MINUTES OF THE MONTCLAIR HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

APRIL 15, 2004

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

Also present:  Wayne McCabe, Historic Preservation Consultant, Jeanne Kolva, Commission Secretary, and Matthew M. Millichap, Esq.

Absent:  Commissioners Jonathan Perlstein and John Morris, and Planning Board Liaison Sally Ross.

Order and Announcements: Chairman Mosier called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.  Mr. McCabe called the roll and announced that the meeting had been properly noticed in the locally designated newspaper according to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act.

Approval of Minutes:  On a motion by Mr. Smith and seconded by Ms. McDonough, the minutes of the March 18, 2004 meeting of the Commission were approved on a vote of six ayes, no nays, with an abstention being cast by Ms. Eck.

Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Washington Mutual Bank, 460 Bloomfield Avenue.  On a motion by Mr. Smith, and seconded by Mr. Orloff, the motion to approve the resolution for the Washington Mutual Bank was carried by a unanimous vote of seven ayes.

Designation of Marlboro Inn.  Chairman Mosier stated that the Commission will take up the issue of the individual designation of the Marlboro Inn.  This structure had previously been included in an historic district designation, which had not moved forward.  Therefore, there was a concern on the part of many residents and officials that the building be individually designated.

Mr. Matthew Millichap, the attorney representing the Commission, stated that although the building had been identified and described in the historic district proposal, that the entire process should be started at the beginning and treated as a completely new subject.  He stated that in order to do this, we would have to address the five points of criteria as outlined in the ordinance.

Vice Chairman Smith stated that in his opinion the Inn reflects the history of the community in terms of estate planning and that it is associated with later commuter suburban development.  He further stated that the building in question is important to students of architecture and that the building is significant in terms of typology as it is distinctive within the community.  He further opined that the building serves as a landmark for both residents and visitors and acknowledged the fact that the building was originally a house that was converted to a commercial use.  Mr. Smith elaborated on a number of these points, and thus fulfilled the matter of addressing the five points of criteria as outlined in the ordinance.

After having covered the criteria that had to be addressed for an individual structure or designation, the Commission agreed that a public hearing on the application would be set for the regular monthly meeting of the Commission on May 20, 2004.  The public hearing will be held at 7:30 pm prior to the regular meeting of the Commission.  Public notice will be issued.

Application #2004-07, Greg Spinelli, 12 Church Street.  Mr. Greg Spinelli, owner of the new restaurant/deli known as “Church Street” appeared before the Commission to discuss changes in the sign for his business that had been addressed at the March 18, 2004 meeting of the Commission.  The applicant is proposing to install a new business sign that will have the letters for the words “Church Street” appear on individual blocks, with a red scroll ribbon running behind to tie them together.  In between the two words will be a similar size block used for the letters, but with a knife and fork crossed over it.  A red scroll with the word “Cafe” will be set beneath the main sign.  The applicant proposes to use a light purple color for the top coping on the wall as well as a stripe that extends across the top of the white band set above the storefront windows.  This lower band of purple will be the same width as the top coping that is to be painted.

Mr. Spinelli stated that he proposes to have the letters themselves be stippled hammered gold leaf, or made from stainless steel, with the silverware in the middle standing off from the panel 2-1/2”.  He stated that the brick in this area of the facade will be painted a “golden sand” with a slightly darker version of that color used for the mortar joints.  This same slightly darker color will be used to paint the vertical architectural features situated beneath the castellated parts of the cornice.  Mr. Spinelli also stated that he is proposing to use seven gooseneck lamps with low intensity white bulbs.  The gooseneck lamps will be attached to the rear of the cornice and come up over the top of the coping in order to illuminate the sign situated below.  These lights will be evenly spaced over the width of the sign.

The Commissioners noted that this was a significant improvement over the proposed sign that was discussed at the March meeting.  Mr. McCabe also noted that the sign now complies with the municipal ordinance, specifically Section 347-109.A(3).

Following a brief discussion between the members of the Commission and Mr. Spinelli, the Commission Chairman opened the meeting to the public for purposes of receiving comment on the application.  There were no members of the public who spoke on this application. Chairman Mosier closed the public comment section of the meeting.

On a motion by Commissioner Brady, and seconded by Commissioner Lippincott, the motion to approve the application as submitted was unanimously approved with seven affirmative votes, and no negative or abstaining votes being cast.

Application #2004-09, Richard DiGeronimo and John DiGeronimo, 420 Bloomfield Avenue.  At the time of the hearing, Mr. Richard DiGeronimo appeared before the Commission and was sworn in by the Commission Chairman.  Mr. DiGeronimo stated that he and his brother are proposing to install a painted wood sign that measures 14 feet in length and two feet in height. The lettering for the words “Benjamin Moore” will have 3/4” raised letters, with black pin striping, a red background and the remainder of the lettering will be painted on the wood surface of the sign.  He further stated that he proposed to install four gooseneck lights that will illuminate the sign.  The lights will match other lighting fixtures that have been recently installed on neighboring buildings, according to the applicant.  He further stated that the proposed sign will replace a sign that has been on the facade of the building in the same location for over 25 years.

Mr. McCabe noted that the building is 31 feet in width and that the sign will be 28 square feet in area, thus rendering the sign to be compliant with the sign ordinance, specifically Section 347-109.A(3).

Following a brief discussion between the members of the Commission and the applicant, the Commission Chairman opened the meeting to the public for purposes of receiving comment on the application.  There were no members of the public who spoke on this application. Chairman Mosier closed the public comment section of the meeting.

On a motion by Commissioner Brady, and seconded by Commissioner Lippincott, the motion to approve the application as submitted was approved with six affirmative votes, and no negative or abstaining votes being cast.  Commissioner Orloff had recused himself from this application.

Application #2004-04, Ho Jung, 292 Bloomfield Avenue.  At the time of the hearing, Mr. Ho Jung appeared before the Commission and was sworn in by the Commission Chairman.  Mr. Jung outlined the following scope of work that he is proposing on the building:  remove the stucco and restore the brick on the west end of the building; on the corner of the building located at the intersection of Gates and Bloomfield Avenues, construct a new set of mahogany bay doors and a corner bay entrance, to be surmounted with a copper roof; install new retractable awnings on the west side over the bay; and, install a new mechanical platform above the driveway leading into the property from Gates Avenue that will have a matching facade to the building, and incorporate a half roof above it.  Included in the plans prepared by the architect, the existing six commercial bays that front on Gates Avenue will be completely retrofitted, eliminating the three windows situated in each bay.  These windows will be replaced with a pair of stained wood doors, with tempered glass.  The doors will be flanked by tall wood panels that are set above a smaller wood panel beneath.

The application also called for a certain type of compact flood lighting, manufactured by Spero lighting, that will be attached to the wall and provide a light wash in the upper story of the building.  As an alternative to the Spero lighting, the applicant had submitted a cut sheet from the Y.U.K. Lighting Company which manufactures a much smaller light unit that will also provide a light wash for the wall.  The Commissioners felt that this was a more appropriate type of lighting unit for the wall, as it was considerably smaller than the unit manufactured by Spero.

The applicant testified that the architectural plans had a mistake on them, in relation to the new utility platform.  He said that the rear portion of the platform would not have a structural wall, but rather a steel safety railing.  It was agreed by the Commissioners that this section of the addition would have very low public visibility.

The Commissioners also discussed with the applicant the issue of the architectural elements for the corner section of the building to be reconstructed.  Originally, this section of the building had dentil molding, with corbelling, which should be incorporated in the new design.  There was a discussion as to whether or not this may need a variance, but is was indicated that there may be a “grace” distance of 18” for the overhang of the roof.

The Commissioners also discussed the fact that the awnings will be retractable, and not structurally fixed.  The awnings will be in a dark green material with the lettering for “Noodle Central” being in white on the lead edge of the awning.  Other signage associated with the building will require an additional submission to be made.

In terms of the front section of the building to be reconstructed, on the corner, the applicant indicated that it would be done in mahogany on the lower portion and have a copper roof.  He stated that the north and west elevations on the building would be done first, with the north and east sides being the second phase of the overall project.

Following questions between the members of the Commission and the applicant, the Commission Chairman opened the meeting to the public for purposes of receiving comment on the application.  There were no members of the public who spoke on this application. Chairman Mosier closed the public comment section of the meeting.

On a motion by Commissioner Smith, and seconded by Commissioner Orloff, the Commission voted unanimously, with seven affirmative votes, to approve the application with conditions.  Those conditions included:

1.         The half roof shown for the addition of the mechanical platform is satisfactory and that there will be new steel safety rails extending across the rear of the platform, and not a structural wall as shown on the plans.

2.         The fixtures will be those discussed as manufactured by P.U.K., and not the Spero lighting units, which were the compact floodlights.

3.         On the corner of the building, the eave detail is to have corbelling and the walls are to be brought in so that they will be in correct physical location and proportion to the eaves.  The architect will be required to verify that there is a "18 inch grace distance" that would allow the eave to extend over the property boundary setback line.

4.         The awnings are to be retractable, and not structurally fixed in one location or position.  The awnings will be dark green material with white lettering.

5.         The lettering on the awning is to be "Noodle Central," and "Simply Zen." The applicant was directed to come back to the Commission for the sign, as a minor application.  It was noted that the Commission granted Wayne McCabe, the Historic Preservation Consultant to the Commission, with the administrative authority to handle the amendment to the application for the sign.

Application #2004-08: Gerry Pontones, 499 Bloomfield Avenue.  Commission Vice Chairman Ira Smith recused himself from hearing this application because he is the project architect.  In previous conversations, it was determined that it would be best for Mr. Smith to leave the room during the hearing in order to avoid any conflict of interest.  Mr. McCabe stated that the Montclair Township attorney also ruled that Mr. Smith must leave the room.  The owner of the building, Mr. Richard Grabowsky objected and stated that Mr. Smith had a right to be in the room.  Chairman Mosier stated that this opinion had been discussed.  When asked if precedents had been set for exclusion from the room, Mr. Orloff stated that he had been asked to leave the room when a client of the company that his wife works for was an applicant before the Commission.  Mr. Lippincott made a motion to exclude Mr. Smith from the room.  Mr. Mosier seconded and the motion carried by a unanimous vote of ayes.  Mr. Smith was not in the room during this portion of the meeting.

Mr. Gerry Pontones, Vice President of Rascals International representing the owner NK Gray Development and architect Eric Maran of SmithMaran Architects were sworn in.  Mr. Maran presented a new 24” x 36” drawing dated April 14, 2004, three historical photographs, and specifications for windows.  Mr. Mosier asked Mr. Maran to explain the changes that are included in the drawing.  Mr. Maran stated that the upper right corner will be brick rather than stucco scored to look like brick; that the pilaster piers will be precast concrete and there will be marble bulkheads under the windows; there are slight changes to the cornice; and the marquee will be smaller.  Mr. Maran gave a little background history of the evolving façade from the 1950s and 1970s to the present.  There is a significant loss of the original fabric and the project will be a rehabilitation not a restoration.  All the remaining original materials will remain intact or will be replicated.  The plans were guided by the standards for rehabilitation set forth by the Secretary of the Interior.  This building will become a “white theatre.”

When asked if the original terra cotta detailing will be recreated, Mr. Maran stated that the Boston Valley Terra Cotta Company will take off the original tile, make new molds, and match the color of the glaze to the old tile.  The brick will also be painted white in keeping with the preferred Neo-Classical style.  The glazed white tiles across the frieze will be restored and the original first story storefront with Marvin French doors will be closely replicated with muntins that have the same profile.  There will also be a molded millwork cornice by Fyphon painted to match the color of the extant frieze.  When asked to detail the second story window bays, Mr. Maran stated that the center cinder block infill area will receive a covering of brick veneer.  When questioned further about the decision to keep the center bay closed, Mr. Maran stated that ultimately, there will be a projecting marquee in this location, which would preclude any benefit from the installation of windows.  The brick veneer will help unify the façade because the marquee is not part of this application and will be a future improvement.  The outer bays will receive trios of double hung metal clad windows by Weathersheild that would match those that once were there.  Drapes on the inside will give the appearance of an occupied building.

After a brief discussion, Mr. Orloff stated that the Commission would like to see a granite stone base with a graining pattern similar to the one in the historical photograph.  Either Mr. Mosier or Mr. McCabe should conduct a review of the selection.  Mr. McCabe stated that the brick needs painting and the Commissioners suggested that it be a color other than white.  Mr. Maran stated that the color selected will produce a façade with variety not homogeneity.

Chairman Mosier opened the meeting up to the public.  Upon receiving no comments, Chairman Mosier closed the meeting to the public.

Mr. Orloff moved that the application be approved as presented with the conditions that granite be accepted after one with a grain pattern is selected and approved by Mr. McCabe and that all metal framed windows were be installed in the second story bays.  Ms. Brady seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote of ayes.  The applicant was congratulated on the production of a very fine design.

At this point, Commission Vice Chairman Smith rejoined the meeting.

Section 106 Review for Nextel cell antennas, 630 Valley Road.  Chairman Mosier stated that the Section 106 Review for cell antennas was a well-written report, however, the project will only contribute to more visual clutter on this building that already has many sets of antennas.  It is like adding insult to injury.  The building is eligible for listing in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places under criteria A and C.  This project should incorporate a way to hide the antennas, but the design calls for nine-foot tall mounts.  Mr. McCabe detailed how the Commission’s review comments will be logged in at the State Historic Preservation Office, who has overseeing responsibilities for federally regulated and licensed projects.

Chairman Mosier opened the meeting up to public comment and seeing none, closed the public portion of the meeting.

Ms. McDonaugh moved to deny this application for the Commission has come to a negative finding due to the potential of creating an extremely negative visual impact on the building and its surrounding.  After Mr. Orloff’s second, the motion carried by a unanimous vote of ayes.

Historic Preservation Commission Business.  Commissioner McDonaugh reported that she researched the Crane Building for an award that would go to its current owners for their good stewardship.  Her write up was circulated and she was asking for suggestions for the wording of the award itself.  She discussed the excellent survey she found at the library and noted that earlier surveys had a propensity to examine only the residential structures in Montclair.

Public Comment.  Chairman Mosier opened the meeting up to the public.

Mr. Grabowsky told the Commission that he has recently received the original 1921 plans and the plans of a 1933 addition for the Hinck Building at Church and Bloomfield Avenues.   He was willing to make copies and donate them to the town.   He also stated that in the future, Rascals International had the intention of expanding into the Tartuffa Building at 501 Bloomfield Avenue, which is adjacent to 499 Bloomfield Avenue and that the buildings would be visually unified if that plan becomes a reality.  He hoped that Rascals would open in four weeks, although the exterior will not be complete for many months.  A brief discussion about ruins as a quote in today’s architecture took place.

A discussion about awnings of flat panel glass supported by struts followed.  Ms. Brady suggested that the Europeans set a great example of combining the historic and the modern.

Adjournment.  At 10:09 pm, Mr. Orloff moved and Ms. McDonaugh seconded to adjourn the meeting.  The motion carried with a unanimous vote of ayes.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne Kolva

Jeanne Kolva, Commission Secretary

McCabe & Associates, Inc.