Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – September, 2017 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster and Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members, John Forte, Chris Kellogg, David Luber, John Solu and Carmine Toto; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Member Karen Jeisi and Council Liaison Carmela Vitale. The meeting was called to order as an open public meeting at 7:30 p.m. in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Ms. Foster mentioned that Ann Huber has accepted a position on the Planning Board and will be replaced on the Commission, probably in January of 2018. Ms. Foster asked Commission members to consider and let her know names of other possible candidates for a new member of MHPC. The August 8, 2017, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. For Action: TCC Applications: 362 Woodland Road: For general information, plans for major additions and renovations at the Madison Area YMCA were reviewed as a courtesy. The plans call for a new pool, gymnasium, offices, additions and parking areas, among other improvements and renovations. Since the property is not on MHPC’s Inventory, nor in a historic district, MHPC had no recommendations or comment. Follow up: Sign & Façade Applications update – 36 Main Street: One new Sign & Façade application for a new business at 36 Main Street, which was submitted between the August and September meetings, was reviewed by Ms. Lenahan. Photos were shown of the new blade sign and store front decals. Ms. Lenahan’s review determined the new signage had no negative impact on the Downtown Historic. For Discussion: Budget needs/desires in preparation for Borough’s 2018 Budget: Ms. Foster reported she attended a Borough budget meeting and submitted a request for $4,500 for MHPC’s programs and expenses for 2018. This amount will be designated for legal representation, professional assistance with developing residential design guidelines and other expense items. It is hoped Council Liaison Carmela Vitale will be able to help in having this request approved by the Mayor and Council. MHPC education/training session: Plans were made for a joint historic preservation training/education session. Suggested municipalities to invite included Morristown, Chatham, Summit, Millburn, Florham Park and Maplewood, together with Planning and Zoning Boards of each town. A fee would be asked of each municipality participating to share the anticipated $2000 total cost. Dates of Saturday, January 13 or Saturday, February 24 were targeted. A facilitator from NJ Historic Trust will be asked to lead the session. The focus will be on design and legal issues specific to Madison and surrounding towns, as well as ways to develop more “teeth” for historic preservation commissions. New Business: Mr. Toto mentioned that he was granted permission by the Borough to use the former Police Chief’s office in the East Wing of the Hartley Dodge Memorial to display the trophies of the Morris & Essex Dog Show after the renovation project for the East Wing is complete. Mr. Forte reported the Planning Board has formed a committee to work on revision of the Borough’s Master Plan. Plans include looking at encouraging establishment of more residential historic districts. Some neighborhoods that might be made into historic districts are Academy Road, Maple/Prospect/Green, and Fairwoods. There was discussion of procedures for establishing historic districts and benefits of residing in a historic district, such as possible waiver of certain building code regulations. The pending sale of property on Ridgedale Avenue owned by the late Fire Chief and his wife was mentioned. MHPC expressed hope that the home would not be a tear-down and in that event that the realtor is aware that the property is in a historic district and subject to mandatory review and compliance. MHPC strongly supports restoring and saving this small historic home in a historic district. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary