Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – March 21, 2017 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster and Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members, Ann Huber, Karen Jeisi, Chris Kellogg, John Solu and Carmine Toto; Council Liaison Carmela Vitale; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent; Members, John Forte, David Luber, 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 meeting was re-scheduled from March 14, 2017, because of inclement weather and proper notice given. The Febuary 14, 2017, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. In consideration of the owners being present, Ms. Foster elected to alter the agenda and review the application for 2 Cross Gates Road out of order. For Action: 2 Cross Gates Road construction review: Michael Mackessy and Lisa Fiorito Mackessy presented plans for renovations t f their Colonial Revival style home at 2 Cross Gates Road, which is not in a historic district or listed on the Inventory of Historic Sites. MHPC reviewed plans, which included a new garage below ground level, repair/replacement of the partially slate roof, new French doors on the front façade, demolition of existing rear addition with replacement in the footprint, and repairs of the front balcony. Mr. Mackessy explained he would like to retain as much of the slate roof as economically possible and future plans include additional room above an existing addition and making living space in the existing garage. The owners have zoning approval for the construction without variances. After review of site plan, front, rear and side elevations, MHPC’s comments included: • The 6 new French doors/windows were aesthetically appropriate • The roofing material for the main part of the house visible from Pomeroy is of great importance and material for the addition and back of house has less impact. • The eyebrow windows could be eliminated • Wrought iron is recommended for replacement of wooden railings on balcony, although wood could also be used. MHPC approves of retention of the balcony, which is a defining feature of the house. • Owner plans to retain original exterior siding material which MHPC approves. Ms. Foster will write a letter with the above comments and thanked Mr. and Mrs. Mackessy for bringing the plans for review. Follow Up: TCC applications update: 10 South Oak Court: Plans were reviewed for proposed subdivision of large property into 2 conforming lots with demolition of the existing home. The property is not in a historic district and MHPC has no power to prevent the demolition until zoning laws are changed. 241 Kings Road: This is an application for readjustment of property lines. MHPC has no comment. Two additional applications not on the agenda were received just prior to the meeting, 117 Kings Road and 58 Lathrop Avenue. Both applications will be reviewed and responded to by a sub-committee headed by Ms. Lenahan. Since neither property is in a historic district or on the Inventory, there will likely be no comment. For Action: NJ Transit request for comment: Letter from NJ Transit and photos were reviewed of new safety equipment which NJ Transit proposes to install along the RR line, which is on the National Register, The new Positive Train Control equipment is necessary for installation of a new safety system. MHPC determined that the equipment has no adverse effect on the historic ROW of the RR or on other properties listed on the State and National Register within the Borough of Madison. Therefore MHPC has no objection to installation of the equipment. Construction review of 11 Maple Avenue: Ms. Foster, as owner, was recused and left the meeting prior to presentation of the plans by Mr. Kellogg, also recused and acting as architect for the project. Plans were reviewed for a new energy-efficient carriage style home on a lot where a former dental office was demolished. Information on historical background and criteria for the design of the new home were given to all members, together with Standards of the Secretary of the Interior. Mr. Kellogg explained that the new carriage style home with detached garage is compatible with existing architecture on the street, meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and is consistent with the look of the carriage house that was historically present on the lot. MHPC will write a letter confirming that the courtesy review took place and all plans for the new building are appropriate and acceptable. Follow Up: Sign & Façade application update – 35 Main Street: It was noted that the business owners of Max Challenge indicated they were not able to comply with MHPC’s suggested signage changes because the business is a franchise and must comply with corporate signage standards. Ms. Foster will write a letter expressing MHPC’s disappointment that the business did not take into consideration the historic character of the town and the Downtown Historic District. New Business: Report from Jeff Gertler on ideas for zoning variances for historic properties: This will be placed on the agenda for the April 11 meeting. Old Business: Review of Historic Sites as listed on County of Morris update and revision to the Cultural Resource Inventory: Ms. Lenahan asked Commission members to consider how to make MHPC stronger in preserving historic properties, for discussion at the next meeting. The Cultural Resource Inventory will be divided among all Commission members to do a visual inspection to identify “target” or oversize lots on the Inventory which might be subject to tear downs. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary