MINUTES OF THE MONTCLAIR HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

OCTOBER 21, 2004

Present:  Chairman Jerry Mosier, Vice Chairman Ira Smith, Commissioners Susan Brady, Kathleen McDonough, Denis Orloff, Edward Lippincott, and Sabine Eck.

Absent:  Jonathan Perlstein, John Morris

Also present:  Jonathan Mellon, Commission Secretary

Order and Announcements:  The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Chairman Mosier.  Mr. Mellon called the roll and stated that the Commission had a quorum. The notice of compliance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act was read, indicating that appropriate notice was forwarded to the officially designated newspaper of Montclair and also posted in the Municipal Building.

Approval of Minutes:  On a motion by Commissioner Lippincott and seconded by Commissioner Eck, the minutes of the September 23, 2004 meeting of the Commission were approved.

Approval of Resolution and Certificate of Appropriateness

Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Rockaway Bedding, 504 Bloomfield Avenue

Vice Chair Smith provided the Commission with an update on the proposed lighting for the façade.  He stated that he had consulted with Ms. Brady, and that they had reached the conclusion that the best course of action would be to retain the existing light fixtures that were seen as working well with the Art Moderne façade.  He noted that this would also address the concern of the Commission, which had been raised at the September meeting, over the manner in which new lighting would be mounted on the façade.

The Commission noted that the resolution still called for the removal of the lighting within the illegal awning.  The Commission also noted that the resolution should be changed to reflect the new course of action for the lighting for the façade.

On motion by Vice Chair Smith, seconded by Commissioner Lippincott, the memorializing resolution was adopted as modified.

Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Bud Markelwith, 439-449 Bloomfield Avenue  On motion by Vice Chair Smith, seconded by Commissioner Orloff, the memorializing resolution was adopted as modified.

The Commission expressed its concern over the new sign that was recently installed on the front façade, and noted that the sign does not comply with what was approved at the September meeting.  The background color of the sign was to match the stone façade of the building, and the existing sign has a white background panel that does not.  Mr. Mellon stated that he would contact the applicant to determine whether or not the sign is just a temporary one, or a permanent one.  He stated that he would provide the Commission with an update on the project at the November meeting.

Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Peter Schofel – 312 Montclair Associates, 22 310 Bloomfield Avenue  On motion by Commissioner Orloff, seconded by Commissioner Lippincott, with Vice Chair Smith abstaining, the memorializing resolution was adopted as modified.

Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Ecco Bella, 50 Church Street  On motion by Commissioner Brady, seconded Commissioner Eck, the memorializing resolution was adopted as modified.

Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Dave Freeman, 596 Bloomfield Avenue  On motion by Commissioner Orloff, seconded by Vice Chairman Smith, the memorializing resolution was adopted as modified.

Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Euro Glass Art LLC, 27 South Park Street  On motion by Commissioner Orloff, seconded by Commissioner Eck, the memorializing resolution was adopted as modified.

Old Business

Application 2002-12 – First Montclair Partners

22 South Park Street (Block 2208, Lots 15, 16)

At the time of the public hearing the applicant was not present.  Chair Mosier informed the Commission that he and Mr. Mellon had met with the applicant at the site, and that the applicant had stated his desire to work with the Commission to resolve the situation.  Mr. Mellon stated that he would contact the applicant to see when a presentation to the Commission would occur.

Application 2004-4 – Ho Yung – Exclesior Holdings, LLC

292 Bloomfield Avenue (Block 3103, Lot 4)

At the time of the public hearing, Paul Sionas, the architect for the project, came forward and was sworn.  The document that had been submitted by the applicant as part of the application package consisted of a plan by Sionas Architecture, P.C., dated 7 October, 2004.

The applicant was returning to the Commission with a design for the proposed HVAC platform to be constructed at 292 Bloomfield Avenue.  The original application was reviewed at the April 15, 2004 meeting of the Commission; Application #2004-04.  The application received the approval of the Commission with conditions, and subsequently work began on the project.

The revised design calls for changes to the HVAC platform, which is an addition to the existing structure at 292 Bloomfield Avenue.  The proposal calls for additional brick columns visible from Gates Avenue, which are necessary to support the weight of the structure.  The columns will also allow for the reduction in the depth and the weight of the steel beams that are required to frame the proposed platform.  As well, the downspout is being relocated next to the existing one on the original structure.

Upon completion of the presentation by Mr. Sionas, the Commission discussed the proposal and stated that it had concerns over the effect that the new columns would have on the symmetry and spacing of the façade.  The Commission also noted that the new columns would be subject to potential damage from vehicles entering and exiting, and thus suggested that the applicant consider installing a curb at the base of the columns.  The Commission stated that the treatment of the rear portion of the addition, which would have a metal railing as opposed to the brick wall that is to be constructed on the front façade, was an issue that the applicant might look at again when a proposal to restore the rear façade of the structure was submitted.

In response to the concerns raised by the Commission, Mr. Sionas stated that the applicant would be agreeable to the suggestion for the installation of a curb at the base of the columns.  He went on to state that the spacing issue raised by the Commission would be alleviated by the differentiating of the openings as a result of one providing vehicular access, while the other is to be landscaped.

Chairman Mosier, hearing no further questions from the members of the Commission or staff, opened the meeting to the public for comments on the application.  No public comment was offered.

On a motion by Vice Chair Smith and seconded by Commissioner Orloff to approve the application with the following condition, the Commission voted seven in favor, with no negative or abstaining votes.

Condition:

A)  A concrete curb like element will be installed at the base of the middle and north columns.

Vice Chair Smith left the meeting.

Application 2004-19 – Ecco Bella

50 Church Street (Block 2206, Lot 1)

The item was added to the agenda at the request of a representative of the applicant, Ecco Bella.

At the time of the public hearing, Elizabeth Myers, representative for the applicant Ecco Bella, came forward and was sworn.  The documents that had been submitted by the applicant as part of the application package included: rendering and description of the proposed new door; cut sheet for the proposed new door.

The applicant was returning to the Commission with a design for a proposed new entrance door at 50 Church Street.  The original application was reviewed at the September 23, 2004 meeting of the Commission, at which time approval had been given for the installation of new window signage.  The proposal also called for the installation of an identical sign on a new front door to the business that is to replace the existing double door.  At the meeting, the Commission noted that the application stated that approval had been received by the Building Department to replace the front door to the structure.  The Commission went on to state that no such approval had been granted, and that the applicant would have to return to the Commission in order to have the change to the front door approved.  The Commission stated that the application that had been submitted only addressed the issue of new window and door signage, and thus that was all that was being decided on.

Ms. Myers stated that the proposed new door would result in the replacement of the double door with a new single door, which would have a brushed chrome finish.  She stated that the existing opening measures 55 inches in width, and the new door is proposed to be 42 inches wide.  Ms. Myers went on to state that this extra space would be filled with metal that would match the material used on the rest of the entranceway.

Upon completion of the presentation by the applicant, the Commission discussed the proposal and noted its concern over the fact that the new door would not fill the entire opening, thus requiring the filling of the remaining space.  The Commission also noted that the applicant had not made a case for why the double doors should be replaced by a single one, and further that a single door might not be appropriate for the façade.  The Commission went on to state that the documents provided by the applicant were not detailed enough, and thus it was impossible for the Commission to make a decision on the proposal.  Chair Mosier suggested to the applicant that they return with a more detailed presentation at a future meeting.

In response to the concerns raised by the Commission, the applicant stated that they would consult with the Commission staff before returning at a future meeting with a more detailed presentation.

New Business

Application 2004-23 – Hudson United Bank

536 Bloomfield Avenue (Block 2208, Lot 15)

At the time of the public hearing, Martin Dassa, the architect for the project, came forward and was sworn.  The documents that had been submitted by the applicant as part of the application package included: the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness; four photographs of the existing façade; plan by Dassa Haines Architects dated 7 July 2004, and revised 9 September 2004.

The applicant was proposing to rehabilitate the façade of the storefront, which has frontage on both Bloomfield Avenue and Park Street.  The proposal calls for the replacement and / or restoration of the existing damaged exterior stucco, aluminum siding, and aluminum storefront window frames.  In addition the plan calls for the removal of the existing aluminum visor above the storefront windows; this space will be covered with a new layer of stucco.  The other major element of the proposal relates to the signage for Hudson United Bank.  The plan calls for the removal of all of the existing signage, and its replacement with three new signs.

The proposal calls for the application of a new 3/8” stucco finish in the original transom area, which is to be of a uniform finish and be similar in color to #208 “Summer Sand” by California Stucco.  As well, repairs and replacement of similar material is called for in the aluminum storefronts and doorways.  The existing marble base below the storefronts is to be cleaned and polished, and repaired where necessary.

The proposed new signs are to consist of anodized aluminum letters by Mettalic Arts mounted directly to the stucco façade.  The new signs are proposed to be lit by a total of nine gooseneck fixtures; Primelite Manufacturing Corp, Cat #20-850, in a standard blue color.

Mr. Dassa stated that the project was a response to an ongoing problem with water penetration through the façade, which had resulted in considerable damage to the interior space.  He went on to note that the proposal will result in the removal of the internally illuminated box signs, and their replacement with new conforming signage.

Upon Completion of the presentation by Mr. Dassa, the Commission discussed the proposal and noted that the application should be seen as an interim solution, until the time when owner of the property sees fit to proceed with the façade rehabilitation that the Commission approved.  During the course of the discussion, the Commission suggested that the applicant consider making the color of the proposed new light fixtures a darker color, indigo blue, as opposed to the light blue color called for in the proposal.

Chairman Mosier, hearing no further questions from the members of the Commission or staff, opened the meeting to the public for comments on the application.  No public comment was offered.

On a motion by Commissioner Orloff and seconded by Commissioner McDonough to approve the application with the following condition, the Commission voted six in favor, with no negative or abstaining votes.

Condition:

A)  The color of the new gooseneck light fixtures shall be the darker indigo blue.

Discussion of Township roadway reconstruction projects

Kim Craft, Township Engineer, came forward and was sworn.  Ms. Craft began her testimony by stating that she was returning to the Commission in order to provide greater detail about the proposed improvements to the streets in the Erwin Park Historic District that she had briefly touched on at the September 23, 2004 meeting of the Commission.

Ms. Craft stated that the project calls for the reconstruction of the streets in the Erwin Park neighborhood, in order to address longstanding drainage problems.  The project will include paving, new granite block curbs, changes to the turning radiuses at a number of corners, as well as the removal of a handful of trees.  The landscaped islands found at a number of intersections are not to be altered in any manner as part of the project, and will continue to be maintained by community residents.  She also noted that the Township arborist was responsible for determining the health and needed removal of any trees within the project boundaries.  Ms. Craft stated that the project is scheduled to be started in the spring of 2005, and that a meeting with residents will be held sometime before then.

The Commission stated its support for the project, while at the same time stating its concern over the removal of any trees in conjunction with the street improvements, and the need to inform the community of the project at the earliest date possible.  The Commission asked that the Township arborist take another look at the maple tree on Holland Terrace, which is to be removed as part of the project, in order to determine whether or not it could be saved.

Public Comment

There was no public comment offered during this portion of the meeting.

General Discussion Issues - Members of the Historic Preservation Commission

Mr. Mellon informed the Commission that he had completed a building inventory of the proposed Upper Montclair Historic Business District.  He stated that he would be setting up a meeting with the Upper Montclair Business Association at which time he and Chair Mosier would make a formal presentation on the proposal.

Mr. Mellon informed the Commission that the Township was moving ahead with a project to construct a new telecommunications tower and service building on Township owned property.  The site is located directly west of the Mountain Historic District, and thus the Township was seeking the comments of the Commission.  The proposed project is part of an important effort to improve public safety in the Township through the upgrading of the communications network for the Police, Fire, and other emergency services.  The proposal calls for the construction of two new structures, a communications tower and shelter house at the site of the Township Water Facility.  The proposed communications tower is to be 120 feet in height and painted red and white, as required by FAA regulations.  The existing water tank at the site is approximately 65 feet in height, and is scheduled to undergo a renovation, thus requiring the relocation of the communications antennas.  The proposed shelter house is proposed to be a one-story prefab structure measuring 12 feet by 30 feet, and would be faced with a brick façade.  Mr. Mellon stated that the Planning Board had reviewed the project at its September meeting, and had formally endorsed it as proposed.  The Commission stated its support for the project, and noted that the site is heavily wooded, and thus the impact of the project on the Mountain Historic District would be minimal.

Mr. Mellon provided the Commission with an overview of the proposed new Commerce Bank branch project, which is to be built on a site directly east of the Town Center Historic District.  He stated that an application had been received for the project, and that it was most likely going to be heard at the December meeting of the Planning Board.  He noted that the plan calls for the construction of a freestanding structure, with front yard parking.  The Commission again stated its concern over the impact that the project would have on the Town Center Historic District, and in particular on the historic Lackawanna Plaza railroad complex.  Mr. Mellon stated that he would return to the Commission at the November meeting with a proposal to expand the district to the east so as to encompass the lot in question.

Chair Mosier discussed his presentation to the Township Council, in which he reviewed the Commission’s activities for the past year and reiterated the need for increased funding.

Mr. Mellon stated that he had a fax that Vice Chair Smith had received from Paul Yeager concerning his efforts to find replacement glass for his storefront on Church Street.  The fax stated that the type of glass needed by Mr. Yeager was not available.  Mr. Mellon stated that he would set up a meeting with Mr. Yeager to again see if a solution could be found for the repair of his storefront.

Ms. Brady expressed her concern over 2 sites in the historic district; the lighting for the signage at 598 Bloomfield Avenue, and the new window sign at Spice It Up.  Mr. Mellon stated that he would follow up on both issues, and report back to the Commission at the November meeting.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm on a motion made by Commissioner Lipincott and seconded by Commissioner Brady.

Respectfully submitted,

Jonathan Mellon, Commission Secretary