Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – November 10, 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 (joined the meeting at 8:10 pm); Absent: Member, Chris Kellogg and Council Liaison Carmela Vitale. Several members of the public were present. The meeting was called to order by Ms. Foster at 7:39 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. Lenahan. The minutes of the October 13, 2020, Public Meeting were considered and on motion of Ms. Foster, seconded by Mr. Solu and unanimously approved, the minutes were accepted as written. Sign & Façade Update: Ms. Foster reported there was approval of a new sign for Noon Tea Creperie at 57 Main Street received between meetings and acted upon by the Subcommittee. Old Business: Master Plan Update (Luber): The Borough is working with Susan Blickstein, of SGB Planners, to update 3 elements of the Master Plan: Community Mobility, Land Use, and Historic Preservation. Draft elements of the Historic Preservation plan were prepared by the professional staff with considerable input from the public through surveys and on-line meetings conducted this year. In October, the draft was shared with the Master Plan subcommittee, consisting of Mr. Luber, Ms. Foster and Ms. Lenahan. They reviewed the document and provided comments to Susan Blickstein. Mr Luber noted that the plan recognizes the tensions between the HPC and other land use bodies in the Borough regarding jurisdiction and standards. The plan’s call for Design Guidelines supports a goal of the HPC and is an important strategy for mitigating that tension. The administrative goals of the HPC imply a (somewhat) stronger ordinance but much of the discussion of preservation within the community is around education. The draft Master Plan elements are expected to be presented to the Borough Council in November. The full text is not available to the public until the presentation to Council. HPC members are encouraged to attend the Borough Council meeting on this topic. Update on grant application to Open Space for Design Guidelines (Foster): The Madison Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Committee approved a grant of $30,800 to the HPC for Design Guidelines for both residential areas (Bottle Hill Historic District) and the commercial downtown (Madison Civic & Commercial Historic District). The Borough Council approved the award at their meeting on October 26. Janet Foster has been in touch with the Borough administration about the next steps needed to develop a contract for the work and get the work underway. Other Business: Ms. Foster reported the owners of 29 Main Street are considering façade changes on the store front. A packet with proposed plans was received which she will send to all members for review in advance of the December meeting when the matter will be on the agenda. For information, the 18th Century East Jersey Cottage at 62 Ridgedale Avenue is undergoing extensive renovations by the owner Jeffrey Friedel and he expects to come before HPC in December. A large addition is planned in the rear of the home. Mr. Friedel invited HPC members to stop by the property to see his progress on this historic home. The two East Jersey Cottages across Ridgedale Avenue are also undergoing renovations Public Comment: Members of the Madison Alliance on Racial Equity attended the meeting, and spoke about their goals for working with existing committees and commissions in Madison, particularly on issues of housing, recognition of diverse peoples, both historic and contemporary, in the naming of public places and the commemoration through monuments, activities, and education. The speakers and members of the HPC engaged in a good discussion on these issues, and all expressed an interest in continuing the conversation. Kesha Moore, Claudine Berti and Lisa Jordan all spoke and provided personal emails for contact to continue. Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting of the Commission will be on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, via Zoom. Ms. Foster mentioned Mayor Conley will be considering appointments of new members and re-appointments to HPC during December and encouraged present members to let the Mayor know names of persons they feel would be appropriate HPC members. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary