Historic Preservation Commission

Approved, January 5, 2023 100 Riveredge Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670 MINUTES December 1, 2022 Chairperson Karen Neus called the meeting to order at 7:31pm. The announcement was made regarding compliance with the Open Public Meetings Law. Roll Call Members Present: Karen Neus, Mike Barone, Rita Heller, Brendan Lee, Emily Yang & Council Liaison Jeff Grossman Members Absent: Richard Bennett Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Mr. Barone and seconded by Mrs. Heller to approve the minutes from October 27, 2022 with minor changes. A voice vote carried the motion. All members voted in favor of the motion; none were opposed. Certificates of Appropriateness Mrs. Neus informed the Commission that there are no new Certificate of Appropriateness applications before the Commission. a. 177 Hudson Avenue A revised Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted on September 2, 2022 and after review has been deemed complete. This application was deemed a major application and will require proper noticing by the applicant before the matter comes before the Commission. Ms. Booth will notify the applicant and offer dates for when the hearing can be scheduled. Old Business a. 4.5-5 W. Railroad Avenue Project Design Update Yoav Rettig, owner of 4 ½-5 W. Railroad Avenue, formerly the movie theater building along with Chris Blake, Architect and Michal Seidenman, Interior Designer came before the Commission. They presented an updated design of the façade along with different material samples and colors that might be used for the project. The consensus was that they wanted to build something that was durable, esthetically pleasing and made a positive contribution to the town and streetscape. Mr. Blake gave an overview of the project to the Commission. He explained that the proposed design was ongoing in the development process and they will come back to the Commission with a final design choice when they are ready. Mrs. Yang noted that the Historic Preservation Commission does not have jurisdiction on this application. The applicant is meeting with the Commission as per the Planning Board request.  Historic Preservation Commission Meeting December 1, 2022 Page 2 b. 2023 Meeting Schedule The Commission was in agreement of the meeting date scheduled. A voice vote carried and all members were in favor; none were opposed. New Business a. 91 W. Clinton Avenue—Fire Lane Since the change in tenant and the use of the building the Fire Official has noticed multiple cars parking all over blocking the area that could be seen as the “fire lane”. He would like to recommend that the Commission advise the tenant to install “No Parking” signage instead of painting the yellow striping and hatching for “No Parking” area. Mr. Barone offered to meet with the Fire Official after the New Year come up with the best way mark the fire lane at this property. Mrs. Yang left the meeting at 9:10pm. b. 2023 Goals & Objectives  Historic Markers—Drafts descriptions of the historic significance to the location have been started for Inness Road Gates, 330 Engle Street and Huyler Park. The Commission discussed possibly adding Maugham School and 170 Thatcher Road to the list.  Architectural Historian—The Commission needs to hire a new architectural historian to replace T. Robins Brown. o The Architectural Historian would compile individual historic reports for properties in historic districts and other places in Tenafly. Suggestions were made to have reports of 54 and 50 Magnolia Avenue in the Magnolia Avenue Historic District and 168 Serpentine Road in the Atwood’s Highwood Park Historic District.  Survey of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s)—This discussion was a continuation from the September 8, 2022 meeting when resident, Kevin Tremble asked the Commission to embark on a study to explore the use of accessory units on oversized lots. The survey would be to gather information to see if the Borough should amend the ordinance to protect ADU’s on historic properties and if there would be a benefit to the Borough. The properties that would be studied would be within the historic districts and on the Borough’s Historic Inventory list. Adjournment The next meeting will be held in person at Borough Hall on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 7:30pm. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00pm by Mrs. Neus. A motion was made by Mr. Lee and seconded by Mr. Barone. A voice vote carried the motion. All members voted in favor; none were opposed. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Booth Historic Preservation Commission Secretary