Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – December 12, 2017 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster and Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members, John Forte, Karen Jeisi, Chris Kellogg, David Luber, John Solu and Carmine Toto; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: 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. The November 14, 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: 13 Waverly Place, formerly Poor Herbies Peter Fleming, one of the proposed new owners of the restaurant and bar business, was present for a courtesy review of proposed façade renovations and upgrades. Mr. Fleming said he would return for further review as plans proceed. He stated the building would be re-furbished and upgraded to provide handicap access, and upgrades of the bathrooms and kitchen. The 1970’s Tudor façade in the front will be removed to expose original columns and brickwork and new double-hung windows will be installed. A photo of the proposed new sign for “Bottle Hill Tavern” was shown. MHPC’s recommendations included using similar colors and details of the woodwork on the top of the building for the lower façade and incorporating a strong horizontal element where the Tudor façade is removed. New Business/For Discussion: December 19 joint meeting of Planning Board and MHPC about the Lincoln Place movie theater building: This meeting has been called to allow the owners to present concept plans for the property, followed by questions from the Planning Board, MHPC and the public. The Mayor and Council will be present as observers. No recommendations will be made and no action taken on the plans presented. A formal application will be submitted at a later date. There was discussion of questions which might be asked by MHPC, including: • Materials, colors and scale • How the building would affect the Post Office, RR station and other adjoining buildings in the streetscape • If demolition is proposed, whether elements of the building can be preserved • Page 13 of the HPC Ordinance has language that can be turned into questions, specifically, sections, 5, 7 and 8 • MHPC is concerned with preservation of the building, not its use. • Because the building is a contributing building in the Downtown Historic District and is located adjacent to the Post Office, another key building, it is important to preserve it.  • The building impacts two other important buildings in the Downtown Historic District, the RR station and the Hartley Dodge Memorial. • If the building cannot be preserved, what are the compelling reasons for demolition? Old Business/For Discussion: Plans for Academy Road Historic District: Ms. Foster showed some photographs she recently took in the Academy Road neighborhood. Mr. Forte will work on getting the pictures into a brochure for distribution to the neighbors. MHPC looks forward to working on expanding the historic districts in the Borough. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary