Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – July 10, 2018 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster, Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members Karen Jeisi, Chris Kellogg, David Luber, Jill Rhodes and Carmine Toto; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich; Absent: Members John Forte and John Solu 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. The June 12, 2018, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. Follow Up/For Action: TCC Applications: Plans for 16 Maple Avenue: The property is part of the Tuttle Oak Historic District, which includes Green and Maple Avenues and Prospect Street, eligible for registration as a National Historic District. Ms. Foster, being a resident of Maple Avenue, was recused from the discussion. Plans were reviewed for a minor 2-lot subdivision with bulk variances. The existing home will remain on one 60-foot wide lot with demolition of the existing barn and new detached garage constructed. The second lot with 50-foot frontage will have a new home and detached garage in the rear of the lot. Both garages would be in the back of the properties. Numerous variances are required for both lots. Site plans and architects drawings by Marjorie B. Roller of ASA Architectural Design were reviewed. MHPC’s comments included: • The newly constructed home is of size and scale in keeping with the streetscape in the historic Maple Avenue neighborhood. • MHPC is pleased to see preservation of the existing home. • Both lots, being 60 feet and 50 feet in width, are in keeping with standard lot widths on Maple Avenue. • Variances for minor increases in coverage are reasonable and are in service of preservation of existing homes and character of neighborhoods. • MHPC is pleased with location of one-car garages in rear of lots. • MHPC approval of the plans is cognizant of outside sources, such as Secretary of Interior Standards in its decision. • MHPC recommended colors for both homes be consistent with the neighborhood. A letter with comments and approval of the plans will be sent to the applicant with copy to Fran Boardman prior to the TCC meeting on July 17. Sign & Façade Applications update: There were no new Sign and Façade applications. Frutta Bowl – 57 Main Street: Despite the MHPC’s disapproval and comments about the sign being inappropriate in the Downtown Historic District, the sign was allowed to remain because it was previously approved by Lisa Ellis, Downtown Manager. MPHC did inform the Sign & Façade Committee in writing of its objections to no avail. Old Business Update: Plans for Historic Preservation Month commemoration: The target date for making the award presentation is Bottle Hill Day in October. The newspaper article is being prepared by Ms. Lenahan and Ms. Jeisi. The Bottle Hill Tavern renovations at 23 Waverly Place are nearing completion and expected opening date is the middle of July. The property at 43 Ridgedale Avenue is back on the market after the proposed purchaser withdrew from the purchase. Ms. Foster reported the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Conference will be held November 13-16, 2018 in SanFrancisco, CA. She encouraged HPC members to consider attending to take advantage of this excellent educational and travel opportunity. There have been no new developments in plans for the Madison Movie Theater property. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary