HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMISSION
BOROUGH OF CLOSTER, NEW JERSEY
(unapproved) MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
Monday, January 25, 2009, 8:00 p.m.
I.
Mr. Douglas Radick, Chairman, called the Regular Monthly Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the Borough of Closter, New Jersey held on Monday, November 23, 2009 in the Closter Senior Citizens’ Center to order at 8:00 p.m. He stated that the meeting was being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey. II.
Swearing in of new members; Mr. Lou Lobosco is sworn in as a new member. III.
Election of Officers: Mr. Radick states that he is stepping down as chairman and is not interested in being vice-chairman, but wishes to remain on the Commission as we need an architect. Election of Officers MSC Rothschild, Bouton-Goldberg naming Irene Stella as chairman; MSC Bobbie Bouton-Goldberg, Stella naming Rothschild as Vice-Chairman; MSC Rothschild, Radick for Rose Mitchell to act as Secretary. Discussion as to how she will do this; whether she has to actually attend meetings or can produce minutes from the recordings and how she will be paid.
IV. Mr. Radick invited all persons present to join the Board members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
V. ATTENDANCE: The following Board members and liaisons were present at the meeting:
Doug Radick
Irene Stella
Jennifer Rothschild
Bobbie Bouton Goldberg
Tim Adriance
Lou Lobosco – new member
Grisha Davida (8:25)
John Kashwick – Council Liaison
Andy Ouzoonian- Planning Board Liaison
Absent:
Jayne Rubenfeld-Waldron
Orlando Tobia
VI. MINUTES: MSC Stella, Boutoh-Goldberg to adopt Minutes of November, 2009
VII. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC RE: MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA: Ms. Elysa Levinson, 69 Wilson Place, Closter, NJ. Mr. Radick states that Ms. Levinson had telephoned regarding issues at the historic cemetery; that people walking up Wilson Place can see the cemetery and have trespassed on her property trying to access the cemetery. Ms. Levinson states that in the last 15 years she has intercepted people about a dozen times and directed them to the Police Dept. for a key to enter at the two gates. She expresses concern about the proposed new post-and-rail fencing. Mr. Adriance explains that the prior owner to Ms. Levinson’s house used to walk his dog in the cemetery, and this, in part, motivated Mr. Adriance to erect the six-foot-tall chain-link fence. Ms. Stella states that no firm decision has been made regarding the fencing, but that the entrances should be enhanced and that she wishes for the neighbors to become very important in overseeing the cemetery and providing input. Discussion. Mr. Adriance states that one incident that prompted the fence was theft of two marble stones in the 1960’s. Mr. Adriance reiterates that the neighbors are a valuable resource in that they keep a watchful eye on the cemetery. Discussion about possibility of installing ornamental aluminum fencing to continue what has been placed by the neighbors to the south, but only for the approximately 43 feet along Ms. Levinson’s property line. Phone numbers were exchanged.
Correspondence:
A.
Incoming: Schedule of meetings for 2010; Ordinance adopted by Council for West Street/Harrington Avenue District B.
Outgoing: none
VII. REPORTS:
Cemetery: Mr. Davida reports on tree removal in cemetery and distributes black and white photos of Ken’s Tree during the removal. Stump grinding was done later. Eight trees were removed; five Sassafras, two Black Cherry and one unidentified. Mr. Adriance states that (prior to today’s storm) nine trees remain in the cemetery. Ms. Stella explains the reason for removal of Sassafras and other trees - proliferation of saplings and danger of damage to the stones. Ms. Stella relates that the DPW had prison workers cleaning up the cemetery prior to the tree removal. Mr. Davida states that five Sassafras remain in the cemetery. The cost was $2200.00. Ms. Stella asks Mr. Adriance whether he should be notified prior to any work done at the cemetery. Mr. Adriance refers back to the general maintenance plan discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Adriance has a draft of the plan with him today; he is hoping to complete this prior to April, but there are other matters to be dealt with before the 300th celebrations. Discussion of the early 18th C Closter history. Details about the Vervalen house; current house is built over original 1713 (?) house.
Mr. Radick asks if we should move ahead with clearing the remaining trees. Mr. Adriance states that they should definitely come down. Ms. Stella states that we still have Open Space funds to do this. Ms. Bouton-Goldberg states that some trees would be desirable in the cemetery. Question as to how to do this: Mr. Kashwick states that if it is under a certain amount, then only quotes need to be obtained.
Mr. Lobosco asks about the role of the Commission in maintaining the cemetery and whether there are regular clean-ups. Ms. Stella questions whether permits need to be taken. Mr. Kashwick states that the ordinance is under Section 181. Mr. Adriance asks that Ray Cywinski be asked for interpretation; Ms. Stella asks Mr. Kashwick to do this. Mr. Radick asks Mr. Davida to get three estimates for the Spring. Discussion of intent of permitting process. Mr. Davida asks if we should plant some Cypress. Ms. Bouton-Goldberg suggests serviceberry bushes, since they are historically relevant to cemeteries.
VIII. LIASON REPORTS:
PLANNING BD. Mr. Andy Ouzoonian: No report except that the officers are the same with John Lignos as Chairman and Marc Maddaloni as Vice Chairman and Vickie Amitai as Secretary. Gerber auto shop is the current application, going for its third hearing this Thursday. Combined board meeting will take place on Saturday, February 6th.
COUNCIL: Mr. Kashwick: Two new council persons were sworn in as well as many other board members. Regarding attendance at meetings: change in state law – if a commission or board member misses three consecutive meetings without excuse, then the member will be ejected. Budgets will be starting very shortly and we will
ZONING: Ms. Rothschild: No Report. John Street applications are being held. Same officers are in place.
ENVIRONMENTAL: Bobbie Bouton-Goldberg: New chairperson is Beth Ravit. They are proposing looking for some landmark trees and propose them for designation for the 300th celebration. Mr. Adriance states that there are some old fruit trees on the properties from Garret Auryansen on Ruckman Road across from the parking lot of the park. Ms. Bouton-Goldberg discusses Giletta Court and the quarry that was once there; the stone for the Closter Bank (now Dr. Shyong’s building) came from this quarry. Dr. Crump planted a redwood tree there. Ms. Stella states that an old Copper Beech exists on her neighbor’s property.
IMPROVEMENT: Irene Stella: Working to improve the Sign Ordinance. Asks for recommendations to use historic elements in signs to help make the downtown look like the 1930’s. They are working on a brochure to give to businesses which interprets the sign ordinance and makes recommendations. Discussion of awnings. New flowerpots are coming, and sidewalks will be cleaned. Ms. Stella wishes to do a PR program introducing these ideas downtown. Will also try to engage the businesses and ask them what they would like to see. Wards, Dr. Shyong’s building, and Steve Arcella’s building are getting commendation awards. Ms. Stella will also try to introduce the idea of historic preservation. Mr. Lobosco asks about how Ridgewood’s Design Guidelines are enforced and suggests this for Closter. Discussion. Temporary vs. permanent signs. Mr. Adriance states that usually building codes have provision that anything standing for 45 days or longer is considered permanent and is therefore subject to enforcement.
SHADE TREE: John Kashwick. The lot at Closter Dock Road and Piermont Road, adjacent to the Sunoco station, will have 27 trees planted on that lot. There was a grant and Eric Mattes is doing the landscape plan. Discussion.
(John Clifford was the name of the Closter Horseman; he was from Hunterdon County – per Tim Adriance)
IX. OLD BUSINESS:
WEST ST./HARRINGTON AVE. DISTRICT: District was designated by unanimous vote of the Council on December 9th. Ms. Rothschild states question as to whether HPC or Council is supposed to send out the letters to the property owners and publish notice of designation, as per the Historic Preservation ordinance. Ms. Rothschild passes around e-mails to counsel which have been unanswered. Mr. Kashwick states that he will contact Mr. Rogan’s firm.
ERIC BAL PROPOSAL: Ms. Stella will contact Mr. Bal to query as to his willingness to continue, etc. Mr. Radick states that he needs to be given a strict deadline and inquires whether any other attorneys are available for our Commission work.
HISTORIC ELEMENT GRANT: Ms. Stella reports that we received a $20,000.00 CLG grant. Ms. Rothschild received an e-mail from Andrea Tinghey stating that the SHPO is waiting for the signed contract which was sent December 22nd. Ms. Rothschild states that the HPC requires copies of correspondence, contracts and anything else regarding this grant. Ms. Rothschild asks Mr. Kashwick to please communicate with Mr. Wiest about this.
300th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Ms. Bouton-Goldberg passes around the timeline that she is working on and asks for input. Discussion about Ms. Brooks farm at 119 Hickory Lane and what sort of protection it is under. Mr. Adriance discusses the County who owns the development rights. The Board is the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund. Mr. Adriance will be giving a talk at the cemetery. Historic Marker for the cemetery: Mr. Adriance contacted the production company in Ohio, and was told that there is a four-week deadline. Cost: A little under $2000. Or should be go through the Bergen County Historical Society. Discussion about wording and about whether to have it two-sided. Mr. Adriance will work on the wording to keep it limited and will have it reviewed by the Bergen County Historical Society. MSC Bouton-Goldberg, Rothschild to have Mr. Adriance go forward with the planning for the sign and will produce an invoice so that Ms. Stella can get it processed through our Open Space Funds. Discussion about Open Space funds. The next meeting is February 4th for the committee putting together the 300th celebration. Ms. Bouton-Goldberg states that she has a friend who is an archaelogist who would be willing to perform a dig; he is interested in the Parsells/Lone Star Tavern property. Mr. Lobosco asks about the dates; the primary date is April 25, 1710. Mr. Adriance gives the history. It’s the first recorded deed date, but the date that the Naugles began to settle the area. There is a division in 1748 that mentions the burial place and involved the placement of the stones. The original placement of the stones was due to the entrance which was due West from Piermont Road
X. NEW BUSINESS: Goals for 2010: Ms. Stella opens discussion that we should be actively monitoring and attempting to influence the maintenance and/or development of the Village School and the Lustron. Discussion about what to do. Ms. Rothschild suggests that we could attempt to designate the Lustron, as the ownership and circumstances have changed. Discussion about possibly designating the Village School as well.
Announcement: Norwood Historic Society talk on the West Shore Railroad. Monday 8 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Community, Blanche Ave. and Summit Street.
Northern Valley Historical Society wants to have a bus/trolley tour. Discussion.
Goals: Designation of cemetery, Borough Hall, train station and the remaining historic churches, and remaining stone houses.
REPORT ON TIME SPENT BY ROSE MITCHELL FOR COMMISSION WORK: n/a
XI. ADJOURNMENT: MSC Radick, Rothshild at 10:20 p.m.
Addendum: List of motions passed at the January meeting:
MSC Stella, Bouton-Goldberg to adopt Minutes of November, 2009
MSC Bouton-Goldberg, Rothschild to have Mr. Adriance go forward with the planning for the sign and will produce an invoice so that Ms. Stella can get it processed through our Open Space Funds
MSC Radick, Rothshild to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m
OTHER ACTIONS PROPOSED:
Ms. Stella will contact attorney Eric Bal regarding his proposed work on revising the HPC ordinance
Ms. Stella will work out arrangements for Rose Mitchell to assume duties as Secretary
Mr. Kashwick will contact Mr. Rogan regarding notice of designation to property owners and publication of same
Mr. Kashwick will contact Mr. Wiest to obtain copies of all documents and correspondence regarding the CLG grant for historic element to the Master Plan
Mr. Kashwick will contact Mr. Cywinski for an interpretation of the tree ordinance as it might affect removal of cemetery trees
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING: Monday, February 22, 2010 at 8 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Rothschild
Vice Chairman and acting Secretary
BOROUGH OF CLOSTER, NEW JERSEY
(unapproved) MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
Monday, January 25, 2009, 8:00 p.m.
I.
Mr. Douglas Radick, Chairman, called the Regular Monthly Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission of the Borough of Closter, New Jersey held on Monday, November 23, 2009 in the Closter Senior Citizens’ Center to order at 8:00 p.m. He stated that the meeting was being held in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act of the State of New Jersey. II.
Swearing in of new members; Mr. Lou Lobosco is sworn in as a new member. III.
Election of Officers: Mr. Radick states that he is stepping down as chairman and is not interested in being vice-chairman, but wishes to remain on the Commission as we need an architect. Election of Officers MSC Rothschild, Bouton-Goldberg naming Irene Stella as chairman; MSC Bobbie Bouton-Goldberg, Stella naming Rothschild as Vice-Chairman; MSC Rothschild, Radick for Rose Mitchell to act as Secretary. Discussion as to how she will do this; whether she has to actually attend meetings or can produce minutes from the recordings and how she will be paid.
IV. Mr. Radick invited all persons present to join the Board members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
V. ATTENDANCE: The following Board members and liaisons were present at the meeting:
Doug Radick
Irene Stella
Jennifer Rothschild
Bobbie Bouton Goldberg
Tim Adriance
Lou Lobosco – new member
Grisha Davida (8:25)
John Kashwick – Council Liaison
Andy Ouzoonian- Planning Board Liaison
Absent:
Jayne Rubenfeld-Waldron
Orlando Tobia
VI. MINUTES: MSC Stella, Boutoh-Goldberg to adopt Minutes of November, 2009
VII. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC RE: MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA: Ms. Elysa Levinson, 69 Wilson Place, Closter, NJ. Mr. Radick states that Ms. Levinson had telephoned regarding issues at the historic cemetery; that people walking up Wilson Place can see the cemetery and have trespassed on her property trying to access the cemetery. Ms. Levinson states that in the last 15 years she has intercepted people about a dozen times and directed them to the Police Dept. for a key to enter at the two gates. She expresses concern about the proposed new post-and-rail fencing. Mr. Adriance explains that the prior owner to Ms. Levinson’s house used to walk his dog in the cemetery, and this, in part, motivated Mr. Adriance to erect the six-foot-tall chain-link fence. Ms. Stella states that no firm decision has been made regarding the fencing, but that the entrances should be enhanced and that she wishes for the neighbors to become very important in overseeing the cemetery and providing input. Discussion. Mr. Adriance states that one incident that prompted the fence was theft of two marble stones in the 1960’s. Mr. Adriance reiterates that the neighbors are a valuable resource in that they keep a watchful eye on the cemetery. Discussion about possibility of installing ornamental aluminum fencing to continue what has been placed by the neighbors to the south, but only for the approximately 43 feet along Ms. Levinson’s property line. Phone numbers were exchanged.
Correspondence:
A.
Incoming: Schedule of meetings for 2010; Ordinance adopted by Council for West Street/Harrington Avenue District B.
Outgoing: none
VII. REPORTS:
Cemetery: Mr. Davida reports on tree removal in cemetery and distributes black and white photos of Ken’s Tree during the removal. Stump grinding was done later. Eight trees were removed; five Sassafras, two Black Cherry and one unidentified. Mr. Adriance states that (prior to today’s storm) nine trees remain in the cemetery. Ms. Stella explains the reason for removal of Sassafras and other trees - proliferation of saplings and danger of damage to the stones. Ms. Stella relates that the DPW had prison workers cleaning up the cemetery prior to the tree removal. Mr. Davida states that five Sassafras remain in the cemetery. The cost was $2200.00. Ms. Stella asks Mr. Adriance whether he should be notified prior to any work done at the cemetery. Mr. Adriance refers back to the general maintenance plan discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Adriance has a draft of the plan with him today; he is hoping to complete this prior to April, but there are other matters to be dealt with before the 300th celebrations. Discussion of the early 18th C Closter history. Details about the Vervalen house; current house is built over original 1713 (?) house.
Mr. Radick asks if we should move ahead with clearing the remaining trees. Mr. Adriance states that they should definitely come down. Ms. Stella states that we still have Open Space funds to do this. Ms. Bouton-Goldberg states that some trees would be desirable in the cemetery. Question as to how to do this: Mr. Kashwick states that if it is under a certain amount, then only quotes need to be obtained.
Mr. Lobosco asks about the role of the Commission in maintaining the cemetery and whether there are regular clean-ups. Ms. Stella questions whether permits need to be taken. Mr. Kashwick states that the ordinance is under Section 181. Mr. Adriance asks that Ray Cywinski be asked for interpretation; Ms. Stella asks Mr. Kashwick to do this. Mr. Radick asks Mr. Davida to get three estimates for the Spring. Discussion of intent of permitting process. Mr. Davida asks if we should plant some Cypress. Ms. Bouton-Goldberg suggests serviceberry bushes, since they are historically relevant to cemeteries.
VIII. LIASON REPORTS:
PLANNING BD. Mr. Andy Ouzoonian: No report except that the officers are the same with John Lignos as Chairman and Marc Maddaloni as Vice Chairman and Vickie Amitai as Secretary. Gerber auto shop is the current application, going for its third hearing this Thursday. Combined board meeting will take place on Saturday, February 6th.
COUNCIL: Mr. Kashwick: Two new council persons were sworn in as well as many other board members. Regarding attendance at meetings: change in state law – if a commission or board member misses three consecutive meetings without excuse, then the member will be ejected. Budgets will be starting very shortly and we will
ZONING: Ms. Rothschild: No Report. John Street applications are being held. Same officers are in place.
ENVIRONMENTAL: Bobbie Bouton-Goldberg: New chairperson is Beth Ravit. They are proposing looking for some landmark trees and propose them for designation for the 300th celebration. Mr. Adriance states that there are some old fruit trees on the properties from Garret Auryansen on Ruckman Road across from the parking lot of the park. Ms. Bouton-Goldberg discusses Giletta Court and the quarry that was once there; the stone for the Closter Bank (now Dr. Shyong’s building) came from this quarry. Dr. Crump planted a redwood tree there. Ms. Stella states that an old Copper Beech exists on her neighbor’s property.
IMPROVEMENT: Irene Stella: Working to improve the Sign Ordinance. Asks for recommendations to use historic elements in signs to help make the downtown look like the 1930’s. They are working on a brochure to give to businesses which interprets the sign ordinance and makes recommendations. Discussion of awnings. New flowerpots are coming, and sidewalks will be cleaned. Ms. Stella wishes to do a PR program introducing these ideas downtown. Will also try to engage the businesses and ask them what they would like to see. Wards, Dr. Shyong’s building, and Steve Arcella’s building are getting commendation awards. Ms. Stella will also try to introduce the idea of historic preservation. Mr. Lobosco asks about how Ridgewood’s Design Guidelines are enforced and suggests this for Closter. Discussion. Temporary vs. permanent signs. Mr. Adriance states that usually building codes have provision that anything standing for 45 days or longer is considered permanent and is therefore subject to enforcement.
SHADE TREE: John Kashwick. The lot at Closter Dock Road and Piermont Road, adjacent to the Sunoco station, will have 27 trees planted on that lot. There was a grant and Eric Mattes is doing the landscape plan. Discussion.
(John Clifford was the name of the Closter Horseman; he was from Hunterdon County – per Tim Adriance)
IX. OLD BUSINESS:
WEST ST./HARRINGTON AVE. DISTRICT: District was designated by unanimous vote of the Council on December 9th. Ms. Rothschild states question as to whether HPC or Council is supposed to send out the letters to the property owners and publish notice of designation, as per the Historic Preservation ordinance. Ms. Rothschild passes around e-mails to counsel which have been unanswered. Mr. Kashwick states that he will contact Mr. Rogan’s firm.
ERIC BAL PROPOSAL: Ms. Stella will contact Mr. Bal to query as to his willingness to continue, etc. Mr. Radick states that he needs to be given a strict deadline and inquires whether any other attorneys are available for our Commission work.
HISTORIC ELEMENT GRANT: Ms. Stella reports that we received a $20,000.00 CLG grant. Ms. Rothschild received an e-mail from Andrea Tinghey stating that the SHPO is waiting for the signed contract which was sent December 22nd. Ms. Rothschild states that the HPC requires copies of correspondence, contracts and anything else regarding this grant. Ms. Rothschild asks Mr. Kashwick to please communicate with Mr. Wiest about this.
300th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Ms. Bouton-Goldberg passes around the timeline that she is working on and asks for input. Discussion about Ms. Brooks farm at 119 Hickory Lane and what sort of protection it is under. Mr. Adriance discusses the County who owns the development rights. The Board is the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund. Mr. Adriance will be giving a talk at the cemetery. Historic Marker for the cemetery: Mr. Adriance contacted the production company in Ohio, and was told that there is a four-week deadline. Cost: A little under $2000. Or should be go through the Bergen County Historical Society. Discussion about wording and about whether to have it two-sided. Mr. Adriance will work on the wording to keep it limited and will have it reviewed by the Bergen County Historical Society. MSC Bouton-Goldberg, Rothschild to have Mr. Adriance go forward with the planning for the sign and will produce an invoice so that Ms. Stella can get it processed through our Open Space Funds. Discussion about Open Space funds. The next meeting is February 4th for the committee putting together the 300th celebration. Ms. Bouton-Goldberg states that she has a friend who is an archaelogist who would be willing to perform a dig; he is interested in the Parsells/Lone Star Tavern property. Mr. Lobosco asks about the dates; the primary date is April 25, 1710. Mr. Adriance gives the history. It’s the first recorded deed date, but the date that the Naugles began to settle the area. There is a division in 1748 that mentions the burial place and involved the placement of the stones. The original placement of the stones was due to the entrance which was due West from Piermont Road
X. NEW BUSINESS: Goals for 2010: Ms. Stella opens discussion that we should be actively monitoring and attempting to influence the maintenance and/or development of the Village School and the Lustron. Discussion about what to do. Ms. Rothschild suggests that we could attempt to designate the Lustron, as the ownership and circumstances have changed. Discussion about possibly designating the Village School as well.
Announcement: Norwood Historic Society talk on the West Shore Railroad. Monday 8 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Community, Blanche Ave. and Summit Street.
Northern Valley Historical Society wants to have a bus/trolley tour. Discussion.
Goals: Designation of cemetery, Borough Hall, train station and the remaining historic churches, and remaining stone houses.
REPORT ON TIME SPENT BY ROSE MITCHELL FOR COMMISSION WORK: n/a
XI. ADJOURNMENT: MSC Radick, Rothshild at 10:20 p.m.
Addendum: List of motions passed at the January meeting:
MSC Stella, Bouton-Goldberg to adopt Minutes of November, 2009
MSC Bouton-Goldberg, Rothschild to have Mr. Adriance go forward with the planning for the sign and will produce an invoice so that Ms. Stella can get it processed through our Open Space Funds
MSC Radick, Rothshild to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m
OTHER ACTIONS PROPOSED:
Ms. Stella will contact attorney Eric Bal regarding his proposed work on revising the HPC ordinance
Ms. Stella will work out arrangements for Rose Mitchell to assume duties as Secretary
Mr. Kashwick will contact Mr. Rogan regarding notice of designation to property owners and publication of same
Mr. Kashwick will contact Mr. Wiest to obtain copies of all documents and correspondence regarding the CLG grant for historic element to the Master Plan
Mr. Kashwick will contact Mr. Cywinski for an interpretation of the tree ordinance as it might affect removal of cemetery trees
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING: Monday, February 22, 2010 at 8 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Rothschild
Vice Chairman and acting Secretary