Historic Preservation Commission

MADISON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting December 12, 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 and John Solu; and Recording Secretary Laurie Hagerich. Absent: Member Tyler Merson and Council Liaison Melissa Honohan. One Member of the public, Chris Then, was present. 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 November 14, 2023, Public Meeting were considered. On motion made, seconded, and carried, the minutes were approved as written. Old Business: 49 Park Avenue: Out of courtesy to the Architect John Guadagnoli and applicant/prospective owner Mitchell MacGregor, who were at the meeting, this matter was taken up first. Revised plans were shown for the new 2-family home proposed for the subdivided lot. The HPC was pleased to see that the recommendations at the November 14 meeting were considered with new plans showing a front porch across the front and central stairs and entrance to the 2 family units, giving the appearance of a 1-family home. The architecture was complimentary to the existing puddingstone building, which will be restored. HPC suggested some additional detailing on the existing garage might be added to make it more compatible with the new home. HPC was pleased and strongly supported the planned restoration and upgrading of the existing puddingstone building, which is part of HPC’s Inventory. The architect and applicant were thanked for bringing the application for review and acting on HPC’s recommendations. Dr. Rhodes will write a letter to the Planning Board in support of the revised plans. The architect and applicant left the meeting at 8 pm. Sign & Façade Reviews: 20 Waverly Place: A new sign was shown for “Stay” a new hair salon replacing “Downtown Salon” at 20 Waverly Place. The new signage was approved, being basically the same as the previous signage. TCC Reviews: None received by December 6, 2023. New Business: Stone Column at 2 Fairwood Road Some neighborhood residents expressed concern about the safety of a deteriorated stone column at the corner of this property. Zoning Officer Dennis Harrington did a visual inspection and did not feel there was any danger of collapse but asked HPC for advice. There are similar columns in various locations, probably marking the entrance to an estate or large house no longer existing. They were noted when HPC did a survey of historic stone walls and other structures in the Borough. HPC recommended repairing the column and trying to locate a matching column in close proximity. Dr. Rhodes will write a letter confirming this recommendation. Updates from Liaisons: Planning Board: Ms. Lenahan reported there were no applications relevant to HPC and no news on the property at 3-9 Central Avenue. The historic report on the Weichert buildings on Prospect Street was submitted. Zoning Board: Ms. Novak reported there were no applications in a historic district or of concern to HPC. Historical Society: Mr. Luber reported the Historical Society’s temporary office has been functioning well. The library renovation is progressing, and asbestos remediation is complete. The next Historical Society program will be in March of 2024. Open Spaces: No report since Mr. Merson was absent. Other Business: Dr. Rhodes noted that Mr. Luber is stepping down after 11 years of serving on HPC. She thanked him for his service and expertise, especially during the movie theater demolition and new building review and the Central Avenue redevelopment. Mr. Solu thanked Mr. Luber for his help in locating historic photographs and help with research as liaison to the Historical Society. Chris Then, who has attended HPC meetings in the past 2 months, has followed through with the process of seeking appointment by Mayor Conley. Mr. Solu spoke about Dewey Comics, a new tenant moving into the James Building, that he hopes will bring increased interest and foot traffic to the Downtown Historic District. There was discussion of efforts to salvage some historic architectural elements from the Weichert buildings on Prospect Street. Public Comment: None Future Meetings, Adjournment: The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. There being no further business, on motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Laurie Hagerich, Recording Secretary