Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – October 13, 2020 Meeting conducted remotely through Zoom Attending: Madison Historic Preservation (“HPC”) Chair Janet Foster; Executive Chairs Mary Ellen Lenahan and Dr. Jill Rhodes; Members John Forte, David Luber, Max Hart, John Solu and Carmine Toto; Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich; Council Liaison Carmela Vitale. Absent: Member, Chris Kellogg. The meeting was called to order by Ms. Foster at 7:30 pm and Ms. Lenahan announced the meeting was called in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. A verbal roll call was taken by Ms. Hagerich. The minutes of the September 8, 2020, Public Meeting were considered and on motion made, seconded and unanimously approved, the minutes were accepted as written. Sign & Façade Update: Ms. Foster reported there were three new Sign and Façade Applications received between meetings and acted upon by the Subcommittee: - New sign for Museum of Early Trades & Crafts Education Annex in the James Building at Main Street and Green Village Road was approved. - New façade and sign for 36 Main Street, a non-contributing building in the Downtown Historic District. The new façade, which will be open to the street, and new sign were approved. The space will be occupied by Rocco’s Pizzeria. - 29 Main Street, new sign was approved for the rear facade New Business: Review of request for site modifications at Forge Building adjacent to Luke Miller House on Ridgedale Avenue in Bottle Hill Historic District: Ms. Foster reported the Chair of the Parks Advisory Committee has written to inform HPC of proposed site modifications at the Forge Building adjacent to the Luke Miller House consisting of filling in the excavation site where prior archeological work was done, removing ivy on the building, installing low maintenance landscaping plants and installing new signage facing the street with information on history and importance of the site. Dr. Rhodes, in her expertise as a former archaeologist, agreed the proposed infill is appropriate for the site. Mr. Luber added background on the previous excavation, a cooperative effort among the Madison Historical Society, the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts and Madison High School students. HPC thanked the Parks Advisory Committee for bringing the work before the Commission and approved the infill of the site and new plantings, which were deemed improvements enhancing the setting of the Forge and the Luke Miller House. The Park Advisory Committee invited HPC to draft a vision for future use and restoration of the interior of the Forge Building. HPC will take this project under consideration. Old Business: Report of Subcommittee for Ordinance revision: Dr. Rhodes reported a meeting was held with Borough Officials and members of the Zoning and Planning Boards to draft a coordinated response to the final draft of the revised Ordinance, incorporating comments from the Zoning and Planning Boards and the respective attorneys. Dr. Rhodes is waiting for the coordinated response. Report on grant application to Open Space for Design Guidelines: Ms. Foster reported she is awaiting a response on the request for funding after it is reviewed at the next Open Space meeting in the next week. She emphasized to Open Space that the Design Guidelines are not contingent on the revised Ordinance being adopted and are needed separate and apart from that issue. Dr. Rhodes will be attending the Open Space meeting, in her capacity as the HPC representative on the Advisory Committee. Preservation Celebration Update: Ms. Lenahan reported the Preservation Awards were made at the Council Meeting on September 30 and thanked everyone for their help and participation. Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins were present to accept for 9 Myrtle Avenue, Mr. Forte accepted for 37 Crescent Road and Mr. Luber accepted the award for the rescue of the 19th century bottle, now held by the Madison Historical Society. Clara Forte was thanked for her excellent work in designing the signs, and Ms. Lenahan will send Clara a letter of appreciation. Mr. Luber has submitted a publicity article to The Madison Eagle with a picture. Other Business, Future Meetings, Adjournment: Lyons Theater Update: Ms. Lenahan reported the revised History Report on the Lyons Theater was received from preservation expert Barton Ross with the changes recommended by HPC. Ms. Foster reported receipt of multiple hard copies of the documentation, which will be distributed to appropriate parties after the History Report is re-printed with the revisions. Mr. Solu asked about pre-planning for the ultimate location of the theater ticket booth and other historic elements. There was discussion of some possible locations, such as the Hartley Dodge Memorial attic or the East Wing of the Memorial. Ms. Vitale offered to coordinate the issue of storage of the ticket booth and other historic elements with the Borough. Mr. Solu will draft a memo with his questions and suggestions about pre- planning for saving the historic artifacts prior to demolition. It was noted the plans for the new building are not ready to be submitted to the Zoning Board at this time. The next meeting of the Commission will be on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, via Zoom. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary