Historic Preservation Committee

Meeting Minutes – March 14, 2013

A meeting of the Mountain Lakes Historic Preservation Committee (“HPC” or the “Committee”) was held on March 14, 2013, at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.  In attendance were Co-Chairs Tom Dagger and John Grossmann, Chris Smith, Brigid Walsh, Ginny Cassidy, Mike DeWitt, and Margaret DeWitt.  Absent were Roberta Matalon and Borough Council Liaison Jason Bradlee.

Approval of Prior Meeting’s Minutes

The Committee approved the minutes of the February meeting in the form distributed to the Committee in advance of the meeting. 

Treasurer’s Report

John Grossmann presented the monthly report prepared by Chris Sheasby:

Opening Balance as of 2/11/13:  $32,554.68

Debits:  $0.0

Credits: 

$350.00           2 Hapgood Plaques

Closing Balance as of 3/11/13: $32,904.68

Archivist’s Report

Pat Rusak reported that she had met with former Mountain Lakes Historian John Steen, who generously donated materials he had collected.  Most of these will provide duplicate copies of items already in the archives, but Rusak happily announced a new addition:  a photo-filled book on Lake Arrowhead from 1931. 

Old Business

Construction Plans for 171 Boulevard by Walter and Gayle Aertker

The Committee reviewed the application by the Aertkers that had been discussed with Architect Larry Korinda at the February meeting, in the final form in which it was submitted for approval by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in April.  Pat Rusak, as a member of the Zoning Board, recused herself from the room during this portion of the meeting.  Larry Korinda had explained to Tom Dagger prior to the meeting that the plans had not substantially changed from the prior version, with the exception that there would now be full height square wood columns at the new portico on the front of the structure instead of a 3'-0" high stone base with shorter columns.  Mr. Korinda stated that he felt this would be more understated and in keeping with the building and the simplicity of the former ticket booth, and would offer a simpler, less formal solution that would avoid the difficulty of finding a proper stone match to the building.  After discussion and consideration of the proposed plans, the Committee members present voted unanimously to support the application.  Tom Dagger agreed to draft a letter to the Zoning Board on behalf of the Committee.

Historic Preservation Incentive Ordinance

Tom Dagger led a discussion of pending items regarding the ordinance, including the need to review and possibly remove questionable homes now included on the Contributing Dwelling list, the need to update incorrect information from the 2005 Historic District Application that is currently shown in the ordinance website, and completion of the photo re-takes of the Contributing Dwellings before the trees start to leaf in the spring.

Crane Road Pillar Repair Update

Grossmann said that he had checked out the second pillar and discovered the metalwork holding the globe light to be tilting and in need of repair.  He reported this to Joan Best at DPW and was informed that the damage was known to the town and the repair was on the to-do list.

Midvale Stores Sidewalk Project

John Grossmann reported that he had spoken with landscape architect Bruce Davies and that the preliminary design was near completion.  He met with Bill Corvelli’s brother Dante and Christopher Leone, the executive chef at the new “Hapgood’s” restaurant, about the historic photos they had requested for the walls of the new restaurant.  They are in the process of selecting which photos displayed on the website they are interested in framing and are willing to post a small card near a photo or two that credits the HPC and says something along the lines of these and photos can be ordered from the HPC. 

Letter to Realtors re: Preservation Ordinance

Brigid Walsh and Ginny Cassidy shared the letter and materials explaining the new preservation ordinance that they plan to drop off at area real estate offices.  One small wording change to the letter was approved by all.  It was suggested that they follow up a few weeks after delivering the packets to inquire if the realtors would like to schedule a presentation by HPC co-chairs Tom Dagger and John Grossmann. 

Salvage Trailer

Grossmann reported three visits to the trailer recently and several items claimed: two more of the recently posted radiator covers; a door; and hardware for doors.  He said there is potential interest in the four garage doors.  A story on the salvage trailer appeared this week in The Citizen, the reporter learning about the HPC salvage trailer from the announcement on the Borough home page of the new salvage program between the HPC and Habitat for Humanity.  All of this reflects well on the recent reordering and online posting of the inventory—the project driven by high school volunteers John Dagger and Keara Walsh. 

Hapgood and Belhall Plaque Order

In the absence of Roberta Matalon, Pat Rusak explained that, with the exception of one house, the date discrepancies had been resolved and the order was placed with Erie Landmark.  Roberta also sent a letter to those who had ordered plaques apologizing for the delay and explaining the plaques would soon be made.

Borough Council Communications Committee

Mike DeWitt reported briefly on the two meetings he had attended, saying that the committee hopes to present its recommendations to Borough Council by the end of April.

HPC Merchandise Webpage Displays

For lack of time, this agenda item was skipped and will be addressed next month.

Date for Next Meeting

Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 pm at the Mountain Lakes Borough Hall.

Minutes prepared by John Grossmann and Tom Dagger.