NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

Minutes of the meeting held on January 13, 2009

The Newtown Township Historical Architectural Review Board met on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at 1:30 P.M. in the Meeting Room of the Newtown Township Administration Building, 100 Municipal Drive, Newtown, PA.

Members present were Frank Tyrol, Melva Vitoriano, Harriet Beckert, Joseph McKernan, Jr. and Building Inspector Frank Orfe. Not present was member Doug Terry. Also present were Patty Powers, Codes Department Administrative Assistant; Mike Galla, KMS; Jane Kovacs, Corners at Newtown Place; Gary Horter, Redwood Construction Inc.; Township residents Vince Lombardi and Bill Mahler.

Call to Order:

Chairman McKernan called the meeting to order at 1:40 P.M.

Reorganization of the Committee:

Mr. Tyrol made a motion to nominate Mr. McKernan as Chairman. The motion was seconded by Mr. Orfe and passed unanimously (5-0).

Mr. Tyrol made a motion to nominate Mrs. Vitoriano as Vice Chairman. The motion was seconded by Mr. Orfe and passed unanimously (5-0).

Minutes of December 9, 2008:

Mr. Tyrol made a motion to approve the minutes of December 9, 2008. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Vitoriano and passed unanimously (4-0-1).

New Business

Certificates of Appropriateness:

Party Girls – 4/6 Cambridge Lane

The Board discussed the Certificate of Appropriateness application completed by the Party Girls with regards to the replacement of three (3) windows and trim.

Mr. Horter updated the members on the damage done due to a car running into the front of the store and damaging the windows and trim. Mr. Orfe and Mrs. Powers advised that due to the weather this case was treated as an emergency. Mr. Horter advised that the windows and trim were replace with the same in kind. The window manufacture is Jelwind and the trim paint color is MAB Ashley Ivory (232-10M).

Mr. Tyrol made a motion to recommend approval of the Party Girls’ Certificate of appropriateness for the replacement of three (3) windows and trim. The manufacture of the windows is Jelwind. The trim color is MAB Ashley Ivory (232-10M). The motion was seconded by Mr. Orfe and passed unanimously (5-0).

Chairman McKernan advised the applicant that this Board only makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and that they give the final approval. He advised the applicant that the matter would be discussed at the Board of Supervisors meeting on January 28, 2009. The meeting starts at 7:30 P.M. and a representative should be present.

The Board thanked Mr. Horter and Ms. Kovacs for their time.

The Board signed the Party Girls’ Certificate of Appropriateness.

Old Business

Discuss application for “Moveable Sidewalk Signs”

Mr. Galla updated the members on the revisions that have been made to the draft copy of the application since their review at the December meeting.

Mr. Lombardi discussed the need for a sign standard to be developed which would go before the Supervisors for approval. He provided a copy of his recommended changes to the draft application.

The members discussed the purpose of the movable sidewalk signs.

The members discussed the ordinance being enforced once the Supervisors have approved the application and sign standard.

The members discussed the next steps in process of getting the application and sign standard approved. It was agreed that the Codes Department would keep HARB updated.

Chairman McKernan advised that he feels Mr. Lombardi’s recommendations are valid and he would like to see them incorporated into the application.

Privilege of the Floor

The members welcomed Mrs. Beckert back to the Board.

Mrs. Beckert advised the members that Lorraine Pentz (Joint Historic Commission Chairman) had contacted her with regards to the Stockburger’s property located at South Sycamore Street & Richboro Road. The dealership is looking to renovate the existing building and the JHC is looking for HARB’s opinion. The members agreed that HARB does have an interest in the building. Mrs. Beckert advised that she would contact Chairman Pentz and update her with regards to HARB’s interest.

The members discussed the Historic District. Mrs. Powers provided members with a map of the HD. Mrs. Beckert advised that she believes that the Historic Association might have a more current map and that she would look for it and provide Mrs. Powers with a copy.

Mrs. Beckert advised on a discussion with Supervisor Jirele and his request for the HARB to begin meeting in the evening so that he might attend the meetings. The members discussed the request and their availability for evening meetings. It was agreed to have Chairman McKernan speak with Supervisor Jirele regarding the request.

Ms. Powers advised the members on the Township’s AMS program with regards to tracking properties in the Historic District.

Mrs. Beckert advised the members that she would not be at the February meeting.

The members discussed the presentation to the Supervisors on January 28, 2009. Chairman McKernan that he would make that presentation.

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was duly adjourned at 2:18 P.M.

Once the meeting adjourned the Recording Secretary and Mrs. Beckert looked through the HARB file cabinet for a package regarding the Historic District.

The next meeting is schedule for February 10, 2009 at 1:30 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Christy Holley-Flaherty, Recording Secretary