MINUTES

OF THE

CRANBURY TOWNSHIP

HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION

CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING

The regular meeting of the Cranbury Township Historic Preservation Advisory Commission was held at the Town Hall, Cranbury, New Jersey, on December 7, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

With a quorum present, Bobbie Marlowe, Chair of the Cranbury Township Historic Preservation Advisory Commission, called the meeting to order and acted as the Chairman thereof, and, Linda M. Scott, acted as Secretary of the meeting.

STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE NOTICE

Pursuant of the Sunshine Law adequate notice in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-5) was provided on January 7, 2004 of this meeting=s date, time, place and agenda was mailed to the news media, posted on the Township bulletin board, mailed to those requesting personal notice and filed with the Municipal Clerk.

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

Diane Stasi, DonJo Swanagan, Harry Williams and Bobbie Marlowe, Chair.

MINUTES

The minutes of the November 16, 2004 meeting were reviewed and amended, motion to approve by Diane Stasi, second by DonJo Swanagan, all in favor.

APPLICATIONS

Contractor Bob Plummer and homeowners John & Donna Mitko of 9 Griggs Road (B26,L58) were present to discuss the addition to their existing ranch home. This dwelling is not in the Historic District but in the buffer zone. The addition will be a small expansion of the kitchen to include a breakfast nook. The second floor will extend up in the center back and will not be as large of the first floor. The existing ½ brick front on the lower left side will remain, while the brick in the center section will be removed. The existing front bay window on the first floor will be reconfigured. The lower windows are not visually balanced however, on the interior it works well. All double hung windows will be replaced with 6/6 of the same size. The proposed front door will be replaced with a Stanley steel door. Window and door specs were not provided. Mr. Plummer will fax door specs to secretary. The proposed roof peak is just for the look. Harry suggested that having the windows line up would help to visually balance the structure. HPAC gave recommendations on the general design of this proposed exterior plan. This application was approved as presented. Bobbie explained that should any details change on the exterior, applicant must return to HPAC.

Contractor Bob Plummer and homeowner Ann Enos of 7 Griggs Road. (B26,L59) were both present for the proposed addition to the existing garage. This addition will extend a single car garage into a double car garage. All materials, siding, roofing and garage door, will match existing. Application approved by all.

The Elms of Cranbury, Anita M. Dietrick owner, is following up with the discussed changes with a previous meeting. Architect, Wolfgang Rapp & Assoc. of Spring House, PA, was present to discuss these issues. Mr. Rapp investigated and found the reason for the past water damage and gutter situation. To rectify the situation, the deteriorated downspout opening on the roof top will be reconstructed with supports, if required. The existing metal seam roofing will remain undisturbed. The flooring material will be of tongue and grove with a nosing (moulding) for the ends. A new synthetic product by Tendura will be utilized for this application. The skirting (lattice) under the porch will match the existing lattice in size, pattern; vertical/horizontal vs. the cross pattern. The columns will have the same profile as existing and will be made of fiberglass. HPAC was adamant about the railing height which must remain as the existing rail height. HPAC recommended repair over replacement of the railing and Mr. Rapp will investigate this. The proposed top rail will also be of PVC. The thick girth (top railing) will match existing. The use of this product may result with not having an historic match compared with other homes in town. Some of HPAC are concerned that the synthetic materials will alter the historic character. Mr. Rapp stated that a wooden door will replace the exiting front door. After much discussion of the proposed synthetic products Mr. Rapp stated that they would like to recreate the existing character of this building using the most technically advanced available products. These products should have the same appearance and not have a plastic look to it. Once it is painted, hopefully it will take on the look of wood. It was argued that using modern plastic materials does not preserve the quality. Fleur de leas will be replicated in wood. After much discussion again, this application was approved with conditions, all in favor.

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Zanghi of 21 Evans Drive (B34,L21) made application to expand the existing shed (HPAC approved on June 18, 1996). The shed will be doubled in size and the roof will be reframed and conform to the new structure. This application was reviewed and approved by all.

ZBA 080-04 application for Curt Lindberg, Ancil Davision & Old Trenton Rd., (B22,L15) for the renovation for an existing barn on this property. This property is outside of the surround zone. The proposed plans were reviewed and HPAC found this application to be in compliance with their standards. Secretary will send a memo to the Zoning Board with this statement.

DISCUSSION

Richard Grubb has resigned from HPAC. He regrets this decision but has recommended Kate McConnell to replace his vacancy. Fred Carr is handling the appointments for all vacancies at the end of year and will forward Kate’s resume to HPAC when received.

Diane feels that asking Richard Grubb for a copy of the Farm Survey Map / Insurance Maps would be a great addition for the HPAC library. It would be inexpensive to attain these maps.

The newsletter article, written by Diane, was reviewed and changes were made. Secretary will update and email the article to HPAC for further consideration.

Diane stated that it would be beneficial if an end of year report which accounts for the number of applications and the actions taken. This may prove to be beneficial as a look back for yearly review.

Bobbie Marlowe informed HPAC that Gloria Cook will not be attending a meeting to discuss her window issue. It was stated that Gloria was very appreciative that HPAC did make the effort on their own time to look at the windows so that communication was about the same.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

There being no further business, on motion duly made by Bobbie Marlowe, seconded Harry Williams, and carried; the meeting was thereupon adjourned at 9:00 pm.

CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY

I, Undersigned, do hereby certify;

That I am duly elected and acting secretary of the Cranbury Township Historic Preservation Advisory Commission and,

That the foregoing minutes of the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission, held on December 7, 2004, consisting of 3 pages, constitute a true and correct copy of the minutes of the said meeting.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name of said Historic Preservation Advisory Commission this December 22, 2004.

__________________________________________

Linda M. Scott, Secretary