Historic Preservation Commission

BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, February 18, 2021 1. OPENING OF THE MEETING - Virtual meeting via Zoom. Called to order 7:33pm 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL a. Present: Camille Sasena, Lauren Letizia, Matthew Corso, Cynthia Affitino, Councilwoman Dell. Not present: Chris Sandt, Grace Pessentia, Alena Bohacova, Charlie Johnston, Louis Scheideler 4. MINUTES a. Approval of Past Minutes - tabled 5. PROCEDURAL a. Review and Adoption of Procedural Rules and Bylaws - tabled b. Historic Preservation Consultant – L. Letizia 1. L. Letizia nominated Tim Adriance as a replacement for Gregory Dietrich for his expertise in local historic preservation, history of Bergen County and Westwood, and his appropriate fee schedule. Discussion. M. Corso 2nd. All in favor. 2. Borough Clerk will need T. Adriance credentials to draft resolution for governing body approval. 6. CORRESPONDENCE – C. Sasena a. New owner of 436 Center Ave requesting additional information on property; None in files so referred to Heritage Society b. New owner of 306 Washington requesting additional information on property; “John D. Harring House; no additional information so referred to Heritage Society 7. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS and VOUCHERS - Pending 2021 budget allocation 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Historic Properties i. Train Station – reminder: dedication tentatively 6/6/2021- tabled ii. 84 Washington Ave – Site visit postponed due to weather. b. Projects i. Certified Local Government Program – tabled ii. Historic Walking Tours – tabled iii. Pride of Place - tabled c. Training Status & Opportunities – C. Sasena i. "Historic Buildings in a Post Pandemic Era" by AIA New Jersey, hosted by Walter Sedovic Architects, Hudson Valley. March 25th 12pm-1:30pm. Free webinar, registration required: https://aia-nj.org/event/historic-buildings-in-a- post-pandemic-era/ ii. "Preserving African American Places: Growing Preservation's Potential as a Path for Equity" by National Trust for Historic Preservation panel. Recording accessible at: https://vimeo.com/507295055 iii. “The Historic Property Reinvestment Act: A Conversation with Tim Sullivan, CEO, NJEDA” hosted by Preservation New Jersey (was held 2/18/2021). L. Letizia to follow up on legislation and access to recorded webinar. If accessible, this is critical training.  BOROUGH OF WESTWOOD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, February 18, 2021 9. NEW BUSINESS a. Pascack Theater and BoA building – C. Sasena 1. Theatre for sale & Bank of America Building (Westwood Trust Building) has lost its major ground floor tenant. C. Sasena recommends she draft a letter to each of the property owners to provide information about the existence and role of the HPC and benefits of historic preservation. C. Sasena will also be drafting communications to downtown business owners to share similar information proactively and advocacy organizations for assistance in raising the awareness of the theatre’s sale. 2. C. Affinito notes the movie theatre’s potential attractiveness to theatre groups such as the Bergen County Players and suggests they also be made aware of the sale. Consensus on communicating the importance of preserving the structure at large and sharing information of its listing. ii. M. Corso: Inquiry regarding process of local designation 1. L. Letizia references ordinance for the detailed process, but gave an overview to M. Corso who may be interested in learning more for his residence. Discussion and consensus on the value of the HPC understanding this process more acutely and for bringing that type of training to the community at large perhaps through a spring webinar with T. Adriance. 10. ADJOURNMENT - C. Sasena, L. Letizia 8:30pm