HVC — Oct 30, 1961

THE HISTORICAL VALUES COMMITTEE met October 30, 1961, in Mr. Williams' Office Present: Dr. Nichols, Chairman Mrs. Dilworth Mr. Williams Dr. Tinkeom Two applications for plaques were considered: the first, from the Frankford Friends Meeting was approved; the second, from Mr. Pavlic for 626 Spruce was disallowed. The following houses were approved for certification: 1035-37 Spruce - (Matthew Quay) 431 Pine N. W. corner 6th & Master - (Civil War Hospital) Mr. John Harbeson's request that the Commission certify the Parkway was rejected. It was the opinion of the Committee that such action was beyond the bounds of the Commission's activity as defined by Bill #695. The Committee discussed the advisability of certifying as many as possible of the buildings in Washington Square East for which the Redevelopment Authority has issued rehabilitation specifications. This will give the Commission an extra measure of control over the general appearance of the area by giving it the opportunity of approving the plans for the facades of this group of currently certified houses,which the Authority expects to preserve. It was agreed to recommend the certification of these houses to the Commission. Some discussion of the problem of the Commission's relations with the City Planning Commission followed. It was agreed that Dr. Nichols would talk with Dean Perkins regarding this and the plans for locating the crosstown link between the Schuylkill and Delaware Expressways in aharea dotted with old buildings. Mrs. Dilworth agreed to find out from Mr. Rafsky whether all the new houses to be built in Washington Square East will be, as the Committee understands, of the same design as those proposed for South Third Street. In view of the report by the inspector from Licenses and Inspections, the Committee recommends that the Commission consider reversing its decision permitting the demolition of 276 S. 3rd Street. Meeting adjourned.