Members of the Commission:

1999:

Secretary:                  John Solu

Regular Members:    Carmine Toto

                                    Ron Poeter

                                    Alberta Marcy

                                    Joseph Falco

Council Liaison:        John J. Dunne

Mayor:                        Gary Ruckelshaus

Borough Engineer:    Stanley Schreck

Recording Secretary:

Catherine Scholl

                                    Laurie Hagerich

Historic Preservation Ordinance:

The Madison HPC spent considerable amount of time this year finalizing the ordinance. Michele R.  Donato was consulted on the legal aspects of the document and it was presented to the Borough Council in October for final ratification in December.

The ordinance seeks to regulate the exterior appearance of buildings within the downtown historic district in order to better preserve the character of the district, and support the economic viability of the downtown.

With the passage of the ordinance a new era of Preservation has begun in Madison that allows for mandatory review and voluntary compliance of exterior building changes in the Historic District of Madison.

Kings Road and Green Ave. Intersection:

Madison HPC had an opportunity to work with Stan Schreck on the plans that were submitted to the state for approval for the Kings Road and Green Avenue intersection. The collaboration has resulted in a brick crosswalk that will serve as a model for future downtown intersection renovation projects that will tie the downtown areas. The light poles at the intersection will also be in character with the Historic district and the signage will be reduced to insure safety yet minimize the visual impact on the historic character of the intersection.

Bayley-Ellard Carriage House:

Though outside the historic district the Bayley-Ellard Carriage House represents a piece of Madison’s history of a bygone era that is rapidly disappearing. Madison HPC in conjunction with other community groups forged an alliance that worked with the developer of the site to save the structure for future use. This structure when restored will not only be pleasing to the surrounding area; it will also serve as an educational center for a variety of high-tech high school programs.

NJ Transit Railroad Station Restoration:

The project entered a new phase where the Madison HPC was asked to comment on a number of renovation and restoration options. Elevator locations and platform extensions were the most significant structures that would impact the surrounding train station. The commission members were asked to also comment on landscape plans to assure historic compliance. The State Historic Preservation Organization and our close working arrangement with NJ Transit yielded many practical yet historically appropriate changes to the plan with minimal impact to the surrounding historic structures.

Rose City Historic Preservation District Plaque:

A number of the bronze plaques were affixed to buildings in the Historic District to recognize those structures that are historically significant. These plaques will serve as markers for visitors as they tour the downtown area. As individual landlords grant permission the installation of the plaques will continue through the year 2000.

By-Laws Updated:

Madison HPC revised the Bylaws to reflect the changing role the commission will play in years to come. The Special Membership Category of “Chairman Emeritus” was adopted and long time member and chairman Joseph Falco was voted to hold that position. Commission members also enacted an attendance policy to insure seventy five percent participation during regularly scheduled meetings.

Hartley Dodge Memorial steps and plaza renovation:

The Hartley Dodge Foundation put forth a proposal to restore the steps and plaza at the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building. The members of the commission proposed constructive alternatives that would maintain the character of the historic plaza yet insure the safety and accessibility of the structure. Lighting and types of material to be used were recommended. Since the municipal building is in a historic section of Madison the final proposal will be forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Office.

Historic Preservation week in May:

Madison HPC arranged for a tour of the James Library and James Building on May 8^th. The tour allowed participants to see all the businesses and studios housed in the James building and the historic connection of the James family to the town. The Madison Eagle provided publicity for the Elementary Schools participation in the Historic Preservation week. The children’s artwork depicting historically significant structures in town adorned the windows of the downtown stores during that week.

33 Main Street (former Brueger’s Bagels)

The new tenant at Brueger’s Bagels has requested assistance in selecting colors for the storefront. HPC advised the new owner that the commission is not in the design business and cannot dictate the actual color. However we pledged to work with them as they developed their plan for the storefront.

Newsletter to Landlords about MHPC:

A multi page Newsletter was published and mailed to all the landlords and merchants in the downtown Historic district to inform them of the Madison HPC activities. The newsletter featured articles on the collaboration of the Madison HPC and the landlords in renovation projects with a keen eye for preservation and practical and cost effective solutions. One article highlighted the referral made by the MHPC to a landlord on the replacement of a griffin that had been missing from the structure since the 1950’s.

Walking Tour:

Re-issue of the popular “Historic District Walking Tour” brochure was reprinted. The brochure has been used by realtors to attract prospective buyers to the town by showing them the long history of a “Main Street” and its wonderful structures that have been the cornerstone of the community. The brochure not only brings awareness of the history but the importance of saving these National treasures for future generations.

Back to school:

A number of commission members have attended classes and seminars offered at Drew University on Historic Preservation. The subjects range from Architecture to lighting, Landscaping and preservation. This resource has enabled commission members to learn and apply knowledge gained in responding to projects that are pending before the commission.

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