Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – October 10, 2017 Attending: Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members, John Forte, Chris Kellogg, David Luber, John Solu and Carmine Toto; Council Liaison Carmela Vitale and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Co-Chairman Janet Foster; Member Karen Jeisi. 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 September 12, 2017, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. For Action: TCC Applications: There were no new TCC applications. Follow up: Sign & Façade Applications update – 50 ½ Main Street: One new Sign & Façade application for a deli/cafe business at 50 1/2 Main Street, which was submitted between the September and October meetings, was reviewed and approved by Ms. Lenahan. The business, formerly known as On A Roll, will now operate as Harvest Bistro under the same owner. For Discussion: MHPC education/training session: Ms. Foster has reached out to Morristown, Chatham, Summit, Millburn, Florham Park and Maplewood, about their participation in a joint historic preservation training/education session on suggested dates of Saturday, January 13 or Saturday, February 24. So far she has received no response. New Business: Summerhill Park meeting: Ms. Vitale reported on a recent meeting with Friends of Madison Shade Tree, Mayor Conley and other Borough representatives, including members of the Parks Commission and Environmental Commission. Everyone present was very enthusiastic about creating an improved trail system at Summerhill Park with interpretive signs highlighting history of the property and greenhouses. The trail would connect with Walnut Street and Central Avenue School. Funding would come from Green Acres funds and the Friends of Madison Shade Trees. Mr. Solu mentioned that the Friends of Bottle Hill Historic District would like to be included in the plans. The contact person for Friends of BHHD is Margaret Weisgerber. Planning Board update: Mr. Forte reported the Planning Board’s next big project is the new Atlantic Health building proposed for Giralda Farms on the corner of Loantaka and Madison Avenue. Old Business/For Discussion: Review of Historic Sites as listed on County of Morris update and revision to Cultural Resource Inventory: There was discussion of whether the classification of sites as “eligible” or “ineligible” is accurate. Ms. Vitale mentioned Fran Boardman uses a list prepared by Ron Poeter in identifying historic properties which are submitting TCC applications. She will ask Fran to send that list to all MHPC members. Mr. Forte mentioned that on Academy Road there appears to be a consensus among residents in favor of establishing an historic district. The new residential building on Greenwood Avenue next to Walgreen’s is moving ahead. There will be 20 rental units and a retail store on the first floor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary