Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – May 9, 2017 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster and Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members, David Luber, John Forte, Ann Huber, Chris Kellogg, John Solu and Carmine Toto; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members, Karen Jeisi and Council Liaison Carmela Vitale. Borough IT rep. Jim Sanderson was also in attendance. 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 April 11, 2017, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. Mr. Sanderson will look into accessing minutes on the website. Follow up: TCC Applications: There were no applications to be reviewed by MHPC. Sign & Façade Applications update: 40 Main Street – J & H Training: This application was received after the April MHPC meeting for new signage on the 2d floor at 40 Main Street in the Historic District. Since the response needed to be made before the May meeting, the application was reviewed by a sub-committee of the Co- Chairs Ms. Foster and Ms. Lenahan. The new signage on the door was felt to do no harm to the aesthetics of the building or the Historic District, and a response was sent by email. For applications reviewed between meetings, responses are sent by email and no letterhead is required. There was discussion of the Sign and Façade process on applications such as this where the reviews are not conducted at open public meetings. 53 Main Street – Club Pilates: Photos were reviewed of proposed new signage on the entrance door and blade sign for the 2d floor business. The colors and lettering are appropriate and there is no negative impact on the historic character of the Britten Building in the Historic District. MHPC recommended that the blade sign by aligned with the support post to the right of the entrance. MHPC is in favor of the use of the same design as the present blade sign in use by another tenant. MHPC will send a letter to the business owner with these comments. For Discussion: There was discussion of the Bagel Chateau building that recently had a fire and has not been repaired. MHPC will write a letter requesting status of the façade repairs to the building owner with copy to Borough officials. Follow Up: NJ Transit request for comment: Ms. Foster was advised by NJ Transit that the renovations and repairs to the Express Building, are considered minor and no drawings or plans will be used. MHPC continues to support the renovation project and repairs to be made by NJ Transit. It was mentioned that there is some deterioration of faux finish at the Station, and Mr. Toto offered to take a look at the situation. Appointment of liaison to Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Committee:. Mr. Kellogg agreed to serve as liaison to the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Committee, since he is presently a member of that Committee. The Committee will decide whether a replacement for Mr. Kellogg will be sought. New Business: There was discussion of creating and posting on the website a digital file for the historic photos placed on the walls throughout the Hartley Dodge Memorial to make them available to the public. Mr. Sanderson had some suggestions and mentioned a summer intern might be able to work on the project. MHPC will send a request to the Mayor and Council to initiate the project. It was also suggested that the public be invited via social media to contribute any significant photos or memorabilia they may have. Follow up: Review of Historic Sites as listed on County of Morris update and revision to the Cultural Resource Inventory: On the Inventory 116 sites are identified , some being districts, streetscapes and scattered sites. The purpose of the review is to determine whether MHPC is in agreement with the determination of whether sites on the Inventory are eligible or not eligible for protection as historic properties. A portion of the 120 page document was reviewed and MHPC will continue to review the Inventory at subsequent meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary