Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – September 11, 2018 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster, Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members Karen Jeisi, Chris Kellogg, David Luber, Jill Rhodes, John Solu and Carmine Toto; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich; Absent: Member John Forte 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 July 10, 2018, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. Follow Up/For Action: Ms. Jeisi announced that the historic Olsen home at 53 Ridgedale Avenue has another buyer, who is aware of the historic status of the property. TCC Applications: 100 Rosedale Avenue: This property is known as the Burnet Farm House, is an important piece of Madison’s history, and is listed on MHPC’s Inventory of Historic Sites. Although there has been no formal application filed, TCC has notified MHPC that there may be an application for subdivision of the property and demolition of the existing dwelling. MHPC has sent a letter expressing its strong disappointment with the possible loss of this historic dwelling and emphasizing the importance of this property to the character of Madison. So far there has been no response to the letter. Sign & Façade Applications update: Nicole’s Broadway Dance Studio – 32 Main Street: New signage for this business was reviewed by the MHPC’s Sign & Façade Subcommittee between meetings. The signage was found acceptable for the Downtown Historic District and notification sent to the Sign & Façade Committee. New Business: 2019 Budget Discussion: The Borough has requested preliminary budget requests for 2019, and Ms. Foster distributed a sheet of MHPC’s draft budget with explanation and support for each budget amount requested. A major part of the total budget request was for legal services, which the Commission feels is very important. There was discussion and some changes were made. Ms. Foster will meet with Carmela Vitale to discuss the requests and categories. There was a suggestion that a student intern might assist with photographing and cataloging properties in Madison. Plans for Historic Preservation Award: The newspaper article has been written and Ms. Lenahan has sent a letter to the owners of 60 Green Avenue, letting them know their home was chosen for the award. It was decided to have the award consist of a Certificate with an artistic design on high-quality paper suitable for framing. Stewart-Morris will be asked to do the printing. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary