Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – October 12, 2021 Meeting conducted remotely through Zoom Attending: Madison Historic Preservation (“HPC”) Chair Janet Foster and Vice Chair Jill Rhodes; Members, John Forte, Max Hart, Chris Kellogg, Mary Ellen Lenahan, David Luber and John Solu; Council Liaison Astri Baillie; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. 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. A verbal roll call was taken by Ms. Hagerich. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the September 14, 2021, Public Meeting were considered and on motion made, seconded and unanimously carried were approved as written. Sign & Façade Reviews: There were no new Sign and Façade applications. TCC Reviews: 18 Madison Avenue: Ms. Foster and Mr. Kellogg conducted a Zoom conference call with the applicant and architect to review a revised design for the replacement building after demolition of the ca. 1900 residence identified in the Madison Cultural Resources Inventory as part of a streetscape. The revised design was improved but still modern, not in keeping with the neighboring buildings. Mr. Kellogg was not in favor of the lack of a front door facing Madison Avenue. The architect, Mr. Garlik said another revision of the plans would be submitted, hopefully incorporating HPC’s comments and feedback. 132 Ridgedale Avenue: Ms. Lenahan reported she and Mr. Solu had not expected this application for demolition with two replacement houses to be on the agenda. The property is not part of the Bottle Hill Historic District, and the plans were previously reviewed by HPC about two years ago. At that time the applicant had indicated he was open to preserve, rather than demolish, the existing building. There were no objections to the present proposal but HPC’s previous review had recommended preservation of the existing building as part of a streetscape and that the new house be modest in size. 3 Central Avenue: Very preliminary plans were presented by applicant’s attorney and architect for demolition of the existing one-story building at 3 Central Avenue to be replaced by a four-story mixed-use retail and apartment building. The building is designated “Contributing” to the Madison Civic and Commercial Historic District. Many issues are involved, including change of zoning, parking, lighting, environmental sensitivity, access to and use of the rear alleyway and removal of debris. The applicant would like to bring his plans to HPC as soon as possible. More detailed plans with drawings and materials must be submitted by November 1, in order to have the application on the November HPC Agenda. It was noted the proposed four-story replacement building will have a tremendous visual impact on Central Avenue. Ms. Foster will speak with Ray Codey about funding for an attorney and engineer to support HPC’s case for preservation of the building. Old Business: Design Guidelines Project: Ms. Foster reported the comments and suggestions of HPC members were shared with John Hatch and Margaret Newman of Clark Caton Hintz. A revised draft of the Design Guidelines is being worked on and will be sent for further review by HPC. Progress on Mapping for Ordinance Development: Visual inspections of the 1,352 individual lots is complete and a conference call with Borough Planner Susan Blickstein is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13. Year-End Awards for Preservation Projects: There was discussion of two homes on Bardon Street which Ms. Lenahan proposed for recognition as examples of upgrading and making additions to preserve rather than demolish these unique homes. Ms. Foster will contact the owner of the Green Village Road Tudor apartment building previously discussed. Mr. Hart proposed recognition of the recent work on two East Jersey Cottages at 59 and 57 Ridgedale Avenue, in the Bottle Hill Historic District. Commission members were asked to send any additional recommendations for recognition by the November meeting, so that the awards can be made before the end of the year. The signs designed by Clara Forte will be used for the 2021 awards. Updates from Liaisons: Planning Board Liaison: Mr. Forte reported the new mosque at 120 Madison Avenue was approved at the September meeting with conditions relating to parking, traffic and landscaping. There was strong encouragement from HPC for salvaging historic and architectural elements and making the building more compatible with Madison’s architecture, but the applicant was uninterested. Zoning Board Liaison: Ms. Lenahan reported there were no updates. Open Space Liaison: Dr. Rhodes reported there were no updates. The October meeting was cancelled. Madison Historical Society Liaison: Mr, Luber reported on two upcoming meetings: a Zoom program on Grant’s Tomb and the Death of Ulysses Grant on October 19 and an in-person program on November 16 which will be a Civil War Roundtable. Borough Council: Ms. Baillie mentioned the Borough has plans to make parking, traffic and other changes on Waverly Place as recommended in the Master Plan. An RFP has been sent to several companies. Ms. Baillie recommended that HPC have a representative in the planning phase of the project and it was noted that HPC input is required where public funds are involved. Mr. Solu mentioned that grant funds were awarded from Morris County Historic Trust Fund for improvements and renovations at the Masonic Temple (originally the First Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township) on Main Street. Ms. Baillie noted this will be a public and private partnership project on a very important historic building. Mr. Solu urged HPC to make sure close oversight is given to this project. Public Comment: There were no comments from the public. Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting of the Commission will be on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, with format to be determined. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary