MINUTES OF THE MONTCLAIR HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

JANUARY 15, 2004

PRESENT:    Chair Jerry Mosier, Vice Chair Ira Smith, Sabine Eck, Susan Brady, Kathleen McDonough, John Morris, Jonathan Pearlstein, Denis Orloff, Secretary Karen Kadus

ABSENT:      Edward Lippincott; Planning Board Liaison Sally Ross

            Order and Announcements.  Secretary Kadus called the roll and announced that the meeting had been properly noticed according to the Open Public Meetings Act.

            Election of Officers.  Chair Mosier stated that the Commission’s bylaws require elections every two years.  He asked if there was any interest in holding elections every year.  No interest was expressed.  Due to the recent departure of the Board’s Secretary, Donald Sammet, the Board decided to appoint a Secretary.  On motion by Chair Mosier, seconded by Mr. Pearlstein, Karen Kadus was appointed Secretary.

            Approval of Minutes.  On motion by Mr. Orloff, seconded by Mr. Morris, the Minutes of the December 11 meeting were approved.

            Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of James Rodgers and Ramon Escobar, 26 Fairfield Street.  On motion by Ms. Eck, seconded by Ms. McDonough, the Commission approved the memorializing resolution.

Vice Chair Smith joined the meeting.

            Discussion of Historic Preservation Awards 2003.  Chair Mosier said that there had been interest expressed in recognizing building owners/merchants who completed architectural renovations that were particularly noteworthy.  He had asked Ms. McDonough to report on her research in locating potential candidates.

            Ms. McDonough distributed several photographs of potential candidates for discussion.  She thought that the awards should go to buildings within the district and should be given to those who did more than simply install a sign or an awning.  The Board discussed the photographs, which included buildings containing Real Paint, Park Street Automotive, Déjà vu, Montclair Bookcenter, the Crane Building and Mesob Restaurant.  The Board discussed giving awards to a mix of owners and tenants. Ms. McDonough indicated that the award program could generate some positive press for the Commission.

            Mr. Orloff wondered if awards should be given to people who simply did what the Commission told them to do, or if awards should go to people who went above and beyond the requirements.  He also asked if the Commission should award owners outside the district boundaries.  The Commission discussed this further and agreed to make awards to merchants/property owners of properties within the designated historic district.

                        After further discussion, on motion by Chair Mosier, seconded by Ms. McDonough, it was unanimously resolved to award Park Street Automotive.

            On motion by Chair Mosier, seconded by Vice Chair Smith, it was resolved to award the Crane Building, with Ms. Eck and Messrs. Orloff and Pearlstein voting in the negative.

            On motion by Mr. Pearlstein, seconded by Ms. Eck, it was unanimoulsy reolved to award Mesob Restaurant.

            On motion by Mr. Orloff, seconded by Mr. Pearlstein, it was unanimously resolved to award Déjà vu.

            On motion by Ms. Brady, seconded by Mr. Pearlstein, it was resolved to award Paul Zimmerman’s building, with Vice Chair Smith, Messrs. Orloff, Morris, Ms. Eck, Ms. McDonough voting in the negative.

            It was decided that Vice Chair Smith and Ms. McDonough would prepare  short narratives about the selected buildings to be included in a press release.

            Modification of Historic District Design Standards to Incorporate Recessed Storefronts.  Chair Mosier described his recent survey of recessed storefronts in the district and indicated his interest in seeing them preserved.  After some discussion, on motion by Vice Chair Smith, seconded by Mr. Orloff, it was resolved to amend the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines to include in the preamble that recessed storefronts should be retained.  The Board would also like to amend the Historic Preservation Master Plan to reflect this issue.

            The Chair and Vice Chair discussed their understanding of the Uniform Construction Code as to ADA exemptions for landmark and district buildings, contributing buildings and eligible buildings.

            Historic Preservation Commission Jurisdiction Over Use.  Chair Mosier said that he was expecting a letter opinion from the Township Attorney’s office clarifying the Commission’s jurisdiction over use of a building under its review.  Chair Mosier believes that the Commission has no control over use unless the use impacts the exterior design of the building or property.

            Historic Plaques.  Vice Chair Smith expressed concern over the spalling of the historic plaques on the Madison and Hampton House buildings.  Ms. Kadus indicated that she would investigate whether there was a warranty from the manufacturer as to their durability.

            Search for Consultant.  Ms. Kadus reported that she is searching for a consultant to assist the Commission until an Assistant Planner is hired.

            Adjournment.  On motion by Vice Chair Smith, seconded by Chair Mosier, the meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m.