COMMUNICATIONS / DISCUSSION 

T-Mobile Northeast LLC & Sectorsite,LLC (Applicants), NJ Conference 7^th Day Adventists (Owner),  501 Tempe Wick Road,  Block 33  Lot  9 

Chairman Montgomery stated that she had received correspondence from Richard Grub & Associates Inc. dated 9/28/11 which stated a crane test had been conducted on 6/22/11  in response to concerns by local preservation groups.  As a result the New Jersey Preservation Office has determined that the project will have an adverse affect on historic properties.

Daniel Saunders, the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, has a requested a meeting with the local preservation groups to discuss their concerns.  The meeting will be held on 10/11/11 @ 7:30 at the Olde Mill Inn, 225 Route 202, Basking Ridge.

A brief discussion ensued regarding which commission member would attend this meeting.  

Chairman Montgomery stated the Commission has had the opportunity to review their Draft Response which incorporated their changes.  There being no further discussion, it was agreed the response could be forwarded to the Board of Adjustment.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REFERRALS

(Gwenn Claytor provided photographs of properties via her cellular device)  

HPC Referral # HPC-10-6-11-27, Owner:  Sandy and Shanta Waren, Location:  602 Van Beuren Road,  Block 4  Lot  14.07, Historic District:  Silver Lake – noncontributing, Proposal:  Construction of a swimming pool with related improvements.        

Attachment:  McCabe Property Report

Present: There was no representation by the applicants or professionals present at the meeting.  

Chairman Montgomery provided an overview of the Board of Adjustment Application.   

The Commission’s determinations are:

• The property is located within the Silver Lake District, however the existing structures are noncontributing.
• The property is a flag lot which is not visible from Van Beuren Road.
• There will be no impact on the streetscape
• No additional review required prior to the issuance of a building Permit. 

HPC Referral # HPC-10-6-11-30

Owner:  Thomas and Angelina Pecora, Location:  108 Village Road Block 15  Lot  19, Historic District:  N/A   Individual Contributing Lot:  N/A, Proposal:  Enlargement of the existing residence with a covered veranda. 

There was no representation by the applicants or professionals present at the meeting. 

Chairman Montgomery provided an overview of the Board of Adjustment application.  

The Commission’s determinations are:

• The property is not located within a historic district nor is it an independent contributing site. 
• The property is not visible from Village Road and will not affect the streetscape. 
• No additional review required prior to the issuance of a building  Permit.

HPC Referral # HPC-10-6-11-31

Owner:  David and Nena Green, Location:  2 Jenks Court, Block 25 Lot 26, Historic District:  N/A   Individual Contributing Lot:  N/A, Proposal:  Installation of an emergency generator. 

There was no representation by the applicants or professionals present at the meeting.  

Chairman Montgomery provided an overview of the Board of Adjustment Application.  

The Commission’s determinations are:

• The property is not located within a historic district nor is it an independent contributing site. 
• No comment from a streetscape perspective but would request there be adequate landscaping required.
• No additional review required prior to the issuance of a building  Permit.

CONSTRUCTION

HPC Referral # HPC-11-6-11-28  (follow-up review), Owner:  John and Sally Quinn, Location:  26 Lee’s Hill Road, Block 49, Lot 7, Historic District:  New Vernon – contributing site, Proposal:  Detached garage 

Chairman Montgomery stated that the Commission had previously reviewed the garage proposal at the 4/7/11 regular meeting.  At that time the Commission recommended the elimination of the cupola and the arched window be changed.

Ellen Cooke, Monitor of the Month, has reviewed the final plans in the construction office and confirmed that both changes had been made.

CONCEPT REVIEW

HPC Referral # HPC-10-6-11-32, Harding Holdings PM, LLC  (formerly owned by Edith Kurland Trust), 679 Mt. Kemble Avenue, Block 27  Lot 2, Historic District:  Tempe Wick – contributing, Review of future development of property

Attachments:  McCabe Property Report                      

Peter Dorne, co-owner of Harding Holdings PM, LLC was present for the review. 

Mr. Dorne opened he presentation by stating that he and a partner had recently purchased the property which will be renovated and developed in the future.  He stated their intention will be to subdivide the property which will be heard by the Board of Adjustment. 

Mr. Dorne gave a basic overview of the critical areas of the mansion and gardens

which  have fallen into poor condition thru a lack of maintenance and vandalism.  He stated the mansion was constructed in 1907 and able to provide photos from the l907 American Home and Gardens which showed the appearance of the mansion and gardens at that time.  Wendy noted that Barbara Brennan has been able to provide interior photographs of the mansion. 

Mr. Dorne stated that approximately 50% of the building will have to be completely taken a part.  He stated that renovation work needs to be done immediately to cease the deterioration of the structure.  He stated the mansion is 19,000 sq. ft which he is proposing to turn into 4 townhomes, two consisting of approximately 3,500 sq. ft.

and the two consisting of approximately 5,000 sq. ft.  He stated that the property is located in the RR Zone which requires 5 acres, however the mansion structure will be the only proposed lot of 5 acres.  Mr. Dorne noted that the porch on the house has recently collapsed and the swimming pool had been removed. 

Mr. Dorne described the existing carriage house which was being used as a garage.  There are two additions that will be removed and the structure will be enlarged to accommodate a 4 bedroom home with either a green house or small barn.

He stated due to the topography of the property, the carriage house will be approximately 30’ higher than the mansion and will not require any steep slope relief. 

Mr. Dorne stated his proposal of a 3-bedroom cottage which will be built in close proximity and in conjunction with the existing tennis courts, which are proposed to remain on the site 

Mr. Dorne then described the existing playhouse that is located along Mt. Kemble Avenue which will be fully renovated into a home and an affordable housing unit.  The garages will face Mt. Kemble Avenue and the height of the existing house will be lowered in the rear of the building by 3 ft. 

Mr. Dorne stated his proposal to construct the”Garden Cottage” which will be built on the elevated area above the formal garden. 

Mr. Dorne noted that perc tests have been successfully completed.  He stated that he had spoken with the Fire Department and that they will comply with their requirements.

He stated that he had also been in contact with the residential adjoining neighbors and they did not appear to have objections to the proposal.  Mr. Dorne stated that they will need to obtain an easement from adjoining neighbor Mr. Bin Jean to allow for a bend in the proposed driveway. 

In closing, the Board voiced a general support the Concept Plan.  Chairman Montgomery had reservations supporting a conceptual plan in that the Board of Adjustment does not base their decisions on concepts.  

The Commission concurred that a site inspection would be helpful before issuing their response to the Board of Adjustment once the application is filed.  A site inspection was set for 10/30/11 @ 1:00 p.m.