Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – February 8, 2022 Meeting conducted remotely through Zoom Attending: Madison Historic Preservation (“HPC”) Vice Chair Jill Rhodes; Members, John Forte, Max Hart, Mary Ellen Lenahan, David Luber, and Adrienne Novak; Council Liaison Maureen Byrne and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Member John Solu arrived late. Absent: Chair Janet Foster (excused), Member Chris Kellogg. The meeting was called to order by Dr. Rhodes 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 January 11, 2022, Public Meeting were considered and the following correction was noted in the Historical Society Update: The last sentence should read “there will be minimal exterior work”. On motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried the minutes were approved with the aforesaid revision. TCC Reviews: There were no new TCC applications. Sign & Façade Reviews: There were no new Sign and Façade applications. New Business: Design Guidelines Project: Dr. Rhodes reported on an informal meeting organized by Ray Codey, to present the Design Guidelines and discuss HPC’s request to have attorney Janine Bauer replace Jason Hyndman as HPC’s legal representative. The meeting was attended by Ms. Foster, Dr.Rhodes, Council Liaison Byrne and several other Borough representatives. The Design Guidelines were well- received by all concerned. An Ordinance will be introduced at the Borough Council meeting on February 14 to incorporate the Design Guidelines into the present Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Design Guidelines were also presented to the Planning Board in January and were favorably received. Dr. Rhodes thanked all Commission members for their hard work on this project and felt having the Guidelines in place will be very beneficial in the Planning and Zoning Board’s review process. Reorganization/2022 HPC officers: In the absence of Mr. Kellogg this matter will be tabled until the next meeting. 2021 Annual Report: Dr. Rhodes reported the 2021 Annual Report is complete and was sent for a final review by all Commission members. One correction was noted which will be made. Dr. Rhodes thanked Ms. Novak for her help in preparation and review of the Report and Mr. Solu was commended for his excellent tribute to Carmine Toto, which was especially well done and meaningful. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried to approve the 2021 Annual Report. The Report will be posted on the Borough website. Liaison Reports: Planning Board Liaison: Mr. Forte reported the Design Guidelines were presented at the January meeting and were well received. Revised plans for the dental office at 18 Madison Avenue were approved at this meeting and he thanked Ms. Foster for her input and recommendations, resulting in a better design more compatible with the streetscape. Zoning Board Liaison: Ms. Lenahan reported the January meeting included a presentation by the Shade Tree Commission. There were no applications requiring HPC input. The February meeting will include review of plans for residential properties and the new Starbucks, which is not in an historic district or of concern to HPC. John Solu joined the meeting at 7:50 pm and expressed his appreciation for being given the opportunity to pay tribute to Carmine Toto in the Annual Report. Open Space Liaison: Dr. Rhodes reported there will be a meeting on February 9 when the Open Space funds and future projects will be reviewed. Madison Historical Society Liaison: Mr, Luber reported the Historical Society’s next program will be on February 17, co-sponsored with Madison Alliance for Racial Equity (MARE). The subject will be Enduring Dynamics of Racial Segregation in NJ,from Redlining to Mt. Laurel and Beyond. Another program is scheduled for March 15 on Lincoln’s Commanders. MARE Liaison: Mr. Hart had no update other than the joint program on February 17 with Madison Historical Society, as previously reported. Mr. Solu mentioned that the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust will be accepting applications for grants, with a filing deadline of March 2022. Because of the recent court ruling barring religious institutions from receiving funds, there is less competition for grant monies, and he recommended action be taken without delay for any worthy projects. Borough Council Liaison: Ms. Byrne reported the Design Guidelines will be introduced at the Borough Council meeting on February 14 and hopefully will be finalized thereafter. Public Comment: There were no comments from the public. Alex Parker Magyar, a member of the public, left the meeting at this time. There was a brief discussion about the revised Ordinance and HPC’s request to have attorney Janine Bauer, replace Jason Hyndman as HPC’s attorney regarding the revised Ordinance. Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting of the Commission will be on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, via Zoom. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary