Historic Preservation Commission

Approved, March 9, 2023 100 Riveredge Road, Tenafly, NJ 07670 MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2023 Vice Chairperson Mike Barone called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. The announcement was made regarding compliance with the Open Public Meetings Law. Roll Call Members Present: Mike Barone, Rita Heller, Richard Bennett, Emily Yang, Brendan Lee, and Steven Standler Members Absent: Thorin Tritter Also Present: Jeff Grossman, Council Liaison Mr. Barone asked for the members of the Commission to take a moment to pause and honor David Wall, past Chair and member of the Historic Preservation Commission. Dave will be missed by all more than words can express. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Mrs. Yang and seconded by Mrs. Heller to approve the minutes from January 5, 2023 with a minor change. A voice vote carried the motion. All members voted in favor of the motion; none were opposed. New Business  Mr. Barone stated that there were two grant opportunities that the Commission could apply for. The members discussed possible projects in town that funding from these grants if awarded could be used for, such as restoring the Inness Road Gates, hiring a historic architectural consultant and the installation of a fire suppression system at the Railroad Station. The members were asked to give any other historic projects to the Commission Secretary to have the items added for consideration to the next meeting agenda.  Mrs. Heller stated that the Commission is in need of a Historic Consultant to undertake the task of writing designation reports. A motion was made by Mrs. Heller and seconded by Mr. Bennett to hire a Professional Historic Consultant. A voice vote carried the motion. All members voted in favor of the motion; none were opposed.  Mr. Barone stated that the external hard drives the Commission purchased years ago are back in Borough Hall and are being scanned by the Borough’s IT department before the files can be opened on the Borough’s computer system.  Historic Preservation Commission Meeting February 2, 2023 2 Old Business Mr. Barone stated that Paul Stefanowicz, Borough Historian has asked again for more copies of the History of Tenafly to be printed. Mr. Lee stated that he started to look at the project last year with former Chair, Karen Neus. It was decided then that the photos were not good quality and a large undertaking that the Commission was not ready for at the time. Mr. Lee noted some of the text could be edited and the whole document reformatted. Mr. Barone stated that further discussion is needed on this item and to add it on the next meeting agenda. Updates from Council Liaison Councilman Grossman explained his role as Liaison, where he does not vote on items before the Commission. Rather he is responsible for facilitating communication between the Mayor and Council, the Commission and the Planning Board. Councilman Grossman suggested being most of the members of the Commission are rather new that we have a meeting at Davis Johnson Park in the Garden Room to see all the artifacts the Commission has acquired over the years. Councilman Grossman stated that the Planning Board is still working on the Master Plan Reexamination Report, which is due this year. The topic of Accessory Dwelling Units and Bed and Breakfast in historic designated homes will be researched by the Planner. If the Planning Board does decide to include this in the report, it would then be sent to the Mayor & Council as a recommendation. Councilman Grossman provided an update on the Railroad Station grant project which he noted is still underway. The Borough has received proposals for the roof repair, interior electrical upgrades and for wood restoration. The biggest problem is finding vendors to do the work and funding of the projects. Public Comment Christine Evron, 39 Leroy Street—Ms. Evron asked about having an ordinance for designated historic home that could operate as a Bed and Breakfast. She noted that this would help with revitalizing the downtown and having homes designated historic. Ms. Evron was asked to provide a sample ordinance for any of the towns in Bergen County that have this already in place. Adjournment The next meeting will be held in person at the Garden Room at Davis John Park on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 7:30pm. Notice will be sent to the papers amending the schedule and location of the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10pm by Mr. Barone. A motion was made by Mr. Bennett and seconded by Mrs. Heller. A voice vote carried the motion. All members voted in favor; none were opposed. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Booth Historic Preservation Commission Secretary