00:28One item at the meeting was the annual awards ceremony, where contributions to the preservation of Montclair’s architectural heritage were celebrated. Kathleen Bennett, the chair, acknowledged the efforts of fellow commissioners and the dedicated work of Zenab, the secretary from the planning department. The awards included three bricks-and-mortar awards and one preservation service award, emphasizing the importance of adaptive reuse in maintaining the town’s historical fabric.

05:05One of the bricks-and-mortar awards was presented to Charles Spademan, Bob and Rhonda Silver, and the Friends of Anderson Park for their project involving a bench made from the historic Olmstead Oak, which had fallen during an August 2024 storm. The bench serves as a memorial to the tree, a central feature of the park for 200 years. The award recognized Spademan’s artistic contributions and the community’s positive response to the project.

10:39Another notable award honored the adaptive reuse of 63 Park Street, a former Red Cross headquarters. The building, originally owned by the Finity family, was transformed into veterinary offices and residential apartments by Oregon Development, retaining its original façade. Architect Paul Sionus, who has personal ties to the building, expressed pride in the project, highlighting the collaboration and challenges faced during the renovation.

21:38The meeting also included discussions about the preservation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a significant landmark within the Pine Street Historic District. Established in 1907 and designed by Anthony J. Depe, the church combines Italian Romanesque and Gothic elements. The parish is seeking to convert a nearby property into affordable housing, with strong community support reflecting a network of solidarity that has helped maintain the church’s status as a community hub. The efforts of Marilina and Raphaela Marzulla in preserving the church were recognized, with gratitude expressed to Mayor Baskerville for supporting affordable housing initiatives.

49:03A contentious topic during the meeting was the proposed fence variance for a property on Belleview Avenue, where the owners sought approval for a six-foot solid wood fence. The family articulated their need for the fence, citing safety concerns for their autistic daughter who has a tendency to elope. They presented visual evidence showing how their property is visible from nearby Brookdale Park, emphasizing privacy issues.

The commission engaged in a thorough discussion, addressing the fence’s potential impact on the historic character of the area. Concerns were raised about the height and design of the proposed fence, with the commission emphasizing the importance of maintaining visibility of historic structures. Alternative solutions, such as incorporating landscaping to soften the fence’s appearance, were suggested. Despite sympathy for the family’s concerns, the commission maintained that guidelines must be followed to preserve the area’s historical integrity.

01:32:00Another discussion involved the proposed modifications to a property on Orange Road. The commission reviewed plans for an accessory dwelling unit and alterations to an existing garage. The garage, described as having lost its historical integrity through numerous alterations, was deemed appropriate for demolition. The proposed accessory dwelling unit received favorable responses due to its compatibility with the existing property aesthetic.

48:11The meeting also addressed concerns over the visibility and historical integrity of a proposed deck adjacent to a residence with bay windows. While some participants argued that the deck would not be prominently visible from the street, others emphasized the potential impact on the home’s historical character. Suggestions were made to redesign the deck to preserve the bay windows and maintain the architectural integrity of the property.

02:31:44The commission briefly touched on planned renovations for Bachung Plaza Park, highlighting a lack of procedural oversight in not consulting the commission, given the park’s historical value. Proposed improvements included new pathways and the removal of parking meters, with recommendations to consider alternative materials for the asphalt pathways.