HARRISON TOWNSHIP HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION (HPC)
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 9, 2006
MINUTES
Webber Gaunt opened the meeting with the following members present: Christopher Knisely, Joseph
Glutting, Paul Showers, Joseph Naples, James Turk (arrived 8:11P.M.), Randy Greene and Paul
Santangini. Others Present: John Reisner, Solicitor, Michael Westfield Professional Consultant, and
Suzanne Champion, Secretary.
OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT
Mr. Gaunt noted that the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act have been satisfied.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 P.M.
FLAG SALUTE
Mr. Gaunt led everyone in the flag salute.
MINUTES
Approval of Minutes February 9, 2006 (Tabled until next month)
APPLICATIONS
Michael & Pat Settar of 48 N. Main St. new coffee house sign. Jacqueline Vigilante stated that she was here
representing the Settars. Mr. Reisner stated that the Zoning Officer has sent a letter of interpretation of the
allowable sign area which would be 13.35 sq. ft. Some discussion followed. The secretary stated that as
Zoning Officer she has determined that the area is 11 sq. ft. for the faceable façade area. If the applicant is not
happy with that determination they can appeal that decision with the Zoning Board of Adjustment or apply
for a Variance with the Zoning Board. Mr. Knisely stated that he has a different interpretation of the
ordinance for the faceable façade area. He didn’t feel that there was any faceable façade area. Mr. Gaunt
stated that we had already approved the design of the letters it was just the size that the commission had
concerns with the size. Mr. Westfield stated that this building was never intended to have signage on the front
between the windows. He doesn’t believe that making the sign smaller would make it less visible. Ms. Settar
stated that this is her business and she wants people to take notice of this place because it is her livelihood.
She feels that if she would put up a back ground behind the letters that it would make the sign less visible
from the street. Mr. Showers made a motion to allow in the 13.35 sq. ft. which is the allowable size of sign,
individual letters made of wood and shaped, have the same type profile as the ones up there now, in a 3
dimensional profile finished in a guilt type finish to be approved for this structure, seconded by Mr. Knisely.
Mr. Glutting & Mr. Naples no, Mr. Showers, Mr. Gaunt, Mr. Knisely, and Mr. Santangini yes.
Weichert Realty – Signs for Office 50-54 S. Main St. Moved till the May 11, 2006 Meeting. Mr. Reisner
stated that he needed a list of the items that need attention so that he could send them to the attorney.
Mullica Holdings LLC Block 65 Lot 24.04, 13 single family dwellings- Major Application.
Mr. Jeff Baron stated that he was the attorney for Mullica Holdings. He stated that this property was
subdivided from a property that was on Main St. Mr. Reisner stated that the it would include Lots 1 thru 10 &
12 and its included because when the ordinance was adopted it states that it goes to the existing rear property
lines. The bulk of it is in the historic district and lot 13 & 14 are not in the district. He stated that they
applicant had submitted all paperwork need for a Major Application and had received preliminary approval
from the Planning Board. The application requires no variances. Mr. Westfield stated that this is also new to
him as well. Over the years things have changed and this is going to have a negative impact on the district.
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Mr. Showers stated that he was concerned because he feels that you would be able to see the back of the
properties from Main St. Trees and evergreens tend to die and not be replaced. Mr. Reisner stated that he
when they have a builder they will come back for each house when they are ready to pull permits. Some
discussion followed. It was determined that the three following conditions be sent to the Planning Board.
1. At the point of sales for each lot that a disclosure in each deed that the property is in the
Historic District and must all requirements for lot 1 to 10 and lot 12.
2. The Historic Preservation will review each house before permits are applied for through
the construction office.
3. Lots 6 & 7 to retain a 20’ landscaped buffer on the East End of the property, no trees to
be removed, if removed to be replaced in this buffer and the properties be deed restricted
from removing any trees in that 20’ buffer.
Mr. Greene made a motion to classify the application a major, seconded by Mr. Santangini,
Vote: all yes. Mr. Showers made a motion to conditionally approve the application with the
above recommendations and conditions to the Planning Board, seconded by Mr. Santangini.
Vote: All yes.
Bill & Chris Genzano 13 East Ave., Mullica Hill-Addition to existing dwelling – Major Application.
Mr. Weber stated that he was there along with the owners daughter and the architect John Obelenus from
Vineland. Mr. Reisner stated that the applicant notified that the hearing for tonight was in front of the Zoning
Board and not the HPC. The Land Use law states that it has met all of the approvals that are required. Mr.
Obelenus stated that the owners are planning on retiring at the property. The addition will consist of a master
bedroom and bath on the second floor, on the first floor would be a kitchen, sunroom and deck. They are
planning a tower to be able to rework the stairs on the first floor and that caused them to raise the roof. The
materials would be cedar siding, the eves would be the same and the shingles would be asphalt. The windows
would be one over one like what was approved by the commissions already. The owners have also requested
to have an outside entrance which is not shown on the plans and a fireplace chimney. Mr. Showers stated that
he was disturbed about all the things that were being changed on the original building. He would like to see
the original building remain the same and not be touched. Some discussion followed. Mr. Naples classified
the application a Major application seconded by Mr. Santangini. Vote: all approved as a major application.
Mr. Naples made a motion to approve the application with conditions that the applicant will bring more
information to the commission about the bathroom on first floor and window, foundation, gutter system,
window & doors, architect details, bilco door and heater (chimney) seconded by Mr. Knisely. Vote: Mr.
Gaunt, Mr. Knisely, Mr. Santangini, Mr. Naples, and Mr. Turk Yes, Mr. Glutting & Mr. Showers No.
Donna Sweeney 67 N. Main St. Block 67 Lot 13 removed 2 barns on property. Mr. Knisely stated that he is
recused himself and left the room. Mr. Westfield asked for more pictures. The members asked to have the
township building inspector also go out and give us a report about the status of the building and see if they are
as the owner stated in disrepair. Mr. Showers asked for a survey of the property showing the location of the
buildings, and better pictures of all r sides of the buildings to be removed.
Estate of John McCue @74 S. Main St. install hand rails to cement steps and porch.
This was approved by a sub committee before the meeting.
Beckfield LLC 95-97 N. Main St. Block 61 Lot 24 Architectural Plans for review. Property is next to the
district. The board had no problem with this application
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APPLICATIONS APPROVED SINCE LAST MONTH
Bill & Chris Genzano 13 East Ave. Windows replaced with wood windows, Approved by; Chris Knisely,
Webber Gaunt and Paul Santangini.
Jeffrey Downs 76 S. Main St. in ground pool, approved by Webber Gaunt, Chris Knisely, and Paul
Santangini.
Scarlet Lovell @ 37 N. main St. New roof on shingle sections only metal roofing to stay.
Approved by; Webber Gaunt, Chris Knisely, and Paul Santangini.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Tax Credit Program and or Ordinance - A sub committee was formed Jim Turk, Joe Naples, Paul Santangini
and Randy Greene.
Survey for Additional Sites in Harrison Township
DVRPC Report
Grants due April 1, 2006 – Joe Naples was working on a grant.
NEW BUSINESS
Professional Architect for Commission Vacancy. Mr. Gaunt stated that Lisa Soderberg was here tonight to
see if she would be interested in being our consultant for the HPC. Mr. Reisner stated that he knows of her
work through Haddonfield’s HPC.
Alt #1 Resumes from Jeff Summerton, and Philip Zuba. It was requested that the two applicant come to the
next meeting.
Additional meetings to schedule for work sessions.
NJ Planning Official Seminar, March 10, 2006 Pleasant Valley School 5:30 P.M.
Review By Laws.
Federal Tax Credit Program- Mr. Turk stated that the League of Municipalities is running this program on
May 10th. We have never promoted something like this to the public. He wants to develop a plan. This
would only be for commercial properties. Mr. Greene stated that the Merchants and the EDC would be
the two groups to see about this.
Chalk Board Signs – Mr. Green asked if the commission would approve a certain sign for the entire
district that would be approved that the Merchants Association would sell to the residents. After some
discussion followed. Mr. Gaunt stated that they will investigate this as well.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Santangini made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Greene Vote: All approve 10:15
P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Suzanne F. Champion, Secretary
Harrison Township Historic Preservation Commission