Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – November 14, 2017 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster and Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members, John Forte, Karen Jeisi, David Luber, John Solu and Carmine Toto; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Member Chris Kellogg, and Council Liaison Carmela Vitale. Dan Blank was present as an observer, as well as several persons to present proposed plans. 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 October 10, 2017, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. For Action: TCC Applications: There were no new TCC applications. Sign & Façade Applications update: There were no new Sign & Façade applications. Report from Co-Chairs on matters reviewed between meetings: New signage for the deli/cafe business at 50 1/2 Main Street, now known as Harvest Bistro, was reviewed and approved by Ms. Lenahan. Photos of signage for new business Well and Good at 26 Waverly Place were reviewed. The signage was approved by Ms. Lenahan as being unobtrusive and appropriate for the Downtown Historic District. Signage for Madison Bagel Café at 23 Waverly Place, former site of Hair Core, was approved and colors found acceptable. Some façade changes are anticipated. Proposal for demolition of house at 5 East Lane was brought to attention of MHPC by Fran Boardman. Since the property is not in a historic district and the owner did not seem interested in appearing at an MHPC meeting to discuss the replacement dwelling, there was no comment. New Business/For Discussion: 35 Ridgedale Avenue: The owners Paul and Danielle Saurer were present and plans for renovations and addition were presented by architect Nick Cursano. The property is in the Bottle Hill Historic District and the home is a long-time cherished home of the owners, being Mrs. Saurer;s childhood home. The plans call for a one-story addition over an existing garage, and other renovations. Materials, scale and details will match existing architecture, including brackets. MHPC was in favor of the plans and will send letter of approval to Mr. Cursano affirming the addition maintains the aesthetic of the Ridgedale Avenue neighborhood and the BHHD. 29 Main Street: Mr. Paul Leo, spokesman for the owner, Steven Whitehorn, presented proposal for replacement windows on the 2d floor of 29 Main Street, in the Downtown Historic District. Mr. Whitehorn plans to move his insurance business into the space after renovation of the 2d floor. Mr. Leo brought an Andersen window booklet showing the proposed new windows, as well as current photo and historic photo of the premises. Side and back windows will also be replaced. The size of the windows will be the same as what is there presently. The owner is also considering façade changes to restore the original look of the building, including restoration of the cornices. MHPC’s comments included recommendation for white or other soft color for trim, removal of white paint on the columns on ground floor corners and replacement of the Madison Wine Cellar sign. MHPC will write letter with comments and giving approval of the choice of windows to the owner. Mr. Leo mentioned the project architect, Jerry Bruno, will return when plans for the windows and interior renovations are more complete. 11 Maple Avenue variance application: Ms. Foster, as applicant, recused herself from comment and presented plans for her new home under construction at 11 Maple Avenue. A height variance will be required for the garage, which is an accessory structure, since the roof is higher than zoning permits. MHPC had no objection to granting of the variance on grounds that the plans provide harmony with roof heights of neighboring structures in the streetscape. A letter confirming the matter was brought before MHPC and plans approved will be written. Planning Board update: Mr. Forte reported the Planning Board will be reviewing the Master Plan and will look at ways to cut down on minor variance applications for residential owners. Old Business/For Discussion: Plans for Academy Road Historic District: Mr. Forte will work on a brochure similar to the one used to create the Bottle Hill Historic District and he anticipates several Trustees of the Homeowners Association are willing to personally deliver to and speak with residents in early January. Karen Jeisi had input as a realtor about the importance of maintaining the character of Madison even though many younger buyers are primarily interested in new construction. There was discussion of advantages and incentives for establishing an historic district, both on the National and local level. Light fixtures in front of Hartley Dodge Memorial: It was noted the new light fixtures along the sidewalk on Kings Road have been installed by the Borough, matching the fixtures in the Downtown Historic District. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary