Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – April 10, 2018 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster; Members, Karen Jeisi, Chris Kellogg, David Luber, John Solu and Carmine Toto; Council Liaison Carmela Vitale and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich; Absent: Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members John Forte and Jill Rhodes. 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 February 13, 2018, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. Follow Up/For Action: TCC Applications-Fairleigh Dickinson fence application: Ms. Foster explained this application was reviewed between meetings by the Co- Chairpersons. Ms. Foster showed plans and drawings for improvements to playing fields along Madison Avenue/Route 124, including extension of the wall along the road and replacement of the existing chain-link fence with a wrought iron fence. A variance is required because the replacement fence is taller than allowed. The Co-Chairpersons sent a letter of support for the variance and expressed hope that the existing brick wall would be repaired as part of the project. 18 Main Street: Ms. Foster was approached by Larry Palumbo, new owner of the property at 18 Main Street, who asked for advice on new colors for the façade of the building. She offered some suggestions and showed some renderings of colors which might be used. No formal application has been filed and it is hoped Mr. Palumbo will appear at a future HPC meeting. Sign & Façade Applications update: 29 Main Street sign application: New signage for Step Right Up, a new business in the Waverly Green Alleyway was shown. The signage was approved by the Sign & Façade Committee and has been installed. New Business/For Discussion: Renovation project on Main Street: Ms. Foster explained she was sent a photo rendering of a building under renovation on Main Street, next to Masonic Hall, with an informal request for comment. MHPC would prefer that the owner bring plans and make a formal request in person at a future meeting so that recommendations can be made. Preservation Educational Opportunities: June 7 and 8 - State Historic Preservation Conference in Paterson NJ: Ms. Foster encouraged Commission members to attend this annual event sponsored by NJ Historic Trust. Registration can be made via the website, NJHT.org. Report on March 10 Commission Training Workshop attended by HPC Co-Chairs Foster and Lenahan and members Rhodes and Kellogg: The conference was very informative and worthwhile. There was confirmation that attorneys for Planning and Zoning Boards are unable to give legal advice to Historic Preservation Commission because of conflict of interest. Ms. Vitale said HPC should not hesitate to request legal counsel to sit in on a meeting where an application is being reviewed. There is a discretionary budget to cover the legal fees. The Commission should have a list of names of attorneys knowledgeable in the areas of preservation, planning and zoning who could be called upon. Elks Club grant to Madison Historical Society: Mr. Luber gave information on a project of the National Elks Club to recognize historical buildings built prior to 1900. A grant of $1,500 was made to the Madison Historical Society for this project. A committee was appointed to identify the buildings and place plaques in recognition. It was mentioned BiCentennial Rose Plaques were placed on some historic buildings in 1976 in a project headed by Joseph Falco. MHPC supports the current project and Mr. Luber will convey its support and offer to assist in identifying the properties to be recognized. Ms. Foster mentioned she will be sending to all Commission members the Design Guidelines attached to the original Ordinance that established the Downtown Historic District in 1993, so that all members can review and become familiar with the Guidelines. It was also suggested that an attorney review the Guidelines and the Ordinance. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary