Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting – October 10, 2023 Meeting conducted remotely by Zoom Attending: Madison Historic Preservation (“HPC”) Chair Jill Rhodes, Vice Chair Adrienne Novak; Members, Max Hart, Chris Kellogg, Mary Ellen Lenahan, David Luber, Tyler Merson and John Solu; Council Liaison John Forte and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. No one was absent. 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. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the July 11, 2023, Public Meeting were considered. On motion made, seconded, and carried, the minutes were approved as written. Sign & Façade Reviews: None received by October 4, 2023. TCC Reviews: None received by October 4, 2023. New Business: Continuing Education: Ms. Novak mentioned that the Mid-Atlantic Center for Humanities offers courses and workshops for professional planners and commission members. Emails are sent with information on courses offered and she encouraged HPC members to consider signing up. HPC’s budget allows for one training session a year for each member. Ms. Novak will forward emails about future training sessions to HPC members. Wingate House demolition and efforts to save other historic structures: There was discussion of the loss of this house from the 1700’s. Despite efforts by the Borough and others to preserve the house, it was in poor condition and restoration was not financially feasible. Former Commission Chair Janet Foster documented the inside of the home and Dave Luber took photos. Some ideas for raising public awareness and to preserve other historic structures were:  Having conversations with developers  Encourage property owners to grant historic easements.  Use more imagination and creativity in new construction  Publicize what HPC’s powers are and what it cannot do under the Ordinance  Periodically highlight a historic property which may be vulnerable to raise public awareness and encourage a proactive approach to preservation  Saving architectural elements of demolished buildings for display in the museum Ms. Novak, Mr. Kellogg, and Ms. Lenahan agreed to form a committee to work on identifying some ideas and solutions. It was noted that raising awareness is most important. Mr. Merson agreed to work on compiling a list of 18th Century buildings which may be vulnerable so that proactive steps to save them can be started before it’s too late. Other Business: Dr. Rhodes asked for suggestions for filling the current vacancy on the Commission. All members are asked to be on the lookout for candidates who can add expertise, energy and vitality to the Commission and to let her know names and contact information. Updates from Liaisons: Planning Board: Ms. Lenahan reported there were no new applications. There is no timeline for the project for the Weichert buildings on Prospect Street. The buildings were offered to anyone willing to move them to another location, but this could be costly and vacant space is extremely limited. Zoning Board: Ms. Novak reported there were several small applications but none in a historic district or of concern to the HPC. Open Spaces: Mr. Merson reported the Open Space Committee had reviewed a plan to strengthen a retaining wall at the Luke Miller property. The property owner was told more information is needed before making a decision. Historical Society: Mr. Luber reported the Historical Society’s next program is Tuesday, October 24, at 7 pm via Zoom with a lecture by Rick Feingold on Cornelius Vanderbilt, First Gilded Age Tycoon. The Library renovation is expected to begin in November. Borough Council: Council Liaison John Forte reported the Hartley Dodge Foundation has pledged 4 million dollars, which is a substantial part of the cost of the Hartley Dodge Memorial’s East Wing Project. The second-floor bathrooms in the Memorial were renovated and Mr. Merson was thanked for his initiative in overseeing this project. Mr. Forte said he is excited about other upgrades and improvements for the Hartley Dodge Memorial which will be undertaken soon, including new lighting for the building. Mr. Forte noted that the entire Sign and Façade process needs to be re-evaluated and updated. He agreed to lead this forward. There was discussion about buildings in the Civic and Commercial Historic District in need of repair and restoration and that owners should be notified of these issues before further deterioration takes place. Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. 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