvement and with the progress of the project. New Business: Cole Park Fountain: Mr. Toto mentioned that Sal Bassolino is repairing the fountain and it soon will be flowing again. 81 Ridgedale Avenue: Ms. Foster was contacted by Melissa Hart, new owner of the property at 81 Ridgedale Avenue, part of the Bottle Hill Historic District about possible demolition of the barn in the rear of the property. After looking at the maps, Ms. Foster found that the barn was inadvertently omitted as part of the Bottle Hill Historic District. Ms. Foster will write a letter to the owners expressing interest in reviewing their plans for the property and offering information on the history of the house and the barn. It was agreed that there be a Line Item in the 2017 Budget for re-examination of the Bottle Hill Historic District for accuracy. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary