Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – December 13, 2022 Meeting conducted remotely by Zoom Attending: Madison Historic Preservation (“HPC”) Chair Janet Foster, Members, Max Hart, Chris Kellogg, Mary Ellen Lenahan, David Luber, Adrienne Novak and John Solu; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Vice Chair Jill Rhodes, Member John Forte and Council Liaison Maureen Byrne. 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. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the October 11, 2022, Public Meeting were considered. On motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the minutes were approved as written. Sign & Façade Reviews: There were no new Sign & Façade Reviews. TCC Reviews: 133 Green Village Road: Ms. Novak explained the property, which is part of a historic streetscape, was purchased by a developer who plans to demolish the present house and subdivide the lot. The applicant plans to construct two very large homes set diagonally to the street, which would not be in keeping with the present streetscape. It was recommended that the new homes directly face the street to be compatible with the other homes in the streetscape. The application will now go to the Planning Board and HPC will have opportunity to make comments on scale and size of the new homes. 17 Samson Avenue: This application proposes demolition of a small 1 ½ story Cape Cod home with construction of two new homes on the subdivided lot. HPC has no comment, since the neighborhood streetscape is inconsistent and the home to be demolished is not historic. New Business: Annual Report for 2022: Ms. Novak agreed to work on preparation of the report with Dr. Rhodes’ help. Old Business: 3-5 Central Avenue: Revised plans for the project were presented at the December Planning Board meeting and the matter will be continued on January 17. Many of the changes were in accordance with the Design Guidelines and HPC’s comments on the previous design. Several photos of the revised design were shown, and Ms. Foster encouraged HPC members to attend the January 17 meeting. She will speak for the HPC on this matter; others are able to comment and voice their concerns as citizens of the town. It was noted the applicants will need to appear before HPC to obtain a demolition permit. Ordinance and Flow Chart: Attorney Janine Bauer joined the meeting to give input on clarifying the administration and regulation of historic properties in locally designated districts and to identify conditions that may be applied by HPC when a designated building is demolished. There was discussion of some possible conditions, including documentation, number of stories allowed, salvaging of historic artifacts from demolished building, and having final plans for new building in place prior to demolition approval. It was noted in cases of demolition HPC can apply conditions and will always have to approve with conditions, but HPC cannot condition use. Denying the demolition goes against the property owner’s right to use the land. Attorney Bauer recommended that HPC write up criteria for conditions, similar to the Design Guidelines, and give notice to the applicant at the beginning of the process. Categories of all mandatory conditions should be set forth in writing. Ms. Foster asked all members to consider what conditions should be included and send feedback to her by January 6. 2023. She will then compile a list and forward to Ms. Bauer for her review. Ms. Bauer left the meeting at 8:45 pm. Waverly Place Reconstruction: Ms. Foster was informed by Lisa Ellis of the DDC that the project is on hold because the relocation of the infrastructure would be too costly. Ms. Lenahan noted the new construction at the former Investor’s Bank Building is proceeding and looks good. Updates from Liaisons: Planning Board: In the absence of Mr. Forte, Ms. Foster referred to previous report on 3-5 Central Avenue. Zoning Board: Ms. Lenahan reported the Zoning Board approved the Angelica project at 64 and 66 Park Avenue. It was noted HPC’s request to have access to the Park Avenue property for photographs and documentation can now go forward, but there is too little time to do this before the end of the year. Hopefully it can be arranged before demolition takes place. Open Spaces: No report since Dr. Rhodes is indisposed this evening. Historical Society: Mr. Luber reported the Historical Society programs are finished for 2022. There was a meeting with the architect and Borough representatives regarding the East Wing renovation in the Hartley Dodge Memorial where the Society has plans to establish a museum. Public Comment: There were no comments from the public. Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting of the Commission will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, on Zoom. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary