The Bellevue Theater, a landmark in the Montclair community, was at the forefront of the commission’s agenda. The theater’s owners presented their plans to integrate three retail storefronts on the east side of the building, prompting a review by the commission. Key considerations included the impact of the storefronts on the existing sloping sidewalk, the materials and design elements of the proposed changes, and the alignment of the new storefront with the historic district’s aesthetic. The commission debated the storefronts’ spacing and height, the condition of the existing brickwork, and the potential for a mural, emphasizing the importance of the changes aligning with the architectural character of the building.

The commission also scrutinized the proposed doors and windows for the theater. Concerns were raised about the possibility of replacing existing doors with windows, and the consistency of materials and window types proposed. Specifics such as the thickness of the aluminum storefront system, the type of glass to be used, and the placement of lighting fixtures were debated in depth. The commission expressed concerns about the mural’s design, its adherence to the building, and its potential impact on the property’s historic significance.

In addition to the Bellevue Theater, the meeting addressed an application for a certificate of appropriateness for a property on Church Street. The proposed demolition and construction of a new glazed storefront system with ADA accessible entry was discussed, with the commission seeking detailed information on the proposed changes and materials. The focus was on ensuring that the new installations would not compromise the historic character of the property.

Another topic of discussion was the proposed changes to a building’s facade to create a new accessible, barrier-free entrance. The commission debated the appropriate balance between modern accessibility requirements and preserving the building’s historic facade. The width and positioning of the existing door, the material of the existing framing, and the potential loss of historical elements with the proposed changes were key points of concern.

The meeting also touched upon the challenges of upgrading buildings for energy efficiency while maintaining their historic facades. The commission discussed the impact of new HVAC systems on the facade’s appearance and the need for energy efficiency. Members debated the necessity of extensive changes and considered potential modifications that would preserve the storefront’s historic integrity.

Additionally, the commission considered a renovation proposal for another building in the historic district, focusing on the removal of an existing awning and the installation of new signage. The potential impact on the historic fabric of the building and the streetscape was debated, with the commission deliberating on the details of the proposed signage and the condition of the storefront.

The commission’s discussions extended to an application for a storefront that involved keeping the existing storefront intact or creating a new one using modern technology, while still respecting the historic fabric. The commission voted to adjourn the application until a future date, approving only the signage and awning removal at that time.

Other items on the agenda included the postponement of the preservation awards program, discussions about the Label Street nomination, the demolition of the historic ticket booth at Woodman field, and the need for better communication with the Board of Education regarding solar installations on school buildings. Furthermore, the commission discussed updating the website with information about preservation awards, an invitation for a member to speak at the upcoming New Jersey history and historic preservation conference, and the ad hoc committee’s work on the master plan, including a potential grant application to revise the Historic Preservation element.