The meeting began with a review of an application presented by Carol Rose on behalf of Douglas Elman Realty for a property on River Road. The proposal involved removing old tenant signage and installing a larger, new sign. The new sign will feature an exterior PVC face, painted to match existing signage, and will replace the Douglas Elman sign with a larger version, while the Positive Vibes sign will remain. The commission discussed the design, with one member suggesting that a larger sign might create a less cluttered appearance. There was also a proposal to consider goose neck lighting for better visibility, though potential electrical issues raised some uncertainty. The application was unanimously approved following a motion that cited the applicant’s representations and the details provided.

Following this, Roseanne Yusi presented her application for a sign on River Road for a new business specializing in children’s apparel and women’s accessories. The proposed sign, navy blue in color, was designed to be consistent with neighboring signs in size and aesthetics. The commission noted that the design aligned with the historic district’s standards and would complement the surrounding area. This application also received unanimous approval without any public comments.

The commission then reviewed an application from Brian and Kristen Murphy, who sought approval for renovations to their garage on Fair Haven Road. The garage had been severely damaged by a fallen tree, leading to structural issues. The renovation plan included expanding the garage and adding storage space, with the new structure designed to match the existing house in color, siding, windows, and architectural details. The commission expressed strong support for the project, noting the historical relevance of the home and the improvements made so far. The detailed architectural plan included matching 1×6 clapboard siding, architectural roof shingles, and colonial-style grills for the doors and windows, all of which were unanimously approved by the commission.

Further discussions on the garage project, designed by architect Anthony Conduris, revealed concerns about the limited specifications provided. Questions arose about the garage’s visibility from the street and the adequacy of the architectural details. The commission highlighted the need for a more detailed application to better understand the project’s alignment with the existing house. Despite the concerns, there was general agreement that the proposed garage would be an improvement over the existing structure and would not detract from the neighborhood’s aesthetic.

The commission also touched on a successful fundraiser hosted by the Historic Association at Bonnie Tvia’s home, which raised awareness and funds for the 166th anniversary of a local church. Discussions included upcoming events, such as a performance by the African Children’s Choir at the chapel, and the anticipated renovations at Bicentennial Hall, set to begin on October 1. The commission emphasized the importance of communicating to the public that these renovations would preserve the building’s historical significance.

Additionally, the commission discussed the possibility of organizing a historical walking tour, inspired by a recent event by the Rumson Historic Preservation Commission. The idea was to promote local history and increase public engagement by honoring structures within and outside the historic district. The commission possesses brass medallions that can be awarded to homeowners who research their properties’ histories, and there was interest in reviving this initiative.

Finally, the commission reviewed a report from the grants committee about an application for the Black Heritage Trail of New Jersey. The inclusion would result in monument-style signs and statewide recognition. The commission acknowledged the importance of understanding the historical context and community involvement in these sites.