Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – October 9, 2018 Attending: Co-Chairman Janet Foster, Co-Chairman Mary Ellen Lenahan; Members John Forte, Karen Jeisi, David Luber, John Solu and Carmine Toto; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members Chris Kellogg and Jill Rhodes and Council Liaison Carmela Vitale. A member of the public, Sandy Kolakowski, was also present. 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 September 11, 2018, minutes were considered and by unanimous consent the minutes were approved as written. Ms. Kolakowski, spoke in behalf of the Save Madison Theater organization and passed out informational brochures. She announced a Community Forum on October 17 at 6 pm at Romanelli’s on Lincoln Place, with guest speaker, Ellen Elliot of Penn Theater in Plymouth, Michigan, speaking about how a movie theater can succeed in a small town. Ms. Kolakowski asked if anyone from MHPC would be available to take Ms. Elliot on a walking tour of Madison, and several members will let her know if their time permits. TCC Applications: 100 Rosedale Avenue: Members of MHPC made a site inspection of the property at 100 Rosedale Avenue, known as the Burnet Farm House. Mr. Luber took photographs and Ms. Foster prepared a report for the Planning Board’s consideration in their review of the subdivision application, which was approved at the Planning Board’s October 2 meeting. Ms. Foster’s report clarified that although the property is listed on MHPC’s Inventory of Historic Sites and its history dates to the 18th Century, the house is a later Colonial Revival and has undergone many architectural changes through the years. Its architectural and historic integrity has been compromised by these alterations. MHPC recommended a plaque be placed on Rosedale Avenue to commemorate the Burnet Farm House’s place in Madison’s history. The Planning Board called for “careful excavation” so that any historic artifacts that may be uncovered in the demolition process can be preserved. Investigation of a natural spring that was on the property at one time should also be made. Mr. Forte said it would be helpful for MHPC to work with the Planning Board on amendments to the Master Plan to find ways to encourage saving large lots and historic properties from subdivision. Mr. Forte also mentioned that preservation of historic walls throughout the Borough could be part of the Master Plan. Sign & Façade Applications update: The Snooki Shop – 61 Main Street: Signage for this new business was reviewed by the MHPC Sign & Façade Subcommittee between meetings. The signage was found acceptable and not detrimental to the Downtown Historic District. Notification was sent to the Sign & Façade Committee. New Business: 2019 Budget Meeting: A budget meeting was held with Ms. Lenahan, Ms. Rhodes, Jim Burnet and Carmela Vitale present. The Borough said MHPC’s budget requests for legal services and structural engineer fees will be handled in the Borough’s general 2019 budget. Requests for funds for these services can be made to the Borough by MHPC as needed. Some other reductions and adjustments were made, resulting in preliminary budget approved of just under $2,000. MHPC will compile a list of attorneys specializing in historic preservation and structural engineers who understand preservation law. These experts can be called upon in special cases, such as the Madison movie theater. All commission members were asked to bring names of structural engineers to the next meeting. Plans for Historic Preservation Proclamation: Ms. Lenahan received a positive response from the owners of 60 Green Avenue, and they are happy to know their home was chosen for the residential award. The four owners of Bottle Hill Tavern are pleased to receive the commercial award. Ms. Foster showed an example of the framed Certificate which Jim Burnet said could be printed by the Borough. The Certificate will be awarded to the recipients at a future Council meeting. The newspaper article written by Ms. Jeisi will be enhanced by photos of the two properties and the owners. New Business: Mr. Forte asked whether MHPC was aware of deterioration of the flashing and cornices on the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, indicating water leakage which will damage the underlying structure. At this time the Borough is focused on reconstruction of the front plaza and not on the need to take action on the cornices. It was pointed out that grant monies for repairs to historic buildings may be available through the NJ Historic Trust and the Open Space Fund. Ms. Foster will write to the Borough conveying MHPC’s strong recommendation that a grant application be submitted before the January deadline. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary