Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – December 14, 2021 Meeting conducted remotely through Zoom Attending: Madison Historic Preservation (“HPC”) Chair Janet Foster and Vice Chair Jill Rhodes; Members, Max Hart, Chris Kellogg, Mary Ellen Lenahan, David Luber, Adrienne Novak and John Solu; Council Liaison Astri Baillie; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Member John Forte. 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 November 9, 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: 28 Walnut Street: Ms. Lenahan attended the meeting where plans were reviewed for a new affordable housing project to be built on the site of the former Health Department Building. HPC was invited to attend the meeting, even though the property is not located in an historic district. Comments included suggestions for appropriate exterior colors. 64-66 Park Avenue: This project is an extension of the Angelica Townhomes on Elm Street and the site is part of the Park Avenue streetscape, but not in an historic district. One of the homes to be demolished is of a historic nature, although altered over time. HPC requested photographic documentation in partnership with the Madison Historical Society prior to demolition. HPC reviewed the initial design for the new building, with a suggestion for re-alignment of irregularly placed windows. Comments were sent to the Planning Board via the TCC review process. New Business: Annual Report: Dr. Rhodes agreed to work on preparation of the report assisted by another member who might be able to take over the task next year. The 2021 Annual Report will be dedicated to Carmine Toto and Mr. Solu agreed to write a tribute to Mr. Toto for inclusion in the report. Ms. Lenahan agreed to help with preparation of the report. Subcommittee to nominate 2022 HPC officers: Mr. Kellogg agreed to chair this subcommittee. Subcommittee to develop HPC By-Laws and procedures: Dr. Rhodes, Ms. Lenahan and Ms. Foster agreed to serve on this subcommittee. For Information: Ms. Foster mentioned June 3 is the date for the NJ Historic Preservation Conference to be held in person in Trenton and encouraged all members to save the date. Ms. Foster reported she received notice this afternoon that Jason Hyndman, HPC’s counsel for the Design Guidelines Project, was leaving the Decotis law firm. HPC would have the option of continuing with Mr. Hyndman’s representation, continuing with the Decotis firm or choosing an entirely new attorney. A decision will be made forthwith. Old Business: Design Guidelines Project: Ms. Foster reported receiving from John Hatch of Clark Caton Hintz a new revision of the draft Design Guidelines, incorporating comments and suggestions of HPC members. Because the new version is not drastically different from the first draft reviewed, Ms. Foster asked if members could approve the guidelines. Mr. Hart moved and Dr. Rhodes seconded a motion to accept the revised draft of the Design Guidelines, subject to minor edits. The motion was voted upon and carried unanimously. Ms. Foster will consult with Council Representative Astri Baillie and Borough Planner Susan Blickstein on what the next step should be to get the guidelines adopted by the Borough. They are not legally binding but provide a useful framework for reviewing building changes at the HPC, the Zoning Board or the Planning Board. Year-End Awards for Preservation Projects: Ms. Foster reported she did contact the owner of the Green Village Road Tudor building and had an enthusiastic response. However, because of other pending projects before the HPC, she suggested the matter be tabled until May when Preservation Week is usually celebrated. Liaison Reports: Planning Board Liaison: In the absence of Mr. Forte Ms. Baillie reported new plans were submitted for the dental office at 18 Madison Avenue. The new design was considered inappropriate for the streetscape and will have further revisions. The next Planning Board meeting will be in January 2022. Zoning Board Liaison: Ms. Lenahan reported the last meeting included reviews of the new Starbucks and residential properties, none of which were of concern to HPC. Open Space Liaison: Dr. Rhodes reported at the meeting on November 10 the Open Space Tax was restored to the 2- cent level, which will help with the Save the Drew Forest Preserve efforts. Madison Historical Society Liaison: Mr, Luber reported the Historical Society has made little progress with execution of the lease agreement for the space in the East Wing of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, where a local history museum may be established. The Historical Society is looking forward to celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2022, as well as the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. Borough Council: Ms. Baillie reported the East Wing renovation and Plaza restoration are current ongoing projects and the Borough is planning to go forward with the Masonic Lodge renovation. She is strongly in favor of the Borough adopting the Design Guidelines and offered to help in any way. Ms. Baillie noted this will be her last meeting as HPC Council Liaison. The Commission thanked Ms. Baillie for being an excellent Council Liaison and for her hard work during several Council terms on behalf of historic and open space preservation. Public Comment: There were no comments from the public. Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting of the Commission will be on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, via Zoom. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary