Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – August 8, 2017 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster; Members, John Forte, Ann Huber, Karen Jeisi, Chris Kellogg, David Luber and John Solu; Council Liaison Carmela Vitale; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan and Member, Carmine Toto. Five members of the public, Dan Blank, Woody Kerkeslager, Sandra Kolakowski, Stevan Stocker and Jean Sher were present. 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 June 13, 2017, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. Follow up: There was a communication from E2 Project Management regarding new antennas being added along Brooklake Road. HPC was notified in accordance with Federal requirements to inform the Borough and confirm the location of any locally designated Historic sites that may be affected by the new antennas. In this case, MHPC did not see any adverse effect on any historic sites; the new antennas are joining others mounted on the electric transmission towers parallel to Brooklake Road. Sign & Façade Applications update: There were no Sign & Façade applications to be reviewed. For Action: TCC Applications: 362 Woodland Road: An application was reviewed for a minor subdivision on this property, directly across from Torey J. Sabatini School, on which an Italianate-style dwelling is situated in the center of an oversize lot. The property is listed on MHPC’s Inventory as part of the Woodland Avenue Streetscape. If subdivision is approved, the house will likely be demolished. An adjacent house at 358 Woodland of same architecture and condition, may suffer the same fate. MHPC regrets the loss of this unique architecture and change in the density of the neighborhood. MHPC asked for photographic documentation of the house, and recommended that the garages for replacement dwellings be placed in the rear of the new houses. Ms. Foster will send a letter with MHPC’s concerns to the TCC. Review of progress drawings for site work at Hartley Dodge Memorial and Grant Agreement with Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund: Borough Engineer Robert Vogel provided MHPC an opportunity to review progress drawings for the reconstruction of the plaza and walkways and other exterior work at the Hartley Dodge Memorial. MHPC is charged with advising on capital projects in the Borough, especially when such projects involve designated historic sites and districts. The plaza work received a grant from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund. After review, MHPC confirmed the work as outlined in the plans does meet the standards of the Secretary of the Interior (which was also a condition of receiving the grant from Morris County) and MHPC’s guidelines. Ms. Foster will send a confirming letter to Mr. Vogel. For Discussion: Review of HPC Ordinance: Members of the public attended the meeting specifically to learn more about MHPC’s stance on the rumored demolition of the Madison Movie Theater and its replacement with a residential building. MHPC cannot at this time comment on any of this as it is speculative; when plans are presented to MHPC, first through the TCC process, public review and comment will begin. When and if an application is made for demolition at the site of the movie theater, which is part of the Downtown Historic District, the application would be subject to the regular MHPC mandatory review/voluntary compliance procedures. MHPC would then make recommendations based on the plan that is presented, and thereafter those plans would proceed to Planning and/or Zoning Boards. There was discussion of the second phase of the application, after demolition, which requires that if a building in the Historic District(s) is removed, the MHPC has final design review authority over a replacement structure. That process, requiring mandatory compliance, will follow MHPC’s recommendations based upon preservation guidelines adopted in the ordinance and based upon The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. There was discussion about the need for legal representation at the second phase of the review process and insuring that sufficient funds are budgeted to allow for legal representation for the Commission if needed. It would be appropriate to have MHPC input at the earliest possible step in the process at the TCC meeting. Until such time as plans are submitted, MHPC has no comment. There was discussion of The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, which is the standard used to guide the Commission in the design review process. Comments must be made by MHPC within 45 days of receipt of the application. The Madison HPC is also committed to photographic documentation in cases of demolition. The meeting was then opened to the public for comments, which included questions about height limitations, compatibility of the new building with the surrounding buildings, especially the historic Madison Train Station, directly across the street. Dan Blank offered to provide digital copies of interior photographs he recently took of the movie theater. Planning for Public Event for preserving community character: Ms. Foster reported Mr. Toto looked into the possibility of a jitney bus to be used in tours of local historic sites. She feels the cost would be prohibitive and the funds could be put to better use in engaging legal or architectural advice. Mr. Luber spoke about the Madison Historical Society’s current project to update the Madison Heritage Trail book. An article will be published in this week’s Madison Eagle with details about the project, which is a joint effort between the Madison Historical Society and the Madison Public Library. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary