Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – June 8, 2021 Meeting conducted remotely through Zoom Attending: Madison Historic Preservation (“HPC”) Chair Janet Foster and Vice Chair Jill Rhodes; Members, Mary Ellen Lenahan, and John Solu; Council Liaison Astri Baillie; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Members John Forte, Max Hart, Chris Kellogg, David Luber and Carmine Toto. One member of the public, Lisa Ellis, was present. The meeting was called to order by Ms. Foster at 7:30 pm. She announced the meeting was called in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act and the Open Public Meetings statement was read. A verbal roll call was taken by Ms. Hagerich. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the May 11, 2021 Public Meeting were considered and on motion made, seconded and unanimously carried were approved as written. Revised Minutes of the April 13, 2021 Public Meeting with revisions not in the version previously approved on May 11, 2021, were considered. On motion made, seconded and unanimously carried the revised minutes were approved. Sign & Façade Reviews: There were no new Sign and Façade applications. Ms. Foster mentioned she will be meeting with Lisa Ellis, Sign & Façade staff coordinator on June 11 to talk about mutual concerns with HPC and Sign & Façade Committee. On June 15, HPC has been invited to a Stakeholder Meeting for a Gateway and Wayfinding Signage System Project, a new signage program. Ms. Foster, Ms. Lenahan and Dr. Rhodes will attend. Old Business: Design Guidelines Project: Special Guest Margaret Newman of Clark Caton Hintz was introduced and led discussion about her work on the Design Guidelines Project. She explained she is about 50 percent complete with the project but is waiting for help with graphics and concise wording. Her goals include using graphics and large photos with captions to make the document appealing and easy to read. Her purpose in attending this meeting is to insure the goals and expectations of HPC are being met. There was discussion of many aspects of the project, including preserving streetscape elements, impact of cell towers and solar panels, alternatives to wood as a building material, replacement and updating of windows. The importance of making architects and contractors aware of options available to make updates for windows and masonry historically correct. There was agreement that having Design Guidelines in place is an important tool in bringing about compliance with Sign & Façade regulations and Historic Preservation Ordinance. Ms. Newman agreed to send a draft of the Table of Contents for the document and to follow up with visuals. Ordinance Update: Dr. Rhodes reported she and Ms. Foster continue to work on visual inspection of maps and updating the data base. 120 Madison Avenue: Ms. Foster showed photos of the interior of the existing building which will be used for historic documentation. Mr. Kellogg made a strong appeal to the applicant for salvaging some of the valuable and important architectural elements prior to demolition, but there was very little interest in doing so. The owner was also given a brochure showing traditional masonry buildings in the area and Mr. Kellogg strongly encouraged him to make the new building more compatible with this style of architecture. New Business: 26 Main Street – Alteration/addition to cell tower: Mr. Solu showed drawings sent by Dynamic Environmental Associates showing the proposed location of the addition to the cell tower and other equipment on the roof of 26 Main Street, located in the Madison Civic and Commercial Historic District. The addition and new equipment will be in the rear portion of the roof and will be visible from Cook Avenue, not from Main Street. HPC’s comments included requests that the tower and equipment be moved to a more central location on the roof to make it less visible, to use materials and paint that are as dark as possible for less visibility, that the tower be built for present use, not for potential growth, and height of new tower should not exceed 42 feet. Mr. Solu offered to take an ariel photo showing existing conditions so that HPC can investigate the possible impact of Dynamic’s plan on the historic district and formulate a response. Updates from Liaisons: Zoning Board Liaison: Ms. Lenahan reported the Madison Theater demolition has begun even though approval for the new building has not been given. The historic elements are being kept by the Borough in a safe location. A recent court ruling allowed demolition before new building approval. The last Zoning Board meeting on May 13 continued the discussion of parking, garbage and traffic. The next meeting will be on Thursday, June 10. Ms. Lenahan also has been watching some properties in the Bottle Hill Historic District which appear to be neglected, and the property at 62 Ridgedale will have a new addition in the rear. Open Space Liaison: Dr. Rhodes reported an emergency meeting of the Open Space, Historic Preservation and Recreation Advisory Committee was called to give support for preservation of the Drew Forrest. Ms. Baillie added that a Resolution was passed by the Borough Council in support of preservation of the 53 acres of the Drew Woods. The Borough will be working with the Land Conservancy of NJ in this effort. Council Member Liaison: Ms, Baillie reported the Council is working on Drew Woods preservation as set forth above. Mr. Solu commented on the beautiful banners presently displayed in downtown Madison highlighting “Hidden Figures of Madison.” The banners have brought positive comments from local citizens and visitors from surrounding towns. Ms. Foster reminded everyone about continuation of the NJ Preservation Conference on June 10 and June 17 from 9 to 3 pm. The first virtual session was on June 3 attended by several members. Public Comment: There were no comments from the public. Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting of the Commission will be on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, via Zoom. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary