Swarthmore Borough Planning Commission
October 17, 2007 Meeting Minutes
Swarthmore Borough Hall Council Room

Attendees: Tim Kearney (Chair), Tom Shaffer, Michael Peters, Laura Memeger, Leslie Price, David Virgil, and Joe Foglio

The meeting was called to order by Tim Kearney at 7:37 p.m.

1. September Meeting Minutes

A motion to approve the September 20, 2006 meeting minutes was seconded and passed unanimously.

2. Continued Discussion – Preservation of Historic Structures

Tim Kearney reported that the Borough Council requested that the Planning Commission respond to the list of Historic Preservation questions they posed in January 2007 regarding the prevention of demolition of historic properties.

During the discussion regarding the interpretation of “Historic Properties”, Leslie Price offered her opinion that the structures in the center of town and the Benjamin West house appear to fit the definition. Tim stated that he felt that the diverse mix of architectural styles found within the Borough define the “feel” of Swarthmore. To which Tom Shaffer added that there are few true “Historic Structures” and that protection (preservation) thus far has been more a result of people’s attitudes and their desire to be good neighbors as well as Swarthmore College’s approach to preservation and development. Tom also added that this overall attitude can be fleeting and change with the times.

Tim stated that the business community within the Borough has not provided input on preservation of historic properties, but that the Town Center Committee hired an independent consultant to guidelines for renovation and rehabilitation of structures to maintain the historic value and appearance of the commercial buildings. It is unclear if these guidelines enjoy wide-spread support or are generally accepted by the business community; however, there appears to be an overall compliance. Tim volunteered to contact the Town Center Committee to obtain their input on what measures or guidelines they are following and if these measures have wide-spread support within the entire business community.

Discussion shifted to the last meeting and the information presented by Michel LeFevre during the September PC meeting. Mike Peters recalled that LeFerve’s discussion in September identified three districts within Swarthmore (the center of town, College Hill and another area) and opined that these distinct areas could be the basis to phase in historic preservation guidelines within the Borough. It was stated that Bob McCauley has developed general guidelines that were accepted by Borough Council regarding the establishment of or a review panel/advisory board to provide architectural and historic information to homeowners who desire such information and who is seeking volunteers to serve on this panel.

Susan Wright (147 Park Avenue), who has been actively involved with historic preservation in Swarthmore and is a member of the Historic Resources Committee pointed out that implementing historic preservation may take as long as 10 to 15 years to gain acceptance.

Action items for the next meeting were discussed. Tim indicated that Michel LeFerve provided him with copies of various Historic Preservation ordinances. Mike Peters volunteered to review the ordinances to gain an understanding of what other communities are using. Mike will present his review at the next meeting so that the PC could start outline a rationale for developing an approach to historic preservation. Tim volunteered to contact Bob McCauley to obtain more information on the review panel/advisory board.

Laura Memeger discussed the Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) approach and while this is generally applied to new developments, volunteered to review the approach and evaluate its applicability to historic preservation.

The PC generally agreed that education of the community regarding the benefits of historic preservation should be the initial steps in developing any ordinances. As such a mission statement of sorts may be a starting point in providing some direct to the PC. David Virgil will attempt to craft this statement for presentation to the Planning Commission.

Tom Shaffer agreed to identify representatives of other communities who have instituted historic resource conservation programs.

Discussion on this topic will continue next month.

Motion to adjourn was made by Tom Shaffer and seconded by Mike Peters. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Joseph C. Foglio